Blethered

This episode is about how justice and humanity can intersect, and what happens when you treat people like they can still be more than the worst thing they’ve ever done.I’m viscerally aware of how serious crimes affect victims - I’ve felt that pain myself, but every conversation needs space for nuance.And in this episode, you’ll hear former Barlinnie prison officer Frank and I have a very detailed one.We discuss his expansive work history and his view of life inside Barlinnie, how modern innovations in rule-breaking make it tough to stop drugs getting in, plus the blackmail methods used against guards…We take a look at the social factors behind crime and why so many end up in a cycle of prison, addiction, and reoffending…And we explore why, in some cases, investing in rehabilitation makes more sense than a never-ending, expensive spiral.And as always, there’s loads more.Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Landers is a teacher of transcendental meditation at the TM Centre in Glasgow, recently displaced following the vape-shop fire on Union Street.In this conversation, we explore what transcendental meditation actually is, what it does to the mind and body, and why more people are turning inwards in a world that feels increasingly loud, constant, and overwhelming.We get into the crossover between science and long-standing spiritual practices, how attention and awareness shape our experience, and whether looking inward offers something that modern life doesn’t.I’m not offering a neat solution, because there isn’t one. I’m just asking the right questions.If life feels like too much at times, and you find yourself constantly looking outward for something to settle that, this might shift your perspective.contact: [email protected] TM Glasgow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek McEwan is preparing to take on the Marathon des Sables, a six-day, 250km ultra-marathon across the Sahara, where runners carry their own supplies and face extreme heat and cold.He’s doing it to raise money for the Catherine McEwan Foundation, set up in memory of his mum, who died aged 37 after living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease for 21 years. The charity supports people dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, and the daily realities of IBD.To understand the challenge, I joined Derek in a 35°C heat chamber session with humidity and reduced oxygen. Even over an hour, the strain on breathing, heart rate, and effort levels was clear, offering a glimpse into both the race conditions and the ongoing reality for those living with IBD.contact: [email protected] McEwan Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ally Begg’s life has taken some extraordinary turns. From growing up in Aberdeen dreaming of playing for Aberdeen FC, to becoming a member of 90s boyband Bad Boys Inc, his journey then moved into the world of football broadcasting. From Manchester United's MUTV and Celtic TV to becoming the face of football across South East Asia, Ally built a global career in sports media. But a serious near-death experience later forced him to reassess everything. This is a story of reinvention, resilience and perspective – in true Blethered style.contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Stephen Wright and Edward Kelly, partners at KPW Investments, a Glasgow-based firm managing over £500 million in assets on behalf of clients.I’ve always been interested in impressive and inspiring people, and it’s hard not to be impressed by two relatively young professionals who’ve earned the trust and responsibility of managing that level of wealth for individuals, families and businesses.This conversation was also a chance for me to stress-test some of my own beliefs and assumptions about the world of finance. Over the years on the podcast I’ve had many exploratory discussions about debt, personal finance and the financial pressures people face in everyday life, so I was curious to better understand the people working inside the system.What struck me immediately is that Stephen and Edward completely contradict the cliché image people often have of high-end finance. They’re personable, thoughtful and grounded, and clearly care about helping their clients make better long-term decisions with their money.At a time when there’s uncertainty across the board economically, becoming financially literate and learning from experts has never been more important.If you’d like to learn more about their work, you can visit kpwinvestments.co.uk or get in touch with the team at KPW Investments in Glasgow.contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brought to you by Sports Therapy ScotlandBorn in South Africa and living in Dubai, sports fanatic Tylan left behind a life on the corporate ladder and co-founded Dead Man’s Clique - a brand centred around adrenaline-based activities, combat sports, fitness, tattoos and a thriving social environment.As ‘Head of Danger’ at DMC - he threw himself into the deep end of absolutely everything, and life was going beautifully, until the 22nd of January, 2023, when he was involved in a horrendous motorcycle accident, resulting in very severe paralysis.The last few years have undeniably been incredibly tough for Tylan, but the strong impression I get from him, is that he’s faced them all head on. He’s a really tough, strong looking guy, but there’s real warmth and kindness about him. Maybe most surprisingly, there’s also a wee bit of vulnerability, that he’s happy to show.He’s quite open when he talks about how that day has shaped his life, and even though he’s well within his rights to feel aggrieved and to come across as quite despondent and morose, he’s absolutely anything but. There are a lot of life lessons and his story, and this whole conversation, is quite allegorical. Some of the lessons are really obvious and not particularly enshrouded in any mystique, but it doesn’t make them any less profound.This is a man who was told by surgeons that he had less than zero point zero one chance of ever standing on his own two feet again.Well I watched a video of him walking, just the other day.So that tells me… that we should listen to what the man has to say.Movement Is Privilege Instagramcontact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael McEwan is a journalist and broadcaster from Glasgow, with a unique perspective on the world. A former Blethered guest, Michael has cerebral palsy, but has never defined himself by that.After some chats back and forth, Michael expressed that he felt he was categorised in a certain way, and lamented what he felt was a lack of opportunity for him in professional terms.I had the idea to hand over the keys to Blethered, and let him showcase just what he can do. He's funny, intelligent, sharp and a capable interviewer/presenter. So here it is! Blethered, with Michael McEwan. And I'm his guest.Enjoy!contact: [email protected]'s LinkedIn Profile Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig first gained attention by walking from Hampden to Munich for Scotland’s Euros campaign. He’s now taking on a far bigger challenge, a 3,000-mile walk across the US, raising funds for SAMH ahead of the World Cup.We talk about how the idea came about, his affinity with the Germans, and just what he can expect as he undertakes this mammoth challenge.And, as always, loads more.Sports Therapy ScotlandContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Published ahead of the Netflix documentary on the Lucy Letby case, available to stream from February 4th. I'm joined by lawyer and registered midwife Jaimie McGready to discuss the trial and conviction of serial killer Lucy Letby.Letby was recently convicted of the murder of six newborn babies, and the attempted murder of seven more, in what was the longest murder trial in British legal history.We reflect on the evidence that led to her conviction and receipt of a full life order, meaning she’ll die behind bars.Jaimie and I also discuss the death penalty, the 'morality' of criminal defence lawyers and where the responsibility lies for hospital management staff's failure to act, after repeated warnings about Letby.And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: [email protected]: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billy Porter's name is synonymous with Glasgow in the 1980s and 90s, where he was a hugely popular comedian in the pubs, clubs and venues of Glasgow and the west of Scotland.Known for his quick thinking, sharp wit and on-the-edge humour, he was a cult favourite, and since his move to Tenerife in 2008, he’s been a must-see for any Scots travelling to the island on holiday. Billy tells me about growing up in Shettleston in a family not blessed with an abundance of wealth, the same as most in that era…He reflects on the impact of realising he was gay, in a harsh and unkind era, when it came to homosexuality…And he speaks very candidly about his challenges with alcoholism, and the years through which the laughter flowed every night, but rarely from him.You’ll know Billy Porter the comedian, but this conversation is Billy Porter the son, the brother, the husband, the friend, the wee guy from Shettleston and the man he eventually came to be.Bily's Instagram Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roz Foyer is the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the most influential voices in the Scottish labour movement. With decades of experience representing workers across public and private sectors, she is a leading advocate on fair work, pay, equality, and employment rights. In practical terms, she represents the collective voice of hundreds of thousands of workers, meaning her positions can shape national conversations, legislative priorities, and real-life outcomes.During this never-ending period of economic pressure, wage erosion, industrial unrest, and sociopolitical uncertainty in Scotland, Roz articulates worker concerns in language that resonates both with grassroots members and policymakers, making her a credible power broker rather than a purely symbolic advocate.In real-terms: she’s a key figure in Scottish life, and is fiercely on the side of the interests of the working man and woman.You’ll hear us talking about Roz’s formative years in the working world, and how she ended up at the forefront of the trade union movement…We discuss the economic difficulties faced by people in Scottish communities, and how they’re fuelling things like flags being hung from lampposts, and what those flags really represent…And we get into potentially uncomfortable territory. The Daily Mail recently attacked Roz on the basis that she owns some properties. Is it counterproductive and hypocritical for a trade union leader to own more than one home? Or is it completely disingenuous and propagandist output from the usual suspects, that falls apart at the slightest scrutiny? You can decide that one for yourself, I don’t think it’ll take you long.And as always, there’s so much more in there - and a chat I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the story of two Scottish rappers who pretended to be American, signed to the biggest record label on earth, made a fortune, toured with Eminem and D12, appeared on MTV, recorded multiple albums, before eventually being rumbled. I’m joined by Gavin Bain - one half of the now defunct rap duo Silibil N' Brains - who originated in the Scottish city of Dundee. After multiple rejections, they decided to pretend to be from California, and to their surprise, enjoyed immediate success. Their unbelievable story is now the subject of a biographical film - California Schemin’ - directed by Hollywood heavyweight James McAvoy. The film is based on Gavin’s autobiography, Straight Outta Scotland, but in typical Blethered style, I want to hear about the detail behind the detail, and the nuances of what drove him to pursue the life that he did, and the experiences that made him who he was. You’ll hear about growing up in South Africa, how lucid dreams become prophetic previews of his life events, moving to Motherwell and then Dundee, and how the characterisation that his musical adventure was anything other than unequivocal creative and commercial success, is truly wide of the mark.Gavin and his coconspirator and close friend Billy Boyd’s story is one of the most jaw dropping, hilariously unfathomable and absurd that I’ve ever heard. Make sure you go and see the film when it’s out in early 2026.Spanish Club at Zique's Hyndlandcontact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spanish language exchange at Ziques in Hyndland, Glasgow6th January 20265-7pm & 7-9pmUnlimited pintxos!Enjoy a relaxed setting with native speakers and learners of all levelsOpen to all TICKETS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland heads into an election while housing, public services and the cost of living pile pressure onto people’s lives. In that climate, the Greens are trying to set out what they stand for – after time in government and time out of it – and explain the role they believe they can play in Scotland’s future.Against the rise of the far right across Europe and growing political frustration at home, clarity is important. I’m here to ask direct questions, listen properly, and give guests the space to explain themselves without distortion. You can decide what you think for yourself.Game 4 Padel comes to Dundee!contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Aye Write 2025 book festivalThis episode digs into why so many young men are being drawn into the darker corners of the internet, and what’s actually happening inside those spaces. I sit down with journalist James Bloodworth and author Chris McQueer, whose new books approach the same world from different angles. One through investigation, the other through fiction.We examine how loneliness, identity, class, online culture and modern masculinity collide. There are pressures pushing young men toward isolated digital communities, the narratives they find once they’re there, and the sinister influences filling the gaps left by real-life connection and purpose.It’s a grounded, honest and unflinching look at an issue affecting families, schools and communities across the country – and what it might take to bring these young men back into the world around them.Lost Boys by James BloodworthHermit by Chris McQueerThe Anchor Inverclydecontact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Brown is the founder of Gambling LEAP, which stands for Lived Experience, Education, Awareness and Prevention. Colin lived with gambling addiction for over 25 years, eventually finding the strength and resolve to turn things around, but not before a number of intense challenges and setbacks throughout his life. He now hopes to use his experience and relative success in managing his addiction, to serve as a help and signpost for anyone currently going through the same experience. In this episode, Colin explains how addiction crept in and how it manifests itself in every facet of life, work and relationships… We discuss the predatory nature of the gambling industry itself, and how football and entertainment are complicit in its destruction And Colin offers his insight into tackling gambling addiction, both for those suffering with the affliction, and also for those close to gambling addicts. If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, there are some helpful links in the episode notes, but more importantly, there are some genuinely helpful points and information throughout the conversation. If you enjoy it or find it helpful, then don’t be shy in sharing it with others. You never know who might benefit from seeing it. Gambling LEAPNational Gambling HelplineSupport for Families of Gambling Addictscontact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Benji Waterhouse sits at an intersection of acute psychiatry and stand-up comedy. A consultant psychiatrist and comic, his book You Don't Have To Be Mad To Work Here offers a sharp, humane account of what really happens inside our mental-health system – and the toll it takes on those working within it.In this episode, recorded live at the Aye Write 2025 book festival in Glasgow, we explore the thin line between illness and ordinary life, how humour becomes a coping tool, and why some of our most familiar stories about "chemical imbalance" may be causing more harm than good.Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.