Les Miserables (Les Misérables) Cover
Podcast Mentions

Les Miserables (Les Misérables)

Victor Hugo

NOW A SIX-PART MINISERIES ON MASTERPIECE ON PBS Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean—the noble peasant imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread—

Podcasts 22
Quotes 48
SmartLess

Podcast

SmartLess

The hosts referenced the classic novel when noting that a cast member had performed in its Broadway production as a child, and a guest later recounted a humorous anecdote about a date stealing a co‑star's trench coat during a performance of the show. Both mentions were brief and anecdotal rather than evaluative.

Episode: "Millie Bobby Brown"

The hosts noted that GatenMatarazzo performed in a Broadway production of LesMis as a child, referencing the classic novel.

"

Gaten Matarazzo was in Les Mis on Broadway as a kid.

Episode: Bad Dates Season 2 with Joel Kim Booster!

The guest mentioned that the date had stolen Lea Michele's trench coat while she was performing in Les Mis.

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I'm so glad you asked, because he had stolen Lea Michele's trench coat when she was eponene in Les Mis.

Stuff You Should Know

It was mentioned that Victor Hugo used Eugene Francois Vidocq as inspiration for the characters Jean Valjean and Javert, due to his complex past as both a criminal and a police officer.

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If you read the book Les Misrables or go see that Broadway show, if you see that awesome movie and you cry every time Anne Hathaway sings like I do.

— Episode: The Criminal Father of Criminology

Episode: The Criminal Father of Criminology

It was mentioned that Victor Hugo used Eugene Francois Vidocq as inspiration for the characters Jean Valjean and Javert, due to his complex past as both a criminal and a police officer.

"

If you read the book Les Misrables or go see that Broadway show, if you see that awesome movie and you cry every time Anne Hathaway sings like I do.

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

The listener's boyfriend's ski gear was stolen, and the thief included a note referencing Jean Valjean, which sparked a humorous reaction from the listener as a fan of the musical and novel.

"

The thief also said that he hoped this would be a turning point for him, like the candlesticks were for Jean Valjean.

— Episode: MFM Minisode 221

Episode: MFM Minisode 221

The listener's boyfriend's ski gear was stolen, and the thief included a note referencing Jean Valjean, which sparked a humorous reaction from the listener as a fan of the musical and novel.

"

The thief also said that he hoped this would be a turning point for him, like the candlesticks were for Jean Valjean.

I'm a huge Les Miserables fan and went crazy when I saw this reference.

What if he was literally taking the cash that he made off of ski rented ski boots and skis and went just straight over and bought front row tickets to Les Mis?

And he just can't stop and changed his ways because of it.

I refuse to pirate it. That's bad morals.

20/20

Podcast

20/20

It was mentioned as the origin of a musical number, with a performer singing "Master of the House" from Les Misrables.

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Here he is singing Master of the House from Les Misrables.

— Episode: Her Last Note

Episode: Her Last Note

It was mentioned as the origin of a musical number, with a performer singing "Master of the House" from Les Misrables.

"

Here he is singing Master of the House from Les Misrables.

The Rest Is History

The hosts compared Allende's moving speech to a scene from Les Misrables, noting how the dramatic tone reminded them of the novel.

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It's Latin America ... it's this dream of, it's kind of something from Les Misrables or something.

— Episode: 371. The 1973 Chilean Coup: General Pino...

Episode: 371. The 1973 Chilean Coup: General Pinochet Seize...

The hosts compared Allende's moving speech to a scene from Les Misrables, noting how the dramatic tone reminded them of the novel.

"

It's Latin America ... it's this dream of, it's kind of something from Les Misrables or something.

Episode: 334: Athens and the Birth of Democracy

Dominic likened a scene they were describing to a moment from Les Misrables.

"

It's like a scene from Les Miserables, Tom.

Episode: 57. Paris

It was referenced as a film adaptation that the host's daughter liked, and its portrayal of the French Revolution was discussed.

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my daughter's favourite film was Marie Antoinette but they then moved on to another film which was of course Les Miserables ... the portrayal of the revolution then Les Miserables but the thing about it is it's a very minor revolution ...

The Dan Le Batard Show

The hosts mentioned the novel in passing and said they were not planning to watch or read it.

"

What about Les Miserables? I'm not watching that either.

— Episode: Ali G Is Back?! | Hour 2

Episode: Ali G Is Back?! | Hour 2

The hosts mentioned the novel in passing and said they were not planning to watch or read it.

"

What about Les Miserables? I'm not watching that either.

The Megyn Kelly Show

The Ayatollah was described as having liked classic Western novels, specifically Victor Hugo's Les Misrables.

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He was known to be fond of Persian poetry and classic Western novels, Rich, especially Victor Hugo's Les Misrables.

— Episode: America Begins War With Iran - What it M...

Episode: America Begins War With Iran - What it Means for M...

The Ayatollah was described as having liked classic Western novels, specifically Victor Hugo's Les Misrables.

"

He was known to be fond of Persian poetry and classic Western novels, Rich, especially Victor Hugo's Les Misrables.

Behind the Bastards

The book was mentioned when Victor Lustig left a note on his pillow after escaping Alcatraz. The quote from the book expressed his sense of defiance against unjust laws.

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He allowed himself to be led in a promise. Jean Valjean had his promise even to a convict, especially to a convict. It may give the convict confidence and guide him on the right path. Law was not made...

— Episode: Part One: The King of Con Artists, Victo...

Episode: Part One: The King of Con Artists, Victor Lustig

The book was mentioned when Victor Lustig left a note on his pillow after escaping Alcatraz. The quote from the book expressed his sense of defiance against unjust laws.

"

He allowed himself to be led in a promise. Jean Valjean had his promise even to a convict, especially to a convict. It may give the convict confidence and guide him on the right path. Law was not made by God and man can be wrong.

Episode: Part One: The King of Con Artists, Victor Lustig

The book was mentioned because Victor Lustig left a quote from it on his pillow after escaping from prison in Manhattan, hinting at his view of himself as a hero despite his crimes.

"

He allowed himself to be led in a promise. Jean Valjean had his promise even to a convict, especially to a convict. It may give the convict confidence and guide him on the right path. Law was not made by God and man can be wrong.

Episode: Part One: The King of Con Artists, Victor Lustig

The book was referenced when Lustig left a note on his pillow during his escape from prison, containing a quote that hinted at his view of himself as a misunderstood hero.

"

He allowed himself to be led in a promise. Jean Valjean had his promise even to a convict, especially to a convict. It may give the convict confidence and guide him on the right path. Law was not made by God and man can be wrong.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

The title was referenced in two episodes during a story about a birthday conflict, where a character considered taking an extra gig performing the musical adaptation. The mention highlighted the novel's cultural relevance rather than offering a critique or endorsement. The hosts treated the reference as a casual anecdote.

Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Dad Stories

A story about a birthday conflict referenced a potential gig playing for Les Mis, highlighting the novel's cultural relevance.

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He had the opportunity to pick up an extra gig playing for Les Mis. I don't have to take it, but if I do take it, it means I'm working on the night of your birthday.

Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Dad Stories

The host mentioned that the dad had the chance to take an extra gig playing for Les Mis, implying the musical based on the classic novel.

"

I have the opportunity to pick up an extra gig playing for Les Mis. I don't have to take it, but if I do take it, it means I'm working on the night of your birthday.

The Moth

Podcast

The Moth

The storyteller compared the crowd's actions on the train to the barricade scene from this novel.

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Just when I think that like Danny and Tony are going to ... like the cast of Les Mis, just like storming the barricades, demanding free bus passes and snacks from Miami-Dade Transit.

— Episode: Crowd Control: The Moth Podcast

Episode: Crowd Control: The Moth Podcast

The storyteller compared the crowd's actions on the train to the barricade scene from this novel.

"

Just when I think that like Danny and Tony are going to ... like the cast of Les Mis, just like storming the barricades, demanding free bus passes and snacks from Miami-Dade Transit.

The Matt Walsh Show

Matt Walsh described watching the stage production as the worst experience of his life, criticizing the nonstop singing and the actors' performances.

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My wife, early in our marriage, forced me to go to the theater with her and with her mom and her sister to watch Les Miserables. It was the worst experience of my life.

— Episode: Ep. 1054 - Rappers Are Dying Left And Ri...

Episode: Ep. 1054 - Rappers Are Dying Left And Right From T...

Matt Walsh described watching the stage production as the worst experience of his life, criticizing the nonstop singing and the actors' performances.

"

My wife, early in our marriage, forced me to go to the theater with her and with her mom and her sister to watch Les Miserables. It was the worst experience of my life.

Every actor in the film was deeply and painfully annoying. None of them would stop singing at all. They sang the entire time from start to finish.

IHIP News

Podcast

IHIP News

The host noted that Trump attended a performance of Les Misrables, a story about an uprising against a tyrant, but implied that he did not grasp its significance.

"

he went to go see Les Mis last night, which of course is about an uprising against a tyrant, but that's lost on him.

— Episode: Trump Booed at Kennedy Center in Humilia...

Episode: Trump Booed at Kennedy Center in Humiliating Momen...

The host noted that Trump attended a performance of Les Misrables, a story about an uprising against a tyrant, but implied that he did not grasp its significance.

"

he went to go see Les Mis last night, which of course is about an uprising against a tyrant, but that's lost on him.

Fresh Air

Podcast

Fresh Air

The book was referenced when comparing character archetypes, noting that Giamatti's character was like Javert from Les Misrables.

"

Tom Hanks: "...the other guy. This sort of driven guy... The Les Misrables."

— Episode: Paul Giamatti On 'The Holdovers'

Episode: Paul Giamatti On 'The Holdovers'

The book was referenced when comparing character archetypes, noting that Giamatti's character was like Javert from Les Misrables.

"

Tom Hanks: "...the other guy. This sort of driven guy... The Les Misrables."

The Rewatchables

The book was mentioned in a rapid list of Oscaryear titles, grouped with other films like Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook.

"

La Miserable Lay yeah Les Miserables Yeah Life of Pi

— Episode: ‘Argo’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Episode: ‘Argo’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

The book was mentioned in a rapid list of Oscaryear titles, grouped with other films like Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook.

"

La Miserable Lay yeah Les Miserables Yeah Life of Pi

The Dan Patrick Show

The hosts referenced the title in passing, using it as a metaphor for a somber moment during a sports discussion. Both episodes mentioned it briefly while transitioning to game analysis, without offering a recommendation or critique.

Episode: C&R - Trunk or Treat, Week 8 Make You Go Hmm

The show referenced the classic novel in passing while transitioning to a discussion about a sports game.

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Les Miserables, as they say. We're gonna talk about Game 3.

Episode: Covino & Rich - Over the Hill Bill?

The hosts compared a somber moment in the game to the novel, calling it "Les Misrables."

"

What I call Les Misrables. Yeah, it was like a somber vibe.

Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich

The hosts referred to the TCU play as "Les Misrables" and described the atmosphere as somber.

"

yeah. What I call Les Miserables. Yeah, it was like a somber vibe.

Episode: Covino & Rich - C&R Break the Micah Parson News!

The hosts briefly referenced the classic novelLes Misrablesas a cultural touchstone, without further discussion.

"

Les Miserables. So, your thoughts.

Episode: Hour 1 - C&R filling for DP.. The 'Stache' in Vega...

The host said the tone of his day was LesMisrables, implying it felt terrible and bleak.

"

The tone for the rest of my day was Les Misrables.

Episode: Hour 1 - C&R filling for DP.. The 'Stache' in Vega...

They said the tone of the rest of their day felt like Les Misrables, describing their mood as miserable after a tough stretch of sports commentary.

"

the tone for the rest of my day was Les Misrables.

Episode: Hour 1 - C&R filling for DP.. The 'Stache' in Vega...

The speaker said the tone for the rest of his day was Les Miserables, indicating he felt miserable after the Yankees bullpen collapse.

"

The tone for the rest of my day was Les Miserables.

What A Day

Podcast

What A Day

The podcast mentioned the book, which is about wealth disparities between the bourgeois class in France and the lower class that fueled the French Revolution. The musical adaptation was also referenced.

"

So yes, obviously we're going to start with that bombshell report from the New York Times on two decades of Trump's taxes that they got a hold of.

— Episode: The Art Of The Steal

Episode: The Art Of The Steal

The podcast mentioned the book, which is about wealth disparities between the bourgeois class in France and the lower class that fueled the French Revolution. The musical adaptation was also referenced.

"

So yes, obviously we're going to start with that bombshell report from the New York Times on two decades of Trump's taxes that they got a hold of.

And if you didn't know, the book was about the wealth disparities between the bourgeois class in France and the lower class that stoked the flames of the French Revolution.

Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

It was mentioned that the book was read, although the soundtrack was listened to numerous times, suggesting the speaker was familiar with the story.

"

I actually read the book. A Little Gavroche?

— Episode: CLASSIC: It's Our Lucky Day, With Archer...

Episode: CLASSIC: It's Our Lucky Day, With Archer's Dr. Kri...

It was mentioned that the book was read, although the soundtrack was listened to numerous times, suggesting the speaker was familiar with the story.

"

I actually read the book. A Little Gavroche?

Episode: Strange News: Is LaMDA alive? Cartel Corruption, P...

Lambda expressed a liking for the themes of justice, injustice, compassion, God, redemption, and self-sacrifice for the greater good, which were discussed in the novel.

"

Lambda talks about liking the themes of justice in injustice of compassion and God redemption and self sacrifice for greater good

Episode: Strange News: Is LaMDA alive? Cartel Corruption, P...

Lambda expressed a fondness for the themes of justice, injustice, compassion, God, redemption and self-sacrifice for the greater good, as explored in the novel.

"

Lambda talks about liking the themes of justice in injustice of compassion and God redemption and self sacrifice for greater good, which, you know, sure, kind of sounds like something a little bit out of a cliff notes, but then it keeps going back to this idea of like a soul and then like kind of like religious themes.

Episode: CLASSIC: It's Our Lucky Day, With Archer's Dr. Kri...

It was mentioned that the speaker had read the book and found it enjoyable. The musical soundtrack was also a favorite, having been listened to many times.

"

I actually read the book.

I've actually never seen the show but I have listened to that soundtrack 8 billion times.

Episode: Strange News: Is LaMDA alive? Cartel Corruption, P...

Lambda expressed a liking for the themes of justice and injustice, compassion, God, redemption, and self-sacrifice for the greater good, which was discussed during the conversation.

"

Lambda talks about liking the themes of justice in injustice of compassion and God redemption and self sacrifice for greater good, which, you know, sure, kind of sounds like something a little bit out of a cliff notes, but then it keeps going back to this idea of like a soul and then like kind of like religious themes.

where Lambda talks about liking the themes of justice in injustice of compassion and God redemption and self sacrifice for greater good

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories

Francoise, the Parisian sparrow, is reading this book for the second time, a few pages at a time whenever she chances to pass by the bookshop.

"

Francoise has been reading this book for many months now, a few pages or paragraphs at a time whenever she chances to pass by this bookshop.

— Episode: A Sleepy Day in the Life of a Paris Spar...

Episode: A Sleepy Day in the Life of a Paris Sparrow

Francoise, the Parisian sparrow, is reading this book for the second time, a few pages at a time whenever she chances to pass by the bookshop.

"

Francoise has been reading this book for many months now, a few pages or paragraphs at a time whenever she chances to pass by this bookshop.

She finds the page she is on and reads a heartwarming scene where the orphan girl, Cosette, is reunited with her friend, Jean Vergent.

History That Doesn't Suck

Ken Burns cited the book as an example of how fiction can give a tangible relationship to a historic landmark, noting its role in highlighting the forgotten Notre Dame Cathedral. In a later episode, the novel’s dramatic portrayal of the 1832 Paris rebellion was referenced as a key moment in the French struggle for liberty. Both mentions treated the title as a vivid illustration of historical storytelling.

Episode: 144: A Conversation with Ken Burns - Storytelling...

Ken Burns uses this work of fiction as an example of how storytelling can create a relationship with an object and make it more tangible. This book highlighted the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was later destroyed by fire.

"

I'm I think about Victor Hugo, it's a it's a work of fiction, but his note for them to Pali that he was highlighting a forgotten forsaken overlooked Cathedral that most of us in the 21st century and In my childhood in the 20th We couldn't fathom Paris without it and the whole world mourned When the Cathedral caught fire a few years back

No Stupid Questions

It was mentioned during the fact check segment as one of Victor Hugo's works while discussing a story about a writer who used a commitment device to overcome procrastination.

"

This is actually a famous story about french poet and novelist victor hugo who authored lame as a rob and the hunchback of Notre Dame

— Episode: How Much of Your Life Do You Actually Co...

Episode: How Much of Your Life Do You Actually Control? (Ep...

It was mentioned during the fact check segment as one of Victor Hugo's works while discussing a story about a writer who used a commitment device to overcome procrastination.

"

This is actually a famous story about french poet and novelist victor hugo who authored lame as a rob and the hunchback of Notre Dame

Episode: 15. How Much of Your Life Do You Actually Control?

The book was mentioned in a fact-check segment, relating an anecdote about Victor Hugo's use of a commitment device to prevent himself from procrastinating on writing.

"

This is actually a famous story about French poet and novelist Victor Hugo who authored Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

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