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Author David Sheff on "Yoko"
10th September 2025 • Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon • Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon
00:00:00 00:09:29

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"I think it's turning around and I think people are getting it, they're understanding what it was that John wanted people to see when they looked at Yoko, which is what he saw when. Which was this incredible person and this incredible artist."

Welcome David Sheff

We’re joined on the Starline by a journalist, father and as Sanjay Gupta called him a “clear-eyed chronicler of addiction”. You’ve seen his memoir “Beautiful Boy”. His latest book is “Yoko”.

We welcome best-selling author David Sheff.

David, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Today, journalists are lucky to get ten minutes with an author, musician or movie star. But you spent three weeks with Yoko Ono and John Lennon in 1980. You’ve helped produce “Heart Play: Unfinished Dialogue”. How did your relationship bloom from an astrological reading to your friendship today?

Yoko always wanted to keep John image secure and relevant years after his assassination. But in doing so, how was she punished?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite John Lennon song?

2. Who is the person you interviewed whose answers surprised you?

3. When was the best hug with your son Nic?

4. Favorite piece of art from Jasper is what?

5. What chore does your wife Karen depend on you to do?

6. What’s the one thing about Daisy that makes you smile?

7. Best thing about a dog?

8. “Yoko imagined a better world – and she worked to create one.” Has Yoko outlived her haters and had the last laugh in creating a better world?

One Big Question:

“Yoko had come to expect disappointment, but each time, she couldn’t help but hope.” As we approach a day where Yoko is no longer on this earth, what is the one thing people need to know about her love of family?

The Wrap:

He loves John Lennon’s song “Mother”, in charge of all of the cooking & cleaning at home. The book is “Yoko” David Sheff, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.



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