Episodes
Romesh doesn’t like celebrating his birthday… unfortunately the team had other plans.
In this chaotic birthday special, Romesh is joined once again by brother Dinesh and mum Shanthi, discussing everything from family pranking history and gardening to debating who would survive prison time and how.
You can expect lots of birthday fun, lots of push back from Romesh, some questionable birthday gifts and a bizarre role play.
Plus: Some Tamil and wedding song recommendations and Romesh being a birthday diva.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
0...
Is this the best gift the show has ever given a guest? A self-proclaimed "enthusiastic novice", Tom Allen is here to chat about his new podcast Pottering, his debut novel Common Decency and why we apparently should absolutely not be wearing belts with waistcoats.
This episode in the studio brings you everything from questions with Shanthi, gardening tips, stand-up stories , a game of Misquoted and some very strong opinions on men's style.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
02:05 Cushion conspiracy
02:50 Wearing suits and fashion advice
04:05 ...
Would Shanthi have an AI boyfriend? Find out in the brand new epsiode where Romesh and Shanthi cover everything from grief role play to the pros and cons of AI and Rom's ChatGPT history.
They get into everything from the importance of maths and biology, desert island dilemmas, the danger of tortoises and a chaotic round of snog, marry, avoid featuring some very questionable fictional choices.
As always: unexpected, unfiltered, and impossible to predict where it’ll go next.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
02:30 Shanthi on maths
05:08 Tryi...
Should we be worried about AI? Mathematician and presenter Hannah Fry joins Romesh to talk about her new show 'AI Confidential with Hannah Fry' and the surprising ways maths and technology shape our lives.
From Hannah’s work explaining science to wider audiences, her podcast The Rest Is Science, to Grief Tech. This episode explores the strange questions maths can actually answer, from whether you could theoretically be bored to death to how to cool down your car. The conversation moves from teaching maths and traumatising students with numbers to the bigger questions around AI, technology ...
How much do you really want to know about your parents' holiday antics? Shanthi shares far too much, leaving Romesh desperate to "edit" certain images out of his brain. They also talk about this week’s guest, legendary documentary maker Louis Theroux, as Shanthi reveals the surprisingly dark topics she’d cover if she followed in his footsteps.
Plus, Romesh hits back at criticism of his glasses – and Shanthi recalls the moment he rang her to say he’d "made it" in comedy.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media.
00:00 Intro
01:30 Glasses criticism
04:28 Louis Ther...
What do toxic masculinity, a lasagne obsession, and a Seat Alhambra have in common? Louis Theroux joins Romesh to draw the line between his on-camera persona and life at home. They revisit some of Louis’ most infamous documentary moments, the craft behind them, and the interview regrets he has looking back.
Louis also explains why he’s drawn to spending time with people who hold extreme views, including in his latest film Inside the Manosphere, exploring misogyny and the lure of wealth in the post-Andrew Tate world with figures like HSTikkyTokky.
Along the way he reflects on memorable enc...
How many times can you trick your mum into saying the F-word? Romesh annoys Shanthi with terrible impressions of kids' film characters and makes his case for why the Toy Story trilogy is one of the greatest in cinematic history. They role-play a listener’s plea about how to kindly deal with smelly colleagues — and how to cope with a spoilt hen-do surprise (do you fake it?). Plus, an uncomfortably long conversation about the specifics of going to the toilet.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:27 Shanthi loves Tom Davis
03:22 Paddington
04:37 Kids films im...
Comedian and actor Tom Davis joins Romesh for a proper deep dive into comedy, his working-class roots to his success and building his career long term.
They talk about Tom’s route into stand-up, creating and starring in Murder in Successville and King Gary, and what it takes to survive rejection, hyper-criticism and projects going wrong. There’s rare praise from Romesh, chaos behind the production cenes, doing his own stunts, pranks, and a BIG announcement. Plus an ever important question from Shanthi.
They also get into luck in the industry, being a dad, and how success changes your pers...
Cooking advice, dieting disasters and impressions that probably shouldn’t happen... Romesh is joined once again by mum Shanthi Ranganathan for another episode of unfiltered family chat.
They cover Shanthi’s go-to recipes, strong opinions on chicken, and what it’s actually like trying to diet with a Sri Lankan mum in the house. There’s listener questions, unexpected tangents (including one about poop), impressions of Josh Widdicombe, and Romesh attempting a Tamil impression that may or may not get him in trouble.
As always: advice is given confidently. Whether you should follow it is anoth...
Comedian Josh Widdicombe joins Romesh to explain why he might actually prefer podcasts to television.
They chat about his stand-up tour Not My Cup of Tea, appearing in more than 30 series of The Last Leg, and co-hosting the hugely successful Parenting Hell. Josh also talks about his move to Devon after being pushed out of London, rediscovering photography as a hobby, and launching his new series, Josh Widdicombe’s Museum of Pop Culture – covering everything from Mr Blobby to David Hasselhoff and the Berlin Wall.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
02:20 P...
It’s snacks, arguments and family drama as Romesh is joined by mum Shanthi for another episode of strong opinions and zero agreement.
They get into the ongoing dispute about mutton rolls, Romesh’s near-death experience with chilli oil, Shanthi’s love for Sheridan Smith and breakdown the headline-making Beckham family tension. There’s also Dungeon & Dragons confusion, and Shanthi's questionable rules about girls.
Expect bickering, roasting and classic Shanthi energy throughout.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
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From comedy beginnings to renowned actor and West End star, Sheridan Smith joins Romesh for a wide-ranging chat about confidence, acting and carving out a career that spans stage and screen.
They talk about imposter syndrome, developing characters and working together on the West End show Woman In Mind. Plus, a hip hop gift and a rather disappointing 50 Cent impression from Romesh.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
00:32 Romesh Admits Being Jealous
02:30 The Audition for Take That
05:33 Gifts
08:50 Mark Owen's Dream Trip to Graceland
10:02 "Heimscheiß...
Romesh is joined by mum Shanthi Ranganathan for another episode of strong opinions, unexpected confessions and classic family chaos. From learning Spanish and declaring her love for Take That, to unpacking fan obsessions and answering listener questions, Shanthi once again proves she’s the star of the show.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:19 Shanthi learns some Spanish
03:38 Shanthi’s a Take That fan
05:10 A team question
07:05 A fan obsession
08:55 Romesh’s seduction
11:20 Is Romesh Crawley’s golden boy?
18:39 A final question from the listeners
Learn m...
Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald sit down with Romesh to talk about the ups and downs of Take That – from their crazy beginnings in the 90s to the reboot of their legendary Circus Tour. They talk about the band's audition process, the pressures of songwriting, and Gary Barlow's not-very-popstar passions: Star Trek and interior design magazines. Plus Romesh admits to a 30-year-old act of jealousy.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
00:32 Romesh Admits Being Jealous
02:30 The Audition for Take That
05:33 Gifts
08:50 Mark Owen's Dream Trip to Gra...
Romesh and Shanthi play a chaotic game of “Would You Rather?”, take aim at coffee snobs (George Clooney included!), and reminisce about iconic old TV adverts. Things go off the rails with dirty genie wishes, awkward gift-giving dilemmas, and an embarrassing misunderstanding about the ingredients of a popular energy drink.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:45 Red Bull
02:48 Favourite Adverts
07:11 Shanthi on Coffee
11:00 Would You Rather...?
17:41 Genie Wishes
22:10 Advice on Motherhood
28:08 Gifting Dilema
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Writer of Adolescence, Skins and This Is England, Jack Thorne joins Romesh to talk about the global impact of Adolescence and working closely with Stephen Graham. Jack opens up about social anxiety, imposter syndrome and how appearing on Desert Island Discs led to his autism diagnosis. They also discuss incel culture, kindness online, shifting power in the TV industry, Jack’s love of E.T. and work life balance.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
00:55 The reaction to Adolescence
01:30 Jack’s relationship with Stephen Graham
02:55 Working with Brad Pitt
04...
How do you fix toddler tantrums or a child who’s a fussy eater? This week, “Auntie Shanthi” offers some dubious advice to listeners. She also chats to Romesh about her 2026 resolutions, learning computers with a mystery gentleman, and passes judgement on Will Arnett’s famously sexy voice.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
03:06 Shanthi’s list
03:58 Complaining
05:29 2026 resolutions
08:13 Shanthi on Will Arnett
10:46 Shanthi’s advice
18:10 Films that made an impression
23:28 Shanthi’s cookery show
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Actor and comedian, Will Arnett joins Romesh to talk about stand-up, passing as a comic and the making of new movie Is This Thing On? They get into BoJack Horseman, social media, being a dad and befriending John Bishop. With an divisive takes on tattoos, football and meeting Jürgen Klopp.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:45 A gift for Will
02:35 Will on meeting Jürgen Klopp
04:05 Arsenal vs Liverpool
06:11 Working with John Bishop
10:13 The making of Is This Thing On?
14:13 Practicing stand up
18:51 Shanthi’s question to Will
19:30 BoJack Horseman
30:10 Wi...
Shanthi and Romesh answer your questions and act out several scenes from alternative James Bond improv to hypothetical genies. Plus Shanthi's opinion on why some things are worth buying no matter the price. There’s villain energy, big laughs, questionable casting and as per usual, plenty of moments where neither of them can keep it together.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro01:30 Shanthi & Romesh answer your questions02:49 Shanthi’s acting background04:50 An improvised scene09:03 Shanthi 00711:47 A question about a genie17:33 Expensive perfume
Learn more ab...
Singer-songwriter Joy Crookes joins Romesh to talk about her second album, touring, and how her Bangladeshi and Irish heritage influences her work. Joy also discusses why she'd be perfect for a Bend It Like Beckham sequel, uncompleted ADHD tests, and brave words said to Thierry Henry. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.00:00 Intro
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Shanthi brings up an embarrassing conversation about James Acaster's manhood, get's confused between boxing and wrestling – plus she joins Romesh in attempting some impressions, including Chris Eubank, Gollum, Michael Macintyre and Mrs. Doubtfire.
A Ranga Bee production in partnership with Listen
00:00 Romesh Sings
01:00 Boxing Intro
03:00 Shanthi on James Acaster
5:45 Chris Eubank
7:15 Mothers Deserve Respect
12:20 Impressions
19:56 Secrets to Success
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Comedian, musician and Off Menu podcast host James Acaster joins Romesh to talk about returning to stand-up, mental health… and why you definitely shouldn’t have an affair during a West End show. He pitches a new travel TV idea for Shanthi (very much without Romesh), and discusses his forthcoming album — a project 20 years in the making.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
00:10 Don't Have An Affair
01:50 James Roasts The Set
04:22 Unwanted Gifts
06:53 Stand Up, Ego & Expectations
16:00 Josie Long
22:50 Shanthi’s Question
26:35 Visiting Sri Lanka
27...
Romesh STILL doesn't believe that Shanthi wrote the infamous festive planning list... and the cross-examination continues! The pair then dive into your dilemmas, including how to deal with mums who ignore boundaries – and a heated debate on wedding etiquette after one listener reveals their mother-in-law wore white on the big day.
A Ranga Bee production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Romesh is relaxed
00:56 Shanthi's New Year Resolutions
02:00 Shanthi's List Controversy
06:40 Hard Times
11:00 Be Kind To Your Mum
15:45 Texting Etiquette
20:40 White Dress At Someone Else's We...
As co-creator of era-defining titles such as The Office and Extras, followed by hits including Derek and After Life, Ricky Gervais has left his mark as one of the most successful comedians on the planet. Speaking to Romesh, he explains why writing and workshopping stand-up comedy remains one of his greatest loves, how hosting the Golden Globes could have ended his career, and why he cares more about other people’s opinions than it might seem. Ricky also shares stories behind his love for animals – including why he's donated huge sums of money to animal charities from his recent tours.
A ...
Unexpected, unfiltered, and ...unhinged? Our Thursday episodes featuring Romesh alongside his mum Shanthi have provided us with some of the most hilarious moments of the year. We're revisiting her best bits, including advice on girlfriends, erotic dreams, and why meringues are more saucy than you think.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Shanthi's Message For 2026
00:50 Girlfriends
04:00 Nude on the Podcast?
08:06 Football
09:10 Attractive Meringue
12:30 Sonic The Hedgehog vs Mr Bean
14:50 The Doctor
15:54 "Love You Mummy"
20:42 Baby Advice
26:26 Dreams ...
How many mince pies is too many? Standup comedian, actor, writer and BAFTA-winning Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland, joins Romesh on the show this week – and gets subjected to a taste test. They talk about the fear and exhilaration of Chris' experience as the first blind contestant on Strictly, why "not caring" is the best thing you can do, and his new book, Keep On Laughing.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 The Toilet Door
04:00 Alternative Christmas Message
05:20 Mince Pie Taste Test
11:55 Finding Fame
15:15 Giving Up Alcohol
17:20 Sean Lock...
What does Shanthi really want this Christmas? Romesh is joined by Shanthi for a festive episode full of gifts, jokes, surprise guests and the kind of family conversations that only happen at Christmas.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
01:05 Shanthi’s favourite Christmas song
03:44 Christmas wishes
06:07 A surprise guest
07:45 Some gift giving
10:00 Shanthi reads us Yo Mama jokes
12:55 Dinesh updates us
14:10 Shanthi’s Christmas demands
18:53 Romesh shows some appreciation
19:41 Is wiping a dogs bum necessary?
22:09 Playing Christmas games
28:00 A...
Is comedy music the hardest art form to perfect? Comedian, actor and Oscar-winning musician Bret McKenzie — one half of the legendary Flight of the Conchords — joins Romesh to unpack life at the funny end of songwriting. From winning awards for work “Disney didn’t even like” on The Muppets, to touring his “serious” new album Freak Out City, Bret shares stories from the road, recalls his unexpected appearance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and throws himself into a UK vs New Zealand Marmite-eating challenge.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
03:11 Hype men ...
This week on the podcast, Shanthi and Romesh help listeners with advice on family dilemmas and resolve some of their own – covering everything from coming out, to following your partner abroad for love. They don’t always agree!
A Ranga Bee production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Shanthi's Nails
01:34 Shanthi's Favourite Sitcoms
05:53 Stand Up To Cancer
06:26 Listener Dilemmas
09:40 Unusual Food Combos
14:03 Advice On Coming Out To Family
17:31 The Naughty List
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Multi award–winning writer, actor and director, Stephen Merchant joins Romesh for a hilarious conversation about his career. They discuss how The Office reshaped comedy, why Tim and Dawn still land, Stephen’s shift into drama, his quest for “flow state," and why he regrets always playing the awkward guy.
A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen.
00:00 Intro
02:10 Chat GPT vs Stephen's BAFTAS
04:20 Do Awards Mean Anything?
07:45 Mark Hamill’s Trousers
09:25 Teacher Trauma
16:20 Tiny Grand Piano & Music Regrets
18:30 The Flow State
24:50 How The Office Changed Comedy
28:33 Tim & D...