In 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!)

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In 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.

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Craig 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.

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This 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.

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Jamie 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.

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Detail 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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