* Classic Episode - Originally Released in March 2019 * 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 you are far tougher than any mental afflicti...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 22
I'm joined by married couple - and business owners - Dr Conor and Adam Morgan. We talk about what inspired them to set up such a specific and unique company, and I hear about their early lives and how their paths led them to each other. Adam worried about coming out as , and losing his children The chaos of the pandemic being the foundation for their new business venture Why they pour so much of themselves into their business, and how that mirrors their view on life. And as always, there’s plent...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 4
Davinia Taylor tells me about her acting and TV career after starting out in Hollyoaks in the 90's… We talk about alcoholism, addiction and changing direction in life… And Davinia explains how she went from permanent party girl, to health and fitness fanatic, which has culminated in two Sunday Times Number 1 best-selling books. Davinia's Books www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Instagram: https://www.instagram....
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 3
Danni talks to me about her life growing up in Scotland before ending up in London for work, She tells me about the horror incident after being hit by a stolen moped in London… And We talk TV, big breaks, A Place In The Sun and aspirations for the future. And as always, there’s plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 2
Eamonn Holmes has been on TV screens for over 40 years, and holds the distinction of being the world’s longest serving breakfast television anchor in the world. We talk about growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland... Eamonn tells me about his diverse and extensive career in media... And you’ll hear about some big names who became big pals, including the incomparable Sir Alex Ferguson, and the legendary Sir Roger Moore. Hilton Glasgow Health & Fitness Memberships www.dontfretabout...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 1
Jennie’s mum Margaret was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, and her first thought was to organise charity nights to raise money for others. Margaret sadly passed away two years later, but Jennie and her family have carried on those fundraising efforts right through to 2023. We talk about those fund-raising activities, including walking 80 miles in just three days in May of this year… Jennie tells me about the brutal reality of losing a parent and how she and her family got through it… And you’ll he...
Jun 02, 2023•47 min•Ep. 89
Glaswegian Poppy went on a gap year to Thailand when she was 17, and didn’t get on her return flight, instead choosing to set up home in Thailand, where she lived for six years, teaching English and working as a diving instructor. A chance meeting with a foreign stranger then led to her moving to Copenhagen to be with him, but things didn’t go to plan. We talk about moving to Thailand, the excitement that accompanied it, and how it shaped her in her formative years… Poppy tells me about the dome...
May 09, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 88
Gabrielle started her podcast ‘Gift of the Gab’ in January this year, and has recently left her job in retail to pursue a career in broadcasting. We talk about taking that plunge in spite of the usual fears and worries… Gabrielle tells me about her slightly unusual family background and how it’s shaped her personality... And we talk about losing a parent, sexual assault and being a 12-year-old aspiring detective. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitte...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 87
Yvie is an opera singer and vocal coach to the stars, working with A List names in music, from Sam Smith to Lewis Capaldi. Yvie tells me about her own journey as a performer, and the challenges of work and being a mother… You’ll hear about how a chance conversation with Louis Walsh led to her becoming the resident vocal coach on Simon Cowell’s X Factor… And we chat about Yvie’s new series ‘Scotland Sings’ on BBC Scotland, and why you don’t want to miss it. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Co...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 86
95-year-old Tom recently held an exhibition of his incredible oil paintings, depicting 1930’s Glasgow, at the Forge, in Glasgow’s East End. I was immediately captivated by the detail and quality of the paintings, and Tom’s reasoning for holding the exhibition in the first place: to leave his own legacy for those coming behind him. You’ll hear Tom telling me about growing up in Glasgow in the 1930’s and the environment everyone shared… We talk about the realities of World War Two and some fantast...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Stephen recently participated in a gruelling three-day trek in the Arctic Circle with 15 other volunteers, in aid of the Celtic Foundation charity. Stephen tells me about the challenge, with the team facing temperatures of minus 25 degrees, while walking 30 km in one day and pulling their equipment… You’l hear about Stephen becoming separated from the group and panic starting to set in… And we talk about the importance of looking out for those who need it, whether it’s big or small. And as alway...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 84
Meryl recently starred in, and won, the immensely popular BBC series 'The Traitors'. We talk about Meryl’s slightly nomadic childhood, originating in South Africa before settling in Scotland… Meryl explains the realities and misconceptions of her disability… And we talk all things Traitors, including the excitement of the aftermath… And as always, there’s plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted o...
Mar 03, 2023•49 min•Ep. 83
In this episode we’re discussing dating apps, with some funny and some crazy stories sent in by listeners. We talk about the rise of dating apps in modern culture… You’ll hear about a girl on a first date who ended up at a cat’s funeral… And we go through the good, the bad and the ugly of navigating apps like Tinder and Hinge. And as always, there's plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acas...
Feb 22, 2023•46 min•Ep. 82
Amy and Kirsten co-own Scottish influencer management company Aquarius Creative, working with brands and social media influencers, and have just seen the release of their own TV Series, The Agency: Unfiltered on BBC Scotland. Amy and Kirsten talk about the inception and evolution of Aquarius... Kirsten reflects on juggling motherhood and business… And we discuss their new series and the experience of creating structured reality TV. And as always, there's plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/bl...
Feb 16, 2023•52 min•Ep. 81
Tosh works on Adult TV shows while running two other successful businesses in Scotland, as well as other content creation, online. We talk about how Tosh ended up in the adult entertainment industry, and some of the misconceptions around the business itself... We reflect on her journey and how she worked to gain complete control and autonomy in a very unpredictable industry... And we chat about therapy, and how it can benefit you even when you maybe don’t realise it’s taking place. And as always...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 80
M’s book 'Strip - The Diary of a Hustler' tells the story of her life and about the realities of being a stripper in London’s high-end clubs. You’ll hear about her move to England at just 18 and without being able to speak English… M explains how she ended up becoming a hostess before being cast for various reality TV shows, including Love Island in the UK… And we discuss why she started to work in adult clubs, her popularity on TikTok and aspirations for her book and career. www.dontfretaboutde...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 79
Big Light co-founders Fiona and Janice talk to me about their early days working at STV and on numerous programmes across TV and radio… We discuss the inception of The Big Light and how they aim to change the face of podcasting in Scotland… And you’ll hear about a house party with Cyndi Lauper in Glasgow, and accidental phone calls from Billy Connolly. And as always, there’s plenty more. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/sea...
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 78
I'm joined by Senior Debt Adviser Tommy Gallacher, from Don't Fret About Debt, and we discuss the social stigma around debt and the stresses that come with carrying around the weight of that on your own. Tommy explains the solutions available to people struggling with debt, and how you can take free, simple steps to stop paying more than you can afford and relieve pressure from creditors. We also discuss the reasons people fall into debt in the first place, including high interest payday loan co...
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 4
Capital FM DJ Meg recently moved from Glasgow to London, and we speak about the step up in her career and how she’s adjusted to being part of one of the biggest networks in UK radio… Meg talks about the loss of her beloved dad, Michael, and how she channelled that emotion and energy into her podcast, McHugh Corner, which tackles hard-hitting subjects head-on… And we chat about London Life and bumping into Will Ferrell in the office. As you do… www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/ Contact: seanmc...
Jan 06, 2023•55 min•Ep. 77
Aran has vast experience in both traditional and cosmetic dentistry, and a wealth of knowledge at his disposal. With the sharp rise in medical tourism to places like Turkey, there has also been a sharp rise in horror stories and instances of malpractice. We talk ‘Turkey Teeth’, and about the ever-growing trend of travelling to places like Antalya for the five star experience… We reflect on the Foreign Office information of the twenty two British citizens who have died while over in Turkey for co...
Dec 28, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 76
Both Martin and Gordon have been on Blethered a few times before, but this is the first time we’ve all been in the studio together, and it was a great laugh from start to finish. The lads have a brilliant new podcast called Restless Natives, in association with Global Radio, and I find out how the idea came about, how they became pals in the first place, and their grand plans for a music festival in Martin’s hometown of Greenock, in aid of the absolutely fantastic Ardgowan Hospice. This is an ep...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 75
Tommy is a highly respected industry expert, and was recently on the panel of BBC’s ‘Debate Night’ programme, giving his input alongside national politicians. With Christmas here and millions of people relying more heavily on credit, we reflect on the past year and the various predictions Tommy made at the start of the year with regards to the cost of living… Tommy dismantles misconceptions about debt and the belief that you’ll be blacklisted for life if you put a foot wrong… And there’s some gr...
Dec 14, 2022•53 min•Ep. 74
George Bowie is the undisputed King of breakfast radio in Scotland, and has transcended generations, decades and even genres. From keeping you company in the car on the way to school, to providing the tunes during pre-drinks on a Saturday, he’s been a perpetual presence and one that will remain for a long time to come. We chat about George’s first rudimentary DJ lessons as a teenager in his dad’s club, while the DJ nipped off for a drink… George reflects on his start at Radio Clyde in somewhat u...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 73
Itison CEO Oli Norman and Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn are serial entrepreneurs and have partnered on the brilliant £5 Christmas voucher, to help the homeless. Oli tells me the story of how he uncovered a TV Scandal about Prince Edward, that led to HIM breaking the story via Piers Morgan and The Daily Mirror… Josh and Oli talk about how their partnership began, the positive impact it has on those who benefit from it, and how it eventually led to them hanging about with George Clooney and ...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 72
In between being the tour manager for The Proclaimers, to hanging about with his pal Stevie Nicks. of Fleetwood Mac, at her home in Malibu, Craig McLean has led a whirlwind life and career. We talk about starting out as a gig reviewer in Scotland before moving down to London to work at the iconic ‘The Face’ Magazine... We take a look at his freelance work as a top journalist, which led to him living in Phil Collins’ pocket while writing his biography… And Craig tells me about flying on Jay Z’s p...
Nov 30, 2022•54 min•Ep. 71
Recorded live at St Luke's in Glasgow, Arbroath manager Campbell was on-stage, reflecting on his long-ranging career in the Scottish game. We talk about ’s love for football and why he sees an extensive future for his managerial career… shares his thoughts on a dismissiveness and derision towards older managers in the game… And he recounts an incident which saw an unhappy Dunfermline manager Bert Paton clashing with football journalist Hugh Keevins in the tunnel at Ibrox. And as always, there’s ...
Nov 24, 2022•42 min•Ep. 70
Fil is part of the Specialist Crime Division of Police Scotland, focusing on Rape, Human Trafficking & prostitution, with decades of experience across the board. Fil talks about human trafficking and forced prostitution in Scotland, how it’s happening across the country and the steps Police Scotland take to stop it at its root… There’s some tales of policing on the streets of Glasgow, including a machete-swinging individual on one side, and an irate Glaswegian woman on the other… And we chat...
Nov 16, 2022•51 min•Ep. 69
Gordon is responsible for the music PR of James Bay, Tom Walker, Lewis Capaldi, Luke La Volpe, Joesef, Dylan John Thomas, Bow Anderson, Tamzene and many, many more. Drawing on decades of experience, Gordon explains just how music PR works, and about the many cogs in the machine of big musicians. There are stories about Lemmy from Motorhead’s answer machine, Ian Brown from the Stone Roses in the supermarket, and Victoria Beckham in Glasgow. You’ll also hear about Gordon’s experience of being in S...
Nov 09, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 68
I’m joined by someone who listened to my first interview with Senior Debt Adviser, Tommy Gallacher. In February 2021, Tommy and I discussed the social stigma around debt, and the stresses that come with carrying that weight. Tommy explained the solutions available, and steps to stop you paying more than you can afford, each month. We also discussed the reasons people fall into debt in the first place, including payday loans and schemes like Klarna. That conversation struck a chord with so many p...
Oct 31, 2022•21 min•Ep. 67
Part 2 of Blethered Live at SWG3 in Glasgow, with former MI6 Spy Aimen Dean. Aimen tells a never-before-told story about his haunting interaction with the lead-hijacker of the September 11th attacks in New York City... We hear about Aimen's decision to join MI6 as an undercover spy, and the extensive debriefing process in Scotland... Aimen discusses his progression into mainstream media such as Newsnight and the Conflicted podcast, and how it came about... And Aimen reflects on the issue of retu...
Sep 16, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 65
