The Louis Theroux Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
S7 EP8: Yorgos Lanthimos discusses working with Emma Stone, suffering for his art, and directing a Bourne movie
Apr 20, 2026Summary Preview
Acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos discusses his distinctive filmmaking style, from his breakout film Dogtooth to his recent work Begonia. He reflects on his journey from making Greek commercials to becoming one of cinema's most provocative voices, his collaborative process with actors like Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and the intentional ambiguity that defines his films. The conversation explores his resistance to conventional explanations, his discomfort with Hollywood meetings, and his instinctive approach to creating films that challenge audiences.
- Dogtooth and Building Unsettling Worlds
- From Greek Commercials to International Cinema
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In this final episode of the series, Louis Theroux speaks with Bridgerton star Simone Ashley about her breakout role as Kate Sharma, the challenges of fame, her unconventional path to acting, and her new music career. They discuss the show's alternate historical setting, the intimacy of filming romantic scenes during COVID, her difficult school years, and her perspective on representation in entertainment. The conversation ranges from the pressures of sudden stardom to her happily single life in New York and upcoming projects including The Devil Wears Prada 2.
- Bridgerton's Success and Chemistry
- Filming Intimacy During COVID
S7 EP6: Patrick Radden Keefe on the opioid crisis, criminal career longevity and why access is overrated
Apr 06, 2026Summary Preview
Louis Theroux interviews acclaimed investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe about his new book 'London Falling,' which explores the mysterious death of a teenager who secretly pretended to be the son of a Russian oligarch. They discuss Keefe's writing process, his previous bestsellers including 'Empire of Pain' and 'Say Nothing,' the ethics of journalism, the attraction to rogues and sociopaths in storytelling, and the corrupted institutions that enable wrongdoing across society.
- Introduction to Patrick Radden Keefe and London Falling
- Teenage Identity and Internet Culture
S7 EP5: Laufey discusses viral fame, partying with Bill Murray and the benefits of boredom
Mar 30, 2026Processing failed
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Comedian Stuart Lee discusses his current show 'Stuart Lee versus the Man-Wolf,' his creative process, the politics of comedy, and his career spanning over three decades. The conversation explores his character-based approach to stand-up, his critique of Netflix comedians and the far-right, his adoption story, and his philosophical approach to comedy as an art form. Lee reveals personal insights about his health, hearing loss, possible autism diagnosis, and his relationship with comedy as both refuge and profession.
- The Spotify Dilemma and Creative Independence
- The Man-Wolf Show and Satirizing Netflix Comedy
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In this engaging conversation, Louis Theroux sits down with Scottish music legend Lulu to discuss her extraordinary six-decade career. From recording 'Shout' at age 14 to winning Eurovision, from working with the Beatles and David Bowie to her marriages to Bee Gees member Morris Gibb and hair tycoon John Frieda, Lulu reflects candidly on fame, identity, addiction, and survival in the entertainment industry.
- Early Life and the Birth of a Star
- Navigating Fame and Identity in the 1960s
S7 EP2: Kyle MacLachlan on his relationship with David Lynch, Showgirls, and viral stardom
Mar 10, 2026Summary Preview
Louis Theroux interviews Kyle MacLachlan about his legendary collaborations with David Lynch, his journey through Hollywood's highs and lows, and his unexpected renaissance as an internet icon. The conversation explores Twin Peaks' cultural phenomenon, the making of Blue Velvet, working with challenging directors like Paul Verhoeven, and Kyle's current success with Fallout while reflecting on Lynch's recent passing.
- Twin Peaks Phenomenon and David Lynch Partnership
- Blue Velvet: Creating an American Masterpiece
S7 EP1: Boris Becker on encountering Diddy, mind-games with Nadal and his spell in prison
Mar 03, 2026Processing failed
Louis returns for Season 7!
Feb 24, 2026Summary Preview
A brief promotional teaser for the Louis Theroux Podcast's return, featuring quick snippets and soundbites from upcoming episodes. The clips showcase a variety of topics and guests, hinting at conversations about celebrity culture, controversial figures, trust and betrayal in journalism, and performance anxiety.
- Podcast Introduction and Return Announcement
- Celebrity Culture and David Bowie Discussion
S6 EP8: Jimmy Carr discusses the secret to his comedy, being a late bloomer, and controversial stand-up gigs
Dec 16, 2025Summary Preview
A festive bonus episode featuring comedian Jimmy Carr discussing his career, comedy philosophy, controversies, personal life, and views on politics and culture. The wide-ranging conversation covers everything from his joke-writing process and crowd work to his estranged relationship with his father and thoughts on cancel culture.
- Introduction and Career Overview
- Comedy Philosophy and Creative Process
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Louis Theroux interviews Marina Abramović, the renowned performance artist known as the 'grandmother of performance art.' They discuss her controversial works involving physical endurance and pain, her famous pieces like The Artist is Present and Rhythm Zero, her upbringing in communist Yugoslavia, her relationship with collaborator Ulay, and the devastating conspiracy theories propagated by Alex Jones that falsely accused her of satanic ritual abuse. Marina also discusses her current show Balkan Erotic Epic and her philosophy on art, pain, and transformation.
- Introduction to Performance Art and Marina's Work
- The Artist is Present: Sitting in Silence for Three Months
S6 EP6: Florence Pugh discusses intimacy coordinators, jumping off buildings and getting into character
Nov 11, 2025Summary Preview
Florence Pugh joins Louis Theroux for an intimate conversation about her career spanning indie films and Marvel blockbusters, the physical and emotional toll of method acting, boundaries in intimate scenes, dealing with public scrutiny of her relationships, and her journey through health challenges and personal growth. She candidly discusses everything from jumping off the second tallest building in the world for Thunderbolts to experiencing a breakdown after Midsommar.
- Straddling Indie and Marvel: The Best of Both Worlds
- The Authenticity of Performance: Never Giving 'Shit Stuff'
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Louis Theroux interviews David Byrne, founding member and lead singer of Talking Heads, about his new album, the band's origins in the mid-70s New York punk scene, his creative process, and his views on contemporary culture. Byrne discusses his practical approach to making art, his experiences with neurodivergence, the formation and eventual tensions within Talking Heads, and his perspective on American politics and cancel culture.
- New Album and Philosophy on Making Music
- Talking Heads Origins and the CBGB Era