Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer David Keenan about his novel This Is Memorial Device. Anyone who has read the Scots Whay Hae! review of the book (on the website now) will know how highly we rate it, and it's fascinating to hear David talk about the influences behind it, why it was always going to be an Airdrie novel, the reasons the book is structured as it is, and so much more. We're calling it one of the most interesting and engaging podcasts yet, but listen for yourselves and see if that's a bold claim or not.

The latest podcast is a timely one as Ali talks to director and cinematographer Lou McLoughlan in the week this year's Glasgow Film Festival begins (and there's a preview of that over at Scots Whay Hae!). Lou discusses her film '16 Years Till Summer', an astonishing documentary which was critically acclaimed by audiences and festival panels alike. She then discusses the pros and cons of documentary making in Scotland, and how the reception abroad can differ widely from that at home. It all makes for a fascinating listen for anyone interested in film.*Recorded in Glasgow's Project Cafe, there is quite a bit of background noise to being with and we hope that doesn't impede your enjoyment.

In our Burnscast for 2017, Ali and Ian travelled to the heart of Burns' country in Ayrshire to talk to the writer Catherine Czerkawska about her novel, 'The Jewel', which examines Burns relationship with his wife Jean Armour, from Jean's point of view. It is a story rarely told, and what follows is an hour of fascinating chat about Jean and Robert which focuses on the reality of family life rather than in the mythology which surrounded, and continues to attach itself to, Burns. There's also a little bit of poetry. It is Burns Night after all.

In our first podcast of 2017, Ali talks to Ian Smith and Murray Easton, two of the founding members of record label Last Night From Glasgow. In under a year they have released some of the best records of recent times, and have built up a loyal following in the process. Approaching the music business with new ideas, or old ideas presented in a new way, LNFG are a success story that shows no sign of slowing, and anyone with a love of music, or any other area of the arts, will find something of interest in their conversation. There's also some exclusive music to boot.

In this, Part II of our end of year podcast Ali, Chris and Wesley concentrate on the best music of 2016, both recorded and live. Even our sound-guru, Ian, chips in. It's been a cracking year for new music. As you may suspect, we start with the best in Scottish music before a wide-ranging discussion as to what has been on offer from elsewhere. In case you missed it, Part I looked back at film and books from the last 12 months, and you can still hear that now at http://bit.ly/2hnpEjD, as well as indulge yourself in our extensive back catalogue of over 70 podcasts at http://apple.co/2hCJaVw

For our end of year podcast, Ali and Ian were once again joined by regular pod guest and resident film expert, Chris Ward, and Scottish music man, Wesley Shearer. As we ran well over the two hour mark we've decided to split it into two parts. In Part I we concentrate on the films and books of 2016, and give you recommendations about the best of both. We also talk about the marketing of movies, the career of Isabelle Hupert, the importance of independent publishers, the welcome return of Alasdair Gray, and James Kelman at 70. We also name writer Graeme Macrae Burnet as our Man Of The Year.

In the latest podcast Ali and Ian are joined by musicians Ross and Alasdair Whyte who, under the moniker WHYTE, have collaborated on the excellent album “Fairich”. What is it like? You'll just have to listen to the podcast, which not only has the explanation from the horses' mouths, but also features an exclusive play of two tracks...at least we're claiming it as such. This was a really enjoyable chat and we hope you get as much from it as we did on the day.

For our latest podcast we go transatlantic with Ali talking to Kevin Brown, producer of, and the driving force behind, Songs For Scotland 2. Even if you are aware of the original Songs For Scotland you'll find the story behind the sequel fascinating. Kevin's passion for the project is infectious and inspiring, and you'll want to know what role Alasdair Gray has to play. Stay with us right to the end as we have an exclusive play of one of the featured songs just for you. Cos we're like that...

For the latest podcast, Ali headed down the Clyde Valley to Biggar to talk to writer and actor Pauline Lynch. Pauline's debut novel, 'Armadillos', is out now, and you can read the Scots Whay Hae! review on the website. It's an unforgettable book and the two discuss it at length, but also tough on writing courses, treading the boards and touring the world, and being part of a cultural phenomenon. Sounds like something that would interest you? Of course it does.

For the latest podcast, we went to Edinburgh to meet writer Rebecca Monks in the very apt Circus Cafe and talk about the forthcoming Fringe play Tyke, which is based on a tragic and true tale. He also speaks to co-directors Madison Maylin and Madeleine Cunningham on the phone to learn about the practicalities of staging the show. You can learn more about Tyke at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tyke#/, but not until you've listened to the SWH! podcast.