Podcast
Paul Weller Fan Podcast
Hosted by HenFred Studio · EN
Hosted by Dan Jennings, the world’s first Paul Weller Fan Podcast is back with Season 3 ... a duel celebration of Weller’s covers album Find El Dorado with special guests, plus exclusive episodes celebrating the arrival of Dan's book Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire - The Authorised Oral History (September 2025).
Season 2, The Story of 66, dives deep into his 17th solo album with a whole cast of great guests, including Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Suggs, and Dr. Robert.
Season 1, Desperately Seeking Paul, launched in 2020 to fulfill Dan’s dream of finally interviewing his hero, Paul Weller. Listen now and join the journey.
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24episodes
Episodes
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John Lewis - Arts critic, Journalist, Editor and Musician
3d ago00:40:09Tap to summarizeIn this conversation for my book, John Lewis - respected music journalist and critic - shares a fan’s journey that became a professional one. He recalls being a teenager during The Jam’s “imperial phase,” with a mod next-door neighbour and a copy of Snap! on repeat, and traces his path to writing in-depth features, retrospectives, and Q&As for Uncut, Time Out, the Metro, and more. Over the years, John has interviewed Paul Weller around a dozen times since 2004, capturing candid reflections on everything from The Jam’s final days to Weller’s experiments with new sounds on 22 Dreams, Sonik Kicks, and beyond.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jim Cook - Head of A&R at Polydor (1975-1984) - The Jam / The Style Council
1w ago00:39:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, recorded for my book, Jim Cook shares his inside perspective from his years as Head of A&R at Polydor Records (1975-1984) during one of British music’s most exciting eras. As the man who signed The Jam and oversaw their rise, Jim reflects on the real-life stories behind the deals, the challenges of the music business in the punk and new wave era, and what it was like to work alongside one of the sharpest British bands of the time (in fact, change that to all time!)Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Erica Echenberg - Punk Photographer
2w ago00:27:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Erica Echenberg, one of the pioneering female photographers of the UK punk explosion, joins the podcast to share vivid memories from the very heart of late ‘70s London. Starting in 1976, Erica was everywhere - camera in hand at legendary venues like the Roxy and the Nashville, capturing the wild energy of acts like The Damned, Generation X, and, crucially, an emerging band called The Jam. Known for going where the action was (often straight to the front, dodging pogoing punks, flying bottles, and chairs), Erica not only photographed the bands, but also spotlighted the fans - punkettes and pogoers who gave the movement its edge and attitude.Erica’s unflinching lens documented both the grit and the style of the scene, forming the visual backbone for fanzines like Sniffin’ Glue, music weeklies, and numerous now-classic books on punk. From her first time seeing The Jam at the Roxy - “three chords, quick songs, and as sharp as they come” - to intimate shoots like the Paul Weller rooftop session at Air Studios and candid gig moments, she reflects on the connection she built with Paul Weller and the band, the creative and physical intensity of capturing these formative moments. We also discuss the crucial role of women (including herself) behind the scenes at a time when female photographers were nearly nonexistent.Erica's work didn’t just document the music, but helped define the scene’s visual language - her images appearing everywhere from fanzines and album covers to tabloids and collector’s editions. Erica offers unique stories of parties, legendary gigs, creative collaborations, and punk’s lasting influence on how music looks as much as how it sounds.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Craig McLean - Music Writer & Editor, The Face, The Word etc
2w ago00:35:16Tap to summarizeCraig McLean joins the podcast to share his reflections on interviewing Paul Weller across several pivotal moments, offering an insider’s look at a music icon through the eyes of a veteran journalist. With bylines for The Face, The Word, The Observer, and The Telegraph, Craig has had rare, in-depth access to Weller - riding tour buses, joining late-night escapades, and catching candid conversations that reveal the wit, vulnerability, and creative drive behind his public persona. From the Isle of Wight to Black Barn studio, Craig paints a vivid picture of Weller at work and at play, uncovering surprising moments and honest insights into his life, career, and constant artistic restlessness.Through stories that move from the euphoria of the stage to quiet moments of reflection, Craig explores Paul Weller’s shifting outlook on fame, songwriting, family, and the demands of a changing industry. Whether discussing the emotional aftermath of John Weller’s passing, the creative ruts and rediscoveries, or Weller’s relentless support for new artists, this episode offers a rich and revealing portrait of an artist in constant motion.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Richard Engler - Marketing Director at V2 Records
3w ago00:21:59Tap to summarizeThis podcast episode is living proof that sometimes your teenage music heroes really do come full circle. Richard Engler grew up in Manchester, a diehard Jam fan who could recite Paul Weller’s lyrics and remember the row and seat number of his first gig. Fast forward a couple of decades, and Richard found himself working directly with Weller as Marketing Director at V2 Records - helping to steer the campaign for the Studio 150 album and seeing firsthand what it’s like to support one of Britain’s most enduring and restless musicians.In this episode, Richard shares what it was like to go from fan club member to trusted label team member, reveals the inside stories of marketing a covers album in the pre-social era, and reflects on the surreal joy and unique challenges of helping Paul Weller reach new milestones while staying true to his roots. Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jamie Telford - Touring Keyboardist for The Jam (1982)
3w ago00:32:05Tap to summarizeJamie Telford joins the podcast to take us behind the scenes of The Jam’s frenetic final days. As a Scottish musician brought in on keyboards for their last run of shows and the farewell single 'Beat Surrender,' Jamie experienced firsthand the thrill of playing with one of the UK’s biggest bands just as internal tensions and creative restlessness threatened to pull them apart. He shares candid stories of wild gigs, backstage chaos, life on the road, and the unique energy of touring with The Jam during their dramatic curtain call in 1982.Now best known as the songwriter and performer behind My Glass World, Jamie looks back at his own career evolution and lasting admiration for Paul Weller’s songwriting craft. This is a rare glimpse into a turning point of British pop history, told by someone who lived it from the wings - full of wit, insight, and a few hard-earned lessons about creativity, band life, and moving forward as an artist.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Detail Magazine - Guest Editor, Paul Weller ... the full story from Claire Mahoney.
4w ago00:29:58Tap to summarizeDetail Magazine - Guest Editor, Paul Weller ... the full story from Claire Mahoney.In this special episode, we explore Paul Weller’s personal take on modernism.If you’ve followed this podcast from the beginning, you’ll know it started back in 2020 with one simple ambition: to interview Paul Weller. That ambition became Desperately Seeking Paul, and after 180 episodes, we finally reached that goal. What began as fandom grew into something far bigger, eventually leading to my book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire – The Authorised Oral History.But this episode isn’t about my story.Instead, it focuses on another journey rooted in admiration for Paul Weller’s work, as we dive into Issue 20 of the consistently exceptional Detail Magazine, guest edited by Paul himself ... and an incredible story from editor, Claire Mahoney.At more than 90 pages, it’s the magazine’s most expansive edition so far - packed with insight, inspiration and the unmistakable style perspective of Paul Weller. From the records that inspire him to the clothes that define his look, he opens up about the enduring spirit of Mod. Hand-picked interviews, topics and sounds that inform his world as he takes the reins of one of his favourite magazines.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Miles Leonard – Former Chairman, Parlophone Records / Warner Music
May 500:40:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Miles Leonard - a respected record executive, tastemaker, and lifelong music fan - shares rare insight into his years at the helm of Parlophone Records and his close working relationship with Paul Weller during the mid-2010s.Miles was Director of A&R between April 1995 and May 2003, before stepping up to chairman - a role he held until 2012 when he was made Chairman of Parlophone & Warner Records. He left the role in 2018, to set up his my own company Viva La Music, whilst also working as A&R/Creative executive to Warner Music.With a career spanning decades and a reputation for championing creative talent (from Kylie to Coldplay, The Beta Band to Dr. John), Miles recounts what drew him to Paul Weller, how he signed him to Parlophone, and the collaborative spirit that shaped three of Paul Weller’s albums: Saturns Pattern, A Kind Revolution, and True Meanings.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sean O’Hagan – The High Llamas, String Arranger on Paul Weller’s Sonik Kicks
Apr 2900:20:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sean O’Hagan - composer, producer, and frontman of The High Llamas - shares his perspective on working with Paul Weller, and explores the curiosity, eclecticism, and collaboration that continue to drive both musicians. As the arranger behind the lush strings of 'Sleep of the Serene' and 'By the Waters' on Paul’s celebrated Sonik Kicks album, Sean offers rare insights into the creative process and mutual respect at the heart of their partnership.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Roger Pilling - Paul Weller’s School Friend
Apr 2100:42:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by Roger Pilling, who offers an intimate window into Paul Weller’s formative years - sharing memories from their early friendship at Sheerwater School right through to the pivotal moments that would define Paul Weller’s life and career. As one of Paul’s earliest confidants, before The Jam and the limelight, Roger’s perspective brings to life the world Weller grew up in: the friendships, family, ambition, and small-town energy that helped shape a future icon.If you’ve ever wondered what Paul Weller was really like before he became a household name - or how those formative experiences set the stage for his incredible journey - Roger’s stories will transport you there. Get ready for tales of schoolyard alliances, Beatles-covered bedrooms, youthful dreams, and enduring friendship as we dive into the roots of one of British music’s most legendary artists.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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