You may be feeling a bit tired of your usual podcasters after a few weeks in lockdown. But worry not, Louis Theroux‘s podcast is here to save you from inevitable boredom. The charming 49-year-old British documentary filmmaker, author, and broadcaster is here to help us through lockdown, one episode at a time. And the podcast is just as witty, funny, and endearing as you’d expect it to be. It’s titled “Grounded with Louis Theroux” and it deals specifically with the vagaries and quirks of lockdown.
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Louis’ lockdown
Like many of us, Louis is trying his hand at a new skill during lockdown. And much to our delight, he’s launched his first podcast to discuss all things lockdown. He is typically known for his visual interviewing skills and thought-provoking documentaries, but now he’s trying a podcast format.
We've made a podcast! Grounded With @louistheroux starts on @BBCSounds next Monday. You can hear a preview if you search for "Grounded" on the BBC Sounds app. Also coming to @BBCRadio4 in a few weeks.#louistheroux #grounded #StayatHome https://t.co/EEYu3fu35D pic.twitter.com/8AwEe4JUQm
— Mindhouse Productions (@MindhouseTV) April 20, 2020
Louis Theroux’s podcast will also feature some all-star guests. He will be chatting to the likes of comedian Lenny Henry, actress Miriam Margolyes and Boy George. Describing his podcast to Dazed Digital, Louis notes that “These chats are varied in tone, there’s light and shade. There’s also the need to keep moving, not circling around some subject, but actually going on a little bit of a journey to cover different subjects. I’m a bit more of a tour guide in these ones…”
Writer and journalist Jon Ronson appears on the very first episode to talk about his life, career and more. Ronson is known for novels such as The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Psychopath Test. You won’t want to miss out on this chat if you’re intrigued by conspiracy theories or have issues with professional rivalry…
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Celeb Zoom chats
It was reported that Louis Theroux’s podcast interviews were all conducted over Zoom. Which, let’s be honest, does make them a bit more relatable. Over the last few weeks we’ve all had to wrestle video apps into submission, and Louis is no different.
Speaking about his new venture, Louis Theroux said, “I’ve really loved doing these interviews. It’s been a chance to speak to people I admire and have in-depth conversations with them, about their lives, their careers, and their most intimate feelings.” He added, “Making a podcast and radio series is very different to my usual way of working. And for that reason, I’ve found it very fun and refreshing.”
The “Grounded With Louis Theroux” podcast will be the first time he has profiled celebrities since his iconic TV series When Louis Met… It aired between 2000 and 2002 and saw him meeting with many (in)famous subjects. During the two-year span, his interviewees included “Tiger King” Joe Exotic, Max Clifford, and Jimmy Savile.
A way forward
Speaking about lockdown, Louis says “Living through these strange times together brings out the best in us; the times that we remember as we go through life are the times where we went through adversity.”
If you’re looking for entertainment, distraction, or just a few relatable chats, consider this podcast. It’s overwhelmingly sincere and honest – and in this time of isolation and frustration, we can all do with a bit more of that.
“Grounded with Louis Theroux” debuted on BBC Sounds on 27 April, with a new episode dropping every Monday. Not sure it’s really for you? The Louis Theroux podcast boasts a preview episode which is only two minutes long so that you can check it out before committing to a full episode.
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