‘A series of in-depth and freewheeling conversations with fascinating figures from across the globe…’
Louis Theroux originally entered the world of podcasts with his lock-down endeavour Grounded which saw him interview celebrities as varied as FKA Twigs, KSI and Troy Deeney. It seems inevitable, then, that he would return to the medium, particularly when offered a deal with streaming behemoth Spotify. The result is The Louis Theroux Podcast and, so far, it has been a delight…
Kicking off with country pop icon Shania Twain and taking in informal chats with Nile Rodgers, Ben Elton and Belle Delphine, the closest comparison to be made in the podosphere would be Adam Buxton and his long ramble chats delivered in a conversational style. Theroux is perhaps a little more intrepid, however, and he isn’t afraid to confront people with uncomfortable topics. His chat with Germaine Greer about her ‘cancelling’ is particularly electric, as is his meditations on grief with Nick Cave or ruminations on Samantha Morton’s difficult childhood.
Theroux’s trademark awkward interviewing style is disarming for guests which ultimately leads to revelation and emotion. The documentarian also doesn’t get enough credit for how funny he is. There are numerous moments here in which I found myself laughing out loud in the street like a lunatic but also points of poignancy and sadness.
Long time fans of Theroux will find plenty to enjoy in this further venture into podcasting and I personally enjoyed the fact that it introduced me to a bunch of people I had never heard of previously (PinkPantheress, Jennette McCurdy, Amelia Dimoldenberg etc). Anything that can make an old man feel relevant again is always worth checking out.