logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2023
1h 6m

807. Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God (with Jon...

Luke Thompson
About this episode

A conversation about two legends of contemporary popular culture - Bob Dylan and John Lennon, with pop-star academic Jon Stewart (guitarist in The Wedding Present and Sleeper).

👉 Episode page https://wp.me/p4IuUx-sJE

📖 Get Jon's book here https://a.co/d/fPBgTel (other bookshops are available)

Jon Stewart is an interesting mix. He is both a university lecturer and a pop star. He runs a Masters Degree course in Music Business and Popular Music Practice at the BIMM Institute in London and he also plays guitar for legendary British group The Wedding Present, AND classic 'Britpop' band Sleeper. So, Jon knows all about the music business from both a personal and academic point of view.

In this conversation I ask Jon about his new book "Dylan, Lennon, Marx and God" which is an amazing dual-biography of John Lennon and Bob Dylan, two of the most significant figures in contemporary popular culture.

Jon talks about the way Dylan and Lennon used language in their work, the references they make to the culture they grew up in, including their spiritual and political views.

Jon also talks about his time as a musician, including working with Elvis Costello and George Michael, and a funny story about John Lennon's "Imagine piano".

I hope you find this conversation as fascinating as I did. If you like it, consider getting a copy of Jon's book!

Sign up to LEP Premium on Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/teacherluke.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
The Flatmate from Japan Returns🚶‍♂️Travelling Tales & More [950]
Peter, my old flatmate from Japan, is back on the podcast after his previous appearance 11 years ago! We chat about travelling experiences, teaching English in Malaysia and Japan, dealing with jet lag and culture shock, doing stand-up comedy abroad, and some of the funny, strange ... Show More
1h 45m
Aug 18
Let’s Take a C1 Grammar Test 📋 and critique it [949]
In this episode I take a typical multiple choice grammar test that you can find online, explain the answer to each question and give mini grammar lessons along the way. I also discuss what makes a good test of your English, and what good and bad level tests do. Learn more about g ... Show More
2h 6m
Aug 11
Workplace Scenarios 👷 Role Plays for Practical English [948]
In this fun and practical episode I dive into realistic workplace English through improvised role-play conversations. Designed to help you boost your vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in professional settings, this episode features six humorous and educational role-pla ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Jon Stewart Interview and John Legend Interview
Today on the show we had two John's on the show, with one being Jon Stewart who spoke on political accountability, systemic racism, his movie irresitable and more. Also, we had John Legend call in who spoke on his new album, the verzuz battle with him and Alicia Keys, economic ch ... Show More
1h 31m
Apr 2023
Episode 88- All We Are Saying: The 1980 Playboy Interviews (Part 2 of 3)
This episode starts with a ‘short intro’ of around 45 minutes, with yet more Coleman vs Goldman material, before continuing our in-depth look at John Lennon’s series of interviews for Playboy magazine in September 1980, which also included Yoko Ono. The interviews offer a fascina ... Show More
1h 42m
Oct 2020
Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, and actor. Jon joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the sustainability of his music career, the two share in the false sense of confidence they once had, and Jon admits how crazy it is that ... Show More
1h 25m
Jul 2023
We Need To Wake Up Before It’s Too Late - The Beatles Search For A Higher Truth
Step into the Timeless Wisdom of The Beatles! Explore the Profound Life Philosophy of the Legendary Band Members George Harrison (1943-2001), John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney.“A genius is a form of madness, and we’re all that way, you know.” - John Lennon ... Show More
16m 7s
Mar 2020
Lennon Parham
Lennon Parham (Playing House, Veep, Bless This Mess) is an American actress, comedian and improviser. Lennon sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up in the deep south, feeling like she couldn't find "her people", and the balance of holding on to your personal dre ... Show More
1h 43m
Oct 2023
ATG 146: The One Truth: A Path to Positivity with Jon Gordon
In this guest episode, we're joined by the incredible Jon Gordon as we explore the world of positivity and his latest book, The One Truth. Jon Gordon shares his inspiring journey from writing to speaking, highlighting the role of resilience and unwavering family support. He ... Show More
49m 14s
Apr 2024
Jon Bon Jovi REVEALS His Only REGRET & Life Lessons as a 24-year-old ROCKSTAR
Today, Lewis sits down with the legendary Jon Bon Jovi to peel back the curtains on what truly separates success from greatness. Jon opens up about the precise moment he felt he touched greatness with his music and how he kept his eyes on the horizon in his twenties, always belie ... Show More
57m 31s
May 2023
The Writing Is On The Wall, But Few Have The Wisdom To Read It - Powerful Lessons From Musicians
A compilation of profound and powerful speeches from: Chris Cornell, George Harrison, Anthony Kiedis, John Frusciante, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie. Speakers: George HarrisonDavid BowieAnthony KiedisJohn FruscianteChris CornellBob Dylan Produced and edited by T&H Inspiration. Hoste ... Show More
12m 36s
Jun 2022
'Imagine' by John Lennon (w/ Arthur Meyer)
Imagine a world that is in every possible respect different from our own. Yeah, just give it a whirl. It's easy if you TRY. ...So says history's biggest imagination bully, John Lennon. We rip off the uplifting latex face mask of this song and bare the dark soul within: this song ... Show More
1h 19m
Jul 2020
John Legend
John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and philanthropist. John chats with the armchair expert about skipping multiple grades as a kid and how music saved him. He talks about his claim to fame working on Lauryn Hill's record in college and he explains why ... Show More
1h 24m