Blethered

From the Aye Write Book Festival 2025 in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall – a live conversation with Scottish authors Irvine Welsh and John Niven.We get into their latest books and dive deep into the big stuff: existential questions, the chaos of the digital age, addiction, love, masculinity, and plenty more in between.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio presenterJonny Campbell looks back on his early days in commercial radio, starting out at West FM and then Clyde 1, before making the jump from Clyde 1 to Capital Scotland.There’s funny chat and some discussion around accents, Tourette’s syndrome, the 90’s radio voice, and men dressing up in dresses for Beyonce tickets.The main reason for this conversation, however, was to discuss both the subject - and Jonny and his wife Kirsten’s experience - of miscarriage. They sadly endured three miscarriages, before the joy of welcoming their gorgeous baby daughter Molly in October of this year.It’s estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, but it’s one of the subjects that remains largely untouched when it comes to open conversation. My aim here is to hold out a loving embrace for whoever needs to hear it. Whether you or your partner, or someone else close to you, has experienced miscarriage, the emotion will run deep, and possibly remain deep within.Sometimes the first step to healing is the realisation that you’re not alone, even when it feels like you are. I hope – if you need it – that you get that from this chat between two daft Scottish guys who end up expressing a lot of love, care and emotion.Oh and you’ll also hear about the time I convinced my pal Keni that he was live on Real Radio back in 2007. That is absolutely worth waiting until the end for.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/miscarriage-information-and-support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Aimen Dean went from al-Qaeda member to undercover MI6 operative — his full account of recruitment, betrayal and escape. Aimen tells a never-before-told story about his haunting interaction with the lead-hijacker of the September 11th attacks in New York City...We hear about Aimen's decision to join MI6 as an undercover spy, and the extensive debriefing process in Scotland...Aimen discusses his progression into mainstream media such as Newsnight and the Conflicted podcast...And Aimen reflects on the issue of 'returning jihadists', and the controversial case of Shamima Begum.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First published in January 2024, but it’s worth a share for those who may benefit from it.I speak to men's sobriety coach Liam about the relationship that society - especially in Scotland - has with drinking… We reflect on our own personal dynamic with booze and the heavy effects of drinking too much, too frequently...And we get into some uncomfortable territory about the darker overhang and aftermath of binge drinking.What you’re about to listen to is a genuine conversation about alcohol, and how we feel about it. We’re not trying to talk you, or ourselves, into anything. We’re just talking, and you’re invited to listen in. And we’re glad that you are.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/liamconlan_sp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of Blethered Live at SWG3 in Glasgow, with former MI6 Spy Aimen Dean.Aimen talks about his early life in Saudi Arabia and how religious clerics shaped his young mindset...His decision to go and fight in Bosnia at 16 years old, in defence of Bosnian Muslims, and the horrors that he saw...And about when his path first crossed with Osama bin Laden.And as always, there's plenty more. Contact: seanmcdonald,podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pervasive, mendacious and downright malevolent diatribe directed towards immigrants in the UK – or those wrongly categorised as such – irrespective of their social, economic or citizenship status, is at what feels like an all time high. So who better to hear from than someone who’s experiencing this continuing embarrassment to Britain. Step forward, Aarti Joshi. Aarti is a good friend of mine and was previously a guest on Blethered back in 2021, where we discussed what it’s like to be a Scottish-indian woman in a so-called man’s world. Aarti is a strong-willed, intelligent, Scottish woman who is fiercely proud of her heritage, and so she should be. I knew she’d give me a no-holds barred account of what life has been like lately. The trigger point for this sit-down was the sudden appearance of flags hung from lampposts, all over North Glasgow, where I’m from. This was irrefutably and undeniably an attempt to intimidate those deemed to be nonindigenous from Scotland and the UK in general, and it succeeded in its attempt to instil fear in those it was aimed at.In the face of bullies, and especially in that vein, neutrally is not an option. It’s silent support of the systematic bullying and scapegoating of people who do not deserve it. I’m not standing by and watching it happen without doing something, and neither should you.To claim you’re apolitical, in the face of grotesque unfairness and injustice, is an intrinsically political choice. Don’t sit this one out. Believe it or not, after such a morally indignant monologue from me, this chat is genuinely full of laughs. It’s two pals chatting about the state of the world as we see it, and we’ve pulled up a seat for you, as well.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know someone who brags about never stopping, but what looks like productivity is often burnout – and it quietly erodes health, relationships, and enjoyment of life.Dr Aisan joins me to explain what burnout really is, how to recognise it before it takes hold, and why recovery starts with reframing rest as strength, rather than weakness. We discuss practical steps for spotting the signs, breaking the cycle, and building a healthier, more sustainable way of living.While burnout has a devastating personal impact, it also carries a wider cost for businesses and the economy – draining creativity, productivity, and staff wellbeing. Understanding and addressing it benefits us all.Dr Aisan's InstagramWatch on YouTubecontact: seanmcdonald,podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this follow up episode, I chat with expert pharmacist Sehar Shahid about the recent UK price increase of weight-loss drug Mounjaro, the consequences of turning to the black market, and how she aims to help people in the way that's best for them, and not solely for business profit.Price increases will see a spike in counterfeit medicine, meaning a spike in people suffering adverse side affects, ranging from serious health issues to fatalities. Complete your personal weight-loss consultation with 24 Hr Pharmacy24 Hr Pharmacy on Instagramcontact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally is an SNP candidate for the upcoming Scottish Elections in May next year, for Edinburgh Southern, and is currently Head of Office for SNP MP Graham Leadbitter.In this episode we get into the detail of why Sally has decided to put herself in the firing line of frontline politics, and the volatile nature of the political landscape in general…We get into her credentials as a party staff member and all that she’s achieved and been recognised for, as it’s quite the list… plus an insight into working in the heart of The House of Commons…A major talking point is the irrefutably sharp rise in violence against women, and the change Sally would like to influence if elected to Holyrood…And I ask some uncomfortable questions (if you’re part of the SNP). Did the tide carry all boats in their 2015 General Election domination? Is nineteen years too long for one party to remain in control?And as always, there’s plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee’s star in the world of comedy is rapidly rising and has been for quite a while. If you haven’t seen him on stage, then you’re very likely to have seen one of his many viral videos, online. To quote the man himself: Only Slags Use Plastic Bags.In this episode we talk about Lee’s early days growing up in Grimsby, before going to university in Manchester. He explains his first steps in comedy and how that very quickly turned in to a full time career...We discuss comedy as an art-form – including how it’s almost always meticulous preparation masquerading as complete spontaneity…And we look at his work behind the scenes, warming up crowds on shows like Loose Women, Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother – and how that teaches control, discipline and trust in the moment.Plus: touring with some of the biggest names in the UK, including Judi Love and Jason Manford… his own foray into podcasting, and why giving him any form of power will very quickly corrupt him.Lee performs regularly all around the UK, so be sure to check his social media to find out where he’ll be, you’ll be glad you did.Lee's InstagramHot World Cuisine on Instagramwww.hotworldcuisine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.