Welcome to Idea Tennis, hosted by Jessica Velez-Benito & Asher Wright. In this weekly podcast, we serve up thought-provoking questions designed to THINK deeper. Together, we’ll ELEVATE these ideas to new heights, NAVIGATE complex challenges, and NURTURE the growth of fresh insights. By the end of each conversation, we’ll INNOVATE new ways of thinking and provide actionable steps to help listeners SOLVE real-world challenges. TENNIS = Think, Elevate, Navigate, Nurture, Innovate, Solve/Serve
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Meet The Experts: Ultimate Mind and Body Transformation
Asher | Cayme | Jocelynn | Nikki | JAG | Marlon | Doris | Clayton
Welcome to "Meet The Experts," a vibrant community dedicated to helping you transform your life. In our journey to find ourselves, we often view self-discovery as an external goal, akin to chasing the horizon—an elusive pursuit that never feels any closer. Here, we shift the focus inward. This journey is about becoming the goal, realizing that you are the goal. Life is an opportunity to project what's inside you into the world, painting it with the unique colors of your inner self. Our progr ...
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When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles
Ed Chen and Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell
Talk, more talk, chat, more chat - We’re happy to do it for you (Beatles)
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Join Grammy-nominated hitmaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Billy Mann on a journey through the twists and turns of failure in "Yeah, I Fucked That Up." Mann has had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some of culture's most influential figures. Drawing inspiration from one of his kids who really struggles with failure, Mann invites his guests to peel back the veneer of success and reveal the humanity beneath. From legendary musicians to top CEOs, the stories of failure, fuck-ups an ...
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No Spoiler Reviews - Instant reviews with the surprises left in and the spoilers taken out. By subscribing to our podcast, you will be alerted to our instant reaction movie podcasts, where we cover every new release in 5-10minutes or less.
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#28: The Toxic Myth of Doing It All Yourself: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Outsource Everything 🎾
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53:02Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or creative leader trying to scale your vision, this episode gives you the tools and mindset shifts to build with intention and serve from the soul. What You'll Learn: How Jessica navigated the tech world as a heart-led entrepreneur The truth about building a community platform that lasts Why tech doesn't have …
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2025.24 Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Rick Derringer, Wally Palmer, Richard Page and Greg Bissonette
1:15:04
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1:15:04This week Lonnie and I go back to 2010/2011 and consider the most recent world tour of Ringo and the All Starr's. From "Hang on Sloopy" to "Frankenstein" to Kyrie, and lots from Ringo's then new record! All we are saying is Give Peace a Chance with a Little Help from Your Friends.By Ed Chen and Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell
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Two appearances from Brian Epstein in 1964. An October spot on "What's My Line?", where panelists try and deduce the role that [sic] "Barry Epstein" plays within the Beatles organization. Despite Paul Anka excusing himself (Anka knew Brian), the other panelists managed to figure out the "line" of Brian pretty quickly! This is followed by a discussi…
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#27: The Power of “No”: How Boundaries Build Real Success 🎾
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35:35Boundaries don’t block your success — they build it. And yet, so many entrepreneurs, creators, and go-getters hesitate to draw the line. Why? Because we confuse being available with being valuable. 🔥 In this episode, you'll learn: How to set non-negotiable boundaries without guilt Why boundaries protect your energy, focus, and creativity The differ…
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2025.22 Chris O'Dell - Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Queen, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Peter Asher and More...
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1:28:56Marv and I are honored to be joined by Chris O'Dell, as we discuss her travels through rock and roll. After some initial forays into the industry, she met Derek Taylor (who introduced her to her new roommate, Teri Garr. Soon enough, she found herself in EMI with the Beatles (and cameo-ing on both "Hey Jude" and "Revolution"), the Apple rooftop, the…
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#26: Your Inner Critic Might Be Right — But Here’s Why That’s Good 🎾
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48:08In this episode, you’ll discover: Why comparison is the thief of momentum How to break free from self-judgment and unlock authentic creativity The 5 P’s (Principle, Pattern, Promise, Prediction, Purpose) to shift from comparing to creating How community and consistency are your best allies in staying true to your vision The hidden cost of holding b…
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2025.21 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part Two
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1:01:46More from the Gab Four. Jon, Lonnie, Martin and I continue our thoughts on Beatles 1969 - Abbey Road and ??? What else might the sessions of January 1969 become? Each of us assembled significantly different album(s) from the multitudes of songs rehearsed, jammed or half-remembered by the Beatles (and captured for us on the nagras). Tune in and see …
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2025.20 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part One
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1:05:17Gab Four together again. Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and myself sit down to consider alternate albums that might've come out of the January 1969 sessions. Beware, the ripples through time extend well beyond a single record. What happens to the film? Abbey Road? Do all roads lead to "For You Blue?" George Martin, Glyn Johns and others gue…
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#25: How to Sell Without Being Pushy: Heart-Centered Sales That Actually Convert 🎾
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56:57🔥 Real talk, honest reflections, and a refreshing take on sales that honors both your heart and your hustle. Subscribe + Hit the Bell 🔔 for new weekly episodes that will elevate your thinking and grow your business! 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Apply. Serve.💬 Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments—we’d love to hear how this lands for you. 🔥 Get your cus…
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2025.19 George Harrison, David Bromberg, Jesse Ed Davis, Don Nix, Bobby Keys and Nicky Hopkins
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1:14:46George Harrison played with many associates of both Dylan and the Stones. Bobby Keys was one of the most renowned sax men of rock and roll, Nicky Hopkins contributed to the buzz of "Revolution", and Jesse "Ed" Davis had his fingerprints all over early seventies solo Beatles. This week, we consider some recordings, most made at Apple Studios, most f…
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#24: Memoirs to Millions: The Power of Belief, Breakthroughs, and Community 🎾
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39:36In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Idea Tennis, Jess and Asher reflect on the unforgettable Memoirs to Millions book launch celebration. 🎉 Jess shares her deeply personal journey to becoming a published author, opening up about the emotional breakthroughs, moments of doubt, and the extraordinary impact of a supportive community. Together, th…
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2025.18 McCartney Politics Part II (1972-present)
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1:11:12More of Paul McCartney and his political notions. Animal Rights, Gun Violence, "No More Landmines", and the environment have been a big part of the "McCartney brand" for the last 30-35 years. We continue from last week, as we touch on nearly a full album of political thought from "the cute Beatle", and how Paul's brand of radicalism was both simila…
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#23: Is Your Inner Critic Secretly Right?
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53:47Are you holding yourself back with thoughts like "Who am I to do this?" or "What will people think?" In this vulnerable and empowering episode of Idea Tennis, Jess and Asher dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. From imposter syndrome to the fear of being judged, they unpack the hidden influence of your inner critic—and ho…
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2025.17 McCartney Politics Part I (1964-1972)
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1:04:34Following on from "One to One", Martin and I spend this week and next discussing the politics of Paul (and Linda) McCartney. This week, the Beatle years. How Paul brought John into the peace movement (and possibly why he deserves that credit on "Give Peace a Chance"), McCartney and Bertrand Russell, Blackbird, Commonwealth and on through the early …
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#22: Maybe Your Money Anxiety Is The *Only* Honest Thing About Your Offers?
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48:22Maybe Your Money Anxiety Is the Only Honest Thing About Your Offers?🎾 Idea Tennis Ep 22 | Overcoming Money Anxiety & Embracing Entrepreneurship Are your offers falling flat because of your own money mindset? In this power-packed episode, Jess and Asher get real about something every entrepreneur wrestles with—money anxiety. From Jamaican Easter tra…
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2025.16 John Lennon One to One in IMAX
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1:19:18Lonnie Pena and I (separately) saw "One to One: John & Yoko" in IMAX from Magnolia Pictures during it's recent run (it is still available in selected theaters, and pay streaming in May). Our first thought? They really should have emphasized that "Year in the Life" subtitle a bit more. Other than that? Tune in and find out!…
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#21: Could Redefining Success Be Your Next Big Win?
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45:04Success isn't a sprint — it's a journey from New York to California. 🚗💨 In this episode of Idea Tennis, Jessica and Asher dive deep into the power of consistency, focus, and staying true to your goals. They share real-life stories about writing books, building businesses, and overcoming the fear of success. If you're ready to commit to your growth …
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2025.15 Olivia Arias, Los Angeles, the Knack, Harry and Holsteins!
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1:14:58More from Lonnie's Scrapbook as we shoot back to the late nineteen seventies and consider the Knack (the band, not the noun or the film), George Harrison's wedding to Olivia, the 1979 fire at Ringo's residence, the aftermath of Paul McCartney / January 1981, and the farms of John and Yoko - including their Holstein cattle (Mango the cow!).…
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#20: Scared to Fail? Here’s How We Beat Fear and Built Our Dreams | Idea Tennis Podcast 🎾
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48:13In this episode of Idea Tennis, Asher and Jess dive deep into one of the biggest success blockers — fear of failure — and how your mindset and emotions shape your journey. They reveal how shifting from being problem-focused to solution-oriented can transform your results, and introduce the 5 Ps Framework to help you overcome fear and self-doubt: 🔥 …
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2025.14 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.2
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1:14:01More from the Gab Four! Lonnie, Jon, Martin and I wander from Revolver through the Beatles era, passing by landmarks including "Teddy Boy", "Ms. L.", "Goodnight Vienna", "Lavatory Lil", Mr. Double-It-Up", and the "Dark Sweet Lady". Stories and characters you know and love, and maybe some you should discover! Who doesn't want two girls [or young men…
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#19: Unlock Your Power: Use Distractions To Fuel Discipline
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43:08Mastering the Dance Between Discipline and Distraction: Find Your Balance In this episode, we delve into the intricate balance between discipline and distraction. Whether you're struggling to stay focused or wondering how distractions might actually benefit you, this discussion is for you. Hosts Jessica and Lainey share personal stories and insight…
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2025.13 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.1
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1:01:01A Gab Four spectacular! Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and I gathered to talk about the characters and stories in Beatles songs. They started with covers of folks like Long Tall Sally, and this episode takes us through Rubber Soul, where the band gives us Michelle, the Nowhere Man, and asks about the possibility of exchanging golden rings i…
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#18: Why Most Teams Fail (And How to Build One That Wins)
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39:54In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Jessica and Asher discuss how frameworks can help process information and achieve goals. They delve into the journey of keeping a balance between kindness and setting boundaries to avoid being taken advantage of. They emphasize loyalty to personal dreams over business loyalty and stress the importance of surrou…
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2025.12 George Harrison, Gary Wright and Billy Preston!
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1:11:32
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1:11:32George was quite busy between "All Things Must Pass" and "The Concert for Bangladesh". However, many of the things he played on were not under his own name! We look at two projects where George was a significant contributer: Gary Wright's "Footprint", and Billy Preston's "I Wrote a Simple Song". Excellent playing, and a link between George's Beatle…
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#17: How to WIN Even When Life Gets in the Way!
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1:01:56In this engaging episode of Idea Tennis, Jessica participates in an insightful Q&A session, where she addresses vital topics around commitment, focus, community-building, and overcoming skepticism in network marketing. She shares her own journey and the strategies she employs for success in both sales and business building. Jessica emphasizes the i…
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Lonnie and I chat about the CBS version of "Ringo and Friends at the Ryman" which aired on Monday, March 10, 2025. Jack White, Sheryl Crow, and even Larkin Poe honor the man, the music, the COUNTRY legend that is Ringo Starr.By Ed Chen and Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell
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2025.10 Spot the Looney - The Ultimate Cash Grab (Disc One)
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1:06:34Marv and I sit down to talk the first disc of the new 2024 edition of the Internet favorite "Spot the Looney". Ever wondered where you could find those rarities George Harrison played on that are not readily available from Apple (records or Music)? Try this box. Harry, Derek and the Dominoes, the Remo Four, the Silkie, Bobby Whitlock, Ashton Gardne…
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#16: The Illusion of Progress: Why Change Isn't Always Improvement
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53:28In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the nuanced difference between change and improvement. Transformation is highlighted as a complex, internal process that must occur before any visible external results can be seen. We discuss how change often feels like progress but isn't always substantial; sometimes, it's merely shifting withou…
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2025.09 FAMSF - Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm (Sally Martin Katz)
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1:07:21Kit O'Toole and I are honored to speak with Sally Martin Katz, the Photo Curator for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco as Paul McCartney's "Eyes of the Storm" photo exhibition comes to the deYoung museum in the Bay Area. We talk about the exhibition, the photos, and the role photography and photographers weave around the life story of Paul McC…
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2025.08 The Beatles years through the lens of George Harrison's Birthday!
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1:10:14
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1:10:14What ties Studio Two, the Casbah Coffee Club, the Bahamas, Rishikesh, and an airplane returning to London with the Beatles? George Harrison's birthday! After the news (where Kit once again drops in her mellifluous tones), we consider the changes in George and the Beatles as he moved from his nineteenth birthday to his twenty-second.…
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2025.07 McCartney 1979 "Back to the Egg" Interview
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1:22:54Sam Whiles joins for some chat about "Back To The Egg", but primarily one of the few interviews Paul did for "Back to the Egg". James McCartney was not quite two years old, Wings was settling into the outfit that would become the final iteration, and Paul was toying around with tunes that would become "McCartney II". Also found in this episode is n…
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#15: Imposter Syndrome: How To Turn Self Doubt Into No Doubt
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43:51Navigating Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Growth and Self-Belief In this episode of Idea Tennis, the hosts, Jessica & Asher, delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, exploring its impact even on the most successful individuals. They discuss why self-doubt persists despite clear evidence of competence and offer strategies to overcome these…
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Marv and I sit down with Kenyon Rosewall of the "Note by Note" podcast. We each compile some of our "key" Beatles songs written during the Beatles "first act". Before there was "Help!" or "Rain", there was "Do You Want to Know a Secret", "No Reply", and even a couple of Elvis-inspired three-chord raveups!…
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#14: From Struggle to Strength: A Real Talk on Depression and Healing
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38:55In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Asher and Jessica dive deep into the theme of depression, drawing connections from the story of Adam in Eden to personal experiences and current realities. Asher shares his journey with depression following his transition from the military, and Jessica discusses her struggles with depression and anxiety after a…
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2025.05 There's Only One Paul McCartney (BBC 2002 review/overview)
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1:19:592022. Sir Paul McCartney was recovering from the passing of Linda, preparing for a tour backing his "Driving Rain" album, and celebrating fifty years of Queen Elizabeth II. The BBC gathered together a number of interesting and important figures (including Astrid Kirchherr, Jurgen Vollmer, Arthur Kelly and Kermit the Frog?) in advance of his appeara…
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The past is gone, but something might be found to take it's place. However, sometimes, the past is only a few weeks ago. Ethan Alexanian joins Martin and I to review "Beatles '64" - the good, the bad, and the questionable.By Ed Chen and Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell
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#13: Faith Under Fire: What Adam and Job Teach US About Life
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40:28In this episode of Idea Tennis Asher and Jessica delve into the powerful influence of Bible stories on their lives and mindsets. Jessica shares her reflections on the story of Job, focusing on resilience and unwavering faith amidst life's challenges. Asher narrates how the story of Adam has deeply shaped his understanding of disobedience and redemp…
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#12: Balancing Ambition: The Fine Line Between Healthy Ambition and Unhealthy Obsession
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33:07In this episode of Idea Tennis, Hosts Jessica and Asher explore the effects of a culture focused on success and the importance of aligning goals with personal values. Are we pursuing genuine fulfillment, or are we merely addicted to the high of achieving success? Join us as we explore how a culture fixated on winning can jeopardize our well-being a…
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2025.03 Look Up Review and Overview
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1:05:28The definition of a "hit record" in 2025 is fairly difficult to determine, but by the "old fashioned" metrics, Ringo certainly has one with his country album "Look Up." Lonnie Pena and I go through the album, track-by-track and talk about the songs, guests, and the directions the career of Ringo Starr might head in. We close the show discussing the…
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#11: Optimizing Your Life: Essential Tools and Tips
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48:07In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Asher and Jessica discuss various tools and systems that make life and work easier. They cover different organizational methods such as using digital calendars, note apps, and paper systems. They share valuable insights on event planning, utilizing platforms like Peerspace and Gigster for venue needs, and outso…
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Jon Stone is guided by Voices (or are voices guided by Jon Stone?) Following on from Beatles '64, Marv and I wanted to talk actual memories of the year with the only co-host who had some. Lots of Beatles chat, a bit of meandering (Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Sunday-Sunday-Sunday), and a tiny bit of off-period chat, but that's true to the document…
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#10: Ambition, Sacrifice, and the Road to Success - 2025 Insights
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31:26In this episode, hosts Jessica and Asher discuss their ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond, including a decade-long plan to read 1,000 books. They delve into the concept of ambition, exploring its costs, the sacrifices required, and how different viewpoints can perceive ambition either negatively or positively. They share personal stories and provi…
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After a news segment (update on Julian, Richard Perry), Marv and I sit down for part two of our look back at some of the happenings in the Beatles world over the last twelve months. A passel full of Documentaries, the 'Living in the Material World" box, Ringo tour pt. 2, and the latest chapter in the "Got Back" tour. We also chat about Ringo's plan…
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#9: Living vs Existing: Discover the Profound Difference
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38:20In this episode of Idea Tennis, hosts Jessica and Asher delve into the significant difference between merely existing and truly living. They discuss the concepts of an 'automated mind' versus a 'manual mind', exploring the impact of living life consciously and with purpose. Both share personal stories and reflections on how to disrupt the monotony …
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After a news segment (Julian, Joey Molland, Ringo and Paul!), Marv and I sit down for part one of our look back at some of the happenings in the Beatles world over the last twelve months. New music in the form of an EP from Ringo, an anniversary release from Paul for "Band on the Run", a brand new mix for "One Hand Clapping" and more!…
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#8: Loneliness: Exploring the Depths of Loneliness and Finding Belonging
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32:01Question of the week: Lack of relationships with others or with oneself? This episode delves into the concept of loneliness, exploring whether it reflects a lack of relationships with others or with oneself. Asher and Jess discuss how loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by people, especially during the holiday season. They share personal ex…
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2024.52 Living in the Material World - Disc One (Eoghan Lyng, Ken Michaels)
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1:14:45Marv and I are joined by Eoghan Lyng and Ken Michaels to discuss the "Living in the Material World" album with an emphasis on the 50th Anniversary remix as found on the "Super Deluxe Edition". Ken rates the record at the very top, but in general the reviews over the years have been on the positive side, but perhaps less than ecstatic.…
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Resilience and Pushing Through Balancing Rest and Ambition: Navigating Sacrifice and Success In this episode, Asher and Jessica discuss the significance of taking breaks and resting, the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, the journey and demands of entrepreneurship, and the difference between corporate and entrepreneurial mindsets. They…
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2024.51 Director David Tedeschi - Beatles '64
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1:09:17Marv, Lonnie and I sit down with Director David Tedeschi to talk Beatles '64 - the documentary newly available on Disney+ presenting 17 minutes of new Maysles Brothers footage. The Documentary also features greatly cleaned up footage, complete with new audio stems and remixes from the 1964 Ed Sullivan shows, the Washington Coliseum, and newly resto…
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2024.50 The McCartney Legacy Volume 2, Pt.2
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1:09:23Part Two of our discussion with Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair covering the McCartey Legacy, Volume 2. All four of us (Lonnie, Jon, Ed and Marv) are still in on the conversation, as we pick up the McCartney story in New Orleans, visit John Lennon in the Dakota ("Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!") travel around the globe on a world tour, r…
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