Comics discuss robots, self-driving cars, immortality and more...

Richard Ayoade and Warwick Davis will this week launch a comedy podcast examining the future of humanity.

In each episode of Future Tense the pair will be joined by stand-up and science writer Helen Keen as well as expert guests.

Ayoade said: ‘When I was first asked about this podcast I thought it was a bad idea, but then maybe it could be OK. And now we’ve made that bad or maybe OK idea a reality. I hope you listen and agree.’

And Davis added: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have worked with Richard Ayoade… His brilliantly dry wit was the perfect counterpoint to my optimism and made for a fun, dynamic collaboration, and I learned a lot along the way too.’

The podcast launches exclusively on Audible on Thursday. 

Its blurb reads: ‘From the potential drawbacks of celebrating your 150^th birthday, to whether human civilisation peaked with the penny-farthing, Richard and Warwick deliver equal parts naïve enthusiasm and sharp scepticism as they tackle the big questions facing our collective future. ‘

Robots: Mechanical overlords or helpful household assistants? Our hosts debate whether being replaced by technology is terrifying or merely a welcome retirement plan. And will Richard's voice being cloned lead to the dismay of both humans and machines? 

Immortality: Would you want to celebrate your 150th birthday? Richard considers the brown bin option for his remains, while Warwick ponders eternal digital replicas. Our experts debate whether fighting ageing is revolutionary or just plainly undignified.

Holidays: Climate change threatens Magaluf, space could be the final frontier of annual leave, and VR promises beach vibes without the sand in uncomfortable places. Will future holidays liberate us, or just make Richard even more reluctant to leave his flat?

Food: Cricket cookies, lab-grown chicken, and meals in pill form face our hosts' scrutiny. Warwick reluctantly samples insects while Richard advocates for a future where eating becomes entirely optional.

Cars: Warwick embraces a future where vehicles drive themselves, while Richard questions whether civilisation peaked with the penny-farthing. Self-driving ethics, laser headlights, and the alarming prospect of polite British AI traffic jams.

Relationships: AI companions promise perfect partners who never forget birthdays or finish the milk. Richard probes into whether a digital companion might solve (his) age-old problem of completely avoiding humans, while Warwick wonders if robots might finally appreciate his anecdotes.

Published: 2 Jun 2025