Episodes

  • S6 EP7: Marina Abramovic on the relationship between performance and pain, never feeling loved in her childhood, and harmful conspiracies
    Nov 18 2025
    For the final episode of this series, Louis travels to Manchester to sit down with Marina Abramovic, the self-proclaimed “grandmother of performance art”. Marina tells Louis the stories behind some of her most famous artworks, as well as the relationship between performance and pain, never feeling loved in her childhood, and being caught in the middle of an online conspiracy. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Balkan Erotic Epic, Marina Abramovic (2025) https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/22/manchester-to-host-world-premiere-of-marina-abramovics-balkan-erotic-epic The Artist is Present, Marina Abramovic (2010) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2073029/ Lips of Thomas, Marina Abramovic (1975) https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/5176 Rhythm 0, Marina Abramovic (1974) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTBkbseXfOQ&list=PL0bCt-VbCH4N3823Lj7uNAFLiYDjSnbTp&index=1 Cut Piece, Yoko Ono (1964) https://www.moma.org/audio/playlist/15/373 Cut Piece, Yoko Ono (2005): https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/sep/16/arts.france Bob Wilson’s Life and Death of Marina Abramovic, (2012) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2177497/ Book: When Marina Abramovic Dies, James Westcott (2014) https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262526814/when-marina-abramovic-dies/ Light – Dark, Ulay & Marina Abramovic (1978) https://www.stedelijk.nl/en/collection/13991-ulay-light-dark Seedbed, Vito Acconci (1972) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/266876 Seven Easy Pieces, Marina Abramovic (2005) http://pastexhibitions.guggenheim.org/abramovic/ The Great Wall Walk, Marina Abramovic (1988) https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/apr/25/marina-abramovic-ulay-walk-the-great-wall-of-china Book: Walk Through Walls: A Memoir, Marina Abramovic (2016) https://www.waterstones.com/book/walk-through-walls/marina-abramovic/9780241974520 Balkan Baroque, Marina Abramovic (1997) https://www.singulart.com/blog/en/2024/06/03/balkan-baroque-by-marina-abramovic/?srsltid=AfmBOopPyXzjOP800ERQMaHvbiNNps0oMBOCmOKjWOhdpNt6X6kEvu2k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQigTZuTmv0 BBC Maestro, Marina Abramovic: https://www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/marina-abramovic/the-art-of-being-present Article: ‘Marina Abramovic Just Wants Conspiracy Theorists to Let Her Be’, New York Times, 2020 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/arts/design/marina-abramovic-satanist-conspiracy-theory.html The Seven Deaths of Maria Callas (2022) https://www.harrisonparrott.com/news/2022-11-04/marina-abramovic-brings-the-seven-deaths-of-maria-callas-to-royal The Truth Vs Alex Jones (2024) https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-truth-vs-alex-jones/umc.cmc.1azsv881ew8mcjozutufy51vf 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 Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • S6 EP6: Florence Pugh discusses intimacy coordinators, jumping off buildings and getting into character
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode, Louis speaks to British actress Florence Pugh. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, Florence talks about “abusing” herself to get into character, whether intimacy coordinators are necessary on film sets, and jumping off a building from nearly 3000 feet. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: Midsommar (2019) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/midsommar/umc.cmc.3btmmnmdi8cci3gb2qupxli8o?action=play Hereditary (2018) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/hereditary/umc.cmc.1p8skf72cqba9t91v2rqjbeyv?action=play The Most Beautiful Boy in the World (2021) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-most-beautiful-boy-in-the-world/umc.cmc.6nsk7o2tf9grbf1cjmicejcrv Little Women (2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuVlgl16DP0 Malevolent (2018) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2386237/ King Lear (2018) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7473890/ Thunderbolts* (2025) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/thunderbolts/umc.cmc.67bgkyn0fzr8n7ngw0v4mi2df?action=play Anora (2024) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/anora/umc.cmc.ka0xf4gk3tckil4x7x14hpcy?action=play We Live In Time (2024) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/we-live-in-time/umc.cmc.3en3aplqsmjw1pbltmzo7p4mx?action=play Article: Florence Pugh shares her life lessons https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/a64501157/florence-pugh-life-lessons-video-interview/ The Wonder (2022) https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81426931?source=35&fromWatch=true Lady Macbeth (2016) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/lady-macbeth/umc.cmc.1crmjkmj1nzsvuwurlmdgbiji?action=play Don’t Worry Darling (2022) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10731256/ Credits: Producer: Millie Chu  Assistant Producer: Sally McLennan 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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • S6 EP5: David Byrne on clashes in Talking Heads, neurodivergence, and culture wars
    Nov 4 2025
    Louis sits down with David Byrne, the musician, author and iconic frontman of Talking Heads. David tells Louis about personality clashes within the band, how his neurodivergence plays a role in his music, and being at the centre of a culture-war storm. Plus, they discuss whether Donald Trump stole his ‘big suit’. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Book: Bicycle Diaries, David Byrne (2009) https://www.waterstones.com/book/bicycle-diaries/david-byrne/9780571371266 Album: Who Is The Sky, David Byrne (2025) https://open.spotify.com/album/5xDqZQlSx2gRrAyAgHQ8AB Song: ‘The Book I Read’, Talking Heads (1977) https://open.spotify.com/track/4OT7Ndu29Z7JfhwRS2iCJX Song: ‘That’s the Way (I Like It), KC & The Sunshine Band (1994) https://open.spotify.com/track/0RQTbMBgSq7xgdZSHFZg4R Book: ‘An Anthropologist on Mars’, Oliver Sacks (1995) https://www.oliversacks.com/oliver-sacks-books/an-anthropologist-on-mars/ Song: ‘She Explains Things To Me’, David Byrne (2025) https://open.spotify.com/album/5f6f5JMGxgNa0LAJqtaUXY Song: ‘Psycho Killer’, Talking Heads (1977) https://open.spotify.com/track/7dSCxR4LqkmxoBrq9MzVSD Artist: Randy Newman https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HQyFCFFfJO3KKBlUfZsyW Artist: Alice Cooper https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EhbVgyfGd7HkpsagwL9GS Album: Talking Heads 77, Talking Heads (1977) https://open.spotify.com/album/0r7o2FeARRr23EZ0TJ0a8S Artist: Ramones https://open.spotify.com/artist/1co4F2pPNH8JjTutZkmgSm Artist: The Clash https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RGLhK1IP9jnYFH4BRFJBS Artist: Sex Pistols https://open.spotify.com/artist/1u7kkVrr14iBvrpYnZILJR 2002 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Talking Heads performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBr0FJsDk1g Stop Making Sense (1984) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/stop-making-sense/umc.cmc.4qcn1p5rridjzo742xirf9j8m The Silence of the Lambs (1991) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-silence-of-the-lambs/umc.cmc.vo1hrvp25kr64fq8irp5jx75?action=play True Stories (2016) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/true-stories/umc.cmc.7ffwwfhraf765c0l9l1v7a4tw?action=play Weekly World News: https://weeklyworldnews.com/ David’s online magazine: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/ Credits: Producer: Millie Chu  Assistant Producer: Artemis Irvine 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
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S6 EP4: Malala Yousafzai discusses misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban's ‘gender apartheid’, and her views on marriage
    Oct 28 2025
    In this episode, Louis speaks with Nobel laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai. Joining Louis at Spotify HQ, the pair discuss misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban’s 'gender apartheid', and her views on the institution of marriage. Plus, Malala shares a traumatic drug experience at university that changed her outlook on life. Warnings: adult themes and some discussion points which could be upsetting. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: Book: Finding My Way, Malala Yousafzai (2025) https://www.waterstones.com/book/finding-my-way/malala-yousafzai/9781399637770 Book: I Am Malala, Malala Yousafzai (2013) https://www.waterstones.com/book/i-am-malala/malala-yousafzai/christina-lamb/9781399608992 Class Dismissed (2009) - New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/asia/100000001835296/class-dismissed-malala-yousafzais-story.html Article: Malala’s shooting https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pakistani-teen-girls-activist-malala-yousufzai-shot-on-school-bus-by-taliban-gunman/ Article: Charlie Kirk killed https://news.sky.com/story/what-we-know-about-how-charlie-kirk-was-killed-13428871 Article: Afghanistan's restrictions on women https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165622 Article: Southport riots https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c99v90813j5o Article: Pakistan child marriage laws https://www.walkfree.org/news/2025/pakistan-takes-step-to-end-child-marriage-as-calls-grow-for-national-reform/ Malala Fund: https://malala.org/ Mukhtar Mai profile: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13163169 Survey of worst countries for women: https://www.amnestyusa.org/blog/the-worlds-worst-places-to-be-a-woman/ 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 Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S6 EP3: Bob Vylan on his controversial Glastonbury performance
    Oct 24 2025
    Louis is joined by Bobby Vylan, one half of the controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan. In his first public interview since his contentious performance at Glastonbury - where he led a chant of ‘death to the IDF’ - Bobby discusses why he did it, the subsequent backlash and whether he still stands by the chant. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources X Post: Visa Revoke by Deputy Secretary of State ⁠https://x.com/DeputySecState/status/1939697586920997374?lang=en⁠ Article: Chuck D defending Bob Vylan ⁠https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/chuck-d-bob-vylan-public-enemy-b2782798.html⁠ Article: Damon Albarn comment ⁠https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/damon-albarn-interview-africa-express-8rsndnd85⁠ Article: IDF soldiers shooting unarmed Gazans ⁠https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-27/ty-article-magazine/.premium/idf-soldiers-ordered-to-shoot-deliberately-at-unarmed-gazans-waiting-for-humanitarian-aid/00000197-ad8e-de01-a39f-ffbe33780000⁠ X Post: Ted Cruz thoughts on the chant ⁠https://x.com/tedcruz/status/1939080845702083062⁠ Song: ‘Pretty Songs’, Bob Vylan (2022) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/4Xjs3lwUmT32IuYi9KoGRw⁠ Song: ‘England’s Ending’, Bob Vylan (2020) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/album/1kGFhr8FoPJ9jqV8AT0RDA⁠ Article: ‘The Zionist Fallacy of Jewish Supremacy’ ⁠https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/1/9/the-zionist-fallacy-of-jewish-supremacy⁠ Article: GILEE Program sending officers to Israel ⁠https://gilee.gsu.edu/files/2023/09/McDuffie-Progress-Gale-2023.pdf⁠ Song: ‘Drug War’, Bob Vylan (2022) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/2kKzKi8dT2NmjVQogIfSwK⁠ Facebook Post: UKIP’s AI image of Bobby ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheUKIndependenceParty/posts/bob-vylan-is-going-home/1288462819315084/⁠ Song: ‘Cop Killer’, Body Count (1992) ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XihXOw634o⁠ Song: ‘Fuck Tha Police’, N.W.A (1988) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/5n8Aro6j1bEGIy7Tpo7FV7?si=e30bfbfb94694acb⁠ IHRA Antisemitism definition: ⁠https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism⁠ Article: Antisemitism definition controversy ⁠https://www.newyorker.com/news/persons-of-interest/the-problem-with-defining-antisemitism⁠ CST Antisemitic report 2025: ⁠https://cst.org.uk/news/blog/2025/08/06/antisemitic-incidents-report-january-june-2025⁠ 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 Production for Spotify  ⁠www.mindhouse.co.uk⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • S6 EP2: Michael Palin discusses Monty Python dynamics, famous fans, and ‘Life of Brian’ controversies
    Oct 13 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • S6 EP1: Steve Coogan on falling out of love with Alan Partridge, playing Jimmy Savile, and sobriety
    Oct 6 2025
    Louis sits down with writer, actor and comedian Steve Coogan in the first episode of the new series. Steve discusses falling in and out of love with Alan Partridge, literally wearing Jimmy Savile’s shoes in ‘The Reckoning’, and being sober after his ‘delayed adolescence’. Warning: 1970s mother-in-law jokes are included. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Spotify have a website for information and resources. Visit spotify.com/resources Links/Attachments: TV Show: ‘On the Hour’ (1991 – 1992) - BBC Radio 4 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008pcbq TV Show: ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ (1994 - 1995) - BBC https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108828/ TV Show: ‘I’m Alan Partridge' (1997 – 2002) - BBC https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129690/ TV Show: ‘Alan Partridge’s Mid Morning Matters’ (2010 – 2016) https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/episode-1/umc.cmc.6t24k6qmgn78pjfz5iueck40u?showId=umc.cmc.9x6rfy298smgramzarjelucq&action=playSmartEpisode Philomena (2013) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/philomena/umc.cmc.65o05voqje46icxfetp55hwcb?action=play TV Show: ‘The Reckoning’ (2023) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0g4swnr/the-reckoning TV Show: ‘How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)’ (upcoming show) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hcbk Book: Easily Distracted, Steve Coogan (2015) https://www.waterstones.com/book/easily-distracted/steve-coogan/9780099585930 TV show: ‘The Thick of It’ (2005 – 2012) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006qgrd/the-thick-of-it TV Show: ‘Veep’ (2012 – 2019) - HBO https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/fundraiser/umc.cmc.ytcqma5k9ovyykhsnnm9asnk?showId=umc.cmc.5ir3dmyl42miy9h2gxvz551ql&action=playSmartEpisode TV Show: ‘Blankety Blank’ (1979 – 1990) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0010b7c/blankety-blank Les Dawson playing piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nNGlaiVypU TV Show: ‘Spitting Image’ (1984 – 1996) - ITV https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086807/ TV Show: ‘Blackadder’ (1983 - 1989) - ITV https://www.itv.com/watch/blackadder/2a7295 TV Show: ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ (1979 – 1982) - BBC https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080253/ TV Show: ‘The Trip’ (2010 - 2020) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b04v5fy3/the-trip TV Show: ‘When Louis met...’ [Jimmy Savile Episode] (2000 – 2002) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g3zjn9/when-louis-met-series-1-jimmy-savile Louis Theroux: Savile (2016) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07yc9zh Jimmy Savile & Steve Coogan 1989 clip: https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/steve-coogan-jimmy-savile-impression-201622-20231021 Book: In Plain Sight: The Life and Lies of Jimmy Savile, Dan Davies (2015) https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/in-plain-sight-book-dan-davies-9781782067467 TV Show: Des (2020) - ITV https://www.itv.com/watch/des/2a7844 TV Show: ‘Appropriate Adult’ (2011) - ITV https://www.itv.com/watch/appropriate-adult/1a6304 TV Show: ‘Foyle’s War’ (2002 – 2015) https://www.itv.com/watch/foyles-war/25410 A Beautiful Mind (2002) https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/a-beautiful-mind/umc.cmc.2iqk0c0jh9ocfk2jtv2yda0k1?action=play 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 Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Season 6 incoming...
    Sep 29 2025
    Louis returns with another season of his chart-topping podcast! Join him on Tuesdays, from October 7th, as he offers up a plentiful cornucopia of starry guests. Watch exclusively on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 min