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Gimme Some Truth

Obadiah Jones

A new Beatles research podcast that separates fact from fiction.

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20 episodes
Updated July 17

Episodes20

July 17 · 45 min
Bonus: Dear Prudence Revisited with Michael Sokil & Raymond Schillinger
In this out-of-season bonus episode I am joined by Michael Sokil (The Beatles Reconstructed) and Raymond Schillinger (You Can't Unhear This) to revisit the 'Dear Prudence' debate and highlight new evidence. Video version available here.
Oct 8, 2025 · 25 min
Bonus: Polythene Pam
What is polythene? Who was Pam? In this season's bonus episode, we explore the complete backstory behind Abbey Road's 'Polythene Pam'.
Oct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
A Masterclass In Research with Mark Lewisohn
I am thrilled to be joined by master researcher Mark Lewisohn for this special season finale. Mark discusses his methods, decades of research and the extraordinary amount of detail that goes into all his books. For all things Mark Lewisohn, visit his website.
Sep 24, 2025 · 26 min
Roy Orbison Tour
This week we separate fact from fiction in the mythology around The Beatles' 1963 UK tour with Roy Orbison.
Sep 17, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Leaving Rishikesh with Paul Mason
One of the chapter's in The Beatles' history that fascinates me the most is their 1968 trip to India. In this week's episode, I am joined by author and researcher Paul Mason to discuss when and why each of the group chose to leave the Maharishi's ashram in Rishikesh. You can find all of Paul Mason's books including my favourite The Beatles, Drugs, Mysticism & India on his website.
Sep 10, 2025 · 20 min
Pepper War Medals
There is so much to look at on the cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band that it is easy to miss the sets of six medals that both John and Ringo wore on their colourful military costumes. Join me this week to explore the stories behind these unaccountable artefacts.
Sep 3, 2025 · 35 min
The Gretty Chord
Who was Jim Gretty and what chord did he teach The Beatles? More importantly, how did the group integrate this chord into their songs and arrangements? This week, we analyse another juicy, sometimes misunderstood chord.
Aug 27, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
MBEs with Chip Madinger & Scott Raile
Returning guests and Lennonology authors extraordinaire Chip Madinger & Scott Raile join me this week to discuss all aspects of The Beatles' MBE awards. As we explore this topic from receipt to John's return, we make a few exciting discoveries along the way! For all things Lennonology go to https://lennonology.com/
Aug 20, 2025 · 44 min
Yesterday
The history of when Paul McCartney wrote 'Yesterday' has been confused by contradictory memories. In this week's episode, we explore the gestation of a classic and I make the case for what I think is the most accurate timeline.
Aug 13, 2025 · 48 min
She Said She Said with Rob Collier
For the first episode of Season 5, I am joined by musician/composer Rob Collier to tackle an age old debate. Who played bass on 'She Said She Said'? Did Paul McCartney participate? From the song's conception through recording, we examine the available evidence. Check out Rob's blog, YouTube and Instagram.
Aug 6, 2025 · 1 min
Season 5 Announcement
Season 5 of Gimme Some Truth incoming! New episodes every Wednesday starting next week.
Aug 28, 2024 · 14 min
Bonus: 10,000 Hours
Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers popularised the concept of the 10,000-hour rule for success and its association with The Beatles has become an accepted part of their history. Did the group really perform 10,000 hours? In this bonus episode, we set the record straight!
Aug 21, 2024 · 51 min
Greece 1967 with Jonathan Knott
For this season 4 finale episode, I am joined by researcher and travel writer Jonathan Knott to present The Beatles' 1967 plans to buy a Greek island. This chapter in the history and one of its key players, Alexis 'Magic Alex' Mardas, have long been shrouded in mystery. With this episode and Jonathan's continued efforts, we get closer to the truth. You can follow Jonathan's research and writing on Substack.
Aug 14, 2024 · 31 min
Manila 1966 (Part 2)
For the second part of this Manila chronicle, we take a close look at The Beatles' harried departure from The Philippines, the aftermath and the legacy of Marcos' presidency.
Aug 7, 2024 · 36 min
Manila 1966 (Part 1)
This week and next we re-examine The Beatles' infamous 1966 visit to Manila. Much has been said about this event but the details are often confused. Part one explores the reasons for visiting The Philippines, the group's arrival, mix-up with the Presidential family and concerts.
Jul 31, 2024 · 38 min
Seltaeb vs NEMS with Stan Soocher
Does Brian Epstein deserve the criticism that has been charged against him for his handling of The Beatles' merchandising rights? I am joined by journalist, entertainment lawyer and professor Stan Soocher to answer this question through the history of several lawsuits between NEMS Enterprises and the companies set up to handle The Beatles' merchandise. This episode is inspired by one of the many fascinating chapters from Stan's book Baby You're A Rich Man: Suing The Beatles for Fun & Profit.
Jul 24, 2024 · 39 min
Paris 1964 with Eric Krasker
This week, my guest Eric Krasker and I tell the unexpectedly complex story of The Beatles' only foreign language recordings made in Paris in January 1964. This and many other details of the Paris residency are detailed in Eric's new book Les Beatles à l'Olympia (available here).
Jul 17, 2024 · 52 min
George Meets Ravi with Oliver Craske
The date that George Harrison first met his friend and mentor Ravi Shankar has never been accurately pinned down until now. This week I am joined by author/editor Oliver Craske to present the evidence he uncovered for his brilliant biography Indian Sun: The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar (more information here).
Jul 10, 2024 · 23 min
Release Me vs Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever
Much has been said about the end of The Beatles' streak of number one UK singles in 1967 with Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever. This week we look at what really happened and try to understand why.
Jul 3, 2024 · 56 min
Paris 1961
In the first episode of Season 4, we take a detailed look at John and Paul's October 1961 holiday to Paris. How do we know what we know about this period? And what can we add to Mark Lewisohn's account in Tune In?