S6 EP2: Michael Palin discusses Monty Python dynamics, famous fans, and ‘Life of Brian’ controversies 

The Louis Theroux Podcast

• Podcast Home
• Download Episode

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 - 1 hour 23 minutes

In this week’s episode, Louis speaks with the legendary comedian, writer and adventurer Michael Palin. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Michael details the fiery group dynamics within Monty Python, having Johnny Cash and George Harrison as famous fans, and the controversies surrounding Life Of Brian. Plus, Michael and Louis discuss whether being ’nice’ is a help or a hindrance. 
 

Warnings: Strong language and adult themes.   

Links/Attachments: 

TV Show: ‘Michael Palin in Venezuela’ (2025) - Channel 5 

https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela  

TV Show Episode: Whicker’s World from ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ (1972) - BBC 

https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela  

TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days’ (1989) - BBC  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b008n8yy/around-the-world-in-80-days-with-michael-palin  

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147/  

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) 

https://www.itv.com/watch/monty-pythons-life-of-brian/10a5145a0001B/10a5145a0001  

TV Show: ‘Ripping Yarns’ (1976 -1979) - BBC  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075568/  

TV Special: ‘Beyond the Fringe’ (1964) - BBC  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138957/  

TV Show: ‘Q5’ (1969 –1980) - BBC 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063944/  

Terry Gilliam’s animations: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mB_UymAIc 

Fish slapping dance: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XeDvKqI4E 

TV Show Episode: ‘Whither Canada?’ (1969)  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758095/  

TV Show Episode: ‘The All-England Summarise Proust Competition’ (1972) 

https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-all-england-summarize-proust-competition-edit/umc.cmc.2wheg7yvkb0w3w55freoic0j2?action=play  

Album: Monty Python’s Previous Record https://open.spotify.com/album/1GkvGswqHgUyMb5kIlGU2R  

Sketch: Argument 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ 

Sketch: Dead/Resting Parrot 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZw35VUBdzo 

TV Show: ‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975-1979) - BBC  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072500/  

Sketch: The Ministry of Silly Walks 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV2ViNJFZC8 

Book: North Korea Journal, Michael Palin (2019)  

https://www.themichaelpalin.com/north-korea-journal/  

TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime’ (2020) - BBC  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1SddawMoz8 

Life of Brian Debate with Malcolm Muggeridge (1979) - BBC  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cyxe9180z84o  

A Fish Called Wanda (1988) 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/  

Short Story: In The Penal Colony, Franz Kafka (1919) 

https://www.kafka-online.info/in-the-penal-colony.html  

Credits: 

Producer: Millie Chu  

Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill 

Production Manager: Francesca Bassett  

Music: Miguel D’Oliveira  

Audio Mixer: Tom Guest 

Video Mixer: Scott Edwards  

Shownotes compiled by Elly Young 

Executive Producer: Arron Fellows  

A Mindhouse Production for Spotify  

www.mindhouse.co.uk  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Subscribe to this podcast

• Apple Podcasts
• Apple Podcasts
• RSS Feed