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The Louis Theroux Podcast

The Louis Theroux Podcast

By: Spotify Studios
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 Join Louis Theroux as he embarks on a series of in-depth and freewheeling conversations with a curated collection of fascinating figures from across the globe. The Louis Theroux Podcast is a Spotify podcast from Mindhouse, now available everywhere. Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S7 EP6: Patrick Radden Keefe on the opioid crisis, criminal career longevity and why access is overrated

    S7 EP6: Patrick Radden Keefe on the opioid crisis, criminal career longevity and why access is overrated
    Apr 6 2026
    Joining Louis in the studio today is award-winning writer and investigative journalist, Patrick Radden Keefe. Patrick tells Louis about his investigation into the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis, how professional criminals keep career longevity, and why he thinks access is overrated. Plus he discusses his latest book, London Falling. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth, Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/patrick-radden-keefe/london-falling/9781035056279 Book: Say Nothing, Patrick Radden Keefe (2019) https://www.waterstones.com/book/say-nothing/patrick-radden-keefe//9780008159269?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=259955&awc=3787_1770820651_da19805aca482f3e2f7cdd8da31aca44&utm_source=259955&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping+CSS Book: Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe (2022) https://www.waterstones.com/book/empire-of-pain/patrick-radden-keefe//9781529063103?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=863943&awc=3787_1770820691_38f3f451369dd9c047c37137a0cb0d42&utm_source=863943&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.octer.co.uk%2F TV Show: ‘Say Nothing’ (2024) - Hulu https://www.channel4.com/programmes/say-nothing Wolf of Wall Street (2013) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993846/ War Dogs (2016) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2005151/ Nightcrawler (2014) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/nightcrawler/umc.cmc.1h8fjzqshxpg22pa0bm7iho27?action=play American Psycho (2000) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/american-psycho/umc.cmc.4k3idfzm0x9j5okdedo2s4l50?action=play Book: Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks, Patrick Radden Keefe (2022) https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/patrick-radden-keefe/rogues/9781035001767 Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104348/ Article: Larry Gagosian Piece, Patrick Radden Keefe (2023) https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/31/larry-gagosian-profile Book: Hillbilly Elegy, JD Vance, (2017) https://www.waterstones.com/book/hillbilly-elegy/j-d-vance/9780008220563 Book: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua (2012) https://www.waterstones.com/book/battle-hymn-of-the-tiger-mother/amy-chua//9781408822074?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=259955&awc=3787_1770824539_3e1fda19a55aa22e32d76f01e79f390b&utm_source=259955&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping+CSS Article: The Sinaloa Drug Cartel, Patrick Radden Keefe (2012) https://archive.nytimes.com/6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/18/behind-the-cover-story-patrick-radden-keefe-on-the-sinaloa-drug-cartel/ Book: Nazi Billionaires, David De Jong (2023) https://www.waterstones.com/book/nazi-billionaires/david-de-jong/9780008299798 Book: Some People Need Killing, Patricia Evangelista (2023) https://www.waterstones.com/book/some-people-need-killing/patricia-evangelista/9781804710081 Book: Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann (2017) https://www.waterstones.com/book/killers-of-the-flower-moon-adapted-for-young-adults/david-grann/9781398528482 TV Show: Industry (2020 – present) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m000pb89/industry Podcast: Wind of Change (2020 – 2022) - Crooked Media https://crooked.com/podcast-series/wind-of-change/ Song: ‘Wind Of Change’, The Scorpions (1990) https://open.spotify.com/track/3ovjw5HZZv43SxTwApooCM Song: ‘Piano Man’, Bill Joel (1973) https://open.spotify.com/track/70C4NyhjD5OZUMzvWZ3njJ Book: The Journalist and the Murderer, Janet Malcolm (1989) https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-journalist-and-the-murderer-janet-malcolm Article: Carl Icahn, Patrick Radden Keefe (2017) https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/08/28/carl-icahns-failed-raid-on-washington Credits: Producer: Millie Chu  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 Studios Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk __ Open a Moneybox Cash ISA at https://moneybox.onelink.me/Cqlx/y3xncge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • S7 EP5: Laufey discusses viral fame, partying with Bill Murray and the benefits of boredom

    S7 EP5: Laufey discusses viral fame, partying with Bill Murray and the benefits of boredom
    Mar 30 2026
    Louis sits down with Laufey, Grammy-award winning Icelandic singer and songwriter. Laufey tells Louis about her stratospheric rise to fame on TikTok, partying with Bill Murray, and why everyone can benefit from being a bit bored. Brace yourself for major music geekery. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Album: A Matter of Time, Laufey (2025) https://open.spotify.com/album/5rMOCuiWWbEBcHaKM69Hmv Whiplash (2014) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582802/ “The Great American Songbook” https://thesongbook.org/about/what-is-the-songbook/ Singing in the Rain (1952) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/ An American in Paris (1951) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043278/ On the Town (1949) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041716/ Ziegfeld Follies (1945) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039116/ The Sound of Music (1965) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/ Mary Poppins (1964) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/ Shirley Temple (1928 – 2014) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000073/ Song: ‘One Note Samba’, Antônio Carlos Jobim (1960) https://open.spotify.com/track/1UJQJz6ZP0qKGU55fRDcyI?si=ef59b3251c18423d Album: Getz/Gilberto, Stan Getz and João Gilberto (1964) https://open.spotify.com/album/73ZRKdD3Ds43IjHrhKgucY?si=a1Fe3WkdS7eFZpoH9IYufA Album: Chet Baker Sings: It Could Happen to You (1958) https://open.spotify.com/album/5CNRrD9O1kCaBvN1RyHRdt?si=gK_1vEjQQAmSBs3RWeOAKw Let’s Get Lost (1988) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095515/ Song: ‘From The Start’, Laufey (2023) https://open.spotify.com/track/43iIQbw5hx986dUEZbr3eN?si=4f08726cd6fc4307 Song: ‘It Could Happen to You’, Chet Baker (1958) https://open.spotify.com/track/5J8ahRMQ9Y1lRcuAhpP5Fy?si=b55e1844542c44fb Song: ‘James’, Laufey (2021) https://open.spotify.com/track/2y1NtQ2ZfIq0zBUP3tOlbX?si=15ac3bbfa0c74cf7 Song: ‘Mr. Eclectic’, Laufey (2025) https://open.spotify.com/track/5n934Lu8pAsAHLc155qzck?si=f9ed9e496ee847d7 Song: ‘Goddess’, Laufey (2024) https://open.spotify.com/track/2SEeyc2KS9DIjiJPCYtfgJ?si=a740ddd0858249d6 Song: ‘Creep’, Radiohead (1993) https://open.spotify.com/track/70LcF31zb1H0PyJoS1Sx1r?si=ddeef2a9f1e34bdf Song: ‘Letter To My 13 Year Old Self’, Laufey (2023) https://open.spotify.com/track/59Y1f3y8FuLjadWY9Bx2LC?si=2a76c204cb644895 Song: ‘How Soon Is Now?’, The Smiths (1984) https://open.spotify.com/track/1YrnDTqvcnUKxAIeXyaEmU?si=05763f85a40041c3 Album: Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Rodgers And Hart Song Book, Ella Fitzgerald (1956) https://open.spotify.com/album/3DXgUbJhOxidQC3l0tegY9?si=_42fBZG1SZ2WrNwYoL88VA Song: ‘Miss Otis Regrets’, Ella Fitzgerald (1956) https://open.spotify.com/track/5dvh4M2Lo0aEXp5D0IJGH1?si=fd41d6fba27748df ‘Santa Baby’, Laufey Music Video feat. Bill Murray https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_SsGMeJIHk Song: ‘Too Little, Too Late’, Laufey (2025) https://open.spotify.com/track/1qJnr4Bm7OAauklV18Vdah?si=6fc52bba5b5f48f5 Song: ‘Hallelujah’, Leonard Cohen (1984) https://open.spotify.com/track/6s1mt6e0n8G7jcNhcxXKzq?si=400cab129f6d4083 Ballet: Giselle, Royal Ballet & Opera (2026) https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/giselle-marius-petipa-details Book: ‘How to Be an Artist’, Jerry Saltz (2020) https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-be-an-artist/jerry-saltz/9781781577820 Credits: Producer: Millie Chu  Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri 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 Studios Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk Open a Moneybox Cash ISA at https://moneybox.onelink.me/Cqlx/y3xncge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • S7 EP4: Stewart Lee on "Netflix comedians”, disastrous gigs, and Elon Musk

    S7 EP4: Stewart Lee on "Netflix comedians”, disastrous gigs, and Elon Musk
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode, Louis speaks to comedian, writer and 41st best stand-up ever, Stewart Lee. Stewart tells Louis about taking aim at “Netflix comedians” in his new show, Stewart Lee vs. The Man-Wulf, what went wrong at a disastrous gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and what Elon Musk doesn't understand about comedy. Warnings: Very strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Live Show: Stewart Lee vs. The Man-Wulf, Stewart Lee (2024 – 2026) ⁠https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/live-dates/ Easy Rider (1969) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064276/ Song: ‘Jiggle Jiggle’, Louis Theroux with Duke & Jones, (2022) https://open.spotify.com/track/1I4lCSP69P74nU3a6Su5L2 TV Show Episode: ‘Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends’, S3 EP6 “Rap” (2000) - BBC https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/rap/umc.cmc.7a0aczr1rzkn7k9lhxgks08d1?showId=umc.cmc.1fujlj3xkbu70iu0kh0fmwgd0 TV Show: ‘Blue Peter’ (1958 – present) - CBBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006md2v/blue-peter National Security Strategy of The United States of America (November 2025) https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Live Show: Stewart Lee on Brexit, (2017) https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/content-provider/satirical-standup-dissects-brexit-and-the-selfie-generation-as-only-he-can-with-mocking-exasperation/ Thelonious Monk’s Advice: https://www.openculture.com/2017/12/thelonious-monks-25-tips-for-musicians-1960.html Stewart Lee, Basic Lee: Live at the Lowry (2022) https://www.nowtv.com/ie/online/stewart-lee-basic-lee-live-at-the-lowry/A5EK6949itCVNKaChrDXN TV Show Episode: Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, S4 EP5 ‘Migrants’ (2016) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5218362/ Song: ‘Comin’ Over Here’, Asian Dub Foundation ft. Stewart Lee (2020) https://open.spotify.com/track/4fZdsSko9ScgWoVN6oKUF7 Stewart’s Joke about James Corden: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_zjRzgj88HA Live Show: A Night of Comedy, Teenage Cancer Trust (2026) https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/a-night-of-comedy TV Show: ‘Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle’ (2009-2016) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1227802/ Book: How I Escaped My Certain Fate, Stewart Lee (2011) https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571254811-how-i-escaped-my-certain-fate/?srsltid=AfmBOor4Z6u2BWF9rR8s7qKz2unYdxREkzS7an0f3Le9r6Yoh0UOqbV4 Jerry Springer: The Opera (2005) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441324/ The Wizard of Oz (1939) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/ TV Special: ‘Dara Ó Briain: So Where Are We? (2023) - BBC https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31070622/ Elon Musk’s Speech in Trafalgar Square https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSETb5QRLW0 Elon Musk’s Tolkien Bit on The Joe Rogan Podcast https://metro.co.uk/2025/11/04/elon-musk-branded-dangerous-saying-people-small-town-england-like-hobbits-24609795/ Lord of the Rings Trilogy https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/movies/lord-rings-trilogy TV Show: ‘Star Trek’ (1966-1969) - NBC https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060028/ TV Show: ‘Star Trek: Next Generation’ (1987-1994) - CBS https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092455/ Live Show: ‘90s Comedian’ (2006) https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/merch_download/90s-comedian/ TV Show: ‘Seinfeld’ (1989-1998) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098904/ King Rocker (2020) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10451082/ TV Special: ‘Stewart Lee: Snowflake’ (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22030334/ TV Special: ‘Stewart Lee: Tornado’ (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22030350/ Album: Back Door, Back Door (1975) https://open.spotify.com/album/5j1apHg2nmljcLH2UIKPLq Credits: Producer: Millie Chu Assistant Producer: Mark Maughan 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 Studios Production for Spotify www.mindhouse.co.uk Open a Moneybox Cash ISA at https://moneybox.onelink.me/Cqlx/y3xncge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 35 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed everyone interesting despite not knowing half the people interviewed Louis always entertains and asks the best questions

Always on point

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Theroux is great at connecting with his interviewees which encourages them to open up. If you’re interested in exploring a person’s inner-world and motivation, then this is for you. I only vaguely knew of some of these people, others I was not aware of at all - but every episode I’ve heard so far has provided really interesting insights into life. Start at the beginning & work your way Theroux ;)

Theroux at his best

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he interrupts and asks another question before they have answered the previous one. it's unbearable.

Louis doesn't let his interviewee speak!

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Firstly, the audio volume levels are shocking. I was having to turn the volume up and down. Louis starts off by introducing the sponsors (second complaint) which have obviously been recorded separately but the volume goes quiet LOUD quiet. When listening to anything with earbuds you don't normally have to adjust the volume every 30 secs! Second complaint, the introduction is purely adverts. "This episode is sponsored by...this episode is sponsored by..." I got to my third sponsor and switched off.

I don't mind adverts. I understand how sponsors work. But for the love of all things audio, give us some content first? Space out the adverts?

And finally, Louis let's out a HUGE spoiler for a show that's currently out on TV. There was the usual "spoiler alert" then he blurted out "XXX dies" before you have chance to take heed of the spoiler alert.

Honestly, I cannot comprehend how poorly this was put together. Maybe I caught a bad episode? Dunno. Not gonna waste my time on it.

Louis needs to go back to his beginnings and interview non famous people in my opinion

Gave up after 10 mins

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