Best Robert Ridley Podcasts (2025)

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Tangled in Pop-Culture Obsessions & Spank-Bank Celebrities (with H. Alan Scott) 51:13

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2d ago51:13

51:13

Culture and entertainment writer H. Alan Scott has a true tangle with Kyle, discussing the highs and lows of life. H. Alan shares his personal journey from Mormonism to Judaism, his experiences with cancer, and his lifelong love of all this pop culture. H. Alan shares his childhood influences, all-time favorite shows, standout interviews, and his O…

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David Deutsch on the Pattern 1:26:16

6d ago1:26:16

1:26:16

A world-class physicist makes a shocking claim: across 2,500 years and every kind of society, there has been a recurring moral exception carved out just for Jews--the idea that hurting Jews is, in some sense, legitimate. Most of the time, this doesn't erupt into pogroms. Instead, it lives as a background permission: a readiness to excuse, minimize,…

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Best and Worst Films of the Year 1:21:45

7d ago1:21:45

1:21:45

It’s that time of year on the Take when Mark runs down his best and worst films of the year—so get ready for a reminder of 2025’s biggest raves and rants from I’m Still Here to Tron: Ares. It’s all new content as he ranks the big-screen bangers and clangers of the last 12 months and picks the Take’s best picture. We’ll also look at the year’s best …

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Good Kate Winslet (lass) Looks Back on her Feats of Acting 1:02:23

9d ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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The Surprising Genesis of the Literary Journey of Richard Paul Evans 10:52

7d ago10:52

10:52

Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!By Randy Overbeck

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AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH: “like some nightmare furries convention” 1:32:40

10d ago1:32:40

1:32:40

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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Tangled in Small Talk, Deep Dives & Female Friendships (with Jessica St. Clair) 1:05:43

8d ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Actress, author and podcaster Jessica St. Clair joins Kyle for a candid conversation on life, career, marriage and friendship. Jessica offers a hilarious and heartfelt look at life’s highs and lows – from landing major TV and film gigs, launching a hit podcast, writing with her best friends, to battling cancer and then caring for her husband in the…

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Kate Winslet (Christmas Special) 1:11:34

8d ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Oscar-winning acting royalty Kate Winslet joins us for a Christmas Special in the Dream Restaurant. But can James keep his Eternal Sunshine questions to himself? Kate Winslet’s directorial debut ‘Goodbye, June’ is in cinemas now and on Netflix from 24 December. Watch it here. Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Thu 18…

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Free Will Is Real (with Kevin Mitchell) 1:32:27

10d ago1:32:27

1:32:27

Are we truly characters with agency, or are we just playing out our programming in the great video game of life? Contrary to those in his field who claim that free will is an illusion, neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell insists that we're agents who wield our decision-making mechanism for our own purposes. Listen as the author of Free Agents: How Evolut…

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Tangled in Nashville, Broadway & Heartland Holidays (with MORGXN) 48:22

13d ago48:22

48:22

Kyle is joined by singer-songwriter Morgan Karr (MORGXN), who shares his journey from Nashville to Los Angeles and back, exploring themes of identity, love, loss, and resilience. He discusses the impact of his southern upbringing, coming out, and the importance of finding role models and supporters in the LGBTQ+ community. MORGXN also reflects on h…

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Live Christmas Spectacular with Nia DaCosta and Jason Isaacs 1:24:18

17d ago1:24:18

1:24:18

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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Chris McCausland (Christmas Special) 1:12:14

15d ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Yuletide is here, and joining us for our first festive special is stand-up superstar and ‘Strictly’ champ Chris McCausland. ChrisMcCausland. ChristmasCausland… Chris McCausland’s autobiography ‘Keep Laughing!’ is out now in hardback and audiobook, published by Michael Joseph. Buy it here. Chris is on tour in 2026 with his show ‘Yonks!’. For dates a…

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Tangled in Books, Burnout & Breaking Boundaries (with Phoebe Robinson) 43:55

17d ago43:55

43:55

This week, Kyle is joined by comedian-author-actress-entrepreneur Phoebe Robinson! The trailblazer reflects on her journey from aspiring writer to a prominent figure in comedy and publishing. She also discusses her comedic influences, the evolution of the comedy landscape, and her experience launching the imprint, Tiny Reparations Books. Robinson s…

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Colonialism, Slavery, and Foreign Aid (with William Easterly) 1:04:02

20d ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Can the promise of economic progress ever justify conquest, coercion, and control over other people’s lives? Economist William Easterly joins EconTalk's Russ Roberts to argue no--and to rethink what "development" really means in theory, in history, and in our politics today. Drawing on his new book, Violent Saviors: The West's Conquest of the Rest,…

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FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2: “I was struggling to stay awake” + Legendary James L Brooks 1:28:55

24d ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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Tangled in Touring, True Crime & Taylor Swift (with Liza Treyger) 53:40

22d ago53:40

53:40

This week Kyle is joined by comedian, podcaster and actress Liza Treyger! They discuss her recent European tour, childhood influences, and the impact of television on her career. Liza reflects on the evolution of comedy in the age of social media, her unique performance style, and the current state of the comedy scene, particularly regarding politi…

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The Perfect Tuba: How Band, Grit, and Community Build a Better Life (with Sam Quinones) 1:00:43

27d ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Journalist and author Sam Quinones talks about his newest book, The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Brass Horn, Band, and Hard Work with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. Known for his reporting on the opioid crisis, Quinones turns to a more uplifting subject--the world of tuba players and high school marching bands. What begins as curiosity abou…

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Is CHRISTY a knockout? + Noah Baumbach on JAY KELLY 1:25:22

1M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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John Early 1:24:00

29d ago1:24:00

1:24:00

It’s the last episode of series 15, and who better to round off the series than US comedy superstar and actor – star of ‘Search Party’, ‘30 Rock’ and new film ‘Eternity’ – John Early. See you soon for some Christmas specials… John Early stars in ‘Eternity’ which is in UK cinemas on 5 December. Follow John on Instagram @bejohnce Watch the video vers…

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Tangled in Passion, Poetry & Purpose (with Charles Esten) 1:19:19

1M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

This week, Kyle is joined by actor, musician and improv king Charles Esten! Charles reflects on his journey growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, to becoming a beloved musician and actor, widely known for hit shows ‘Nashville’ and ‘Outer Banks.’ Charles shares insights into his songwriting process, the importance of family, and the healing power of m…

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The Status Game (with Will Storr) 1:01:11

1M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Will Storr talks about his book The Status Game with EconTalk host Russ Roberts, exploring how our deep need for respect and recognition shapes our behavior. The conversation delves into how we constantly judge others and compare ourselves to them, the pain of losing status, and the freedom of escaping judgment. Storr and Roberts discuss how status…

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Now & Ben: Benedict Cumberbatch on THE THING WITH FEATHERS 15:56

1M ago15:56

15:56

Howdy Take listeners—it's about time for another Now & Ben, don’t you think? This time it’s Benedict Cumberbatch—who chats to our Ben about his new film ‘The Thing With Feathers’, alongside director Dylan Southern. Based on the bestselling Max Porter novel, the movie follows Cumberbatch’s character ‘Dad’ through his grief at the sudden death of his…

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WICKED: Which Witch Wins - Is the Sequel/Prequel Equal? 1:23:29

1M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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L. Frank Baum, the creative genius behind the Wizard of Oz and Wicked 12:55

1M ago12:55

12:55

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Baum was destined to be a writer from his teens, thanks to gifts from his father how Baum had feet and success in both the literary and drama world how his Wizard of Oz series were the top children books of the time how Baum, in his own writing, predicted several technology inventions Check out the backstories yo…

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Tangled in "Glee," a Massive IMDB & Swingin' Christmas Classics (with Jane Lynch) 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

This week, Kyle is joined by Emmy winner Jane Lynch! The renowned actress, musician and host is heading out on her annual “Swingin’ Little Christmas” tour with friends Kate Flannery and Tim Davis. The tour kicks off Nov. 29 in Bethesda, Maryland, and runs through Dec. 17. In addition to the tour, Jane reflects on her illustrious career and some of …

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Kunal Nayyar 59:58

1M ago59:58

59:58

Kunal Nayyar – star of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and new movie ‘Christmas Karma’ – has a table booked this week. But is he drinking water or vodka? Kunal Nayyar stars in ‘Christmas Karma’ which is in cinemas now. Follow Kunal on Instagram @kunalkarmanayyar Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Thu 20 Nov Off Menu is now on …

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The Wonder of the Emergent Mind (with Gaurav Suri) 1:39:40

1M ago1:39:40

1:39:40

How is your brain like an ant colony? They both use simple parts following simple rules which allows the whole to be so much more than the sum of the parts. Listen as neuroscientist and author Gaurav Suri explains how the mind emerges from the neural network of the brain, why habits form, why intuition often knows before language does, and why our …

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Edgar Wright on THE RUNNING MAN 1:21:18

2M ago1:21:18

1:21:18

Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fort…

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Tangled in Crafting Characters & Mastering Impressions (with Andrea Lopez) 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

This week, comedian and impressionist Andrea Lopez joins Kyle to share her comedic journey from DC, Los Angeles, to New York City. She discusses her early SNL influences, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry. Andrea also reflects on her experiences with rejection, her creative process in developi…

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Joy Crookes 1:18:19

1M ago1:18:19

1:18:19

Mercury Prize and Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter Joy Crookes is in the Dream Restaurant this week. But can she make Ed and James understand the concept of a performative male? Joy Crookes’s new album ‘Juniper’ is out now. Buy it and listen to it here. Joy Crookes is on tour now. For dates and tickets go to joycrookes.com Follow Joy Crookes …

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Shampoo, Property Rights, and Civilization (with Anthony Gill) 1:08:19

2M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Why is it okay to take the little shampoo bottles in hotels home with you but not the towels? And what stops people from taking the towels? Listen as political scientist Anthony Gill discusses the enforcement of property rights with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. Backing up their observations with insights from Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, and our everyd…

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Tangled in Community, Comfort Cuisine & Culinary Comedy (with Phil Rosenthal) 31:59

2M ago31:59

31:59

This week, Kyle is joined by writer, host, traveler, and foodie extraordinaire Phil Rosenthal. They discuss his new book, “Phil's Favorites: Recipes from Friends and Family to Make at Home,” and his passion for uniting people through food and travel. Phil also reminisces on 30 years of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and his favorite parts of scripted vs…

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Daniel Day-Lewis and Ronan Day-Lewis on ANEMONE 1:26:37

2M ago1:26:37

1:26:37

Some exciting news — The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fo…

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Tangled in "Real World" Fame, Trauma, Hope & Healing (with Danny Roberts) 58:56

2M ago58:56

58:56

This week, Kyle is joined by “Real World: New Orleans” groundbreaker Danny Roberts. They reflect on Danny’s time on the show 25 years ago, the intense scrutiny in the aftermath, and his experience reuniting with castmates in 2022 for “The Real World Homecoming.” Danny also reflects on his journey growing up in rural Georgia, the challenges he faced…

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Elle Fanning 1:21:30

2M ago1:21:30

1:21:30

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Elle Fanning – star of ‘The Great’, ‘Super 8’ and the new ‘Predator: Badlands’ movie – is this week’s dining guest. But is her new film better than ‘The Nutcracker in 3D’? ‘Predator: Badlands’ is in cinemas from Fri 7 Nov. Follow Elle Fanning on Instagram @ellefanning Watch the video version of this episode on …

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Primal Intelligence (with Angus Fletcher) 1:20:41

2M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

What do Shakespeare, Hollywood storytelling, and military special operations have in common? They all excel at inventing new plans, or improvising when we're facing radical uncertainty. Listen as professor of story science Angus Fletcher tells EconTalk's Russ Roberts how we've misdefined intelligence, equating it with data--driven reasoning in plac…

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Is BUGONIA out of this world? + Ruth Wilson on DOWN CEMETERY ROAD 1:24:35

2M ago1:24:35

1:24:35

Some exciting news — The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fo…

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Tangled in 'Maisel,' 'Family Guy' & 'Getting On' (with Alex Borstein) 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

This week, Alex Borstein joins 'The Tangle' to discuss her decades-spanning career in comedy, new tour, and classic roles. Alex shares insights into her early influences, the process of crafting characters, and the balance of personal and political themes in her work. She also discusses her experiences on shows including 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,…

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Scary Thoughts #128 - "What was your first scary movie and what was the damage?" 1:26:56

2M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

For Halloween, we always like to do something a little special, and this year we decided to ask some of our fellow fiends (Meg Elison, Joshua Grannell aka Peaches Christ, Carmen Maria Machado, Daniel Coffeen, Steven Intermill and Monique Jenkinson aka Fauxnique) about the first film they remember that truly scared them, and how that shaped them int…

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Lucia Keskin (Chi With A C) 1:17:29

2M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Bafta-winning comedian, actor and internet sensation Lucia Keskin – aka Chi with a C – is this week’s dream diner. And is this the quietest guest we’ve ever had? Series 2 of Lucia’s sitcom ‘Things You Should Have Done’ is coming soon to BBC Three and iPlayer. Watch Series 1 here. Follow Lucia on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @chiwithac Watch the vi…

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A Mind-Blowing Way of Looking at Math (with David Bessis) 1:21:53

2M ago1:21:53

1:21:53

What if math isn't about grinding through equations, but about training your intuition and changing how your brain works? Mathematician and author David Bessis tells EconTalk's Russ Roberts that the secret of mathematics isn't logic--it's the way we learn to see. He explains why math books aren't meant to be read like novels, how great mathematicia…