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
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Mo Gilligan joins Louis Theroux to discuss his journey from retail worker to BAFTA-winning comedian, the evolution of Black British comedy, his viral social media success including 'Couple of Cans,' and his new Netflix documentary about fast food. They explore themes of representation, the pressure of being a Black comedian in mainstream media, and Mo's experience eating fried chicken for 28 days straight.
- From Social Media Virality to Mainstream Success
- The Black British Comedy Circuit and Representation
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S8 EP7: Olivia Wilde on the pitfalls of long-term love, her unusual family name, and upsetting Jordan Peterson
Jul 20, 2026Summary Preview
Louis Theroux sits down with director and actor Olivia Wilde to discuss her new film 'The Invite,' a comedy about mature relationships, intimacy, and marriage. The conversation ranges from the viral backlash around 'Don't Worry Darling' to masculinity politics, creative collaboration, and Wilde's literary family background. They explore themes of sexual dynamics in long-term relationships, the importance of maintaining desire, and what it takes to keep love alive. Wilde shares behind-the-scenes insights about working with Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz, and reflects on her theatrical past and the Oscar Wilde namesake.
- The Invite: Marriage, Sex, and Mature Relationships
- Don't Worry Darling: Navigating the Media Tornado
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In this wide-ranging conversation, Mike D of Beastie Boys reflects on the group's groundbreaking journey from punk rock to hip-hop pioneers, their complicated relationship with fame and personas, and his return to music with his first solo album 'Thank You.' He discusses the formative New York culture that shaped Beastie Boys, the tabloid backlash they faced, their creative evolution beyond Licensed to Ill, and how Adam Yauch's death transformed both his identity and relationship with music. Throughout, Mike reveals both the joy and isolation of their unique path as white artists in hip-hop, while grappling with legacy, authenticity, and finding his voice again as a solo artist.
- New York Origins and Hip-Hop Discovery
- The Mullet, Grand Royal, and Cultural Observation
S8 EP5: Melanie C on Spiceworld, comparing muscles with Arnold Schwarzenegger and why she’ll always be a Spice Girl
Jul 06, 2026Summary Preview
Louis Theroux interviews Melanie Chisholm (Mel C/Sporty Spice) about her journey from Spice Girls phenomenon to solo artist and DJ. They discuss the band's meteoric rise to fame with 'Wannabe' in 1996, the intense pressures of global stardom, internal band dynamics, management conflicts, media scrutiny, and Mel C's personal struggles with eating disorders and depression. The conversation covers the band's legacy, phone hacking revelations, relationships with tabloids, and her recent evolution into house music with her album 'Sweat.'
- The Spice Girls Origin Story and Wannabe's Impact
- Living Together and Early Band Dynamics
S8 EP4: Cara Delevingne discusses getting sober, engagement rumours, and being Karl Largerfeld's muse
Jun 29, 2026Summary Preview
Model and actress Cara Delevingne joins Louis Theroux to discuss her journey from fashion icon to musician, covering her meteoric rise in modeling, struggles with substance abuse, path to sobriety, and her new music career. The conversation delves into the pressures of the fashion industry, her relationship with Karl Lagerfeld, experiences with mental health, sexuality, and the creative process behind her debut album which chronicles her recovery journey.
- From Accidental Model to Fashion Icon
- The Reality Behind Fashion's Glamorous Facade
S8 EP3: Andrew Callaghan on the ‘cancelverse’, lizard people, and whether he’s being sued by Melania Trump
Jun 22, 2026Summary Preview
Louis Theroux sits down with gonzo journalist and YouTube creator Andrew Callaghan to discuss his evolution from satirical content creator to serious documentarian. The conversation covers Andrew's Channel 5 journey, his controversial HBO film 'This Place Rules,' the 2023 sexual misconduct allegations against him, and his perspective on conspiracy culture, the manosphere, and the fractured American media landscape. They explore the blurred lines between entertainment and journalism, the weaponization of content for political purposes, and what it means to document extreme subcultures in the digital age.
- The Evolution from Satire to Serious Journalism
- The Flat Earth Conference and Early Content
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Louis Theroux interviews Marco Pierre White, the legendary chef who became the youngest person ever to win three Michelin stars at age 33. They discuss Marco's journey from a Leeds council estate to transforming British fine dining, his volatile reputation, relationships with protégés like Gordon Ramsay, and his decision to retire from the kitchen and relinquish his Michelin stars in 1999. The conversation explores themes of obsession, loss, mentorship, and the personal cost of culinary excellence.
- Early Life and Finding His Calling
- The Brutal Kitchen Culture and Learning Under Pressure
S8 EP1: Gary Lineker on England’s losing streak, leaving the BBC, and his frosty relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Jun 08, 2026Summary Preview
Gary Lineker, England footballing legend, pundit, and podcasting mogul, sits down for an in-depth conversation covering his career highlights, personal life, and controversial departure from the BBC. The discussion ranges from his golden boot-winning performance at the 1986 World Cup to his views on modern football, his philosophy on parenting young athletes, and the media storms that have surrounded his social media activity. Lineker opens up about his son George's childhood leukemia battle, his own evolution from emotionally cold footballer to empathetic broadcaster, and his contentment with bachelorhood.
- World Cup Preview and Tournament Reflections
- The Secret to Scoring Goals
Louis's back with Season 8!
Jun 01, 2026Summary Preview
This appears to be a brief promotional announcement for the Louis Theroux Podcast's eighth series, featuring upcoming guests including Gary Lineker, Melanie C, Marco Pierre White, and Andrew Callaghan. The episode is primarily a promotional teaser rather than a full podcast episode with substantive content.
- Podcast Season Eight Announcement
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