About this episode

David Leaf shares memories of Brian Wilson and discusses the legacy of the SMiLE album.

Days after Brian Wilson passed away - and on his birthday - his biographer and good friend David Leaf returned for part one of a special two-part episode. David shares his recollections of Brian's challenging recent years. It's group therapy for David and hosts Mark and Phil, as they discuss how Brian made the world a better place, stepping out of The Beatles' shadow, did the obits really "get" Brian, more insight into why SMiLE was shelved, and they ask, "Did Brian's ambitions really die with SMiLE?" Of course, we also talk to David about his great new book on the saga of that legendary album.

People in this episode

Hosts: Mark Dillon, Phil Miglioratti

Guest: David Leaf

Topics covered

• Brian Wilson
• David Leaf
• SMiLE
• music history
• biography
• group therapy

Keywords

• Brian Wilson
• David Leaf
• SMiLE
• Beach Boys
• music biography
• The Beatles
• album history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Beatles

Books & works: SMiLE

More episodes of Surf's Up: A Beach Boys Podcast Safari

• David Beard on his All Summer Long book · June 30, 2026 · 1h 15m
• We Gotta Groove with Howie Edelson and James Saez Part 2 · February 25, 2026 · 54 min
• We Gotta Groove with Howie Edelson and James Saez - Part One · January 29, 2026 · 1h 4m
• David Leaf Remembers Brian and Talks SMiLE Part 2 · September 5, 2025 · 55 min
• SMiLE vs. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band · June 23, 2024 · 13 min
• Howie Edelson on "The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys" · April 5, 2024 · 1h 20m

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