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 
<a href="https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela">https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela</a>  
 
TV Show Episode: Whicker’s World from ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ (1972) - BBC 
<a href="https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela">https://www.channel5.com/show/michael-palin-in-venezuela</a>  
 
TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days’ (1989) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b008n8yy/around-the-world-in-80-days-with-michael-palin">https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b008n8yy/around-the-world-in-80-days-with-michael-palin</a>  
 
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)  
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147/</a>  
 
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) 
<a href="https://www.itv.com/watch/monty-pythons-life-of-brian/10a5145a0001B/10a5145a0001">https://www.itv.com/watch/monty-pythons-life-of-brian/10a5145a0001B/10a5145a0001</a>  
 
TV Show: ‘Ripping Yarns’ (1976 -1979) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075568/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075568/</a>  
 
TV Special: ‘Beyond the Fringe’ (1964) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138957/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138957/</a>  
 
TV Show: ‘Q5’ (1969 –1980) - BBC 
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063944/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063944/</a>  
 
Terry Gilliam’s animations: 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mB_UymAIc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mB_UymAIc</a> 
  
Fish slapping dance: 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XeDvKqI4E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XeDvKqI4E</a> 
 
TV Show Episode: ‘Whither Canada?’ (1969)  
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758095/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758095/</a>  
 
TV Show Episode: ‘The All-England Summarise Proust Competition’ (1972) 
<a href="https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-all-england-summarize-proust-competition-edit/umc.cmc.2wheg7yvkb0w3w55freoic0j2?action=play">https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/the-all-england-summarize-proust-competition-edit/umc.cmc.2wheg7yvkb0w3w55freoic0j2?action=play</a>  
 
Album: Monty Python’s Previous Record <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1GkvGswqHgUyMb5kIlGU2R">https://open.spotify.com/album/1GkvGswqHgUyMb5kIlGU2R</a>  
 
Sketch: Argument 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ</a> 
 
Sketch: Dead/Resting Parrot 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZw35VUBdzo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZw35VUBdzo</a> 
  
TV Show: ‘Fawlty Towers’ (1975-1979) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072500/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072500/</a>  
 
Sketch: The Ministry of Silly Walks 
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV2ViNJFZC8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV2ViNJFZC8</a> 
 
Book: North Korea Journal, Michael Palin (2019)  
<a href="https://www.themichaelpalin.com/north-korea-journal/">https://www.themichaelpalin.com/north-korea-journal/</a>  
  
TV Show: ‘Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime’ (2020) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1SddawMoz8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1SddawMoz8</a> 
 
Life of Brian Debate with Malcolm Muggeridge (1979) - BBC  
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cyxe9180z84o">https://www.bbc.co.uk/videos/cyxe9180z84o</a>  
 
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) 
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095159/</a>  
 
Short Story: In The Penal Colony, Franz Kafka (1919) 
<a href="https://www.kafka-online.info/in-the-penal-colony.html">https://www.kafka-online.info/in-the-penal-colony.html</a>  
 
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  
<a href="http://www.mindhouse.co.uk/">www.mindhouse.co.uk</a>  
  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

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

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