A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! The 2020 UEFA European Football Championship has started (a year late because of the coronabawbag) and Scotland men's team have qualified for the first time in over 2 decades and the Thistle Lads are excited. This is easily one of our most self-indulgent episodes, in which we discuss the history of the Scottish National Football team, the players & games through the years and give you a wee hint on who to look out for in the tournament. We also ramble on ab...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 46
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we are talking about The Scottish Play. William Shakespeare's cursed historical epic tragedy. We discuss the real story of Macbeth, the circumstances surrounding Willy's writing of the play, the various adaptions through the years and the curse that has plagued those who dare utter the name of The Scottish Play out loud. We also tell you the absolutely bananas story of the Astor Place Riot. So shut up and tune in! Sláinte CONTACT: Instagram: thistledo...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 45
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the handsome and talented James McAvoy. He may be the greatest Scottish actor of our time, but he is definitely one of the most hardworking and eclectic. We discuss his background, his career and his numerous appearances on the Graeme Norton Show. X-Men, Atonement, Last King of Scotland, Filth, Arthur Christmas & Split; some are better than others, but James is excellent in all of them. Sláinte CONTACT: Instagram: thistledopod Twitte...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 44
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! It's part 2 of the deep dive into Edinburgh. This week we talk about the accents around town, the famous people who've lived there, the famous Edinburgh Festival and its Fringe. Our feelings on Scotland's capital are complicated, but I think in the end begrudgingly we accept that it might be a fairly interesting town to visit. Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistledopod Email: thistledonicelypod@gmail.com websi...
May 25, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 43
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the 2nd best city in Scotland; Edinburgh. We get into the history and background of our Capital (more like Crapital, amiright?) as well as give you some pointers on what to do when you're there (other than just get the bus to Glasgow). Death, witches and manatees await you, so pour yourself a whiskey, sit back and join us as we ramble our way through the streets of Auld Reekie. Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Faceb...
May 18, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 42
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week Rory and Chris are joined by Drew on from the Unfinished Business Podcast (ufb_podcast on Instagram) to break down the recent hard hitting news in Scotland. We talk seagullacide, deep fried bugs, bicycle battery and cast the new Bond! Join us for all of that and more on this week's episode! Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistledopod Email: thistledonicelypod@gmail.com website & sources: https://w...
May 11, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 41
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we try and make Scottish politics interesting. The election is coming up and we breakdown the history of our government, devolution, where our politicians meet and the current state of the parties ahead of the election. Pour yourself a whiskey, sit back and join us as we ramble our way through the hot topic impacting Scotland at the moment. Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistledopod Email: thistledon...
May 04, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 40
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about one of the worlds most prolific writers and the man who invented the spy thriller with the indelible novel The 39 Steps. John Buchan did a lot with his life; from humble beginnings, to war correspondent & Governer General of Canada. We get into his life, his influence on the world and the various adaptations of his most popular novel. Also, Jonny sings a wee bit again in this one. Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopo...
Apr 27, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 39
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week is part 2 of out exploration in the the life and works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh! As one of the founders of the Glasgow Style of art and design, CRM was one of the most prominent and influential artists in the world. His style has left an indelible imprint on Glasgow and has had an undeniable impact in pop culture around the world. He also made some fancy tearooms. We discuss some more of the buildings he designed, his potential foray into internat...
Apr 20, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 38
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the practical artist dazzling designer, the awesome architect: Charles Rennie Mackintosh! As one of the founders of the Glasgow Style of art and design, CRM was one of the most prominent and influential artists in the world. His style has left an indelible imprint on Glasgow and has had an undeniable impact in pop culture around the world. He also made some fancy tearooms. This is a Jonny led episode, so it involves rambling, lots of int...
Apr 13, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 37
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the week long celebration of everything Scottish: Tartan Week! We dive into it's Canadian roots, we find out about "The Mother of Tartan Day" and how over the years a day had grown into a week of celebrations around the world. Later on in the episode we are also joined by Kyle Dawson, the President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee. But before all that we take a rummage in the sporran and shout out some Scottish celebrity bir...
Apr 06, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 36
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! We were trying something new this week and as sometimes happens with new things, we didn't read the instructions. We had Drew on from the Unfinished Business Podcast (ufb_podcast on Instagram), but due to a series of unfortunate technological events (Rory's fault) we lost his audio. However we were able to salvage a show out of what was left and this week we take a rummage in the sporran and discuss some of the current events that have been plaguing Scotland (y...
Mar 30, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 35
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the Lady from Linlithgow, The Sexy Stuart, The Tallest Hottie Ever to Wear a Crown in Scotland, MQoS herself: MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Chris is taking over this week and telling us all about the troubled and chaotic life of Mary Stuart. It turns out she had more drama than the Kardashians putting on Hamlet. From the hills of Scotland & the courtyards of France we take you on this Lady's journey from Baby Queen, all the way to an executio...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 34
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! Beware all the swears in this episode! This week we are talking about the 1996 hit movie from director Danny Boyle: Trainspotting. We discuss the cultural impact this movie (and the Irvine Welsh book it was based on) had on Scotland and the UK film industry at the time. We talk about the amazing cast, where they are now and some of our favourite scenes. This film is undoubtably better and more true to life in Scotland than Braveheart ever was, so if you haven't...
Mar 16, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 33
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This episode is dedicated to all the good boys and girls around the world who originate from Scotland. We discuss Golden Retrievers, Deerhounds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, West Highland Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers & Skye Terriers! We also spend a moment getting into the story of Greyfriars bobby who was one of the goodest boys who ever lived. Also, remember; Adopt Don't Shop & Adoption: It's the Hip Option! Che...
Mar 09, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 32
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! Are you afraid of weird horses that hang about rivers and lochs in Scotland? If not, you should be! This week we talk about the Scottish legendary mythical creature the Kelpie. We get into how to find and defend yourself against this shifty water spirit. You'll also hear about the other shapeshifting monsters that lie in wait in the wilds of Scotland to eat you, drown you or worse! Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.co...
Mar 02, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 31
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! Here is the full interview with Aarron Duncan-MacLeod, the Marketing & Communications Officer of the Camanachd Association - check out his work at https://www.shinty.com/ Sláinte Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistledopod Email: thistledonicelypod@gmail.com website & sources: https://www.thistledonicelypod.com/
Feb 23, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 30
A Scottish Podcast About Scotland! This week we talk about the ancient Scottish sport of shinty! We discuss how and where you play it, the history of the sport and it's status in modern Scotland. We are very pleased to have input from Aarron Duncan-MacLeod, the Marketing & Communications Officer of the Camanachd Association, he takes the time to tell us all about the sport and how you can get involved. We also discovered an absolute banger of a tune about the best shinty player of all time c...
Feb 23, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 30
From Sparta to space, Gerard Butler is a true hero! Charming, handsome, suave and amicable - he is the everyman action star who gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. This week we talk about the man from Paisley who has brought iconic characters to life, such as; King Leonidas, The Phantom of the Opera, Tullus Aufidius, Egyptian God Set and Leading Seaman. We talk through the life, upbringing and career of the wannabe rock start and Hollywood's celtic action heart-throb Gerry Butler. We discuss the...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 29
This week we take our first step into true crime with our discussion on the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars. We talk about the background to this period of time in Glasgow, the brutal murder of the Doyle Family, and the aftermath. We also spend a bit of time at the beginning debating a potential new format to the show. The episode is a wee bit shorter than usual this week due to some technical difficulties (some of which you can hear at the end. Warning; sweary!) Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistle...
Feb 09, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This week we are joined by our old friend from home, the illustrious and handsome Jamie Crook. He joins us to impart his incomparable knowledge on all things Scottish Rugby, he will be dropping knowledge nuggets on; the game's history in Scotland, the invention of Rugby Sevens and our never ending rivalry with England. We also discuss the current and rising stars of the team and how they will fare in the upcoming 2021 Guinness 6 Nations Tournament. Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod ...
Feb 02, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This week we invite you to join us at our audio Burns Supper. We celebrate the anniversary of Scotland's most celebrated bard Robert Burns, AKA Rabbie Burns. We tell stories, recite poems, sing songs and drink a lot of whisky. Pull up a chair, grab yourself some haggis, neeps and tatties, and pour yourself a dram, as you enjoy Burns Supper with the Thistle Do Nicely Clan. Instagram: thistledopod Twitter: @thistledopod Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistledopod Email: thistledonicelypod@gmail.com we...
Jan 26, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 26
This week we discuss one of the biggest bands to come out of Scotland: The Proclaimers. We discuss the life of the be-speckled twins Craig and Charlie Reid, their upbringing, first few albums and some of their biggest hits, including: I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) Letter From America I'm on My Way Sunshine on Leith The three of us came out with a new favourite band, hopefully you will as well. We've also got some new social media on the go, so check us out & get in touch at the below: Instagram: ...
Jan 19, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 25
This week we talk about Stripping the Willow with a Dashing White Sergeant at a Canadian Barn Dance. We are talking the ins and outs, the round and rounds and the pas de basque of Ceilidhs. We discuss the history of the Scottish social events, the bands, the music, the dancing and the embarrassment of learning to dance at school. Unfortunately we had some wee issues with the audio on this episode and so some of it sounds a bit dodgy. Hopefully not enough to prevent you from enjoying this week's ...
Jan 12, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This week Chris and Rory (alas, no Jonny again this week) talk about some of the Scottish traditions that take place around the country at the beginning of the year. We discuss and marvel at all of the below: The Loony Dook (cure your hangover in the North Sea) Kirkwall Ba (it's a sport apparently) Burning of the Clavie (lots of fire) Up Helly Aa (even more fire, plus some Viking stuff) Spitting on the Heart of Midlothian (phlegmy rebellion)
Jan 05, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Happy New Year everyone! It's time to pop open the bubbly, grab the left over mince pies and shortbread and get out first footing your neighbours. This week we are celebrating New Year's Eve, or as we call it Hogmanay. We talk a wee bit about the history, the traditions & superstitions surrounding the celebration in Scotland, our personal experiences and Jonny does a turn. Also, we introduce the first annual Quizzle Do Nicely!
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 22
HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas from the Thistle Do Nicely boys. This week we get together to talk about Christmas in Scotland and our somewhat checkered past with the holiday. We exchange gifts, upset Chris' mum, talk family traditions and Jonny offends everyone's ears. Sit back, light the fire, pour yourself a hot toddy, grab a mince pie and enjoy Christmas (or Yule) with us. Happy Yule, Happy Winter Solstice and Happy Holidays to all!...
Dec 22, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 21
This episode Chris and Rory look at some of the biggest and hardest hitting stories from Scotland this year. We talk wildlife, politics, food, art and treasure chest mysteries. Jonny unfortunately couldn't be on this one and so without our moral compass, it's a bit bawdy - for that we apologise.
Dec 15, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 20
We have finally got to our Sean Connery in memorandum episode. He was 90 years old when he died and lived a hell of a life, so we have gone a bit long this week. We talk about his life, his work, his many dalliances and marvel at his painted buttocks. Obviously there are numerous terrible impressions as well.
Dec 08, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Today we talk about the annual Scottish celebration of St Andrew's Day. Each year we celebrate our patron saint on the 30th of November with food, drink and merriment - well, not really, but he was an interesting fellow with some interesting connections to Scotland. We discuss the man himself, how he became the Patron Saint of Scotland, the history of our Saint's day and suggest how you may want to celebrate at home. We also have a quick rummage in the hairy sporran to see who has been in touch ...
Dec 01, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 18