The Elis James and John Robins podcast is adding paid content and video formats for listeners and viewers.
From today, Tuesday 7 April, the show will launch a new Patreon channel built around a monthly visual series called The Adventures Of Elis and John, featuring activities and challenges with Elis, John and producer Dave Masterman.
The first instalment, titled Episode 1 Mini Olympics, is already available, marking the start of a broader move into visualised and subscriber-led content.
Under a pay what you can model with three tiers offering identical material, subscribers will gain access to fully visualised versions of the twice weekly podcast for the first time. The package also includes behind the scenes content, early access to tour tickets and ad free listening.
Find more details at patreon.com/elisandjohn.
Alongside the Patreon launch, the show now has a dedicated YouTube channel. Weekly episode highlights and regular features such as Made Up Games, The Cymru Connection and Mad Dads will be published, alongside additional promotional material.
The channel is available at youtube.com/@elisandjohn.
Despite the expansion, the existing podcast format will remain unchanged for current listeners. Episodes will continue to be available across all platforms, including ad free on BBC Sounds, with a broadcast version still airing on BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday afternoons.
The move follows changes under the BBC Audio Release Policy, which allows independent producers to commercialise shows that are no longer funded by the licence fee.
Producer Dave Masterman said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the podcast has achieved over the past seven years as a BBC commission, and we’re delighted to now have the opportunity to expand the show further.”
Elis James says: “Neil Armstrong. Marie Curie. Whoever it was who first put wheels on a suitcase (Steve Jobs?).
“All of these people were pioneers, sure, but could they have imagined the kind of content Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman have planned for their fans? And then REimagined what they just imagined?
“I suppose we’ll never know (unless the suitcase person is still with us). It’s huge. We do not let this slip. If we end up winning a Nobel Prize, we’ve agreed it’s best for the three of us if John gets to keep it.”
John Robins adds: “When people ask me what it’s like being a digital content trailblazer, I just fire up my Harley Davidson and let the engine do the talking. Then I light a cigarette and say “when you’re travelling at the speed of light, you’re always ahead of the curve”.
“Usually they can’t hear me over the engine, or they might ask me what I mean. But by then I’m long gone, off on another crazy adventure. Or just home if it’s after 6pm or I’m hungry. I have “Waaaaazup!” written on the back of my leather jacket. IYKYK.”
You can find the show on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Just search @elisandjohn. All other information can be found at elisandjohn.com and significanthq.com
