The Romesh Ranganathan Show

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 Podcasting vs TV 04:10 On Touring 07:45 Gift giving 14:54 Stand up 17:45 Moving 21:50 Noel Edmunds’ House 24:01 Getting business offers 27:11 A question from Shanthi 29:00 Photography and hobbies 33:30 Romesh on his Marathon 36:16 Drinking habits and ChatGPT 44:41 Josh on podcasting 50:06 Obsessions and interests 55:53 Parenting Hell 58:38 Rob Beckett 01:02:40 Agents and insecurities 01:06:42 Being mimicable 01:11:50 Misquoted 01:30:20 An Exclusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 "Heimscheißer" 12:40 Take That's Circus Tour 20:00 Take That's Early Career Regrets 21:22 The Take That Annual Fact File 24:53 Gary Barlow's Star Trek Fandom 27:33 If Not Music, Then What? 32:03 Take That's Favourite Films 33:42 Netflix Documentary 37:17 The Pressures of Songwriting 40:04 Howard Donald on His Role in the Band 42:50 The Most Unusual Present from a Fan 44:37 The 90s 48:47 Misquoted: "Beards Can Get a Bit Sweaty" 53:32 "We Weren't a Boy Band" 57:10 Future Ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 Graceland 10:02 "Heimscheißer" 12:40 Take That's Circus Tour 20:00 Take That's Early Career Regrets 21:22 The Take That Annual Fact File 24:53 Gary Barlow's Star Trek Fandom 27:33 If Not Music, Then What? 32:03 Take That's Favourite Films 33:42 Netflix Documentary 37:17 The Pressures of Songwriting 40:04 Howard Donald on His Role in the Band 42:50 The Most Unusual Present from a Fan 44:37 The 90s  48:47 Misquoted: "Beards Can Get a Bit Sweaty" 53:32 "We Weren't a Boy Band" 57:10 Future Ambitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 04:10 Talking about incel culture 08:25 Finding kindness online 09:40 Critics’ response to Adolescence 12:24 How invested audiences became 14:15 The real-world impact of the show 16:50 Parents’ reactions 18:19 Romesh’s mum’s question 20:40 Romesh’s gift and Jack’s love for E.T. 25:40 Jack’s obsession with the NFL 30:33 Romesh on work ethic 32:20 Work life balance 35:22 Imposter syndrome 42:05 How the TV landscape is changing 43:20 What Jack wants to do next 49:57 Desert Island Discs and autism diagnosis 54:36 Misquoted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 Will’s controversial opinion on tattoos 34:50 Misquoted 42:31 Social media 47:44 Misquoted continued 49:40 Being a dad 53:30 Will passes as a comic 55:33 Exclusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 27:12 Travel Show Idea 35:00 Misquoted 37:20 Mental Health 40:08 Romesh on Spiralling 44:57 Misquoted Continued 46:42 James' New Album 51:00 Turning 40 51:57 Future Plans 1:00:50 Off Menu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Wedding 24:55 Wedding Etiquette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Crying 01:55 Best Intro Ever 03:00 Why Do Anything? 05:15 "You're A National Treasure Romesh" 09:25 Standup Comedy & Shaping Jokes 17:50 Nerves 19:00 Self Censorship 20:25 Being Relatable 26:00 Anger & Honesty 28:50 Cat DJ 30:15 Donating To Animal Charities 34:00 Veganism & Health 39:45 Romesh's Dad's Funeral 43:20 Tracksuit Bottoms: Disrespectful? 44:20 Podcast Pioneer 50:00 Social Media: Search, Don't Scroll 53:00 Fans & Cults 1:00:00 Harry Hill & Joe Wilkinson 1:01:30 Pushing It Too Far 1:02:20 Marketing & Controversy 1:09:50 Shanthi's Question 1:10:40 Upsetting Tom Hanks & Tim Allen 1:13:00 "It Could Have Been The End Of My Career" 1:18:00 Sometimes I Don't Care 1:21:00 Misquoted 1:24:20 Alley Cats 1:27:15 Kidney Transplant 1:28:32 Ricky's Shares The Name Of His Next Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  31:30 See No Evil, Hear No Evil 33:39 Wacky Podcast People Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 on Live At The Apollo 18:35 Why Caring Less Is Good 21:19 Shanthi’s Question for Chris 23:00 The Jeopardy of Strictly Come Dancing 30:40 Most Nervous Strictly Moment 37:20 The Magic Is Trust 39:28 Chris's Autobiography: Keep Laughing 42:50 Bad Gigs Are Funny 47:49 Misquoted 57:03 What's next for Chris? 59:34 Secrets to Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Christmas message from Dinesh --- Send us YOUR questions and dilemmas! Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@rangabee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Whatsapp: 07731623355 --- Subscribe for new episodes! Follow us on socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/theromeshshow⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 gone wrong 06:05 Bret's new tour 11:45 Marmite: UK vs New Zealand  19:58 Flight of the Conchords 23:00 Work changing with time 27:05 Comedy songwriting 28:44 Touring the new album: Freak Out City 33:33 Writing music for film 39:07 That's not cool dad 42:00 Misquoted 50:22 Lord Of The Rings Extra 57:51 Shanthi’s question for Bret 59:41 Oscar Win: Man Or Muppet 1:05:45 Oasis Exclusive  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 & Dawn 31:34 Letting The Office Evolve 34:49 Goodbye June With Kate Winslet 38:06 Shanthi’s Question & Being The Awkward Guy 42:00 Stallone, Woody Allen & The Danger of Being Typecast 44:00 The Walking Dead 46:20 Logan With Richard E. Grant 50:00 Ambitions & American Success 58:00 Misquoted 01:04:30 Being 6’7 Tall 01:07:20 Stephen’s Adult EXCLUSIVE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Shanthi turns on the Christmas lights and gets in the festive spirit. She talks to Romesh about why she won't let her newfound popularity get to her head, gives some hilarious baby sleep-training advice, and revisits a sore spot in Romesh's childhood: garlic curry.  Plus Romesh and Shanthi host a watch along, revisiting the best Christmas movie classics with Sky Cinema and the Friday Film Club #ad. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 00:17 Shanthi Turns On The Christmas Lights 03:27 Shanthi’s Cooking 5:50 Garlic and Bullying 7:34 Shanthi On Fame 9:26 Listener Questions: Parenting 18:00 Romesh's Superman Delusion  20:13 Shanthi’s Life Advice to Romesh 22:38 Sky Cinema 23:10 Shanthi in Panto 24:55 Christmas Spirit ---- 📺 Subscribe for new episodes! 📲 Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theromeshshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian, actor and writer Tim Key joins Romesh for an off-kilter conversation about bombing on panel shows, the moment Susie Dent had to whisper “it’s fine”, a failed Taskmaster reunion in Cologne, and the wrist-breaking dangers of comedians’ football. He also gives the scoop on his new role in The Office “spin-off” The Paper, the LA spiral that led to his latest poetry collection, and the emotional side of fear, fame and performing. Plus, Romesh and the team blindside Tim with a phaal curry… sweat, tears, regret. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 01:22 Anti-Podcast? 01:51 BAFTA Confusion 04:45 Career Comparisons 06:50 Romesh's Mock The Week Flop 10:40 Susie Dent Whispers "It's fine" 14:23 Taskmaster Bromance 15:46 The Abandoned Cologne Trip 21:32 Curry Fanatic 23:20 Phaal: "That's Quite Spicy Actually" 27:07 The Ballad of Wallace Island 36:45 Tim's Football Injury 41:29 The Office "Spin-off": The Paper 47:26 Shanthi's Question for Tim 50:01 Tim Key's New Book: LA Baby 52:00 "LA is Tough" 56:30 Tim Key On Stand Up Comedy 59:00 The Reluctant Landlord 1:04:10 Is It OK To Do Accents? 1:05:30 Misquoted  1:10:30 The Weakest Link 1:13:15 Poem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh and Shanthi are back discussing everything from dentist anxiety to the Ranganathan name to Taskmaster. Plus, Romesh goes in detail to explain to Shanthi how a play works... A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 00:00 Intro 01:14 Shanthi’s been ‘gifted' 02:55 Shanthi watches Saltburn 04:46 Shanthi turns down a pickle 06:00 Listener Dilemmas 07:25 Ben guesses Shanthi’s age 08:45 Explaining how a play works 10:55 Shanthi’s Advice 12:43 How to be a good son 15:40 More listeners call in 20:39 Romesh reveals his name on his birth certificate 21:53 All together different 23:48 Romesh On Taskmaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it feel like when your song goes viral? Sophie Ellis-Bextor sits down with Romesh for a sharp, funny and open chat that jumps from stealing a Grease DVD from Prince Edward’s office to becoming TikTok’s disco queen thanks to Saltburn with Murder on the Dancefloor. Sophie also talks about performing 148 gigs in a year, living on a tour bus with her husband and brother, owning the decision to name her new album Perimenopop and the way she deals with online trolls. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Listen. 0.00 - Intro 2:18 - Sophie’s Gift 4:46 - Tour Life 9:55 - Viral Success 12:10 - Saltburn 15:25 - Shanthi’s Question 17:58 - Social Media Hate 24:18 - Embracing Age 30:28 - Feeling Bold 37:20 - TikTok Pressure 39:54 - Creativity 41:00 - Strictly Experience 43:45 - Misquoted 48:45 - Attitude to AI 49:22 - Famous Family 54:54 - Royal Theft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices