Episode 16: Music Journalism and OCD, with James McMahon

James McMahon was Features Editor of NME in the early 2000s, and the Editor of Kerrang 2011-2017. He now freelances, writing about music, gaming and mental health. 

We discuss life at NME and Kerrang, the merits of music journalism as an endeavour, the chaotic lifestyle of journalism, what it means to be a music fan, and James's lifelong struggles with OCD which ultimately led him to leave Kerrang and re-evaluate his life.

Photo Credit: Tom Oxley

For more on James and his projects:

Website: https://www.jamesjammcmahon.com/

His OCD Chronicles, where he interviews peoples with OCD: www.itstheocdchronicles.com

Indie Heaven, where he tracks down childhood indie heros: 
https://www.jamesjammcmahon.com/-indie-heaven

For support with OCD:

https://ocdaction.org.uk/

OCD Action helpline: 08453906232

To find a support group: https://www.ocduk.org/support-groups/

OCD Stories (stories and podcasts on OCD): https://theocdstories.com/

To find a therapist trained in working with OCD: https://www.ocduk.org/overcoming-ocd/accessing-ocd-treatment/accessing-ocd-treatment-privately/finding-a-private-therapist/

More info and advice:
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/about-ocd/

Mad Covid: https://madcovid.wordpress.com/72-2/

Order of episode:

Intro, and explanation of OCD, intrusive thoughts and images: 0.00–19.30

Rage Against The Machine, Know Your Enemy: 0.21
The Doors, Love Me Two Times: 2.33
Nirvana, Polly: 5.55
Morphine, Shame: 8.55
NGHFB, Alone on the Rope: 11.20

Interview with James: 19.30–1.56.59

Morphine, Cure for Pain: 1.29.10

Interview with James ends: 1.56.59

Sub-Pop Sundays, You Amaze Me: 1.56.60

Outro, support and contact info: 1.57.56

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