Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith
Paloma Faith explores the meanings of being mad, sad, or bad, and how these labels can be liberating or transformational. She invites actors, comedians, musicians, and thinkers to her home to share their experiences. The podcast offers personal reflections and conversations, with occasional appearances from friends and family. New episodes are released every Tuesday.
Episodes
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas: The Menopause Is Amazing Once You’re Through It
Acting royalty Kristin Scott Thomas joins me for the final episode of Season 3!! She’s had some absolutely iconic roles on screen, like in Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Katharine Clifton in The English Patient and THAT legendary Fleabag monologue. There aren’t many people that I’d re-create my living room in a studio for (while heavily pregnant), but I would do basically ANYTHING for
Jeff Goldblum: Sadness Makes Us More Beautiful
Jeff Goldblum is my idol!! I’ve spent my whole life watching him on screen so, despite being HEAVILY pregnant, there was no way I was missing out on the opportunity to have him on the podcast. As well as being a mega-successful actor (and Hollywood legend), he’s also an insanely talented jazz musician.There’s a reason he’s so many people’s dream dinner guest…The first rule of Jeff Goldblum-ism is
Paloma Faith On Spending £200m Jackpot, Her Marilyn Monroe Obsession and Meeting Prince!!
This week we’re taking a break from normal programming to collaborate with Rich Beyond My Wildest Dreams, as Paloma joins Sarel to fantasise about how she would spend a £200,000,000 Euromillions jackpot!!From a glass cube house perched on her rooftop, surrounded by rainbow mist and accessed by a spiral staircase (with a slide exit, obviously), to buying up her entire street so friends, family… and
Sam Ryder: I Rarely Saw My Dad Cry
I’m joined by the man with the most extraordinary hair in the UK, which can only really mean one thing...Sam Ryder. He stole all of our hearts at the Eurovision Song contest with his hit ‘Spaceman’, as well as becoming a TikTok sensation and even landing the role of Jesus in the West End. For someone who has achieved so much, he is probably the most humble person I’ve ever met - and I’m lucky to c
Rosie Jones: I Was Made To Feel Guilty About My Disability
I’ve always gravitated towards really naughty people, and few people are as naughty as THE Rosie Jones.Since our first meeting, in the presence of actual royalty (more on that later), I’ve followed her incredible career as she’s taken the UK comedy scene by storm!! She started out writing jokes for TV that made other people funny, and now, in her own right, is one of the country’s best known stand
Jamali Maddix: A Lack Of Hope Has Created Angry Men
When I first met Jamali I wasn’t sure if he liked me or not… so I thought I’d get him on the podcast to find out 🤣Jamali Maddix is one of the sharpest minds in comedy, saying what we’re all thinking, whether we’re ready to hear it or not. You might’ve seen him on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI or 8 Out of 10 Cats, but he’s not just funny… he’s seriously thought-provoking too. From his documentaries
Michelle de Swarte: Childfree And Having A Great F*cking Time
I’ve been SO excited to speak to Michelle since I first watched her brilliant stand-up comedy. She’s funny, honest, a bit chaotic (just like me) and has some of the MADDEST stories 🤣 After a successful modelling career, bossing the catwalks of New York and beyond, Michelle moved back to the UK in her 30s and turned to the world of comedy. She has written and starred in her own BBC sitcom ‘Spent’,
Ellie Simmonds: My Birth Mum Gave Me Up - But I’m Not Angry
Ellie is one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians and the youngest person ever to receive an OBE, making history both in and out of the pool. 🏊 You might also have seen her amazing documentaries, like Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family (A BAFTA winner by the way…), or ice-cold moves on Strictly Come Dancing. She is simply one of the kindest, warmest people I’ve met. After watching h
Mo Gilligan: I Don’t Want To Take My Life For Granted
I’ve always LOVED Mo Gilligan (even though he’s from South London and I’m from East, who famously don’t get on!). You might know him from his huge stand-up specials, one of his amazing podcasts or from The Masked Singer, and it was such a pleasure having him on my sofa.We talk all about the madness of stand-up and the never-ending search for the funny in everyday life, from working in retail back
Introducing NearlyWeds with Molly and Tom
We spend a lot of time here talking about love, the beautiful bits, the brutal bits, and the bits that quietly undo you when no one’s looking. And that’s exactly why this caught my attention.NearlyWeds with Molly & Tom is a brand new podcast following two reality-TV favourites as they take their romance from public to deeply personal, navigating the emotional, chaotic, hilarious reality
Zack Polanski: Reform Want To Protect The 1%
Green party polls and membership are at an all time high, and there is one name at the centre of it all: THE Zack Polanski!! In just six months, he and his team have tripled its membership to nearly 200,000 - and it’s growing rapidly.At a time of climate collapse, abuses of power (recently exposed in the Epstein files) and multiple genocides, he represents something rare…hope.Openly gay, socialist
Olly Alexander: I Was Destroying My Body
This week’s guest is the incredible singer, actor, activist and all round icon Olly Alexander. He’s genuinely one of the most talented people I’ve EVER met…from the huge success of his band Years & Years, to his unforgettable performance in ‘It’s A Sin’, to representing the UK at Eurovision, I’m in complete awe of him!We spoke about the madness of sudden fame, his ‘reformed party girl’ status,
Philippa Perry: Bad Relationships Made Me Dislike Myself
Whenever I’m at a party, I always gravitate towards Philippa Perry. Not only is she a brilliant author, artist, and psychotherapist, but she is also my favourite person to chat with, and one of the wisest people I’ve ever met.We spoke about our mutual love for gossip (yes - therapists gossip too), the ‘blandification’ of culture, and why she’s no longer scared of dying. My amazing friend Airy (@ai
Self Esteem: Success Is The Best Revenge
Rebecca Lucy Taylor (AKA Self Esteem) is an absolute icon to me! The most talented singer, actor AND author, what can’t she do?? We spoke about our shared experiences as female musicians in the industry, her ‘dream’ holiday (turned nightmare), and whether calling yourself Self Esteem actually helps you have any… We also spoke about postpartum psychosis with my good friend and author Laura Doc
Kojey Radical: Losing My Friend To Kn*fe Crime Stopped Me Quitting Music
My guest today is a fellow Hackney born and bred musician, who I’ve known since he was a kid…Kojey Radical!! He’s an incredible artist, creative director and poet, and has been nominated for MOBOs, Brits AND shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.We speak about what it’s like to blow up as a musician and trying not to let it get to your head, as well as what he gets up to when he’s left home alone…Koje
Richard E. Grant: My Dad Tried To Shoot Me
It’s not every day a certified LEGEND like Richard E. Grant comes round for a chat on my sofa. Nicknamed the ‘Kindest Man in Hollywood’, he is an Oscar-nominated actor who starred in blockbusters like Withnail & I, Dracula and Saltburn.We covered everything from his turbulent childhood, losing his wife Joan of 38 years, being betrayed by a close friend - oh and Richard’s love of the Traitors.
Anne-Marie: Struggling With Postpartum Life
I want to be Anne-Marie’s best friend! Not just because she’s a martial arts world champion and could karate kick anyone that came for me…but she’s also a super-mum and global music icon.She was so open in this chat, we covered all sorts, from her struggles adjusting to postpartum life to taking advice on how to be in the spotlight from KSI. We also channelled our inner rage and smashed up some bi
Russell Kane: We’re Not Raised To Be In Touch With Pleasure
Russell Kane is someone I have SO much respect for! I’m so grateful for his honesty in this conversation, from discussing sexual literacy to dealing with the loss of his dad.After winning his first comedy award in 2004, his career grew very quickly. He was forced to learn the ropes in the public eye and is open about his regrets. We also spoke about his Nan, who encouraged him to go to university
Leigh-Anne Pinnock: Heartbreak is WILD
To kick off series three I had the pleasure of inviting Leigh-Anne over, who is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met!! A fellow mum and someone who isn’t afraid to use their platform for good, she found fame in one of the BIGGEST girl groups of all time, Little Mix. Now she’s taking on the industry as an independent artist, on her own terms. 💅We speak about the pressures musicians face, t
"Grandma, I'm not a v*rgin!" | 2025's Baddest moments
I’m looking back on my BADDEST moments of the year.!Rapper icon Eve reveals how much she used to LOVE getting into trouble, Aisling Bea feels terrible about a situation with her neighbour and Rupert Everett reflects on his naughty behaviour growing up Catholic. We're also joined by Samuel L. Jackson who looks back on his drug addiction and Trixie Mattel describes being detained in Australia. We co
"The marriage just fell apart" | 2025's Saddest moments
I’m looking back at some of the saddest conversations from my series this year. Romesh Ranganathan reflects on losing his friend, while Leslie Jones also opens up about her experience of grief. And to spice things up, I also have a debate with Alan Carr about whether you really can cry and orgasm at the same time…so cosy up as we look back on what has really made us sad this year.This episode
"I woke up on the operating table" | 2025's Maddest moments
Here are my MADDEST conversations I’ve had this year. 🤪We hear from Ruby Wax about being fired multiple times, Samuel L. Jackson reminiscing about LA in the 60’s, Gary Stevenson on what happens when you suddenly have a load of money, and Jordan Stephens on...well, his love of puppies.Enjoy some of my favourite mad moments from this year and here's to another mad year!—Find us on: Instagram / TikTo
Paloma REVEALS her own Maddest, Saddest and Baddest moments
Seeing as it is Christmas I thought it was time to pull the stops out and do a Mad, Sad and Bad special. Today we’re turning the show on its head as I get interviewed by the person who knows me better than anyone else in the world…my mum! For the first time I’m reversing roles and sitting in the hotseat while my mum asks ME about my mad, sad and bad. I spill my stories of working in a fetish
Leslie Jones: We Need To Stop Raising F*ck Boys
Leslie Jones is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. From SNL to Supermarket Sweep to Sing the movie, she is a force to be reckoned with. She simultaneously speaks truth to power whilst making people howl with laughter - a joy to have over!Leslie didn’t hold back talking about the self-improvement many men don’t engage with and how it is we are accidentally raising fuck boys. She also shares
Estelle: Women Hold The World Together
Estelle is an artist I’ve always looked up to - she can rap, she can sing, she can write - she’s conquered America but she’s a London girl at heart, so I was really excited to have her over to mine.After the phenomenal success of ‘American Boy’, Estelle shot to dizzying and mad heights of fame - we talk about the insanity of touring and how she made opportunity for herself, taking a chance and int
Trixie Mattel: I Wish I Called Home More When My Drag Career Took Off
Trixie Mattel is a drag queen who rose to fame in Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and later won Season 3 of the All-Stars, but more importantly, she took my song, Bad Woman, and turned it into a banging gay anthem!Together we chat about heartbreak and the madness it can drive us to, but the solace of boredom and simple things. We laugh about how full glam can be embarrassing when parenting and als
Jen Brister: I Want To Be On The Right Side Of History
Jen Brister is someone who I admire not only for her fearless approach to comedy and life in general, but for her vocal stance on what’s happening in Palestine. She runs a non-profit to help families over there, All Our Relations and we met at a Palestine Solidarity event. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to have her on the pod...We chatted about the crossover with comedy, politics and questioning
Jamie Laing: I Was Lying To Make People Like Me
Jamie Laing is the first posh person I’ve ever liked - before I first met him, I was convinced we wouldn’t get on, but within about 10seconds of our first meet, I was a fan. We’ve since become great friends and he’s the reason I have this podcast in the first place, so it felt right to have him over. Jamie is juggling A LOT: a multiple podcasts, a production company, Radio1 presenting, runnin
Gary Stevenson: The Poorest People Are The Most Generous
The price of living is rising and life is getting increasingly more difficult for many. Gary Stevenson was a trader who predicted and profited from the financial crash in 2008; suddenly he was richer than his wildest dreams, and the most depressed he’d ever been too. Quitting Citibank, he now devotes his time to educating millions via his YouTube channel and book, about the reality of why everythi
Romesh Ranganathan: I Help Others Because I Couldn't Help My Friend
TW: This episode contains discussion of suicideRomesh Ranganathan is known for his BAFTA Award winning show, Rob & Romesh, presenting across TV and radio and his hallmark cynical comedy - but really, what shines through is his generosity, openness and vulnerability, particularly around the subject of mental health. We talk about how hard it is to tell when someone’s really struggling with
Amy Jackson: I Still Regret Not Standing Up To Bully Producer
Amy Jackson is Bollywood royalty - she's also a Scouser, so when she said she'd pop by, jut a few weeks after giving birth to her second child, I was delighted!Anyone who's ever had a baby knows the utter madness and hormonal chaos in the weeks following the birth; however Amy turned up looking like a movie star - apparently it just takes a blow-dry and some Spanx! We chatted about bullies who sad
Jordan Stephens: Why We Hurt The People We Love
People always tell me that Jordan Stephens is the kind of man we need more of in the world—and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.You might know Jordan as one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks, but he’s since grown into a powerful voice across multiple platforms. He’s a podcaster, actor, and now a Sunday Times bestselling author with his raw and brilliant memoir Avoidance, Dr
Munroe Bergdorf: Trans Women Are Not A Threat
I have always admired Munroe Bergdorf and love putting the world to rights with her when everything feels like it’s going up in flames around us. I wish there were more people like her in the world!Munroe opens up about the dangers of apathy, how she’s staying hopeful, the impact that current world politics are having on the trans community and the importance of both speaking up AND speaking out.
Ruby Wax: I Wish I'd Had More Boyfriends
People have always likened me to Ruby Wax - I suppose because she says it like it is and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. For those exact reasons I couldn’t wait to have her over, and let her loose in my house…Ruby is a world-class interviewer, from smashing up a hotel room with Jim Carey, being attacked with a banana by OJ Simpson, to getting kicked off Donald Trump’s private jet - she’s done it a
Vogue Williams: I Ran Away From My Grief and Got Married
Vogue Williams is a queen of podcasts; she's a mother with a great sense of humour and is incredibly beautiful. She's also recently released her first book - honestly, the comparisons between us are too numerous to mention.Vogue opened up about her fear of death and how losing her dad sent her into a spiral of being wild and reckless. She shared the story of the worst thing she's ever done - it in
Samuel L. Jackson: My First And Last Podcast
Samuel L Jackson is one of the most well-regarded and iconic actors of his generation. From catching the attention of Hollywood in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever to playing Nick Fury in the the Marvel franchise and of course his continued career collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, Sam has become one of the most loved actors in Hollywood, and a friend no one ever believes I have!Sam very kind
I'm Back! Season 2 is coming soon...
I absolutely love making this podcast so I thought I'd make another season...Join me round mine every Tuesday for some truly amazing guests - they'll be chatting to me all about being mad, sad and bad - oh and glad!COMING TUESDAY 3RD JUNE 2025#PALOMAFAITH #MADSADBAD—Find us on: Instagram / TikTok / YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paloma Reflects on Season 1
As we come to the end of the first series of Mad, Sad & Bad, I've been lucky enough to chat to some amazing people - from discussing madness with Mel B, to chatting about great sadnesses for Elizabeth Day and laughing with Eve about being naughty and - I think - a bit of a badass, I feel like I've learnt a lot, so thought it would be nice to sit down and reflect on all these fantastic conversa
AJ Tracey: How The Government Is Failing Our Young People
AJ Tracey is rapper and producer notably from Ladbroke Grove; he's also an incredible voice for younger generations and social justice so obviously, I couldn't wait to have him over to chat... AJ and I discuss being cheeky kids, how having ADHD would get us into trouble and how our mums have supported our careers - from giving us an example what it is to work hard, to buying our music and tic
Aisling Bea: I'm Not Passive Aggressive, I'm Irish
Aisling Bea is a comedian, actress, and the BATFA winning writer of This Way Up; she's witty, honest, and extremely talented, so of course, I was very excited to have her pop by for a chat...Aisling and I discuss identity post-motherhood, Catholic guilt and the wild politics of leaving a WhatsApp group. Aisling also shares the story of the unlikely friendship she struck up with a neighbour during
Katherine Ryan: Why I Wasn’t Sorry For Cheating On My Ex
TW: This episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss.Not only is Katherine Ryan an esteemed comedian, actress, writer, podcaster, and one of the most glamorous women on television, she’s a fiercely outspoken powerhouse of a woman.In this conversation we discuss motherhood, raising girls to have high standards, and how there’s no such thing as being too confident. Katherine also opens up about he
Afua Hirsch: My Afro Was “Too Big” For TV News
Afua Hirsch is an activist, writer, broadcaster, and an incredible storyteller who exudes inspiration. Her ability to express herself with diplomacy while never compromising on her convictions is seriously impressive, so I was thrilled to invite her round for a chat!In this conversation, Afua opens up about making sense of her dual-heritage identity, and how challenging western beauty standards ha
Rupert Everett: I Treated People Badly Because I Felt Insecure
Rupert Everett has had an expansive career, from Prince Charming in Shrek, to Oscar Wilde in The Happy Prince; more recently the fabulous Giorgio in Emily in Paris, and less recently, my old Headmistress at St Trinian’s.In this conversation, Rupert reminisces about his early years, from his melancholic birth, to his magical experiences of the gay London party scene in the 1970s. Rupert also shares
Eve: I Thought I Was Cursed
Not only is Eve a multi-talented actress, singer, rapper and songwriter, she’s also a trailblazing entrepreneur and a gorgeous Mum. I’ve been a fan of Eve since the Ruff Ryders days, and even begged my Mum to let me get Eve’s iconic paw-print tattoo, so it was a bit of a pinch me moment having her in my home...In this conversation, Eve shares childhood memories of being a class-clown who thrived o
Paapa Essiedu: Why Grief Shouldn’t Be Feared
Paapa Essiedu is not only an incredible actor, lighting up our screens and London’s stages, he’s also a great friend and probably the most emotionally intelligent man I know.In this conversation, Paapa opens up about losing both his parents by the age of 20, and what it taught him about love, grief, and how sadness creates the imperfections of our character which allow us to be authentic and uniqu
Elizabeth Day: How I Found Peace With Never Becoming a Mum
TW: This episode contains discussion of assaultElizabeth Day is the person who first introduced me to podcasts, and if it weren’t for her this podcast probably wouldn’t exist, so it was an absolute dream to invite her round to mine for a chat!In this conversation, we discuss the sexist double standards that make Elizabeth mad, and I was thrilled to discover that beneath Elizabeth’s effortlessly pu
James O’Brien: The Therapy Session That Changed My Life
From speaking to opinionated callers on his radio show, to taking down Nigel Farage live on air, James O’Brien has dealt with his fair share of mad, sad and bad. Me and my Mum are also huge fans of his, so I was super excited to invite him over for a chat.In this episode, we delve deep into James’ early life; from being born to a young single mother and his subsequent adoption, to his experiences
Jameela Jamil: I Love Being Invisible To Men
Whether it’s calling out ridiculous (and frankly dangerous) beauty standards or holding people to account on social media, Jameela Jamil is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also an old friend who I could chat to forever, so of course she had to come join me on the pod!From the lessons she’s learnt from one of the saddest years of her life, to the madness of what we’re sold as acceptabl
Mel B: Finding Love Again After Escaping Abuse
Mel B is an icon - she was always my favourite Spice Girl because I felt similar to her in some ways, so I was over the moon to invite her over to my house to chat...Mel's energy and zest for life exudes off her but there was a time in her life, in an abusive relationship, where she was a shadow of her former strong and powerful self. However, beyond that sadness, we talk about the madness of Spic
Alan Carr: I Use Humour As A Shield
Alan Carr has been a great friend of mine for years so I was delighted when he said he'd be my first ever guest on Mad, Sad and Bad!Anyone who's ever seen or met Alan will know he has a magnetic presence and is a true entertainer. He's one of the funniest people I know, but I was excited to speak to him and go beyond the funny man and delve into a more serious side of Alan... We speak about the gr
Introducing... Mad, Sad & Bad with Paloma Faith
Introducing Paloma Faith's brand new podcast, 'Mad, Sad & Bad'What does it mean if someone says you're mad? That you're angry? Unstable? Perhaps you're just going against the grain...? Paloma's had plenty of moments in her life when she's felt mad, sad and bad - or been told that's what she is - but what do those words actually mean? And are they always negative - could they actually be libera
