Blethered

Blethered at the Ballot is a political podcast that pulls no punches, brings a laugh or two, and cuts straight through to the important matters without getting caught up in political jargon and meaningless soundbites. The General Election is fast approaching and before we collectively decide who to put in power, we deserve to know the thoughts of those who currently have it, those who want it, and those who are near it.Dr Sandesh Gulhane has been a Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Glasgow since 2021, he’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and he’s a practising NHS GP. He holds the distinction of being the first Hindu and first man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.Now campaigning to be elected to Westminster as an MP, Sandesh has been been chosen as the Conservative candidate for East Renfrewshire – a seat currently held by the SNP’s Kirsten Oswald. This is our conversation about the friendliness of Glaswegians, how he ended up in Scottish politics, my questions and observations about the Conservatives record after fourteen years in government, Douglas Ross’ leadership, and his hopes for the election.Senior Producer: Lucy JohnstonContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TICKETS: https://www.seetickets.com/event/blethered-with-sean-mcdonald/august-house/2926744Blethered will be LIVE at August House in Glasgow city centre on Thursday 18th April with legendary broadcaster, journalist and entertainer Tam Cowan for a night of conversation, previously unheard stories from a long career in media, and basically just a right good laugh.This will be Blethered in its original style, with strictly nothing off-limits and a chance to hear the stories that are a wee bit too hot for the radio. Tam’s first episode a couple of years back is by far one of the most popular episodes out of nearly 200, and a Live audience setting is where he’s at his best.You’ll hear a clip from the last time we sat down in the studio, with Tam telling me the story of when Frank McAvennie didn’t realise his microphone was still recording, as he took a phone call in a BBC studio…Tickets are only £10 so get yours now and come and join us for a good laugh and a great way to kick off the weekend early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Martin Compston are back on the BBC with Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling, their second series together, where they travel across Norway and experience some of what the country has to offer.In this episode, you’ll hear Phil talk to me about how going to Gaelic school set him on an interesting and unique career path...I find out how an innocuous conversation led to the commissioning of the programme, and what the experience was like…And Phil talks about working alongside Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond in the run up to the 2014 independence referendum, starting his own thriving PR company, and a bizarre period where he coached Vladimir Romanov. That’s Vladimir Romanov, the enigmatic and volatile former owner of Hearts football club, as he competed in the Lithuanian version of Strictly Come Dancing. Stay tuned for a genuinely world exclusive revelation on that one...And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg is the General Manager of Dundee Football Club and CEO of the Dundee FC Community Trust, and has played his own key role in the resurgence of Dundee Football Club. That resurgence has manifested itself in both sporting progression, with the side producing a very impressive and - not to be disrespectful - but generally unexpected showing in this season’s Scottish Premiership.In this episode, you’ll hear Greg talk me through his varied but valuable experience in education and work, moulding him into what I think is the perfect incumbent for the position that he holds within Dundee Football Club…We take a look at the remarkable Golden Era for the club in the 1960’s, followed by the chaotic excitement and eventual downfall of the early 2000’s…And we talk about the phenomenal job done by Dundee boss Tony Docherty in his first season, why referees are a vital component… and you might hear a wee something about an exciting development that’ll take Dundee into the next decade on a particularly strong footing.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in 2021, I put together three separate interviews, where I aimed to find out more about what it’s really like to live with HIV, and about the groundbreaking new treatment that Scotland is the first country in the world to offer. Those guests are two men, Brian and David, who have been living with the virus for quite some time, and from Dr Nneka Nikwolo. They each give me a personalised account of their lives, the realities of living with HIV and the challenges they've faced.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rhianna is a successful business owner with all the outward signs of success, but her journey there wasn’t a simple one.We talk about her upbringing in the town of Kilmarnock, and the issues of deprivation, addiction and community that exist in the area she comes from…Rhianna opens up in great detail about how she found herself homeless with two children and debt collectors close behind, before taking a serious risk in order to improve her financial situation…You’ll hear all about her plans to revolutionise the aesthetics industry and how she intends to help other people into the world of business who’d ordinarily be locked outAnd most of all, you’ll hear the type of story that I love best. Someone you might not know, but will relate to in so many ways. Hers is a multi-layered journey, with challenges, setbacks, risks and victories and one that’ll leave you feeling inspired.Once you’ve listened, go and check out Clinic 22 on Instagram & Facebook and see for yourself what they have on offer. All new customers will receive 10% off their first treatment with the code Blethered10.Clinic 22 Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ardgowan Hospice is a place of care for people living in Inverclyde who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, such as cancer, heart failure, lung disease, kidney failure or neurological conditions.They provide not only physical and medical support, but also important practical, emotional and social support to patients, and their families and carers.You'll hear from Ardgowan ambassador and Greenock native Martin Compston, as he gives you an idea of just what the place means to the people of Inverclyde and even further beyond.You’ll also hear a wee bit about Ardgowan CEO Graham and the hospice itself, as we take a look at some of the misconceptions that surround hospices in general...We discuss what Ardgowan means to those who have relied on it, and the everyday heroes that ensure it keeps delivering to people in need…And we talk about life, death, grief and the things that are forever left unsaid.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01https://ardgowanhospice.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Capital FM DJ Meg recently moved from Glasgow to London, and we speak about the step up in her career and how she’s adjusted to being part of one of the biggest networks in UK radio… Meg talks about the loss of her beloved dad, Michael, and how she channelled that emotion and energy into her podcast, McHugh Corner, which tackles hard-hitting subjects head-on… And we chat about London Life and bumping into Will Ferrell in the office. As you do… Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in December 2021, I sat down with Filmmaker and Director Stewart Kyasimire who talked to me about moving to Glasgow from Kenya at a young age...We discuss his BAFTA nominated documentary 'Black & Scottish', encountering racism, and the steely guidance of his Mum...And as, always, loads more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marie is the Founder and CEO of LS Productions, a company that was born around a kitchen table in 2006, and has now been featured in the Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing Companies.You’ll hear Marie talk about how a chance meeting with her now-husband John planted the seed for what would go on to become LS Productions…She lays out the progression from a small business fighting for clients, to working with global brands and individuals such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran…And there’s some food for thought in how we measure motivation, success and self-belief.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.