Apolitical - a Scottish politics podcast: Recent Episodes
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In Episode 45 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Leaving the European Union with Tom Harris, the former Scottish Labour MP who is heading up Vote Leave Scotland. Amongst the topics we discuss with Tom on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Leave vote; • The infamous £350m per week figure and what […]
The post #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 45 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Leaving the European Union with Tom Harris, the former Scottish Labour MP who is heading up Vote Leave Scotland.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Tom on the podcast are:
• His personal reasons for supporting a Leave vote;
• The infamous £350m per week figure and what it means;
• Whether people can really expect any savings resulting from a Leave vote to be invested in the NHS;
• Additional powers that would accrue to Holyrood in the event of the UK leaving the EU;
• How to make a moderate case in support of a cause backed by extremists;
• Where changes to immigration could be made to benefit the UK after leaving the EU;
• How the murder of Jo Cox relates to the referendum campaign and the challenges of campaigning sensitively in the wake of such an event;
• Plans for the last few days of the campaign;
and
• Tom’s prediction for the outcome of the Referendum.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
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In Episode 44 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Remaining in the European Union with Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ spokesman on Europe and external affairs.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are:
• His personal reasons for supporting a Remain vote;
• Whether the EU’s treatment of Greece has damaged it;
• How comfortable he is with standing for the same objective as senior Westminster Conservatives;
• Whether the EU can be reformed;
• How the EU benefits the environment and how it impacts Scotland’s fishing industry;
• How the murder of Jo Cox relates to the referendum campaign and the challenges of campaigning sensitively in the wake of such an event;
• Plans for the last few days of the campaign;
and
• Ross’ prediction for the outcome of the Referendum.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Tweet The post #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 44 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Remaining in the European Union with Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ spokesman on Europe and external affairs. Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Remain vote; • Whether the EU’s treatment of Greece has […]
The post #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 43 of Apolitical we welcome the Guardian’s Scotland Correspondent, Libby Brooks, to the show. Libby is an established part of the Guardian team and has been based in Glasgow since the 2014 Independence referendum. Amongst the topics we discuss with Libby on the podcast are: • The women who inspired her to get into journalism; […]
The post #43: Libby Brooks appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 43 of Apolitical we welcome the Guardian’s Scotland Correspondent, Libby Brooks, to the show. Libby is an established part of the Guardian team and has been based in Glasgow since the 2014 Independence referendum.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Libby on the podcast are:
• The women who inspired her to get into journalism;
• Her perceptions of political life in Scotland compared to London;
• Recollections from writing her 2006 book, The Story of Childhood: Growing Up in Modern Britain;
• Gender balance in Scottish political journalism and Scottish politics;
• Political discourse in Scotland and in particular the term ‘ulsterisation’;
• Online abuse received by female writers and by Libby in particular;
• Deportation and covering the story of the Brain family;
and
• What makes her optimistic about life in Scotland today.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Libby’s Guardian piece on ‘Ulsterisation’
Libby on Twitter
Libby in the Guardian
The Story of Childhood: Growing Up in Modern Britain
Harpies & Quines
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In Episode 42 of Apolitical we welcome musician and writer Pat Kane to the show. A long-term supporter of Scottish independence, Pat – best known to many as half of the successful duo Hue & Cry – has been a prominent voice in the constitutional debate before, during and since the referendum campaign.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Pat on the podcast are:
• The politics he was exposed to as a child;
• His relationship with party politics;
• Winning the role of Rector of the University of Glasgow;
• The themes from his Rectorial Installation Address;
• Whether he sees his music as political in nature;
• How his Play Ethic theory relates to modern political expression;
• Serving on the advisory board to Yes Scotland;
• Whether the ‘Yes’ movement has crystallised in the SNP for a significant proportion of its participants;
• The sustainability of crowdfunded new media once the current intense period of referenda and elections passes;
and
• How optimistic he is about Scotland’s prospects for independence.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Pat on Twitter (also here and here)
Hue and Cry on Twitter
The Play Ethic (see also: the Observer article that preceded the book)
Pat’s Rectorial Installation Address
Radical Animal
Thoughtland
Bella Caledonia
Common Weal
University of Glasgow
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In Episode 42 of Apolitical we welcome musician and writer Pat Kane to the show. A long-term supporter of Scottish independence, Pat – best known to many as half of the successful duo Hue & Cry – has been a prominent voice in the constitutional debate before, during and since the referendum campaign. Amongst the topics we discuss with […]
The post #42: Pat Kane appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 41 of Apolitical we welcome Jordan Daly from the TIE Campaign. After chatting with Jordan’s co-founder Liam Stevenson last year, we get an update on the campaign’s progress in 2016.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Jordan on the podcast, recorded shortly before the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, are:
• Developments in the campaign’s work since the start of the year;
• The commitments made by various political parties to work with TIE;
• What form that collaboration might take;
• How TIE plan to keep political attention on the campaign’s goals from waning;
• TIE’s plans for teacher training seminars;
and
• His hopes for the future of the campaign.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
TIE Campaign
TIE on Twitter
TIE on Facebook
Jordan on Twitter
Tweet The post #41: Jordan Daly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 41 of Apolitical we welcome Jordan Daly from the TIE Campaign. After chatting with Jordan’s co-founder Liam Stevenson last year, we get an update on the campaign’s progress in 2016. Amongst the topics we discuss with Jordan on the podcast, recorded shortly before the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, are: • Developments in the campaign’s work since […]
The post #41: Jordan Daly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 40 of Apolitical we are joined by Steven Purcell, formerly the Leader of Glasgow City Council, to discuss the outcomes from last week’s Scottish Parliament elections.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are:
• Where do Scottish Labour go from here;
• What are the causes of the Scottish Conservatives’ success;
• Should the SNP be satisfied or disappointed with the outcome of the election;
• Did the Scottish Greens have a good night or an underwhelming one;
• Where do the Liberal Democrats stand now;
• What happened to the 100,00+ people in Glasgow who voted SSP in 2003;
and
• What’s next for Scottish politics now the elections are over?
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Steven Purcell on Twitter
Scottish Conservatives
Scottish National Party
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Scottish Green Party
Scottish Labour
Glasgow City Council
Tweet The post #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 40 of Apolitical we are joined by Steven Purcell, formerly the Leader of Glasgow City Council, to discuss the outcomes from last week’s Scottish Parliament elections. Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are: • Where do Scottish Labour go from here; • What are the causes of the Scottish Conservatives’ success; […]
The post #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 39 of Apolitical we welcome back Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn for more discussion of the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we look at some of our preferred policies and the best-case electoral scenario for each of the parties. Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • Who is […]
The post #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 39 of Apolitical we welcome back Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn for more discussion of the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we look at some of our preferred policies and the best-case electoral scenario for each of the parties.
Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are:
• Who is going to be the official opposition in the next Parliament;
• Which policies we would like to see implemented;
• What outcomes the parties can dream of before the votes are counted;
• Where some of the key battlegrounds will be;
and
• Our predictions for the election result.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Scottish Labour Manifesto (released after recording)
Scottish Liberal Democrats Manifesto
Scottish Conservatives Manifesto
UKIP Scotland Manifesto
Scottish Communist Party Manifesto
Women’s Equality Party Manifesto
Scottish Greens Manifesto
RISE Manifesto
SNP Manifesto
Tweet The post #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 38 of Apolitical we welcome former guests Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn to discuss the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we consider each party’s policy platform and look for the problems and challenges they are likely to face.
Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are:
• The highlights of the fourth Scottish Parliament;
• How the 2016 campaign has been going;
• Policy platforms for all of the parties contesting the election;
• Weaknesses, issues and problems that could hold each party back;
and
• Whether there is any prospect at all of the SNP failing to win a majority in May.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Scottish Labour Manifesto (released after recording)
Scottish Liberal Democrats Manifesto
Scottish Conservatives Manifesto
UKIP Scotland Manifesto
Scottish Communist Party Manifesto
Women’s Equality Party Manifesto
Scottish Greens Manifesto
RISE Manifesto
SNP Manifesto
Tweet The post #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 38 of Apolitical we welcome former guests Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn to discuss the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we consider each party’s policy platform and look for the problems and challenges they are likely to face. Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • […]
The post #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 37 of Apolitical we welcome Darren McGarvey as our sixth guest of Season 2. Darren, also known as ‘Loki’, is a musician, activist and political writer from Glasgow. Amongst the topics we discuss with Darren on the podcast are: • How his politics and outlook were affected by the Independence Referendum campaign; • His early […]
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In Episode 37 of Apolitical we welcome Darren McGarvey as our sixth guest of Season 2. Darren, also known as ‘Loki’, is a musician, activist and political writer from Glasgow.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Darren on the podcast are:
• How his politics and outlook were affected by the Independence Referendum campaign;
• His early activism;
• The response to his recent STV article on not voting SNP;
• His concerns with the SNP’s pragmatic political approach;
• Why he holds the SNP to a higher standard;
• Thoughts on the concept of ‘independence first’;
• His hopes for an cross-party anti-poverty commission;
and
• His outlook on Scotland’s political future.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Darren’s STV Article
Darren on Twitter
Darren’s music
Darren’s blog
Tweet The post #37: Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 36 of Apolitical we welcome Robin McAlpine as our fifth guest of Season 2. Robin is the Director of Common Weal and has written for a variety of publications, including Bella Caledonia and CommonSpace, on a wide range of topics.
Amongst the topics we discuss with Robin on the podcast are:
• His introduction to politics and political activism;
• His time at Westminster, working for the Labour Party;
• Losing his faith in the New Labour project;
• The independence referendum campaign and how it changed things;
• Common Weal and how it came about;
• Where power lies and how to change that;
• Progressive taxation;
and
• Where the independence movement stands today.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
Common Weal
Robin on Bella Caledonia
Robin on CommonSpace
Tweet The post #36: Robin McAlpine appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.
In Episode 36 of Apolitical we welcome Robin McAlpine as our fifth guest of Season 2. Robin is the Director of Common Weal and has written for a variety of publications, including Bella Caledonia and CommonSpace, on a wide range of topics. Amongst the topics we discuss with Robin on the podcast are: • His introduction to […]
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In Episode 35 of Apolitical we welcome Naomi McAuliffe as our fourth guest of Season 2. Naomi is the head of Amnesty Scotland and has written for the Guardian and other publications. Amongst the topics we discuss with Naomi on the podcast are: • Her history in political activism; • How the Scottish Government’s approach […]
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In Episode 35 of Apolitical we welcome Naomi McAuliffe as our fourth guest of Season 2. Naomi is the head of Amnesty Scotland and has written for the Guardian and other publications. Amongst the topics we discuss with Naomi on the podcast are: • Her history in political activism; • How the Scottish Government’s approach […]
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In Episode 34 of Apolitical we welcome Cat Boyd as our third guest of Season 2. Cat is the first candidate on the regional list for Glasgow for RISE, is a co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign and writes regularly for The National, CommonSpace and many other outlets. Amongst the topics we discuss with Cat on the podcast […]
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In Episode 34 of Apolitical we welcome Cat Boyd as our third guest of Season 2. Cat is the first candidate on the regional list for Glasgow for RISE, is a co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign and writes regularly for The National, CommonSpace and many other outlets. Amongst the topics we discuss with Cat on the podcast […]
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In Episode 33 of Apolitical we welcome Councillor Monica Lennon as our second guest of Season 2. Monica is a councillor for Hamilton North & East and is placed second on Scottish Labour’s list for the Central Scotland region at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections. Amongst the topics we discuss with Monica on the podcast, which was recorded […]
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In Episode 33 of Apolitical we welcome Councillor Monica Lennon as our second guest of Season 2. Monica is a councillor for Hamilton North & East and is placed second on Scottish Labour’s list for the Central Scotland region at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections. Amongst the topics we discuss with Monica on the podcast, which was recorded […]
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In Episode 32 of Apolitical we welcome back Angela Haggerty as our first guest of Season 2. Angela was also a guest early in Season 1 and joins us to discuss the fallout from her recent sacking as a Sunday Herald columnist. Magnus Llewellin, Editor-in-Chief of the Herald Group of newpapers, was offered an opportunity […]
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In Episode 32 of Apolitical we welcome back Angela Haggerty as our first guest of Season 2. Angela was also a guest early in Season 1 and joins us to discuss the fallout from her recent sacking as a Sunday Herald columnist. Magnus Llewellin, Editor-in-Chief of the Herald Group of newpapers, was offered an opportunity […]
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In Episode 31 of Apolitical we speak with Liam Stevenson, a co-founder of the TIE Campaign which seeks to ensure that all schools in Scotland are offering an LGBTI+ inclusive education. We chat about how he came to be involved in the campaign; why TIE is necessary; and what lies ahead for the campaign. Amongst […]
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In Episode 31 of Apolitical we speak with Liam Stevenson, a co-founder of the TIE Campaign which seeks to ensure that all schools in Scotland are offering an LGBTI+ inclusive education. We chat about how he came to be involved in the campaign; why TIE is necessary; and what lies ahead for the campaign. Amongst […]
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In Episode 30 of Apolitical we look back on 2015 and forward to the new year in a special mini-episode. If there are any guests you want to see on the show please let us know, but more importantly let them know! We’re keen to speak to people from all of the political parties and from the Scottish […]
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In Episode 30 of Apolitical we look back on 2015 and forward to the new year in a special mini-episode. If there are any guests you want to see on the show please let us know, but more importantly let them know! We’re keen to speak to people from all of the political parties and from the Scottish […]
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In Episode 29 of Apolitical we speak with Jeane Freeman OBE, a co-founder of Women for Independence and the SNP’s candidate for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley in the 2016 Holyrood elections. We chat about her journey from the Labour party to the SNP; the potential impact of tax credits reform; TTIP; and the election campaign […]
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In Episode 29 of Apolitical we speak with Jeane Freeman OBE, a co-founder of Women for Independence and the SNP’s candidate for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley in the 2016 Holyrood elections. We chat about her journey from the Labour party to the SNP; the potential impact of tax credits reform; TTIP; and the election campaign […]
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In Episode 28 of Apolitical we speak with Jen Stout, a co-ordinator of the Scottish Land Action Movement. We chat about her interest in land reform, what it could mean for the people of Scotland and try to understand what constitutes a “Mugabe-style land grab”. Amongst the topics we discuss with Jen on the podcast are: […]
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In Episode 28 of Apolitical we speak with Jen Stout, a co-ordinator of the Scottish Land Action Movement. We chat about her interest in land reform, what it could mean for the people of Scotland and try to understand what constitutes a “Mugabe-style land grab”. Amongst the topics we discuss with Jen on the podcast are: […]
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In Episode 27 of Apolitical we speak with Steven Purcell, formerly a Labour Councillor and the Leader of Glasgow City Council. We chat about his time as Leader, the present situation faced by Scottish Labour and what an SNP-led council would mean for the city of Glasgow. Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the […]
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In Episode 27 of Apolitical we speak with Steven Purcell, formerly a Labour Councillor and the Leader of Glasgow City Council. We chat about his time as Leader, the present situation faced by Scottish Labour and what an SNP-led council would mean for the city of Glasgow. Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the […]
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In Episode 26 of Apolitical we speak with Anas Hassan, a pharmacist and writer who recently missed out on selection to the SNP regional list for for Mid Scotland and Fife. In a chat recorded prior to that vote we discuss Anas’ political background and his views on SNP policy. Amongst the topics we discuss with Anas on […]
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In Episode 26 of Apolitical we speak with Anas Hassan, a pharmacist and writer who recently missed out on selection to the SNP regional list for for Mid Scotland and Fife. In a chat recorded prior to that vote we discuss Anas’ political background and his views on SNP policy. Amongst the topics we discuss with Anas on […]
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In Episode 25 of Apolitical we speak with James McEnaney, an educator and writer who contributes a regular column to Common Space. We chat about diversity in the ‘Yes’ movement; the impact of Jeremy Corbyn’s election on Scottish politics; and the Scottish education system. Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • […]
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In Episode 25 of Apolitical we speak with James McEnaney, an educator and writer who contributes a regular column to Common Space. We chat about diversity in the ‘Yes’ movement; the impact of Jeremy Corbyn’s election on Scottish politics; and the Scottish education system. Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • […]
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In Episode 24 of Apolitical we speak with David Torrance, the political writer and journalist known for his biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and for his regular television appearances. We chat about his work; the scope of political debate in the UK; and his current take on the constitutional situation in Scotland. […]
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In Episode 24 of Apolitical we speak with David Torrance, the political writer and journalist known for his biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and for his regular television appearances. We chat about his work; the scope of political debate in the UK; and his current take on the constitutional situation in Scotland. […]
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In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book. Amongst the topics we discuss with John on […]
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In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book. Amongst the topics we discuss with John on […]
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In Episode 22 of Apolitical we speak with Christopher Silver, a writer and film-maker who has authored a book titled The Case for a Scottish Media, available soon. We chat about his thoughts on the traditional Scottish media and where he thinks improvements are required. Amongst the topics we discuss with Christopher on the podcast are: […]
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In Episode 22 of Apolitical we speak with Christopher Silver, a writer and film-maker who has authored a book titled The Case for a Scottish Media, available soon. We chat about his thoughts on the traditional Scottish media and where he thinks improvements are required. Amongst the topics we discuss with Christopher on the podcast are: […]
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In Episode 21 of Apolitical we speak with Jack McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland who now represents Labour in the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale. We chat about his time as First Minister; his thoughts on House of Lords reform; the prospects for Scottish Labour; and his international development work. Apologies […]
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In Episode 21 of Apolitical we speak with Jack McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland who now represents Labour in the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale. We chat about his time as First Minister; his thoughts on House of Lords reform; the prospects for Scottish Labour; and his international development work. Apologies […]
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In Episode 20 of Apolitical we speak with David Clegg, the Daily Record’s Political Editor and reigning Scottish Political Journalist of the Year. We chat about his work; the Daily Record’s decision to endorse Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour Party leadership; the challenges facing traditional media outlets as they adapt to developing technology and changing consumer behaviours; and […]
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In Episode 20 of Apolitical we speak with David Clegg, the Daily Record’s Political Editor and reigning Scottish Political Journalist of the Year. We chat about his work; the Daily Record’s decision to endorse Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour Party leadership; the challenges facing traditional media outlets as they adapt to developing technology and changing consumer behaviours; and […]
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In Episode 19 of Apolitical we speak with Councillor David Meikle, the sole Conservative representative on Glasgow City Council. We chat about his political background; the Scottish Conservatives’ prospects at Holyrood; and the controversial tale of selection to the Conservative regional list for Glasgow at the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. Amongst the topics we discuss […]
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In Episode 19 of Apolitical we speak with Councillor David Meikle, the sole Conservative representative on Glasgow City Council. We chat about his political background; the Scottish Conservatives’ prospects at Holyrood; and the controversial tale of selection to the Conservative regional list for Glasgow at the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. Amongst the topics we discuss […]
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In Episode 18 of Apolitical we speak with Carolyn Scott who is a writer, presenter and producer on NewsShaft and a founder of News Scotland CIC. We chat about ‘new media’, News Scotland CIC’s programming and her interest in issue-based politics. Amongst the topics we discuss with Carolyn on the podcast are: • Her introduction to […]
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In Episode 18 of Apolitical we speak with Carolyn Scott who is a writer, presenter and producer on NewsShaft and a founder of News Scotland CIC. We chat about ‘new media’, News Scotland CIC’s programming and her interest in issue-based politics. Amongst the topics we discuss with Carolyn on the podcast are: • Her introduction to […]
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In Episode 17 of Apolitical we speak with Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for Europe and International Development in the Scottish Government. We chat about his meteoric rise as a politician; the migration crisis in Calais; faith in politics and the way Scotland’s International Development budget is used. Amongst the topics we discuss with Humza on the […]
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In Episode 17 of Apolitical we speak with Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for Europe and International Development in the Scottish Government. We chat about his meteoric rise as a politician; the migration crisis in Calais; faith in politics and the way Scotland’s International Development budget is used. Amongst the topics we discuss with Humza on the […]
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In Episode 16 of Apolitical we speak with Fraser Stewart, a CommonSpace columnist, about the financial crisis in the Eurozone, with particular focus on Greece, Syriza and their recent negotiations with the EC/ECB/IMF ‘Troika’. Among the topics we touch on with Fraser on the podcast are: • His own politics and his perspective on the crisis; […]
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In Episode 16 of Apolitical we speak with Fraser Stewart, a CommonSpace columnist, about the financial crisis in the Eurozone, with particular focus on Greece, Syriza and their recent negotiations with the EC/ECB/IMF ‘Troika’. Among the topics we touch on with Fraser on the podcast are: • His own politics and his perspective on the crisis; […]
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In Episode 15 of Apolitical we speak with James Cook, until recently the Scotland Correspondent and now Los Angeles Correspondent for BBC News. We chat about his experiences covering the Independence Referendum in 2014 and the General Election in 2015; allegations of bias in BBC reporting; and the things he’ll miss about Scottish politics when he […]
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In Episode 15 of Apolitical we speak with James Cook, until recently the Scotland Correspondent and now Los Angeles Correspondent for BBC News. We chat about his experiences covering the Independence Referendum in 2014 and the General Election in 2015; allegations of bias in BBC reporting; and the things he’ll miss about Scottish politics when he […]
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In Episode 14 of apolitical we speak with George Foulkes, the former Labour MP and MSP who now sits in the House of Lords as a life peer. We chat about his early involvement with politics; his views on Iraq, including the morality of regime change and where he believes criticism is due; the challenges facing Labour in […]
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In Episode 14 of apolitical we speak with George Foulkes, the former Labour MP and MSP who now sits in the House of Lords as a life peer. We chat about his early involvement with politics; his views on Iraq, including the morality of regime change and where he believes criticism is due; the challenges facing Labour in […]
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In Episode 13 of Apolitical we speak with Jamie Szymkowiak, ambassador for the One in Five campaign. We chat about the campaigns goals and ambitions; their success so far; and the measures they think will make a difference in the future. Amongst the topics we discuss with Jamie on the podcast are: • Why the […]
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In Episode 13 of Apolitical we speak with Jamie Szymkowiak, ambassador for the One in Five campaign. We chat about the campaigns goals and ambitions; their success so far; and the measures they think will make a difference in the future. Amongst the topics we discuss with Jamie on the podcast are: • Why the […]
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In Episode 12 of apolitical we speak with Tommy Sheridan, Co-convener of the Solidarity Party and a former MSP. We chat about his grounding in activist politics; his role in the anti-poll tax movement; Donald Dewar’s secret, last-ditch attempt to retain warrant sales; the rise and fall of socialist politics in the Scottish parliament; the fallout from […]
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In Episode 12 of apolitical we speak with Tommy Sheridan, Co-convener of the Solidarity Party and a former MSP. We chat about his grounding in activist politics; his role in the anti-poll tax movement; Donald Dewar’s secret, last-ditch attempt to retain warrant sales; the rise and fall of socialist politics in the Scottish parliament; the fallout from […]
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In Episode 11 of Apolitical we speak with Terry Anderson, a cartoonist who put together The Auld Acquaintance, a referendum-themed exhibition. We chat about Terry’s political involvement; the exhibition; freedom of speech; and future prospects for Scottish political cartoonists. Amongst the topics we discuss with Terry on the podcast are: • Challenges facing cartoonists around the world; • […]
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In Episode 11 of Apolitical we speak with Terry Anderson, a cartoonist who put together The Auld Acquaintance, a referendum-themed exhibition. We chat about Terry’s political involvement; the exhibition; freedom of speech; and future prospects for Scottish political cartoonists. Amongst the topics we discuss with Terry on the podcast are: • Challenges facing cartoonists around the world; • […]
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In Episode 10 of apolitical we speak with Colin Fox, National co-spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party and a former MSP. We chat about his introduction to politics and activism; his disenchantment with the Scottish Labour Party; the decline in support for the SSP over the past decade; and what the future holds for the Left in Scotland. […]
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In Episode 10 of apolitical we speak with Colin Fox, National co-spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party and a former MSP. We chat about his introduction to politics and activism; his disenchantment with the Scottish Labour Party; the decline in support for the SSP over the past decade; and what the future holds for the Left in Scotland. […]
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In Episode 9 of apolitical we speak with Ian Dunn, Deputy Editor of the Scottish Catholic Observer and a columnist with CommonSpace. We chat about the part religion plays in politics; the influence of the Catholic Church on the voting habits of its adherents; and his challenging views on the difficulties facing the SNP in the future. […]
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In Episode 9 of apolitical we speak with Ian Dunn, Deputy Editor of the Scottish Catholic Observer and a columnist with CommonSpace. We chat about the part religion plays in politics; the influence of the Catholic Church on the voting habits of its adherents; and his challenging views on the difficulties facing the SNP in the future. […]
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In Episode 8 of apolitical we speak with Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Green Party and prospective candidate for the Glasgow Kelvin constituency in 2016’s Scottish Parliament elections. We chat about Patrick’s grounding in Green politics, his prospects in the Holyrood elections and what distinguishes the Scottish Greens from other parties of the left. […]
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In Episode 8 of apolitical we speak with Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Green Party and prospective candidate for the Glasgow Kelvin constituency in 2016’s Scottish Parliament elections. We chat about Patrick’s grounding in Green politics, his prospects in the Holyrood elections and what distinguishes the Scottish Greens from other parties of the left. […]
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In Episode 7 of apolitical we speak with Angela Haggerty, Editor of CommonSpace, a new media news service created by the Common Weal think tank. We chat about political journalism in Scotland, threats to freedom of speech and Angela’s experiences with criminal levels of abuse on social media. Amongst the topics we discuss with Angela on the […]
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In Episode 7 of apolitical we speak with Angela Haggerty, Editor of CommonSpace, a new media news service created by the Common Weal think tank. We chat about political journalism in Scotland, threats to freedom of speech and Angela’s experiences with criminal levels of abuse on social media. Amongst the topics we discuss with Angela on the […]
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In Episode 6 of apolitical – recorded prior to the General Election – we speak with Cllr. Paul Kelly, a Scottish Labour councillor for Motherwell who was Frank Roy’s election agent during the 2015 Election. Outwith a dicey election prediction, we chat about local government, Jim Murphy’s leadership and why he can’t see Labour working with the SNP. […]
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In Episode 6 of apolitical – recorded prior to the General Election – we speak with Cllr. Paul Kelly, a Scottish Labour councillor for Motherwell who was Frank Roy’s election agent during the 2015 Election. Outwith a dicey election prediction, we chat about local government, Jim Murphy’s leadership and why he can’t see Labour working with the SNP. […]
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In Episode 5 of apolitical we speak with James Kelly, a political blogger and amateur psephologist, about the value and nature of opinion polls, what they taught us about the 2015 General Election campaign and what we can look forward to in terms of polls for the next year or two. Amongst the topics […]
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In Episode 5 of apolitical we speak with James Kelly, a political blogger and amateur psephologist, about the value and nature of opinion polls, what they taught us about the 2015 General Election campaign and what we can look forward to in terms of polls for the next year or two. Amongst the topics […]
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In Episode 4 of apolitical we speak with Gillian Martin, an SNP activist and North East Scotland Exec for Women for Independence about gender equality in Scottish politics and the increasing importance placed on individual party leaders over policy and local candidates at UK Elections. Amongst the topics we discuss with Gillian on the podcast are: • Inheriting […]
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In Episode 4 of apolitical we speak with Gillian Martin, an SNP activist and North East Scotland Exec for Women for Independence about gender equality in Scottish politics and the increasing importance placed on individual party leaders over policy and local candidates at UK Elections. Amongst the topics we discuss with Gillian on the podcast are: • Inheriting […]
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In Episode 3 of apolitical we speak with Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens’ Head of Development, about his political background, what drew him to the Greens and what he hopes to achieve in politics. We discuss the development of the Scottish Greens and their future prospects along with a range of other issues. Amongst […]
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In Episode 3 of apolitical we speak with Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens’ Head of Development, about his political background, what drew him to the Greens and what he hopes to achieve in politics. We discuss the development of the Scottish Greens and their future prospects along with a range of other issues. Amongst […]
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In Episode 2, apolitical spoke with Natalie McGarry to discuss her politicised childhood, the 2015 General Election campaign and the benefits & perils of using social media as a politically active individual. In this Episode you will learn a little more about the background and motivations of the challenger for Margaret Curran’s Glasgow East constituency and […]
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In Episode 2, apolitical spoke with Natalie McGarry to discuss her politicised childhood, the 2015 General Election campaign and the benefits & perils of using social media as a politically active individual. In this Episode you will learn a little more about the background and motivations of the challenger for Margaret Curran’s Glasgow East constituency and […]
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In Episode 1, apolitical sat down with Duncan Hothersall to discuss his political roots, heroes and ambitions. For anyone familiar only with Duncan’s high-volume, opinionated and occasionally confrontational Twitter contributions here is an opportunity to decide whether that persona is a true representation. Duncan is a member of the Scottish Fabians, chair of the constituency Labour Party for […]
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In Episode 1, apolitical sat down with Duncan Hothersall to discuss his political roots, heroes and ambitions. For anyone familiar only with Duncan’s high-volume, opinionated and occasionally confrontational Twitter contributions here is an opportunity to decide whether that persona is a true representation. Duncan is a member of the Scottish Fabians, chair of the constituency Labour Party for […]
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Welcome to apolitical, a politics podcast featuring interviews with figures from all points on the Scottish and UK political spectrum. As the name suggests, we will be taking a balanced approach and strive to treat every guest fairly. That said, we strongly encourage discussion of the points our guests raise and will be promoting that here […]
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Welcome to apolitical, a politics podcast featuring interviews with figures from all points on the Scottish and UK political spectrum. As the name suggests, we will be taking a balanced approach and strive to treat every guest fairly. That said, we strongly encourage discussion of the points our guests raise and will be promoting that here […]
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