Adam Miller is a football writer and columnist, who started out by writing and sharing jokes online on the very popular @OldFirmFacts Twitter account, before turning it into a full time career We talk about how he made that jump and some of the experiences he’s had so far, the transformative power of doing what you really enjoy in life, and the positive influence that new voices in media can have. Old Firm Facts on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Oldfirmfacts1 Support Blethered on Patreon: https://...
Jan 22, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 1
Robert McNeil is a Glaswegian who played a key role in uncovering the evidence of genocide in Bosnia with the United Nations, through the excavation of mass graves in Srebrenica. We discuss Robert's early life and the experiences that shaped him, his first job as a mortuary assistant and how it prepared for him for what life had in store, and how he ended up working on the Bosnian project and the horrors and complexities that surrounded it. We reflect on the relatively recent events in Srebrenic...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 27
Author, screenwriter and journalist Neil Forsyth tells me about how he started out, and the weird and wonderful adventures he found himself on when writing features for the now-defunct lads mags of the late 90’s early 2000’s. We talk about his first book ‘Other People’s Money’, about Elliot Castro, who lived the millionaires lifestyle through credit card fraud and we discuss Neil’s work as a screenwriter, including the critically acclaimed and multiple award winning drama ‘Guilt’, on the BBC. Yo...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 26
I’m joined by Dionne Basra and we’re talking about Alexander Pacteau, who was sentenced to life in prison at the High Court in Glasgow in 2015, for the murder of Karen Buckley, an Irish nursing student who was residing in the city. Dionne describes the timeline of events and we give our thoughts as the case unfolds throughout the episode, including our opinion on why people are so fascinated by crimes and police investigations like these. Topics and cases of this nature are obviously highly sens...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 25
Simon McLean is a former undercover police officer who worked with the Serious Crime Squad in Glasgow, where he pursued drug dealers, gangsters, terrorists, murderers and paedophiles. Simon’s recently released The Ten Percent, a tell-all book that gives you a very rare insight into that world and details what The Ten Percent of police officers are willing to do to make sure those people they’re fighting against, are brought down. We talk about Simon’s view on drug decriminalisation and why we ne...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 24
Drug-law reform campaigner Peter Krykant talks about his own experience as a serious drug user before eventually going into recovery and turning his life around, We discuss the reasons that people start taking drugs in the first place and we take a detailed look at Scotland’s shocking drug-death record in recent years, Peter also explains why he set up a drug-consumption room programme in Glasgow and how it can benefit society as a whole, by helping people into different forms of recovery, remov...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 23
Founded by Paul Pettigrew in the wake of his own gambling addiction that saw him attempt to take his own life, GamTalk provides education on gambling addiction, and support to those affected by it. We discuss how Paul started gambling and the impact it had on his life and relationships, Paul explains his lowest point of an attempted suicide and how he then started to take decisive action to turn things around, and we talk about GamTalk and the aims of the project, including advice on how to rega...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 21
I’m joined by Matt Dean, Senior Casting Producer on MTV Catfish UK. Catfishing is the modern phenomenon of internet predators that fabricate online identities in order to trick people into emotional or romantic relationships, over a long period of time. Matt and I discuss Catfishing, the sharp rise in cases during lockdown and I explain how I established the name, address and location of a man in Kilmarnock who was using my photos while contacting children and young women. Matt also talks about ...
Nov 02, 2020•46 min•Ep. 20
We discuss Lindsay’s career in the radio industry and her time at TalkSport and we talk about the difficulties faced by women working in media, specifically sport media - including social media abuse in general. Lindsay also lifts the lid on her time spent working as a stripper, delving into some of the darker aspects of the industry and we take a look at the stigmas and attitudes that surround sites like Only Fans and AdmireMe. You'll hear about Scottish footballers she met on the scene, the re...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 19
We talk about Connie’s career as a presenter, journalist and behavioural coach, starting out as a woman in an entirely male-dominated industry, and Connie explains how meditation and mindfulness can improve daily life. As always, there’s plenty more conversation in there. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast...
Oct 04, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 18
I sit down with my Grandpa and talk to him about his life and experiences, and about our relationship and memories together. It was a great laugh and a real privilege to be able to do it. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 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 ...
Sep 30, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 17
I'm joined by Gurpreet, the brother of Jagtar Singh Johal, who was abducted on the streets of India in 2017 and subsequently accused of seven murders by the Indian authorities. The accusation is completely unfounded and without evidence, with no charges ever made, and no trial ever held. He’s now been detained and routinely tortured for well over 1,000 days. The case is a troubling one and Gurpreet outlines the level of torture his brother has experienced, the anguish he and his family have face...
Sep 24, 2020•52 min•Ep. 16
Un episodio en español, hablando con mi amigo Pablo. Pablo es de Argentina y ha vivido en Barcelona, Francia, Italia e Irlanda. Hablamos de la vida con Covid, sobre viviendo en países diferentes y más. An episode of Blethered in Spanish, with my friend Pablo. Pablo is from Argentina and has lived in Barcelona, France, Italy and Ireland. We speak about life with Covid, living in different countries, and more. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdo...
Sep 17, 2020•31 min•Ep. 15
Aarti Joshi is the head of marketing and communications for DF Concerts, the people who brought you T in The Park, TRNSMT and countless concerts and music events. Aarti is Scottish-Indian and while being as Scottish as you could possibly be, she also has a very rich cultural heritage, of which she’s rightly proud. We talk about what it was like to grow up with a different cultural background to the so-called ‘norm’, and experiencing racism in different forms. We also discuss Aarti's interesting ...
Sep 13, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 14
Matt was previously Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman and has been instrumental in bringing about more stringent regulation on betting companies in the UK, through the Campaign for Fairer Gambling. We talk about Matt’s previous gambling addiction and the depths that he fell to as a result, we discuss the impact of gambling in communities throughout the UK, and Matt talks about working with Jeremy Corbyn in the run up to the general election, as well as both our thoughts on the current political landscap...
Aug 26, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 13
Graham grew up in Largs and moved to London in the 1960’s, where he worked as a songwriter for Apple Music, the legendary music label owned by The Beatles. He had his own illustrious performing career as part of Gallagher & Lyle, before he turned his attentions to songwriting again. He's written tracks for Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, and so many more global superstars. Graham talks about having three number 1 hits at the same time in multiple countr...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 12
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. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 See acast.com/privacy for...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 11
Music Producer & Performer Dan Dare grew up in West London and was involved in gang culture and serous crime at a young age, before throwing himself into music. He quickly earned a solid reputation in the industry and has worked with numerous major artists worldwide, and most recently co-wrote and produced Head & Heart, the current UK Number 1 by Joel Corry and MNEK (July 2020). We talk about Dan’s tough upbringing, his music career and the honesty about his mental health in his music. H...
Jul 31, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 10
Kerr is the front man of the phenomenal LaFontaines and he talks about how he fell into music and the mad journey that it’s taken him on. Kerr tells some hilarious stories, including being arrested in Marrakech and losing the band’s entire budget for a music video on one spin in the casino, you’ll hear exactly why he loves doing what he does and we also discuss the male suicide epidemic in Kerr’s hometown of Motherwell. We dissect the concept social media and it’s grip on our lives. It’s a conve...
Jul 10, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 9
Myles recently won a Gold Award for Best News Coverage at the Aria Awards in London for an exposé into a so-called ‘Pick Up Artist’ operating in Glasgow , which led to the individual being jailed for two years and placed on the offenders register for ten years. What followed was Myles going undercover and posing as a-student at a Pick Up Artist bootcamp in London, before confronting the organisers on what they were doing. We talk about how these groups came to Myles’ attention and the logistics ...
Jul 03, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 8
Jake is a documentary maker who has worked for Vice, the BBC, Channel 4 and many others - going into places like North Korea and Liberia, and getting up close and personal with Islamic preachers and the far-right English Defence League, more commonly known as the EDL. We talk about Jake’s experience in North Korea and the relationship he’s managed to cultivate with the North Korean government, you’ll hear about the best garlic naan bread he’s ever shared with an ISIS executioner and we talk abou...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 6
Renowned football journalist Graham Hunter talks to me about his love of Spain, interesting points in his career and his thoughts on when luck meets opportunity. There's good humour, fascinating insight and tales of Sir Alex Ferguson, Gerard Pique, Pierre Van Hooijdonk, Vicente Del Bosque and plenty more. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and op...
Jun 02, 2020•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 5
Darryl Broadfoot and I talk about his experiences across Scottish journalism and PR, the accessibility of sport in our society and we discuss the mollycoddling of the younger generation and whether they’re being set up for a spectacular fall. You’ll also hear some funny stories including a Scottish international’s sleeping pills kicking in during a post-match interview, and about a high-profile Dutch international possibly indulging in a wee bit of bad behaviour while on pre-season with Rangers ...
May 20, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 4
Matt Morgan talks about his current work projects, his personal perception of fame and the unpredictable nature of working with Russell Brand. Plus, winding up Noel Gallagher, driving across America in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac, and plenty more. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 www.thebiglight.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. S...
May 13, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 3
Stuart Cosgrove talks about growing up in Perth before setting off for university, which saw him study in both England and America, including a stint at Harvard University, before embarking on an illustrious and fascinating career in the media, spanning four decades and still going strong. On top of that, you’ll hear about his links to music megastar Beyonce, his involvement in The Great Train Robbery and the influence that he’s had in UK and Scottish media across multiple formats. Support Bleth...
May 06, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 2
I'm delighted to join The Big Light, Scotland's Podcast Network. Blethered is a grass-roots, independent production and here's a rundown of the story so far... For further information, visit www.thebiglight.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....
May 05, 2020•6 min•Ep. 1
Paul is currently a playback technician for Lewis Capaldi and has toured all over the world with some very well known acts, including Mø and Glasvegas, in a variety of roles. He talks about his experiences on the road with the artists he’s worked with, and we discuss how the music industry has had to evolve in line with society, with streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music having a monumental impact on how everything now operates. We chat about finding your way in life, doing what you...
May 04, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 15
I talk to broadcast news journalist Martin Geissler about his illustrious career to date, his slightly unconventional early steps in the industry, and about some of the standout stories Martin has reported from directly, including the Boxing Day Tsunami and Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. We also discuss potential life after coronavirus lockdown. Will governments relinquish their newly acquired powers and Should we be concerned? Is it all a bit Orwellian or are these measures and their continuation ne...
Apr 24, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 14
Laura is a football media producer and has worked at Celtic Football Club, Copa90.com and Motherwell Football Club, to name just a few. We discuss her career progression and the highlights over the years, from her experiences at Celtic and what it was like to deal with some of the players, to being sent to Paris to cover the World Cup Final of 2018, and most recently, creating much lauded content such as the David Turnbull documentary at Motherwell. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patr...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 13
Broadcasting heavyweight Gordon Smart is back on Blethered and the conversation flows, as always. We discuss the concept of celebrity in modern society and its various consequences, Gordon's early motivations for becoming involved in journalism, his enjoyment in promoting new and young talent across the industry and much, much more - including our experiences of spending the night in foreign jails. As you do. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdon...
Apr 10, 2020•57 min•Ep. 12
