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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, Mary in the Junkyard, Julia Jacklin, The Cardigans, Lime Garden, Buck Meek and more.

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16 episodes
weekly
Avg 50 min
English

Episodes 16

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S2 · E3
Thursday · 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 DJing at Scared To Dance, growing up in Cardiff and finding his way into writing. 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, Richey Edwards 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
S1 · E4
Dec 18, 2025 · 50 min
S1 Ep4: John Grant - Devo, Kylie Minogue and ping-pong with Grace Jones
In episode 4, host Paul Richards talks to John Grant. They discuss performing in Jonathan Watkins’ ballet adaptation A Single Man, Berlin and the films of Wim Wenders, early musical inspirations and his love of Devo, collaborating with Kylie Minogue, CMAT and Sinéad O’Connor and playing ping-pong with Grace Jones. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk John Grant is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.johngrantmusic.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 · E3
Dec 11, 2025 · 22 min
S1 Ep3: The National - Mistaken For Strangers, family dynamics and dinner with Werner Herzog
In episode 3, host Paul Richards talks to Matt Berninger from The National. They discuss Mistaken For Strangers, the band's reaction to the film, exploring potential sequels, his family's take on the documentary and an encounter with Werner Herzog, live on stage at Picturehouse Central. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Matt Berninger is on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.mattberninger.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 · E2
Dec 4, 2025 · 51 min
S1 Ep2: Sorry - Cosplay, directing music videos and Adam Curtis
In episode 2, host Paul Richards talks to Asha Lorenz from Sorry. They discuss the band's new album Cosplay, the songwriting process, directing music videos, Adam Curtis, public perception, the challenges of social media, band dynamics, inspiration, ambition, playing festivals, Fontaines D.C. and future plans. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Sorry are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.sorryband.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 · E1
Nov 26, 2025 · 43 min
S1 Ep1: Belle and Sebastian - Forming the band, Tigermilk and Nobody's Empire
Welcome to season 1 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, he talks to Stuart Murdoch from Belle and Sebastian. They discuss Stuart’s earliest musical memories, forming the band, recording their early albums Tigermilk and If You're Feeling Sinister, working with Trevor Horn, God Help the Girl, upcoming tour plans and his book Nobody’s Empire. Hosted by Paul Richards. You can contact the show by emailing hello@scaredtodance.co.uk Belle and Sebastian are on tour in 2026. For dates and tickets go to www.belleandsebastian.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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