Spelade
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Who has Romesh got beef with? Who would win at running the country between Ian Botham and Gary Neville? What’s the worst thing we’ve said post-sex?This week’s episode is full of even more embarrassing confessions - get comfortable, you’re about to be uncomfortable!Don’t forget to send your questions, confessions, pictures and videos to [email protected] and we could be reading them out in an upcoming episode.A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
Chapters:00:00 Intro01:56 World Cup09:07 Sex vocals16:18 Sleep struggles
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What does Shanthi really think about gentle parenting, ice baths and calorie counting?
In this episode, Romesh and mum, Shanthi take on a brand new segment: Shanthi’s Hot Takes. Nothing is safe from her opinions on WhatsApp and supermarkets to gentle parenting, air fryers and the modern obsession with ice baths.
From stories from the team, to listener questions and some very solid Ranganathan advice, be sure not to miss it.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
01:59 Shanthi on hats
03:25 Ben’s story
05:43 Shanthi’s Hot Takes
14:20 Questions from you
15:00 Shanthi’s advice on blending food and culture
18:15 How to deal with parents expectations
25:07 What do Romesh & Shanthi love about eachother?
27:37 Outro
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Can Shanthi read minds?
In this episode, Romesh and mum Shanthi talk about literally everything. From receiving negative comments, how to handle nightmares, Romesh's vaping problem and the chances that life is all just a simulation.
They also answer listener questions, giving their best advice for your dilemmas.
As always, it’s chaotic, honest and slightly unhinged.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:55 Shanthi gets upset about the comments
04:45 Shanthi recieves a gift
05:54 A listener has a dreamy question for Romesh
07:15 Shanthi’s nightmare recovery
08:01 Romesh, vaping and nicorette dreams
12:29 A question on flatulence
21:16 Outro
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Can Shanthi remember her own quotes?
Romesh is joined by Shanthi for another episode, where they play a game of Misquoted specifically tailored to Shanthi's unhinged statements. They also discuss best friends, tackle your listener dilemmas and rank some of Shanthi's TV favourites.
Plus: Romesh gives us some of his show recommendations and we revisit who helped Shanthi with infamous list.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.
00:00 Intro
01:40 Does Shanthi watch the show?
03:25 Misquoted with Shanthi
10:30 A question about holiday costs
20:40 Shanthi ranks her favourite shows
20:50 Romesh’s show recommendations
22:37 Outro
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What are Hollywood auditions really like behind the scenes? Jack Whitehall is in the studio with Romesh for a fast, funny and surprisingly candid chat that jumps from his early stand-up days and cringe-inducing “Danny Dyer” phase to his darkest acting role yet in Malice.
He talks about prepping to play a manipulative villain, juggling that mindset with new-dad life, fangirling over The Rock on Jungle Cruise, blowing auditions, and navigating the circuit as the posh kid everyone expected to hate.
They also get into panel shows, parenting, their unexpectedly famous parents and why teenagers insist stand-up is “dead”.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:01 Intro
02:06 Jack on winning the Amuse moose
04:20 Jack and Romesh meeting in the early career days
06:53 Jack’s acting beginnings
07:45 Romesh has a gift for Jack
12:20 New TV Show Malice
14:42 The difference between acting and comedy
16:43 Balancing family and professional life
21:33 Jungle Cruise Movie
22:24 Fangirling over Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
24:38 What’s the end goal?
26:15 Auditioning
32:57 A question from Shanthi
34:11 Being posh in comedy
38:05 Working in stand up
40:43 League of their own
44:05 Touring and time off
44:42 Comedy and parenting
52:25 Panto stories
56:12 Working with parents
1:01:54 Jack & Romesh play ‘Misquoted'
1:04:53 Jack’s weirdest experience of his life
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Multi award–winning writer, actor and director, Stephen Merchant joins Romesh for a hilarious conversation about his career. They discuss how The Office reshaped comedy, why Tim and Dawn still land, Stephen’s shift into drama, his quest for “flow state," and why he regrets always playing the awkward guy.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
02:10 Chat GPT vs Stephen's BAFTAS
04:20 Do Awards Mean Anything?
07:45 Mark Hamill’s Trousers
09:25 Teacher Trauma
16:20 Tiny Grand Piano & Music Regrets
18:30 The Flow State
24:50 How The Office Changed Comedy
28:33 Tim & Dawn
31:34 Letting The Office Evolve
34:49 Goodbye June With Kate Winslet
38:06 Shanthi’s Question & Being The Awkward Guy
42:00 Stallone, Woody Allen & The Danger of Being Typecast
44:00 The Walking Dead
46:20 Logan With Richard E. Grant
50:00 Ambitions & American Success
58:00 Misquoted
01:04:30 Being 6’7 Tall
01:07:20 Stephen’s Adult EXCLUSIVE
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Can you have a successful comedy career and a balanced family life?
Comedian and writer Sara Pascoe joins Romesh Ranganathan to talk about touring, parenting and why stand-up comedy can make balancing family life surprisingly difficult.
They get into Sara's early beginnings in comedy, wanting to be an actor and how the stand-up landscape has changed over the years. Expect stories of people pleasing in the entertainment industry, Sara's writing process (after winning the Dame Jilly Cooper Award) and her new travel series Zero Stars with Roisin Conaty, where the pair travel to some of the worst-rated holiday destinations in Europe including a chaotic cruise and a trip to Albania.
Plus: roast potato cooking tips, Sara’s “Dragon’s Den” business idea, a question from Shanthi and as always a round of Misquoted.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:00 Selling out tours
00:00 Dealing with criticism
04:58 A gift for Sara
06:10 Roast potatoes and cooking tips
09:40 Sara’s comedy beginnings
12:04 The changing nature of the comedy game
13:33 Balancing family life
20:10 A question from Shanthi about being a mum
23:09 Rom and Sara on the role of parenting
26:11 The importance of reading
29:10 Comedy chat
35:38 Sara’s Dragon’s Den Idea
36:57 Sara on winning Dame Jilly Cooper Award
40:50 Sara’s writing advice
43:06 Zero Stars the new travel show
53:35 Rom’s Albanian tattoo story
55:45 Misquoted
01:05:37 Outro
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Will the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ever be avenged? Why was Tom sobbing in Magaluf? Can we bring back phone calls? This week’s episode is an emotional rollercoaster so strap in and remember to be careful when ordering Nduja sausage. You may be left wondering if Tom’s wife now knows about the missing cat poster, who knows..but what you can help us with is how many pairs of pants should a man own? Let us know at [email protected] Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
Chapters:00:00 Intro01:02 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles04:30 Movies and music07:03 Emotional Tom08:47 Texting12:20 Bring back phone calls16:39 Missing cat28:45 Glasses29:54 Teeth grinding32:30 Dirty pants41:33 Stairs and escalators
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In this episode, Louis speaks to British actress Florence Pugh. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Florence talks about “abusing” herself to get into character, whether intimacy coordinators are necessary on film sets, and jumping off a building from nearly 3000 feet.
Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources
Links/Attachments:
Midsommar (2019)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/midsommar/umc.cmc.3btmmnmdi8cci3gb2qupxli8o?action=play
Hereditary (2018)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/hereditary/umc.cmc.1p8skf72cqba9t91v2rqjbeyv?action=play
The Most Beautiful Boy in the World (2021)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-most-beautiful-boy-in-the-world/umc.cmc.6nsk7o2tf9grbf1cjmicejcrv
Little Women (2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuVlgl16DP0
Malevolent (2018)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2386237/
King Lear (2018)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7473890/
Thunderbolts* (2025)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/thunderbolts/umc.cmc.67bgkyn0fzr8n7ngw0v4mi2df?action=play
Anora (2024)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/anora/umc.cmc.ka0xf4gk3tckil4x7x14hpcy?action=play
We Live In Time (2024)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/we-live-in-time/umc.cmc.3en3aplqsmjw1pbltmzo7p4mx?action=play
Article: Florence Pugh shares her life lessons
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/a64501157/florence-pugh-life-lessons-video-interview/
The Wonder (2022)
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81426931?source=35&fromWatch=true
Lady Macbeth (2016)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/lady-macbeth/umc.cmc.1crmjkmj1nzsvuwurlmdgbiji?action=play
Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10731256/
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Sally McLennan
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Shownotes compiled by Elly Young
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
www.mindhouse.co.uk
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What is Tom’s favourite memory of Romesh, what happened at the Wonka premiere and would you eat a burrito from Tom’s belly button or arse crack?
This week we not only answer some of your questions, but have even more of our own, like why isn’t Tom allowed to play Fifa? and why is Romesh’s name on a vibrator…?
Send in your questions, pictures, videos and voice notes to [email protected] for the chance to have them answered in an upcoming episode.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro01:38 - Friendship Memories05:41 - Would you rather?06:49 - Bakery dilemma13:49 - Tipping14:36 - Falling over16:03 - André the giant16:58 - Fifa19:20 - Rom the sex symbol
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From comedy beginnings to renowned actor and West End star, Sheridan Smith joins Romesh for a wide-ranging chat about confidence, acting and carving out a career that spans stage and screen.
They talk about imposter syndrome, developing characters and working together on the West End show Woman In Mind. Plus, a hip hop gift and a rather disappointing 50 Cent impression from Romesh.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
00:32 Romesh Admits Being Jealous
02:30 The Audition for Take That
05:33 Gifts
08:50 Mark Owen's Dream Trip to Graceland
10:02 "Heimscheißer"
12:40 Take That's Circus Tour
20:00 Take That's Early Career Regrets
21:22 The Take That Annual Fact File
24:53 Gary Barlow's Star Trek Fandom
27:33 If Not Music, Then What?
32:03 Take That's Favourite Films
33:42 Netflix Documentary
37:17 The Pressures of Songwriting
40:04 Howard Donald on His Role in the Band
42:50 The Most Unusual Present from a Fan
44:37 The 90s
48:47 Misquoted: "Beards Can Get a Bit Sweaty"
53:32 "We Weren't a Boy Band"
57:10 Future Ambitions
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As co-creator of era-defining titles such as The Office and Extras, followed by hits including Derek and After Life, Ricky Gervais has left his mark as one of the most successful comedians on the planet. Speaking to Romesh, he explains why writing and workshopping stand-up comedy remains one of his greatest loves, how hosting the Golden Globes could have ended his career, and why he cares more about other people’s opinions than it might seem. Ricky also shares stories behind his love for animals – including why he's donated huge sums of money to animal charities from his recent tours.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Crying
01:55 Best Intro Ever
03:00 Why Do Anything?
05:15 "You're A National Treasure Romesh"
09:25 Standup Comedy & Shaping Jokes
17:50 Nerves
19:00 Self Censorship
20:25 Being Relatable
26:00 Anger & Honesty
28:50 Cat DJ
30:15 Donating To Animal Charities
34:00 Veganism & Health
39:45 Romesh's Dad's Funeral
43:20 Tracksuit Bottoms: Disrespectful?
44:20 Podcast Pioneer
50:00 Social Media: Search, Don't Scroll
53:00 Fans & Cults
1:00:00 Harry Hill & Joe Wilkinson
1:01:30 Pushing It Too Far
1:02:20 Marketing & Controversy
1:09:50 Shanthi's Question
1:10:40 Upsetting Tom Hanks & Tim Allen
1:13:00 "It Could Have Been The End Of My Career"
1:18:00 Sometimes I Don't Care
1:21:00 Misquoted
1:24:20 Alley Cats
1:27:15 Kidney Transplant
1:28:32 Ricky's Shares The Name Of His Next Tour
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For this Christmas bonus episode, Louis sits down with writer, comedian, and panel-show super-host, Jimmy Carr. Jimmy discusses what lies behind his unique brand of ‘edgy' comedy, why he remained a virgin until the age of 26 and performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival despite public criticism.
Jimmy’s film, ‘Fackham Hall’, is out in cinemas now.
Warnings: Strong language and adult themes.
Links/Attachments:
Book: Before & Laughter, Jimmy Carr (2021)
https://www.jimmycarr.com/product/book-laughter/
Fackham Hall (2025)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29008225/
Jimmy Carr Tour
https://www.jimmycarr.com/tour/uk-ireland/
Alex Hormozi quote:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzTPjPTZB0/
Book: Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/203913/homo-ludens-by-johan-huizinga/
Peter McGraw’s Benign Violations
https://petermcgraw.org/a-brief-introduction-to-the-benign-violation-theory-of-humor/
Book: Discipline and Punish, Michel Foucault (1975)
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/13651/discipline-and-punish-by-michel-foucault-trans-alan-sheridan/9780241386019
Bob Monkhouse joke about cancer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTUvRW7gtGU
Jimmy Carr: His Dark Material (2021)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16259786/
Nadine Dorries’ comment about Jimmy Carr joke:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/nadine-dorries-jimmy-carr-netflix-jewish-roma-b2008317.html
Jimmy Carr’s joke about injured soldiers:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6486964/Jimmy-Carr-feels-terrible-about-injured-soldiers-joke.html#:~:text=Jimmy%20Carr%20'feels%20terrible'%20about%20injured%20soldiers%20joke
Saint Lawrence, the patron Saint of comedy:
https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/08/10/st-lawrence-patron-saint-of-comedians
TV Show: ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/
Dave Chappelle quote:
https://btr.michaelkwan.com/2017/03/26/sunday-snippet-dave-chappelle/#:~:text=Posted%20by%20Michael%20Kwan%20%7C%20Mar,Maybe%20it%20was%20something%20else.
TV Show: ‘The Black and White Minstrel Show’ (1958-1978)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198065/
TV Show: ‘The Young Ones’ (1982-1984)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083505/
Titania McGrath quote:
https://x.com/TitaniaMcGrath/status/1453065592651517964
Musical: We Will Rock You, Ben Elton (2002)
https://wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk/
John Betjeman’s Slough poem:
https://allpoetry.com/poem/8493391-Slough-by-Sir-John-Betjeman
TV Show: ‘The Office’ (2001-2003)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290978/
Naval Ravikant
https://nav.al/rich
TV Show: 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (2012 – 2025)
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/8-out-of-10-cats-does-countdown
The Fog of War (2004)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-fog-of-war/umc.cmc.3j815y9s5id2nvfztrlfh75il?action=play
Eric Weinstein’s Intellectual Dark Web
https://www.whatisemerging.com/videos/inside-the-intellectual-dark-web-eric-weinstein
Hillary Clinton’s ‘deplorable’ speech:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-37330420
Jordan Peterson on compelled speech
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37875695
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Shownotes compiled by Elly Young
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
www.mindhouse.co.uk
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In this episode, Louis speaks to pop megastar Ed Sheeran. Joining Louis in the studio, Ed describes squeezing Stormzy into his Mini, a surprising breakfast with Van Morrison, and how to be normal when you’re one of the most famous people in the world.
Warning: Strong language, as well as some adult themes.
Links/Attachments:
Album: ‘Play’, Ed Sheeran (2025)
https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/096l4VGKXhhUHyjD8gh1tf
Album: ‘Autumn Variations’, Ed Sheeran (2023)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5LXOgcszGvUkYzYL4v6wYg
Album: ‘Subtract’, Ed Sheeran (2023)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2WFFcvzM0CgLaSq4MSkyZk
SBTV – Online Platform
https://sbtv.co.uk/home/
Album: ‘Astral Weeks’, Van Morrison (1968)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4pG3bKkbmReDt5QTDn3JDz
Album: ‘Moondance’, Van Morrison (1970)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5PfnCqRbdfIDMb1x3MPQam
Album: ‘Irish Heartbeat’, Van Morrison & The Chieftains (1988)
https://open.spotify.com/album/0qTjwpf7Oqh8MGtK3aflgO
Album: ‘Van Morrison at the Movies’, Van Morrison (2007)
https://www.vanmorrison.com/music/van-morrison-at-the-movies-soundtrack-hits
Album: ‘Veedon Fleece’, Van Morrison (1974)
https://open.spotify.com/album/1zvI5Kkxus94lhz0RvZWBf
Album: ‘Saint Dominic’s Preview’, Van Morrison (1972)
https://open.spotify.com/album/0i3c1sR3poI6S2VIH2VP7Q
Song: ‘All Along the Watchtower’, Bob Dylan (1967)
https://open.spotify.com/track/0Fnb2pfBfu0ka33d6Yki17
A Complete Unknown (2024)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdV-Cs5o8mc
Song: ‘F64’, Ed Sheeran (2023)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5DFi6D7SrYHRIgZbY5MqqE
Song: ‘Jiggle Jiggle’, Louis Theroux and Duke & Jones (2022)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/016Rz5DsXUPPxosNTZLYcv
Song: ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’, Ed Sheeran (2011)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5KL4iZkCTZyXl7KnHgfVDj
Song: 'They Won't Go When I Go', Stevie Wonder (1974)
https://open.spotify.com/track/1lIOMibFPfFYlJnjQaZluo
Song: ‘Bootylicious’, Destiny’s Child (2001)
https://open.spotify.com/track/09mkdGhqb5ySKVsnkx9hy2
Song: ‘Superstition’, Stevie Wonder (1972)
https://open.spotify.com/track/4N0TP4Rmj6QQezWV88ARNJ
Album: ‘Mule Variations’, Tom Waits (1999)
https://open.spotify.com/album/7cAcex6xw4fP67ltgn1gm3
Song: ‘JCB’, Nizlopi (2005)
https://open.spotify.com/track/6CWCgRZ0Hxa2dnrCCvq5bA
Album: ‘Nebraska’, Bruce Springsteen (1982)
https://open.spotify.com/album/6yskFQZNlLYhkchAxELHi6
Song: ‘Born in the U.S.A.’, Bruce Springsteen (1984)
https://open.spotify.com/track/0dOg1ySSI7NkpAe89Zo0b9
Song: ‘Atlantic City’, Bruce Springsteen (1982)
https://open.spotify.com/track/1Vp8U39YNsDfd6yVuaUq12
Song: ‘Azizam’, Ed Sheeran (2025)
https://open.spotify.com/track/0GRc3eGTg8HBdWLRGYgqIc
Song: ‘Shape of You’, Ed Sheeran (2017)
https://open.spotify.com/track/7qiZfU4dY1lWllzX7mPBI3
Song: ‘Baby Shark’, Pinkfong (2017)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5ygDXis42ncn6kYG14lEVG
Moana (2016)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI
Song: ‘Thinking Out Loud’, Ed Sheeran (2014)
https://open.spotify.com/track/34gCuhDGsG4bRPIf9bb02f
Song: ‘Let’s Get It On’, Marvin Gaye (1973)
https://open.spotify.com/track/627teoJpK7qZOxRRY8TNnv
TV Show: ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ (2023) - Disney+
https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-76b2ccc7-d7d8-434c-b750-f97746bce411
The Lego Movie (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ_JOBCLF-I
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Artemis Irvine
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Shownotes compiled by Immie Webb
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
www.mindhouse.co.uk
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices -
In this week’s episode, Louis speaks with the legendary comedian, writer and adventurer Michael Palin. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Michael details the fiery group dynamics within Monty Python, having Johnny Cash and George Harrison as famous fans, and the controversies surrounding Life Of Brian. Plus, Michael and Louis discuss whether being ’nice’ is a help or a hindrance.
Warnings: Strong language and adult themes.
Links/Attachments:
TV Show: ‘Michael Palin in Venezuela’ (2025) - Channel 5
https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela
TV Show Episode: Whicker’s World from ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ (1972) - BBC
https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela
TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days’ (1989) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b008n8yy/around-the-world-in-80-days-with-michael-palin
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147/
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
https://www.itv.com/watch/monty-pythons-life-of-brian/10a5145a0001B/10a5145a0001
TV Show: ‘Ripping Yarns’ (1976 -1979) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075568/
TV Special: ‘Beyond the Fringe’ (1964) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138957/
TV Show: ‘Q5’ (1969 –1980) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063944/
Terry Gilliam’s animations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mB_UymAIc
Fish slapping dance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XeDvKqI4E
TV Show Episode: ‘Whither Canada?’ (1969)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758095/
TV Show Episode: ‘The All-England Summarise Proust Competition’ (1972)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-all-england-summarize-proust-competition-edit/umc.cmc.2wheg7yvkb0w3w55freoic0j2?action=play
Album: Monty Python’s Previous Record https://open.spotify.com/album/1GkvGswqHgUyMb5kIlGU2R
Sketch: Argument
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ
Sketch: Dead/Resting Parrot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZw35VUBdzo
TV Show: ‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975-1979) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072500/
Sketch: The Ministry of Silly Walks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV2ViNJFZC8
Book: North Korea Journal, Michael Palin (2019)
https://www.themichaelpalin.com/north-korea-journal/
TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime’ (2020) - BBC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1SddawMoz8
Life of Brian Debate with Malcolm Muggeridge (1979) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cyxe9180z84o
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/
Short Story: In The Penal Colony, Franz Kafka (1919)
https://www.kafka-online.info/in-the-penal-colony.html
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Shownotes compiled by Elly Young
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
www.mindhouse.co.uk
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What Marvel hero would Rom play? When will Tom get his driving license?How often do blokes brush their hair? And when did Tom stop believing in the Easter bunny?This week we discuss all of this, plus hear even more of Tom’s many impressions and decide that we should treat everyone we meet as a potential friend.Don’t forget to send in your questions, pictures and voice notes to [email protected] for the chance to have them answered in an upcoming episode.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
Chapters:00:00 Intro01:20 When Marvel call10:50 The Simple Son13:04 Wolf & Owl soap opera18:15 Hayfever and spiders23:10 Community spirit25:44 Hair brushing28:30 Pete the axe30:45 Driving lessons40:18 Takeaway trauma43:01 Cold callers47:24 Beliefs, rocket ships and Jaffa Cakes52:33 Tom's final thought
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How did James McAvoy become one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood?
Actor and director James McAvoy joins Romesh Ranganathan for a very special episode talking about acting, accents and the difference from Hollywood to home.
James talks about accidentally getting into acting, why his philosophy is always “story first” and how he approaches building characters. Plus his skill at mastering accents, training as a pastry chef, bad reviews and being a part of the X‑Men family.
We also discuss James' new film and his directorial debut, California Schemin'.
And as always, a question from Shanthi.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.
00:00 Intro
00:20 James joke and the stereotype of podcasts
04:15 James and Rom discuss Jordan Peterson
07:32 A gift for James
09:07 A moment for some Monster Munch
10:22 Early beginnings and getting into acting
18:20 Training as a pastry chef & Bake Off
20:12 Accents, agents and acting
29:28 Crying and vomiting on request
31:20 James and his agent Ruth
32:56 Romesh’s dad’s brutal honesty
34:24 The X-Men Films
38:18 James and Romesh on bad reviews
45:30 Future work and legacy
48:01 A question from Shanthi
49:72 California Scheming
01:03:19 Misquoted
01:10:28 On getting older
01:13:22 Meantime and Frankie Boyle
01:14:24 Outro
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From sitcom Dad to Breaking Bad, how did Bryan transform into Walter White?
Bryan Cranston joins Romesh Ranganathan for a wide-ranging conversation about acting, creativity and the career pivots that changed his life.
Bryan talks about bringing Arthur Miller’s All My Sons to London, the acting lessons he’s learned over decades on stage and screen and why observing people is the key to building unforgettable characters. He also reflects on precarious nature of the industry, landing the role of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, nearly losing the part and why the show still means so much to him, especially with a new season on the way.
And of course, they dive into the legacy of Breaking Bad from auditioning for Walter White to working with creator Vince Gilligan, the genius behind the show. Bryan shares how the character evolved, the pressure of its success, and whether we can expect a Walter White return.
Expect as always, gift giving, some perfectly timed jabs from Bryan, a question from Shanthi, and a thoughtful conversation about creativity, hobbies, fame, and why actors and audiences should approach AI with caution.
An insightful, funny and surprisingly personal conversation with one of television’s most respected actors in history.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
02:11 Bryan’s gift giving
05:30 Observing people and their traits
08:06 Coming to London for All My Sons
11:44 An actors responsibility and theatre
17:33 On Malcom in The Middle and the new season
23:09 Almost losing Malcom In The Middle
25:42 How Bryan found Hal
30:54 Success and pivoting in his career
34:44 Working with Vince Gilligan and his character development
39:14 Having faith in your career
40:45 The brilliance of Breaking Bad
45:48 Auditioning for Walter White
47:40 When did Bryan realise the importance of the show
50:38 The Pizza scene
52:10 Will Walter White be back?
54:29 Shanthi’s question to Bryan, hobbies and growing
58:37 Bryan’s opinion on AI
01:01:59 A game of Misquoted
01:05:48 Dealing with fame
01:10:10 Bryan’s marriage, advice and life balance
01:14:36 An exclusive
01:17:30 Outro
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What do toxic masculinity, a lasagne obsession, and a Seat Alhambra have in common? Louis Theroux joins Romesh to draw the line between his on-camera persona and life at home. They revisit some of Louis’ most infamous documentary moments, the craft behind them, and the interview regrets he has looking back.
Louis also explains why he’s drawn to spending time with people who hold extreme views, including in his latest film Inside the Manosphere, exploring misogyny and the lure of wealth in the post-Andrew Tate world with figures like HSTikkyTokky.
Along the way he reflects on memorable encounters with Armie Hammer and Boris Becker – plus an uncanny King Charles impression, being “cooked” by the internet, and why he “deserved” his gold record after his viral music hit Jiggle Jiggle.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
02:15 Gift giving
03:21 Lasagna tips
06:04 Fragility in the industry
07:52 On making documentaries
22:15 On Andrew Tate
23:29 The Manosphere
29:37 Raising boys today
35:25 HStikkytokky & Jestermaxxing
41:04 Is Louis worried?
43:12 Shanthi’s question
46:21 Getting cooked & Jiggle Jiggle
51:17 On Podcasting
55:47 On Adam Buxton
59:41 On Boris Becker
01:01:03 Measuring success
01:02:09 Comedians vs non-comedians
01:04:52 Early career beginnings
01:09:22 On reviews
01:10:32 Misquoted
01:33:50 Outro
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Comedian and actor Tom Davis joins Romesh for a proper deep dive into comedy, his working-class roots to his success and building his career long term.
They talk about Tom’s route into stand-up, creating and starring in Murder in Successville and King Gary, and what it takes to survive rejection, hyper-criticism and projects going wrong. There’s rare praise from Romesh, chaos behind the production cenes, doing his own stunts, pranks, and a BIG announcement. Plus an ever important question from Shanthi.
They also get into luck in the industry, being a dad, and how success changes your perspective over time.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
2:00 A present for Tom
4:00 The Big Five
5:32 Working with Romesh
8:00 Tom’s route to comedy
11:25 Hyper criticism
12:46 Tom's background
14:23 Murder In Successville
21:00 Luck in the industry
23:07 An annoyed Romesh
23:39 Tom's favourite guest
24:49 On success
26:30 Tom's encounter with Rio Ferdinand
27:58 King Gary
30:13 Chaos behind the scenes
34:20 Working Together
36:00 House Of Fools
42:24 Wold & Owl
43:20 Pranks
44:47 A big announcement
46:46 A question from Shanthi
50:00 On being a dad
52:55 Career perspective
56:47 Tom opening for Romesh
01:01:23 Misquoted
01:08:38 An exclusive
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