Aimen Dean was an Al-Qaeda bombmaker who had sworn an oath of allegiance to Osama Bin Laden. He eventually defected to work for the British Security Services as a spy for seven and a half years, before his cover was blown by ex-US Vice President Cheney.

We talk about his motivations for taking up arms, the part that radicalisation played, becoming disillusioned with the cause, and his time with MI5 and MI6.

Aimen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nine-Lives-Time-Inside-al-Qaeda/dp/1786073285

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Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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Romana recently shared a very thoughtful and introspective Instagram post about a suicide attempt in April last year. I found it to be very profound, so I asked her if she fancied sitting down and having a chat with me.

‘Have you ever thought about killing yourself?’ might seem like a really shocking and insensitive question to ask out loud, let alone have as the title for an episode of a podcast. It could quite reasonably be interpreted as an unsuitably nonchalant and flippant way to ask something so serious. 

And to be fair, when considered out of context, it’s probably all of the above. 

I find that lighthearted conversations are a very good way of getting really heavy things out in the open, and it’s sometimes the only way to cut through them.

These types of conversations on podcasts can very quickly become overkill. Over-done, over-cooked, under achieving, but every now and then, it’s a conversation worth having, and worth sharing. 

Everyone, no matter how successful, rich, loved, famous, has absolutely lost themselves at least once in their lives. 

Money worries, identity worries, job worries, worries about the future, sadness about the past, panic about your career progression or where your life should or shouldn’t be. Families falling apart, friends drifting away. 

It gets to us all and it’s very easy to then think you’re the only one, and Jesus does that make it feel a hundred times lonelier. Well, you’re not the only one, and when you realise that, it somehow makes it that bit more manageable.

We don’t have the answers, if we did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation in the first place. But not every question has a definitive answer, and not every issue has an exact solution. But just talking about them can answer some of it, and solve part of it. And sometimes that’s enough. 

If you can laugh the whole way through, like we did, then that’s even better. 

If you’re just here for the patter, then I hope you enjoy it. If you’re here because you’re looking for a lifeline, then I hope this provides it. Stay tuned to the end for some perfect insight into why we should always hold on for tomorrow. 

If you enjoy this episode, share it somewhere. You never know who it might reach. 

Love ye.

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @seantmcdonald

Twitter: @seanmcdonald01

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Kate Berry and Jenny Storey co-own two businesses in one. The first is Urban Retreat, a hair and beauty salon that puts a strong emphasis on community, care and impeccable professional standards. 

The second, is The Academy. They provide Scotland’s first private traineeship, in direct partnership with the most prestigious spa resorts all over Scotland. Whether it’s someone just starting out in life, or a person who wants to take themselves in a different direction, they provide a clear pathway for those who want to empower themselves with an education that opens doors in exciting places.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Kate’s time spent working alongside former Rangers Football Club owner David Holmes, forging a very robust and invaluable business experience, and where that then coincided with Jenny’s years at the coalface of the beauty business…

They explain how they educate and empower people to change the direction of their lives, through training, employment, mentorship and friendship, and why it matters so much to them…

And Jenny lifts the lid on the industry, from funny mishaps, to the darker and more dangerous downsides that she’s experienced.

Urban Retreat

The Academy

Contact: [email protected]

Instagram: @seantmcdonald

Twitter: @seanmcdonald01

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Labour Councillor Audrey Dempsey has been accused of racism and suspended this week, after she proposed to ask a question at the council about 'racist attacks on white children in schools'.

In this exclusive interview, Audrey announces her resignation from the Labour Party.

And:

• Her explanation of why she was asking the question
• 'Liking' tweets from far-right party
• Future in politic
• + More

Senior Producer: Lucy Johnston

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Blethered at the Ballot is a political podcast that pulls no punches, brings a laugh or two, and cuts straight through to the important matters without getting caught up in political jargon and meaningless soundbites. 

The General Election is fast approaching and before we collectively decide who to put in power, we deserve to know the thoughts of those who currently have it, those who want it, and those who are near it.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane has been a Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Glasgow since 2021, he’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and he’s a practising NHS GP. He holds the distinction of being the first Hindu and first man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.

Now campaigning to be elected to Westminster as an MP, Sandesh has been been chosen as the Conservative candidate for East Renfrewshire – a seat currently held by the SNP’s Kirsten Oswald. 

This is our conversation about the friendliness of Glaswegians, how he ended up in Scottish politics, my questions and observations about the Conservatives record after fourteen years in government, Douglas Ross’ leadership, and his hopes for the election.

Senior Producer: Lucy Johnston

Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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TICKETS: https://www.seetickets.com/event/blethered-with-sean-mcdonald/august-house/2926744

Blethered will be LIVE at August House in Glasgow city centre on Thursday 18th April with legendary broadcaster, journalist and entertainer Tam Cowan for a night of conversation, previously unheard stories from a long career in media, and basically just a right good laugh.

This will be Blethered in its original style, with strictly nothing off-limits and a chance to hear the stories that are a wee bit too hot for the radio. Tam’s first episode a couple of years back is by far one of the most popular episodes out of nearly 200, and a Live audience setting is where he’s at his best.

You’ll hear a clip from the last time we sat down in the studio, with Tam telling me the story of when Frank McAvennie didn’t realise his microphone was still recording, as he took a phone call in a BBC studio…

Tickets are only £10 so get yours now and come and join us for a good laugh and a great way to kick off the weekend early.

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Phil and Martin Compston are back on the BBC with Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling, their second series together, where they travel across Norway and experience some of what the country has to offer.

In this episode, you’ll hear Phil talk to me about how going to Gaelic school set him on an interesting and unique career path...

I find out how an innocuous conversation led to the commissioning of the programme, and what the experience was like…

And Phil talks about working alongside Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond in the run up to the 2014 independence referendum, starting his own thriving PR company, and a bizarre period where he coached Vladimir Romanov. That’s Vladimir Romanov, the enigmatic and volatile former owner of Hearts football club, as he competed in the Lithuanian version of Strictly Come Dancing. Stay tuned for a genuinely world exclusive revelation on that one...

And as always, there's plenty more.

Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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Greg is the General Manager of Dundee Football Club and CEO of the Dundee FC Community Trust, and has played his own key role in the resurgence of Dundee Football Club. That resurgence has manifested itself in both sporting progression, with the side producing a very impressive and - not to be disrespectful - but generally unexpected showing in this season’s Scottish Premiership.

In this episode, you’ll hear Greg talk me through his varied but valuable experience in education and work, moulding him into what I think is the perfect incumbent for the position that he holds within Dundee Football Club…

We take a look at the remarkable Golden Era for the club in the 1960’s, followed by the chaotic excitement and eventual downfall of the early 2000’s…

And we talk about the phenomenal job done by Dundee boss Tony Docherty in his first season, why referees are a vital component… and you might hear a wee something about an exciting development that’ll take Dundee into the next decade on a particularly strong footing.

Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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Back in 2021, I put together three separate interviews, where I aimed to find out more about what it’s really like to live with HIV, and about the groundbreaking new treatment that Scotland is the first country in the world to offer. 

Those guests are two men, Brian and David, who have been living with the virus for quite some time, and from Dr Nneka Nikwolo. 

They each give me a personalised account of their lives, the realities of living with HIV and the challenges they've faced.

Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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Rhianna is a successful business owner with all the outward signs of success, but her journey there wasn’t a simple one.

We talk about her upbringing in the town of Kilmarnock, and the issues of deprivation, addiction and community that exist in the area she comes from…

Rhianna opens up in great detail about how she found herself homeless with two children and debt collectors close behind, before taking a serious risk in order to improve her financial situation…

You’ll hear all about her plans to revolutionise the aesthetics industry and how she intends to help other people into the world of business who’d ordinarily be locked out

And most of all, you’ll hear the type of story that I love best. Someone you might not know, but will relate to in so many ways. Hers is a multi-layered journey, with challenges, setbacks, risks and victories and one that’ll leave you feeling inspired.

Once you’ve listened, go and check out Clinic 22 on Instagram & Facebook and see for yourself what they have on offer. All new customers will receive 10% off their first treatment with the code Blethered10.

Clinic 22

Contact: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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