Explore every episode of the podcast My Favourite Beatles Song
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band – Laurence Rickard | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:48:09 | |
Tim is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Laurence Rickard (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) to explore “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (and its Reprise). They dig into the album’s “new band” concept, that razor-edged guitar tone, Edwardian brass colour, the art and conspiracies of the cover, and how the reprise frames the album like a live show. | |||
| One After 909 – Rod Davis | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:40:46 | |
Tim is joined by musician and original Quarryman Rod Davis to explore “One After 909.” They revisit Rod’s early days with John Lennon, the birth of the Quarrymen, and the song’s long journey from skiffle-era beginnings to its roof-top revival. Along the way they dig into train-song traditions, why the tune’s simple, bluesy structure works so well live, Billy Preston’s sparkling keyboard part, and Lennon’s fondness for the number nine. Rod also shares vivid memories of Julia Lennon, early recordings (and lost tapes), capos and chord choices, and what the Quarrymen are up to today. Guest links
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Original music by Joe Kane. Logo design by Mark Cunningham. | |||
| You've Got to Hide Your Love Away — Jon Savage | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:46:15 | |
Tim welcomes author, archivist, and filmmaker Jon Savage to discuss Lennon's folk-tinged You've Got to Hide Your Love Away. They explore the song’s context in 1965, its raw and vulnerable feel, and the hints of Dylan’s influence. Jon also shares his early memories of the Beatles and gives a clear picture of the music scene in the mid‑60s—a time of great change, as pop and rock evolved into something bolder and more experimental.
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Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Ticket to Ride — Chris Purcell | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:50:18 | |
Tim welcomes multi-award-winning documentary director and filmmaker Chris Purcell to talk about the band's 1965 single, Ticket to Ride. They chat about Chris’s Liverpool roots, his early memories of the Beatles, and how he once ended up playing drums on stage with Tony Sheridan. They explore the heavy sound of Ticket to Ride, the use of the 12-string Rickenbacker, and how the track paved the way for new studio techniques. They also celebrate John’s powerful vocal, Paul’s guitar flourishes, and Ringo’s unique drumming.
Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Real Love — Max Comeau | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:38:33 | |
Tim welcomes podcaster and musician Max Comeau for a heartfelt exploration of Real Love. They examine the song's evolution, from John Lennon's initial demos, to the version completed by Paul, George and Ringo in 1996. They unpack its lyrical simplicity and musical intricacies, from those beautiful descending chords to its layered instrumentation.
Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Old Brown Shoe — Steven Cockroft | 20 Dec 2024 | 01:00:51 | |
Tim is joined by Beatles podcaster and broadcaster Steven Cockcroft to explore George Harrison's B-side gem Old Brown Shoe. They examine the song's intricate composition, its clever wordplay, and the distinctive musical elements that make it stand out among Harrison's contributions to the Beatles' catalogue.
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| Long, Long, Long — Eoghan Lyng | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:35:49 | |
Tim is joined by music journalist and author Eoghan Lyng as they delve into George Harrison's gorgeous Long, Long, Long. They discuss the song's creation, its spiritual themes, and the musical and lyrical elements that make it unique in the Beatles' lore.
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| You Never Give Me Your Money — Nancy Howie | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:50:15 | |
YouTuber and multi-instrumentalist Nancy Howie shares her love for You Never Give Me Your Money from the Abbey Road album. She talks about its multiple layers of meaning and effortless shifts between powerful emotions, and notes how it calls back to earlier Beatles music.
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| A Taste of Honey – Vikki Reilly | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:50:42 | |
Vikki Reilly, author of The Beatles 101, takes a journey into the Beatles' cover of A Taste of Honey, showcasing the band's brilliance at interpreting other people's songs while also discussing its many other interpretations and cultural significance.
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| The Fool on the Hill — Stu Arrowsmith | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:50:47 | |
Tim is joined by Stu Arrowsmith, from the Elvis Costello podcast Dangerous Amusements. They explore The Fool on the Hill, its lyrical mysteries, musical twists, and its potential inspirations. They also analyse Paul McCartney's lyrical and musical prowess, and Stu shares his experience of seeing his hero live and turning down the opportunity to meet him!
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| Come Together — Xan Brooks | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:42:24 | |
Xan Brooks, acclaimed author and journalist, joins the podcast to discuss the coiled power of Come Together. He reflects on the track's unique sound, its ambiguous lyrics, and how it foreshadows John Lennon's political activism in the early 1970s. We also talk about Xan's latest novel The Catchers, which explores the early days of popular music and its cultural implications.
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| The Word – Chris Shaw | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:42:20 | |
Chris Shaw has delighted and inspired Beatles fans with his jaunty strolls through Pepperland for the past seven years. Here he discusses The Word, from the Rubber Soul album, highlighting the song's musical intricacies, its biblical lyrical allusions, and its significance as a mid-period Beatles masterpiece. He also touches upon his experience with his own podcast, I Am the Eggpod, and its influence on the Beatles podcasting community.
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| And Your Bird Can Sing – Nancy Howie | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:47:06 | |
Tim is joined by musician and YouTuber Nancy Howie (aka Fathom) to explore “And Your Bird Can Sing.” They dive into Revolver-era innovation, Paul’s shape-shifting basslines, those tightly harmonised dual guitars, lyrical interpretations (from Sinatra to Lennon–McCartney dynamics), and why this two-minute gem feels so complete. Guest links
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Credits Original music by Joe Kane. Logo design by Mark Cunningham. Solstice version of And Your Bird Can Sing by Tim Tucker, Dave Little & Jenny. | |||
| Penny Lane – Jeff Young | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:42:21 | |
Tim Tucker is joined by writer and author Jeff Young, who recounts his early memories of the Beatles, growing up in Liverpool during the height of Beatlemania. He reflects on the nostalgic and optimistic qualities of the song Penny Lane, relating it to his own experiences, which he shares in his memoir Ghost Town, and his new book Wild Twin.
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| And I Love Her – Bruce Spizer | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:32:19 | |
Tim is joined by renowned Beatles author and historian Bruce Spizer. Bruce shares his insights into Paul’s classic ballad 'And I Love Her,' exploring its composition, arrangement, evolution and significance. He also talks about his upcoming book 'The Beatles, A Hard Day's Night and More,' highlighting historical perspectives on the album and film, with fan recollections from the time.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brucespizer/
Original music by Joe Kane | |||
| Tell Me Why – Jude Southerland Kessler | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:35:55 | |
Returning guest, John Lennon biographer Jude Sutherland Kessler provides an in-depth analysis of Tell Me Why. She talks about the song’s emotional and biographical context, and how it relates to John's relationship with his mother, Julia.
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| Revolution 9 – Adam S. Leslie | 26 Jul 2024 | 01:00:27 | |
Adam S. Leslie, author of this year’s folk horror sensation Lost in the Garden, delves into the experimental art piece Revolution 9. He discusses why Lennon’s unique take on music concrete works so well, and how it fits within the White album’s dark and varied themes. Adam S. Leslie
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| We Can Work It Out – Jacob Balcom & Matt Howell | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:48:34 | |
Tim Tucker is joined by returning guests Jacob Balcom & Matt Howell of the Bronze-Age Monsters podcast, to discuss a song that signalled a new direction for the band ahead of the Rubber Soul album. They share personal memories and musical insights covering the song's recording history, thematic elements, and its significance within the Beatles' discography. Bronze-Age Monsters
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Original music by Joe Kane | |||
| Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – Jerry Hammack | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:45:21 | |
Jerry Hammack has written extensively on the Beatles’ recording processes and techniques, providing expert guidance on how today’s musicians can recreate those classic sounds. In this episode, he shares his insights into the Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece, 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds'.
The Beatles Recording Techniques by Jerry Hammack: https://beatlesrecordingtechniques.com The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals by Jerry Hammack: https://www.beatlesrecordingreferencemanuals.com Jerry Hammack’s website: https://jerryhammack.com Jerry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.hammack.mixing.engineer/ Jerry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryhammack/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong
Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| In My Life – Jeff Slate | 20 May 2024 | 00:47:57 | |
Jeff Slate is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, writer, and journalist. His writings have been featured in Rolling Stone magazine, WSJ, the New Yorker, and the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s box set. He discusses how the Beatles influenced his life and career, and how his appreciation of the song In My Life has changed over the years. Website: https://jeffslatehq.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffslate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffslate
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFavouriteBeatlesSong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritebeatlessong Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Cry Baby Cry – Chris Matheson | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:41:03 | |
Chris Matheson, screenwriter of the Bill & Ted movies, joins to discuss Cry Baby Cry. The conversation delves into the track’s mysterious qualities, its thematic connections to childhood and loss, and how it fits into the eclectic mosaic of the White Album.
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Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Within You Without You – Sam Whiles | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:40:34 | |
Sam Whiles is the host of Paul or Nothing, a podcast dedicated to the life and music of Paul McCartney. In this episode, he returns to the show to discuss his current favourite Beatles song, Within You Without You, taking in George Harrison’s exploration of Indian culture and expressions of spirituality through music. Paul or Nothing Podcast: https://mccartneypod.podbean.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/mccartneypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063627630062 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiles1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulornothing773
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/myfavebeatles | |||
| Things We Said Today – Debbie Gendler | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:36:56 | |
Debbie Gendler is a lifelong Beatles fan and writes about her experiences in her new book, I Saw Them Standing There. She was in the studio audience at the historic first Ed Sullivan appearance and met the band personally in 1965. In this episode, Debbie shares her incredible journey and her thoughts on her favourite song, Things We Said Today. Debbie’s website: https://www.debbiegendler.com Buy Debbie’s Book on Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9781493079742 Buy Debbie’s Book on Barnes & Noble (US): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-saw-them-standing-there-debbie-gendler/1143728408?ean=9781493079742 Buy Debbie’s Book on Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saw-Them-Standing-There-Beatlemania/dp/1493079743 | |||
| You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) – Nick Frater | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:47:19 | |
Tim is joined by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater for a deep dive into the wonderfully strange "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." They trace the song's bizarre journey from a playful 1967 jam session to its eventual release as the B-side to "Let It Be" in 1970. The discussion covers the track's suite-like structure of contrasting musical styles, the chaotic and fun-filled recording sessions featuring a guest appearance by Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, and why Paul McCartney himself has called it his favourite Beatles track.
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Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Magical Mystery Tour – Steve Matteo | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:35:18 | |
Steve Matteo, author of "Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film" and "Let It Be" from the 33 1/3 book series, talks about the Beatles’ iconic movie theme song Magical Mystery Tour. Steve’s work has been featured in The New York Times and Rolling Stone, and he’s written engaging liner notes and press releases for artists like The Kinks, Willie Nile, and Lee Scratch Perry.
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| Free As A Bird – Steve O'Brien | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:31:52 | |
In 1994, the three surviving Beatles worked on a John Lennon demo to create their first new song in 25 years, Free as a Bird. Writer and author Steve O’Brien discusses his love for arguably the most Beatle-y of Beatles songs.
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| All You Need Is Love – Vivek J. Tiwary | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:37:28 | |
New episode! We get into a love groove with Vivek J. Tiwary, a mastermind in musical entertainment and the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Fifth Beatle. He shares his unique insights on the iconic Beatles song All You Need Is Love and its relevance to the story of Vivek’s hero, Brian Epstein. Website: https://thefifthbeatle.com/graphic-novel/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fifthbeatle | |||
| She Said She Said – Dr Christine Feldman-Barrett | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:42:27 | |
Turn up your speakers, we're playing ‘She Said, She Said’ and delving into the magic with Dr Christine Feldman Barrett, author of A Women’s History of the Beatles.
Produced by Tim Tucker | |||
| I Feel Fine – Joe Kane | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:30:07 | |
Strap in for a fab journey with Joe Kane, the one-man beat group powerhouse behind The Poppermost. Together we explore the chiming guitars and swinging beat of The Beatles’ classic I Feel Fine.
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| Blackbird – Rob Williams | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:32:34 | |
Rob Williams writes for comics, TV and film. His credits include Suicide Squad, Superman, Amazing Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, Judge Dredd, Doctor Who, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. His first feature film is in production at the time recording.
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| Twist and Shout – David Hepworth | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:46:57 | |
David Hepworth has been writing, speaking and broadcasting about music since the 1970s. David launched and edited some of the most important music magazines in the UK, including Smash Hits, Q, Mojo and The Word. He was a presenter on the BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test and the TV anchor for Live Aid in 1985. Website: http://www.davidhepworth.com Word in Your Ear: https://www.wiyelondon.com Word in Your Ear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WordInYourEar Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidhepworth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhepworth/ | |||
| Eleanor Rigby – Richard D. Driver | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:42:42 | |
Richard D. Driver is the author of That Was Me: Paul McCartney’s Career and the Legacy of the Beatles. He is the Associate Professor of History at McLennan Community College, where he teaches courses in United States history. | |||
| Hey Jude – James Campion | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:45:42 | |
James Campion, author of Take a Sad Song, the Emotional Currency of Hey Jude, talks about the communal hymn that gave the Beatles their biggest hit single in America. | |||
| Rain – Daniel Rachel | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:46:45 | |
Daniel Rachel, musician and award-winning author of the Lost Album of the Beatles, talks about the proto-indie rock masterpiece, Rain. Daniel's website: https://danielrachel.com The Lost Album of the Beatles by Daniel Rachel: https://danielrachel.com/the-lost-album-of-the-beatles/ Daniel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielRachel69 Daniel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielrachelbooks | |||
| I’ve Got a Feeling – Tom Cox | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:47:43 | |
Tim welcomes author Tom Cox for a joyful deep-dive into the rooftop rocker I’ve Got a Feeling. They trace Tom’s earliest Fab Four memories (Paperback Writer on the rug, Yellow Submarine with his Liverpudlian nan), his love of that mid-’60s psychedelic sweet spot, and why McCartney’s work ethic and versatility shine here. Together they unpack Lennon–McCartney’s last true collaboration: two half-songs woven into one, Billy Preston’s spark, George’s tasteful lines, Paul’s volcanic “scream” vocal, Dylan-ish wordplay, and those chromatic, energy-lifting runs. Along the way they take in the Get Back tensions, the “loose” Let It Be groove, notable covers, and Tom’s new novel Everything Will Swallow You (with a delicious cameo from the Beatles). Tom Cox – links
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Original music by Joe Kane Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Day Tripper – Guy Pratt | 26 May 2023 | 00:39:52 | |
Guy Pratt has played bass with some of the biggest names in rock and pop, including Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Iggy Pop, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Elton John. He discusses the Beatles song that 'opened Pandora's Box' for rock musicians, Day Tripper. | |||
| Tomorrow Never Knows – Brad Elmore | 29 Apr 2023 | 00:48:09 | |
Brad Elmore is the writer and director of The Wolfman’s Hammer, Bit and Boogeyman Pop. He discusses his love of the song that ‘kicked down the doors’ between rock and roll and all music that followed.
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| Helter Skelter – Russ Moran | 30 Mar 2023 | 00:29:05 | |
In this episode, Russ Moran from the Gamma Charge podcast is my guest to discuss The Beatles' sonic rollercoaster Helter Skelter. | |||
| Hey Bulldog — Sam Whiles | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:48:06 | |
Sam Whiles is the host of Paul or Nothing, a podcast all about Paul McCartney. He discusses one of the Beatles' finest rock tunes, Hey Bulldog. | |||
| Help! — Jay Bergen | 30 Jan 2023 | 00:38:16 | |
Trial lawyer and author Jay Bergen was John Lennon's trusted adviser during the Morris Levy litigation in the mid-1970s. He preserved the trial transcript and other related documents, and wrote about his time with John, in his book Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer - The Untold Story. In this episode he reminisces about his time with John Lennon and his love for the song Help! Jay's website: https://www.lennonthemobsterandthelawyer.com/jay-bergen Jay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jay-Bergen/100076696902857/ Jay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelennonlawyer/ Jay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theLennonlawyer | |||
| A Hard Day's Night — Ivor Davis | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:34:30 | |
Award winning author and journalist Ivor Davis accompanied the Beatles on their first tour of America in 1964. Later, he was present when they met Elvis and Bob Dylan. He reminisces about his time with the band and discusses the hit single and title song from their first movie, A Hard Day's Night. | |||
| A Day in the Life – Alan G. Parker | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:46:29 | |
Alan G. Parker is an multiple Emmy-nominated director of music documentary films, including It Was Fifty Years Ago Today! The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper and Beyond. He is currently working on Borrowed Time, a feature documentary covering John Lennon's last ten years. Here he discusses one of the Beatles' enduring masterpieces, A Day in the Life. | |||
| This Boy – Dafydd Rees | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:33:50 | |
Dafydd Rees is the author of the Beatles in 1963, a day by day account of an extraordinary 12 months in rock and roll history. Dafydd discusses the sumptuous harmonies and thrilling soulful melody of one of John Lennon's first and finest ballads, This Boy. | |||
| If I Fell – Gary Van Scyoc | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:36:36 | |
Gary Van Scyoc was the bass player and songwriter with Elephant's Memory, who played live and recorded with John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the early 1970s. He talks to host Tim Tucker about one of the Beatles' finest ballads, If I Fell. | |||
| Yes It Is – Jude Southerland Kessler | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:49:44 | |
Jude Southerland Kessler is the author of a multi-volume Lennon biography. She discusses John's hymn to a love he lost forever, Yes It Is. | |||
| #9 Dream – Alan G Parker | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:41:58 | |
Tim welcomes documentary filmmaker Alan G Parker for a deep dive into John Lennon’s ethereal 1974 solo classic #9 Dream. They discuss the song’s dream-like production, Lennon’s lifelong fascination with the number nine, and the curious whispers that still intrigue fans. Alan also shares stories from his forthcoming feature documentary Borrowed Time, revealing new insights into Lennon’s unrealised 1981–82 tour plans.
Logo design by Mark Cunningham | |||
| Strawberry Fields Forever — Mark Cunningham | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:47:28 | |
Mark Cunningham is a music industry author, journalist and designer who got involved with Apple Corps during the Anthology project. In this episode he discusses one of the Beatles' most acclaimed pieces, the mighty Strawberry Fields Forever. | |||
| Girl – Matt Howell | 30 Jun 2022 | 00:35:22 | |
Matt Howell is a podcaster, musician and co-host of the Werewolf by Night podcast. He discusses the intriguing and painful paean for a fictional dream partner, John Lennon's Girl from Rubber Soul. | |||
| Don't Let Me Down – Jacob Balcom | 23 May 2022 | 00:38:33 | |
Jacob Balcom is a musician, DJ and co-host of the wonderful Werewolf by Night podcast. He discusses one of John Lennon's most passionate and intimate love songs, Don't Let Me Down. | |||
| She Loves You — Dominic Pedler | 12 Apr 2022 | 00:28:52 | |
Dominic Pedler is a writer, journalist and musician. He is the author of The Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles, in which he reveals fascinating insights into the chords, melodies, harmonies, rhythms and arrangements of The Beatles' self composed songs. | |||