Welcome to the very first episode of the newly rebranded Shaping The North East.

To kick off this new chapter, we're joined by Lewis Donaldson, founder of L.Donaldson Massage in Aberdeen, for a conversation about self-care, entrepreneurship and the changing ways people choose to invest in themselves.

Lewis shares his journey from studying media at university to building a successful massage therapy business, why he believes a personalised, holistic approach to health delivers the best outcomes, and his thoughts on the rise of larger therapy chains that often sacrifice individuality for convenience.

We also discuss changing attitudes towards disposable income, why more people are prioritising wellbeing over traditional nights out, and how the continued growth of L.Donaldson Massage has led to an exciting move into a new city centre studio.

Shaping The North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter. Follow the podcast to hear more conversations with the individuals helping shape the future of the North East.

Follow L.Donaldson Massage:

https://www.ldonaldsonmassage.com

https://www.instagram.com/l.donaldsonmassage/

https://www.facebook.com/p/L-Donaldson-Massage-61568274151702/

In this episode (sponsored by KLT Networking), Chris sits down with Amanda and Bob Law from Amanda Law Mortgages to explore the journey behind the business and the family that powers it.

Amanda shares how she built her career in finance and took the leap to launch her own mortgage business, while Bob reflects on his career in the oil and gas sector before making the decision to join the company full-time. Together, they discuss life in Aberdeen, raising a young family, navigating the challenges and opportunities of working as a married couple, and learning how to play to their individual strengths.

We also talk about entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of understanding how to work together effectively both at home and in the workplace. Amanda and Bob offer an honest insight into building a successful mortgage business while maintaining a strong family life, as well as their vision for the future of Amanda Law Mortgages.

Keep up to date with Amanda Law Mortgages here:

https://amandalaw-mortgages.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560264342446

https://www.instagram.com/amandalawmortgages

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-law-cemap-b27a401a8/

https://www.tiktok.com/@UC0-m0cWMQ6HPG2xiPqLyQAg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-law-6b310737/

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, financial services, career transitions, family businesses, or the realities of building a company with your partner, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical lessons. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review if you enjoy the conversation.

Amanda Law Mortgages is a trading style of Aberdein Considine LLP who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Aberdeen is home to an incredible range of musicians and artists, but many never get the exposure they deserve. Glen Gauld, founder of North City Signal, explains how his platform is helping shine a spotlight on local talent, capture live performances, and build a stronger creative community in the North East of Scotland.

We discuss:

• Glen's background and journey into music production through NESCol

• Why he started North City Signal

• The artists and musicians they've worked with

• Some of Aberdeen's most memorable recording locations and venues

• The challenges facing local artists today

• The future vision for North City Signal

If you're interested in Aberdeen's creative community, independent music, and the people working behind the scenes to support local artists, this episode is for you. 

In this episode, I sit down with Lesley-Ann, better known as TokOfTheDeen, to discuss how she has built a thriving online community in just 14 months.

What started as a way of exercising creative expression through creating content has grown into something much bigger. Lesley-Ann shares how she uses her platform to champion independent businesses, highlight hidden gems across Aberdeen, and create genuine connections with her audience.

We talk about the importance of trust, staying positive online, supporting others to succeed, setting goals, and the lessons she's learned while growing her presence on social media.

Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or simply interested in the power of community, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

In this episode:

• Building a community online

• Supporting local and independent businesses

• Growing a social media presence

• Creating positive content

• Building trust with an audience

• Goal setting and personal growth

• Championing Aberdeen's local business scene

Connect with TokOfTheDeen:

https://www.tiktok.com/@tokofthedeen

https://www.instagram.com/tokofthedeen/

https://www.facebook.com/Tokofthedeen/

Follow the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510

https://www.youtube.com/@SZNMediaLtd

https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. 

When Chloe Watson was invited to give a TEDx talk, she didn't feel ready.

Today, Chloe is a content creator, sustainable fashion advocate, and TEDx Aberdeen speaker whose talk, Confessions of a Fast Fashion Addict, challenged the way we think about clothing consumption and fast fashion.

In this episode, Chloe shares the reality behind stepping onto the TEDx stage, the self-doubt she faced beforehand, and how the experience transformed her confidence.

We also discuss building a platform around sustainable fashion, navigating life as a content creator, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what happens when you say yes to opportunities before you feel fully prepared.

Whether you're interested in public speaking, personal growth, content creation, or sustainable fashion, this conversation offers an honest look at confidence, courage, and taking the next step before you're ready.

Connect with Chloe:

Watch Chloe's TEDx Talk:

In this episode, I sit down with Kirsty Clements and Laura Harrington, Festival Directors of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo), as we explore one of the most significant traditional music events coming to Aberdeen this year.

We discuss the origins of NAFCo, what makes the convention unique, and why its return to the Granite City is such an important moment for the North East of Scotland. Kirsty and Laura provide an insight into the extensive programme of workshops, performances, and events taking place throughout the festival, as well as the internationally renowned musicians and guests who will be visiting Aberdeen.

We also look at the venues that will host the convention, the impact the event is expected to have on the region, and the opportunities it creates for musicians, learners, and audiences alike.

Alongside the festival itself, Kirsty and Laura share their own personal journeys into the world of traditional music and event organisation, and how they each became involved with NAFCo.

Whether you're a musician, a folk music enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Scotland's biggest cultural events of the year, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention.

For more information about NAFCo, including tickets, workshops, and event schedules, visit the official festival website:

https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com

https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/

https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention

https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival

https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Markou from Vanilla Ink The Smiddy for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, and community in the north east of Scotland.

We explore the history of silversmithing and metalwork in Banff, how traditional skills are being preserved and reimagined for a modern audience, and the role organisations like Vanilla Ink The Smiddy play in supporting artists, makers, and local communities.

Drew also shares his personal journey — from lecturing at Birmingham City University to building a new life in rural Aberdeenshire — and reflects on why creative spaces matter, especially outside major cities.

We also discuss:

If you’re interested in creativity, craft, culture, rural communities, or the future of the arts in Scotland, this is a conversation worth hearing.

🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Vanilla Ink The Smiddy:

https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk

https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/

This week, Chris is joined by George Brown, founder of Forma Designs Collective in Aberdeen.

We discuss how Forma evolved from a university project into a growing business, the realities of building a creative company from home, and how production has gradually taken over every spare bit of space, including industrial machines running almost constantly from a spare room/workshop.

George also talks about the importance of reusability in design, working with other creatives, and what’s coming next for the brand.

Follow Forma Designs Collective:

https://formadesignscollective.com/

https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective

https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/

How do you go from starting out in body piercing to building your own respected studio in Aberdeen? In this weeks episode of Seasonal Discussions, Nathan from Utopia Body Arts shares his full story, from discovering body piercing as a career, to opening his own business, moving to Scotland, and becoming part of Aberdeen’s creative community.

We also dive into:

• Entrepreneurship and taking risks

• The reality of running a studio

• Why Aberdeen still has massive potential

• Thoughts on the future of the city centre

• Life in Scotland and what makes it unique

Check out Utopia Body Arts for yourself:

https://utopiabodyarts.com

https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/

https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/

https://www.tiktok.com/@utopiabodyartsaberdeen

In this episode, Chris sits down with Julie and Nicola from KIN, Aberdeen’s newest creative charity, to find out how it all got started. We talk about how the two first met, with Nicola teaching at university and Julie joining as one of her mature students, and how that relationship eventually grew into a shared vision for supporting Aberdeen’s creative community.

We also dive into:

• The inspiration behind KIN

• Creating opportunities for local creatives

• Future events and networking plans

• Building stronger creative connections in Aberdeen

• Giving back to the community through collaboration and support

🔗 Find out more about KIN:

https://kin-abz.org

https://kin-abz.org

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-abz/