Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke with performance duo Sarah Rose Graber and Ruxy Cantir to talk about their family-fun and inspiring new show 'Two in a Barrel', which is on tour across Scotland this Spring. They set out the ideas and themes behind the show, the importance of performing to families, their shared theatrical background in clowning, the joy of touring and reaching new audiences, and the interactive nature of what they do. The conversation also touches upon inspirations, the process of putting on such a multifaceted show, collaborating with others, why it's important to inform as well as entertain, and what they are up to next. It's an amiable and entertaining interview that really whets the appetite for 'Two In A Barrel'.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to artists Angie Lewin & Rebecca Collins about their part in the Welcoming Spring exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Angie and Rebecca talk about the exhibition, their work and processes, celebrating Scottish nature, the importance of their surroundings in their paintings, and what it's like when you show your work publicly. The three also discuss the work of Joe Hogan and Katie Watson - the other artists showing at the exhibition - the tradition of Scottish artists whose work is similarly inspired by nature, and a whole lot more. It's a warm and insightful conversation which will be of interest to anyone interested in art of any kind. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Indigo Korres, who is the programme co-ordinator of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival's Trans Generational Tour which kicks off in Inverness on the 22nd April. Indigo talks about the history of SQIFF, the aims and ideas behind the Tour, gives a breakdown of the itinerary and what attendees can expect from the programme, details how people can take part and get tickets, and a whole lot more. The two also talk about the importance of growing communities, the power of cinema to bring people together, the importance of learning from history, encouraging intergenerational conversation and interaction, and focusing on positive stories in even the most challenging times. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to Olaf Furniss, journalist and founder of Born To Be Wide, an organisation which hosts music business seminars and Scotland's music industry convention/showcase Wide Days, which this year is on between 13-15th April in Edinburgh. The two talk about the history of Born To Be Wide, this year's Wide Days, what people can expect, how they can attend and get involved, the different strands of the convention, the importance of bringing industry professionals and artists together, and a whole lot more. Olaf also explains how the bands and musicians are selected to play, the growing international facet to Wide Days, and gives just a short preview as to what he's most looking forward to. As you'll hear, Olaf and Born To Be Wide have been involved in Scottish music for many years and it was a real treat to be able to talk to him about Wide Days and so much more. For full details, including all the relevant links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com ***The Bat Rave has had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances***

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke once again to writer David F. Ross to talk about his most recent novel 'Dashboard Elvis Is Dead', which is out now published by Orenda Books. The two caught up in Ali's kitchen and the conversation covers David's reasons for wanting to write this book, the inspirations behind it, the strong bonds created between author and their characters, why it was important to have a Scottish strand in the plot, the challenges in writing about real events, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the importance of American culture in both their lives, and the complex nature of that relationship. It's always a pleasure to talk to David as there are few writers who talk about what they do with such clarity and self-reflection. For full details, all the ways to listen, and for all the relevant link, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest SWH! podcast is all about this year's Glasgow Short Film Festival, with Ali joined by Programme Director Sanne Jehoul and filmmaker Duncan Cowles. Sanne gives us a bit of background to the festival, takes us through some of the highlights, talks about the competitions which are so important to every festival, the art of programming, the complex question as to what constitutes a 'short film', and so much more. Duncan tells us about the films he has screening this year, his history with the GSFF, the importance to filmmakers of festivals such as this one, and talks about what he is looking forward to this year. There are also interesting conversations between the three as they discuss the impact of the pandemic on filmmakers and festivals, the return of live audiences, and the importance to individuals and the wider industry of such events. It's a conversation which goes beyond the festival itself - although all your questions should be answered - to look at just why short films are a vital and vibrant form in their own right For further details, and all the relative links, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Catriona Child, to talk about her latest novel 'Fade Into You', which is published by Luath Press. The two talk about the writing of the book, the inspirations behind it, the setting of the 1990s, the soundtrack, the importance to being true to the past, and whole lot more. They also discuss the teenage years and how keenly everything is felt at that time, and the transition from those years into some kind of adulthood. It was lovely to catch up with Catriona, 10 years after she was last on the pod, and talk about what already feels like one of the best books of 2023. For further details, including where you can buy 'Fade Into You', head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast - the second of our Glasgow Film Festival specials - Ali catches up with musician and composer Scott Twynholm about his work on James Price's 'Dog Days' which premiered earlier in the week. Scott talks about how he came to work on 'Dog Days', collaborating with the director and editor, how every project is different and brings its own challenges, how the film was received by the audience, and where you'll be able to see if you missed it at the festival. The two also discuss Scott's other film work, such as the soundtracks to 'Ride the Wave', 'Alasdair Gray: A Life In Progress' and Rachel Maclean's 'Make Me Up!', how working in theatre differs to film, his solo career and the inspirations which drive it, his early years as a member of Looper and Metrovavan, and much more. Scott is one of SWH!'s favourite musicians, one we have wanted to get on the podcast for a while. Talking about soundtracks at the Glasgow Film Festival seemed like perfect timing. Further details and all the relevant links are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist (former BBC Foreign Correspondent, no less) Martin Patience to talk about his debut crime novel 'The Darker The Night', which is published by Polygon Books. The two talk about Martin's reasons for writing it, what he found challenging writing fiction, how his journalism fed into the novel, Glasgow as a character, the perspective living and working abroad gives him with regard to Scotland, writing about Scottish politics, and getting the balance right between truth and fiction. Martin also discusses his time as a foreign correspondent, the people and places he met, the highs and lows of the job, and a whole lot more. It's a podcast which offers two stories for the price of one, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Martin about his life and work. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. For full details, including where you can buy 'The Darker The Night', head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast, and the first of our Glasgow Film Festival podcasts for 2023, Ali spoke to Muta'Ali, the director of the documentary 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali'. The two talk about the making of the film, Muta'Ali's initial involvement, the importance of Executive Producer Mick McAvoy, working with writer Stuart Cosgrove (whose book 'Cassius X' is the inspiration for the film), the challenges posed by COVID, the relationships which shaped the young Clay/Ali, and a whole lot more. Muta'Ali also gives context to the film by discussing America of the time, the cultural and social tensions, the spiritual journey that the young boxer was beginning, and how he was viewed inside, and outside, the sport. It's an informative and insightful discussion about a film which is as much about social history as it is about arguably the world's greatest sporting icon. Further details and all the relevant links - including how to get tickets for 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali' - are over at scotswhayhae.com