The Romesh Ranganathan Show

Can you have a successful comedy career and a balanced family life? Comedian and writer Sara Pascoe joins Romesh Ranganathan to talk about touring, parenting and why stand-up comedy can make balancing family life surprisingly difficult. They get into Sara's early beginnings in comedy, wanting to be an actor and how the stand-up landscape has changed over the years. Expect stories of people pleasing in the entertainment industry, Sara's writing process (after winning the Dame Jilly Cooper Award) and her new travel series Zero Stars with Roisin Conaty, where the pair travel to some of the worst-rated holiday destinations in Europe including a chaotic cruise and a trip to Albania. Plus: roast potato cooking tips, Sara’s “Dragon’s Den” business idea, a question from Shanthi and as always a round of Misquoted. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:00 Selling out tours 00:00 Dealing with criticism 04:58 A gift for Sara 06:10 Roast potatoes and cooking tips 09:40 Sara’s comedy beginnings 12:04 The changing nature of the comedy game 13:33 Balancing family life 20:10 A question from Shanthi about being a mum 23:09 Rom and Sara on the role of parenting 26:11 The importance of reading 29:10 Comedy chat 35:38 Sara’s Dragon’s Den Idea 36:57 Sara on winning Dame Jilly Cooper Award 40:50 Sara’s writing advice 43:06 Zero Stars the new travel show 53:35 Rom’s Albanian tattoo story 55:45 Misquoted 01:05:37 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Shanthi read minds? In this episode, Romesh and mum Shanthi talk about literally everything. From receiving negative comments, how to handle nightmares, Romesh's vaping problem and the chances that life is all just a simulation. They also answer listener questions, giving their best advice for your dilemmas. As always, it’s chaotic, honest and slightly unhinged. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:55 Shanthi gets upset about the comments 04:45 Shanthi recieves a gift 05:54 A listener has a dreamy question for Romesh 07:15 Shanthi’s nightmare recovery 08:01 Romesh, vaping and nicorette dreams 12:29 A question on flatulence 21:16 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did James McAvoy become one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood? Actor and director James McAvoy joins Romesh Ranganathan for a very special episode talking about acting, accents and the difference from Hollywood to home. James talks about accidentally getting into acting, why his philosophy is always “story first” and how he approaches building characters. Plus his skill at mastering accents, training as a pastry chef, bad reviews and being a part of the X‑Men family. We also discuss James' new film and his directorial debut, California Scheming. And as always, a question from Shanthi. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform. 00:00 Intro 00:20 James joke and the stereotype of podcasts 04:15 James and Rom discuss Jordan Peterson 07:32 A gift for James 09:07 A moment for some Monster Munch 10:22 Early beginnings and getting into acting 18:20 Training as a pastry chef & Bake Off 20:12 Accents, agents and acting 29:28 Crying and vomiting on request 31:20 James and his agent Ruth 32:56 Romesh’s dad’s brutal honesty 34:24 The X-Men Films 38:18 James and Romesh on bad reviews 45:30 Future work and legacy 48:01 A question from Shanthi 49:72 California Scheming 01:03:19 Misquoted 01:10:28 On getting older 01:13:22 Meantime and Frankie Boyle 01:14:24 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Shanthi really think about gentle parenting, ice baths and calorie counting? In this episode, Romesh and mum, Shanthi take on a brand new segment: Shanthi’s Hot Takes. Nothing is safe from her opinions on WhatsApp and supermarkets to gentle parenting, air fryers and the modern obsession with ice baths. From stories from the team, to listener questions and some very solid Ranganathan advice, be sure not to miss it. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 01:59 Shanthi on hats 03:25 Ben’s story 05:43 Shanthi’s Hot Takes 14:20 Questions from you 15:00 Shanthi’s advice on blending food and culture 18:15 How to deal with parents expectations 25:07 What do Romesh & Shanthi love about eachother? 27:37 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From sitcom Dad to Breaking Bad, how did Bryan transform into Walter White? Bryan Cranston joins Romesh Ranganathan for a wide-ranging conversation about acting, creativity and the career pivots that changed his life. Bryan talks about bringing Arthur Miller’s All My Sons to London, the acting lessons he’s learned over decades on stage and screen and why observing people is the key to building unforgettable characters. He also reflects on precarious nature of the industry, landing the role of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, nearly losing the part and why the show still means so much to him, especially with a new season on the way. And of course, they dive into the legacy of Breaking Bad from auditioning for Walter White to working with creator Vince Gilligan, the genius behind the show. Bryan shares how the character evolved, the pressure of its success, and whether we can expect a Walter White return. Expect as always, gift giving, some perfectly timed jabs from Bryan, a question from Shanthi, and a thoughtful conversation about creativity, hobbies, fame, and why actors and audiences should approach AI with caution. An insightful, funny and surprisingly personal conversation with one of television’s most respected actors in history. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 02:11 Bryan’s gift giving 05:30 Observing people and their traits 08:06 Coming to London for All My Sons 11:44 An actors responsibility and theatre 17:33 On Malcom in The Middle and the new season 23:09 Almost losing Malcom In The Middle 25:42 How Bryan found Hal 30:54 Success and pivoting in his career 34:44 Working with Vince Gilligan and his character development 39:14 Having faith in your career 40:45 The brilliance of Breaking Bad 45:48 Auditioning for Walter White 47:40 When did Bryan realise the importance of the show 50:38 The Pizza scene 52:10 Will Walter White be back? 54:29 Shanthi’s question to Bryan, hobbies and growing 58:37 Bryan’s opinion on AI 01:01:59 A game of Misquoted 01:05:48 Dealing with fame 01:10:10 Bryan’s marriage, advice and life balance 01:14:36 An exclusive 01:17:30 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh doesn’t like celebrating his birthday… unfortunately the team had other plans. In this chaotic birthday special, Romesh is joined once again by brother Dinesh and mum Shanthi, discussing everything from family pranking history and gardening to debating who would survive prison time and how. You can expect lots of birthday fun, lots of push back from Romesh, some questionable birthday gifts and a bizarre role play. Plus: Some Tamil and wedding song recommendations and Romesh being a birthday diva. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 01:51 Romesh doesn’t like celebrating his birthday 02:20 Shanthi’s new look 05:54 Dinesh is back 06:37 The team celebrate Romesh’s birthday 07:57 Gift giving for Romesh 12:58 A podcast milestone 14:20 Tom Allen’s gift 15:36 Shanthi on gardener 18:16 Romesh being a diva 18:39 The Ranganathan’s play ‘Most Likely To...' 20:24 Is Romesh ready to die? 23:05 Is Shanthi lying about her age? 24:14 A Sri Lankan party role play 32:20 The family answer questions from you 34:10 Romesh’s pranks and his dad’s sex advice 37:22 Shanthi’s best prank moments 38:18 Who would last longest in prison? 41:11 Tamil song recommendations 44:07 The best wedding songs 45:48 An ending from Dinesh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is this the best gift the show has ever given a guest? A self-proclaimed "enthusiastic novice", Tom Allen is here to chat about his new podcast Pottering, his debut novel Common Decency and why we apparently should absolutely not be wearing belts with waistcoats. This episode in the studio brings you everything from questions with Shanthi, gardening tips, stand-up stories , a game of Misquoted and some very strong opinions on men's style. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 02:05 Cushion conspiracy 02:50 Wearing suits and fashion advice 04:05 Romesh’s fashion crisis 06:25 Gift giving 10:15 Tom’s fashion pet peeve 15:22 Tom’s new podcast 16:35 Getting into gardening 17:39 Booking guests 18:28 Tom’s Debut Novel 'Common Decency' 20:08 The suburban life 27:10 A question from Shanthi 30:22 How smart should you dress for the shops 32:35 On stand up and telling off the audience 38:43 On Extra Slice 42:47 How posh does Tom rank? 45:34 Misquoted 59:01 Tom’s a football fan 01:02:55 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Would Shanthi have an AI boyfriend? Find out in the brand new epsiode where Romesh and Shanthi cover everything from grief role play to the pros and cons of AI and Rom's ChatGPT history. They get into everything from the importance of maths and biology, desert island dilemmas, the danger of tortoises and a chaotic round of snog, marry, avoid featuring some very questionable fictional choices. As always: unexpected, unfiltered, and impossible to predict where it’ll go next. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 02:30 Shanthi on maths 05:08 Trying out Hannah Fry’s tips 08:45 Rom reads his ChatGPT therapy 09:50 Shanthi and the team catch a stray 11:25 A question on AI 14:40 A role play of grief AI 16:25 A desert island question 20:30 Snog Marry Avoid Disney addition 26:39 A final question on the winter olympics 28:05 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should we be worried about AI? Mathematician and presenter Hannah Fry joins Romesh to talk about her new show 'AI Confidential with Hannah Fry' and the surprising ways maths and technology shape our lives. From Hannah’s work explaining science to wider audiences, her podcast The Rest Is Science, to Grief Tech. This episode explores the strange questions maths can actually answer, from whether you could theoretically be bored to death to how to cool down your car. The conversation moves from teaching maths and traumatising students with numbers to the bigger questions around AI, technology and the future. Plus: maths jokes, a question from Shanthi, some genuinely useful science-based life tips and the team catch some strays. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 03:19 Gift giving 07:34 Some maths jokes 10:01 On teaching maths 14:55 Traumatising people with maths 17:40 The Rest Is Science 20:39 Can you be bored to death? 26:09 On making a difference 29:28 Hannah’s ultimate tip 31:25 A question from Shanthi about tech 37:41 Hannah’s new show on AI 41:25 On Grief Tech 43:12 Do we know what we want with AI relationships? 45:03 Should we be worried? 48:45 Working with Dara O'Briain 49:40 Misquoted 00:01:47 An exclusive tip 00:02:33 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much do you really want to know about your parents' holiday antics? Shanthi shares far too much, leaving Romesh desperate to "edit" certain images out of his brain. They also talk about this week’s guest, legendary documentary maker Louis Theroux, as Shanthi reveals the surprisingly dark topics she’d cover if she followed in his footsteps. Plus, Romesh hits back at criticism of his glasses – and Shanthi recalls the moment he rang her to say he’d "made it" in comedy. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Glasses criticism 04:28 Louis Theroux 07:48 Embarrassing name mispronunciation 14:27 Cake 19:12 Listener holiday story 24:14 Shanthi’s Thailand story 28:42 Staying in touch with family 31:10 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do toxic masculinity, a lasagne obsession, and a Seat Alhambra have in common? Louis Theroux joins Romesh to draw the line between his on-camera persona and life at home. They revisit some of Louis’ most infamous documentary moments, the craft behind them, and the interview regrets he has looking back. Louis also explains why he’s drawn to spending time with people who hold extreme views, including in his latest film Inside the Manosphere, exploring misogyny and the lure of wealth in the post-Andrew Tate world with figures like HSTikkyTokky. Along the way he reflects on memorable encounters with Armie Hammer and Boris Becker – plus an uncanny King Charles impression, being “cooked” by the internet, and why he “deserved” his gold record after his viral music hit Jiggle Jiggle. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 02:15 Gift giving 03:21 Lasagna tips 06:04 Fragility in the industry 07:52 On making documentaries 22:15 On Andrew Tate 23:29 The Manosphere 29:37 Raising boys today 35:25 HStikkytokky & Jestermaxxing 41:04 Is Louis worried? 43:12 Shanthi’s question 46:21 Getting cooked & Jiggle Jiggle 51:17 On Podcasting 55:47 On Adam Buxton 59:41 On Boris Becker 01:01:03 Measuring success 01:02:09 Comedians vs non-comedians 01:04:52 Early career beginnings 01:09:22 On reviews 01:10:32 Misquoted 01:33:50 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many times can you trick your mum into saying the F-word? Romesh annoys Shanthi with terrible impressions of kids' film characters and makes his case for why the Toy Story trilogy is one of the greatest in cinematic history. They role-play a listener’s plea about how to kindly deal with smelly colleagues — and how to cope with a spoilt hen-do surprise (do you fake it?). Plus, an uncomfortably long conversation about the specifics of going to the toilet. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 01:27 Shanthi loves Tom Davis 03:22 Paddington 04:37 Kids films impressions 12:15 Advice from Shanthi & Romesh 13:40 Role playing the problem 18:51 Advice continued 23:24 Toilet talk 33:15 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian and actor Tom Davis joins Romesh for a proper deep dive into comedy, his working-class roots to his success and building his career long term. They talk about Tom’s route into stand-up, creating and starring in Murder in Successville and King Gary, and what it takes to survive rejection, hyper-criticism and projects going wrong. There’s rare praise from Romesh, chaos behind the production cenes, doing his own stunts, pranks, and a BIG announcement. Plus an ever important question from Shanthi. They also get into luck in the industry, being a dad, and how success changes your perspective over time. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 2:00 A present for Tom 4:00 The Big Five 5:32 Working with Romesh 8:00 Tom’s route to comedy 11:25 Hyper criticism 12:46 Tom's background 14:23 Murder In Successville 21:00 Luck in the industry 23:07 An annoyed Romesh 23:39 Tom's favourite guest 24:49 On success 26:30 Tom's encounter with Rio Ferdinand 27:58 King Gary 30:13 Chaos behind the scenes 34:20 Working Together 36:00 House Of Fools 42:24 Wold & Owl 43:20 Pranks 44:47 A big announcement 46:46 A question from Shanthi 50:00 On being a dad 52:55 Career perspective 56:47 Tom opening for Romesh 01:01:23 Misquoted 01:08:38 An exclusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cooking advice, dieting disasters and impressions that probably shouldn’t happen... Romesh is joined once again by mum Shanthi Ranganathan for another episode of unfiltered family chat. They cover Shanthi’s go-to recipes, strong opinions on chicken, and what it’s actually like trying to diet with a Sri Lankan mum in the house. There’s listener questions, unexpected tangents (including one about poop), impressions of Josh Widdicombe, and Romesh attempting a Tamil impression that may or may not get him in trouble. As always: advice is given confidently. Whether you should follow it is another matter. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 03:03 Josh Widdicombe Impressions 04:34 On poop 05:13 A question from you 06:10 Shanthi’s recipe 11:43 A question on chicken 14:36 Shanthi’s cooking advice 18:30 How to diet with a Sri Lankan Mum 20:24 Romesh’s Tamil Impression 23:59 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Josh Widdicombe joins Romesh to explain why he might actually prefer podcasts to television. They chat about his stand-up tour Not My Cup of Tea, appearing in more than 30 series of The Last Leg, and co-hosting the hugely successful Parenting Hell. Josh also talks about his move to Devon after being pushed out of London, rediscovering photography as a hobby, and launching his new series, Josh Widdicombe’s Museum of Pop Culture – covering everything from Mr Blobby to David Hasselhoff and the Berlin Wall. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 02:20 Podcasting vs TV 04:10 On Touring 07:45 Gift giving 14:54 Stand up 17:45 Moving 21:50 Noel Edmunds’ House 24:01 Getting business offers 27:11 A question from Shanthi 29:00 Photography and hobbies 33:30 Romesh on his Marathon 36:16 Drinking habits and ChatGPT 44:41 Josh on podcasting 50:06 Obsessions and interests 55:53 Parenting Hell 58:38 Rob Beckett 01:02:40 Agents and insecurities 01:06:42 Being mimicable 01:11:50 Misquoted 01:30:20 An Exclusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s snacks, arguments and family drama as Romesh is joined by mum Shanthi for another episode of strong opinions and zero agreement. They get into the ongoing dispute about mutton rolls, Romesh’s near-death experience with chilli oil, Shanthi’s love for Sheridan Smith and breakdown the headline-making Beckham family tension. There’s also Dungeon & Dragons confusion, and Shanthi's questionable rules about girls. Expect bickering, roasting and classic Shanthi energy throughout. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From comedy beginnings to renowned actor and West End star, Sheridan Smith joins Romesh for a wide-ranging chat about confidence, acting and carving out a career that spans stage and screen. They talk about imposter syndrome, developing characters and working together on the West End show Woman In Mind. Plus, a hip hop gift and a rather disappointing 50 Cent impression from Romesh. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 00:32 Romesh Admits Being Jealous 02:30 The Audition for Take That 05:33 Gifts 08:50 Mark Owen's Dream Trip to Graceland 10:02 "Heimscheißer" 12:40 Take That's Circus Tour 20:00 Take That's Early Career Regrets 21:22 The Take That Annual Fact File 24:53 Gary Barlow's Star Trek Fandom 27:33 If Not Music, Then What? 32:03 Take That's Favourite Films 33:42 Netflix Documentary 37:17 The Pressures of Songwriting 40:04 Howard Donald on His Role in the Band 42:50 The Most Unusual Present from a Fan 44:37 The 90s 48:47 Misquoted: "Beards Can Get a Bit Sweaty" 53:32 "We Weren't a Boy Band" 57:10 Future Ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh is joined by mum Shanthi Ranganathan for another episode of strong opinions, unexpected confessions and classic family chaos. From learning Spanish and declaring her love for Take That, to unpacking fan obsessions and answering listener questions, Shanthi once again proves she’s the star of the show. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 01:19 Shanthi learns some Spanish 03:38 Shanthi’s a Take That fan 05:10 A team question 07:05 A fan obsession 08:55 Romesh’s seduction 11:20 Is Romesh Crawley’s golden boy? 18:39 A final question from the listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald sit down with Romesh to talk about the ups and downs of Take That – from their crazy beginnings in the 90s to the reboot of their legendary Circus Tour. They talk about the band's audition process, the pressures of songwriting, and Gary Barlow's not-very-popstar passions: Star Trek and interior design magazines. Plus Romesh admits to a 30-year-old act of jealousy. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.  00:00 Intro 00:32 Romesh Admits Being Jealous 02:30 The Audition for Take That 05:33 Gifts 08:50 Mark Owen's Dream Trip to Graceland 10:02 "Heimscheißer" 12:40 Take That's Circus Tour 20:00 Take That's Early Career Regrets 21:22 The Take That Annual Fact File 24:53 Gary Barlow's Star Trek Fandom 27:33 If Not Music, Then What? 32:03 Take That's Favourite Films 33:42 Netflix Documentary 37:17 The Pressures of Songwriting 40:04 Howard Donald on His Role in the Band 42:50 The Most Unusual Present from a Fan 44:37 The 90s  48:47 Misquoted: "Beards Can Get a Bit Sweaty" 53:32 "We Weren't a Boy Band" 57:10 Future Ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh and Shanthi play a chaotic game of “Would You Rather?”, take aim at coffee snobs (George Clooney included!), and reminisce about iconic old TV adverts. Things go off the rails with dirty genie wishes, awkward gift-giving dilemmas, and an embarrassing misunderstanding about the ingredients of a popular energy drink. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 01:45 Red Bull 02:48 Favourite Adverts 07:11 Shanthi on Coffee 11:00 Would You Rather...? 17:41 Genie Wishes 22:10 Advice on Motherhood 28:08 Gifting Dilema Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices