S7 EP6: Patrick Radden Keefe on the opioid crisis, criminal career longevity and why access is overrated

S8 EP5: Melanie C on Spiceworld, comparing muscles with Arnold Schwarzenegger and why she’ll always be a Spice Girl

Jul 6, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Louis sits down with Melanie Chisholm—globally known as Mel C or Sporty Spice—to reflect on her remarkable journey as one-fifth of the Spice Girls. The conversation dives into the explosive, rapid success of the band, tracing their origins from a response to a newspaper advertisement and a shared hunger for fame to becoming a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Mel C provides candid insights into the inner workings of the group, describing their transition from a manufactured act to a genuinely tight-knit tribe. They discuss the intense media scrutiny and the internal dynamics that shaped the band, including the pressures that led to Geri Halliwell’s departure and the balancing act of maintaining five distinct personalities. Looking back at the Spice World era, Melanie touches on the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with relentless commercial demands. The two also reflect on the group’s legacy, the industry’s sometimes hostile reaction to their meteoric rise, and the enduring bond between the members as they navigate life in their fifties. It is a thoughtful exploration of global stardom, female solidarity, and the realities of life in the public eye.

S8 EP4: Cara Delevingne discusses getting sober, engagement rumours, and being Karl Largerfeld's muse

Jun 29, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Louis sits down with model, actress, and musician Cara Delevingne for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion begins with an account of Delevingne’s recent musical performance in London, before moving into the complex trajectory of her career. Delevingne reflects on her rapid ascent in the fashion industry during the 2010s, her time as a muse to Karl Lagerfeld, and the disconnect she often felt between her public persona and her internal reality. The conversation delves into the darker side of the fashion world, with Delevingne sharing her experiences with toxic work environments and the pressures of constant scrutiny. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to her journey with mental health and substance abuse, covering her path to sobriety and the childhood experiences that shaped her emotional development. She opens up about the challenges of growing up with a parent struggling with illness, the resulting feelings of anger, and how she navigated self-destructive tendencies in her youth. Throughout the interview, Delevingne offers a raw and honest perspective on personal growth, abandonment fears, and her ongoing process of healing.

S8 EP4: Cara Delevingne discusses getting sober, engagement rumours, and being Karl Lagerfeld's muse

S8 EP3: Andrew Callaghan on the ‘cancelverse’, lizard people, and whether he’s being sued by Melania Trump

Jun 22, 20261h 26mSummary

In this episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Louis sits down with independent journalist and documentary filmmaker Andrew Callaghan. Known for his work on the YouTube platform Channel 5, Callaghan discusses his unique approach to covering the fringes of American society, from conspiracy theorists to civil rights protestors. The conversation explores Callaghan’s transition from early satirical, comedic reporting to more serious documentary filmmaking, a shift prompted largely by his on-the-ground coverage of the 2020 George Floyd protests. Callaghan reflects on the technical and ethical challenges of modern journalism, sharing insights into how he builds rapport with subjects to get past their "performed" selves. He also addresses his experiences with mainstream media institutions, discussing the friction between his independent style and traditional outlets. Throughout the episode, Callaghan provides a thoughtful look at the motivations behind conspiracy-minded individuals, arguing that many are seeking community and meaning in a fractured landscape. The duo also touches upon Callaghan’s creative history, his rap background, and the complexities of navigating public controversy and the pressures of the modern digital media environment.

S8 EP2: Marco Pierre White discusses his rift with Gordon Ramsay, retiring from cooking, and having lunch with Margaret Thatcher

Jun 15, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Louis sits down with the legendary chef Marco Pierre White, widely considered the first true celebrity chef. At age 33, White became the youngest chef to ever receive three Michelin stars, effectively transforming the British culinary landscape in the 1990s. Despite his immense influence and role as a mentor to figures like Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, White famously walked away from the kitchen in 1999, relinquishing his stars. Throughout their conversation, the two explore the intense, often brutal culture of professional kitchens, which White describes as being built on a foundation of absolute service and discipline rather than personal conflict. White reflects on his working-class upbringing in Leeds, the early loss of his mother, and how his affinity for nature became a vital source of strength. The discussion also touches upon his reputation for being a volatile "enfant terrible," his complex relationship with his father, and his later life as a brand ambassador. With his characteristic candor, White discusses his transition from the apex of fine dining to a more pragmatic, philosophical view on food and life.

S8 EP1: Gary Lineker on England’s losing streak, leaving the BBC, and his frosty relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo

Jun 8, 20261h 19mSummary

In the season eight premiere of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Louis sits down with footballing legend and broadcaster Gary Lineker. Spanning from his stellar career as a striker for England and Barcelona to his tenure as the face of Match of the Day, the conversation offers a candid look at Lineker’s life both on and off the pitch. The duo explores the pressures of professional sports, with Lineker reflecting on the intense emotional discipline he maintained during his playing days. He speaks openly about the harrowing experience of his son’s childhood leukemia diagnosis and how his career provided a rare escape during that time. They also discuss his evolution from a focused, sometimes emotionally detached athlete into a more empathetic figure. The conversation shifts to the current state of football, including the complexities of managing the England national team, the extreme salaries in the modern game, and Lineker’s insights into the art of goal-scoring. Throughout the episode, Lineker maintains his signature relaxed demeanor, addressing his public controversies and his recent transition away from his long-standing role at the BBC with characteristic poise and humor.

Louis's back with Season 8!

Jun 1, 20260 minSummary

Louis Theroux returns for an eighth season of his acclaimed podcast, promising another captivating collection of long-form conversations. Known for his signature blend of curiosity and candid rapport, Theroux kicks off the new series by setting the stage for a diverse lineup of high-profile guests. Throughout the upcoming episodes, he engages with notable figures from various corners of culture, including football legend and broadcaster Gary Lineker, pop icon Melanie C, celebrated chef Marco Pierre White, and investigative journalist Andrew Callaghan. Listeners can expect the trademark inquisitive style that has become synonymous with the Louis Theroux brand. By delving into the personal histories, professional philosophies, and unique experiences of his subjects, Theroux continues to push past the surface level to uncover what truly drives these influential individuals. Whether exploring the intense pressures of the sporting world, the enduring influence of pop stardom, or the nuances of modern journalism, this season aims to provide fresh insights into the lives of those who shape our media landscape. It is an invitation to join an evolving series of deep, thoughtful dialogues that remain as unpredictable and engaging as ever.

S7 EP8: Yorgos Lanthimos discusses working with Emma Stone, suffering for his art, and directing a Bourne movie

Apr 20, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos joins Louis to discuss his distinct career, spanning from his early Greek low-budget projects to his recent acclaimed work with Emma Stone. The conversation offers a deep dive into Lanthimos’s creative process, exploring his preference for ambiguous storytelling that avoids offering the audience easy answers. He reflects on his breakout film, Dogtooth, and explains why he finds it rewarding to provoke his viewers, viewing discomfort as a vital tool for shifting perspectives. Lanthimos also shares his journey from filming commercials in Greece to navigating the pressures of the international film industry. He candidly addresses the superficial nature of early Hollywood meetings and why he ultimately rejected the idea of directing a franchise blockbuster like a Bourne film to preserve his creative freedom. Throughout the episode, the two touch upon themes of control, the collaborative nature of his work, and the paradoxical “suffering” he experiences while making films, acknowledging that the burden of total creative agency is a challenge he embraces. It is an insightful look into the mind of a visionary director who remains committed to challenging artistic conventions.

S7 EP7: Simone Ashley on kissing scenes with Jonathan Bailey, getting kicked out of drama school, and Bridgerton criticism

Apr 13, 202654 minSummary

In this episode, host Louis Theroux sits down with actress Simone Ashley for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from a rebellious teenager to a breakout star in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. The two discuss the show’s unique historical reimagining, the nature of onscreen chemistry, and how she navigated the intense workload and scrutiny that came with her role as Kate Sharma. Ashley shares candid reflections on working with co-star Jonathan Bailey, the realities of filming intimate scenes during the pandemic, and the importance of professional collaboration in storytelling. Beyond the regency drama, Ashley opens up about her unconventional path to success, including her time in drama school, her early struggles with a traditional academic environment, and her eventual decision to pivot toward film and television. The conversation also touches on her musical background, her love for classic cinema, and how she navigates her heritage in an industry that is only just beginning to embrace more culturally diverse narratives. It is an engaging look at the creative drive behind one of television’s most recognizable faces as she looks toward her future projects.