The Louis Theroux Podcast

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S4 EP3: Jamie Oliver on public feuds, chopping his finger off on live TV, and his controversial jerk rice

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Jan 28, 2025

Guest

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver, a celebrity chef known for his commitment to healthy eating, shares entertaining stories with Louis. He reveals the messy details of his public feuds with Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain. The conversation takes a twist when he recounts the infamous moment he chopped part of his finger off on live TV. Jamie also discusses the backlash over his controversial jerk rice, diving into the complexities of culinary innovation versus authenticity. Expect laughter and insightful reflections on fame, food, and the evolution of cooking!

01:13:19

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Transcript

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Encounter

Jamie Oliver faced verbal abuse and was once chased by a man due to his cooking show's popularity.
The man confessed that thanks to Jamie, he cooks and is good at it.

insights

INSIGHT

Cooking and Gender

Men initially resisted cooking until they realized it could attract women.
Jamie Oliver observed a shift in his audience demographics, from mostly women to a balanced or even male-skewed audience.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Idol's Criticism

Marco Pierre White, initially Jamie Oliver's hero, publicly criticized him after a seemingly pleasant encounter.
This experience taught Oliver about dealing with conflicting opinions from idols.

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Reflecting on Culinary Evolution and Television Impact

03:56 • 3min

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Masculinity, Cooking, and Personal Growth

07:00 • 9min

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Fame and Culinary Idols

15:55 • 21min

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The Spice of Tradition: Culinary Innovation vs. Authenticity

36:50 • 5min

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Culinary Currents: Tradition and Transformation

42:07 • 10min

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Navigating Fame and Family

51:48 • 15min

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Balancing Fame and Flavor: A Chef's Dilemma

01:06:52 • 3min

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White Heat

Marco Pierre White

White Heat, published in 1990, is a seminal cookbook that combines outspoken opinions, classic recipes, and striking photographs by Bob Carlos Clarke. It is partially autobiographical and portrays White's 'bad boy' chef image. The book has had a significant influence on chef culture, credited with changing the image of chefs and inspiring many Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs. It features 73 recipes and reportage from behind the scenes in White's kitchen, showcasing his unique talent and strong personality.

Kitchen Confidential

Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

Anthony Bourdain

Kitchen Confidential is a memoir and industry commentary that offers a candid, often humorous look at the less glamorous aspects of high-end restaurant kitchens. Bourdain shares his personal experiences, including his struggles with drug addiction and his rise through the culinary ranks. The book is structured as a collection of anecdotes and includes practical advice on the cooking trade, as well as warnings to consumers about restaurant practices. It captures the intense, often chaotic world of professional kitchens and explains why people are drawn to this demanding profession despite its challenges.

The naked chef

Jamie Oliver

The Naked Chef is Jamie Oliver's first cookbook, published in 1999. It focuses on easy-to-make dishes using basic ingredients, reflecting Oliver's casual approach to cooking. The book includes a variety of recipes suitable for social gatherings and everyday meals, emphasizing fresh flavors and simplicity.

Simply Jamie

Jamie Oliver

Simply Jamie is a cookbook that aims to inspire people to rediscover the joy of cooking, even with a busy schedule. It includes over 130 recipes, such as 20-minute dinners and clever ideas for using up leftovers. The book is divided into chapters like Midweek Meals, Weekend Wins, and Perfect Puds, offering a variety of dishes that can be easily incorporated into daily life.

In this episode, Louis is joined by celebrity chef and best–selling cookbook author, Jamie Oliver. Jamie tells Louis about his public feuds with Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain, chopping part of his finger off on live TV, and why his jerk rice caused such a stir. Plus, Louis provides some recipe tips…

Warnings: Strong language, as well as discussion around food production that may upset some listeners. Visit spotify.com/resources for information and resources.

Links/Attachments:

TV Show: ‘The Naked Chef’ (1999) – BBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-CeoHHDYw8

TV Show: ‘Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends’ (1998) – BBC (UK only)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006w7gn/louis-therouxs-weird-weekends

Jamie’s Italian

https://italian.jamieoliver-rg.com/

Book: Simply Jamie, Jamie Oliver (2024)

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/books/simply-jamie

TV Show: ‘Jamie’s Kitchen’ (2002) – Channel 4

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358844/

TV Show: ‘Jamie’s School Dinners’ (2005) – Channel 4