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Scared To Dance Podcast

Welcome to the Scared To Dance Podcast, a weekly show where host Paul Richards sits down for hour-long, in-depth conversations with musicians, writers and cultural figures about their musical passions past and present - from formative influences and the stories behind their best-known work, to songwriting, touring and what they're working on now.

In season 1 he talks to guests including Belle and Sebastian, Sorry, The National, John Grant, Billie Marten, Manic Street Preachers, Pat Nevin, Warren Ellis, Sleaford Mods, Dry Cleaning, Gwenno and Elis James.

In season 2 he talks to guests including Nation of Language, Jon Ronson, Mark Jenkin, Matilda Mann, The Tubs, Nish Kumar, Julia Jacklin, The Cardigans, Lime Garden, Buck Meek, Manic Street Preachers and more.

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24 episodes
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English

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S2 · E11
Thursday · 41 min
S2 Ep11: Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible, Sean Moore and Be Pure - Be Vigilant - Behave
In episode 11, host Paul Richards talks to Manic Street Preachers Sean Moore and film director Kieran Evans, live on stage at Picturehouse Central. They discuss Be Pure - Be Vigilant - Behave, Evans’ film of the band playing The Holy Bible in full in 2014. The conversation covers the legacy of the album, why Sean calls it the band’s most honest record, and the bands that inspired his drumming. They also talk about how Evans pitched the idea to the band, the samples, fitting the music around Richey Edwards’ untouched lyrics, and the mood in 1994 when they felt they had nothing to lose. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Manic Street Preachers are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.manicstreetpreachers.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E10
October 15 · 40 min
S2 Ep10: Buck Meek - The Mirror, Big Thief and the ninety-song set list
In episode 10, host Paul Richards talks to Buck Meek, guitarist and co-founder of Big Thief, about his fourth solo album, The Mirror. They discuss life on tour with Big Thief, including a pool of around ninety songs, setlists written just before they walk on stage, and how songs like “Incomprehensible” keep changing. They also talk about making The Mirror with Big Thief’s James Krivchenia, including the opening track “Gasoline,” singing his vocals from the front porch where he wrote the songs, and recording through wildfire warnings. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Buck Meek is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.buckmeekmusic.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E9
October 8 · 50 min
S2 Ep9: Lime Garden - Maybe Not Tonight, four breakups and surviving the hype
In episode 9, host Paul Richards talks to Chloe Howard, frontwoman of Lime Garden, about the Brighton band's second album, Maybe Not Tonight. They discuss the album's conception as a night out from start to finish, and how all four members ending long-term relationships within three months shaped the record. They also talk about the early hype and how she handled it, the female influences she grew up on, signing their first record deal over Zoom in lockdown, and playing Glastonbury twice, first to an empty crowd and then to a packed Park Stage. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Lime Garden are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.limegarden.co.uk Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E8
October 1 · 58 min
S2 Ep8: The Cardigans - First Band on the Moon, navigating sudden fame and the shift to Gran Turismo
In episode 8, host Paul Richards talks to Nina Persson, frontwoman of The Cardigans, about the band's breakthrough with First Band on the Moon. They discuss songs like "Lovefool," the strange experience of navigating sudden fame, and her childhood and early years at art school. They also talk about the band's evolution from their early, melodic pop sound to the darker Gran Turismo and the more reflective, Americana-tinged Long Gone Before Daylight, whether there might be another Cardigans album, and her plans to one day write a book about the band. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk The Cardigans are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.cardigans.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E7
September 24 · 1 hr 2 min
S2 Ep7: Julia Jacklin - The Gem, trusting your gut and separating brand from self
In episode 7, host Paul Richards talks to singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin about her new album, The Gem. They discuss the Melbourne pub it's named after, trusting her gut in the studio, and wrestling her own sense of self back from the public idea of her. They also cover her earliest steps into music, including learning guitar in six weeks, before looking back on her debut album, Don't Let the Kids Win, inspired by Aldous Harding, and Crushing, the record that made her feel like she'd finally earned her place. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Julia Jacklin is on tour in 2026 and 2027. For dates and tickets go to www.juliajacklin.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E6
September 17 · 1 hr 7 min
S2 Ep6: Nish Kumar - Bob Dylan, DJing at Glastonbury with James Acaster and existential bangers
In episode 6, host Paul Richards talks to comedian and broadcaster Nish Kumar about his new stand-up show, Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy. They discuss the strange economics of the Edinburgh Fringe, his entry point into music at eighteen, and how he thinks we've all become far too reliant on big tech. They also cover DJing at Scared To Dance and at Glastonbury alongside James Acaster, his taste in music - from TV on the Radio, Outkast and Big Thief to what he calls existential bangers - and his long-standing obsession with Bob Dylan. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Nish Kumar is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.nishkumar.co.uk Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E5
September 10 · 39 min
S2 Ep5: The Tubs - Owen Williams on Joanna Gruesome, Ex-Vöid and his book Atrocity Exhibitions
In episode 5, host Paul Richards talks to Owen Williams from The Tubs - guitarist, songwriter and one of the most prolific figures in British indie music over the past decade and a half. They discuss growing up in a musical household with his mother, the folk musician and novelist Charlotte Greig, and his path from founding member of Joanna Gruesome to Ex-Vöid and now The Tubs. Owen also talks about his new book, Atrocity Exhibitions: Grieving in the TikTok Underworld, out now. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk The Tubs are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.mergerecords.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E4
September 3 · 56 min
S2 Ep4: Matilda Mann - Kismet, going independent and the BRIT School
In episode 4, host Paul Richards talks to singer-songwriter Matilda Mann about growing up in Shepherd's Bush, attending the BRIT School, and the rise that followed - from viral moments on TikTok to a Glastonbury Emerging Talent runner-up spot and support slots with Arlo Parks, Tom Odell and Wallows. They discuss her new album Kismet, self-released on her own label and written from a place of hard-won peace, drawing on the sounds of Al Green, Carole King and The Carpenters. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Matilda Mann is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.matildamann.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E3
August 27 · 58 min
S2 Ep3: Mark Jenkin - Rose of Nevada, the 17-year journey to make Bait and scoring his own films
In episode 3, host Paul Richards talks to filmmaker Mark Jenkin about his latest film, Rose of Nevada. They discuss working with George MacKay and Callum Turner, shooting in Cornwall, and how Mark came to score the film himself, and why music matters so much to his work. They also cover his path into directing, the 17-year journey to make his first feature Bait, and the challenges of staying independent as a filmmaker. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Mark Jenkin's latest film Rose of Nevada is out now. For more details visit www.roseofnevada.co.uk Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E2
August 20 · 58 min
S2 Ep2: Jon Ronson - Finding his way into writing, Frank Sidebottom and The Castle
In episode 2, host Paul Richards talks to author and journalist Jon Ronson about his new book, The Castle. They discuss growing up in Cardiff and finding his way into writing, and seeing The Specials play live as a teenager. They also cover how music helped shape his identity and outsider perspective growing up, his time playing in Frank Sidebottom's band and adapting his book The Men Who Stare at Goats for the big screen. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Jon Ronson's new book The Castle is out now. You can order it from www.jonronson.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S2 · E1
August 13 · 1 hr 4 min
S2 Ep1: Nation of Language - Dance Called Memory, depression and the influence of Kraftwerk
Welcome to season 2 of the Scared To Dance Podcast. In this series, host Paul Richards talks to some of his favourite people about their musical passions past and present. In episode 1, host Paul Richards talks to Ian Devaney and Aidan Noell from Nation of Language. They discuss their European tour, their latest album Dance Called Memory and the band's beginnings. They also cover writing through depression, embracing unpredictability in the studio, the influence of Kraftwerk and Brian Eno and what it means to be a band navigating social media and creative pressure in 2026. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Nation of Language are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.nationoflanguage.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E13
April 9 · 49 min
S1 Ep13: Best of Season 1 - Highlights with Elis James, Manic Street Preachers, The National and more
In this bonus episode of the Scared To Dance Podcast we have put together a collection of our favourite moments from season 1. Host Paul Richards talks to Belle and Sebastian, Elis James, Sorry, Manic Street Preachers, The National, Warren Ellis, Billie Marten and Sleaford Mods. Season 2 will be launching in August 2026. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E12
February 12 · 57 min
S1 Ep12: Elis James - Britpop, stand-up and the viral success of the Cymru Connection
In episode 12, host Paul Richards talks to the comedian and broadcaster Elis James. They discuss choosing comedy over playing in a band, picking up a guitar and the accessible influence of Britpop, how streaming changed music’s role in personal identity, his deep connection to Welsh language and music culture and the viral success of the Cymru Connection. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Elis James is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.elisjames.co Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E11
February 5 · 57 min
S1 Ep11: Gwenno - The Pipettes, Jarvis Cocker and her album Utopia
In episode 11, host Paul Richards talks to Gwenno. They discuss how Welsh and Cornish shaped her solo path, The Pipettes, life's survival instinct and music's stabilising role, inspirational Jarvis Cocker, Michael Flatley and her Las Vegas-era and her bold shift to the English language on her latest album Utopia. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Gwenno is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.gwenno.info Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E10
January 29 · 51 min
S1 Ep10: Dry Cleaning - Secret Love, Cate Le Bon and grassroots music venues
In episode 10, host Paul Richards talks to Lewis Maynard and Tom Dowse from Dry Cleaning. They discuss their new album Secret Love, Cate Le Bon's inventive approach to producing the record, working with interdisciplinary performance duo Bullyache, the band's early unexpected rise and the importance of grassroots music venues. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Dry Cleaning are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.drycleaningband.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E9
January 22 · 41 min
S1 Ep9: Sleaford Mods - The Demise of Planet X, Abbey Road and Ben Wheatley
In episode 9, host Paul Richards talks to Jason Williamson from Sleaford Mods. They discuss their new album The Demise of Planet X, collaborating with Life Without Buildings, recording at Abbey Road Studios, his friendship with the director Ben Wheatley plus working with Cillian Murphy and acting in Peaky Blinders and Game. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Sleaford Mods are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.sleafordmods.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E8
January 15 · 51 min
S1 Ep8: Warren Ellis - Ellis Park, Nina Simone's Gum and Nick Cave
In episode 8, host Paul Richards talks to Warren Ellis. They discuss Ellis Park, the documentary film about the wildlife sanctuary co-founded by Warren plus the creative journey of Nina Simone's Gum, working with Nick Cave and navigating personal breakdowns, live on stage at Picturehouse Central. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to https://www.nickcave.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E7
January 8 · 1 hr 3 min
S1 Ep7: Pat Nevin - Glasgow post-punk, New Order and Cocteau Twins
In episode 7, host Paul Richards talks to the former footballer and broadcaster Pat Nevin. They discuss his early life in Glasgow and the post-punk music scene, moving from Clyde to Chelsea, being substituted at half-time to watch New Order, his love of Cocteau Twins and Simple Minds, music's lifesaving power and a chance meeting with Morrissey. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Pat Nevin's latest book Football and How To Survive It is out now. Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E6
January 1 · 32 min
S1 Ep6: Manic Street Preachers - Everything Must Go, James Dean Bradfield and Escape From History
In episode 6, host Robin Turner talks to James Dean Bradfield from Manic Street Preachers. They discuss Escape From History, dealing with the disappearance of Richey Edwards, the success of Everything Must Go and working with the director Kieran Evans, live on stage at Picturehouse Central. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Manic Street Preachers are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.manicstreetpreachers.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information
S1 · E5
Dec 23, 2025 · 47 min
S1 Ep5: Billie Marten - Dog Eared, self-discovery in her lyrics and DJing at Scared To Dance
In episode 5, host Paul Richards talks to Billie Marten. They discuss her latest album Dog Eared, DJing at the club, meeting the poet laureate Simon Armitage, exploring self-discovery and vulnerability in lyrics, unique studio experiences, plans for future albums and her experience of navigating the music industry at a young age. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Billie Marten is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.billiemarten.com Follow Scared To Dance on Instagram, YouTube and Spotify @scaredtodance For upcoming club nights, film screenings and podcasts visit www.scaredtodance.co.uk Produced by Paolo Ruiu at Third Floor Recording Hosted on Audioboom. See audioboom.com/privacy for more information

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