Podcast · Society & Culture

The Louis Theroux Podcast

by Spotify Studios · English · Society & Culture

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.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 12 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 14 minNew

Jon Ronson discusses culture wars, the ‘superbug’ of shamelessness, and his encounters with ‘unravelling men’

Louis is joined in our brand-new studio by writer, documentarian and creative doppelganger Jon Ronson. Jon tells Louis all about delving into culture wars, how public shaming has created a ‘superbug’ of shamelessness, and the cast of ‘unravelling men’ in his new book, The Castle. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: The Castle, Jon Ronson (2026) https://jonronson.com/book/the-castle/ Book: Them, Jon Ronson (2001) https://jonronson.com/book/them/ TV Episode: Finding Frances, Nathan For You, Comedy Central (2017) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7277634/ TV Show:…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

8 Oct 2026 · 1 min
Guess who's back...
Double the episodes...double the fun. Join Louis weekly from the 14th October for more episodes of The Louis Theroux Podcast. Watch exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
S8 EP9: Mo Gilligan on being quoted by Drake, his surprising shopping addiction, and eating fried chicken for 28 days straight
In the final episode of the season, Louis speaks to comedian, presenter and documentarian Mo Gilligan. Mo tells Louis about how Drake became a fan of his comedy, his surprising shopping addiction, and his experience eating fried chicken for 28 days for his new documentary, Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, available to watch on Netflix from 5th August. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Documentary: Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy – Netflix (2026) https://www.netflix.com/title/81920949 Documentary: Mo Gilligan: Black, British and Funny – Channel 4 (2020)…
28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
S8 EP8: Gary Stevenson discusses his Mormon upbringing, sparring with Rory Stewart and why a wealth tax could save the economy
Louis is joined in the Spotify studio by author, YouTuber and inequality economist Gary Stevenson. Gary tells Louis about growing up in a Mormon family, his disagreement with Rory Stewart, and why he thinks a wealth tax could solve financial inequality. Please note this episode was recorded before Gary announced he was stepping back from his YouTube channel. Warnings: Strong language. Links/Attachments: Documentary: How to Get Filthy Rich with Gary Stevenson (2026) - Channel 4 https://www.channel4.com/programmes/how-to-get-filthy-rich-with-gary-stevenson Book: The Trading Game, Gary…
20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
S8 EP7: Olivia Wilde on the pitfalls of long-term love, her unusual family name, and the 'garbage disposal' of tabloid media
Today, Louis speaks to actor, director and renaissance woman Olivia Wilde. Following the release of her film The Invite, the pair discuss the secrets to a healthy relationship, her unusual family name, and her experience in the 'garbage disposal' of tabloid media. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Film: The Invite (2026) https://a24films.com/films/the-invite Film: I Want Your Sex (2026) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32332915/ Film: Booksmart (2019) https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81061054 Film: Don’t Worry Darling (2022) https://www.netflix.com/title/81592177…
13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
S8 EP6: Mike D discusses breaking rap into the mainstream, the infamous hydraulic penis, and disbanding the Beastie Boys
Louis sits down with Grammy award-winning rapper, producer and former Beastie Boy Mike D. Speaking ahead of the release of his first solo album, Thank You, Mike tells Louis about breaking rap into the mainstream, the mechanics behind the Beastie Boys’ 20 foot hydraulic penis, and breaking up the band after Adam Yauch’s death. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Song: Rapture, Blondie (1980) https://open.spotify.com/track/1hQr0D1ZXbGHFcWLhusijv Book: Everybody’s Fly, Fat Five Freddy with Mark Rozzo (2026)…
6 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
S8 EP5: Melanie C on Spiceworld, comparing muscles with Arnold Schwarzenegger and why she’ll always be a Spice Girl
In this episode, Louis speaks to singer, songwriter and Spice Girl Melanie C. Speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of Wannabe, Melanie and Louis discuss deleted Spiceworld scenes, showing off her guns to Arnold Schwarzenegger and why there’s no such thing as a ‘former’ Spice Girl. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Song: Wannabe, Spice Girls (1996) https://open.spotify.com/track/1Je1IMUlBXcx1Fz0WE7oPT Song: I’m So Excited, The Pointer Sisters (1984) https://open.spotify.com/track/3moCFGH9twneH0SHMNeeCt TV Show: Friends – NBC (1994-2004)…
29 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
S8 EP4: Cara Delevingne discusses getting sober, engagement rumours, and being Karl Lagerfeld's muse
Louis is joined in the Spotify studio by model, actress, musician and owner of the world’s best eyebrows, Cara Delevingne. Cara tells Louis about the moment she knew she had to get sober, engagement rumours, and being Karl Lagerfeld's muse. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Song: I Forgot, Cara Delevingne (2026) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/02zcxkBgtRdpHovTLgJRl1⁠ Song: Out of My Head, Cara Delevingne (2026) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/5ExQZsB1FkAemKYykuvDUv⁠ Film: Paper Towns (2015) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3622592/ Film: Suicide Squad (2016)…
22 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
S8 EP3: Andrew Callaghan on the ‘cancelverse’, lizard people, and whether he’s being sued by Melania Trump
In this episode, Louis speaks with gonzo journalist and fellow gangly documentarian Andrew Callaghan. The pair discuss Andrew’s life after cancellation, whether lizard people run the world, and his legal issues with Melania Trump. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Film: This Place Rules (2022) - HBO https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23950956/ Video: Flat Earth Conference (2020) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H110vCGvTmM Video: Minneapolis Protest (2021) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZPeD2miyF8 Film: Dear Kelly (2025)…
15 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
S8 EP2: Marco Pierre White discusses his rift with Gordon Ramsay, retiring from cooking, and having lunch with Margaret Thatcher
Louis is joined in the Spotify studio by celebrity chef and enfant terrible of the culinary world, Marco Pierre White. Marco tells Louis about his complicated history with Gordon Ramsay, the moment he walked away from his three Michelin stars, and dining out with Margaret and Dennis Thatcher. Warnings: Very strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Instagram Video: McMarco, Marco Pierre White (2026) ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUNvNxOjVnW/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet⁠ Art Film: Andy Warhol Eating a Hamburger, Jørgen Leth (1982)…
8 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
S8 EP1: Gary Lineker on England’s losing streak, leaving the BBC, and his frosty relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
For the first episode in the series, QPR fan Louis Theroux speaks with former England captain, broadcaster and fellow podcasting titan, Gary Lineker. Speaking ahead of the World Cup in North America, the pair discuss why England always lose, Gary’s split with the BBC, and why Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t speak to him anymore. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: TV Show: Tiger, (2021) ⁠https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/tiger/umc.cmc.1p5g95s1v5v0t7i8xjgc1f0wo⁠ TV Show: When Lineker Met Maradona, (2006) ⁠https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007cgb3⁠ TV Show: Match of the Day,…
1 Jun 2026 · 1 min
Louis's back with Season 8!
Bingo cards at the ready... Watch new episodes exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
S7 EP8: Yorgos Lanthimos discusses working with Emma Stone, suffering for his art, and directing a Bourne movie
In this special bonus episode, Louis sits down with Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed director of ‘Bugonia’, 'The Favourite’ and ‘Poor Things’. Yorgos tells Louis about working with Emma Stone, suffering for his art, and debating whether or not to direct a Bourne movie. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Bugonia (2025) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/bugonia/umc.cmc.405pbn0ajtqwj3ycjapyd0i9x?action=play Dogtooth (2009) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1379182/ Pulp Fiction (1994) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH18ZHdrktM Blue Velvet (1986)…
13 Apr 2026 · 55 min
S7 EP7: Simone Ashley on kissing scenes with Jonathan Bailey, getting kicked out of drama school, and Bridgerton criticism
In this episode, Louis speaks with Bridgerton star Simone Ashley. Simone tells Louis about filming kissing scenes with Jonathan Bailey, getting kicked out of drama school, and how she responds to criticism about the show. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33612209/ TV Show: ‘The Bear’ (2022-2026) - Hulu https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-bear/umc.cmc.javg04xbn3eonbgfvnaqmodk Kill Bill: Vol.1 (2003) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266697/ The Sound of Music (1965) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/ Guys…
6 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
S7 EP6: Patrick Radden Keefe on the opioid crisis, criminal career longevity and why access is overrated
Joining Louis in the studio today is award-winning writer and investigative journalist, Patrick Radden Keefe. Patrick tells Louis about his investigation into the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis, how professional criminals keep career longevity, and why he thinks access is overrated. Plus he discusses his latest book, London Falling. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth, Patrick Radden Keefe (2026)…
30 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
S7 EP5: Laufey discusses viral fame, partying with Bill Murray and the benefits of boredom
Louis sits down with Laufey, Grammy-award winning Icelandic singer and songwriter. Laufey tells Louis about her stratospheric rise to fame on TikTok, partying with Bill Murray, and why everyone can benefit from being a bit bored. Brace yourself for major music geekery. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Album: A Matter of Time, Laufey (2025) https://open.spotify.com/album/5rMOCuiWWbEBcHaKM69Hmv Whiplash (2014) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582802/ “The Great American Songbook” https://thesongbook.org/about/what-is-the-songbook/ Singing in the Rain (1952)…
24 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 35 min
S7 EP4: Stewart Lee on "Netflix comedians”, disastrous gigs, and Elon Musk
In this episode, Louis speaks to comedian, writer and 41st best stand-up ever, Stewart Lee. Stewart tells Louis about taking aim at “Netflix comedians” in his new show, Stewart Lee vs. The Man-Wulf, what went wrong at a disastrous gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and what Elon Musk doesn't understand about comedy. Warnings: Very strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Live Show: Stewart Lee vs. The Man-Wulf, Stewart Lee (2024 – 2026) ⁠https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/live-dates/ Easy Rider (1969) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064276/ Song: ‘Jiggle Jiggle’, Louis Theroux with Duke &…
17 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
S7 EP3: Lulu discusses alcoholism, marrying a Bee Gee, and David Bowie’s thighs
Louis is joined in the Spotify studio by Scottish singer, actor and TV personality Lulu. The pair discuss her struggles with alcoholism, being married to a Bee Gee, and her intimate knowledge of David Bowie’s thighs. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Song: ‘Shout’, the Isley Brothers (1959) https://open.spotify.com/track/72VH13PSrYh963lzB5NzG4 To Sir, With Love (1967) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062376/ Book: Lulu: I Don’t Want To Fight, Lulu (2020) https://www.waterstones.com/book/lulu-i-dont-want-to-fight/lulu/9780751546255 Book: If Only You Knew, Lulu (2025)…
10 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
S7 EP2: Kyle MacLachlan on his relationship with David Lynch, Showgirls, and viral stardom
In this episode, Louis speaks with Kyle MacLachlan, muse of iconic director David Lynch and internet “babygirl”. Kyle tells Louis about working with Lynch on Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, why he will never watch Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls, and going viral on TikTok. Watch Season 2 of Fallout on Prime Video now. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: TV Show: ‘Fallout’ (2024 - Now) - Prime Video http://amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FLT3NNDQ/ref=atv_dp_season_select_s2 TV Show: Twin Peaks (1990) - ABC https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/twin_peaks/ Blue Velvet (1986)…
3 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
S7 EP1: Boris Becker on encountering Diddy, mind-games with Nadal and his spell in prison
Bingo cards at the ready... for the first episode of the series, Louis’s on the road again - this time in sunny Milan to sit down with tennis champion, coach, and commentator, Boris Becker. The pair discuss Boris encountering Diddy in Miami, playing mind-games with Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon locker room, and his spell in Wandsworth prison. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: Boris Becker Inside, Boris Becker (2025) https://www.waterstones.com/book/inside/boris-becker/9780008782924 Book: The Player, Boris Becker (2004)…
24 Feb 2026 · 1 min
Louis returns for Season 7!
People of Radioland...Louis's back with a brand new series of his podcast, 'The Louis Theroux Podcast'. Watch exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
S6 EP8: Jimmy Carr discusses the secret to his comedy, being a late bloomer, and controversial stand-up gigs
For this Christmas bonus episode, Louis sits down with writer, comedian, and panel-show super-host, Jimmy Carr. Jimmy discusses what lies behind his unique brand of ‘edgy' comedy, why he remained a virgin until the age of 26 and performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival despite public criticism. Jimmy’s film, ‘Fackham Hall’, is out in cinemas now. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: Before & Laughter, Jimmy Carr (2021) https://www.jimmycarr.com/product/book-laughter/ Fackham Hall (2025) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29008225/ Jimmy Carr Tour…
18 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
S6 EP7: Marina Abramovic on the relationship between performance and pain, never feeling loved in her childhood, and harmful conspiracies
For the final episode of this series, Louis travels to Manchester to sit down with Marina Abramovic, the self-proclaimed “grandmother of performance art”. Marina tells Louis the stories behind some of her most famous artworks, as well as the relationship between performance and pain, never feeling loved in her childhood, and being caught in the middle of an online conspiracy. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Balkan Erotic Epic, Marina Abramovic (2025)…
11 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
S6 EP6: Florence Pugh discusses intimacy coordinators, jumping off buildings and getting into character
In this episode, Louis speaks to British actress Florence Pugh. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Florence talks about “abusing” herself to get into character, whether intimacy coordinators are necessary on film sets, and jumping off a building from nearly 3000 feet. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: Midsommar (2019) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/midsommar/umc.cmc.3btmmnmdi8cci3gb2qupxli8o?action=play Hereditary (2018)…
4 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
S6 EP5: David Byrne on clashes in Talking Heads, neurodivergence, and culture wars
Louis sits down with David Byrne, the musician, author and iconic frontman of Talking Heads. David tells Louis about personality clashes within the band, how his neurodivergence plays a role in his music, and being at the centre of a culture-war storm. Plus, they discuss whether Donald Trump stole his ‘big suit’. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: Bicycle Diaries, David Byrne (2009) https://www.waterstones.com/book/bicycle-diaries/david-byrne/9780571371266 Album: Who Is The Sky, David Byrne (2025) https://open.spotify.com/album/5xDqZQlSx2gRrAyAgHQ8AB Song:…
28 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
S6 EP4: Malala Yousafzai discusses misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban's ‘gender apartheid’, and her views on marriage
In this episode, Louis speaks with Nobel laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, the pair discuss misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban’s 'gender apartheid', and her views on the institution of marriage. Plus, Malala shares a traumatic drug experience at university that changed her outlook on life. Warnings: adult themes and some discussion points which could be upsetting. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: Book: Finding…
24 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
S6 EP3: Bob Vylan on his controversial Glastonbury performance
Louis is joined by Bobby Vylan, one half of the controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan. In his first public interview since his contentious performance at Glastonbury - where he led a chant of ‘death to the IDF’ - Bobby discusses why he did it, the subsequent backlash and whether he still stands by the chant. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources X Post: Visa Revoke by Deputy Secretary of State…
13 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
S6 EP2: Michael Palin discusses Monty Python dynamics, famous fans, and ‘Life of Brian’ controversies
In this week’s episode, Louis speaks with the legendary comedian, writer and adventurer Michael Palin. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Michael details the fiery group dynamics within Monty Python, having Johnny Cash and George Harrison as famous fans, and the controversies surrounding Life Of Brian. Plus, Michael and Louis discuss whether being ’nice’ is a help or a hindrance. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: TV Show: ‘Michael Palin in Venezuela’ (2025) - Channel 5 https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela TV Show Episode: Whicker’s World from ‘Monty…
6 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
S6 EP1: Steve Coogan on falling out of love with Alan Partridge, playing Jimmy Savile, and sobriety
Louis sits down with writer, actor and comedian Steve Coogan in the first episode of the new series. Steve discusses falling in and out of love with Alan Partridge, literally wearing Jimmy Savile’s shoes in ‘The Reckoning’, and being sober after his ‘delayed adolescence’. Warning: 1970s mother-in-law jokes are included. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: TV Show: ‘On the Hour’ (1991 – 1992) - BBC Radio 4…
29 Sep 2025 · 1 min
Season 6 incoming...
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

About The Louis Theroux Podcast

The Louis Theroux Podcast is a English society & culture podcast from Spotify Studios. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Spotify Studios
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 12 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1725833532

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