

The Louis Theroux Podcast
Spotify Studios
Join Louis Theroux as he embarks on a series of in-depth and freewheeling conversations with a curated collection of fascinating figures from across the globe. The Louis Theroux Podcast is a Spotify podcast from Mindhouse, now available everywhere.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
S6 EP1: Steve Coogan on falling out of love with Alan Partridge, playing Jimmy Savile, and sobriety
Louis sits down with writer, actor and comedian Steve Coogan in the first episode of the new series. Steve discusses falling in and out of love with Alan Partridge, literally wearing Jimmy Savile’s shoes in ‘The Reckoning’, and being sober after his ‘delayed adolescence’. Warning: 1970s mother-in-law jokes are included.
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:
TV Show: ‘On the Hour’ (1991 – 1992) - BBC Radio 4
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008pcbq
TV Show: ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ (1994 - 1995) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108828/
TV Show: ‘I’m Alan Partridge' (1997 – 2002) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129690/
TV Show: ‘Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters’ (2010 – 2016)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/episode-1/umc.cmc.6t24k6qmgn78pjfz5iueck40u?showId=umc.cmc.9x6rfy298smgramzarjelucq&action=playSmartEpisode
Philomena (2013)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/philomena/umc.cmc.65o05voqje46icxfetp55hwcb?action=play
TV Show: ‘The Reckoning’ (2023) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0g4swnr/the-reckoning
TV Show: ‘How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)’ (upcoming show) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hcbk
Book: Easily Distracted, Steve Coogan (2015)
https://www.waterstones.com/book/easily-distracted/steve-coogan/9780099585930
TV show: ‘The Thick of It’ (2005 – 2012) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006qgrd/the-thick-of-it
TV Show: ‘Veep’ (2012 – 2019) - HBO
https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/fundraiser/umc.cmc.ytcqma5k9ovyykhsnnm9asnk?showId=umc.cmc.5ir3dmyl42miy9h2gxvz551ql&action=playSmartEpisode
TV Show: ‘Blankety Blank’ (1979 – 1990) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0010b7c/blankety-blank
Les Dawson playing piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nNGlaiVypU
TV Show: ‘Spitting Image’ (1984 – 1996) - ITV
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086807/
TV Show: ‘Blackadder’ (1983 - 1989) - ITV
https://www.itv.com/watch/blackadder/2a7295
TV Show: ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ (1979 – 1982) - BBC
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080253/
TV Show: ‘The Trip’ (2010 - 2020) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b04v5fy3/the-trip
TV Show: ‘When Louis met...’ [Jimmy Savile Episode] (2000 – 2002) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g3zjn9/when-louis-met-series-1-jimmy-savile
Louis Theroux: Savile (2016) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07yc9zh
Jimmy Savile & Steve Coogan 1989 clip:
https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/steve-coogan-jimmy-savile-impression-201622-20231021
Book: In Plain Sight: The Life and Lies of Jimmy Savile, Dan Davies (2015) https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/in-plain-sight-book-dan-davies-9781782067467
TV Show: Des (2020) - ITV
https://www.itv.com/watch/des/2a7844
TV Show: ‘Appropriate Adult’ (2011) - ITV
https://www.itv.com/watch/appropriate-adult/1a6304
TV Show: ‘Foyle’s War’ (2002 – 2015)
https://www.itv.com/watch/foyles-war/25410
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/a-beautiful-mind/umc.cmc.2iqk0c0jh9ocfk2jtv2yda0k1?action=play
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 29, 2025 • 1min
Season 6 incoming...
Louis returns with another season of his chart-topping podcast! Join him on Tuesdays, from October 7th, as he offers up a plentiful cornucopia of starry guests.
Watch exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
S5 EP8: Michael Cera on working with Tom Cruise, featuring in 'Barbie', and never graduating
Michael Cera, the Canadian actor known for roles in *Arrested Development* and *Superbad*, provides a glimpse into his eclectic career. He recounts a hilariously foul-mouthed encounter with Tom Cruise and nearly missing the chance to play Allan in *Barbie*. Reflecting on his decision to not graduate high school, Cera shares insights into the challenges of child stardom, the cultural impact of *Superbad*, and his admiration for British comedy, all infused with his signature humor and playful anecdotes from his evolving journey in film.

12 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 22min
S5 EP7: Danny Dyer describes battling addiction, UFO obsessions, and tackling Shakespeare
Danny Dyer, a Bafta-winning actor celebrated for roles in 'EastEnders' and 'The Football Factory', dives into his journey battling addiction and the impact on his stage performances. He shares a humorous yet sincere take on his obsession with UFOs and his thoughts on tackling Shakespeare. The conversation unveils his thoughts on fame, personal relationships, and the complexities of addiction, making for a captivating and candid discussion that highlights his unique perspective on life and art.

25 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 23min
S5 EP6: Ed Sheeran on squeezing Stormzy into his Mini, having breakfast with Van Morrison, and remaining normal
In this chat, pop megastar Ed Sheeran shares his journey from school dropout to chart-topping artist. He recounts the hilarious moment of squeezing Stormzy into his Mini and a surprising breakfast with Van Morrison. Ed opens up about balancing fame while striving for normalcy, navigating complex friendships in the music industry, and his insights on the impact of AI on creativity. He also reflects on performing live, the thrill of new music, and maintaining genuine connections in a rapidly evolving landscape.

14 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 59min
S5 EP5: Little Simz discusses her new album, growing up with adopted siblings, and working with Drake
In this engaging chat, Little Simz, a Mercury Prize-winning rapper and actress from North London, dives into the emotional depths of her new album, *Lotus*. She shares insights from her upbringing with adopted siblings, revealing how it shaped her identity. The conversation also touches on her collaboration with Drake on *Top Boy*, offering a humorous take on the music industry. Explore themes of self-discovery, familial connections, and the challenges female artists face in a male-dominated space.

13 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
S5 EP4: John Wilson on collaborating with Nathan Fielder, confronting a cult, and hating mockumentaries
John Wilson, the innovative documentarian known for HBO's 'How To...with John Wilson', joins Louis for an engaging chat. They dive into Wilson's collaboration with Nathan Fielder, exploring the art of authentic storytelling. A surprising story emerges about how joining an acapella group led him to confront a cult. They also share a mutual disdain for mockumentaries, reflecting on their ethical dilemmas in documentary filmmaking. Get ready for hilarious anecdotes and insightful discussions on social anxiety and creativity!

4 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 26min
S5 EP3: Bryan Johnson discusses life-changing psychedelics, superintelligence, and night-time erections
Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur and longevity advocate, dives deep into his quest for eternal life and the role of psychedelics in his transformation. He discusses how radical lifestyle changes and biohacking practices may slow aging. The conversation meanders through the philosophical implications of seeking immortality, balancing self-discipline with indulgence, and the emerging concept of superintelligence. Additionally, he shares intriguing insights on health, wellness, and the impact of technology on our lives, all punctuated by a light-hearted exploration of night-time erections.

42 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 25min
S5 EP2: Sean Penn on dining with Jack Nicholson and Putin, run-ins with the paparazzi, and his relationship with Zelenskyy
In a candid conversation, Sean Penn, an Oscar-winning actor known for his powerful roles in films like Milk, shares tales from his vibrant life. He recounts dining with legends like Jack Nicholson and Vladimir Putin, and discusses his relationship with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The challenges of dealing with paparazzi and the emotional toll of fame also feature prominently. Penn reflects on the intersection of Hollywood and politics, raising profound questions about truth, identity, and the complexities of celebrity culture.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 10min
S5 EP1: Bella Ramsey discusses being a child actor, dealing with critical fandoms and overcoming emetophobia
To kick off the new series, Louis is joined in the studio by Bella Ramsey, rising star of ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Last of Us’. Bella delves into their experiences as a child actor, dealing with critical fandoms online, and their phobia of vomiting. Warnings: Some strong language and discussions of sensitive themes, including mental health issues and eating disorders. For further information and support, visit https://resources.byspotify.com/ Links/Attachments: BEAT – UK Eating Disorder Charity https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/ TV Show: ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019) - HBO https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones TV Show: ‘The Last of Us’ (2023 – Present) - HBO https://www.hbo.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GYyofRQHeuJ6fiQEAAAEy TV Show: ‘The Worst Witch’ (2017 - 2020) - CBBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09m8lyz/the-worst-witch Video Game: ‘The Last of Us’ (2013) - Sony PlayStation https://www.playstation.com/en-us/the-last-of-us/ TV Show: ‘Time’ (2021-2023) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p09fs2qh/time?seriesId=p09fs2qh-structural-2-p0g5k19n TV Show: ‘Cracker’ (1993-1996) - ITV https://www.itv.com/watch/cracker/1a1918 TV Show: ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV’ (2024) - Investigation Discovery https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/show/quiet-on-setthe-dark-side-of-kids-tv TV Show: ‘Chernobyl’ (2019) - HBO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9APLXM9Ei8 EmetAction – UK Emetophobia Charity https://emetaction.org/ The Thrive Programme https://www.thriveprogramme.org/ Book: Emetophobia-Free, Rob Kelly (2014) https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=thrive+programme+emetophobia&crid=2Q58R6N2PS6MW&sprefix=thrive+programme+emetophobia%2Caps%2C114&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Louis Theroux: Talking to Anorexia (2017) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09d5nk2/louis-theroux-talking-to-anorexia Book: The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) Credits: Producer: Millie Chu Assistant Producer: Maisie Williams 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