The Romesh Ranganathan Show
Every Monday, Romesh Ranganathan interviews actors, musicians, comedians, and icons, blending humour, heart, and genuine insight. On Thursdays, his mum Shanthi joins to share family stories, answer audience questions, and offer her no-nonsense take on life.
Episodes
Shanthi Gives Advice on Flying, Grandparents & Fighting in Relationships
What’s the best way to cure a fear of flying? According to Shanthi, pray...or fly to Portsmouth.
It’s Thursday, which means Romesh’s mum Shanthi is back to answer your questions and family dilemmas on The Romesh Ranganathan Show.
There’s a lottery win dream purchase, a trigonometry refresher with a questionable acronym, a garden centre saga that Shanthi has been waiting to tell, and a flight att
Katherine Ryan: Firstborn Daughters, Celine Dion & Why Women Should Misbehave
Why did Katherine Ryan fly home from Spain on her own?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by comedian, presenter and author Katherine Ryan, ahead of her new book Confessions of a Firstborn Daughter (out 22nd October).
They get into eldest daughter syndrome, juggling four kids and a career, and why Katherine thinks women should misbehave a little more.
Plus, there’s
Shanthi’s Free Holiday, Romesh’s Underwear & Vegan Teasing
How should you react when your son offers you an all-expenses-paid holiday?
On this edition of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh tells his mum Shanthi he’s taking her to Portugal next May. Her first reaction is not what he’d hoped for, so they try again.
Before that, there’s a public plea to Next for freebies and an embarrassing underwear moment from Romesh’s teaching days.
Then it’s your que
Tom Hiddleston on Conquering Everest, the Marvel Universe & Soccer Aid
What do Loki, Everest and Arsenal tea bags have in common?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by actor Tom Hiddleston to talk about his new film Tenzing the true story behind the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, and what it was like filming it for real, with no green screen.
They also get into 16 years as Loki, what Marvel gets right (and why it deserves mo
Shanthi's Reincarnation, Gym Etiquette & Getting Caught In The Act
What do you say when your 8-year-old walks in on you in 'the act'?
Romesh and his mum Shanthi take on your questions and family dilemmas, even though they remain thoroughly unqualified to do so.
This week, a listener needs help after their son caught them in the middle of the night, and Romesh and Shanthi try to work out the best response. A role play that quickly goes off the rails...
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Stacey Dooley on 100+ Documentaries, Selling Sunset & Southampton
What makes Stacey Dooley such a good documentary maker?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by broadcaster and documentary maker Stacey Dooley to reflect on her journey through documentary-making, how she approaches telling them and the stories and experiences that have stayed with her.
They also get into some very important Selling Sunset and Below Deck gossip, befo
The Celebrity Impressions Challenge
Can Shanthi do a better celebrity impression than Romesh?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi are back with listener questions, family stories and a celebrity impressions challenge that quickly gets out of hand.
From Shanthi’s early morning routines to what it's like being a grandma, the pair discuss family relationships throughout including a family trip
Lenny Henry On Comedy, Dramatic Acting & Returning To Stand-Up
What did Eddie Murphy say to Lenny Henry?
In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by the legendary comedian, actor, and writer, Sir Lenny Henry.
The pair look back at Lenny’s incredible career, from his early stand-up and TV shows, to his latest projects. They discuss racism, realities of working in the entertainment industry, and the pressure that comes with a l
Celebrating One Year Of The Romesh Ranganathan Show
Who does Shanthi want next on the podcast?
In this special, one-year anniversary episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi celebrate a whole year of the podcast with a little help from the team and a surprise message from none other than our first guest, Michael Sheen.
The pair look back at some of their favourite moments from the show, reflect on how far the podcast has come, a
Stephen Graham on Acting, Adolescence & Al Pacino
How did Stephen Graham become one of Britain's best actors?
In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by legendary actor, producer, and writer, Stephen Graham, to talk about his incredible, award-winning career, spanning over two decades.
Stephen reflects on his career, from This Is England and Boiling Point, to his latest work on Adolescence and Nocturne. He discus
Shanthi's Kitchen, Mutton Rolls And The Art Of Gift-Giving
Is Romesh a bad gift-giver?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi celebrate Apple Dumpling Day, discuss recipes, and get to work tackling your listener dilemmas, from parenting support to the art of gift-giving.
Plus, we give you a little taster of what Shanthi's cookery show, Shanthi’s Kitchen, could look like, complete with mutton rolls, some very importan
Jamie Oliver On Flying at 51, Real Fast Food & School Dinners
What really happened with Jamie Oliver's school dinners?
In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by one of the UK’s best-known chefs, Jamie Oliver.
Jamie talks about life after 50, his career in the kitchen and what keeps him motivated after decades in the food industry. He also reveals what it’s really like to work in a high-pressure kitchen, whether restaurant f
Gangsters, Weddings & Unusual Habits
Should children be allowed at weddings?
We're back with another Thursday Shanthi special, and in this episode, Romesh and Shanthi tackle your listener dilemmas and butt heads about one in particular - should children be allowed at weddings?
They also discuss the pressure to always be productive, how to be kinder to yourself, and whether you can really retrain the negative voice in your head.
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Ray Winstone on The Gentlemen, Gangster Etiquette, and Strictly Come Dancing
Could Romesh make a convincing gangster?
In this week's episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by legendary, British actor, Ray Winstone, to discuss his role as Bobby Glass in the second season of Guy Ritchie's hit Netflix series, The Gentlemen. But what does he make of the rumours Meghan Markle is joining the cast?
Ray, famous for his career playing tough guys and hardened cri
Shanthi's £35K Garden Room, A Big Apology & Conspiracy Theories
Should Shanthi get her £35,000 garden room?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi are back with your questions and dilemmas — and things get out of hand fast. Shanthi campaigns hard for a garden room fit for a footballer, tries to track down her mystery American bank account, and receives an unexpected apology voice note from a stranger.
Elsewhere, Romesh an
Rick Glassman On The Paul Rudd Incident, Podcasting and Ricky Gervais
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by comedian and podcaster Rick Glassman to talk about stand-up, podcasting and the art of saying exactly what you're thinking.
Rick discusses the success of Take Your Shoes Off, and reveals that Ricky Gervais would be one of his dream guests, which leads to the pair composing a carefully crafted text message invite. Will he respond?
The Art Special : Sexy Art, Questionable Portraits and Romesh's Secret Talent
Are Romesh and Shanthi gifted artists?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi get in touch with their artistic side - welcome to The Art Special!
From discussing buying art (aka poster prints), to the seductive wallpaper that Romesh couldn't ignore, Romesh and Shanthi discuss their favourite artists and try their hand at drawing each other, with surprising re
Michael Urie On Shrinking, Working With Harrison Ford & Oh, Mary!
Why Is Everyone Talking About Oh, Mary!?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by theatre and TV actor, Michael Urie, to talk about the award-winning Apple TV series Shrinking and West End hit Oh, Mary!
Michael talks all about his character Brian, working alongside Harrison Ford and Brett Goldstein, and what makes the show's writing so special. He also discusses bringi
Sex Robots, Sofa Fires And Secret Situationships
Should you stay in a situationship?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi tackle your problems, from forgetting your neighbours’ names to dealing with the annoying aspects of parenthood.
We also discuss Diane Morgan’s new show Ann Droid, and get into a debate on robots and their possibilities from household help to sex robots.
Elsewhere, Romesh recommends M
Diane Morgan On Comedy, Cunk And Becoming A Robot In Ann Droid
How did Philomena Cunk come about?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by Diane Morgan to talk about her new hit BBC iPlayer sitcom, Ann Droid and her journey into comedy, from working with Charlie Brooker, developing the iconic Philomena Cunk, to working on Ricky Gervais' new series, Alley Cats.
Diane reveals how working in a factory pushed her towards her goals a
Drag Queens, Peer Pressure and What To Watch
What is Romesh like in drag? And what would Shanthi's drag king name be?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi answer your listener dilemmas, from dealing with pressure to drink, to an awkward case of mistaken identity.
Plus, Romesh tells us all about the 'Rob & Romesh Vs Drag' episode and what he learnt about 'tucking' and Shanthi decides on her drag king a
Himesh Patel: Starring In The Odyssey, Working With Matt Damon, And Life After EastEnders
What did Matt Damon say to Himesh after they finished filming The Odyssey?
In this week's episode, Romesh is joined by Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated actor, Himesh Patel. You may know him as Tamwar Masood from EastEnders, but Himesh has since appeared in Danny Boyle’s Yesterday and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, and now he’s in one of this year’s biggest films - The Odyssey.
Himesh sha
Romesh & Shanthi React To Idris Elba's Apology
Has Shanthi finally forgiven Idris Elba?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Shanthi reacts to an unexpected peace offering from Idris Elba after their long-running, one-sided "feud."
Elsewhere, Romesh recommends one of his favourite TV shows, we try an improvised jingle and Romesh and Shanthi answer your listener questions on ageing, plastic surgery, dating apps and whether
Max Fosh: Going Viral, YouTube and Being Posh
How Did Max Fosh Become The World's Richest Man?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by YouTuber, comedian and viral mastermind, Max Fosh, to discuss the outrageous stunts and videos that have made him one of the internet's biggest creators.
From sneaking into London Fashion Week, to legally becoming the world's richest man (very briefly), Max reveals the creative pr
The Chili Oil Special
Can Romesh win the Chili Oil Mastermind quiz?
We're back with another Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show and Shanthi puts Romesh's chilli knowledge to the test in a fiery Mastermind-style quiz, before they share their thoughts on some tantalizing listener dilemmas from inappropriate chat-up lines to spicing up relationships.
Elsewhere, the pair discuss Shanthi's story and Romesh ope
Kelly Cates: From Sky Sports News To Match Of The Day
What is it really like presenting Match of the Day?
In this episode, Romesh is joined by sports broadcaster Kelly Cates to talk about her remarkable career in football journalism, from becoming one of the original faces of Sky Sports News to stepping into the Match of the Day studio.
Kelly opens up about growing up surrounded by football, how sports broadcasting has changed over the last three d
Shanthi’s Suspicions, Monkey Bites & Stage Names
What is the weirdest thing Shanthi has ever Googled?
In this Thursday episode, Romesh and mum Shanthi reveal their most embarrassing Google searches, discuss holiday disasters and give their advice on finding the love of your life at university.
Shanthi shares her theories about a suspicious fan encounter on a train and reacts to the production team's suggestions for her new stage name.
Plus, w
Judi Love On Self-Care, Posh Gyms & Comedy Acting
How does Judi Love do it all?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, comedian, actor and writer, Judi Love joins Romesh to discuss her remarkable career, from becoming the first Black British woman to headline the London Palladium to starring in upcoming projects including Girl Group and and Channel 4's Schooled.
Judi opens up about comedy as a coping mechanism for undiagnosed dyslexia,
Shanthi Teaches Romesh How To Interview
How would Shanthi take on a thousand seagulls?
We're back with another Thursday episode, answering your important listener questions like, would you rather take on a dog sized spider or a pack of seagulls?
The pair discuss Parents Evening and advise your latest listener dilemmas, from a curry-addicted dog, to Shanthi's weaponised use of cake. Plus, Shanthi and the team give some feedback on Rome
Gabby Logan On Match of the Day, Trolls & Live TV
How does Gabby Logan handle online trolls?
In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, award-winning broadcaster Gabby Logan joins Romesh to discuss life presenting Match of the Day, handling criticism online and the pressure of live television.
Gabby opens up about balancing family life with her long-standing broadcasting career, why she stopped paying attention to online comments and what
Why Does Shanthi Have Beef With Idris Elba?
What is Shanthi's beef with Idris Elba?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Shanthi and Romesh revisit Shanthi's ongoing vendetta against actor Idris Elba. We also tackle your listener dilemmas and Shanthi opens up about what helped her rebuild her life after losing her husband.
Elsewhere, Romesh and Shanthi debate manifestation, test their Wimbledon knowledge, and reveal th
Shania Twain On Harry Styles, Losing Her Voice & Country Music
How do you keep performing after losing your voice?
Country music icon Shania Twain joins Romesh to talk about her most personal album yet, Little Miss Twain, the vocal surgery that saved her career and why she's embraced singing with a completely different voice.
We discuss everything from early beginnings and singing in bars as a kid, to breaking into Nashville, writing hit songs and becoming
Growing Up With An Eye Condition & Can Vegans Do This?
Can Shanthi solve your life problems... and give you the perfect masala dosa recipe?
Shanthi's back answering your questions, but not before revealing the mantras she lives by, how she rebuilt her happiness and why staying busy is the secret to a good life.
Elsewhere, Romesh shares the advice he'd give his younger self, Shanthi teaches us how to make her famous masala dosa, and the listener dile
Jemaine Clement On Flight of the Conchords, Marmite & British Comedy
How awkward can filming a British comedy get?
Jemaine Clement joins Romesh to discuss everything from New Zealand, comedy and touring. From starting at the Edinburgh Fringe, to creating one of the most loved series, Flight of the Conchords and working alongside Taika Waititi.
They chat about Jemaine's new Disney+ comedy Alice and Steve, filming the upcoming Rogue Trooper movie with Matt Berry an
Are Men Who Take Their Tops Off An Ick?
Would you drink Marmite? Shanthi does.
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Shanthi reveals her unusual homemade drink, shares her hot takes on summer fashion and the pair team up to answer your listener dilemmas.
Debating everything from shirtless men, bucket hats and giant sunglasses to barbecues, iced coffee and whether fruit belongs in a salad, Shanthi voices her opinion
Eve on Dr Dre, Battle Rapping and Living In The UK
Double-Grammy winning rapper, actress and Emmy-host Eve shares the story of how she got into music, from early choir singing, to battle rapping and becoming one of the most iconic female rappers, working with Dr Dre, collaborating with Gwen Stefani and touring with Ja Rule and Nelly. She also talks about her journey into acting, working with Vin Diesel and being told off by Samuel L Jackson for sw
The Australia Special
Who are Shanthi’s favourite Australians? And why didn’t she move to Australia?This Thursday’s episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show is an Australian special, celebrating all our listeners from down under - we’ve got a boomerang, flags, a kangaroo and hats - we’re not here to f*ck spiders!Shanthi reveals some secret stories, including how Romesh could’ve been born in Australia, plus she plays a ga
ShxtsNGigs On WORST Fan Interactions, Imposter Syndrome & Touring
How did ShxtsNGigs become one of the biggest podcasts in the world?
James and Fuhad join Romesh to talk about taking ShxtsNGigs from a side project to a global phenomenon, selling out arenas, building a loyal audience of millions and navigating the pressures that come with success.
They discuss imposter syndrome, awkward fan encounters, life before podcasting and the challenges of balancing frie
Which World Cup Footballers Would Shanthi Date?
Would Shanthi date Harry Kane?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Shanthi puts some of football's biggest names under the microscope as she decides which World Cup stars she'd date, which she'd avoid and why Cristiano Ronaldo could be her son.
Romesh attempts to teach Shanthi some football phrases ahead of the World Cup, Shanthi shares the story of the time she crashed into
Emily Atack on The Inbetweeners, Unwanted DMs and Nobody’s Fool
Does Emily Atack wish she didn’t have to still talk about The Inbetweeners? And how does she cope with strangers shouting ‘Big Tits' at her?Actor, comedian and TV personality Emily Atack joins us on this week’s and discusses everything from how she landed the role of Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, to selling out tickets to her first ever show, before she’d even written it. We also talk
Shanthi’s Love Languages & Philosophical Questions
What should Shanthi learn next?
In this week's episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show we talk love languages, getting Shanthi on Raya and we even get a bit philosophical, plus Shanthi always wants to learn something new so send in your suggestions.
We also answer more of your emails and voicenotes (as well as some roasting of Romesh) discussing career changes, age gaps and communication between
The Wayans Brothers on Scary Movie, White Chicks & How Comedy Has Gone Woke
Is there going to be a White Chicks 2?
Comedy legends Marlon and Shawn Wayans join The Romesh Ranganathan Show to talk about bringing Scary Movie back, the lasting impact of White Chicks and why Hollywood stopped making big comedy films.
From creating iconic parody movies and surviving brutal reviews to growing up in one of comedy’s most influential families, the Wayans reflect on decades of mak
Shanthi Opens Up About Life In Sri Lanka
What was Shanthi’s life like before the podcast?
In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Shanthi becomes the guest as Romesh talks to her about her childhood in Sri Lanka, meeting his dad, moving to the UK and the difficult years that followed.
She opens up about losing her father at a young age, the freedom she found after leaving Sri Lanka and the financial struggles the f
Aziz Ansari on Parks and Rec, Master of None & Living in London
What happens when one of the world’s biggest comedians swaps Hollywood for a flip phone and a quieter life?
Comedian, writer, actor and director Aziz Ansari joins Romesh Ranganathan for a wide-ranging conversation about stand-up, identity, culture, creativity and getting older.
From selling out Madison Square Garden to creating one of the most renowned Netflix comedy-dramas, Master of None, Aziz
We FINALLY Read Your Emails!
Can we fix the email problem?
This week's Thursday episode is an Email Special, where we finally catch up with some of your unanswered messages. From family feuds over cats and awkward sex talks to relationship arguments, the pair call people out, offer advice and revisit the infamous “tortoise eating your ding dong” debate.
Romesh also addresses complaints about eating on the podcast (don't wor
Ben Elton on Blackadder, Mr Bean & Writing TV Classics
What does the man behind Blackadder actually think about modern comedy?
Ben Elton, multi award-winning comedian writer, novelist, director and lyricist joins Romesh to discuss his new autobiography, 'What Have I Done?’' and share with us how he went from being a 10-year old auditioning for amateur theatre, to writing some of the most-loved British sitcoms including Blackadder, The Young Ones and
We Accidentally Ignored 632 Emails…
What happens when you realise you’ve accidentally ignored 632 listener emails?
Mystery solved and an apology is in order from the team in this Thursday's episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, after finding out they have been checking the wrong inbox the entire time.
This week Romesh and Shanthi team up again to answer and advise on your dilemmas. Covering topics from aging, learning Englis
Adam Buxton on Why Podcasting Has Got WORSE & Comedy Jingles
What is the future of comedy and podcasts?
Comedian, actor and podcaster Adam Buxton joins Romesh for a thoughtful and funny conversation about creativity, aging and the strange evolution of podcasting.
Adam reflects on his career from The Adam and Joe Show, to music, to building one of the UK’s most respected podcasts. From working with Louis Theroux to becoming podcast competitors, he discusse
Shanthi on Being an Immigrant in the 70s & Superstitions
Who would direct Shanthi's documentary about her life?
Romesh and Shanthi are back in the studio, discussing Miriam Margolyes, documentaries and whether Shanthi would make her own all about arriving in the UK in 1975 to navigating culture shock, kindness from strangers, and the realities of starting over.
They also tackle your listener dilemmas with some sound advice, from issues dealing wit
Miriam Margolyes on Harry Potter, Blackadder & How To Be Confident
What happens when you put Miriam Margolyes and Romesh in a room together? Surprisingly brilliant life advice and a mild flirtation...
BAFTA-winning actor, author and national treasure Miriam Margolyes joins Romesh Ranganathan for one of the funniest, frankest and most unpredictable episodes yet.
Miriam reflects on her extraordinary career, from Blackadder and Harry Potter to her deep love of
Shanthi’s Birthday Special
What do you get Shanthi Ranganathan for her birthday when she already has it all?
It’s a special birthday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, as Romesh and the team celebrate Shanthi with gifts, an unexpected charity donation, and a chaotic game of Would You Rather?
From Shanthi’s thoughts on dating later in life, to questions about drug use, and heated debates over Titanic, cats and par
Thundercat on Creativity, Positive Mindsets & Finding His Sound
Can you force creativity or does it only come when it’s ready?
Double Grammy Award winning artist Thundercat joins Romesh Ranganathan for a wide-ranging conversation about music, art, style and finding your own sound.
From Thundercat’s journey in music, growing up around musicians, to becoming a solo artist and finding his niche, they discuss how his sound developed and how working with Flying L
Shanthi’s TikTok Shop Obsession & Are Sleepovers Bad?
Is Romesh a sex icon?
Romesh Ranganathan and his mum Shanthi are back answering listener dilemmas, including a tricky parenting question and rating the team's attractiveness.They get into Shanthi’s latest TikTok Shop discovery (and the mystery of a stolen delivery), her thoughts on health trends and supplements, and why Romesh is apparently failing basic son duties.
As always expect a healthy
Harry Hill: From Doctor To Comedian, TV Burp & Success in America
How does someone go from medicine to comedy?
Comedian Harry Hill joins Romesh Ranganathan for a funny and insightful conversation about stand-up, originality and staying relevant in comedy.
Harry reflects on leaving a career in medicine to pursue his comedy dream, touring with Tim Vine, and how he developed his completely unique style. They also share on their comedy influences, from Jack De
Shanthi Takes On Misquoted & Are Skiing Holidays Overrated?
Can Shanthi remember her own quotes?
Romesh is joined by Shanthi for another episode, where they play a game of Misquoted specifically tailored to Shanthi's unhinged statements. They also discuss best friends, tackle your listener dilemmas and rank some of Shanthi's TV favourites.
Plus: Romesh gives us some of his show recommendations and we revisit who helped Shanthi with infamous list.
A Rang
Sara Pascoe: New Travel Show, Life On Tour & Parenting
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 p
Romesh & Shanthi Respond to the Haters
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 i
James McAvoy: Acting, X-Men & Directing His First Film
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
Shanthi's Hot Takes: Gentle Parenting, Ice Baths & Air Fryers
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 Ranganatha
Bryan Cranston: Breaking Bad, Malcolm In The Middle & Falling In Love With Acting
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 buildi
The Birthday Episode Romesh Didn’t Want
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
Tom Allen: Gardening With Celebs, Fashion Pet Peeves & The 'Mandem'
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
How To Survive A Desert Island & Shanthi’s AI Boyfriend?!
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.
Hannah Fry: The Science Behind AI, Grief Tech & Life
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
Shanthi SHOCKS Romesh With Her WILD Thailand Trip!
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
Louis Theroux On Internet Culture, The Manosphere & Getting "Cooked"
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, in
Who's Buying ROUGH Toilet Paper?!
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
Tom Davis On Success, Setbacks & Being a Dad
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 productio
Telling Your Sri Lankan Mum You're Dieting...
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 p
Josh Widdicombe on Why Podcasts Help Comedians & Leaving London For Devon
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 seri
Romesh’s Near Death Experience & Solving The Beckham’s Drama
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 ru
Sheridan Smith: Comedy, Imposter Syndrome & Her Dream Role
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
Would Romesh Ever LEAVE Crawley?
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
Take That: 90s Regrets, Songwriting Pressures & The Circus Tour Returns
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 j
Should Gifts Be Equal in a Relationship?
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
Jack Thorne: Adolescence, Stephen Graham, and Anxiety
Writer of Adolescence, Skins and This Is England, Jack Thorne joins Romesh to talk about the global impact of Adolescence and working closely with Stephen Graham. Jack opens up about social anxiety, imposter syndrome and how appearing on Desert Island Discs led to his autism diagnosis. They also discuss incel culture, kindness online, shifting power in the TV industry, Jack’s love of E.T. and work
Shanthi’s Own Cooking Show & How To Stop Tantrums!
How do you fix toddler tantrums or a child who’s a fussy eater? This week, “Auntie Shanthi” offers some dubious advice to listeners. She also chats to Romesh about her 2026 resolutions, learning computers with a mystery gentleman, and passes judgement on Will Arnett’s famously sexy voice.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
03:06 Shanthi’s list
03:58 Complaining
05:29 2
Will Arnett: Why People LOVE Bojack Horseman & Pretending To Be A Comedian
Actor and comedian, Will Arnett joins Romesh to talk about stand-up, passing as a comic and the making of new movie Is This Thing On? They get into BoJack Horseman, social media, being a dad and befriending John Bishop. With an divisive takes on tattoos, football and meeting Jürgen Klopp.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:45 A gift for Will
02:35 Will on meeting J
Shanthi's Acting Skills, Genie Wishes & Expensive Taste
Shanthi and Romesh answer your questions and act out several scenes from alternative James Bond improv to hypothetical genies. Plus Shanthi's opinion on why some things are worth buying no matter the price. There’s villain energy, big laughs, questionable casting and as per usual, plenty of moments where neither of them can keep it together.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
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Joy Crookes: Making Music, Heritage & Thierry Henry
Singer-songwriter Joy Crookes joins Romesh to talk about her second album, touring, and how her Bangladeshi and Irish heritage influences her work. Joy also discusses why she'd be perfect for a Bend It Like Beckham sequel, uncompleted ADHD tests, and brave words said to Thierry Henry. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.00:00 Intro
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