Best Matthew Denby Podcasts (2025)

1
FINALE: Ultimate Stock Aitken Waterman Singles Countdown top 20 1:10:50

11d ago1:10:50

1:10:50

To mark reaching the end of the journey through every single produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman from 1984-1993, Gavin and Matt celebrate the music of the Hit Factory by counting down our listeners' favourite 20 singles from the list of 200 we have discussed on the podcast. What will be number 1? (Subscribers, numbers 50-21 are co…

1
Epilogue 2: Love This and beyond 1:17:52

2M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Shortly after Mike Stock left PWL in 1993, he purchased a building to house a brand-new studio complex and record label, Love This, and reunited with Matt Aitken to resume their songwriting and production work together. Although, over the next few years, the duo would release many more cover versions than original songs, having success with the lik…

1
Epilogue 1: PWL 1994-96 1:03:52

2M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

Although both Matt Aitken and Mike Stock had left the building, PWL Records continued to release music — and in this epilogue episode, we look at some of the artists who succeeded and some that didn't hit the mark in the few years after the demise of Stock Aitken Waterman. Former PWL MD David Howells joins us to discuss the challenges of starting a…

1
Jodie Lowinger explains the hidden logic behind anxiety 39:22

3M ago39:22

39:22

Familiar with that crippling hold of anxiety? Aren't we all. From butterflies in the stomach to negative thoughts on repeat, psychologist Jodie Lowinger is here to explain and reframe how we look at anxiety. On this episode we discuss what anxiety actually is, how to meet it head on, and why, for the most part, it's a normal and natural part of our…

1
How Kelsey Wells used exercise to support her mental health 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

Compared to you and me, Kelsey Wells lives a fairly public life at a large scale. With over 3 million followers on Instagram alone, the fitness trainer, wife and mother is no stranger to boundaries and keeping the balance. Her mantra? Live authentically, and always protect your mental health. On this episode we discuss the delicate postpartum years…

1
Vulva photographer Ellie Sedgwick on practising self-love 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

Ellie Sedgwick has something to say. In light of a rapid rise in labiaplasties globally, the vulva photographer is breaking down taboos around genital insecurity, and opening up dialogue. Her message: practise self-lovin', not loathing. In a world where perfect is often the benchmark, Ellie is asking us to appreciate what we have and realise that, …

1
Ep 80: Free To Love Again to Virginia Plain and Mike Stock's departure 1:20:59

3M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

Every journey has an ending, and in this episode, we reach the final three singles produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman in 1993 — and discuss the events surrounding the termination of the partnership as Mike left PWL. Former Miss America Suzette Charles joins us to talk about her singing/acting/pageant career and how she turned up at PWL demand…

1
Laura Henshaw is setting her own boundaries 50:05

4M ago50:05

50:05

Laura Henshaw is working on her boundaries. In the midst of a hectic schedule and never taking a moment to pause, the CEO and co-founder is on a journey to discover when enough is enough and how to pull back and preserve her own space and mental health. Admittedly, it's a work in progress. On this ep, Laura talks about childhood drive, life at scho…

1
Megan Dalla-Camina is calling out your inner critic 39:40

4M ago39:40

39:40

Megan Dalla-Camina wants women to rise up. The three-time best selling author and women’s leadership expert believes we should all challenge things (ideas, norms, beliefs) that can make us stagnant and self-critical. On this ep, the founder and CEO outlines 13 inner critic archetypes, gives tips on how we can work with them, not against, and ultima…

1
Ep 79: Looks Like I'm In Love Again to Energize 1:16:30

4M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

The top 40 resurgence was over, with the next few Stock and Waterman singles released in 1993 struggling on the UK chart. But it wasn't for want of trying. Tapping into the same piano house sound that had yielded hits for Sybil (with and without West End), "Looks Like I'm In Love Again" by Key West featuring Erik had come to PWL via Eddie Gordon's …

1
Steph Claire Smith is being kinder to herself 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

Steph Claire Smith is practicing self-compassion. Despite helming one of the country's biggest wellness businesses, she's not immune to bouts of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. On this ep, the business owner, former model and mother gets frank about feeling overwhelmed in the boardroom, the cruel brilliance of 20:20 hindsight when it comes to par…

1
Ep 78: More, More, More, When I'm Good And Ready, Wrestlemania and One Voice 48:45

4M ago48:45

48:45

The commercial resurgence at PWL continued in 1993, with all four of the singles covered in this episode becoming UK hits. Still on her hot streak following the success of "The Love I Lost" with West End, Sybil returned to the top 5 with original tune "When I'm Good And Ready", which was credited to her alone. Sybil tells us what she thought of the…

1
Ep 77: The Love I Lost 51:51

5M ago51:51

51:51

Things were looking up at the Hit Factory in early 1993. Mike Stock and Pete Waterman found themselves in the UK top 5 with back-to-back singles — something that hadn't happened in three years. And the latest of those big hits came from a remake of "The Love I Lost" released by West End featuring Sybil. The story behind the single is an intriguing …

1
SNEAK PEEK: 1993 preview and Greatest Hits by Kylie Minogue track-by-track teaser 15:36

5M ago15:36

15:36

Before we begin our journey through Mike Stock's final year working with Pete Waterman at PWL, we have a preview of what's still to come. Plus, we share the first 10 minutes of our recent Greatest Hits by Kylie Minogue bonus episode To hear the full Greatest Hits by Kylie Minogue bonus episode and all the other extra content, you can subscribe at c…

1
Ep 76: Did I Say Ti Amo, Last Thing On My Mind, Celebration and Slam Jam 1:00:24

5M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

To wrap up 1992, Stock and Waterman worked with two new artists and two returning favourites. In the case of Kylie Minogue, it was to be her final single released with PWL. Fittingly, her version of "Celebration" was lifted from Greatest Hits and gave her a final UK top 20 hit before departing for new musical adventures. We hear from Phil Harding &…

1
Ep 75: Summer Holiday, What Kind Of Fool (Heard All That Before), Higher And Higher and Movin' On 52:59

6M ago52:59

52:59

Summer 1992 didn't yield much in the way of Stock and Waterman productions. But in August that year, there was a sudden rush of releases, kicked off by a curious novelty record: a remake of "Summer Holiday" by Fat Slags, characters from Viz. Former PWL engineer Pete Day helps us get to the bottom of who exactly performed on the track. Meanwhile, Ky…

1
Luka McCabe insists that food should never be the enemy 40:20

6M ago40:20

40:20

Luka McCabe is a realist when it comes to food. Sure, in an ideal world we'd all eat wholefoods 100% of the time, but the busy, expense-laden reality is far from it. On this ep, the author, midwife, business owner and mother gets frank about slinging meals on the table, squeezing in gym sessions, the art of making small, cost-efficient changes and …

1
Alyssa Healy has stepped up to the captaincy 39:50

6M ago39:50

39:50

Alyssa Healy is equal parts chilled, equal parts focussed. For someone who helms the dominant Australian women's cricket team, Healy had big boots to fill when she took the post at the end of 2023, but the wicket keeper is doing it in calm, level style. And not only behind the stumps. On this ep, Alyssa Healy talks about leading from within, naviga…

1
Ep 74: All You Have To Do to Finer Feelings 1:15:28

6M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

In early 1992, Boy Krazy were still a year away from their belated massive success in the US with "That's What Love Can Do" and they followed up that debut single in the UK with "All You Have To Do". Now a four-piece, the girl group shifted musical gears, releasing a more club-influenced track, but once again it failed to connect. Ruth Ann, Kimberl…

1
Rachael Finch stopped self-restricting and found the balance 31:48

7M ago31:48

31:48

Rachael Finch had a glamorous life as a model and tv presenter in her 20s. She lived in London, New York, Germany, Singapore and New Zealand, but somewhere along the way the former Miss Universe Australia began self-restricting and competing with herself. Thankfully, a change in career and location changed the trajectory. Here's how Rachael found w…

1
Here's how Brooke Hogan came out on top 37:13

7M ago37:13

37:13

Brooke Hogan is a beacon of gold. Her Instagram shows a grid of family, retriever, Pilates and composure. But, like all stories in life, it's taken hard work to get there: a sometimes confronting modelling career, a first business that didn't cut the mustard and, most importantly, an arduous but ultimately successful IVF journey. Here's how Brooke …

1
BONUS: Get Ready For This — The 2 Unlimited Story with Ray Slijngaard 49:45

7M ago49:45

49:45

Following their launch in 1991 with debut single "Get Ready For This", Eurodance duo 2 Unlimited enjoyed a string of more than a dozen hits around the world. What does that have to do with Stock Aitken Waterman? Well, in the UK, the act fronted by Ray Slijngaard and Anita Doth was signed to PWL Records at a time when the Hit Factory's in-house prod…

1
Everyone wants to be Paralympian Ellie Cole's best mate 44:52

7M ago44:52

44:52

Numbers are a big part of Ellie Cole's life. She lost one leg at the age of three, has won 17 - yes, 17 - medals in swimming and is Australia's most decorated Paralympian. But what's Ellie's biggest achievement? Beyond the joy of co-parenting her five-month-old son Felix, it's how humble, candid and lovable she is. Tune in to meet a woman who is a …

1
Tiff Hall is tackling 'bounce-back' culture head on 43:50

7M ago43:50

43:50

After two pregnancies, weight gain, a couple of mum tums and feeling a bit lost in the process, Tiff Hall has something to say. The ex-Gladiator, author, tv personality and fitness trainer talks to head of brand for Women's Health, Scarlett Keddie, about postpartum repression, women supporting women and the power of a good Winston Churchill quote. …

1
What's Melissa Leong's next move? 48:31

8M ago48:31

48:31

We're back! Uninterrupted is live, and for the first ep of the season Melissa Leong chats about life at the moment, managing anxiety and depression from a young age, her love of perfume and mixed martial arts, and locking herself out of the house (relatable). CREDITS: This podcast was hosted and produced by WH head of brand Scarlett Keddie with sou…

1
Ep 73: Keep On Pumpin' It to Give Me Just A Little More Time (and Do You Dare) 1:06:59

8M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

There was no denying the popularity of rave and techno in the UK in 1991, and Stock and Waterman went all clubby as the year drew to a close — with help from some key collaborators. DJs Paul Taylor and Danny Bennett (aka Danny Hibrid) from Angels nightclub visited PWL to work with Tony King on remixing Kylie Minogue album track "I Guess I Like It L…

1
Ep 72: Make This A Special Night to So Proud Of You 1:07:33

9M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Late in 1991, PWL was trying all sorts of things to get back in the charts on a regular basis, including working with '80s funk/soul band Cool Notes. Single "Make This A Special Night" harked back to some of SAW's earliest releases when they dabbled in R&B — and was one of several tracks recorded with the group, which was now a trio. Singer Laurain…

1
Ep 71: Happy Together to Word Is Out 59:14

9M ago59:14

59:14

They were the pop stars that changed everything for the Hit Factory — and in this episode we discuss pivotal singles for Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue. In Jason's case, his remake of "Happy Together" was his final single with PWL, as he made the leap to musical theatre and a new record label. The cover version was also the first Stock and Waterma…

1
BONUS: Remixing The Hits with Tony King 45:34

10M ago45:34

45:34

To mark the third anniversary of A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman, former PWL remixer Tony King joins us to share his story of going from Phil Harding's assistant to being responsible for a Billboard Hot 100 smash hit thanks to his remix of "Don't Make Me Over" by Sybil. Tony recounts the "weird" way he landed a job at PWL and how his first …

1
Ep 70: That's What Love Can Do 1:04:58

10M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

The Boy Krazy story is one of the most interesting — and complicated! — in the SAW history. The American girl group was put together through auditions in New York, going through a few line-up changes before the final five-piece, Johnna, Josselyne, Kimberly, Renee and Ruth Ann, signed a deal with PWL Records and flew to London to start recording wit…

1
Ep 69: Roadblock 91 to All Mixed Up and Matt Aitken's departure 56:35

10M ago56:35

56:35

It had to happen at some point. In May 1991, the Stock Aitken Waterman era ended when Matt Aitken walked away from his role as one third of the songwriting and production trio. In this episode, he explains what prompted his decision and we explore the changing nature of PWL at the time, which was a contributing factor in the split. Mike Stock also …

1
Ep 68: Shocked 1:12:40

11M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

The fourth in arguably the best singles run in pop music history was also a first for Stock Aitken Waterman, as external mix team DNA took care of the 7" remix of "Shocked" by Kylie Minogue, Neal Slateford from DNA tells us how the unprecedented remix came about following the runaway success of his and production partner Nick Batt's reinvention of …

1
Ep 67: Better Off Without You to R.S.V.P. 1:06:14

12M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

She was our very first interviewee back in Episode 1 — and we finally reach the conclusion of Hazell Dean's Stock Aitken Waterman journey with her version of "Better Off Without You", which was released in 1991. The Queen of Hi-NRG joins us once again to discuss recording a song previously cut by Lonnie Gordon and her thoughts about the SAW sound s…

1
Ep 66: What Do I Have To Do Part 2: the styling and video 48:21

12M ago48:21

48:21

While "What Do I Have To Do" by Kylie Minogue stands on its own two feet as a song, the impact of the single was increased greatly due to the striking imagery on display on the single cover and in the music video. Celebrity stylist David Thomas takes us right back to the early years of his career and tells the story of how he was hired to style the…

1
Ep 65: What Do I Have To Do Part 1: the song and mixes 47:13

12M ago47:13

47:13

In 1991, it was another bold step forward for Kylie Minogue, and in the decades since, "What Do I Have To Do" has cemented its place among fans' all-time favourites from her extensive back catalogue. But the third single from Rhythm Of Love didn't come together easily, with a lengthy period of time spent mixing the club-influenced track — and remix…

1
BONUS: Promoting PWL — Sharp End's Ron McCreight on Kylie, Jason, Sinitta, The Reynolds Girls and more 46:29

1y ago46:29

46:29

You can have the best single in the world, but there's little chance of it being a hit if no one hears it. That's where pluggers come in — taking songs to radio and convincing programmers to playlist them. In 1987, Ron McCreight and his business partner, Robert Lemon, joined forces with PWL's Pete Waterman and David Howells in a plugging company th…

1
SNEAK PEEK: Kylie by Kylie Minogue and Youthquake by Dead Or Alive track-by-track previews 20:55

1y ago20:55

20:55

Check out previews of two of our most popular bonus track-by-track episodes. Gavin and Matt discuss Kylie, the debut album by Kylie Minogue, and, with special guest Barry Stone, talk about the first SAW-produced album by Dead Or Alive, Youthquake. As well as giving our thoughts on every song, we count down listeners' favourite tracks. If you enjoy …

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