Welcome to the first Bonus Episode of the series, in advance of Episode 50 dropping on August 26!

In this bonus edition, we hear excerpts from a number of episodes that I hope you might even decide to return to, or of course, discover for the first time.

A sincere thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their lives to guest on the show, share their story and their own unique perspectives on what Derek Taylor once rightly called, "The 20th Century's greatest romance". 

Thank 'you' also for making time to listen!

Growing my reach for ongoing guests depends greatly on the profile of the pod.  The more follows, ratings and reviews, the more appealing the podcast is for potential interviewees.  It would be great if you could take a moment to help here if you're enjoying the listen.

The voices you'll be hearing in this episode are in the sequence as below:

00:12 Sir Bob Geldof | Ep:15

00.40 Samira Ahmed | Ep:47

02:21 Kit O'Toole | Ep:11

03:12 Maggie De Kort | Ep: 06

04:33 Darin Murphy | Ep:23

06:22 Gabriel Vargas | Ep:48

07:03 John F. Lyons | Ep:41

07:51 Joe Wisbey | Ep:09

10:19 Erika White | Ep:46

12:35 Charles F. Rosenay | Ep:38

13:25 Jim Windolf | Ep:37

15:43 Alan G. Parker | Ep:19

17:16 Debbie Greenberg | Ep:21

18:48 Jude Southerland Kessler | Ep:34

20:51 Tom Doyle | Ep:26

22:12 Allan Kozinn | Ep:25

23:29 Les Parrott | Ep:18

25:30 Andru J. Reeve | Ep:32

26:43 Robert Rodriguez (w/ Jerry Hammack) | Ep:16

27:58 Sam Croaker & Shaun Croaker ('George' & 'John' from tribute act, 'The Beatlegs') | Ep:02

Dr Richard Mills is an Associate Professor in English Literature and the author behind, 'The Beatles and Fandom: Sex, Death, and Progressive Nostalgia' as well as, 'The Beatles and Black Music: Post-Colonial Theory, Musicology and Remix Culture'. These are important contributions into Beatles scholarship, no doubt. Equally, Richard is a terrific raconteur and this was a conversation I really enjoyed. I know you will also.

Gabriel Vargas is a gifted singer / songwriter returning to the scene, after some time away, with a wonderful new single, 'Eleanor Rigby's Ghost' (links below).

It's always fascinating to deep dive Beatles with true artists inspired by the Fab Four in a variety ways. Gabriel has a terrific way of describing the creative process and the unique nature of the impact The Beatles have had upon him. He also shares a truly fascinating story of his Uncle Brian and a night he spent with John during his stint in Bermuda as he was becoming increasingly excited for a future that was, sadly, not to be.

Please be sure to like, follow comment and help grow the podcast.

Hope You Will Enjoy The Show!

Gabriel Vargas Links:

Facebook

www.facebook.com/gabvargasofficial

Instagram

www.instagram.com/gabvargasofficial

Spotify (Eleanor Rigby's Ghost)

https://open.spotify.com/album/4zece2sQ0ZbkQScL0smXfe?si=4812681e72a64399

Highly respected journalist, writer and broadcaster, the wonderful Samira Ahmed joins me for a conversation that covers her new book, 'A Hard Day's Night' and so much more.

Samira was key in bringing the world's attention to the recording of The Beatles live on-stage at Roxburgh Hall, Stowe School, April 4, 1963, and her time sitting opposite Sir Paul, as she led a deep conversation around the release of his book, 'The Lyrics', is truly one for the ages.

This was a conversation I'll long cherish. I'm sure you'll enjoy Samira's insights just as much as I did.

Be sure to rate, follow, comment and share.

NB: Excuse the soft fuzz feel of my mic in the mix of this ep.

Erika White is the author of the highly anticipated book, 'Meat The Beatles: The Butcher Cover'. Her Beatles knowledge and passion is really something else. Erika takes us inside the remarkable journey of photographer, Robert Whitaker, from the innercity streets of Melbourne to the innercircle of the Fab Four and behind the creation of one of the most infamous album covers of all time.

Be sure to like, rate and follow the pod. It all helps in growing the audience around the world.

Bob Koenig has a deep passion for The Beatles and a specific time in their history particularly. In this episode (best enjoyed in the video version option) Bob takes us inside the world of the Beatles exploitation albums that burst onto the scene in the wake of the Fab Four conquering America.

This was a genuinely fun chat that gave me some terrific (and unique) Beatles focused education along the way. Enjoy a little time here with the wonderful Bob Koenig.

Author, Mark Chatterton, has just released his latest work, 'THE MAGICAL MYSTERY BEATLES QUIZ BOOK | 1000 QUESTIONS WITH MULTIPLE CHOICE ANSWERS'. This was a fun conversation exploring both Mark's own Liverpool roots and Beatles fandom.

Be sure to leave the podcast a rating, comment and follow, it really helps grow the profile and create further opportunities for more conversations from within the world of 'Beatledom'.

'CONFESSIONS OF A ROCK 'N' ROLL NAME-DROPPER My Life Leading Up To John Lennon's Last Interview' is a wonderful book from Laurie Kaye, this week's guest.

Together with RKO Radio colleagues,Dave Sholin, Bert Keane, and Radio Engineer, Ron Hummel, Laurie sat across from John & Yoko on December 8, 1980 for a rich and deep conversation only hours before his tragic murder. Her own remarkable story in radio and rock journalism is quite amazing and her book takes us from humble beginnings to a moment in time forever captured in history.

For more on Laurie and her compelling story, see the link below.

If you're enjoying the Pod, please do take a moment for a Five Star Rating, a Follow and a Comment, it really helps raise the profile and invite even more unique Beatles conversations into the future.

Laurie Kaye Official Site:

https://www.confessionsofarocknrollnamedropper.com/

Amelia Davis, longtime personal assistant, and friend to renowned photographer Jim Marshall, is my guest. Amelia is the driving force behind the new book (from Chronicle), THE BEATLES By Jim Marshall Live at Candlestick Park 1966. The book features more than 150 striking images caught through Jim's lens, many never before seen.

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' last official live concert and this book is a beautiful visual record of this specific moment in their history.

We speak, not only of Jim's remarkable life, but Amelia's journey also as a respected photographer and someone whose life was greatly impacted by their special friendship.

Be sure to Follow, Rate and Review. It all helps raising the profile of the Pod and spreading 'The Word'.

JOY AND FEAR: THE BEATLES, CHICAGO AND THE 1960's is the terrific book from author, John F. Lyons. John's forensic research informs a a deeply detailed look into the social and cultural impact of The Beatles in their time. I know you'll enjoy listening to his insights here in Episode 41.

Certainly seek out John's book for more, and please be sure to rate the Pod and perhaps leave a comment, it certainly helps raise the profile.

Thank you for tuning in!