The Romesh Ranganathan Show

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 results.

Elsewhere, Romesh considers whether he needs to take legal action on a birthday card situation and reflects on the talent that led him to be a four-time champion (a...

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 bringing the hit Broadway comedy Oh, Mary! to London, the magic of performing live, and why theatre creates such a unique relationship between an actor and an audience. Plus, the...

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 Modern Family as a must-watch show and Shanthi gives her opinion on secret situationships, plus we visit a good old family memory of when Romesh and Dinesh set the sofa on f...

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 and discusses her early comedy influences. The pair talk early career moves, the experience of attending drama school, all the way to working together on Last One Laughing...

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 alter ego.

A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:29...

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 shares what it’s like working on a Christopher Nolan movie and what the challenges are of shooting in IMAX.

Plus, we talk BAFTA part...

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 you should use celebrity selfies on them.

Plus the team celebrates a huge podcast milestone on the podcast!

A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.

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 process behind his biggest videos, and how he keeps coming up with ideas that millions of people can't help but click on.

The pair discuss the realities of life...

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 opens up about why he's protective of his family and the past.

From chili oil to the secret of a successful, long-lasting marriage, it's another classic Thursday episode with Shanthi and Rom.

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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 decades and why she deliberately avoids reading comments (good and bad) about her work.

They discuss the modern pressures that face footballers today and what...

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, we answer your listener dilemmas, from monkey bites to dating advice and weirdly, ducks' anatomy.

From bizarre internet searches to relationship wisdom, it's another classic Thursday episode...

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, the importance of self-care, and why she's learnt to fiercely protect her peace. She also reveals her dream of studying for a PhD exploring the impact of joy and laughter...

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 Romesh's interviewing technique and discuss what would we do if Shanthi quit?

A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.

Chapter <...

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 it really takes to deliver a great live interview. She also speaks candidly about her husband Kenny's prostate cancer diagnosis and why sharing his story has helped break the stigma around men's health.

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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 their celebrity crushes.

From self-care and self-belief to country music and comedy, it's another classic Thursday episode with Shanthi with plentry of Ranganthan roasting in between.

A Ranga...

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 a pop star. Plus we get into performing live at Coachella and her upcoming Wembley residency as Harry Styles' special guest.

Shania reflects on...

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 dilemmas spiral from awkward parenting moments to one of the strangest vegan questions we've ever received.

A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform.

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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 and the reality of life on set. Plus, there's a UK vs New Zealand Marmite taste test, a question from Shanthi, a game of Misquoted and the best Leonard Cohen impression you've ever heard. A Ranga...

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 on all of it.

We also answer your problems, including a debate about personal hygiene habits and how to deal with family members whose views belong in another century.

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 swearing on set.
Celebrating 25th years of her debut album Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady, Eve also tells us about her plans for touring and the...

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 game of guess the Australian phrase and even attempts the accents.
We also answer questions from our Australian listeners on swearing in front of parents, if...

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 friendship with business. They open up about mental health, finding purpose in work and why positive male friendships matter more than ever in times of the manosphere.

Plus, a classic question...

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 Romesh's gate, and there's a heated debate about whether Lionel Messi is actually as nice as everyone thinks he is.

Plus, we answer your listener dilemmas...

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 about her documentary, Am I Asking For It?, tennis scenes in Rivals and her latest show Nobody’s Fool with Danny Dyer.
Emily also talks about how...

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 sons and mothers.

Plus, will Shanthi be seeing the Wayan brothers new movie, Scary Movie? And is Romesh going to buy her a Rolex...

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 making audiences laugh and why comedy might actually be harder than ever now.

The brothers also discuss the chaos of In Living Color, their comedy influences and wh...

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 family faced while trying to rebuild their lives in the UK.

We also celebrate th...

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 reflects on the pressure of chasing great work. He discusses his career from starting in stand-up, to Parks And Recreation, to directing his new film Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, looking at...

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 worry we mute him) and Shanthi gets duped by AI and TikTok. Plus there's a failed attempt to pitch to M&S.

With Shanthi being spikey and Romesh getting roas...

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 more.

From going to University with Rick Mayall, getting the call to work with Queen and how the We Will Rock You Musical really came about, to what happened when Blackadder got ca...

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 English and impressing family members to some unlicensed, dubious medical advice from Shanthi herself.

There’s also a chaotic “Freaky Friday...

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 discusses why he prefers audio over video, even as the industry shifts toward clips, algorithms and “maximising reach”.

They also chat about the reality of getting older in the public...

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 with mother-in-laws, parenting and superstitions. And for once Rom and Shanthi agree!

Plus: We ask the team who is better to work with Karl...

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 Charles Dickens, theatre and live audiences. She also discusses her new documentary, 'Miriam Margolye Made Me Me', her upcoming book 'Miriam’s Full English', life on Cameo, and why getting ol...

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 parrots, this birthday special goes exactly where you’d expect and absolutely nowhere you’d predict...

Plus, Ro...

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 Lotus changed everything. He also touches on creating during trauma and why he believes creativity cannot be rushed. And they discuss the potential of a new album... Plus, a question from Shanthi on confidence and...

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 amount of roasting, form Romesh's fashion to his bum.

A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform. 00:00 Intro

03:23 Shanthi calls out Romesh

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 Dee to Sean Lock, discuss the pressure of writing new material, and why struggling on stage is part of the process.

From...

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 Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform. 00:00 Intro 01:40 Does Shanthi watch the show? 03:25 Misquoted with Shanthi 10:30 A question about holiday costs 20:40 Shanthi ranks her favourite shows 20:50 Romesh’s show recommendations 22:37 Outro

Learn more ab...

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 pleasing in the entertainment industry, Sara's writing process (after winning the Dame Jilly Cooper Award) and her new travel series Zero Stars with Roisin Conaty, where...