The Romesh Ranganathan Show

Playful chat about Shanthi’s 2026 resolutions and her plans to learn computers. A cheeky discussion on gravelly, ‘sexy’ voices and Will Arnett. Rapid-fire parenting tips tackle tantrums, fussy eaters and a funny bedtime mask trick. Ideas for a solo cookery show and promises of aubergine, mutton and crab curry recipes.

Will Arnett, Emmy-nominated Canadian actor and comedian known for Arrested Development and voicing BoJack Horseman, chats about making the film Is This Thing On? He describes training at the Comedy Cellar to pass as a stand-up. They dive into BoJack, social media culture, fatherhood, football fandom and a spicy take on tattoos.

Shanthi Ranganathan, Romesh's mother and a former actress trained in India, brings her wit and humor to the conversation. They dive into hilarious improvised scenes, including a playful Bond spoof and a whimsical genie wish list. Shanthi shares her thoughts on the value of luxury perfumes, creating laughter with Romesh as they brainstorm memorable fragrance names. Their candid exchanges and comedic chemistry make for an entertaining and delightful experience filled with family stories and spontaneous fun.

Joy Crookes, a South London singer-songwriter known for her albums 'Skin' and 'Juniper,' dives into her unique musical journey influenced by her Bangladeshi and Irish heritage. She talks about the challenges of ADHD and her creative process, emphasizing the importance of writing like a teenager. Joy shares her entertaining aspirations for a 'Bend It Like Beckham' sequel, her encounter with football legend Thierry Henry, and discusses the need for better industry support for brown artists. Lively anecdotes and cultural insights make this chat truly engaging.

Shanthi brings up an embarrassing conversation about James Acaster's manhood, get's confused between boxing and wrestling – plus she joins Romesh in attempting some impressions, including Chris Eubank, Gollum, Michael Macintyre and Mrs. Doubtfire. A Ranga Bee production in partnership with Listen 00:00 Romesh Sings 01:00 Boxing Intro  03:00 Shanthi on James Acaster 5:45 Chris Eubank  7:15 Mothers Deserve Respect 12:20 Impressions  19:56 Secrets to Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian, musician and Off Menu podcast host James Acaster joins Romesh to talk about returning to stand-up, mental health… and why you definitely shouldn’t have an affair during a West End show. He pitches a new travel TV idea for Shanthi (very much without Romesh), and discusses his forthcoming album — a project 20 years in the making. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 00:10 Don't Have An Affair 01:50 James Roasts The Set 04:22 Unwanted Gifts 06:53 Stand Up, Ego & Expectations 16:00 Josie Long 22:50 Shanthi’s Question 26:35 Visiting Sri Lanka 27:12 Travel Show Idea 35:00 Misquoted 37:20 Mental Health 40:08 Romesh on Spiralling 44:57 Misquoted Continued 46:42 James' New Album 51:00 Turning 40 51:57 Future Plans 1:00:50 Off Menu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh STILL doesn't believe that Shanthi wrote the infamous festive planning list... and the cross-examination continues! The pair then dive into your dilemmas, including how to deal with mums who ignore boundaries – and a heated debate on wedding etiquette after one listener reveals their mother-in-law wore white on the big day. A Ranga Bee production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Romesh is relaxed 00:56 Shanthi's New Year Resolutions 02:00 Shanthi's List Controversy 06:40 Hard Times 11:00 Be Kind To Your Mum 15:45 Texting Etiquette 20:40 White Dress At Someone Else's Wedding 24:55 Wedding Etiquette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As co-creator of era-defining titles such as The Office and Extras, followed by hits including Derek and After Life, Ricky Gervais has left his mark as one of the most successful comedians on the planet. Speaking to Romesh, he explains why writing and workshopping stand-up comedy remains one of his greatest loves, how hosting the Golden Globes could have ended his career, and why he cares more about other people’s opinions than it might seem. Ricky also shares stories behind his love for animals – including why he's donated huge sums of money to animal charities from his recent tours. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Crying 01:55 Best Intro Ever 03:00 Why Do Anything? 05:15 "You're A National Treasure Romesh" 09:25 Standup Comedy & Shaping Jokes 17:50 Nerves 19:00 Self Censorship 20:25 Being Relatable 26:00 Anger & Honesty 28:50 Cat DJ 30:15 Donating To Animal Charities 34:00 Veganism & Health 39:45 Romesh's Dad's Funeral 43:20 Tracksuit Bottoms: Disrespectful? 44:20 Podcast Pioneer 50:00 Social Media: Search, Don't Scroll 53:00 Fans & Cults 1:00:00 Harry Hill & Joe Wilkinson 1:01:30 Pushing It Too Far 1:02:20 Marketing & Controversy 1:09:50 Shanthi's Question 1:10:40 Upsetting Tom Hanks & Tim Allen 1:13:00 "It Could Have Been The End Of My Career" 1:18:00 Sometimes I Don't Care 1:21:00 Misquoted 1:24:20 Alley Cats 1:27:15 Kidney Transplant 1:28:32 Ricky's Shares The Name Of His Next Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unexpected, unfiltered, and ...unhinged? Our Thursday episodes featuring Romesh alongside his mum Shanthi have provided us with some of the most hilarious moments of the year. We're revisiting her best bits, including advice on girlfriends, erotic dreams, and why meringues are more saucy than you think. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Shanthi's Message For 2026 00:50 Girlfriends  04:00 Nude on the Podcast? 08:06 Football 09:10 Attractive Meringue  12:30 Sonic The Hedgehog vs Mr Bean 14:50 The Doctor 15:54 "Love You Mummy" 20:42 Baby Advice 26:26 Dreams  31:30 See No Evil, Hear No Evil 33:39 Wacky Podcast People Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many mince pies is too many? Standup comedian, actor, writer and BAFTA-winning Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland, joins Romesh on the show this week – and gets subjected to a taste test. They talk about the fear and exhilaration of Chris' experience as the first blind contestant on Strictly, why "not caring" is the best thing you can do, and his new book, Keep On Laughing. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 The Toilet Door 04:00 Alternative Christmas Message 05:20 Mince Pie Taste Test 11:55 Finding Fame 15:15 Giving Up Alcohol 17:20 Sean Lock on Live At The Apollo 18:35 Why Caring Less Is Good 21:19 Shanthi’s Question for Chris 23:00 The Jeopardy of Strictly Come Dancing 30:40 Most Nervous Strictly Moment 37:20 The Magic Is Trust 39:28 Chris's Autobiography: Keep Laughing 42:50 Bad Gigs Are Funny 47:49 Misquoted 57:03 What's next for Chris? 59:34 Secrets to Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices