Blethered

I talk to Patrik Syk, Swedish sports journalist and Head of Audio for Aftonbladet, Scandinavia's biggest newspaper.  He tells me how he became a Liverpool supporter, what it’s like to deal with Henrik Larsson in a media capacity, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s iconic status and more insight on Sweden’s exports to major European leagues. I also hear about what Swedish fans think about Scottish football, incl...

Darren McGarvey is a Scottish author, rapper, hip hop recording artist and social commentator. 2018 Orwell Prize winner Darren talks to me about his often chaotic childhood, an at times directionless adolescence and then finding his way in life. We talk creative arts, addiction hiding in plain sight, 'becoming middle class’, financial insecurity and the social sophistication that is exclusive to t...

I chat to broadcaster and former journalist Gordon Smart about our mad night out in London, his life and career, supporting young Scottish talent, Martin Compston throwing impromptu parties in his London home, telephone wind ups, the dangers of social media comparison culture, and the usual General Patter.  Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter:  https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01   See...

Mhairi Black joins me in the studio to talk about her life and becoming Britain's youngest ever MP in modern times. We discuss the 'Old Boys Club' culture that exists in the House of Commons, LGBTQ rights, the decriminalisation of drugs, the surge in male suicides and its link to cocaine use and much, much more.  Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: @seanmcdonald01   See acast.com/priv...

TV Presenter and Showbiz Reporter Jodie McCallum talks about her education in musical theatre before crossing into TV presenting, working with Channel 4, ITV and the BBC. She describes what it was like to fill in for Lorraine Kelly and how over time, she's progressed within the industry. We talk about the pressures on men and women to look perfect and have the perfect life, as dictated by social m...

Un episodio corto en español. Yo hablo sobre dos semanas en Barcelona y sobre el el mes que viene. Gracias por escuchar!    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk to my pal Callum about why we both moved to Barcelona, learning the languages, hunting for jobs, missing home, loving Glasgow, funny stories and loads more. 'Mon! Callum’s Online Store: http://www.cal-lum.co/ Callum’s Company Instagram: @cal.lum.cat Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Paul Smith tells me about reporting historic child abuse, the subsequent court case and the impact it had on his mental state. We discuss the forensics of dealing with that, a suicide attempt shortly after and how he managed to overcome such a traumatic series of events in his life. Paul has a very candid and honest approach to what has passed, and a very optimistic and positive outlook to the fut...

I talk to Ewan Denny about growing up in Cumbernauld, pursuing a career in TV, life and personal fulfilment, his 'Link & Lorne' with Scot Squad creator and previous Blethered guest Joe Hullait. We talk about how much we enjoy Aldi and how mental the checkout is, producing the TV adaptation of Chris McQueer's bestselling book 'Hings' for the BBC, and how all Ewan would eat as a child was sausag...

I chat to the brilliant Glaswegian comedian Susie McCabe about: How she got started in comedy Growing up in the East End of Glasgow, in less accommodating times Her grandparents and their memories of World War II Cocaine use in young men at the weekends Methods for combating anxiety and depression Plus the usual hunners more! For details on Susie's upcoming gigs, you can find her on Twitter and Fa...

I sit down with Gregor and Fraser from Men Matter Scotland, a charity group based in Drumchapel that offers support to men in the local community and further afield, in a multitude of different ways. We talk about ACE's (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact they have on young people in their formative years and in later life, Fraser openly shares his life experience as an addict before mo...

Keni Carmichael has worked in the legal industry for over 10 years, we talk about the misconceptions people have about criminal defence lawyers. We discuss the integral role that they play in ensuring justice is delivered to society, looking at a couple of recent high-profile cases as examples. We discuss freedom of speech online and even about Catfishes on Tinder, and how the law has had to evolv...

In this episode, I speak to Shaun Toner about the impact of addiction on those close to addicts, and about addiction as a mental health issue, as opposed to being a criminal issue or a human failing. We talk about how his chaotic upbringing shaped his adult life, and his relationship with his young son. A worthwhile listen. Twitter: @seanmcdonald01 Email: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com   See acast...

We talk about Si’s early days at Celtic, working under Tommy Burns in the youth academy, and involvement under Gordon Strachan. He chats about sharing a dressing room with the likes of Larsson, Lennon and Sutton and about the demands of being at a club like Celtic. We talk about life at Swindon and moving on to other clubs after that, as well as discussing the massively popular Open Goal, plus Si’...

Me and my pal Dean Currie sit down and ask some questions, then discuss them. Is life a black comedy? Bad things in life are often funny - does finding humour in awful things help us deal with them? Is God real? Would you believe in religion if the first time you ever heard about it was today? How funny would it be if it turned out God was real? Athiests would be raging. How funny would it be if b...

I talk to Singer Songwriter Beerjacket about a variety of different things including Peter’s early interest in music, his new album Silver Chords, how difficult it is living in the Information Age, doubting yourself, the resurgence of vinyl records and the difference between a physical record and just streaming music, plus a load of other general chat that you’ll just need to listen to in order to...

In the first of a new type of episode I’ll be recording as part of Blethered, I sit down with my pal, actor and comedian Darren Connell. We talk about how good diet and regular exercise are great factors in improving your mental wellbeing. We also discuss the effects of booze in the aftermath of a night out, including The Fear, that dreaded b**tard that cripples you when you remember what you said...

Part 2 with Labour MP and Shadow Minister for Scotland, Paul Sweeney. In this episode, you'll hear us talking about: The cultural, financial and professional contribution that immigrants give to society The reality of people seeking asylum in the UK The need to preserve working class communities and building on what's already there Paul's working week and where his time is distributed Paul's take...

I chat to one of Westminster's youngest MPs and Shadow Scotland Office Minister Paul Sweeney on his start in politics and his early days in the corridors of Westminster. We exchanged opinions and thoughts on the Scottish referendum and the prospects of an independent Scotland, Brexit, right-wing media and the ever-changing sociopolitical landscape we find ourselves in today.  This was an interesti...

I chat to WWE wrestler Noam Dar about growing up in Scotland after moving over from Israel aged 5, his early interest in wrestling and his beginnings with ICW in Scotland, before being signed to the global WWE company. We talk about how inventive Scottish kids are with playground insults, adventures in New York with his good pal Grado and the strange feeling of being recognised by fans. Plus loads...

Caitlyn Vanbeck talks about her early introduction to the entertainment industry, her time on the X Factor and the pressures that Reality TV fame brings. We discuss how people will pass judgement on whatever you do and why you should just do whatever you want to. You cannae please everybody, and who would want to anyway...? We also talk about Instagram and the false representation of reality that...

In this episode, I speak to Barlinnie Prison Officer Frank McEwan on his experiences in one of Britain's toughest jails. Frank shares his insight on how people get trapped in the cycle of offending, how society would benefit from treating addiction as a mental illness and how people in care need compassion, not condemnation. We discuss mental health issues, personal techniques for dealing with dem...

Algunas preguntas y algunas respuestas. Sencillo. Tengo muchas ganas para las proximas! Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11 of Blethered is with artist and creator Paul Dock. Known for his hilarious videos and funny patter, Paul is an artist/content creator from Glasgow and one of Scotland’s most popular characters. We speak about Paul’s life in Dundee, his funny videos and working with the BBC, and about him promoting TRNSMT tickets in return for a hug from Lewis Capaldi! Email: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.c...

Martin Melly joins me to talk about his battle with depression. We discuss his experience in detail, the things he felt and how the light started to emerge at the end of the tunnel. This was a candid and raw account of a very difficult time, but with a happy ending and an inspirational outlook. There are stories, examples and pieces of advice that will help, as well as the overriding message that...