Adam Buxton chats with British stand-up comedian Romesh Ranganathan about his career, TV shows, struggles with comedy, COVID-19 concerns, environmental impact of server farms, dealing with fame and criticism, anger management, and rewriting knowledge in an entertaining and reflective conversation.
Romesh Ranganathan shares insights on balancing family life and celebrity commitments amidst extensive travel and workload demands.
Romesh discusses the differences in audience reception and performance styles between British and American comedy scenes, reflecting on downbeat humor and self-deprecation.
Exploration of Romesh's childhood religious experiences reveals nuanced reflections on faith, prayer, rage incidents, and shifts in personal beliefs.
Deep dives
Walking through Ramblebook with Romesh Ranganathan
Walk with Adam Buxton in East Anglia amidst lockdown exercise walks with insights on audiobooks, including 'Ramblebook,' a compilation of essays. 'Ramblebook' delves into significant life relationships, cultural influences, and personal anecdotes. The episode showcases British comedian Romesh Ranganathan discussing various topics, from his childhood to TV shows, including 'Asian Provocateur' and 'The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan.' Their lively conversation includes TV panel show insights, Romesh's experiences, and thoughts on the evolving comedy landscape.
Reflections on Touring and Comedy in America
Romesh Ranganathan shares touring experiences in the United States, including stand-up shows at the Soho Playhouse and appearances on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden.' Despite touring, he reflects on the minimal impact on his U.S. presence, attributing recognition to British TV appearances. Audience insights and Brit-centric comedy fans contribute to Romesh's growing U.S. popularity, revealing unique dynamics in the American comedy scene.
Navigating the Challenges of Celebrity and Family Balance
Romesh Ranganathan discusses balancing family life and celebrity commitments, reflecting on the challenges of extensive travel for TV projects. With a thoughtful reconsideration of workload demands, Romesh emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with family, especially considering the growth of his children. Addressing the impact of work commitments on family relationships, Romesh shares personal experiences and decisions to prioritize family time amidst professional engagements.
Nostalgia for British Comedy and Stand-Up Shows
Adam Buxton and Romesh Ranganathan delve into the distinctive characteristics of British comedy, exploring downbeat and self-deprecating humor. Reflecting on Romesh's experiences in comedic performances in America, they discuss the differences in audience reception and performance styles between the UK and the US comedy scenes. Romesh recounts experiences on late-night shows and shares insights on balancing confidence and authenticity in stand-up engagements.
Spirituality and Thoughts on Religious Upbringing
Dialogues on spirituality and religious upbringing emerge as Romesh Ranganathan reflects on his childhood religious experiences and evolving beliefs. Discussing the comforts of faith and communal rituals, Romesh explores the impact of family traditions and cultural practices. Insights on prayer, incidents of rage, and shifts in personal beliefs underscore Romesh's nuanced approach to spirituality and personal growth.
Adam talks with British stand up comedian Romesh Ranganathan. This conversation was recorded on March 10th, 2020, a couple of weeks before the UK Coronavirus lockdown began.
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and to Matt Lamont for conversation editing.
