Share

cover art for Two Strings Cassette Tape with Paul Mclean

Two Strings & Paint Tins

Two Strings Cassette Tape with Paul Mclean

Season 1, Ep. 3
•

Psychiatric nurse and musician Paul talks to Joanna Neary about making music for its own sake. 


It’s another day in 1989. Sick of counting cars and avoiding gainful employment, two feckless teenagers come up with a plan. This is the origin story of ‘Two Strings & Paint Tins’.


We talk about judgement too: what happens when people tell you that you shouldn’t be expressing yourself in that genre?


Doesn’t it make you want to keep going?


YES! This eclectic podcast episode is an experiment, a meandering chat, an exercise in having fun and being way out of the old comfort zones.


It’s a celebration of being bored, getting things wrong and keeping on anyway.


Theme music by Hedluv.


Made with funding support from Arts Council England.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 5. Baroque Lies & A Joyful Mess with Martin Rowson

    38:32||Season 1, Ep. 5
    A conversation with artist Martin Rowson about his process, comedy, Ronald Searle, why we draw and the benefits of not rehearsing and podcast host Joanna Neary. An episode about letting go of control and learning, aptly, preparation consisted solely of studying some Ronald Searle drawings and finding a Martin Rowson one. ‘WE DO THIS FOR THE SAME REASON WE TELL STORIES…’ with some grade A swears and a bleep. You can find related images discussed in this episode at joannaneary.com except for the Guardian cartoon which appeared in the December 13th 2025 issue. Joanna has got a print out of it somewhere but has put it somewhere special and probably won’t see it again now until another futuristic sounding date like.. 2029. With thanks to Anna Rowson, Nick Revell and Pad Mclean.Original music written and recorded by Hedluv.Made with support from funding from The Arts Council England.

  • 4. Pedantic Man Horticulturalist With Catherine Beazley

    19:18||Season 1, Ep. 4
    A conversation with writer, naturalist and artist Catherine Beazley about birdies, flora, living in Cornwall, neurodiversity and the comedy and seriousness of being a pedantic man horticulturist. From the story in a ghostly seed to finding a way to make things work when the systems in place just don’t fit. This experimental podcast episode is an eclectic celebration of difference and the power of passion. With Joanna Neary, Catherine Beazley and Jane Harvey. Sound engineered and mastered by Ciaran Clarke.With thanks to Jane Harvey and Pad Mclean. Song written by Catherine Beazley, sung and recorded by Rosie Sosic. Original music written and recorded by Hedluv. Made with support from funding from The Arts Council England.

  • 2. Kind Comedy with Robin Ince

    36:19||Season 1, Ep. 2
    Writer, comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince talks to Joanna Neary about creative process, making connections and challenging convention. From being kind to audiences and finding inspiration to how a disastrous show led to Robin's favourite production yet, this episode champions finding your own way. Recorded at The Lamb Inn in Eastbourne, home of Joanna’s monthly alternative comedy night, which is hugely inspired by and indebted to Robin’s anarchic legendary Book Club. Made with funding support from Arts Council England.

  • 1. Two Strings & Paint Tins Trailer

    00:50||Season 1, Ep. 1
    A note re: Adam Ivy's transcript. This isn’t Joanne O’Neary and at 00.33, Catherine is saying ‘grape hyacinths’ rather than ‘great pouisants’. Adam Ivy is Joanne O’Neary’s name for A.I. He’s a big eejit. Trailer for a mini series; stories, sketches and conversations around creativity. Hosted by Joanna Neary (Wife On Earth Podcast). Supported using public funding by Arts Council England