Jon Richardson Wants To Live Like A Monk | Russell Howard's Wonderbox 

I abso-frickin-lutely love hearing Jon Richardson speak when he's not wearing his stage-persona hat. He's truly charming and erudite and, dare I say, brilliant. And since Russell knows him well and they're so comfortable with one another, their discussion - well, I could listen to them talk all day. 👍👍

Too long a winter (1973) - Hannah Hauxwell (she would be in her mid 40's), she died when she was 91 years old. A wonderful independent woman who was truly a beautiful soul. A fantastic documentary of its time.

The fact that Jon was that enamoured of Hannah Hauxwell just makes me appreciate him more.

Jon has a beautiful mind. I wish more people could appreciate that

I saw Hannah Hawkswell documentary and she seemed absolutely lovely - and happy, she had a hard life, she wasnt unaware that it was hard, but she was at peace with herself. A wise woman.

I cared for an old boy who lived life like Hannah. He had a stroke just before covid happened so I got him out if a care home and took him.back to his land and farm. We isolated throughout and he managed to live a couple more years where he was born and where he belonged. I miss him every single day. A fabulous human being without a single nasty atom.

I met a guy in a pub garden who was walking around the coast of the UK with his dog. He's come out of the armed forces, awful mental health and really struggling and embarked on this journey. He was in the paper a few times so folk may have heard of him. Chris. He spoke about the fact that reducing his daily 'challenges' to "where will I sleep", "what will I eat", the basic basic things. He discovered he was much much happier only having basic needs. I can sort of understand it.

Hannah Hauxwell was amazing. I cried when she had to go and live the rest of her days in a care home surrounded by people 😢 every now and again I'll rewatch the documentaries on RU-vid, and it grounds me and makes me grateful for what I have.

It's nice to see Jon & Rus back together, I still have their BBC 6 Music podcasts on my hard drive, they kept me smiling through the mid 00's.

I love Jon. I met him when I worked at B&Q when he lived over Halifax. He was lovely. It's great to have seen him grow as a person and it's lovely to see him happy.

I love Jon Richardson so much, I go to sleep every night listening to him rant about people always doing things wrong and making everything difficult when it's so easy to do it right I have nidiot, funny magnet and old man live on repeat and if I want a change I RU-vid his best moments on channel 4 , I know he's popular in the UK but I'm a southern American guitar picker .that makes him special because he can touch people who think like him and help us to cope with an imperfect world, we all love you Jon and you are perfect just the way you are . Thank you for everything

I remember the documentary 'Too Long A Winter' around 1972 or 1973 (?). Hannah was only 46 at the time but looked 80, bless her - I was stunned to find how young she actually was. Then she came to public prominence on Esther Rantzen's 'That's Life' programme which brought her to the public's attention. Her books are amazing - do try and find them in charity shops if you can: they're life-affirming.

Dear Jon, thank you so much for reminding me about Hanna. I, as you, saw her story, and was fascinated about her and her way of live.40 years ago, I was living with no central heating and cold water with 4 children , but I can only guess how hard her life would have been. I've always admired you, but hearing you talk about her with so much admiration, you've got a place in my heart..in a motherly way. Take care of your lovely family. A 68 year old Britin living for the last 44 years in Germany.

Wow, I enjoyed this so much. You can tell Russel is genuinely curious about his friends, and wants Jon to talk about the thing he's passionate about. And the way they spoke about Lucy, it feels like Jon's pretty at peace with it.

There's something really satisfying about seeing these two in particular having a talk like this. Especially since I identify so much with that feeling of being reserved. These two were perfect for this topic because of the unbiased train of thought and that slight empathy for a woman who just knew what she wanted.

being grateful and fitting in your own skin, has a lot to offer. Enjoy what you have, dont fret over what you dont.

Jon is just such a deep, high quality person.

A great chat. I could listen to these two chatting for hours in this way. Jon understood Hannah Hauxwell completely. She could teach us so much, - being content with what you’ve got.

And for a good conversation these days our options are a pair of comedians speaking with warmth and empathy about an elderly lady. Thank you (I have considered cancelling the internet as a thing in my life over the past 24 hours as the entirety of the internet seems compelled to tell me how little they enjoy a new Star Wars show in impossible-to-avoid large letters/bold typefaces. Spoiler alert: They REALLY do not like it for reasons one should avoid sharing in public). Anyhow, this made me remember that the internet also has beauty in it. Thank you for that Russel and Jon.

To find contentment wherever you are in life is a rare thing and a rare person. Not having to worry about basic needs helps.

Isn't it funny, I was completely transfixed by Hannah Hawkswell and that TV series as a kid. The simplicity of her life, her resilience and humble ways made such an impact. Good on you John for bringing that up.

I remember the Hannah Hawkswell documentary well and loved listening to Jon talk about how he felt about her and the extremely simple way of life she lived.

Listened to my first podcasts of these two downloaded to my ipod. BBC radio six music. Thanks for the memories, all the best

Ah Hannah Hauxwell there's a name I haven't heard for years. Me and my Granny used to love her. My Granny was a bit older than her and died a couple of years earlier at the age of 96. I do think being truly content with your lot comes with age and experience. At 48, never married, no kids, and living a fairly hermitic lifestyle, I can honestly say I've never been happier and cared less what anyone else thinks. It has taken a while to get here and there's definitely been some crying in the bath along the way!!

I totally get this. I have the money to travel anywhere on the planet, but I'm just happy where I live in Essex, next to the woods, in a nice part of the county. It's mostly quiet - mostly pleasant, close to nature. It really satisfies most of the things I want from life.

Never heard of Hannah but will be looking her up immediately. Sounds like a fascinating person.

I love these two!! Such opposites and long term friends!🥰🥰🥰

Thank you, Russell, for letting us glimpse these discussions. You are a great interviewer & conversationalist..

PBS in America had this show about a gentleman who moved to Alaska and built his own home near a lake, and spent decades there for all intents and purposes, totally alone save for one delivery by bush plane in the Summer of goods he couldn’t make for himself, like flour. Beyond that, he just lived up there alone with nature, and the feeling it left me with has never changed - peaceful. We’re not meant to be around other people as much as we are now in cities. Far too many people can’t be comfortable alone with themselves, and that's a horrible shame. I think many people were pushed to face that during the pandemic, and it broke a lot of folks. It has to be a conscious choice to turn and face yourself, and be content. It’s perhaps the most important thing you can do.

I remember that lady. It’s great to think about her again 😊

I always liked Jon, and this interview only makes me like him more. I would really like to live the kind of life Hannah Hawkswell lived. I've never been materialistic. I don't have a car. I couldn't care less about climbing any career ladders. Give me a roof over my head and a garden to potter about in and I could spend all my days just doing that. There's something beautiful about the peace and simplicity of it. No nonsense drama from miserable people who will never be happy no matter what.

Hannah Hauxwell was featured in three documentaries about her life: Too Long a Winter (1973), A Winter Too Many (1989) and Innocent Abroad (1992).

To have more, want less. The more we compare ourselves to others, the more often we feel that there is something missing in our life.

What a delightful moment between two friends.

Great pod chat and in all honesty I prefer Jon and Russell like this than their show biz side. Seem like two genuinely good guys

Good memories of six music, would love a podcast with Jon and Russell again, they’re great to listen to

Me living more extreme than a monk since February 2020. Didn't leave my 20 m² since then. Get everything delivered to me. Doing my workout in the room. Even worked out a way to get rid of my trash without leaving the room. Also elaborated to get as much sun as possible into my room. 2 years ago this would be a cry for help. But now I am settled.

People like Hannah challenge us about our lives 🤠💜

Hannah Hauxswell was brilliant, I remember my Dad reading her book, very humble lady.

i absolutely loved listening to jon talk about hannah hauxwell, she's such a fascinating person and such a hero that it was just very warm, inspiring convo

This lets me know / feel that I am not all alone in this universe. Thank you.

I love Hannah Hauxwells story, so simple and pure, she lived not too far from where I currently live - Baldersdale, Teesdale where the land is not flat and smooth, it’s rugged and harsh but she had the essentials and that was enough. Makes you appreciate what you have and helps you humble yourself

I loved her too when saw the doc about 10 years ago.. its her connection to the land and her contentment in solitude for me

I love when Russell and Jon do anything together cos I love listening to their radio show and just hearing any old stories of theirs and just seeing them together is just a joy

I was sad to read that Jon and Lucy Beaumont are getting divorced after nine years of marriage.

Lovely chat you both had. Hannah Hawkswell and her life in isolation is litterally to my right lol, I shall pop of and watch it. ☺ ☺

I’m 63 now and I’d totally forgot who he was talking about. A Yorkshireman born in 1961 , lived there until 1986. He opened my memory bank on this one.

Contentment is underestimated. The film about her was perfect

Sometimes we worry about things we have no control over and cannot change. We should follow Hannah's example and find contentment in what we have. Love Jon and hope he is well both physically and mentally xxx

Thought the title of this said “Live Like Monk” like the show, and that's just what I always assumed his life really was like

Having once considered becoming a monk myself, I totally get where Jon’s coming from and the appreciation for a person like Hannah Hauxwell. (Not familiar with her but I know the type.) Even though I have my own family now and live in a city, I try to keep my life as simple as possible. I try to live my life as I have no need to prove anything to anyone though I still feel I have something to share. And maybe, one day, I can still retire from the world and live the last years of my life in a monastic setting. Especially in places like America where I grew up, there are far too few people who lived like Hannah, who exemplify that life is more than the pursuit of material wealth or celebrity. 🙏

I remember coming across farmers living like this in North Devon in the 80s via the James Ravilious documentary, wild that people still lived like this in the last 10/20 years

Years after watching the documentary, I named my daughter Hannah after this dear old lady. She was such a wonderful woman.

Very wholesome.

"A Jedi monk in Swindon" he should write a book.

Reminds me a little of Dick Proenneke who built himself a cabin up in Alaska in the late 60s and lived there alone for over 30 years.

i want to read and discover more about this woman, thanks Jon 👍

Shelley Duvall, the actress from _The Shining,_ lives kind of the same way, except that she has mental health issues. But she has a companion she trusts and a small town that cherishes and protects her, and she lives very simply. Stanley Kubrick has a lot to answer for.

A Hard Life I think it was called, in the North Pennines. In the first documentary in 1972 she was only 42. Think she left the farm a decade or so later and moved into the village in her fifties. Fascinating discussion.

I saw the documentary & read her book. Loved both & agree with Jon.👍

Her farm is now a wonderful to visit. Great wild flower meadow

Though I don't look at the past and prefer a simpler time, I am very happy with very basic creature comforts, and would be content with that going forward. I'm not immune to fantasising, but those are fleeting thoughts, not obsessions, and basic simplicity always wins for me in the end. Though 'basic creature comforts' includes access to entertainment and internet forever.

Knowing that Jon’s personal life was in flux around the time this was recorded adds another layer. Be grateful for what you have, not what might have been.

What a kind guy, whod’ve thought it.

These two are great

Hannah was just 46 in 1972, but she did indeed look a lot older. Was a very hard life.

I remember that documentary it reminds me off my aunt in Kerry it happens a lot over there .

You have to be the best company youve ever had. Other people arond you are a bonus. But you will always be the best company youve ever had.

Hannah Hauxwell is my spirit nana. What an absolute solid human

I could quite like living the way they describe.

Am I the only one who tought the exact same thing with BCAD as Jon? 😂

He's not wrong, a monastery of silence sounds like heaven in this F'd up world.

I was thinking exactly the same as Jon when Russell said BCAD...I wonder if its a logical brain thing

Imagine how great this chat would be if Russell Brand was sat at the table aswell. 😂

Bloody hell, I've just been watching some Jake Thackeray videos on RU-vid. Astonishing voice and amazing storytelling. Be aware that he's a man of his time, but I can see how Jon would be a fan.

it is true Jon that people cant believe or accept that someone is happy being where they are and happywith what they''ve got. They say but you have to try it etc . etc

I just watched her, WOW

Fascinating, is it a case of being at peace with yourself cos of limited choices and resigning yourself to make the most of what you have regardless thus being happy and truly contented.... I'm just guessing.

top man jon andd hope your not backnin those dark places stay happy head up and fk everyone 😊

I just wanna be on my own and not talk to anyone……? So I’ll become a stand up comic and then onto TV personality???😆

There's a walk around HHs area/fields this Sunday.

Hannah Hawkswell documentary is actually on RU-vid, can’t remember the actual name of it

thank you for video

An Innocent Abroad and other docs took her abroad, Blue Peter did a fundraiser for her

If you like her check out the book “The stranger in the woods” really interesting book.

Also can we please have the full episodes of Wonderbox on RU-vid

I just want Jon’s Bielsa T-shirt 🤍

Jon: "it wasnt a sexual thing." Russel: "Im not saying it was." Me:"im f&%king saying it. sounds like it was."🤣

Looks like The 8-Bit Guy on Jon's t-shirt.

I want all UK comedians to live like monks.

Lovely conversation, truly. However... slightly unsettling watching two hilarious men be serious for so long...

Too long a winter (1972)

Much the way I looked at Dian Fossey -- before she was murdered, that is.

Aw, I love Jon. What does Russell say at 5:35?

I liked Hannah but I am so opposite to her, I love being with other people, I hate being alone, I love travelling and seeing new places, I hate where I live, I hate being old and I hate suffering

He mentions Lucy and he is wearing his wedding ring. I hope they are working things out; they make such a cute couple

It’s a shame his Marriage had to end. Great Comedian though ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She had no running water or electric .

Wow. I thought he said “your anus,” left alone and all that made sense. I watch too much 8 out of 10 cats/does countdown.

Pretty sure it's Hawk Tuah