Episodes
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 Bee...
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 her personal life struggles, from Lyme disease to lo...
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.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:39 Mantras...
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 Be...
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.
A Ranga Bee Production in p...
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 possibility of reimagined tracksWe also get...
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 you should have more than one child and wh...
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 from Sh...
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, including how to approach a neighbour a...
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 her life has changed from Camden living days to cou...
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 for Christmas? Speaking of Christmas, THAT Christmas list pops up ...
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 what it's like working with family an...
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 the team hitting 100,000 subscribers on YouTube with the arrival of the classic Silver Plaque. Plus: thoughts on Aziz...
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 Ro...
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 roasted it's one not to miss.
A Ranga Bee P...
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 cancelled and why ...
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” conversation about swapping lives for 24 hours, an unexpec...
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 eye and why chasing ...
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 Pilkington or Romesh?
A Ranga Bee Production in partn...
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 older h...
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, Romesh and Shanthi tackle your listener dilemmas with their usual mix of questionable ad...
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...
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
05:10 Sunday scaries
07:20 Morning ritu...
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 TV Burp, to touring, to David Letterman and making it in the US, they cover...
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 sh...
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 the pair travel to some of t...
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 in partnership with Platform
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:55 Shanthi gets upset about the comments
04:45 Shanthi recieves a gift
05:54 A listener has a dreamy question for Romesh
07:15 Shanthi’s ni...
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 accents, training as a pastry chef, bad reviews and being a part of the X‑Men family.
We also discuss James' new film and his directorial debut, California Schemin'.
And as always, a question fr...
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 Ranganathan advice, be sure not to miss it.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
01:59 Shanthi on hats
03:25 Ben’s story
05:43 Shanthi’s Hot Takes
14:20 Questions...
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 building unforgettable characters. He also reflects on precarious nature of the industry, landing the role of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, nearly losing the part and why the show still means so much to ...