Grounded with Louis Theroux is a podcast recorded during the start of lockdown for BBC

radio 4. Using the lockdown to his advantage, Louis chased down some high-profile people
whom he’s always longed to talk to. In this episode, he speaks to Miriam Margolyes, the
documentary maker and actor. Throughout the episode, they discuss sexuality, antisemitism
in the UK and her extreme hatred of housework.

The podcast follows a very chatty format, taking place on zoom due to obvious
circumstances, it almost feels like you're listening in on a conversation between two friends.
The podcasts consist of minimal editing, with producers even including the technical issues
and checks. This seems to deliberately set the tone of the podcast from the beginning as
you know that the conversation is going to be informal. Interviewing guests from the comfort
of their own homes allows for a more personal and honest conversation as they are in a
place familiar to them surrounded by their own belongings, rather than those of a studio. I
want to try and incorporate this into our own audio project. For our group audio project, we
will be going to the tobacco factory in Southville and interviewing the vendors at their Sunday
market and the owners. I’m hoping by interviewing people at their place of work, will allow
the same comfort as interviewing people in their homes as it’s also similar in surroundings
and therefore will allow for the same honesty that Louis manages to get from Miriam. I think
this actually attracts more listeners as people may hope to hear more than usual from their
favourite celebs or the guest, as well as also being in lockdown so having a lot more free
time.

Miriam Margolyes was the seventh guest on the podcast, meaning that she was one of their
top picks from the start. I think she’s a great guest as she has no filter and as she says in the
episode ‘doesn’t think there is a line to cross’ when asking her questions about her life.
She’s open to anything. A large portion of their conversation is focused on Miriam’s sex life
and her sexuality which is something she is, and always has been, very open about.
Although that's an obvious topic to cover with Miriam and he approaches a typically
uncomfortable subject head-on, with no awkwardness or hesitation, the length and context of
the conversation aren’t interesting enough to be the main focus of the podcast. Instead of
focusing on trying to get exclusive, unheard of stories and opinions from Margolyes he
concentrates on stories she’s told before. Admittedly, they still are shocking as they are
stories most actresses or celebrities would never even hint at, but that is what is expected of
Miriam Margolyes. Although the conversation is entertaining, I don’t think it should be the
main topic of conversation. When interviewing I would definitely concentrate on the areas of
conversation that the listeners will enjoy the most, rather than only the areas that I might be
intrigued by. I think the episode would’ve been more successful if they focused more on the
other elements of the conversation such as antisemitism in the UK or loneliness in lockdown
which would’ve been more appropriate for a BBC Radio 4 audience, with their target
demographic being an older audience with the aim of reflecting a range of art, music and
culture.

Other than the direction of the conversation, Louis Theroux’s interview skills are admirable.
He is confident, yet respectful of his interviewee no matter the circumstance or topic of
conversation. He treats his guests like old friends, which in turn allows them to feel more
comfortable and eventually share more information which is definitely something I want to
take on board when considering interviews.