In this emotional and deeply revealing episode of The Hang! on Almost Famous Magazine, host Scott Saldinger sits down with David Leaf — Peabody and WGAW award-winning writer, director, producer, and author — for a conversation that bridges journalism, music history, and personal faith in creativity. Known for The U.S. vs. John Lennon, Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of SMiLE, and The Night James Brown Saved Boston, David Leaf has spent decades chronicling the artistic journeys of music’s most enigmatic legends.

David shares the remarkable story of how a chance meeting with Dennis Wilson shortly after moving to California changed his life forever, inspiring him to write The Beach Boys and the California Myth, and eventually form a lifelong friendship with Brian Wilson himself. Through riveting storytelling, Leaf recalls the defining moments that shaped his career — from discovering the Beach Boys’ Surf’s Up album in a record store to becoming one of the few people who truly witnessed Brian Wilson’s creative resurrection.

The discussion moves through time, touching on the making of SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson (2025), and the emotional weight behind Brian’s performances captured on Live at the Roxy Theatre. David reveals Brian’s belief that his music was a channel for divine love — a way to disguise and deliver emotion to his audience. You'll gain intimate insight into how Brian Wilson’s struggles, humility, and unyielding spirit led to not one but two legendary careers.

David discusses Brian's of artistry, perseverance, and redemption — drawing connections between the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and generations of musicians influenced by Wilson’s genius. From the courage it took Brian to return to the stage to the unconditional love of his bandmates in The Wondermints, this episode reminds us of music’s enduring ability to heal and unite.

For fans of Pet Sounds, Good Vibrations, God Only Knows, and Smile, this conversation is both an education and an inspiration. David Leaf’s perspective as both historian and friend paints a portrait of Brian Wilson as not just a pop icon, but an artist whose melodies echo with divine purpose and timeless humanity.

Whether you’re a lifelong Beach Boys devotee, a Beatles fan, or simply someone moved by great storytelling, this episode is a must-watch — a reminder that it’s never too late for dreams to come true.

#BrianWilson #TheBeachBoys #DavidLeaf #MusicDocumentary #thehangpodcast 

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David’s website

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Welcome to 'The Hang!', the ultimate music conversation series where artists, songwriters, and creative minds share the stories behind the sound. Hosted by Scott Saldinger, each episode dives deep into the journeys, struggles, and inspirations that shape today’s most captivating musicians—from punk rock and prog to Americana, pop, and beyond.

Join us as we hang out with legends and rising stars alike, including Simon Hanson (Squeeze), The Cyberiam, Tony Scalzo (Fastball), Steve “Smiley” Barnard (The Alarm), Ben McKelvey, Horace Pinker, DK Lyons, Chris Holt (The Eagles), Billy Biohazard, and many more. Discover raw, unfiltered stories about songwriting, touring life, the creative grind, and what it really takes to make it in today’s music world.

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