Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali met up with one of SWH!'s favourite writers, M.J. Nicholls, to discuss in detail his latest novel, 'Scotland Before The Bomb' - one of the most inventive, and funniest, books of recent years. The conversation touches upon Nicholls' reasons for writing, the themes and form of his previous work, how he came to have an American publisher, his approach to being a writer, his influences, the importance of not being overly earnest, and loads more. This is an interview we've been looking forward to for some time, and if you are a reader, writer, or book lover of any kind, then you'll find this a fascinating listen.

For the first of our podcasts celebrating this year's Glasgow Film Festival we spoke to festival co-directors Allison Gardner and Allan Hunter. What unfolded was a warm, fun, and fascinating chat about this year's programme, the challenges of programming a festival, the GFF ethos, the multiple strands, how the festival has grown, and some memories of past galas and glories. It's a lovely conversation with two film-lovers, who are clearly great friends, and who believe they have their ideal jobs. Talking to them, and considering festivals past as well as the amazing programme for 2020, we would have to agree.

For the latest Scottish Opera podcast we spoke to one of the company's Emerging Artists, Arthur Bruce. The SO Emerging Artist programme is now in its 10th year, and, as Arthur explains, it is hugely important in developing and supporting all areas of opera, helping to ensure the future remains bright. He also discusses how his interest in opera began, his musical background, the challenges of acting, the productions he has been involved in, and why this programme has been so important to him on a personal level. Arthur is the first performer we have interviewed for these podcasts and this makes for a fascinating insight into the role, both onstage and off.

For the last of our Best of 2019 podcasts Ali is joined once more by annual regulars Wesley Shearer and Chris Ward, with SWH! sound guru Ian Gregson also in the house (which turned out to be lucky for all). This time around they are looking at the best films of the year, and Ali's role becomes more host rather than participant as his own movie going has been admittedly lacking this year. Luckily the other three more than make up for it as they talk about the best Scottish films, their personal favourites, and pick their best film of the decade. Listen in and see if you agree.

For our Best Books of 2019 podcast Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to discuss their year in books. As well as discussing in detail their personal favourites, they look at the writers who have left their mark, awards and award winners, festivals old and new, the healthy state of Scottish poetry, what's happening in the publishing world, the prevailing trends and themes of 2019, what to look forward to in 2020, and a whole lot more. It's always one of the most pleasant podcasts to record as the two geek out on their love of books, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.

For this year's Best Music 2019 podcast Ali spoke to Mark McNally and Gary Bannatyne from Cumbernauld FM's Postcards From The Underground radio show. The two are among the finest champions of Scottish music and beyond, playing old songs and new, and having regular live sessions and guests. As well as hearing all about the Postcards From The Underground show, the three discuss their favourite tracks and gigs of the year, and try to avoid talking about their favourite albums of the year as Ali will be joining the chaps on their show on Sunday 8th, 8-10pm to do just that, so do listen in to see what they pick http://cumbernauldfm.co.uk/. But before all that here is the SWH! Best Music of 2019 podcast, and see if you can spot Ali's deliberate mistake in the first 5 mins.

For the latest podcast Ali was back in Edinburgh to talk to mountaineer, storyteller, and writer, John D. Burns, and the story he has to tell is a fascinating one. He talks about how he first discovered the delights of hillwalking in the Lake District in his youth, his thoughts on how we should treat, view, and interact with nature, why he fell out and then back in love with the hills, the politics of the wild, his forays into poetry and stand-up, and so much more. It's one of the most interesting and informative podcasts yet, and I know you'll come away with a new view on our landscape, and on life.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera SWH! spoke to Gordon Grant, the company's Music Librarian. What unfolds is a fascinating insight into a role which few consider when they think of opera but which, as you will hear, is a vital one. Crucially involved in productions from the very beginning to the final curtain fall, Gordon explains what the role entails, how he came to it, the importance of close collaboration, and what are the challenges and constrictions when it comes to the musical score. As well as being SO's librarian Gordon is also in charge of their supertitles, the written translations and text which have become an important part of opera and he explains the technicalities faced. Overall it's an engrossing conversation which looks in detail at an individual role but which will give you a greater insight into Scottish Opera as a whole.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali headed to Edinburgh to chat to writer Jemma Neville all about 'Constitution Street: finding hope in an age of anxiety' (published by 404 Ink), her fascinating and inspirational book which SWH! described as, "a socio-political work with humanity at its heart, and a timely reminder that there is more that unites than divides us." Talking in the welcoming surroundings of The Hideout Cafe on the very street itself the two discuss the ethos behind the book, the way it is structured, and how both are reflected and inspired by the place and the people who live and work there as well, as well as the way that the issues and themes of 'Constitution Street' relate to communities of all sizes, and a whole lot more. You'll never look at your own locale in the same way again.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to John Duncan, the company's Resident Stage Manager. Over the course of their conversation John provides a fascinating insight into a role which is vital to all theatre, but which rarely gets discussed. He talks about how he fell in love with the theatre, his early years in the role, how the team dynamic works, the different productions he has worked on, the challenges he has faced over the years, a horse named George, and much more. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain then John has many of the answers.