Blethered

26 year old Zoe recently received the news that she has ATM - also known as ‘the cancer gene’. Zoe has made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy, which is the medical term for the surgical removal of both . We talk about how a litany of cancer diagnoses in Zoe’s family has shaped her understanding and perception of the illness… Zoe explains her decision, the process of post-surgery r...

Michael grew up in Glasgow, with a passion for filmmaking from around 12 years old, which saw him study at The Royal Conservatoire, in Glasgow.  Now a BAFTA winning and double BAFTA-nominated director, he’s worked with people like Richard Branson and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, and with prestigious brands such as Johnnie Walker, Clinique and Nespresso. We talk about Michael’s creative inspiration an...

Gillian recently launched a private member’s Bill to implement buffer zones outside hospitals and clinics across Scotland, to protect women from harassment from anti-abortion protestors, as they seek to access health services.  Gillian and I discuss the reasons for this proposal, and the legislative process required to establish it as law in Scotland… We talk about the US Supreme Court overturning...

Saoirse recently travelled to Istanbul in Turkey for breast augmentation surgery, but things didn’t go entirely to plan, resulting in a traumatic chain of events that saw her nearly lose a breast. We talk about booking the surgery and travel on a whim, with little prior research… Saoirse explains the surgery and aftercare process, including a litany of mistakes by the clinicians… And we discuss th...

Recorded in a cafe in the heart of Istanbul, Steve talks about starting out as a war-zone photo-journalist, before becoming a security adviser… You’ll hear Steve talk about negotiating with ISIS for western hostages… And he explains the realities of war and all that accompanies it… And as always there more plenty more.  www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com...

Radio Producer James talks about how a severe gambling addiction lead to losing enormous amounts of money, in secret. James explains the stresses and pressures in detail, and how the disease impacted and infected every inch of his life. We talk about how his problem rapidly spiralled, the debt issues incurred as a result, and how suicide became the most viable option in his eyes. It sounds horrend...

We talk about Laura’s early life as Bishopbriggs’ answer to Shirley Temple before joining STV and eventually becoming the resident entertainment reporter... Laura opens up about how she felt after her shock cancer diagnosis in 2019... And we gossip about the famous faces she’s interviewed over the years. And as always, there’s plenty more.  www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdona...

We talk about Tam’s early days in media, including his then hugely popular BBC Scotland TV show ‘Offside’ which ran for 9 years and 134 episodes... We discuss Off The Ball, the show he’s presented alongside Stuart Cosgrove for 27 years on BBC Radio Scotland,  And Tam puts me straight about the difference between a food critic and a restaurant reviewer, detailing his experience as the latter. And a...

Amy and her business partner Kirsten Cameron co-own Aquarius Creative, a talent agency that specialises in social media management. We talk about the formation of Aquarius and how it was built from an idea formed on a stationary plane on an airport runway… We dissect some of the misconceptions around the evolutionary and relatively new concept of influencer marketing and its rise to sociocultural...

We discuss the reality of poverty in Scotland - it’s not 1920’s back-court slums, it’s choosing between heating or eating.  Neil explains Jags For Good, an independent Partick Thistle fans’ group that assists those in the local community and further afield... And we talk about Neil being a celebrity in China, and also the worst English teacher they’ve ever had. Plus Mr Bean stealing comedian James...

We read out some embarrassing stories sent in by listeners, before chatting about how Mark ended up writing and creating comedy with his brother Paul, with shows like Pity Party on BBC Scotland, live performances and their numerous viral videos. We also talk languages, stand up comedy and who we find funny! And as always, there’s plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdon...

First Released August 2020 Aimen Dean was a member of Al Qaeda before he defected to join MI6, where he continued to operate within Al Qaeda as an undercover spy. In this episode, we discuss Shamima Begum and her appeal to be able to return to the UK, I ask Aimen if he thinks deradicalisation programs work, and I ask him some listeners questions. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanm...

Ross’ mum Angie has Alzheimer’s, a condition that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. We talk about Alzheimer’s and how Ross and his family have had to adjust to care for Angie… We discuss the importance of humour, and how it helps with even the darkest of situations and landscapes… And I find out about Ross’ charity fundraising. He’s raised upwards of £60,000 and counting, climbing mountains...

Recorded in London in 2019, Toby tells me about his unconventional route into one of Britain’s biggest radio stations and what it’s like to work there…  We compare notes on our best wind-ups and practical jokes... And we talk about navigating the minefield of social media. And as always, plenty more.  www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://tw...

Jake was on Blethered in June 2020, and told me all about making documentaries in North Korea, getting up close and personal with ISIS executioners, and spending time with the far-right English Defence League. This time, we talk about Jake’s podcast company Message Heard and their new projects, including the phenomenal ‘Finding Natasha’... We reflect on the success of Message Heard’s ‘Conflicted’...

We’re talking about grief. How do you deal with it? Can you deal with it? Does it ever get easier? Chelsey sadly lost her mum in February 2020, and we talk about her journey up until now, and she shares her personal experience. It’s a different experience for everyone but there are also some shared realities.  Whether you’re going through a similar situation, or someone close to you is, this might...

I'm joined by Scottish singer-songwriter David Sneddon! We talk about winning Fame Academy and being catapulted to overnight fame throughout the UK, and going on to support Elton John on tour… The downsides of fame and why he very quickly turned his back on the concept of celebrity,  And you’ll hear David reflect on his prolific songwriting career so far, writing hits for Lewis Capaldi, Hurts, Lan...

I'm joined by Adam and Sam from Hyyts. We talk about: How they started making music after being lifelong pals Supporting Boy George at The Hydro in Glasgow Hearing their music on BBC Radio 1 Their Partick Thistle tune that went viral Upcoming gigs and festivals + As Always , loads more www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcd...

Debt expert Tommy is back for another conversation and we reflect on the January blues and the stress that can follow the Christmas period... We discuss Buy Now Pay Later schemes such as Klarna and ClearPay and how people can fall into that trap... And we talk about how people have gone from sleepless nights and miserable days, to enjoying life again after taking even the smallest steps to address...

BAFTA award winner Hannah Currie talks to me about her excellent new documentary 'Talent', on BBC Scotland, how she overcame personal challenges to go on and create the work that she has done, and we chat about her standout films so far. As always, there's plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on...

The first ever Blethered Live show at St Luke's on Friday 26th November, with Darren McGarvey and Karen Dunbar. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first ever Blethered Live show at St Luke's on Friday 26th November, with Darren McGarvey and Karen Dunbar. Part 2 with both Karen Dunbar & Darren out next week! www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Former Scottish footballers Steven Robb and Marc Corcoran are the founders of clothing brand 'Bee Inspired'. We talk: The reality and challenges of life after football Origins in Bangkok Starting the brand with just a few t-shirts for sale Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez wearing Bee Inspired Tokyo, Barcelona, New York & More Business achievements, lessons learned & an eye on the future + Mo...

Bash talks about fleeing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo to end up in Glasgow with his family, and the difficult early days of integration into Scottish life, and: Encountering bullies and racism at school Surviving through being funny From making videos on Facebook, to fronting national brands Doing it for family And as always, there’s plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Con...

Filmmaker and Director Stewart Kyasimire talks to me about moving to Glasgow from Kenya at a young age, his BAFTA nominated documentary 'Black & Scottish', encountering racism, and the steely guidance of his Mum. And as always, loads more. Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.