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 Python’s Flying Circus’ (1972) - BBC  https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela     TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days’ (1989) - BBC   https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b008n8yy/around-the-world-in-80-days-with-michael-palin     The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147/     Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)  https://www.itv.com/watch/monty-pythons-life-of-brian/10a5145a0001B/10a5145a0001     TV Show: ‘Ripping Yarns’ (1976 -1979) - BBC   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075568/     TV Special: ‘Beyond the Fringe’ (1964) - BBC   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138957/     TV Show: ‘Q5’ (1969 –1980) - BBC  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063944/     Terry Gilliam’s animations:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mB_UymAIc     Fish slapping dance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XeDvKqI4E    TV Show Episode: ‘Whither Canada?’ (1969)   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758095/     TV Show Episode: ‘The All-England Summarise Proust Competition’ (1972)  https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-all-england-summarize-proust-competition-edit/umc.cmc.2wheg7yvkb0w3w55freoic0j2?action=play     Album: Monty Python’s Previous Record https://open.spotify.com/album/1GkvGswqHgUyMb5kIlGU2R     Sketch: Argument  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ    Sketch: Dead/Resting Parrot  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZw35VUBdzo     TV Show: ‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975-1979) - BBC   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072500/     Sketch: The Ministry of Silly Walks  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV2ViNJFZC8    Book: North Korea Journal, Michael Palin (2019)   https://www.themichaelpalin.com/north-korea-journal/      TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime’ (2020) - BBC   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1SddawMoz8    Life of Brian Debate with Malcolm Muggeridge (1979) - BBC   https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cyxe9180z84o     A Fish Called Wanda (1988)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/     Short Story: In The Penal Colony, Franz Kafka (1919)  https://www.kafka-online.info/in-the-penal-colony.html     Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill  Production Manager: Francesca Bassett   Music: Miguel D’Oliveira   Audio Mixer: Tom Guest  Video Mixer: Scott Edwards   Shownotes compiled by Elly Young  Executive Producer: Arron Fellows       A Mindhouse Production for Spotify   www.mindhouse.co.uk     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008pcbq     TV Show: ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ (1994 - 1995) - BBC   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108828/     TV Show: ‘I’m Alan Partridge' (1997 – 2002) - BBC   https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129690/     TV Show: ‘Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters’ (2010 – 2016)  https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/episode-1/umc.cmc.6t24k6qmgn78pjfz5iueck40u?showId=umc.cmc.9x6rfy298smgramzarjelucq&action=playSmartEpisode     Philomena (2013)  https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/philomena/umc.cmc.65o05voqje46icxfetp55hwcb?action=play     TV Show: ‘The Reckoning’ (2023) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0g4swnr/the-reckoning   TV Show: ‘How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)’ (upcoming show) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hcbk     Book: Easily Distracted, Steve Coogan (2015)  https://www.waterstones.com/book/easily-distracted/steve-coogan/9780099585930     TV show: ‘The Thick of It’ (2005 – 2012) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006qgrd/the-thick-of-it     TV Show: ‘Veep’ (2012 – 2019) - HBO  https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/fundraiser/umc.cmc.ytcqma5k9ovyykhsnnm9asnk?showId=umc.cmc.5ir3dmyl42miy9h2gxvz551ql&action=playSmartEpisode     TV Show: ‘Blankety Blank’ (1979 – 1990) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0010b7c/blankety-blank   Les Dawson playing piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nNGlaiVypU    TV Show: ‘Spitting Image’ (1984 – 1996)  - ITV  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086807/     TV Show: ‘Blackadder’ (1983 - 1989) - ITV   https://www.itv.com/watch/blackadder/2a7295     TV Show: ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ (1979 – 1982) - BBC    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080253/     TV Show: ‘The Trip’ (2010 - 2020) - BBC   https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b04v5fy3/the-trip     TV Show: ‘When Louis met...’ [Jimmy Savile Episode] (2000 – 2002) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g3zjn9/when-louis-met-series-1-jimmy-savile     Louis Theroux: Savile (2016) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07yc9zh     Jimmy Savile & Steve Coogan 1989 clip:   https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/steve-coogan-jimmy-savile-impression-201622-20231021     Book: In Plain Sight: The Life and Lies of Jimmy Savile, Dan Davies (2015) https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/in-plain-sight-book-dan-davies-9781782067467     TV Show: Des (2020) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/des/2a7844     TV Show: ‘Appropriate Adult’ (2011) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/appropriate-adult/1a6304     TV Show: ‘Foyle’s War’ (2002 – 2015)  https://www.itv.com/watch/foyles-war/25410     A Beautiful Mind (2002)  https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/a-beautiful-mind/umc.cmc.2iqk0c0jh9ocfk2jtv2yda0k1?action=play Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri  Production Manager: Francesca Bassett   Music: Miguel D’Oliveira   Audio Mixer: Tom Guest  Video Mixer: Scott Edwards   Shownotes compiled by Elly Young  Executive Producer: Arron Fellows       A Mindhouse Production for Spotify   www.mindhouse.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

In this very special bonus episode, Louis is joined by actor and writer Michael Cera. Michael tells Louis about his foul-mouthed run-in with Tom Cruise, nearly missing out on his role as Allan in Barbie, and the reason he never graduated from high school. Plus, Louis reveals which Superbad character he most aligns with…     Warnings: Strong language    Links/Attachments:    Film: The Phoenician Scheme (2025) - dir. Wes Anderson  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEuMnPl2WI4    TV Show: Arrested Development (2004-2019) - Fox/Netflix  https://www.netflix.com/title/70140358    TV Show: The Office (2001-2003) - BBC   https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00jd68z/the-office    TV Show: The Grubbs (2002) - Fox  https://youtu.be/knwPbzLWCNQ?si=9d10SEXncfPkrdaK    Film: Superbad (2007)  https://www.netflix.com/title/70058023    Advert: ‘Pillsbury Doughboy Commercial’   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDEYPbfWY6I    Film: Year One (2009)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H_Eepvg3aU    Film: Ghostbusters (1984)  https://www.netflix.com/title/541018    Film: A Minecraft Movie (2025)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJO_vIDZn-I    Film: Anora (2024)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HxTmV5i7c    Film: Funny Games (1997) - dir. Michael Haneke  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec-70W_K77U   Film: Benny’s Video (1992) - dir. Michael Haneke  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18X_kyHW3G0    Film: White Ribbon (2009) - dir. Michael Haneke  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JOXs8KEiDY    Film: The Castle (1997) - dir. Michael Haneke  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8hsui0    Film: Right Now, Wrong Then (2015) - dir. Hong Sang-soo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOE-Zznq_S4    Film: Yourself and Yours (2016) - dir. Hong Sang-soo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48F7SkR8yew    Film: Claire’s Camera (2017) - dir. Hong Sang-soo   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-C5L0TupE    Short Story: ‘My Man Jeremy’ - Michael Cera  https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/my-man-jeremy    Short Story: ‘Pinecone’ - Michael Cera   https://store.mcsweeneys.net/products/mcsweeneys-issue-30    Book: True Grit – Charles Portis     Book: Masters of Atlantis – Charles Portis     Book: Dog of the South – Charles Portis     TV Show: Scenes from a Marriage (2021) - HBO    Film: Fanny and Alexander (1982)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euGIHjc6C_Q    Film: Barbie (2023)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBk4NYhWNMM    TV Show: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace (2004) - Channel 4  https://www.channel4.com/programmes/garth-marenghis-darkplace    Film: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) - dir. Edgar Wright   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wd5KEaOtm4    Film: This Is The End (2013)   https://www.netflix.com/title/70264796    Documentary: Louis Theroux: Miami Mega Jail (2011) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011k0xx    Film: Rushmore (1998) - dir. Wes Anderson  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZVdXXG3KN8    Film: A Clockwork Orange (1971) - dir. Stanley Kubrick   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54uZPI4Z8A&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD    TV Show: Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995-1998) - HBO  https://www.hbo.com/mr-show-with-bob-and-david    Film: Bottle Rocket (1996) - dir. Wes Anderson   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJPQ-NnjZR0    Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri  Production Manager: Francesca Bassett   Music: Miguel D’Oliveira   Audio Mixer: Tom Guest  Video Mixer: Scott Edwards   Executive Producer: Arron Fellows       A Mindhouse Production for Spotify   www.mindhouse.co.uk     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Louis sits down with Danny Dyer, the Bafta-winning actor and all-round national treasure. The pair discuss Danny’s experience battling addiction while performing on stage, their shared fascination with UFOs, and whether Danny would ever do Shakespeare. Plus, Danny reveals what he really thinks about being described as ‘the people’s Louis Theroux’.   Links/Attachments:    Via – UK Drug and Alcohol Addiction Charity  https://www.viaorg.uk/     TV Show: ‘Who Do You Think You Are? (2007 – Present) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007t575     Book: Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel (2009)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wolf-Hall-Shortlisted-Golden-Booker/dp/0007230206      TV Show: ‘Wolf Hall’ (2015) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p02gfy74/wolf-hall-series-1-1-three-card-trick   Loving (1995)  https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/loving/umc.cmc.46n84c1skr7ogikets6qczv2v     Play: Hamlet, William Shakespeare (~1600)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hamlet-William-Shakespeare/dp/1853260096     Human Traffic (1999)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAPK6ZYq_p0      The Football Factory (2004)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzuEkF1oLVE    Goodbye Charlie Bright (2001)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217824/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1    The Business (2001)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVZX9I6y97k     Book: The Football Factory, John King (1997)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Football-Factory-John-King/dp/0099731916     Article in shortlist 2017: https://www.shortlist.com/news/danny-dyers-deadliest-men-louis-theroux-documentary-tv    TV Show: ‘Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men’ (2008-2009) - Bravo  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2288499/     TV Show: ‘Big Brother’ (2000 – Present) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/big-brother/10a4928     ‘What a touch! Danny Dyer wins Male Performance in a Comedy for Mr Bigstuff | BAFTA TV Awards’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XQLYDZeYVg     TV Show: ‘Mr Bigstuff’ (2024) - Sky Max  https://www.sky.com/watch/mr-bigstuff     TV Show: ‘Plebs’ (2012 – 2019) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/plebs/2a1873     TV Show: ‘Rivals’ (2024) - Disney Plus  https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-97399b9f-964e-444c-91f3-7db9f11efe5d     I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer (2010)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7008276/     TV Episode: ‘Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends: UFOs’ (1998)  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00hf8tg     TV Show: ‘Prime Suspect’ (1991 – 2006) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/prime-suspect/1a1685     TV Show: ‘Cracker’ (1993 – 1996) - ITV  https://www.itv.com/watch/cracker/1a1918     Three Quick Breaths (upcoming film)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35566934/    TV Show: ‘Eastenders’ (1985 – Present) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006m86d/eastenders     Podcast: ‘Desert Island Discs: Danny Dyer’ - BBC Sounds  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002c2hw   Play: Celebration, Harold Pinter (2000)  http://www.haroldpinter.org/plays/plays_celebration.shtml     Play: The Dumb Waiter, Harold Pinter (1957)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dumb-Waiter-Play-Acting-One/dp/0573042101     Play: The Caretaker, Harold Pinter (1960)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caretaker-Play-Harold-Pinter/dp/0573040028     Play: The Birthday Party, Harold Pinter (1958)   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Birthday-Party-Pinter-Plays/dp/0571160786     Play: The Room, Harold Pinter (1957)  https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/room-book-harold-pinter-9780573022364       Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Artemis Irvine  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

In this episode, Louis speaks to pop megastar Ed Sheeran. Joining Louis in the studio, Ed describes squeezing Stormzy into his Mini, a surprising breakfast with Van Morrison, and how to be normal when you’re one of the most famous people in the world.   Warning: Strong language, as well as some adult themes.    Links/Attachments:  Album: ‘Play’, Ed Sheeran (2025)  https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/096l4VGKXhhUHyjD8gh1tf     Album: ‘Autumn Variations’, Ed Sheeran (2023)  https://open.spotify.com/album/5LXOgcszGvUkYzYL4v6wYg      Album: ‘Subtract’, Ed Sheeran (2023)  https://open.spotify.com/album/2WFFcvzM0CgLaSq4MSkyZk     SBTV – Online Platform  https://sbtv.co.uk/home/     Album: ‘Astral Weeks’, Van Morrison (1968)  https://open.spotify.com/album/4pG3bKkbmReDt5QTDn3JDz     Album: ‘Moondance’, Van Morrison (1970)  https://open.spotify.com/album/5PfnCqRbdfIDMb1x3MPQam    Album: ‘Irish Heartbeat’, Van Morrison & The Chieftains (1988)  https://open.spotify.com/album/0qTjwpf7Oqh8MGtK3aflgO     Album: ‘Van Morrison at the Movies’, Van Morrison (2007)  https://www.vanmorrison.com/music/van-morrison-at-the-movies-soundtrack-hits     Album: ‘Veedon Fleece’, Van Morrison (1974)  https://open.spotify.com/album/1zvI5Kkxus94lhz0RvZWBf     Album: ‘Saint Dominic’s Preview’, Van Morrison (1972)  https://open.spotify.com/album/0i3c1sR3poI6S2VIH2VP7Q     Song: ‘All Along the Watchtower’, Bob Dylan (1967)  https://open.spotify.com/track/0Fnb2pfBfu0ka33d6Yki17     A Complete Unknown (2024)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdV-Cs5o8mc  Song: ‘F64’, Ed Sheeran (2023)  https://open.spotify.com/track/5DFi6D7SrYHRIgZbY5MqqE     Song: ‘Jiggle Jiggle’, Louis Theroux and Duke & Jones (2022)  https://open.spotify.com/artist/016Rz5DsXUPPxosNTZLYcv    Song: ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’, Ed Sheeran (2011)  https://open.spotify.com/track/5KL4iZkCTZyXl7KnHgfVDj     Song: 'They Won't Go When I Go', Stevie Wonder (1974)  https://open.spotify.com/track/1lIOMibFPfFYlJnjQaZluo     Song: ‘Bootylicious’, Destiny’s Child (2001)  https://open.spotify.com/track/09mkdGhqb5ySKVsnkx9hy2    Song: ‘Superstition’, Stevie Wonder (1972)  https://open.spotify.com/track/4N0TP4Rmj6QQezWV88ARNJ    Album: ‘Mule Variations’, Tom Waits (1999)  https://open.spotify.com/album/7cAcex6xw4fP67ltgn1gm3     Song: ‘JCB’, Nizlopi (2005)  https://open.spotify.com/track/6CWCgRZ0Hxa2dnrCCvq5bA     Album: ‘Nebraska’, Bruce Springsteen (1982)  https://open.spotify.com/album/6yskFQZNlLYhkchAxELHi6     Song: ‘Born in the U.S.A.’, Bruce Springsteen (1984)  https://open.spotify.com/track/0dOg1ySSI7NkpAe89Zo0b9   Song: ‘Atlantic City’, Bruce Springsteen (1982)  https://open.spotify.com/track/1Vp8U39YNsDfd6yVuaUq12     Song: ‘Azizam’, Ed Sheeran (2025)  https://open.spotify.com/track/0GRc3eGTg8HBdWLRGYgqIc     Song: ‘Shape of You’, Ed Sheeran (2017)  https://open.spotify.com/track/7qiZfU4dY1lWllzX7mPBI3     Song: ‘Baby Shark’, Pinkfong (2017)  https://open.spotify.com/track/5ygDXis42ncn6kYG14lEVG     Moana (2016)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI     Song: ‘Thinking Out Loud’, Ed Sheeran (2014)  https://open.spotify.com/track/34gCuhDGsG4bRPIf9bb02f     Song: ‘Let’s Get It On’, Marvin Gaye (1973)  https://open.spotify.com/track/627teoJpK7qZOxRRY8TNnv     TV Show: ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ (2023) - Disney+  https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-76b2ccc7-d7d8-434c-b750-f97746bce411     The Lego Movie (2013)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ_JOBCLF-I       Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Artemis Irvine  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

Louis is joined in the studio by Mercury Prize-winning rapper and actress, Little Simz. The pair discuss the inspiration behind her new album Lotus, growing up with adopted siblings and working with Drake on Top Boy. Prepare for awkward pauses and an unlikely rap collaboration.  Warnings: Strong language, as well as some adult themes.   Links/Attachments:    Album: 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, Little Simz (2021)  https://open.spotify.com/album/0DBoWQ52XUHtrZQdfAqOVj     Song: ‘Venom’, Little Simz (2019)  https://open.spotify.com/album/3h7qY0r0PNgNUS838NqgGv    Song: ‘WE PRAY', Coldplay, Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna & TINI (2024)  https://open.spotify.com/track/7xrEnNo99wrmIs8ZK3RZMK     TV Show: ‘Top Boy’ (2011- 2023) - Channel 4 / Netflix   https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80217669     Album: ‘Lotus’, Little Simz (2025)  https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/4HGLG9dQard8ZMoxNlwBhl     Album: ‘NO THANK YOU’, Little Simz (2022)  https://open.spotify.com/album/57263zG8Md6XZ9lBUPPYCm     EP: ‘Drop 7’, Little Simz (2024)  https://open.spotify.com/album/2jK2rbbnrzsId5WWSc67HP     ‘Little Simz dropping bars at 11 years old on 1Xtra’ - BBC Radio 1 Xtra  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr_9p2yNfBQ    Song: ‘Gorilla’, Little Simz (2022)  https://open.spotify.com/track/0pJO1tc1GpnxFyQp6Zp82r     Song: ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’, Missy Elliott (1997)  https://open.spotify.com/track/2WRzpLD8qDRrxMXc63E5WJ    Music Video: ‘The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)’, Missy Elliott (2009)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcyJPTTn9w    Song: 'Work It’, Missy Elliott (2002)  https://open.spotify.com/track/3jagJCUbdqhDSPuxP8cAqF     Song: ‘Thief’, Little Simz (2025)  https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/4HGLG9dQard8ZMoxNlwBhl     Song: ‘Hollow’, Little Simz (2025)  https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/4HGLG9dQard8ZMoxNlwBhl    Song: ‘Not Like Us’, Kendrick Lamar (2024)  https://open.spotify.com/track/6AI3ezQ4o3HUoP6Dhudph3     Song: 'I Love You, I Hate You’, Little Simz (2021)  https://open.spotify.com/track/6XQPPbvRXZvWSUDag8jyEj     Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill  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

Louis speaks to John Wilson, fellow documentarian and creator of the cult-favourite series, How To...with John Wilson. The pair swap stories about their respective work, including discussing John’s collaborations with writer and producer Nathan Fielder, how joining an acapella group exposed him to the NXIVM sex-cult, and their shared disdain for mockumentaries. Plus, John turns the tables on Louis…   Warnings: Strong language and some adult themes.  Links/Attachments:  TV Show: ‘How To with John Wilson’ (2020-2023) - HBO  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0cltlm3/how-to-with-john-wilson     TV Show: ‘Louis Theroux: Gambling in Las Vegas’ (2007) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b007957z/louis-theroux-gambling-in-las-vegas    TV Show: ‘Louis Theroux’s LA Stories’ (2014) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b03zjc67/louis-therouxs-la-stories     Pitch Perfect (2012)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mbsapmW0bg     Song: ‘Roxanne’, The Police (1978)  https://open.spotify.com/track/3EYOJ48Et32uATr9ZmLnAo   'El Tango de Roxanne/Roxanne Medley' - Simply Human https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAwbG5tq6yY    TV Show: ‘Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult’ (2020) - Starz  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch_4jn_m6-g    TV Show: ‘The Vow’ (2020) - HBO  https://www.hbo.com/the-vow-2020     TV Show: ‘Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends’ (1998-2000) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p02q5prq/louis-therouxs-weird-weekends-series-1-1-christianity?seriesId=unsliced     The Amazing Johnathan (2019)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9358084/     TV Show: ‘When Louis Met...Jimmy Savile’ (2000) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g3zjn9/when-louis-met-series-1-jimmy-savile     TV Show: ‘Louis Theroux: America’s Most Dangerous Pets’ (2011) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b016yklh/louis-theroux-americas-most-dangerous-pets     TV Show: ‘Nathan For You’ (2013-2017) - Comedy Central  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2297757/     TV Show: ‘The Rehearsal’ (2022 – Present) - HBO  https://www.hbo.com/the-rehearsal     Book: The Journalist and the Murderer, Janet Malcolm (1989)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journalist-Murderer-Janet-Malcolm/dp/1847085342     Book: The Silent Woman: Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, Janet Malcolm (1994)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Woman-J-Malcolm/dp/0679751408    Book: Psychoanalysis: The Impossible Profession, Janet Malcolm (1977)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychoanalysis-Impossible-Profession-Janet-Malcolm/dp/0394710347    Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill 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

In this episode, Louis is joined by tech entrepreneur turned longevity evangelist, Bryan Johnson. Dialling in from his home in Los Angeles, Bryan tells Louis all about his quest to live forever, from the psychedelic experience that changed his life, to the role of superintelligence in the future. Plus, Louis learns the importance of night-time erections.    Warnings: Strong language and some adult themes.   Links/Attachments:    Mind – UK Mental Health Charity  https://www.mind.org.uk/     Suicide Prevention UK  https://spuk.org.uk/     Book: The Ghost in the Machine, Arthur Koestler (originally published in 1967)  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Machine-Arthur-Koestler/dp/1939438349     ‘How to be 18 years old again for Only $2 million a year’ - Bloomberg (2023)  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-01-25/anti-aging-techniques-taken-to-extreme-by-bryan-johnson?embedded-checkout=true    TV Show: ‘Silicon Valley’ (2014-2019) - HBO   https://www.hbo.com/silicon-valley     ‘Harvard study, almost 80 years old, has proved that embracing community helps up live longer and be happier’ - The Harvard Gazette (2017)  https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/     Credits:  Producer: Millie Chu   Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri  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

Louis travels to Los Angeles to sit down with Hollywood heavyweight and international adventurer, Sean Penn. Renowned for award-winning roles in films like Milk, I Am Sam and Carlito’s Way, Sean discusses his colourful life and career, including dining with Jack Nicholson and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, his relationship with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his notorious run-ins with the paparazzi. Warnings: Strong language.   Links/Attachments:    Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzva_I8WPAg     Mystic River (2003)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7NktJhrRYQ     Milk (2008)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5D07rmfwG0     Dead Man Walking (1995)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgvbfLNYumU     Carlito’s Way (1993)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZMd4Baswb4    The Apprentice (2024)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_OeYJXXlw0     Superpower (2023)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X54GUzUUM3w     One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXrcDonY-B8     TV Show: ‘Euphoria’ (2019 – Present) - HBO  https://www.hbo.com/euphoria     Long Day’s Journey into Night (1962)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056196/     TV Show: ‘Normal People’ (2020) - BBC / Hulu  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1JQuWxt3cE    Shanghai Surprise (1986)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbW06buYw0Y     Song: ‘Like a Virgin’, Madonna (1984)  https://open.spotify.com/track/1ZPlNanZsJSPK5h9YZZFbZ     Becoming Madonna (2024) - Sky Documentaries   https://www.sky.com/watch/programme/4f309d01-57b4-42b1-92ca-82eef6ec747e     A Complete Unknown (2024)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdV-Cs5o8mc     Audiobook: ‘Chronicles, Volume I’, Bob Dylan (narrated by Sean Penn) (2004)  https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Chronicles-Volume-1-(Audio)/Bob-Dylan/9780743501613     TV Show: ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019) - HBO  https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones     Sweet and Lowdown (1999)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3fokY0kP0     Daddio (2024)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJrr2amlFyc  One Battle After Another (2025)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap-j8e9J5U0     TV Show: ‘Merlin’ (2008-2012) - BBC  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dq8tn/merlin-series-1-1-the-dragons-call?seriesId=b00mjlxv-structural-1-b00dr74v     I am Sam (2001)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir6_2EkhzAc    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