Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer and returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet.

For the latest podcast Ali talks to Peter Mackie Burns, the director of critically acclaimed new British film 'Daphne', starring Emily Beecham in the title role, and which has Geraldine James among the support. The two talk about the film, the collaborative process of building the central character, the importance of place, the influences on the film, Burns' earlier work, and how he got to this stage in his career. It's a fascinating insight into the film-making process and much more.

On the latest podcast Ali spoke to journalist Peter Ross about the follow up to his 2014 book, 'Daunderlust: Dispatches From Unreported Scotland', 'The Passion Of Harry Bingo: Further Dispatches From Unreported Scotland'. Peter goes into some of the dispatches in detail as the two discuss how Scottish football may be a microcosm of Scottish life, the importance of tradition, how to be accepted in as diverse places as a grouse shoot and a sex shop, and so much more. Even then they only touch upon a handful of the stories told, so if you want to know the rest you're going to have to read the book.

The latest podcast is an interview with one of our favourite guests, the writer Louise Welsh. Her latest novel, 'No Dominion', is the final part in her Plague Times Trilogy which began back in 2014 (not five years ago as Ali suggests) with 'A Lovely Way To Burn', and continued with 'Death Is A Welcome Guest'. The conversation touches on the central themes in the trilogy which include family, morality, society, and what could happen in the face of a global pandemic threat. Just the usual. There is also talk of ghost stories and opera. What more do you want from a podcast?

In the latest podcast Ali talks to writer J. David Simons, initially about his latest novel 'A Woman Of Integrity' but also his 'Glasgow To Galilee' trilogy and one of Ali's favourite novels, 'An Exquisite Sense Of What Is Beautiful'. Talk also turns to life as a writer in the present day, the problems with publishing and promotion, and there are questions from a very special reader/listener. All this and much more on what is podcast #82.

For the latest podcast, Ali headed to Edinburgh to talk to poet, writer and musician, Andrew Greig. The first topic of conversation is 'Clean By Rain', the CD of spoken word and music Andrew has recorded with musician Brian Michie. As you'll hear, music has played a large part in Andrew's life, and this latest project (& his next) provide a wonderful symmetry to his life so far. The two also talk about his poetry and prose, particularly 'Fair Helen', which prompts a musical interlude. It was an absolute pleasure talking to Andrew, and we hope you have similar feelings listening to him.

The latest podcast is a fascinating conversation with two previous podcast guests, the writer and artists Alasdair Gray, and the driving force being Songs For Scotland, Kevin Brown. Kevin is curating an exhibition of Alasdair's art at London's Coningsby Gallery, and he tells us all about it, while Alasdair discusses what inspired him to illustrate his writing, his previous exhibitions, the importance of public art, and much more, including his latest project. As always, it's a pleasure to spend time in both men's company, and we hope you think the same.

In the latest podcast, Ali and Ian met up with writer Douglas Skelton to talk initially about his Dominic Queste novels, "The Dead Dont Boogie" and "Tag - You're Dead", but the discussion touches upon so much more. They talk about Douglas's Davie McCall series, his journalism and non-fiction, the importance of secondary characters, Glasgow's fascination with crime, the influence of Ed McBain, Shane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and the greatest TV show of all time (TM), Hill Street Blues. It is a must hear for anyone with an interest in crime writing, but will also appeal to a much wider audience, just as Douglas Skelton's novels do.

The latest podcast is a sister to our recent interview with Pat and Jim Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies. It is a live recording of the launch of the book featuring readings and music. We were going to edit it but could not bring ourselves to leave any one or any song out, so this is the full director's cut. Enjoy.

In the latest podcast Ali talks to Jim and Pat Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies, a music and literary project which has writers and poets collected together as well as collaborating with Jim on accompanying songs. You'll not only hear all about the project, its beginnings and how it has grown, but there are also a couple of examples of the songs as well as Samina reading her short story, Taxi. It is a fascinating undertaking which deserves to be read and heard by as many people as possible.