The Louis Theroux Podcast

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and passionate advocate for girls' education, shares her insights on powerful topics. She discusses the misrepresentation of Islam and the impact of the Taliban's gender apartheid on women's rights. Malala reflects on her university life and a traumatic experience that reshaped her views on mental health. She emphasizes the importance of choice in marriage, critiques extremist movements, and calls for understanding and empathy worldwide. Her activism seeks to empower local voices against oppression.

Bobby Vylan, one half of the politically charged punk-rap duo Bob Vylan, dives deep into the fallout from their provocative Glastonbury performance. He recounts leading a chant of 'death to the IDF,' explaining its intent as solidarity rather than incitement. The conversation touches on media backlash, support from artists like Chuck D, and the challenges of touring amid political controversies. Bobby also reflects on the intersection of race and criticism, the nuances of artistic expression, and his commitment to using music as a form of protest.

In a captivating chat, Michael Palin, the iconic Monty Python member and travel presenter, shares insights about the group's unique dynamics and the challenges of creating sketches, like the infamous Fish Slapping Dance. He reminisces about celebrity fans like Johnny Cash and George Harrison's unexpected support for Life of Brian. The discussion also touches on the controversies surrounding the film, the differences between humor and seriousness, and Michael's public persona as 'nice' versus his colleagues' approaches. A delightful mix of nostalgia and candid reflection!

Louis chats with the talented Steve Coogan, acclaimed actor, writer, and comedian famous for Alan Partridge. They delve into Steve's evolving relationship with Partridge, the creative process that shapes the character, and how he uses personal flaws to fuel his comedy. Steve openly discusses portraying Jimmy Savile in 'The Reckoning,' including the emotional research and wearing Savile's shoes for authenticity. He also shares his journey to sobriety, reflecting on the benefits it brings to his life and relationships.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!