S6 EP2: Michael Palin discusses Monty Python dynamics, famous fans, and ‘Life of Brian’ controversies

About this episode

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