Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to actor and producer Carina Birrell all about 'Harry Birrell Presents Films of Love & War' ahead of its broadcast on BBC Scotland on 17th March. The film was a labour of love for Carina as Harry is her grandfather, and the film centres on his astonishing film footage and diaries. The conversation touches on how the film came to be, Harry's love of film and his amazing life, his time in and out of the army, the important role of director Matt Pinder, how actor Richard Madden became involved, what it means to Carina that it has made it onto screens, and the amazing synchronicity that seems to be attached to the film. It's a poignant and heart-warming half hour that gives insight and context to what is an incredible documentary of the 20th century through one man's eyes.

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to Associate Chorus Master and repetiteur, Susannah Wapshott. Susannah joined the company in 2008, and there are few people better placed to give an insight and overview to the workings of Scottish Opera. She discusses her various roles and the extensive collaboration involved. She also explains how her career has unfolded from a young age, her musical background and training, the challenges she has faced, the personal highlights of her time with the company, and offers advice for anyone interested in working in opera.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, writer Iain Maloney. A visit from Iain is always a special occasion as he resides in Japan, and his latest book, The Only Gaijin In The Village, is all about his experiences of moving to and living in another country, and coming to terms with the resulting clash of cultures. Maloney may be better known as a novelist, but the The Only Gaijin In The Village is a fascinating book, and arguably his best yet and it was illuminating to talk to Iain about why he decided to write it and dig a bit deeper into many of the themes and ideas contained.

For the latest in our series of Glasgow Film Festival 2020 podcasts Ali spoke to director Josh David Jordan, actor & producer Jessica Marie Jordan, and actor & musician Greg Schroeder about their film 'This World Won't Break'. As you'll hear, this is an incredibly personal film for all of those involved, and they explain why this is, why no-one but Greg was going to play the central character of Wes, discuss the complex relationship between fathers and sons, the problem of loneliness, the marriage of blues and booze, how place and space play an important part in the film, the way in which the music is a character in its own right, and so much more. You get the feeling that the sublime 'This World Won't Break' could not, and would not, have been made by any other group of people, and this shared vision is as clear in our conversation as it is in the film itself, about which you can find more at https://www.thisworldwontbreak.com/

For the latest in our series of Glasgow Film Festival podcasts, Ali spoke to director Scott Graham, about his latest feature 'Run', which follows on from the success of previous films 'Shell' and 'Iona' and which shares some of their themes. Graham talks about those themes, as well as what inspired 'Run', the influence of the music of Bruce Springsteen, the challenges of family life, the escape of joy-riding, the practicalities of filming in and out of cars, and the peculiar dynamics of small towns. 'Run' is an exceptional film, with memorable performances from all, and it is fascinating to hear the thoughts of the director now the film is being shown to audiences. It is a conversation which lends the film itself further dimensions.

For the latest of SWH!'s Glasgow Film Festival 2020 podcasts Ali spoke to a previous guest, director Peter Mackie Burns, who told us all about his latest feature 'Rialto', which will be at the festival on 27th Feb (with a Q&A) and, if you miss that, on the afternoon of the 28th. Peter explains the story of the film's title, why it's set in Dublin, the themes and thoughts behind the film, the importance of 'Rialto's' score, and just what, and who, drew him to the project in the first place. It's always a pleasure to catch up with Peter, and this was no exception as he gives a fascinating insight into his film making process, and a whole lot more.

For the latest of SWH!'s Glasgow Film Festival 2020 podcasts Ali spoke to a previous guest, director Peter Mackie Burns, who told us all about his latest feature 'Rialto', which will be at the festival on 27th Feb (with a Q&A) and, if you miss that, on the afternoon of the 28th. Peter explains the story of the film's title, why it's set in Dublin, the themes and thoughts behind the film, the importance of 'Rialto's' score, and just what, and who, drew him to the project in the first place. It's always a pleasure to catch up with Peter, and this was no exception as he gives a fascinating insight into his film making process, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with poet, performer, and story-teller Leyla Josephine to talk about her show 'Daddy Drag' which is going to be at Glasgow's Tron Theatre (26-29th Feb) after it's acclaimed run at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. This is a show which "asks audiences to consider how relationships (or lack of) with our fathers affect us, and, to reflect on the imprints they leave behind", and Leyla discusses the origins of the show, the vital role her mum plays, the challenges of an Edinburgh run, the details of drag, how theatre differs from her spoken word, the importance of the latter in her life, story-telling, and loads more.

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to the company's General Director Alex Reedijk, and it proved to be a fascinating conversation - one which adds extra context to the other podcasts in the series. Alex talks about how he came to the role, what makes it so special, the challenges faced when he joined 14 years ago, the four central strands that run through the company's ethos, and what he is most proud of from his time with Scottish Opera. It's a must listen, not only for opera fans and followers, but for anyone involved in the arts as Alex gives a rare insight into what is involved in the organisation and running of such a prestigious company.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke with Keira Brown about the inaugural Paisley Book Festival (20th-29th Feb). As well as hearing all about the fantastic programme of events, Keira explains the festival's theme of 'radical voices and rebel stories', the celebration of local hero John Byrne, the wide and varied range of what's available, some of the many, many highlights, the importance of place as well as people, and just what it takes to organise and plan such a festival. As well as this she takes time to talk about The Fountain, one of the best cultural review websites around which is a must read for all visitors to SWH!. All in all, it's a conversation you don't want to miss.