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Happy Halloween! How does Shanthi deal with Trick or Treaters? It’s Thursday, so Romesh’s mum Shanthi is here to answer your questions and family dilemmas, this time with a Halloween twist. Expect some trick or treat role play, a Halloween edition of Would You Rather, and plenty of unexpected answers. Plus, there are listener dilemmas covering school nightmares, an expensive embarrassing mishap and a workplace outfit that got out of hand. As ever, Shanthi has her own strong opinions. Happy Halloween from Romesh, Shanthi and the whole Ranga Bee team. A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters: 00:00 Intro04:26 Shanthi's Halloween traditions05:29 Trick or treat role play07:27 Would You Rather: Halloween edition11:03 Listener questions17:11 Romesh's cane plans20:30 A very expensive embarrassing mishap27:19 Shanthi's solution28:47 Style dilemma34:40 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by Jessica Biel and John Cena to talk about their new action-comedy Matchbox: The Movie, streaming now on Apple TV. They discuss the stunts that terrified them, the realities of driving a car next to a man hanging underneath a moving truck, and the art of staying funny when you’re meant to be the straight man. They also get into their very different approaches to Halloween, John’s hip hop career, and why London’s food scene deserves more credit than it gets. Plus, there’s a question from Shanthi, a game of Misquoted featuring an unexpected movement, and some surprisingly good advice to finish. A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters: 00:00 Intro03:50 A gift for Jessica and John05:12 Is London's food scene really that bad?07:52 Why they signed up for Matchbox: The Movie14:26 Learning to spin a car 18016:16 Delivering lines while hanging under a truck20:20 A question from Shanthi27:21 Karaoke and John's rap career32:51 How to make action comedy work37:55 Making a film with friends40:46 Misquoted41:12 The shower eating movement48:27 Being the uncool parent50:07 The best advice they've been given52:50 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s the best way to cure a fear of flying? According to Shanthi, pray...or fly to Portsmouth. It’s Thursday, which means Romesh’s mum Shanthi is back to answer your questions and family dilemmas on The Romesh Ranganathan Show. There’s a lottery win dream purchase, a trigonometry refresher with a questionable acronym, a garden centre saga that Shanthi has been waiting to tell, and a flight attendant role play that goes completely off the rails. A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters: 00:00 Intro02:52 Shanthi's nail dilemma06:14 Shanthi's pep talk for the show08:26 Who is Shanthi's best friend?09:45 Listener questions10:11 Ruby's fear of flying15:31 The mystery noise19:40 Shanthi's advice for new parents24:15 Romesh's rapper days25:15 Shanthi's garden centre saga28:23 Could Shanthi have been a flight attendant?30:08 Flight attendant role play33:38 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did Katherine Ryan fly home from Spain on her own? In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by comedian, presenter and author Katherine Ryan, ahead of her new book Confessions of a Firstborn Daughter (out 22nd October). They get into eldest daughter syndrome, juggling four kids and a career, and why Katherine thinks women should misbehave a little more. Plus, there’s a Romesh gift with a very questionable backstory, a game of Misquoted involving maple syrup and a Bolognese, and some strong opinions on how to clean a toilet properly. Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code 'romesh' at checkout. Download the Saily app or visit Sally's website here. A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters: 00:00 Intro02:29 Katherine's Spanish escape07:47 Celine Dion in Paris13:26 A gift for Katherine17:18 Kids' birthday parties and drunk mums23:17 Parenting with a nanny rota28:04 The double standards women face29:07 Katherine's secret life in the TikTok comments36:26 Hollywood and Nikki Glaser39:39 Hiding a pregnancy on a sitcom41:38 Confessions of a Firstborn Daughter42:34 What is eldest daughter syndrome?47:41 A question from Shanthi48:22 Katherine's 17-year-old daughter, Violet51:36 Cosmetic procedures and confidence58:49 Misquoted1:09:09 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should you react when your son offers you an all-expenses-paid holiday? On this edition of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh tells his mum Shanthi he’s taking her to Portugal next May. Her first reaction is not what he’d hoped for, so they try again. Before that, there’s a public plea to Next for freebies and an embarrassing underwear moment from Romesh’s teaching days. Then it’s your questions: what to do when a child repeats the wrong line in public, how to handle friends and family teasing you for being vegan, and Romesh’s very questionable translation of a Portuguese doughnut chant.A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters: 00:00 Intro00:57 Next owes Shanthi freebies06:55 Romesh’s underwear at the till08:29 What did Tom Hiddleston whisper to Idris Elba?12:09 Would Shanthi climb Everest?13:35 Are the Northern Lights overrated?16:23 Romesh’s holiday announcement18:28 “We’re not going to Portugal”20:03 Take two: the redo20:38 Taking the podcast to Portugal21:28 Lisa meets Jamie Redknapp24:58 Romesh helps an injured cyclist33:11 Does Shanthi swear?36:02 The Portuguese doughnut sellers45:56 Would Shanthi ever go vegan?48:20 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do Loki, Everest and Arsenal tea bags have in common? In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by actor Tom Hiddleston to talk about his new film Tenzing the true story behind the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, and what it was like filming it for real, with no green screen. They also get into 16 years as Loki, what Marvel gets right (and why it deserves more credit), and exactly how much Tom knows about what comes next. A Ranga Bee Production. Tenzing is available on Apple TV from 16th October.  Chapters 00:00 Intro02:50 A gift for Tom05:02 How will Arsenal do this season?06:16 Tom’s Soccer Aid experience10:41 Are actors competitive?13:30 Tom’s new film, Tenzing14:28 Why Tenzing’s story needed telling23:33 Filming Everest for real25:08 Playing Loki31:21 Why Marvel connects with everyone38:05 Doomsday theories42:07 A question from Shanthi45:42 That Chatty Man dance46:56 Dancing in Much Ado About Nothing55:40 The best advice Tom’s ever been given57:42 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do you say when your 8-year-old walks in on you in 'the act'? Romesh and his mum Shanthi take on your questions and family dilemmas, even though they remain thoroughly unqualified to do so. This week, a listener needs help after their son caught them in the middle of the night, and Romesh and Shanthi try to work out the best response. A role play that quickly goes off the rails... Got a dilemma? Send us a voice note or email, and we might answer it on the show. Nothing is off limits (we really mean it). A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:30 Shanthi's Next outfit 03:08 Caught by an 8-year-old 05:11 Questionable role play 14:03 Romesh on gym self-consciousness 19:10 Romesh's golden rule for sticking to fitness 20:13 Shanthi's diet and jacket potato fillings 22:16 Farting etiquette 24:56 Does reincarnation exist? 29:12 The reincarnated child surgeon 31:48 Shanthi's fortune teller and the fake FUBU 36:23 Romesh can't read the menu 43:07 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What makes Stacey Dooley such a good documentary maker? In this episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by broadcaster and documentary maker Stacey Dooley to reflect on her journey through documentary-making, how she approaches telling them and the stories and experiences that have stayed with her. They also get into some very important Selling Sunset and Below Deck gossip, before Stacey explains exactly why she hates Southampton.Plus, there's some questionable role play, a game of Misquoted and a brief detour into boxing, Little Mix and Jamie Oliver. A Ranga Bee Production. Chapters 00:00 Intro05:56 A gift for Stacey08:21 Why Stacey loves boxing12:39 Stacey hobbies14:36 Questionable role play17:06 What makes Stacey a good documentary maker25:37 Selling Sunset and Below Deck gossip28:16 Louis Theroux and the manosphere29:55 Stacey's new documentaries38:38 Are there really goodies and baddies?44:35 A question from Shanthi45:43 Why Stacey hates Southampton50:47 Lessons from inspiring women55:16 Who Stacey would love to interview1:07:27 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Shanthi do a better celebrity impression than Romesh? In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi are back with listener questions, family stories and a celebrity impressions challenge that quickly gets out of hand. From Shanthi’s early morning routines to what it's like being a grandma, the pair discuss family relationships throughout including a family trip to Devil's Dyke that Romesh missed out on. Elsewhere, the team suggest a Celebrity Impressions Challenge where Romesh is put through his paces as he attempts impressions of David Attenborough, Simon Cowell, and Gordon Ramsay and Shanthi is challenged to Nigella Lawson (you don't want to miss it). And, as usual, we take on your questions, discussing what happens when children start pulling away as they get older, and how to approach telling a traditional family about a relationship that crosses caste boundaries, with some of the best advice in the business. Plus, Shanthi shares a deeply personal story about her parents and the choices they made for love. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:58 Morning routines & garden chat 05:02 Shanthi’s advice to Rom 07:30 Shanthi as a grandma 08:50 TikTok Shop & Bank mishaps 14:15 When Lenny Henry had Shanthi’s back 15:20 Celebrity Impressions Challenge 25:52 Shanthi holds Romesh to his word 28:14 Shanthi's favourite podcast moment 29:46 Shanthi's trip to Devil's Dyke 35:10 Listener questions: parenting & caste 54:45 Shanthi shares her parents story 57:27 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did Eddie Murphy say to Lenny Henry? In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by the legendary comedian, actor, and writer, Sir Lenny Henry. The pair look back at Lenny’s incredible career, from his early stand-up and TV shows, to his latest projects. They discuss racism, realities of working in the entertainment industry, and the pressure that comes with a long career. Lenny talks about his return to stand-up with his new tour, Lenny Henry: Still at Large, and his new BBC show,The Split Up (available on BBC iPlayer now). Plus, they deep dive into the world of being a stand-up comedian, inspirations, and how it's changed over the years. Elsewhere, Romesh and Lenny get into self-care, manscaping, and some questionable fashion choices, and Lenny opens up about death, grief, and some of the lessons he’s learned throughout his life. Plus, Shanthi has a bone to pick with Romesh... A fascinating conversation about comedy, careers, ageing, loss, and what it takes to keep going. Buy tickets to Lenny's tour 'Still at Large' with dates until November 4, 2026. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. If therapy is something you've been thinking about, visit Counselling Directory and find a therapist that's right for you: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=romesh_sponsorship Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:46 When Lenny and Romesh met 05:20 A gift for Lenny 08:34 Lenny’s career 13:53 On True Identity 17:30 On chef and career mentality 18:54 The challenges of the industry 20:44 Lenny reads Romesh 22:45 Self-care and manscaping 25:20 Fashion faux pas 29:29 The upcoming tour and being on stage 40:06 A question from Shanthi on impressions 43:54 The Split Up 29:38 Misquoted 57:11 On death and grief 58:45 Some advice from Lenny 59:59 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who does Shanthi want next on the podcast? In this special, one-year anniversary episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi celebrate a whole year of the podcast with a little help from the team and a surprise message from none other than our first guest, Michael Sheen. The pair look back at some of their favourite moments from the show, reflect on how far the podcast has come, and discuss what they’d like to do next, including a potential trip to Los Angeles and a team yacht holiday. They also tackle a listener dilemma about dogs at parties, pet boundaries, parent and child tattoos, and discuss Romesh’s ambition to get on Below Deck. Plus, Shanthi has some very sweet words about Romesh and the team behind the podcast. It’s a special anniversary episode celebrating one year of The Romesh Ranganathan Show. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. Chapters 00:00 Intro 07:32 Celebrating one year of the show 10:28 A message from Michael Sheen 11:15 Rom’s takeaways from the podcast 15:08 A holiday question for the team 17:43 Romesh wants to get on Below Deck 23:20 A question about dog boundaries 32:21 Convincing your mum to get a tattoo 39:22 Who do we want next on the pod? 42:11 Shanthi’s thoughts on Romesh 45:25 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Stephen Graham become one of Britain's best actors? In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by legendary actor, producer, and writer, Stephen Graham, to talk about his incredible, award-winning career, spanning over two decades. Stephen reflects on his career, from This Is England and Boiling Point, to his latest work on Adolescence and Nocturne. He discusses method acting, the challenges of filming in one-shot, and what it takes to disappear into a character. They also get into a discussion on their shared love of music and hip-hop, breakdancing, street fashion, and the culture around it. Plus, he talks about his new book, Letters To Our Sons, which he was prompted to write after Adolescence. He reflects on being a dad and the importance of communication. Plus, Romesh and Stephen discuss Liverpool FC, fragrances, and the unexpected ways their lives have crossed paths. It's an episode you don't want to miss. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. If therapy is something you've been thinking about, visit Counselling Directory and find a therapist that's right for you: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=romesh_sponsorship Go to https://surfshark.com/romesh or use code ROMESH at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:27 A gift for Stephen 08:39 Music & hip-hop 11:48 Rom’s Ice Cube interview 14:22 On breakdancing & culture 17:15 The street fashion 18:52 Adolescence 26:11 Boiling Point & the one-shot take 31:40 Method acting & This Is England 90 36:50 Stephen’s new book 38:28 On being a dad 46:26 A question from Shanthi 48:03 Being working class & changing the story 53:31 Nocturne 55:28 Imposter Syndrome, fame and being yourself 58:57 Misquoted 01:08:40 Liverpool FC 01:11:08 What fragrance is Romesh wearing? 01:13:10 An exclusive 01:14:38 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Romesh a bad gift-giver? In this Thursday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh and Shanthi celebrate Apple Dumpling Day, discuss recipes, and get to work tackling your listener dilemmas, from parenting support to the art of gift-giving. Plus, we give you a little taster of what Shanthi's cookery show, Shanthi’s Kitchen, could look like, complete with mutton rolls, some very important serving suggestions, a theme song, and a live post-show review. Another classic Thursday episode with Shanthi. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. If therapy is something you've been thinking about, visit Counselling Directory and find a therapist that's right for you: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=romesh_sponsorship Chapters 00:00 Intro 05:55 Jamie Oliver and recipes 07:23 Shanthi’s TV cook show teaser 13:11 A show review 14:07 Shanthi’s quick dinner 15:58 Listener questions 17:46 Parenting advice 26:23 A question about the best gift-giving 29:16 Romesh’s present prank 30:41 Is Romesh a bad gift-giver? 35:41 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What really happened with Jamie Oliver's school dinners? In this Monday episode of The Romesh Ranganathan Show, Romesh is joined by one of the UK’s best-known chefs, Jamie Oliver. Jamie talks about life after 50, his career in the kitchen and what keeps him motivated after decades in the food industry. He also reveals what it’s really like to work in a high-pressure kitchen, whether restaurant food has ruined the experience of eating out and the truth behind kitchen hazing. Elsewhere, Jamie critiques Shanthi's best dishes, we get into the neuroscience of food, England's eating habits and what we can learn from the Blue Zones. And, of course, Jamie opens up how his pioneering social enterprise Fifteen led him to campaign for healthier school dinners featuring the infamous Turkey Twizzler drama that rocked the nation. We also get a sneak peak into his new book, 20 Minute Meals: Real Fast Food, which is out now. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. If therapy is something you've been thinking about, visit Counselling Directory and find a therapist that's right for you: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=romesh_sponsorship Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:40 Vegan lasagna 06:07 Being in your 50s 08:38 Working in the food industry 11:37 A gift from Shanthi 12:27 Jamie talks through Shanthi’s curries 14:25 How do you cook a squirrel? 15:39 Another gift for Jamie 16:40 Dogs and their diets 18:50 Does being a chef ruin the restaurant experience? 22:00 The neuroscience of food 22:59 Ratatoullie & The Bear 24:45 Is the kitchen that high pressure? 26:14 Is kitchen hazing true? 30:38 What keeps Jamie in the game? 31:57 Where did campaign Jamie come from? 36:26 The Turkey Twizzler debacle 37:37 School Dinners 47:23 The nations eating habits 49:08 What are they doing in the blue zones? 50:50 20 Minute Meals 56:15 Why cook over buy? 59:35 A question from Shanthi on the sesh 01:04:22 Getting a pilots license 01:10:30 On being a bit more selfish 01:14:32 Misquoted 01:19:20 An exclusive 01:21:57 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should children be allowed at weddings? We're back with another Thursday Shanthi special, and in this episode, Romesh and Shanthi tackle your listener dilemmas and butt heads about one in particular - should children be allowed at weddings? They also discuss the pressure to always be productive, how to be kinder to yourself, and whether you can really retrain the negative voice in your head. Finally, they answer a question on unusual habits, and Romesh reveals some of Shanthi’s worst ones before addressing his bizarre shower routine. From wedding drama and self-talk, to Henry VIII and questionable habits, it’s another classic and chaotic Thursday episode with Shanthi. A Ranga Bee Production in partnership with Platform Media. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:05 Henry VIII and photo requests 05:55 Shanthi influences 08:23 Cockney accents and gangster roles 13:15 Answering your questions 14:40 Children at weddings 21:05 How to be kind to yourself 25:25 Rom’s positive self-talk training 27:32 Unusual habits 36:37 Shanthi’s Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices