DARICK ROBERTSON - MAKING THE BOYS AND TRANSMETROPOLITAN
James Kennedy interviews legendary comic book artist Darick Robertson about co-creating Transmetropolitan and The Boys, his work with Warren Ellis, his career origins, and the comic industry. Robertson also performs a live song on guitar and plugs his series, Greaser: Gemini Blues.
KYM STATON - THE JULIAN ASSANGE CASE
James Kennedy and filmmaker Kym Staton discuss the recent release of Julian Assange. Staton discusses his documentary The Trust Fall, the history and broader implications of the Assange case for press freedom, and his experiences witnessing Assange's return to Australia.
ZACK POLANSKI - THE GREEN PARTY FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Green Party Leader Zack Polanski joins the James Kennedy Podcast and argues that both Conservatives and Labour fail to offer progressive change, criticizing Labour on issues like the two-child benefit cap, workers' rights, and Gaza. He advocates for Green policies—including a wealth tax, a £15/hour minimum wage, housing retrofits, and welcoming immigration policies—to address systemic issues and underfunded public services.
MIKEY DOLING - SNOT, CHANNEL ZERO AND WOYOTE
James Kennedy interviews Mikey Doling about writing new material for Woyote and playing with Channel Zero. They swap stories about chaotic European tours, drinking, and the timeless legacy of his band Snot. Doling compares the European and American metal scenes and reflects on the modern music industry. The chat ends with news on upcoming festival shows and Doling's search for a new Snot singer.
RYAN GULDEMOND - MOTHER MOTHER INTERVIEW
James Kennedy speaks with Mother Mother lead vocalist Ryan Guldemond about the band’s album Grief Chapter and their creative process. They explore the origins of the record's themes of mortality and gratitude, the band's viral surge on TikTok and the changing landscape of the modern music industry.
SARAH WILKINSON - PALESTINE ACTION INTERVIEW
Host James Kennedy speaks with Sarah Wilkinson about Palestine Action's direct-action campaigns against Elbit Systems arms factories in the UK. They discuss site occupations, legal outcomes, the broader situation in Gaza, and the personal impact of human rights advocacy.
MATTHEW ALFORD - THE CIA AND HOLLYWOOD
Host James Kennedy interviews Dr. Matthew Alford on how the Department of Defense, the CIA, and broader systemic pressures censor and reshape thousands of Hollywood scripts to promote U.S. government interests.
DR DEAN BURNETT - THE BRAIN, EMOTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Host James Kennedy interviews neuroscientist Dean Burnett, who explores how human emotions, modern mental health challenges, and brain adaptability intersect. Burnett discusses how primitive stress responses mismatch our digital world, how neuroplasticity and psychedelics aid mental health, and why embracing negative emotions is vital for well-being.
MARIO RADETZKY - BLACKOUT PROBLEMS INTERVIEW
Host James Kennedy interviews Mario Radetzky, frontman of Blackout Problems, about the band's self-produced fourth album, Riot. They discuss the record's personal and political themes, the headaches of post-Brexit touring, and their upcoming dates with Enter Shikari.
SREĆKO HORVAT - EUROPE, EMPIRE, AI AND PUNK ROCK
James Kennedy talks with Croatian philosopher Srećko Horvat about pressing geopolitical conflicts, the struggles of modern left-wing politics, and artificial intelligence. Reflecting on how punk rock sparked their political awakening, they explore Horvat’s efforts with the Island School of Social Autonomy (ISSA) on the Croatian island of Vis focused on building autonomous, community-driven ways of living.
ANDY FARROW - SURVIVING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
James Kennedy interviews Northern Music Group head Andy Farrow about his 35+ years managing bands like Opeth, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia. They discuss the transition from traditional label models to streaming, the reality of post-Brexit/COVID touring, grassroots fan-building over social media algorithms, and how artists can build sustainable, long-term careers.
HANNAH WICKLUND - CARVING HER OWN PATH
James Kennedy interviews singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Wicklund. They discuss her journey in the music industry from starting her band as a kid on Hilton Head Island to navigating the challenges, bad deals, and sexism of the music business. Hannah talks about self-managing and founding her own label, Strawberry Moon Records to release her album The Prize. They also dive into her songwriting process, her visual artwork, and her upcoming tour.
SARAH WILSON - HOW TO LIVE THIS ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE
James Kennedy interviews multi-time New York Times best-selling author and activist, Sarah Wilson. They discuss the state of humanity, the pitfalls of capitalism, food waste, overconsumption and how things like meditation, hiking in nature and living a minimalist lifestyle can help us to live This One Wild and Precious Life in a way that is better for us and better for the planet.
GWERN GWYNFIL / YES CYMRU - THE CASE FOR WELSH INDEPENDENCE
James Kennedy interviews Yes Cymru CEO Gwern Gwynfil on the case for Welsh independence. Gwynfil highlights how Wales has the resources to thrive like other small European nations, free from Westminster. The conversation concludes with a call to join Yes Cymru and normalize discussions about Wales's future.
DAN DONNELLY / THE LEVELLERS - MUSIC AND POLITICS
James Kennedy interviews Dan Donnelly (The Levellers) about wild touring stories, navigating streaming and royalties, practical advice for independent musicians, and their shared frustration with UK politics
FRANKIE POULLAIN / THE DARKNESS - ROCK, STRUGGLE AND SURVIVAL
James Kennedy interviews Frankie Poullain, bassist of rock band The Darkness. They discuss the band's 20th anniversary reissue of their album Permission to Land, their upcoming world tour and documentary showing their career struggles and band dynamics. They also talk about the realities of life on tour, mental health in the music industry, music streaming models, political apathy, and the enduring ethos of punk rock.
WE THREE INTERVIEW - ART AND HONESTY ON ‘LOVE ME’
James Kennedy interviews the band We Three to discuss their journey since gaining a national following on America's Got Talent. They dive into the raw, honest songwriting behind their fifth project (Love Me), the production process with producer Bill Zimmerman, navigating sibling dynamics, and how they connect with fans while adapting to the modern music industry and social media landscape.
MARINA PURKISS - A VISION OF A BETTER BRITAIN
James Kennedy interviews political commentator and co-host of The Trawl podcast, Marina Purkiss. They discuss the state of UK politics in 2023, covering topics such as government corruption, media influence, Boris Johnson's legacy, Labour's stance under Keir Starmer, and Marina’s vision for a better Britain.
LEE CAMP - THE MOST CENSORED COMEDIAN IN AMERICA
Comedian and commentator Lee Camp joins James Kennedy to discuss the mass censorship of his anti-war TV show, the geopolitical dynamics and propaganda surrounding the war in Ukraine, and the dangers of media echo chambers.