EP.260 - NATALIE ROBERTS

EP.277 - SARA COX

Jul 1, 20261h 23mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam welcomes broadcaster and author Sarah Cox for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation. Recorded in London, the discussion offers a warm and candid look at Cox’s life, spanning her childhood on a farm in Bolton to her successful career in radio and television. The conversation begins with a reflection on Cox’s memoir, "Until the Cows Come Home," which details her upbringing. They discuss the unique, often bittersweet experience of growing up as a farmer’s daughter—sharing stories of farm injuries, the bond with her father, and the complicated, sometimes contradictory feelings of loving the animals she helped raise. Beyond her rural roots, Cox reflects on her transition into the public eye, starting with her modeling career and her unexpected leap into television as a host of the 90s program "The Girlly Show." She and Buxton share memories of the era and the challenges of early fame. The two also explore the realities of parenting teenagers in the digital age, balancing work commitments, and the importance of finding humor in life’s transitions.

EP.276 - LOUIS THEROUX

Jun 24, 20261h 28mSummary

In this episode, Adam Buxton is joined by his longtime friend and collaborator Louis Theroux for a sprawling, candid conversation. Recorded in London, the pair reflects on the creative process behind their recent comedy project, Success Pod, and the challenges of blending scripted sketches with informal, conversational audio. The discussion touches on the evolution of the chat show format, contrasting the more relaxed, long-form interviews of the past with the fast-paced, high-pressure environments of modern media. Buxton and Theroux delve into the world of improv comedy, the importance of finding one’s own creative voice, and the curious trends dominating the podcast landscape. They also explore the surreal influence of algorithmic content, sharing amusing anecdotes about being drawn into AI-generated videos. Throughout the episode, Buxton reflects on his own artistic habits, including his recent foray into singing lessons, while Theroux shares his perspectives on the evolving nature of digital culture. The episode captures the duo’s easy rapport as they navigate tangents ranging from Zen Buddhist koans to the intricacies of character performance, offering an engaging and humorous look at their respective creative lives.

EP.275 - KATHY BURKE

Jun 16, 20261h 17mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, host Adam Buxton welcomes back the renowned English actor, comedian, writer, and director Kathy Burke for a candid and reflective conversation. The discussion centers largely on Burke’s 2025 memoir, A Mind of My Own, which chronicles her challenging childhood in Islington, her early start in acting, and her trajectory to becoming a celebrated figure in British comedy and cinema. Burke opens up about the complexities of her upbringing, including the loss of her mother at a young age and her father’s struggles with alcoholism and physical abuse. Despite these difficulties, she shares how she found solace and identity through music—particularly the punk and two-tone movements—and how her natural wit served as a protective mask. The two also reflect on the impact of early societal commentary on her self-image, and how she navigated insecurities to build a successful career. Featuring anecdotes from her film work and her unique perspective on fame, the episode offers a warm, deeply human portrait of a beloved artist looking back at a life well-lived.

EP.274 - HARRY ENFIELD

Jun 9, 20261h 24mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam sits down with legendary British comedian and actor Harry Enfield for a sprawling, nostalgic conversation. Recorded in London, the discussion traces Enfield’s career from his early days in the eighties alternative comedy scene to his iconic creations like Stavros, Loadsamoney, and Kevin the Teenager. The two reflect on the shifting landscape of television comedy, discussing the influence of their peers—including Paul Whitehouse and Kathy Burke—and the unique pressures of the digital age. Beyond his professional history, Enfield shares personal anecdotes, including his experiences touring his latest solo show and his past clashes with public figures like Chrissie Hynde over controversial topics like fox hunting. The conversation is punctuated by reflections on their respective upbringings, their relationships with their fathers, and the often complicated dynamics of parenting teenagers. With characteristic warmth and self-deprecation, Enfield and Buxton explore the highs and lows of the comedy profession, the lasting impact of their past work, and how they navigate life, family, and the evolution of their craft in the modern era.

EP.273 - PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE

May 25, 20261h 17mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam sits down with returning guest and New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe to discuss his latest book, London Falling. Recorded in Bath, the conversation explores the tragic and mysterious 2019 death of teenager Zack Brettler, whose life was marked by a secret, double existence in London’s elite underworld. Keefe details how he first encountered the story while working on a television adaptation of his previous work and explains the complex, lengthy process of earning the trust of the grieving Brettler family. The discussion delves into the themes of adolescent reinvention, the deceptive glamour of wealth, and the failure of authorities to properly investigate the death. Beyond the mystery, the two explore the emotional toll of reporting on traumatic subjects and the personal challenges of parenting adolescents in a world that often mirrors the darker narratives Keefe writes about. The episode provides a fascinating, thoughtful look at Keefe’s investigative process, his perspective on the shifting values of modern society, and the thin line between documenting truth and respecting the lives of those caught in tragic events.

EP.272 - BRIDGET CHRISTIE & ALICE BOYD LIVE @ BRISTOL - BEACON THEATRE, 2024

May 19, 20261h 0mSummary

This live episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, recorded at the Bristol Beacon Theatre in 2024, features a lively and wide-ranging conversation with acclaimed comedian Bridget Christie. Joined by musician Alice Boyd, who provides atmospheric live performances and unique field recordings of nature, the episode captures the warmth and unpredictability of a live stage show. Christie and Buxton explore a variety of topics, reflecting on the transition through midlife with humor and unexpected depth. Their discussion traverses everything from the enlightenment that can accompany the menopause to their shared, perhaps slightly cynical, fascination with the quirks of aging icons like Ken Dodd. The dialogue naturally shifts between lighthearted banter and sincere reflections on the nature of success, the evolving demands of parenthood, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook amidst life's inherent challenges. Interspersed with audience questions, the chat highlights the duo’s rapport as they navigate subjects ranging from the anxieties of modern technology to the complexities of long-term relationships and personal identity. It is an engaging, rambling, and thoughtful session that celebrates the art of conversation and the value of staying present.

EP.271 - JOSH JOHNSON

May 11, 20261h 17mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam sits down with American stand-up comedian Josh Johnson for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation. Recorded in London, the discussion traces Johnson’s journey from his upbringing in Alexandria, Louisiana, to his success as a writer and correspondent for The Daily Show. The two explore Johnson’s unique perspective on life, including his decision to abstain from alcohol and his observational approach to comedy, which often connects seemingly disparate ideas. They share thoughts on the legendary status of New Orleans, the surreal experience of eating alligator gumbo, and Johnson’s childhood fascination with magic. A significant portion of the episode examines the evolving nature of performance and pranking. The pair discuss the blurred lines of internet culture, analyzing the shift from traditional comedy to the disruptive, often uncomfortable tactics used by modern social media pranksters. They also touch upon the serious side of Johnson’s work, reflecting on how he uses his platform to address complex, heavy topics in the news. It is a thoughtful, rambling, and deeply human exchange between two artists discussing the craft and responsibilities of humor.

EP.270 - REBECCA LUCY TAYLOR AKA SELF ESTEEM

May 1, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam sits down with musician, actor, and writer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known professionally as Self Esteem. Recorded face-to-face, the conversation explores the evolution of Taylor’s career, from her early days in the indie band Slow Club to her critically acclaimed solo work and recent transition into West End theater. The discussion delves into the complex nature of ambition, with both Adam and Rebecca reflecting on how competitive drive is often perceived as a negative trait within the music industry. They touch upon Rebecca’s experiences writing her deeply personal albums, her lauded performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and the challenges of navigating public expectations as a performer. The two also reminisce about their shared experience competing on The Great British Bake Off, providing a lighthearted look at the pressures of televised competition. Throughout the episode, Taylor opens up about her family’s influence on her artistic journey, her evolving relationship with her own work, and the cathartic power she finds in acting. It is a candid and insightful conversation about the highs and lows of a creative life.

EP.269 - JAMIE HEWLETT & DAMON ALBARN AKA GORILLAZ

Apr 20, 20261h 25mSummary

In this episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam Buxton hosts a wide-ranging, candid conversation with Gorillaz co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. Recorded at Albarn’s Studio 13 in West London, the session takes place shortly before the release of the band’s ninth studio album, The Mountain. The discussion moves effortlessly between the profound and the absurd. The trio delves into their shared generational history—growing up in the 1970s and 80s—and how the atmosphere of that era shaped their current creative outlooks. They explore themes of mortality, the burden of modern anxiety, and the challenges of raising children in an increasingly complex world. Along the way, the guests offer unfiltered commentary on everything from cycling in London to the oddities of their personal daily habits, maintaining the humorous and slightly rebellious dynamic that defines the Gorillaz project. Beyond the philosophy, they discuss the collaborative nature of their music, the visual world Hewlett creates for their fictional band members, and the band’s ongoing tour. Buxton also provides a glimpse into the studio environment, ending the episode with a fun, unconventional tour of the band’s impressive collection of musical equipment.

EP.268 - ADAM AND JOE

Dec 25, 20251h 46mSummary

In this festive episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, Adam welcomes his longtime collaborator, Joe Cornish, for their annual end-of-year catch-up. Recorded on Christmas Day, the pair leans into the cozy, ramshackle spirit of the season, settling into a "Christmas shack" setting complete with a simulated fire. The conversation flows naturally through the highs and lows of the past year. Adam shares a heartwarming, slightly bizarre story about a missing ceramic statue of Jesus that briefly went astray during a party for his teenage daughter. The duo also touches upon their individual projects, including Adam’s recent book and his experiences in the theater, leading to a humorous discussion about the repetitive nature of long-running musicals and the occasional technical mishap. True to form, the episode features the return of the popular "made-up joke party." Adam and Joe exchange original puns and wordplay, critiquing each other’s comedic delivery and debating the merits of their creative efforts. Between the banter and the gift-giving, they take time to highlight meaningful charitable causes, capping off the year with characteristic warmth, reflection, and festive humor.