Best Mark McCartney Podcasts (2025)

1
Phil Wang's Personal Beatles 59:34

42m ago59:34

59:34

Stand-up comedian and comedy writer, Phil Wang joins us on the podcast to discuss his relationship with The Beatles. Phil tells us of his memories growing up listening to the band in a Beatles-obsessed household in Borneo, his unusual teenage music tastes, and taking his Dad to see Macca at the O2. This week's subscriber-only feature Pick A Song se…

1
How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Finally Get Unstuck with Michelle Chalfant 59:06

2h ago59:06

59:06

In this episode, Michelle Chalfant explores how to quiet the inner critic and finally get unstuck. She has spent 25 years developing practical tools for working with what she calls the other wolf. Michelle explains why most of us are making decisions from the emotional age of about 13. And she’ll give you the exact process for transforming triggers…

1
Tara Roberts: Diving for Stories 38:51

1h ago38:51

38:51

With her Black scuba-diving companions she has sought to reveal the appalling cost in lives lost in sunken slave ships, while at the same time honoring those lives by telling their stories.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #133 - Navigating Complexity in Leadership with Dr. Richard Claydon 1:03:14

2d ago1:03:14

1:03:14

On the 133rd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Dr. Richard Claydon. Richard is a leadership strategist and creator of the Praxis Q framework, which integrates self-awareness, systemic thinking, and role fluency. Known for his work at the intersection of complexity, culture, and adaptive performance, he…

1
From Divorce to Discovery: Nature’s Wisdom for Life’s Transitions with Lyanda Haupt 1:05:29

3d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In this episode, Lyanda Haupt shares her journey from divorce to discovery and nature's wisdom for life's transitions. She challenges everything you might think you know about hope, about walking barefoot on the earth, and what it actually means to feed the good wolf. Discover the six hidden saboteurs that quietly derail your best intentions—like a…

1
Elly Tindall's Personal Beatles 1:04:51

5d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Playwright, Elly Tindall joins us this week for an in-depth discussion around one of her favourite films, A Hard Days Night. This is very much a spoiler-filled chat, you can watch the film on YouTube here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MYcKnL-9E4 This week's Pick A Song features a deep dive into 'I'll Be Back', John's brilliant closer to the Ha…

1
Why We Resist Change (and What to Do About It) with Ross Ellenhorn 55:06

6d ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, Ross Ellenhorn explores the complexities of why we resist change and what to do about it. As Ross explains in this conversation, “staying the same protects you from the insult of small steps.” He shows us why these tiny steps can sometimes feel insulting and demoralizing. Ross also delves into the fear of raising expectations, the …

1
Roger Rosenblatt: Rules for Aging 38:48

7d ago38:48

38:48

Alan joins his old friend to compare notes on staying happy when old; and Roger shares tips from a forthcoming book, including some that may seem counterintuitive – like don’t use common sense, believe everyone, and don’t pay attention to people in your way.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #132 - Navigating Life's Complexity with Kate Arms 59:26

9d ago59:26

59:26

On the 132nd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Kate Arms. Kate helps people and organisations create effective systems in which people thrive. She is known for her expertise in building and maintaining organisational systems that support innovation and creativity, and the psycho-social challenges faced…

1
How to Create Change at Work Without Losing Yourself with Melody Wilding 1:03:17

11d ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this episode, Melody Wilding discusses how to create change at work without losing yourself. She challenges the idea that you’re powerless at work, even in tough cultures. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate office politics, or if there’s a way to work with integrity even when you’re not in charge, this conversation will give you both practi…

1
Can Radical Hope Save Us from Despair in a Fractured World? with Jamie Wheal 1:02:42

14d ago1:02:42

1:02:42

In this episode, Jamie Wheal explores the question of “Can radical hope save us from despair in a fractured world?” He argues that most of the feel-good positivity we are sold is useless when facing real crises, from climate collapse to meaninglessness. But there is a kind of hope that survives contact with brutal reality. Get Weekly Bites of Wisdo…

1
Tina Fey: The Return of The Four Seasons 39:49

14d ago39:49

39:49

Tina Fey’s reimagining of a movie Alan made over 40 years ago has been a big hit for Netflix. She and Alan have fun talking about how she went about updating the story for a new generation.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #131 - The Art of Aligning with Purpose with Dave Bingham 1:10:23

16d ago1:10:23

1:10:23

On the 131st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Dave Bingham. Dave is the founder and managing director of True Circles Training Ltd – though he often calls himself ‘an assistant to alchemy’. He’s a Trainer, Mentor, and Facilitator in the Way of Council, recognised by the Topa Institute of California an…

1
Is Stress Speeding Up Your Aging? What You Can Do About It Today with Elissa Epel 33:29

18d ago33:29

33:29

In this episode, Elissa Epel explores how stress can speed up aging and what you can do about it. She explains telomeres, which are those protective caps on our chromosomes, shorten with stress and poor habits, speeding up aging and disease. She also delves into the science of how thought patterns, diet, and even our response to daily challenges ca…

1
Ruth Husko's Personal Beatles 1:25:04

19d ago1:25:04

1:25:04

This week's guests is the very, very funny writer and internet comedy sensation, Ruth Husko, who joins us for a wonderful, and quite blue, chat all about Ringo. We take a look at Pretty Little Head from Paul's 1986 album, Press to Play in this week's Pick a Song for subscribers. WARNING: Blue content ahead! Links of note: Peter Doggett blogpost: ht…

1
From “Why Me?” to “What Now?”: A New Approach to Pain and Growth with Scott Barry Kaufman 56:56

21d ago56:56

56:56

In this episode, Scott Barry Kaufman challenges us to go from asking ourselves “Why Me?” to “What Now?” as he unpacks a new approach to pain and growth. Scott explains how the real work happens in the messy middle as we unpack the dangers of black and white thinking, and why genuine change isn’t about a single epiphany, but a thousand small choices…

1
What is a Good Life? #130 - Embracing The Unknown with Ella Fryer-Smith 1:02:43

23d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

On the 130th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Ella Fryer-Smith. Ella is the founder of Do You Research, an agency established with the intention of drawing on over 15 years of research experience, collaborating with the amazing researchers she has met along the way, and maintaining a clear focus on in…

1
If Robots Had a Podcast 31:42

23d ago31:42

31:42

Alan lets bots mostly run the show to see how much they can do and still be under human control. For a while, it seems to go well, but then dangers start to emerge— and it gets a little scary.By Bobi NYC

1
Purposeful Living: Strategies to Align Your Values and Actions with Victor Strecher 1:04:18

25d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

In this episode, Victor Strecher discusses purposeful living and strategies to align your values and actions. Vic shares his imperfect journey back to meaning and to living for what matters most after losing his daughter. He explores what it means to be purposeful versus just having a purpose, how energy and vitality play a role in living out our v…

1
William Doyle's Personal Beatles 1:07:27

26d ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Musician William Doyle joins us this week to share his personal Beatles. The result was a wonderfully rambling epic chat about Ram, recreating Beatles songs for Music A-level, and the band's influence on William's early music. The extended version for subscribers also features conversation about William's work with Brian Eno, as well as a discussio…

1
Escape the Goal Trap: Embrace Curiosity and Tiny Experiments with Anne-Laure Le Cunff 54:40

28d ago54:40

54:40

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, discusses how to go from procrastination to action using the power of tiny experiments. Most advice about self-improvement assumes you know where you’re going, but what if you don’t? Anne-Laure suggests that’s not a flaw, it’s actually the starting point. Her new book, Tiny Experiments, offers a way to explore …

1
Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda: Season 30 Trailer 28:50

28d ago28:50

28:50

Alan and Clear and Vivid’s executive producer Graham Chedd chat about and play clips from some of the shows coming up in season 30. Guests include actor Bob Odenkirk, scuba diver Tara Roberts, and some AI chatbots.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #129 - Conversing With God with Neale Donald Walsch 1:06:41

1M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

On the 129th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Neale Donald Walsch. Neale has written 40 books on contemporary spirituality and its practical application in everyday life, including his new book GodTalk: Experiences of Humanity’s Connections with a Higher Power. Neale is the bestselling author of the C…

1
The Hidden Cause of Procrastination and How to Finally Move Forward with Taylor Jacobson 52:32

1M ago52:32

52:32

In this episode, Taylor Jacobson discusses the hidden cause of procrastination and how to finally move forward in your life. He explores how transformation rarely feels graceful, how repressed emotions shape our behavior, and what it takes to live a life true to your inner compass. It’s a vulnerable, grounded conversation about fear, reinvention, a…

1
Jude Rogers' Personal Beatles 1:22:42

1M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

Music journalist and broadcaster, Jude Rogers, joins Jack and Robin this week to unveil her Personal Beatles. Jude is a fabulous writer known for her work at The Word, Q Magazine and the BBC, and her recent memoir The Sound of Being Human, is a beautifully written look at the way music shapes our lives. In this week's Pick a Song, we discuss Fixing…

1
The Quiet Pain of Self-Loathing and Finding the Courage to Face It with Sarah Gormley 1:02:08

1M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally…

1
Carly Anne York: Taking “Silly Science” Seriously 41:00

1M ago41:00

41:00

Research often derided for being a waste of money has led to world-changing breakthroughs, ranging from GPS to Ozempic.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #128 - The Cosmic Force of Questions with Shai Tubali 1:06:22

1M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

On the 128th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Shai Tubali, Ph.D. Shai is a philosopher, author, and teacher whose work bridges mysticism and academic philosophy. He explores how expanded states of consciousness can transform individual lives and influence our collective future. Shai holds a doctorate …

1
Why We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali Sharot 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim ou…

1
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Finding Ease and Clarity with Charlie Gilkey 51:44

1M ago51:44

51:44

You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigati…

1
Paul McCartney: Dreams, Dickens… and Oobleys 1:02:18

1M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

To celebrate Sir Paul’s 83rd birthday June 18th we are reprising a wonderful conversation recorded five years ago. Alan and Paul exchange their experiences writing and performing; and McCartney demonstrates how some of the Beatles’ greatest hits began with what he calls “oobley” chords on the piano.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #127 - Finding Balance in Life’s Chaos with Andrew B Brown 1:11:12

1M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

On the 127th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Andrew B Brown. Former Commander, Chief Inspector (retd.) Andrew is an internationally renowned negotiator with specialist knowledge and experience in dealing with kidnap for ransom and hostage/crisis incidents, particularly in humanitarian environments; i…

1
How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Burnout with Leah Weiss 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the …

1
Mark Brown's Personal Beatles 1:11:42

2M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Musician and member of The Horne Section, Mark Brown, joins Jack and Robin this week to share his Personal Beatles memories. We chat about Tug of War, meeting Paul at Ronnie Scotts, and Catch the Horne Section at Glastonbury and on tour and check out The Horne Section Television Show on Channel 4 now! Links of note: https://www.thehornesection.com/…

1
The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara 1:00:34

2M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the au…

1
Itzhak Perlman: Encore! Encore! 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

Reaching back to the first season of Clear and Vivid, a replay of the July 2018 episode when the violin virtuoso tells Alan why he likes to talk to his audience as well as play for them; why he plays Bach very differently from Tchaikovsky; and why the first time he played the Stradivarius that was to become his 30 years later, “I thought that I'd d…

1
What is a Good Life? #126 - The Wild Power of Imagination with Geneen Marie Haugen 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

On the 126th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Geneen Marie Haugen, PhD. Geneen grew up a little wild, with a run amok imagination, and has lived at the wild edge for most of her life. Once upon a time, she was a whitewater river guide and a tipi dweller who loved knowing that only thin canvas separate…

1
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 2) 1:00:08

2M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of s…

1
Ollie Judge's Personal Beatles 57:35

2M ago57:35

57:35

Jack and Robin are joined by Ollie Judge of the brilliant post-pink band Squid to chat about Ollie's Personal Beatles and the influence of Paul's experimental homemade 1980 masterpiece, McCartney II. For subscribers, this week's Pick A Song TM features an in-depth look at Junk from McCartney I. Links of note: Check His Machine: Paul McCartney Inter…

1
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1) 1:00:25

2M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…

1
Adam Kucharski: What’s True to You? 39:54

2M ago39:54

39:54

In a world awash with misinformation, how do we know what’s true? How can we be certain about anything? It turns out one of the most effective ways began with a polite disagreement over the best way to pour a cup of tea.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #125 - Reclaiming The Sacred In Business with Nikki Trott 57:57

2M ago57:57

57:57

On the 125th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Nikki Trott. Nikki is a renowned author, speaker, strategist, CEO adviser and podcaster dedicated to empowering business to thrive in harmony with humanity and the Earth. Her book, Sacred Business, is a manifesto for the transformation of ourselves woven w…

1
Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday 52:41

2M ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…

1
Amy Matthews' Personal Beatles 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Comedian Amy Matthews joins us this week to chat about her early musical memories, her love of Rubber Soul, and we take a deep dive into the 1978 Bee Gee-fronted mind-melting musical film, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Spoiler: it's less than brilliant. For subscribers, Jack and Robin break down George Harrison's Try Some, Buy Some, from 19…

1
Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …

1
Noah Wyle: Learning from The Pitt 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

Playing attending physician “Robby” Robinavitch in the hit HBO Max series The Pitt has given him insights into how the harrowing world of the emergency room could be improved in real life.By Bobi NYC

1
What is a Good Life? #124 - To Make a Difference for Another with Glenn Behenna 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

On the 124th episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Glenn Behenna. Glenn is a recently retired Senior Lecturer at Carmarthen Business School and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. He held a varied range of roles throughout his career, including st…

1
From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda 54:52

2M ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …

1
David Bazan AKA Pedro The Lion's Personal Beatles 1:37:05

2M ago1:37:05

1:37:05

Indie rock legend of the game, David Bazan, AKA Pedro The Lion joins Jack and Robin from Seattle Washington to talk about his formative experiences of The Beatles and his latest record in his suite of autobiographical LPs, Santa Cruz. Plus we debut our groundbreaking new feature 'Pick a Song' in which we take a deep dive into Ram's denouement, Back…

1
Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…

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Mark McCartney Podcasts

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