The James Kennedy Podcast
The official podcast of musician and author, James Kennedy. Exploring music, politics, society, books and whatever else happens along the way. Featuring awesome guests every week. Subscribe and join the conversation! Check out James's other pages at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#74 - Stand Up To Racism - We Demand Change 2025

Lewis Nielsen is the anti-fascist officer at the UK Stand Up To Racism campaign. We chat about the upcoming 'We Demand Change' summit in London this March 29th featuring Jeremy Corbyn, Owen Jones, Yanis Varoufakis, Andrew Feinstein and many others. We also discuss the rise of the Far Right, inequality and how we can build a new mass movement of resistance. Stand Up To Racism are at:
https://standuptoracism.org.uk
The 'We Demand Change' summit is at:
https://wedemandchange.uk
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com...
#73 - Toby Sebastian - making Eyes Light Up

Toby Sebastian is a singer-songwriter and actor known for his roles in Game of Thrones, the Music of Silence, Trading Paint and Perfect Match. Here we chat about his brand new album, 'Eyes Light Up', being an independent artist, the music industry, Hollywood, songwriting and what's next. Toby can be followed at :
www.instagram.com/tobysebastian1
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check out my music page at : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Cz7SfBAwZaCLN54GAMXX3
...
#72 - Ginger Wildheart - Recovery, mental health & songwriting

Ginger Wildheart is a prolific songwriter, singer and musician known mostly as the frontman of The Wildhearts. We chat about their latest album 'Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts', Ginger's recovery and spiritual transformation, mental health, his songwriting process, the music industry and living in The Now. 'Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts' is out on March 7th. Ginger can be followed at : www.instagram.com/gingerwildheart
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check out my music page at : https://open.spotify.com/arti...
#71 - George Monbiot - How we beat The Invisible Doctrine

George Monbiot is a renowned journalist, author and activist working mostly on environmental, political and social issues. He writes a regular column in the Guardian and has published many books including Regenesis, Captive State, Feral and many more. Here, we chat about his latest book with Peter Hutchinson, 'The Invisible Doctrine', neoliberalism, capitalism, human nature, oligarchy, democracy and how we avoid fascism. George can be followed on Bluesky at :
https://bsky.app/profile/georgemonbiot.bsky.social
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee...
#70 - Steven Donziger - Fighting Big Oil & the price of justice

See the video on Youtube! Steven Donziger is a lawyer and environmental rights defender who successfully represented victims of oil dumping in Ecuador by oil company Chevron and paid the price with an unprecedented retaliation by Big Oil, which included being sued for 60 billion dollars, spending 3 years under House Arrest, 6 months in prison and the loss of his right to work and travel, still to this day. On this episode we discuss his scandalous story, what it means for activism generally, what lays ahead and his hope of a pardon from President Biden. Please support Steven at : https://www...
#69 - Amanda Krieg Thomas - Music Sync uncovered

Amanda Krieg Thomas in an Emmy nominated Music Supervisor behind the soundtracks to Big Mouth, Pitch Perfect 2, American Horror Story, The Patient, The Jeffery Dahmer Story, The People vs OJ Simpson and many, many others. She is also the author of book, 'Thinking in Sync', a regular speaker at music conventions around the world and a former member of the Board of Directors for the Guild of Music Supervisors. On this episode we discuss how music sync works, the role of the music supervisor, the state of the industry today, the future and advice for artists. 'Thinking in Sync...
#68 - Jean-Ken Johnny - MAN WITH A MISSION

Jean-Ken Johnny is the singer and guitarist in the Japanese band, MAN WITH A MISSION. On this episode we chat about the bands recent US tour and upcoming European shows, the bands popularity in anime, the Japanese music scene, advice for new bands and what's next. MAN WITH A MISSION can be found at :
www.mwamjapan.info
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check ou...
#67 - Darick Robertson - The Boys & Transmetropolitan

Darick Robertson is an artist and comic book illustrator who has penned many iconic characters including Wolverine, Spiderman and Deadpool amongst many others as well as being the co-creator and original illustrator of the Amazon hit, 'The Boys' and the legendary 'Transmetropolitan'. In this extremely fun chat, Darick shares inside stories on the making of 'Transmetropolitan', working with Warren Ellis, his various inspirations, his thoughts on the industry today, offers valuable advice for artists and even gives a debut live music performance! Darick can be found at :
https://darickrobertson.com
Please subscribe to...
#66 - Kym Staton - Julian Assange is free - what happened?

Kym Staton is a musician and documentary film maker from Australia who's latest movie 'The Trust Fall' charts the story of Julian Assange and the campaign against him in blistering detail. Here, we discuss Julian's recent release from Belmarsh Prison, stories from the making of the documentary, why this case is so important and how he got Roger Waters to narrate the voice-over for the film. Find your local screening of the movie at :
www.thetrustfall.org
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at...
#65 - Zack Polanski - The Green Party for a better future

Zack Polanski is the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. We chat about the Green Party's policies for the NHS, the cost of living crisis, energy, housing, immigration, tax, Universal Basic Income, the climate and much more. We also discuss the problems within the Labour Party, Israel and Gaza, the state of the country after 14 years of Tory rule and why we desperately need change at the next election. The Green Party can be found at :
https://greenparty.org.uk
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every...
#64 - Mikey Doling - Snot, Channel Zero and Woyote

Mikey Doling is a guitarist, songwriter and producer known for playing in the bands Snot, Channel Zero, Soulfly and Woyote as well producing countless bands throughout his career. We chat about Mikey's thoughts on the music industry, the difference between the US and European rock music scenes, he shares inside stories about Channel Zero and Snot and we talk about his latest release and upcoming shows with his new band Woyote. Mikey can be followed at :
www.instagram.com/mikeydoling
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the...
#63 - Mother Mother - Grief Chapter, art & Tik Tok

Ryan Guldemond is the singer, guitarist and producer in the Canadian indie rock band, 'Mother Mother'. We chat about the band's latest album 'Grief Chapter', writers block, songwriting, staying true to your art, going viral on Tik Tok, AI, the music industry and their current world tour. Mother Mother can be followed at :
www.instagram.com/mothermothermusic
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check ou...
#62 - Sarah Wilkinson - Palestine Action

Sarah Wilkinson is an British activist who began her career as a graphic designer and illustrator, before branching into journalism and editing. She has been a supporter of Palestine for 50 years, and a vocal pro-active campaigner since the First Intifada - here she speaks with me as an activist with Palestine Action, a direct action group campaigning for a free Palestine. We talk about Palestine Action's success in closing down several Elbit arms factories, why and how direct action works, the Netzarim Corridor, the Israel lobby, protest, a harrowing update on the current situation in Gaza and how you...
#61 - Matthew Alford - The CIA and Hollywood

Dr Matthew Alford is a lecturer in politics at Bath University, an author, documentary film maker and a leading authority on the governments relationship with Hollywood. In this episode we chat about how Chomsky's Propaganda Model applies to movie making in maintaining America's image both at home and around the world using real examples from movies such as Top Gun, American Sniper, Hulk, Independence Day, Meet The Parents and Iron Man. Matthew explains how the department of defense, the CIA and the police all have roles in shaping the scripts and the production of movies so that they conform...
#60 - Dr Dean Burnett - the brain, emotions, evolution & mental health

Dr Dean Burnett is a neuro-scientist, a lecturer, a best selling author and a podcaster from South Wales. On this episode he chats with me about how the brain works, the role of emotions, neuroplasticity, social media, AI, evolution, the brains flaws, trauma, the interesting effect that music has on the brain, psychedelics and much more. A fascinating and fun conversation. Dean can be found at :
www.deanburnett.com
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
#59 - Mario Radetzky & Blackout Problems bring the Riot

Mario Radetzky is the singer in the German band, 'Blackout Problems'. On this episode, we chat about their brand new album 'Riot', mixing the personal and political through their lyrics, self producing, touring the UK after Brexit, their insane tour with Enter Shikari and Fever 333...and service stations! Blackout Problems can be found at :
https://www.blackoutproblems.com
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
<...
#58 - Srecko Horvat - Empire, Europe, AI, the future & punk rock

Srećko Horvat is a Croatian philosopher, author and political activist. Here we chat about the clashing empires of the USA, Russia and China, AI, Europe, Günther Anders, Yanis Varoufakis, Julian Assange, Jeremy Corbyn, immigration, the left, the climate crisis, Kafka, what he's doing with the ISSA school on the island of Vis...and his surprising background in punk rock and our mutual love of Rage Against The Machine. It's a deep, broad and thought provoking conversation. Srećko can be found at : https://twitter.com/HorvatSrecko
And more on ISSA is at : https://issa-school.org...
#57 - Andy Farrow - Music Industry insights for 2024

Andy Farrow has been a record label owner, artist manager, music publisher, tour booker and much more for over 30 years. He's the MD of the mighty Northern Music Company who currently represent Opeth, Paradise Lost, Katatonia & Devin Townsend amongst many others. On this episode we chat about Andy's thoughts on how the music industry changed, the importance of touring, marketing, social media, AI, getting signed and lots of advice for DIY bands. Northern Music can be found at :
www.northernmusic.co.uk
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
<...#56 - Hannah Wicklund - 'The Prize' of independence

Hannah Wicklund is an american singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band leader whose brand new album, The Prize is out this week. On this episode we chat about her rollercoaster career so far, the music industry, being independent, touring, art and writing her new album 'The Prize'. Hannah can be found at : https://www.instagram.com/hannahwicklund
And 'The Prize' can be found at :
https://shop.hannahwicklund.com/collections/music
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ja...
#55 - Sarah Wilson - living the wild life and saving the planet

Sarah Wilson is a multi New York Times best selling author, founder of the 'I Quit Sugar' movement, an international keynote speaker, a philosopher, a teacher, a minimalist, an explorer - host of the excellent WILD podcast and one of the Top 200 most influential authors in the world. She is the former editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine Australia & host of the first season of Australia's Masterchef, the most watched TV series show in the country's history. On this episode, we chat about the climate crisis, capitalism, sugar, recycling, meditation, hiking, reconnecting with nature and with ourselves, what really matters and h...
#54 - Yes Cymru - the case for Welsh Independence

Gwern Gwynfil is the CEO of Yes Cymru, the campaign for Welsh Independence. On this episode we take a deep dive into the case for independence for Wales, what it would mean for the UK, the example of Slovenia and Iceland, how you can help - and much more! Yes Cymru can be found at :
https://www.yes.cymru
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And ch...
#53 - Dan Donnelly - The Levellers

Dan Donnelly is a Northern Irish songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a member of The Levellers. On this episode, he chats with me about growing up in Northern Ireland, the music industry, joining The Levellers, songwriting, mental health, politics and music streaming as well as sharing some hilarious stories, advice for young bands and convincing me that it's time for a benevolent dictator. This was a fun and insightful chat, I hope you enjoy it. Dan Donnelly can be found at :
https://www.instagram.com/dansonovagun
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!Support...
#52 - Frankie Poullain - The Darkness

Frankie Poullain is the Bassist in the multi-platinum band, The Darkness. We chat about the band's 20th anniversary reissue of their album 'Permission to Land...Again', their upcoming tours & documentary as well as the music industry, the reality of life in a band and even a little politics. The Darkness can be found at :
https://www.thedarknesslive.com
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check out...
#51 - We Three - 'Love Me' - art and honesty

'We Three' are an Alt Pop band from Oregon, USA comprised of three siblings - Manny, Bethany and Joshua Humlie. They were the 2018 semi-finalists of America's Got Talent and have built a large and passionate global audience with their viral videos and songs that tackle issues including mental health, gender identity, religion, LGBT issues, love and more. On this episode, we chat about their brand new album 'Love Me', their writing and recording process, their fanbase, social media, the music industry, honesty in songwriting and...the awkward question. We Three can be found at : www.wethreemusic.com
...
#50 - Marina Purkiss - Telling it like it is...

Marina Purkiss is a political commentator, writer, presenter and host of The Trawl podcast with Jemma Forte. In this episode we chat Tories, the Labour Party, Brexit, corruption, the media, Boris Johnson, protest, democracy and what a better future could look like. Marina takes no prisoners. She can be found at : https://twitter.com/MarinaPurkissand The Trawl is at : https://linktr.ee/thetrawlpodcastPlease subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyukMore about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyukAnd check out my music page at : https://open.spotify.com/artist/3...
#49 - Help Musicians - mental health, money & music

Sarah Woods is the chief executive of 'Help Musicians', the brilliant charity that gives support to musicians with their mental health, financial insecurity, career guidance and lots more. Here we discuss why these issues are so prevalent in the music industry, has it always been that way, what are the new challenges we face, how Help Musicians can help and tons more. Help Musicians can be found at : www.helpmusicians.org.ukPlease subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyukMore about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyukAnd check...
#48 - Bob Roth - Transcendental Meditation 101

Bob Roth is the Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation, best selling author, podcast host and charity director as well as one of the most sought after meditation teachers in the USA. He has personally taught thousands of people the practice of Transcendental Meditation including many celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Russell Brand and Hugh Jackman. Here he chats with me about what Transcendental Meditation is, the science behind it, why we could all benefit from it and shares some practical tips for improving your practice. Bob and more about TM can be found at : www...
#47 - James Watt - Brewdog - Lessons from the punks

James Watt is the co-founder of Brewdog, the insanely popular craft beer brand that embraced the principles of punk rock to disrupt a market and dominate the headlines with their provocative and creative approach to business and marketing, which took the company from two men and a dog to a billion dollar global brand. On this episode, James shares his wisdom on business and marketing, the importance of balance, climate change, punk rock, tips, advice and ice baths. James Watt can be found at : www.twitter.com/brewdogjamesAnd Brewdog are at : www.brewdog.comPlease subscribe to the podcast for more...
#46 - Mark Schaefer - Marketing essentials for 2023

Mark Schaefer is one of the worlds leading marketing experts as well as an author, public speaker, blogger, podcaster and educator. His clients include companies like Adidas, Dell, Pfizer & Microsoft and his best selling books include 'Marketing Rebellion', 'Known' and 'Belonging to The Brand'. He has spoken in 35 countries, his books have been translated into 14 languages and his podcast has been downloaded more than ONE and a half million times. Here he shares his essential insights about social media, brand marketing, community building, mindset and...the big question! Crucial info for anyone hoping to get heard above the noise...
#45 - Rou Reynolds - Enter Shikari

Rou Reynolds is the singer in the hugely popular band, Enter Shikari, as well as an author, producer and video director. On this episode we talk about the bands forthcoming album 'A Kiss For The Whole World' and latest tour news as well as Rou's thoughts on the music industry, the power of art, politics, hope, community, system change and our band logo's being the same! Enter Shikari can be found at :
www.entershikari.com
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/p...
#44 - Simon Raymonde - Cocteau Twins & Bella Union Records

Simon Raymonde is a member of the genre defining band 'Cocteau Twins' and the owner of the legendary Bella Union Records where his artists include John Grant, Ezra Furman, Beach House, Explosions in the Sky, the Flaming Lips & Tim Burgess among many others. On this episode, I get Simon's generous insights on the music industry, Spotify, touring, independence, the importance of building a scene, social media, his forthcoming book and how NOT to contact him! Simon can be followed at : https://twitter.com/mrsimonraymonde
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support th...
#43 - Steve Barney - Life as a session drummer before & after Brexit

Steve Barney is a session drummer who, for the past 30 years has performed with artists including Anastacia, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck, The Wanted, Will Young, Gianna Nannini and many others. He is also the author of the viral open letter about how it all came to a crushing pause after Brexit as a result of the 90 in 180 rule. We chat about Steve's career, life as a session musician, advice for upcoming musicians, working with Jeff Beck and Annie Lennox and of course, the issue of Brexit and how it is drastically affecting the music industry as told through Steve's personal...
#42 - Richard Wilkinson - Why equality is better for everyone

Professor Richard Wilkinson is an epidemiologist, professor Emeritus of social epidemiology at the University of Nottingham, co-founder of the Equality Trust and co-author of the books, 'The Spirit Level' and 'The Inner Level' with his wife, professor Kate Pickett. Here we chat about why economic and social inequality is the root cause of a whole range of social issues including crime, mental health, obesity, life expectancy and many others and why equality really is better for everyone. We compare the examples of the USA and the UK with countries such Japan and Norway and how the data proves beyond...
#41 - Peredur Ap Gwynedd - Pendulum

As well as being the guitarist in the band 'Pendulum', Peredur Ap Gwynedd has also toured with Natalie Imbruglia, Anastasia and many others. In this chat, we talk about his amazing career, life as a session musician, advice for other musicians, touring, guitar gear and of course, the obligatory digression into politics, welsh independence, Brexit and more! Perry can be followed on Twitter at : https://twitter.com/perryguitar666
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at :
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at...
#40 - Mark Chadwick - The Levellers - Politics, protest & art

Mark Chadwick is the singer and songwriter in The Levellers. On this episode, Mark keeps it real about politics, anarchy, protest, democracy, the power of art, the music industry & the bands longevity. The Levellers official site is at : https://www.levellers.co.uk
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check out my music page at : www.youtube.com/c/jameskennedystuff
Join the Secret Society at : www.jamesken...
#39 - Tim Spector - Food truths & 5 steps for a healthy life

Professor Tim Spector is an epidemiologist, a leading scientist in understanding the gut microbiome, a best selling author & food writer, founder of the Zoe company and one the top 100 most cited scientists in the world. In this episode, Tim explains the gut microbiome & why it's so vitally important to our health and busts some popular myths about nutrition, meat, milk, alcohol & orange juice. He explains why coffee & wine can be good for you and shares his 5 simple steps to a healthier relationship with food. We also talk about his Zoe company and his latest book 'Food For Life...
#38 - Luke Ambler - Andy's Man Club - Men's mental health

#ItsOkToTalk
Luke Ambler is the co-founder of the men's mental health charity, Andy's Man Club, formed in 2016. On this episode we talk about exactly what IS Andy's Man Club, some shocking truths about men's mental health, why it's still such a taboo subject, how men can find their nearest club. Luke also shares some brilliant tips and advice for changing your habits including sleep, exercise, hydration, meditation and...cold showers. If you, or someone you know is struggling, please visit Andy's Man Club at :
www.andysmanclub.co.uk
Please subscribe to the podcast f...
#37 - Benji Webbe - Skindred & Dubwar

Benji Webbe is the singer in the bands Skindred and Dubwar, a songwriter, DJ & TV personality from Newport, South Wales. On this episode, we chat about the reality of touring, the music business, life lessons, Snot, ghosting, his fashion, advice for bands and what he really finds most rewarding. Benji can be found at : www.instagram.com/bmasterdred
Please subscribe to the podcast for more episodes every week!
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskenneyuk
More about me at : https://linktr.ee/jameskennedyuk
And check out my music page...
#36 - Stella Assange - Free Julian Assange

Stella Assange is the wife and lawyer of Julian Assange - founder of Wikileaks. On this episode Stella describes Julian's worrying current state in Belmarsh prison, brings us up to date on where things are at with his case and explains how this is not a legal battle but a political and cultural one. Stella can be followed at : www.twitter.com/stella_assange And the links mentioned throughout our chat are as follows : Resources, fundraisers & updates can be found at : www.dontextraditeassange.com The event on February 11th in London is at: https://dontextraditeassange.com/events/night-carnival-for-assange Also check out...
#35 - Jayce Lewis - Major labels, cascading luck & Darth Vader

Jayce Lewis is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer & performer from Bridgend, South Wales. On this episode we chat about Jayce's insane musical journey including a major record deal with EMI, the crash of the music industry, being huge in Asia, luck, remixing Rammstein and being friends with Gary Numan, Richard Dawkins and David Prowse (aka Darth Vader!). You can check out Jayce at :
www.jaycelewis.com
Support the podcast at : https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jameskennedyuk
Please subscribe to the channel for more awesome guests every week!
More about me at : https://l...