The Louis Theroux Podcast

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!

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.

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.

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

It's that time again... Louis returns for another series of his podcast. Join him weekly from May 6th as he delves into the lives of fascinating people from across the globe. Watch episodes exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Evans, the charismatic host of the hit YouTube series 'Hot Ones,' shares his journey from a Chicago upbringing to creating a unique interview format that spices up conversations. He explains how chicken wings became the unlikely star of his show and discusses the fine art of engaging guests, balancing authenticity with entertainment. Sean highlights some famous ratings hits while revealing the celebrities he would never invite again, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and joys of media in the digital age.