S6 EP4: Malala Yousafzai discusses misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban's ‘gender apartheid’, and her views on marriage
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
--------
1:06:03
--------
1:06:03
S6 EP3: Bob Vylan on his controversial Glastonbury performance
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
--------
1:02:00
--------
1:02:00
S6 EP2: Michael Palin discusses Monty Python dynamics, famous fans, and ‘Life of Brian’ controversies
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
--------
1:17:24
--------
1:17:24
S6 EP1: Steve Coogan on falling out of love with Alan Partridge, playing Jimmy Savile, and sobriety
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
--------
1:08:21
--------
1:08:21
Season 6 incoming...
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
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.
Canada - english