Shanthi on Being an Immigrant in the 70s & Superstitions

Shania Twain On Harry Styles, Losing Her Voice & Country Music

Jul 5, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, global country-pop icon Shania Twain sits down to discuss her storied career, her creative process, and her recent artistic reflections. The conversation moves beyond her massive commercial success to explore her humble beginnings, where she developed her skills as a songwriter and performer while singing in local bars. Shania shares insights into her new album, which serves as a deeply personal retrospective on her youth, exploring stories of her upbringing before she achieved international fame. A central theme of the discussion is the role of creative independence and the courage required to maintain one's own voice within the music industry. Shania reflects on her early experiences in Nashville, balancing industry expectations with her desire for authenticity. She also touches on her unique ability to blend humor with emotion in her songwriting, a trait she believes helps her connect with audiences across genres. Beyond her own work, Shania discusses her mutual respect and upcoming performance collaboration with Harry Styles, highlighting the personal, grassroots connection that sparked their professional relationship. Throughout the interview, she remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of staying optimistic and resourceful in an unpredictable industry.

Growing Up With An Eye Condition & Can Vegans Do This?

Jul 1, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by his mother, Shanti, for their weekly Thursday session to address audience questions and family dilemmas. The conversation opens with Shanti sharing her daily routine involving prayer beads and mantras, which she uses to maintain a sense of calm and happiness. The pair then dives into a series of listener messages. One listener asks for advice on raising a daughter with an eye condition similar to Romesh’s. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Romesh reflects on how he navigated school life, noting that humor became his primary defense mechanism. He and Shanti emphasize that the most important thing is to ensure the child feels loved and to help her realize that her condition does not define her worth. Later, the discussion takes a humorous turn when they address a bizarre question about a vegan man who sucks the flavor off sausages before passing them to his wife. Romesh and Shanti also weigh in on a listener's awkward parenting struggle at a movie theater and share a traditional recipe for Masala Dosa, blending heartfelt life advice with lighthearted banter.

Jemaine Clement On Flight of the Conchords, Marmite & British Comedy

Jun 28, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, host Romesh Ranganathan sits down with the multi-talented Jemaine Clement to discuss his prolific career, from the cult success of Flight of the Conchords to his work on What We Do in the Shadows and beyond. The conversation offers a candid look at Clement’s journey from a self-described "deluded" kid in New Zealand who grew up watching British comedy to a globally recognized actor and creator. Clement shares anecdotes about his early days, including the influence of British comedy icons like The Young Ones and Blackadder, and reflects on the unique psychological toll of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He recounts the surreal experience of performing to near-empty rooms versus the pressure of being reviewed by comedy critics. Additionally, the pair engages in a humorous, high-stakes taste test of New Zealand versus British Marmite, providing a lighter look at their respective cultural backgrounds. Throughout the episode, Clement discusses his long-standing creative partnerships with figures like Taika Waititi and Bret McKenzie, offering insights into their early auditions and the evolution of their enduring collaborations.

Are Men Who Take Their Tops Off An Ick?

Jun 24, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and his mother, Shanthi, return for their Thursday edition to tackle listener dilemmas and discuss various lifestyle observations. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted debate about summer etiquette, specifically whether it is acceptable for men to walk around in public without their shirts on. Romesh expresses a strong dislike for the practice, regardless of the individual’s physique, leading to a humorous exchange about fashion choices in hot weather, including the polarizing debate over wearing flip-flops with office attire and the struggle to find suitable sunglasses. The hosts then shift to more personal and eclectic topics, ranging from Shanthi’s unique culinary habits—including her penchant for drinking hot water with Marmite and shallots—to a bizarre listener query regarding the removal of fluff from toenails. The duo also offers thoughtful advice to a listener navigating complex generational tensions with a parent holding outdated, sexist views on women in comedy. Throughout the episode, Romesh and Shanthi maintain their signature chemistry, balancing sharp wit with genuine warmth while addressing everything from beauty fads to complicated family dynamics.

Eve on Dr Dre, Battle Rapping and Living In The UK

Jun 22, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, legendary hip-hop artist Eve joins the host for a candid conversation covering her storied career and her transition to life in the UK. The discussion kicks off with a lighthearted comparison between American and British promotional styles, with Eve noting how she has adopted the British tendency to apologize more frequently. The conversation moves into the technical and creative aspects of her journey, including her early days in Philadelphia, where she established herself as a battle-hardened rapper before catching the attention of Dr. Dre. Eve shares behind-the-scenes insights into working with Dre, highlighting his uncompromising perfectionism and how he treated vocals as an essential component of the beat. They also reflect on her recent Grammy win for The Roots’ "You Got Me," detailing the serendipitous and long-overdue nature of that recognition. Beyond the music, Eve opens up about the discipline required for her high-energy live performances and the evolution of her artistry since her platinum-selling sophomore album, Scorpion. The episode offers a fascinating look at the resilience and adaptability required to sustain a decades-long career in the entertainment industry.

The Australia Special

Jun 17, 202649 minSummary

In this special Australian-themed episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and his mother, Shanti, embrace the spirit of the Outback with a lighthearted, comedic exploration of Australian culture. Sporting iconic cork hats and navigating various stereotypes, the hosts dive into a lively discussion about their connection to the country and their appreciation for its people. The episode features a playful segment where Shanti attempts to master Australian slang, testing her knowledge of terms like drongo, servy, and the notoriously colorful phrase, not here to fuck spiders. Throughout the show, the pair answers listener questions, including a curious inquiry about their open communication style and the evolution of their relationship regarding the use of profanity. They also share personal anecdotes, including a surprising story about a near-move to Australia that was derailed by a long-lost letter decades ago. Balancing humor with genuine warmth, Romesh and Shanti provide an engaging look at their family dynamic while celebrating their listeners from down under, ultimately creating an entertaining episode that highlights their unique rapport and mutual love for Australian audiences.

ShxtsNGigs On WORST Fan Interactions, Imposter Syndrome & Touring

Jun 14, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, hosts James and Fuhad from the popular podcast ShxtsNGigs join Romesh for an engaging conversation that shifts between humor and genuine vulnerability. The trio dives into the complexities of their rapid rise to fame, candidly discussing their struggles with imposter syndrome. Both the hosts and Romesh share how they often feel like they are not the right people to be in their respective roles, despite their massive audiences and industry success. The discussion also explores the challenges of touring, with the ShxtsNGigs team sharing their experiences in finding the right balance for their live shows—avoiding the pitfalls of being too repetitive while staying true to their signature conversational style. Throughout the episode, the tone remains lighthearted as they navigate personal habits, friendship dynamics, and the oddities of being public figures. Romesh pushes the pair to open up about their working relationship and the pressure of balancing authentic content creation with the expectations of an ever-growing fanbase. It is a refreshing, honest look at the lives of two creators who are successfully redefining modern podcasting.

Which World Cup Footballers Would Shanthi Date?

Jun 10, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and his mother, Shanthi, dive into the spirit of the football World Cup. The pair engages in a humorous and lighthearted hypothetical game where Shanthi evaluates several famous footballers to decide who she might hypothetically date. Throughout the segment, Shanthi offers candid and unconventional commentary on players like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, often basing her opinions on perceived personality traits rather than their athletic prowess. Her unique insights lead to playful friction and banter with Romesh, who attempts to steer her through the world of football culture. Beyond the dating game, the hosts discuss their relationship, family dynamics, and their shared history of watching sporting events together. Romesh also provides his mother with a crash course in football terminology, teaching her how to sound like a knowledgeable fan by using specific phrases and tactical jargon during matches. The conversation captures the warm, comedic rapport between the two, blending genuine family affection with the lighthearted chaos that characterizes their weekly Thursday discussions.

Emily Atack on The Inbetweeners, Unwanted DMs and Nobody’s Fool

Jun 7, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, host Romesh Ranganathan sits down with actor and comedian Emily Atack for a candid and humorous conversation. Atack reflects on her enduring association with the iconic series The Inbetweeners, discussing how strangers often still greet her with lines from the show, a quirk she has learned to embrace with good humor. The pair also dives into the realities of Atack’s transition from a bustling London life in Camden to a quieter, more domestic existence in the countryside, where she navigates the challenges of motherhood and the humorous mishaps that come with raising a toddler. Beyond her personal life, Atack talks about her latest television venture, the reality quiz show Nobody’s Fool, which she co-hosts with Danny Dyer. She explains the show’s unique premise, which blends high-stakes trivia with social manipulation, similar to a high-pressure psychological game. Throughout the chat, Atack remains effortlessly open, sharing stories about wedding planning, her desire for a memorable hen party, and the fun of working alongside fellow comedians. It is an engaging episode filled with sharp wit and genuine insights into the life of a modern performer.

Shanthi’s Love Languages & Philosophical Questions

Jun 3, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and his mother, Shanthi, dive into a blend of lighthearted banter and surprisingly thoughtful philosophical discussions. The duo begins by addressing listener feedback, eventually transitioning into the classic Ship of Theseus thought experiment. They debate the nature of identity and whether replacing parts of an object—or a person—changes its fundamental essence, leading to a humorous exploration of household items and personal growth. The conversation naturally shifts toward personal dynamics as they explore the concept of love languages. Romesh discusses his preference for words of affirmation, while Shanthi highlights her focus on acts of service, particularly through cooking and caretaking. Their exchange offers a candid look at how their relationship has evolved over the years, marked by both deep affection and comedic misunderstandings about life, luxury items, and family dynamics. Additionally, the hosts answer a listener’s dilemma regarding the age gap in university settings, with Shanthi offering practical advice on finding common ground with peers. It is an engaging, authentic episode that captures the unique chemistry of a mother-son dynamic navigating both big life questions and everyday realities.