Scotcast

City trader turned influencer Gary Stevenson (pictured) is leading calls for a wealth tax. As chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for the autumn budget, economist Professor Mairi Spowage tells us why a tax targeting the so-called super-rich may have downsides too. And with US Vice-President JD Vance here on holiday, Martin and Laura wonder what’s so special about the Cotswolds. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Nicola Sturgeon says a social media post by Harry Potter author JK Rowling prompted a wave of 'vile' abuse over the former first minister’s views on transgender policy. It’s one of many more claims in Ms Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, which Natalie has read (most of at the time of recording this recording). And as Spiderman webs his way through the streets of Glasgow, Slow Horses director Saul Metzstein tells us why his hometown is now like a second home to Hollywood. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Nicola Sturgeon has been busy promoting her new memoir, Frankly. We’ve read and heard what she thinks about Alex Salmond, Operation Branchform, Isla Bryson and her own sexuality. But how much of it is news? Martin, Natalie and the BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart discuss how much we’ve really learned from the former first minister's book publicity. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and ex-BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor talk to Martin, Laura and Natalie about their careers, covering tragedies and modern journalism. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Edinburgh Fringe on Wednesday 6th August. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Author Irvine Welsh's new book, Men in Love, is a sequel to his debut novel and cult classic Trainspotting. Irvine talks to Martin about revisiting Renton, Begbie and Sick Boy, the state of politics and what smartphones are doing to us. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Edinburgh Fringe on Wednesday 6th August, this episode contains strong language some listeners might find offensive. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Natalie Higgins and Laura Miller.Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Darren McGarvey (pictured) is an author, documentary maker and rapper whose debut book, Poverty Safari, won the Orwell Prize. He tells us about his latest work, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the pitfalls of sharing personal lived experience. Cover photo courtesy of Jack Cocker. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Sub Club nightclub owner Mike Grieve has been a leading figure in Scotland’s late-night culture for 40 years. As the Night Time Industries Association warn of the death of the night out, he tells us how his industry has changed. And Natalie reveals how Britney Spears brought about a dance floor injury. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Follow this link for free tickets to our live show at the Edinburgh Fringe, featuring Irvine Welsh, on Wednesday 6 August 2025: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/scotcast

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes (pictured) is standing down as an MSP at the 2026 Holyrood elections. Martin and Natalie wonder why someone who was so close to becoming first minister of Scotland in 2023 is chucking politics at the age of 35. And after her successful campaign to ban disposable vapes, Laura Young (aka Less Waste Laura) tells us why she’s now targeting dental floss. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Follow this link for free tickets to our live show at the Edinburgh Fringe, featuring Irvine Welsh, on Wednesday 6 August 2025: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/scotcast Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Two Jewish comedians' Edinburgh Fringe shows have been cancelled over 'staff safety concerns'. It’s the latest in a series of controversies over appears at, and funds, Edinburgh’s festivals. Jenny Niven, who runs the Edinburgh International Book Festival, tells us how she navigates the arts, politics and protest.Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Follow this link for free tickets to our live show at the Edinburgh Fringe, featuring Irvine Welsh, on Wednesday 6 August 2025: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/scotcast Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Scottish scientist Professor David MacMillan won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for work which led to developments in drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. After being added to the National Portrait Gallery, David talks to Martin and Laura about new-found fame, his friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson and why he’s 'not worried in the slightest' about AI. Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins. Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk