Legendary R&B writer and Muscle Shoals figurehead Dan Penn discusses his recent album Living On Mercy and timeless classics like ‘The Dark End of the Street’, ‘Do Right Woman, Do Right Man’ and ‘I’m Your Puppet’. During the conversation, Dan talks about his time at FAME Studios, his collaborations with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, and why he’s not trying to tell his own story through his songs.
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In this special episode, legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi joins Simon and Brian to discuss his recent album 2020, and his incredible hits through the years. During the conversation, Jon talks about writing topical songs, collaborating with people like Desmond Child and Dave Stewart, and why he keeps coming back to a guitar named Bob. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the JBJ Soul Foundation which is dedicated to long-lasting solutions to hunger and homelessness.
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Singer-songwriter and producer Steven Wilson joins Sodajerker to discuss his terrific album The Future Bites, why he hates songwriting, and what it was like collaborating with Elton John. Steven also describes his work remixing classic albums and explains how he finds it important to divorce himself from his love for other artists in his own songwriting.
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The incredible Gregory Porter drops in to chat about his Grammy-nominated album All Rise, why he prefers to be in motion when writing songs, and how inspiration is a flower that opens up at midnight. Gregory also discusses his relationship with Nat King Cole’s music and explains why super sexy guys have to be careful about what lyrics they sing.
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Jessica and Camilla of The Staves join us to talk about their stunning new record Good Woman. The pair explain their different mindsets in the writing process, how they created the sonic textures on the record, and how they completed the album after a momentous personal loss. Jess also remembers her time spent in Liverpool, and tells the story of how their father once sang Christmas carols with Paul McCartney.
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In a rare interview, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne shares insights into his latest album Monovision and reflects on why it’s important to maintain playfulness in the songwriting process. Ray also revisits classic songs like ‘Trouble’, compares the songwriting process to catching fireflies, and explains why he’ll never forget performing with Elvis Costello.
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Obaro Ejimiwe aka Ghostpoet talks about his writing process on the album I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep and building songs from long improvisations in the studio. During the course of the chat, Obaro also reflects on his lack of affiliation with particular genres, the political nature of his words, and his relationship with social media.
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In this episode, the tremendous Jeff Tweedy of Wilco provides a masterclass on creativity and songwriting as he discusses his outstanding new book How To Write One Song, and his excellent recent solo album Love Is The King. If you enjoy hearing the world’s best break down practical and useful strategies that you can apply to your own work, look no further.
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EELS frontman Mark Oliver Everett (aka ‘E’) drops in to talk about about the writing of the band’s new album Earth To Dora and his creative process. During the chat, Mark highlights the power of resilience, how he collaborates with his bandmates, and his love for John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band.
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Happy new year to you all! A few recent appearances to tell you about.
A couple of months ago we guested on episode 337 of Jeremy Dylan’s My Favourite Album podcast to discuss Paul Simon’s classic 1975 LP, Still Crazy After All These Years. This was a blast, and we hope you’ll listen in.
We also had fun reminiscing about our formative years in music with Steve and Ben on episode 18 of the Songs From a Padded Envelope podcast. That one even contains an old demo of a song we wrote called ‘Sweet Tea’.
Print-wise, if you live in the North West of England there’s now a nice multi-page spread about the show in the January 2021 edition of Lake District and Lancashire Life magazine, thanks to Jeremy Blackmore for putting that together.
In November of 2021, the podcast will turn 10 years old, so we have some exciting stuff planned this year. Hopefully you’ll celebrate that anniversary with us when the time comes.
The formidable Lucinda Williams chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of her latest album Good Souls Better Angels. Talking through her expansive catalogue, the veteran artist uncovers a range of themes that have informed her songwriting and her outlook on the music industries including politics, domestic abuse, depression, experiences with record labels and reviews on social media.
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Songwriter, comedian and actor Tim Minchin talks about the writing of his debut studio album Apart Together. During this in-depth chat about the creative process, Tim also reveals how he approaches writing songs for musicals like Matilda and Groundhog Day, and why his comedy influences are The Beatles, The Kinks, and Queen.
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Episode 319 – Linda PerryJune 20, 2026
Episode 318 – Sean Ono LennonMay 31, 2026
Episode 317 – Matt JohnsonMay 14, 2026
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