Best George Stephenson Podcasts (2025)

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144. Brian Vollmer - Helix 24:08

Play Pause

3d ago24:08

24:08

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul chats with the voice of Canadian hard rock legends Helix – frontman Brian Vollmer. With a career spanning over 50 years, Helix have lived through the highs and lows of the rock world — and Brian’s been there for every single step. From the band's humble beginnings in 1974, through their breakthrough success with H…

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Episode 25: George Tsakraklides - Franken Politics 29:59

6d ago29:59

29:59

It's dawning on a growing number of people that the lack of any sort of rational and effective response to the climate crisis is bringing us toward a Thelma and Louise ending for industrial civilization. The hope for a soft landing fades with every year. In his book Franken Politics George Tsakraklides looks at how we arrived at this point and hone…

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143. Steve Ferrone - Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, George Harrison 1:00:20

17d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode of VRP Rocks, Paul is joined by legendary drummer Steve Ferrone — the rhythm powerhouse behind some of the most iconic names in music. From playing with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for over two decades, to sessions and tours with Eric Clapton, Christine McVie, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Chaka Khan, and many o…

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Episode 24: James Fairhead - Naturekind 30:00

22d ago30:00

30:00

As we scramble to create a more sustainable version of our civilization much of the focus has been on technology. But electric cars and reusable containers will only take us so far. From mountaintop removal to factory farms our relationship with the non-human world has been one of unabashed exploitation. If we’re to regain some sort of equilibrium …

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Side 2 - Backstage With Foghat in London! 18:18

1M ago18:18

18:18

In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, host Paul Stephenson swaps his Highland studio for the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London — joining Foghat legend Roger Earl backstage just hours before the band’s historic return to the UK stage for the first time since 1973! Invited as a special guest by Roger and his wife/manager Linda, Paul takes you …

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Episode 23: Chanelle Gallant & Elene Lam —Not Your Rescue Project 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

Rich and connected, Jeffrey Epstein trafficked girls with impunity. We've all seen those stickers for anti-trafficking organization in airports and bus stations and it's normal to assume they are there to help people caught in the same sort of situation. In their book Not Your Rescue Project Chanelle Gallant and Elene Lam detail how the anti-traffi…

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John McFee - My 5 Favourite Albums I Played On 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

He’s played with some of the biggest names in rock history and now, for the first time, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John McFee reveals his five favourite albums that he’s played on himself!From Elvis Costello to The Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison to Huey Lewis and the News, John’s guitar, pedal steel and production work have shaped decades of classic …

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Episode 22: Chuck Collins - Burned by Billionaires 29:59

2M ago29:59

29:59

Donald Trump was surrounded by billionaires during his inauguration. It became glaringly obvious who bought the election. But the influence of the uber wealthy goes far beyond that one election. They are picking our pockets and causing societal instability in many ways. Chuck Collins looks at their impact in his book Burned by Billionaires: How Con…

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Stu Cook (CCR) & John McFee (Doobie Brothers) - Jackdawg! 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

What happens when rock legends from two iconic bands lock themselves in a studio with no rules, no label pressure and total creative freedom? In this very special episode of VRP Rocks, Paul Stephenson sits down with Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers to unearth the incredible lost story of Jackdawg — a ba…

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Episode 21: Wen Stephenson - Learning to Live in the Dark 30:05

2M ago30:05

30:05

When Donald Trump took a wrecking ball to the East Wing of the White house it was both real and symbolic. Much of what we took for granted, the rule of law, the constitution and due process have also been demolished. All of this happening as the planet is reaching irreversible tipping points. A recent report found that 84% of world’s coral has been…

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142. Stu Cook - Creedence Clearwater Revival 39:53

3M ago39:53

39:53

He was a member of one of America’s most iconic rock bands — and in this exclusive interview, Stu Cook takes us deep into the story of Creedence Clearwater Revival. From the band’s humble beginnings as a high school trio to headlining Woodstock, scoring a UK No.1 with Bad Moon Rising and releasing six albums in just over two years — Stu shares a fr…

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Episode 20: Tim Mulligan - Witchland 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

In the spirit of upcoming Halloween, the new interview is about a horror graphic novel trilogy. Tim Mulligan adds supernatural forces to the most radioactive site in the United States, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Richland Washington. In this interview we talk about the real horrors of radioactive releases and the fictional horrors of witches…

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Roger Earl - Foghat 50th Anniversary of Fool For The City 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

Foghat’s Fool For the City is an iconic 70s album — and in this episode, drummer and founding member Roger Earl returns to VRP Rocks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. From the legendary anthem Slow Ride to deep cuts that helped make Foghat a household name in the U.S., this is a full deep-dive into the record that changed everything. In this exten…

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Episode 19: Matthew Boedy - The Seven Mountains Mandate 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point, started out as secular, promoting capitalism, free markets and the separation of church and state. All of that changed in 2020 when he embraced the “Seven Mountains Mandate”, a theology promoting a Christian takeover of government, education, media, family, business, arts, and religion. It’s so reactionar…

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141. Greg T. Walker - Blackfoot / Lynyrd Skynyrd 40:07

3M ago40:07

40:07

In this brand-new episode of VRP Rocks, legendary bassist Greg T. Walker (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd) joins Paul for an epic two-part conversation you won't want to miss. First, we dive into Greg’s new band, Two Wolf, whose debut album is a blistering mix of southern rock and hard blues — full of raw energy, killer riffs, and rock ’n’ roll attitude.…

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Episode 18: Julian Cribb - How to Fix a Broken Planet 30:00

4M ago30:00

30:00

As political events in the United States wobble towards an authoritarian takeover it’s easy to lose sight of the larger picture. The price of food is going nowhere but up as climate disruption, soil depletion and water scarcity take hold. Scientists warn that changes to the earth’s life support systems could trigger irreversible changes to the bios…

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Episode 17: Michael Shaikh - The Last Sweet Bite 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

As a human rights investigator Michael Shaikh shared many meals with people fleeing war and political persecution. One of the overlooked casualties of this violence is cuisine and hospitality traditions. His book is part history, part travelog and part cookbook where you learn about the world and then re-create the aromas and tastes of other times …

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Episode 16: Eleanor Finley - Practicing Social Ecology 29:59

4M ago29:59

29:59

As we watch climate chaos and the rise of fascism fundamentally change our world we need to find new ways of structuring society. In her book 'Practicing Social Ecology' Eleanor Finley uses examples of grassroots movements that are rethinking our relationship to the natural world and each other.

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Episode 15: Mariah Blake - They Poisoned the World 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

PFAS is a group of chemicals that didn't exist in the world until humans created them in the 1940's. They're highly toxic endocrine disruptors that affect the thyroid, liver, kidney and reproductive organs. Now they are everywhere. They're found in the bloodstreams of polar bears and the rain falling on the Tibetan plateau. How did this happen? In …

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Episode 14: Eiren Caffall - The Mourners Bestiary 29:59

5M ago29:59

29:59

In Eiren Caffall's memoir she pairs her private grief over learning she has a genetic disease that will end her life prematurely with the collective grief for the collapsing ecosystem.

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What Would Malcolm Say About...Electoral Politics? + Full Interview Dr Jared A. Bal 1:18:47

6M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

Final episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with someone featured in the documentary 'Nobody Can Give You Freedom', which was independently made by M…

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Episode 13: Lee McIntyre - On Disinformation 30:00

6M ago30:00

30:00

Before the last election Lee McIntyre published his book On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy. Now that we are dealing with Constitutional collapse his message is even more crucial.

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What Would Malcolm Say About...Reparations? Plus full interview with Dr Olivia Rutazibwa 56:59

6M ago56:59

56:59

Fifth episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with someone featured in the documentary 'Nobody Can Give You Freedom', which was independently made by M…

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Vinny Appice - My 5 Favourite... 40:16

6M ago40:16

40:16

Legendary drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) returns to VRP Rocks to reveal his 5 favourite albums from his own incredible career. From iconic metal milestones to hidden gems, Vinny shares the stories behind the music, the sessions and the legends he worked with. Plus, don't miss Vinny's full career interview back on episode 104 of VRP Rocks…

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What Would Malcolm Say...about Diddy? Plus full interview with Sayce Holmes-Lewis from Mentivity 59:58

6M ago59:58

59:58

Fourth episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with someone featured in the documentary 'Nobody Can Give You Freedom', which was independently made by …

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Carmine & Vinny Appice - Share Memories of Rick Derringer 20:20

6M ago20:20

20:20

In this special episode of VRP Rocks, legendary drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice pay tribute to their friend and former bandmate, Rick Derringer, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago. The brothers share personal stories of first meeting Rick, what it was like recording and touring with him and reflect on the kind of person and musician he tr…

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Episode 12: Eileen Flanagan - Common Ground 30:00

6M ago30:00

30:00

As the environment heats up and authoritarianism is on the rise, dgivide and conquer has been a very effective technique to keep people from organizing for political or economic change. In her book Common Ground Eileen Flanagan explores how we can come together in spite of difference in race, class and religion.…

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What Would Malcolm Say...about Palestine? Plus Kehinde's parents on British Black Power 1:09:00

6M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Third episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with someone featured in the documentary 'Nobody Can Give You Freedom', which was independently made by M…

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Rick Derringer Remembered - Interview with his Drummer Kenn Moutenot 39:06

6M ago39:06

39:06

This week on VRP Rocks, we pay tribute to the late Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter behind Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and countless other rock staples. Joining me is Kenn Moutenot, Rick’s long-time drummer, manager and close personal friend. Kenn shares heartfelt memories, behind-the-scenes stories and a glimpse into the …

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What Would Malcolm Say? ep.2: George the Poet + Ibrahim Traore is the anti-Mandela 1:07:11

7M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Second episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with someone featured in the documentary 'Nobody Can Give You Freedom', which was independently made by …

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Episode 11: Brian Goldstone - There is no place for us 29:59

7M ago29:59

29:59

Homelessness is visible in every city in the United States but the number of people on the streets is just the tip of the iceberg according to journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone. In his new book, There Is No Place For Us: Working and Homeless in America , he follows families in Atlanta as they struggle to stay housed. The combination of …

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Ep.1 What Would Malcolm Say? With Dr Ilyasah Shabazz 1:00:45

7M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

First episode in a special series of the Make it Plain podcast, 'What Would Malcolm Say?' where Kehinde Andrews explains what Malcolm's body of work tells us about what is going on in the present. Each episode will also feature a full interview with some featured in the documentary Nobody Can Give You Freedom, which was independently made by Make i…

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Supergroups Only Rock Experts Will Remember 23:02

8M ago23:02

23:02

This week on VRP Rocks, things take a slightly different turn! With a couple of last-minute interview cancellations and a holiday just around the corner, Paul dives into a really fun topic — "10 Supergroups and Side Projects Only Classic Rock Experts Will Remember!" Featuring stories behind forgotten collaborations from legends like Robert Plant, P…

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Simon Kirke - My 5 Favourite Bad Company Songs! 33:27

8M ago33:27

33:27

He’s back! Legendary drummer Simon Kirke returns to VRP Rocks for the third time, and this time it’s all about the songs that defined a band and a legacy. In this special edition of My 5 Favourite, Simon takes us inside his world with his five favourite Bad Company songs—from the unforgettable hits to the deep cuts that still mean the world to him …

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140. Steve Postell - David Crosby / The Immediate Family 35:15

9M ago35:15

35:15

In this special episode of VRP Rocks, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Postell joins Paul Stephenson to talk about his incredible musical journey. From his deep personal and creative connection with David Crosby to his role in the powerhouse band The Immediate Family, Steve shares stories, insights and reflections from a remarkable …

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Nathan East - My 5 Favourite... 25:10

9M ago25:10

25:10

He’s back! After a brilliant deep-dive into his incredible career on last week’s episode, legendary bassist Nathan East returns to VRP Rocks – this time to take on My 5 Favourite. In this special episode, Nathan reveals the five favourite albums he’s ever played on, spanning decades of iconic recordings and unforgettable sessions. From chart-topper…

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139. Nathan East - Eric Clapton/Phil Collins 29:54

9M ago29:54

29:54

You've heard his basslines your whole life — you just didn’t know it. In this incredible episode, Nathan joins Paul to share jaw-dropping stories from his decades at the top of the music industry. Hear how he got his start with Barry White as a teenager, the spontaneous moment that led to writing Easy Lover with Phil Collins, what it was really lik…

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138. Russ Ballard - Breaks Down His Iconic Hits 45:49

9M ago45:49

45:49

Russ Ballard is back on VRP Rocks! In this exclusive interview, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician talks to Paul about his brand new double album Songs from the Warehouse: The Hits Rewired. Russ opens up about the creative process behind 13 brand-new tracks written during lockdown, including the powerful and emotional “Courageous,” and …

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137. Paul Rappaport - Sr VP Columbia Records 1:02:30

10M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

On this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Paul Rappaport, the legendary rock promotions executive who helped shape the careers of The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and so many more. His new book, Gliders Over Hollywood, reveals the craziest behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of rock—some of…

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136. Peter Holsapple - The dB's / R.E.M. / Hootie 39:04

10M ago39:04

39:04

On this episode of VRP Rocks, Peter Holsapple joins me to talk about his incredible career in music—from co-founding The dB’s, touring and recording with R.E.M., and spending 20 years with Hootie & the Blowfish, to his brand-new solo album, The Face of 68. Peter shares fascinating stories about: The dB’s – Their rise, critical acclaim, and struggle…

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135. Tracii Guns - LA Guns 1:04:06

10M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

On this episode of VRP Rocks, I’m joined by legendary guitarist Tracii Guns—founder of L.A. Guns and an early member of Guns N’ Roses. From the Sunset Strip’s wildest days to the release of L.A. Guns’ brand-new album Leopard Skin, Tracii takes us on a journey through his incredible career. We dive into the new record, its bluesy, sleazy rock ‘n’ ro…

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134. Tony Butler - Big Country 1:05:08

10M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

In this episode of VRP Rocks, I sit down with Tony Butler, best known as the bassist for Big Country and a musician with an impressive career spanning collaborations with Pete Townshend & The Pretenders. Tony shares fascinating stories from his time in Big Country, including the making of The Crossing, the pressures of the music industry and why he…

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Guy Pratt - My 5 Favourite... 45:47

10M ago45:47

45:47

Legendary session bassist Guy Pratt returns to VRP Rocks to share his five favourite albums that he’s played on and the stories behind them. With a career spanning decades, Guy has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Pink Floyd, Madonna, Bryan Ferry, Michael Jackson and Robert Palmer. In this episode, he takes us behind the sc…

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133. Chris Thompson - Manfred Mann's Earth Band 1:06:52

11M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Chris Thompson – The Voice of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band on Blinded By The Light, War of the Worlds & His Final Live Album Chris Thompson, the powerhouse voice behind Blinded By The Light, Davey’s on the Road Again, and co-writer of You’re The Voice, joins VRP Rocks for an in-depth conversation about his incredible career. From fronting Manfred Mann…