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/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. Se...
Dec 16, 2021•47 min•Ep. 34
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....
Dec 02, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 33
Award winning singer-songwriter Bow Anderson tells me about how a freak accident which nearly resulted in her losing her leg, set her off on her already illustrious career path. We talk Elton John and Cyndi Lauper being fans, performing on German TV as David Guetta looked on, and what's next for one of Scotland's fastest rising music stars. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Tickets for Blethered LIVE at St Luke's with Darren 'Loki' McGarvey & Karen Dunbar: gigss.co/blethered Contact: sean...
Nov 25, 2021•46 min•Ep. 32
Yvonne and David from The Scottish Ghost Company talk about their nighttime ghost hunts at some iconic locations across Scotland, and a collection of terrifying paranormal experiences and ghost stories... www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Tickets for Blethered LIVE at St Luke's with Darren 'Loki' McGarvey & Karen Dunbar: gigss.co/blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 The Scottish Ghost Company: https://www.facebook.com/thescottishgho...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 31
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. www.dontfreta...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 30
I’ve put together three separate interviews, where I aim to find out more about what it’s really like to live with HIV, and about the groundbreaking new treatment that Scotland is the first country in the world to offer. Those guests are two men, Brian and David, who have been living with the virus for quite some time, and from Dr Nneka Nikwolo. They each give me a personalised account of their lives, the realities of living with HIV and the challenges they've faced. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/bl...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 29
Tickets for Blethered LIVE at St Luke's Glasgow - Friday 26th November: gigss.co/blethered Musician Luke La Volpe talks about going from playing gigs in pubs aged 13, to selling out King Tuts in a few hours, while still an unsigned artist… Luke explains how he was planning to quit music in 2019 and move to Australia, before he opened for Lewis Capaldi at Princes Street Gardens... And we talk about Luke being made a patron of the Music Venue Trust, alongside Paul McCartney after he organised ‘Sof...
Oct 27, 2021•42 min•Ep. 28
Robyn and I discuss how it feels to be a woman on a daily basis in today’s world, from everyday harassment and sexism, and also more severe incidents such as physical and sexual assault… We look at the dangers faced by women, big and small every time they leave the house, and what men can do to help, both through their own behaviours and interventions… And we discuss the damaging impact that pornography can have, particularly in influencing the behaviours of younger men in today’s society. And a...
Oct 17, 2021•55 min•Ep. 27
Tommy’s back for a follow up to our first conversation where we unpacked the stigma that exists around debt, how people fall into it in the first place, and the options available to help you to resolve it. We discuss the reaction to that conversation and how people got in touch for help after listening... We look at different definitions of ‘struggling with debt’ and how you don’t need to keep living miserably... And we dismantle the notion that debt is anything to be embarrassed about, it happe...
Oct 13, 2021•52 min•Ep. 26
Grayson Hart tells me about his challenging upbringing in New Zealand, before moving to Scotland to play professional rugby... We discuss how serious injury saw him dependent on severe painkillers just to get through each session... And we chat about Pure Sport CBD, Grayson’s company that specialises in wellness products, and the difference it makes. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Tickets for Blethered LIVE at St Luke's Glasgow: gigss.co/blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Tw...
Sep 03, 2021•53 min•Ep. 25
Dylan John Thomas joins me in the studio to talk about supporting both Gerry Cinnamon and Liam Gallagher on their arena tours, we discuss Dylan's new post-lockdown sound, and we look ahead to TRNSMT 2021. And as always, plenty more. Tickets for Blethered LIVE at St Luke's Glasgow: gigss.co/blethered Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
Sep 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 24
I talk to Stevie and Al of Saint Phnx about their early beginnings in band Vigo Thieves, you’ll hear about their tours with Yung Blud and Lewis Capaldi, and the lads reflect on how perseverance and a love for what they do has got them to the where they are. Blethered LIVE at St Luke's: https://gigss.co/blethered Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Aug 28, 2021•35 min•Ep. 23
Blethered x cinch presents TRNSMT I'm joined by Amy MacDonald and we discuss her first steps in music, having a drink backstage with U2, and how much she's looking forward to getting back on the road. And as always, so much more. Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 23, 2021•54 min•Ep. 22
We discuss Paul’s departure from Westminster and the realities of life during Covid after being an MP, moving to Holyrood to serve in the Scottish parliament and pushing for change in Scottish politics. And we chat about the need for alliances in communities, if we want to see real progression. Plus, I talk about the time we had dinner beside Theresa May in the House of Commons. Seriously. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/s...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 21
Commonwealth Featherweight Champion boxer Nathaniel Collins tell me about his early steps into amateur boxing after overcoming a physical defect at birth, before eventually travelling all over the world to compete against the very best. We discuss his transition into professional boxing, including the dedication and sacrifice made that saw him recently crowned Commonwealth Featherweight Champion, and what lies ahead. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Tw...
Aug 12, 2021•49 min•Ep. 20
Former footballer Dean Richardson talks about his days as a youth player at Celtic in the early 2000’s and the progression of his career after leaving Celtic Park. On top of that, there’s some funny stories about nights in the cells in Dublin and physical assaults from the enigmatic Tommy Gravesen after beating him at pool. But most importantly, Dean tells me about his recent testicular cancer battle at only 34 years of age, and how vital early detection was in saving his life. You’ll hear great...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 19
Scottish actor Laura McMonagle talks about her early days on BBC Scotland soap River City before going on to work with people like Ken Loach and Martin Compston... We discuss the added pressure of portraying real-life people such as her character in the Paul Ferris biopic ‘The Wee Man’, among others... And Laura shines a light on the experience of her latest film project, ‘To Be Someone’, a film about Mods, Music & Organised Crime. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.p...
Jul 21, 2021•42 min•Ep. 18
We discuss the Only Fans phenomenon, the social stigma around it, and varying social attitudes around women and sexuality. We also reflect on the sexualisation and objectification of women from a young age, and Adelia discusses the impact that her career path has had on her relationships with her family and friends. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. ...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 17
Classic Episode: Rose Reilly Born in Stewarton, Ayrshire, Rose was a trailblazer in women's football, with an unparalleled career in France and Italy. Rose tells me about playing for AC Milan and Napoli, and winning the World Cup with Italy. Being banned for life without explanation by the SFA, and then being the first ever woman inducted in to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, alongside giants of the game such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Henrik Larsson, Jock Stein and John Greig. And you’ll hear ab...
Jun 21, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 16
A follow-up to my interview with ‘Scary Adult Things’ creator Duncan Cowles, I talk to Jennifer Rippard about her solo move to Australia, working on a farm Italy and how there’s no such thing as a real adult. And as always, plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Ac...
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 15
We talk about Rianne starting out as a busker in Glasgow and becoming a recording artist, Rianne explains how lockdown forced her to reflect on some personal issues and make changes for the better, and we talk about plans and aspirations for the future, as the world begins to open up again www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. Se...
Jun 01, 2021•55 min•Ep. 14
I'm joined by Emma O'Neil and Finlay Anderson to discuss CBD. Emma owns a CBD product company and Finlay is the Spa Director for the IHG hotel chain, which includes the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel. We discuss the physical and mental benefit of CBD products, are they a myth or do they really impact you in a positive way? We chat about the new biophilic suite in the Kimpton Bythswood Square Hotel and the need for connection to nature, especially in lockdown. And we examine just how important r...
May 25, 2021•49 min•Ep. 13
Paul and I look back at our first episode from January 2019 and discuss how much both of our lives have changed since then, we discuss Tik Tok and how influential it’s been in Paul’s career trajectory, and we talk about future career aspirations, and as always, plenty more. https://www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast....
May 18, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 12
Jennifer Agnew and I discuss her reasons for attending AA meetings and choosing to remove alcohol from her life, our personal relationship with drinking, and our cultural attitudes and how they can sometimes make it difficult to see the negative impact it can have. https://www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Jen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/j...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 11
Etienne Kubwabo was born in Congo and had to flee to Uganda, by foot, with his family to escape when the country was being ravaged by war. On the way to Uganda, he was split up from his family and ended up fighting to survive on his own. They were eventually reunited, as a result of a moment of pure luck, having not known for years whether Etienne was dead or alive. Etienne came to join his family in Glasgow aged 19, we talk about what it was like arrive a completely alien environment, and the o...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 9
Atholl Duncan was the head of BBC News in Scotland and led the coverage on some of the most notable moments in Scotland’s recent history, including the Lockerbie bombing and the Dunblane masscare. We talk about his time at the BBC and the landscape of journalism in the modern age, we discuss his work as a leader and coach across a large variety of industries, and we chat about his new book, Leaders in Lockdown, which examines the changes in global society and urges leaders to seize the opportuni...
Mar 26, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 8
Geoff Ellis is the CEO of DF Concerts, the people who bring you countless festivals and live events throughout Scotland, We talk about Geoff’s early life and career, and booking bands such as the Stone Roses while they were in their infancy, moving up to Scotland to manage King Tut’s and eventually co-founding T in the Park, and Geoff talks about some of his greatest memories throughout his career, including smuggling Brandon Flowers through the T in the Park campsite. And as always, plenty more...
Mar 19, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 7
I'm joined by Martin Compston and we discuss the new series of Line of Duty and the challenges of filming under strict Covid regulations, Martin talks about the pressures of fame, and we reflect on setbacks and rejection along the way. We talk TRNSMT and T in The Park memories, why Martin chooses to pay top-rate tax and about his love for being in Scotland. And as always, plenty more patter. In ye come. Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/Blethered Contact: seanmcdonald.po...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 6
Ross Greer is a Member of Scottish Parliament, and the youngest ever elected, representing West Scotland for the Green Party in 2016. We talk about behind the scenes at the Scottish parliament and everyday goings on, including seeing Nicola Sturgeon buying a meal deal in Tesco Ross talks me through his highly publicised clash with Good Morning Britain anchor Piers Morgan, after he challenged people’s perceptions of Winston Churchill We discuss Ross’ political experiences to date, including an un...
Feb 12, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 5
I'm joined by Scottish rapper, author and social commentator Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey for a second time, on Blethered. We talk about Darren’s new TV series ‘Class Wars’, coming soon on BBC Scotland, and we take a look at Scotland’s drug death statistics and the Scottish government’s recent response and actions to mitigate the crisis. We also discuss suicide, and why deeply uncomfortable conversation will ultimately be more effective than well-intentioned hashtags and soundbites, plus plenty more. ...
Jan 29, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 2
