This is the story of two Scottish rappers who pretended to be American, signed to the biggest record label on earth, made a fortune, toured with Eminem and D12, appeared on MTV, recorded multiple albums, before eventually being rumbled. 

I’m joined by Gavin Bain - one half of the now defunct rap duo Silibil N' Brains - who originated in the Scottish city of Dundee. After multiple rejections, they decided to pretend to be from California, and to their surprise, enjoyed immediate success. 

Their unbelievable story is now the subject of a biographical film - California Schemin’ - directed by Hollywood heavyweight James McAvoy. The film is based on Gavin’s autobiography, Straight Outta Scotland, but in typical Blethered style, I want to hear about the detail behind the detail, and the nuances of what drove him to pursue the life that he did, and the experiences that made him who he was. 

You’ll hear about growing up in South Africa, how lucid dreams become prophetic previews of his life events, moving to Motherwell and then Dundee, and how the characterisation that his musical adventure was anything other than unequivocal creative and commercial success, is truly wide of the mark.

Gavin and his coconspirator and close friend Billy Boyd’s story is one of the most jaw dropping, hilariously unfathomable and absurd that I’ve ever heard. Make sure you go and see the film when it’s out in early 2026.

Spanish Club at Zique's Hyndland

contact: [email protected]

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Spanish language exchange at Ziques in Hyndland, Glasgow

• 6th January 2026
• 5-7pm & 7-9pm
• Unlimited pintxos!
• Enjoy a relaxed setting with native speakers and learners of all levels
• Open to all

TICKETS

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Scotland heads into an election while housing, public services and the cost of living pile pressure onto people’s lives. In that climate, the Greens are trying to set out what they stand for – after time in government and time out of it – and explain the role they believe they can play in Scotland’s future.

Against the rise of the far right across Europe and growing political frustration at home, clarity is important. I’m here to ask direct questions, listen properly, and give guests the space to explain themselves without distortion. You can decide what you think for yourself.

Game 4 Padel comes to Dundee!

contact: [email protected]

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Recorded live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Aye Write 2025 book festival

This episode digs into why so many young men are being drawn into the darker corners of the internet, and what’s actually happening inside those spaces. I sit down with journalist James Bloodworth and author Chris McQueer, whose new books approach the same world from different angles. One through investigation, the other through fiction.

We examine how loneliness, identity, class, online culture and modern masculinity collide. There are pressures pushing young men toward isolated digital communities, the narratives they find once they’re there, and the sinister influences filling the gaps left by real-life connection and purpose.

It’s a grounded, honest and unflinching look at an issue affecting families, schools and communities across the country – and what it might take to bring these young men back into the world around them.

Lost Boys by James Bloodworth

Hermit by Chris McQueer

The Anchor Inverclyde

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Colin Brown is the founder of Gambling LEAP, which stands for Lived Experience, Education, Awareness and Prevention. 

Colin lived with gambling addiction for over 25 years, eventually finding the strength and resolve to turn things around, but not before a number of intense challenges and setbacks throughout his life. 

He now hopes to use his experience and relative success in managing his addiction, to serve as a help and signpost for anyone currently going through the same experience. 

In this episode, Colin explains how addiction crept in and how it manifests itself in every facet of life, work and relationships… We discuss the predatory nature of the gambling industry itself, and how football and entertainment are complicit in its destruction And Colin offers his insight into tackling gambling addiction, both for those suffering with the affliction, and also for those close to gambling addicts. 

If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, there are some helpful links in the episode notes, but more importantly, there are some genuinely helpful points and information throughout the conversation. If you enjoy it or find it helpful, then don’t be shy in sharing it with others. You never know who might benefit from seeing it. 

Gambling LEAP

National Gambling Helpline

Support for Families of Gambling Addicts

contact: [email protected]

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Dr Benji Waterhouse sits at an intersection of acute psychiatry and stand-up comedy. A consultant psychiatrist and comic, his book You Don't Have To Be Mad To Work Here offers a sharp, humane account of what really happens inside our mental-health system – and the toll it takes on those working within it.

In this episode, recorded live at the Aye Write 2025 book festival in Glasgow, we explore the thin line between illness and ordinary life, how humour becomes a coping tool, and why some of our most familiar stories about "chemical imbalance" may be causing more harm than good.

Contact: [email protected]

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From the Aye Write Book Festival 2025 in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall – a live conversation with Scottish authors Irvine Welsh and John Niven.

We get into their latest books and dive deep into the big stuff: existential questions, the chaos of the digital age, addiction, love, masculinity, and plenty more in between.

contact: [email protected]

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Radio presenterJonny Campbell looks back on his early days in commercial radio, starting out at West FM and then Clyde 1, before making the jump from Clyde 1 to Capital Scotland.

There’s funny chat and some discussion around accents, Tourette’s syndrome, the 90’s radio voice, and men dressing up in dresses for Beyonce tickets.

The main reason for this conversation, however, was to discuss both the subject - and Jonny and his wife Kirsten’s experience - of miscarriage. They sadly endured three miscarriages, before the joy of welcoming their gorgeous baby daughter Molly in October of this year.

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, but it’s one of the subjects that remains largely untouched when it comes to open conversation. My aim here is to hold out a loving embrace for whoever needs to hear it. Whether you or your partner, or someone else close to you, has experienced miscarriage, the emotion will run deep, and possibly remain deep within.

Sometimes the first step to healing is the realisation that you’re not alone, even when it feels like you are. I hope – if you need it – that you get that from this chat between two daft Scottish guys who end up expressing a lot of love, care and emotion.

Oh and you’ll also hear about the time I convinced my pal Keni that he was live on Real Radio back in 2007. That is absolutely worth waiting until the end for.

Contact: [email protected]

https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/miscarriage-information-and-support

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How Aimen Dean went from al-Qaeda member to undercover MI6 operative — his full account of recruitment, betrayal and escape.

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 Aimen reflects on the issue of 'returning jihadists', and the controversial case of Shamima Begum.

Contact: [email protected]

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First published in January 2024, but it’s worth a share for those who may benefit from it.

I speak to men's sobriety coach Liam about the relationship that society - especially in Scotland - has with drinking… 

We reflect on our own personal dynamic with booze and the heavy effects of drinking too much, too frequently...

And we get into some uncomfortable territory about the darker overhang and aftermath of binge drinking.

What you’re about to listen to is a genuine conversation about alcohol, and how we feel about it. We’re not trying to talk you, or ourselves, into anything. We’re just talking, and you’re invited to listen in. And we’re glad that you are.

Contact: [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/liamconlan_sp/

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