Blethered

Billy Porter's name is synonymous with Glasgow in the 1980s and 90s, where he was a hugely popular comedian in the pubs, clubs and venues of Glasgow and the west of Scotland.

Known for his quick thinking, sharp wit and on-the-edge humour, he was a cult favourite, and since his move to Tenerife in 2008, he’s been a must-see for any Scots travelling to the island on holiday. 

Billy tells me about growing up in Shettleston in a family not blessed with an abundance of wealth, the same as most in that era…

He reflects on the impact of realising he was gay, in a harsh and unkind era, when it came to homosexuality…

And he speaks very candidly about his challenges with alcoholism, and the years through which the laughter flowed every night, but rarely from him.

You’ll know Billy Porter the comedian, but this conversation is Billy Porter the son, the brother, the husband, the friend, the wee guy from Shettleston and the man he eventually came to be.

Bily's Instagram

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Roz Foyer is the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the most influential voices in the Scottish labour movement. With decades of experience representing workers across public and private sectors, she is a leading advocate on fair work, pay, equality, and employment rights. 

In practical terms, she represents the collective voice of hundreds of thousands of workers, meaning her positions can shape national conversations, legislative priorities, and real-life outcomes.

During this never-ending period of economic pressure, wage erosion, industrial unrest, and sociopolitical uncertainty in Scotland, Roz articulates worker concerns in language that resonates both with grassroots members and policymakers, making her a credible power broker rather than a purely symbolic advocate.

In real-terms: she’s a key figure in Scottish life, and is fiercely on the side of the interests of the working man and woman.

You’ll hear us talking about Roz’s formative years in the working world, and how she ended up at the forefront of the trade union movement…

We discuss the economic difficulties faced by people in Scottish communities, and how they’re fuelling things like flags being hung from lampposts, and what those flags really represent…

And we get into potentially uncomfortable territory. The Daily Mail recently attacked Roz on the basis that she owns some properties. Is it counterproductive and hypocritical for a trade union leader to own more than one home? Or is it completely disingenuous and propagandist output from the usual suspects, that falls apart at the slightest scrutiny? You can decide that one for yourself, I don’t think it’ll take you long.

And as always, there’s so much more in there - and a chat I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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