Today I'm joined by someone who inspires me every single week—not just because she's an award-winning playwright with an incredible career spanning stage, television and film, but because she's also one of my CrossFit buddies!

Rona Munro is one of Scotland's most celebrated playwrights, with an extraordinary career spanning theatre, television and film. From award-winning productions like The James Plays to writing for Doctor Who, Casualty and major international films, her achievements are nothing short of remarkable.
But that's only part of her story.

This episode is about so much more than writing. It's about embracing new challenges, looking after your body, and believing that some of the best chapters of your life are still ahead of you and why staying physically strong helps us continue doing what we love. It's honest, uplifting and full of wisdom for women who know life doesn't stop as we age.

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

Rachael Hamilton MSP has never been one to shy away from rolling up her sleeves…she’s built her career around championing Scotland's farming communities, small businesses and the people who call the countryside home.

Since first being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016, Rachael has represented the South of Scotland and has gone on to be re-elected time and again as the constituency MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire. Today, she serves as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, with responsibilities covering the economy, tourism and education.

Over the years, Rachael has worked alongside four Scottish Conservative leaders, taking on a wide range of senior roles including Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Small Business, Rural Affairs, Equalities, Social Security and Older People, and Rural Economy. She has also served on numerous parliamentary committees, giving her experience across everything from tourism and culture to rural affairs, justice and the economy.

Before politics, Rachael's career was firmly rooted in rural Scotland. A BASIS-qualified agronomist who studied at Harper Adams University, she has first-hand experience of agriculture and understands the challenges facing farmers and rural businesses. She also helped run her family's hospitality business, the Buccleuch Arms, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for local enterprise, resilience and community.

Away from politics, Rachael is every bit as energetic as you'd imagine. She's a big fan of cold water swimming and rarely says no to a dip—even when the Scottish weather has other ideas! We often joke she's a wee bit like Wonder Woman: a quick icy swim, then ready in record time then off to meetings looking effortlessly put together.

She's also passionate about encouraging more women and young people into public life. As a mentor with Women2Win Scotland, she enjoys supporting the next generation of leaders and believes politics is strongest when it reflects the people it serves.

Warm, hardworking and full of energy, Rachael brings humour, determination and a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to life—whether she's debating in Holyrood, visiting local businesses, or diving into cold water before the working day begins.

Enjoy this episode of Happy Thistle 💜

[email protected]

https://www.rachaelhamilton.co.uk

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

Today on the Happy Thistle Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome the incredible Kylie Reid.

Kylie is the founder of egg, one of Scotland’s most vibrant communities for women, connecting and inspiring thousands through powerful content, events, partnerships and business support.

What started as a grassroots Facebook group has grown into a thriving multi-channel brand that works with leading organisations across finance, law, property, lifestyle and entrepreneurship. Along the way, Kylie has built a reputation for bringing people together, creating opportunities, and helping women step confidently into the spotlight.

She’s a speaker, host, community-builder and passionate advocate for the idea that when women connect, amazing things happen—not just for individuals, but for businesses and entire communities.

Today, we’ll be chatting about the power of community, the importance of visibility, confidence and vunerability and how creating meaningful connections can open doors you never imagined.

Kylie, welcome to the Happy Thistle Podcast!💜

http://www.weareegg.co.uk/

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

This week on Happy Thistle, I’m joined by fabby Suzanne Mulholland – better known to millions as The Batch Lady!

From her home in the Scottish Borders, Suzanne has built an incredible global following by helping busy families save time, cut food waste, stick to a budget and get delicious meals on the table without the stress. With nearly one million followers, eight bestselling books, a hit Channel 4 TV show, and regular appearances on This Morning, she’s become the queen of getting organised.

But this chat goes beyond batch cooking! Suzanne shares her journey from busy working mum to household name, reveals the habits and systems that keep life running smoothly, and explains why getting organised can be a powerful ingredient for happiness.

Expect plenty of laughs, practical tips, inspiring stories and a healthy dose of Scottish warmth as we chat about family life, finding balance, chasing big dreams and making everyday life that little bit easier.

So grab a cuppa, stick the kettle on, and join us for a cracking chat with The Batch Lady herself!

Happy listening! 💜

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CpDBfPxDK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

This week on The Happy Thistle Podcast, I'm delighted to welcome Dr Victoria McBride — GP, occupational health doctor, business owner, mum of two teenagers, and proud Edinburgh lass with a passion for helping people live healthier, happier lives.

Victoria knew from her teenage years that medicine was her calling, and after graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2004, she built an impressive career across everything from surgery and paediatrics to emergency medicine, dermatology and women's health before qualifying as a GP in 2017.

Along the way, she swapped Scotland for a year of sunshine in Australia...enjoying what she still calls one of the best years of her life. Thankfully for Scotland, she eventually returned home — convincing her English husband that life north of the border was best!!!

Today, Victoria  runs her own business and is on a mission to make healthcare feel more accessible, compassionate and less overwhelming for everyday people.

A passionate advocate for preventative medicine, early cancer diagnosis and treating the whole person — not just the symptoms — Victoria brings warmth, wisdom and a refreshing dose of realism to every conversation

Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with practical health insights, honest reflections and plenty of heart💜

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

https://courtyardhealthclinic.com/

Welcome to Happy Thistle.

Today, I'm joined by the wonderful Caroline McFarlan.

Caroline joined the health and wellness brand Arbonne in 2007 and has built an extraordinary business that has helped her inspire, mentor and support thousands of people across the UK and beyond.

But Caroline's story is about so much more than just business success. Before Arbonne, she dedicated much of her life to helping others through her work with Childline, bringing comfort, support, and compassion to those who needed it most.

She also enjoyed working alongside legendary performers such as Alvin Stardust and the Bay City Rollers, adding yet another remarkable chapter to her life's journey.

Within the UK Arbonne community, Caroline and her husband are affectionately known as the mum and dad of Arbonne. They have mentored, encouraged, and inspired countless people over the years, and Caroline's warmth, wisdom, and kindness have a way of touching hearts and often bringing tears to people's eyes...mainly mine!!

A proud grandmother of seven, Caroline is deeply grateful that her hard work has given her the freedom to spend precious time with her family and to travel the world with her husband of 43 years.

I absolutely adore Caroline—and once you've listened  you will too. 

So settle in with a cup of tea or a fizzstick 🥰 and join us for a conversation filled with stories, laughter, wisdom, and heart as we welcome the truly inspiring Caroline McFarlan to Happy Thistle.

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

Welcome back to Happy Thistle! 

In this episode, Woody shares her personal morning routine and some simple daily habits that help her feel energised and genuinely happy. From meditation and gratitude practices to dancing around first thing in the morning, she opens up about the wee rituals that make a big difference. Woody also talks about her obsession with the idea of “Happy gut, Happy life” — and why looking after your gut health can completely change your mood, energy and wellbeing. Expect cosy  uplifting inspiration and plenty of practical happiness hacks you can start using today.

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

The outpouring of love and tributes for the universally loved former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings who passed away last week has been immense  ..no surprise.. he was indeed one of the kindest, fun, mischievous and caring people. Everyone who knew him has been saying the same things. Warm, kind, loyal, thoughtful. We all should take a leaf out of his book and be more of these things. When I asked if he’d come on my podcast as a guest a few years ago..of course he said yes straight away..because that was Scott’s style. Always giving of himself to help others. I will always remember him talking about happy dolphins…have a listen and let’s always think of Happy Dolphins when we think of our lovely Scotty.

---

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”

Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.

Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touch

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”