Phil Differ on Creating Only An Excuse, Working with Rikki Fulton and Being Wound-Up By Walter Smith

Phil Differ on Creating Only An Excuse, Working with Rikki Fulton and Being Wound-Up By Walter Smith

From Some Laugh by Some Laugh Podcast

May 26, 2026 · 1h 16m

About this episode

Phil Differ discusses his career in television, including his work on 'Only an Excuse?' and experiences with notable figures.

This week Steve and Marc are joined by comedian and Only an Excuse? creator & writer Phil Differ. Phil discusses his start in television and working with the legendary Rikki Fulton as a writer on Scotch & Wry, coming up with the idea for Only An Excuse? and his experiences writing what became the iconic Scottish Hogmanay staple. Plus, he recounts being on the receiving end of a wind-up by former Rangers and Scotland boss Walter Smith, what meeting Native American tribes taught him about cultural myths, and he recounts writing what has become the most iconic Frank McAvennie sketch. "40 Years of Only an Excuse?" is broadcast at 5PM on Saturday 6th June, and will be available to listen to on BBC Sounds afterwards: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002xg29 See Stuart at Saint Luke's in Glasgow on 28th May: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/StuartMcP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ See Marc's upcoming shows in Glasgow, London, Dundee & Edinburgh: ⁠https://www.marcjenningscomedy.com/live⁠ Sign up to our Patreon for fortnightly bonus eps plus footage from all the Some Laugh Live shows…

People in this episode

Hosts: Steve, Marc

Guest: Phil Differ

Topics covered

  • comedy
  • television
  • Scottish culture
  • Hogmanay
  • writing
  • stand-up

Keywords

  • Phil Differ
  • Only an Excuse?
  • Rikki Fulton
  • Walter Smith
  • Scottish comedy
  • Hogmanay
  • stand-up

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Only an Excuse?, Scotch & Wry, BBC Sounds

Books & works: Some Laugh Merch

Places: Glasgow, London, Dundee, Edinburgh

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