AWKWARD PRODS’ new podcast kicks off with three-part Christmas special
Awkward Prods and Babe Creative have announced their brand new pop culture podcast, My Roman Empire.
Hosted by creative duo and real life partners Linus Karp and Joseph Martin (aka Awkward Prods), the show meets people from the world of pop culture, and asks them what pop culture moments they’re obsessed with, that live in their minds rent free, i.e. their Roman Empire.
A three-part Christmas special My Roman Empire (At Christmas) arrives this month ahead of the full series launch in early 2026. These festive instalments set the tone for the show with nostalgia, humour and a healthy dose of queer chaos, and explore the pop culture classics that shape our festive imaginations. The series mirrors the theatricality and comedic flair that define Awkward Prods, creators of international hit shows Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, whose latest show The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) is running at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington, London, until 3 January.
For those unfamiliar with the phrase ‘My Roman Empire’, it originates from a TikTok trend where women asked men how often they thought about the Roman Empire. The answer? Surprisingly often. This grew into people talking about their own personal ‘Roman Empires’, and thus the internet’s new favourite term was born.
EPISODE 1 – 12 DECEMBER - A VERY AWKWARD CHRISTMAS
Linus and Joseph kick off the Christmas trilogy with a deep dive into their personal top five festive films and songs. Expect pure camp, unfiltered fandom, many Vanessa Hudgens-es, and how these films led to the creation of The Fit Prince, whose own DNA is rooted in queer Christmas storytelling. Oh, and watch out for the Number 5 bus out of New Haven on Christmas Eve…
EPISODE 2 – 19 DECEMBER
Drag Race UK favourite and Celebrity Mastermind winner Kate Butch joins the hosts to celebrate her enduring obsession with the BBC’s 1988-1990 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. Kate explores the unforgettable costumes, camp performances and the cultural impact that made Narnia her lifelong Roman Empire. The trio also discuss RuPaul’s Drag Race, performing with the Cheeky Girls and her career defining role as Angela Merkel.
EPISODE 3 – 24 DECEMBER
Oh Mary! (Broadway) and Adults (FX) actor Julian Manjerico shares his devotion to The Grinch, unpacking how the film shaped his queer creative identity. This Christmas Eve episode is a warm, funny and heartfelt tribute to the power of festive storytelling. Julian also talks about performing with Jane Krakowski on Broadway, why Matt Damon is the nicest celebrity to be a waiter for, and how lying can get you a role opposite Tom Hanks.
The full My Roman Empire series continues weekly from early 2026, with guests including original The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss, The Late Late Show’s Dylan Adler and the woman who, according to The Sun newspaper, killed comedy: Lorna Rose Treen, with more exciting names to be announced.