Apolitical - a Scottish politics podcast

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: • […]

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.     […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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; […]