What is it now, Karen?

Merry Christmas WIINKERS! After a rocky start discussing the covid pandemic and the possibility of the world turning to nuclear ash, Bethany and Joe get into the holiday spirit by talking about the Grinch who literally stole a family's Christmas. The pair share their favourite festive films and question the unusual songs in this year's charts. And as ever, the pair dive into the Facebook comments section and crown the Christmas Karen of the week. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com or head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren

On episode 21 of WIINK, Joe talks about an interesting leaflet he received through the post advertising window cleaning services and a Benidorm-based doo-wopping group. The pair reflect on the November Poppy Appeal and ask whether a rusty poppy on the grill of a lorry or a 'lest we forget' mini skirt is an appropriate way to pay respects. Plus, find out why our Karen of the week is so ANGRY about early Christmas decorations. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com or head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren

In episode 20, we're joined by a very special guest! Beth and Joe chat to Matthew about what Daily Express readers think about Strictly Come Dancing's same-sex couple. Plus, Matthew outs Joe as a closet Karen after sharing a story about a trip to the cinema where Joe literally asked to speak to the manager. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com or head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren

We're back! (For real this time!) In the much-anticipated return of WIINK, you'll hear how a pube in the bed and a green omelette didn't ruin Joe's recent staycation and Beth shares her musings on the two different types of coronavirus Karens. The pair talk about Ofcom's new list of potentially offensive terms including labels such as ‘gammon’, ‘remoaner’, snowflake’ and...'Karen'. Plus, find out why Episode 19's Karen of the Week thinks 'gammon' is a racist slur, but 'snowflake' is an accurate description of someone that goes into meltdown easily. Our lovely listener James sent in a submission for Episode 19. But if you'd like to get in touch or be features on the podcast, email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com or head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren

Reunited and it feels so good! Beth and Joe are back together again to record a very special episode. For the first time ever, the hosts recorded an episode in real life (socially distanced, of course!) instead of Zoom. Expect even more laughter and chaotic energy than usual as the pair chew the fat over what's been happening in the world. And it wouldn't be an episode of WIINK without mentioning Piers Morgan, Laurence Fox and friend-of-podcast Meghan Markle! Episode 18 features a very special Karen of the Week. It was sent in by WIINK listener Sean who shares his recent terrifying experience of a Karen in a post office. Spoiler alert: it involves a smoke bomb! If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com or head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren

The WIINK hosts had some time away from the podcast and enjoyed the post-lockdown life - the pair even saw each other rl for the first time this year! In episode 17, we ask why Karens think young people have a poor work ethic and share personal stories about our part-time school and university jobs. From call centres to cafes and everything else in between, WIINK takes a closer look at the jobs young people do and why they're not always as easy as they appear. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren or email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com

Our Karen of the Week was sent in by one of our lovely WIINKERs and it's an absolute corker! Find out what the Twitter account 'Save our Statues Robert' thinks about the size of Tory Minister Robert Jenrick's Union Jack flag. We also ask whether BBC presenters, in their quest to be impartial, actually do their viewers and listeners a disservice. Although, I think we can all agree that calling someone a flag sha**ger, while hilarious, might be a bit too far. Episode 15 delves into the relationships online Karens have with the Union Jack and supersized portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. Plus, find out how Joe's getting on in his driving lessons and why Beth had four(!) driving instructors before eventually passing her test two years after her first lesson. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren or email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com

On the podcast this week, Beth and Joe talk about the public's reaction to Hasbro changing the brand name of the Mr Potato Head toy. Karen isn't happy that snowflakes have ruined her favourite childhood memory. And yes...she's ANGRY. Find out what our hosts think about the new 'gender-neutral' name, and what their favourite toys were growing up, in this nostalgia-fuelled episode. If you'd like to get in touch with WIINK, head over to Instagram @whatisitnowkaren or email us whatisitnowkaren@gmail.com