The Braw and The Brave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 194 is in conversation with Lisa McKechnie whose passion for performing began at just 4 years old, when she featured on a GMTV talent competition. A naturally gifted vocalist, she began to pursue more opportunities to share her talents and at age

14 sang at ‘Live & Loud’ to an audience of 32,000 at Hampden stadium alongside artists such as Daniel Beddingfiend, Blue and Rachel Stevens. Awarded a BA in Musical Theatre from University of West Of Scotland, Lisa went on to establish her own theatre school, Fever Pitch Academy and in 2013 was named STV’s Young Community Entrepreneur of The Year.

Lisa has been a member of SoulNation

Gospel Choir, for almost a decade performing at numerous prestigious venues and events up and down the country, singing with the likes of Deacon Blue and providing backing vocals for Kerry Ellis. Lisa has featured in various productions with Insideout Productions and at the time of recording is gearing up to star in The Journey Back at the SEC Armadillo with Stuart Hay Productions.

With dedication, determination and an abundance of skill and talent Lisa has built a successful business and career whilst being mum to son Jude. Overcoming adversity, her infectious positivity and unwavering zest for life continues to fuel the ventures and opportunities Lisa welcomes with both arms! Lisa is a Bellshill lass who is indeed braw and brave!

Enjoy!

Fever Pitch Academy website

https://www.feverpitchacademy.com/

Fever Pitch Academy Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Feverpitchacademy

Tickets for The Journey Back

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-journey-back-

glasgow-04-02-2023/event/36005D7EE93D5F5E

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

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The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 193 is in conversation with Kris Kesiak, a portrait and commercial photographer and videographer who predominantly works within the music industry and the arts. Born in Poland, his passion for photography started at a young age and continued into adulthood, as he moved to Glasgow to further his English studies. Pursuing a career in photography following an opportunity to work with musician Jill Jackson, he has gone on to capture many ‘well kent’ faces, including artists such as Horse McDonald, Skerryvore and The Eves. His photography has featured on album covers, magazines and websites, with his impressive client base ever expanding. As a videographer he has directed short documentaries and music videos and his most recent exhibition ‘Women at COP26’ was held at Trongate 103 in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and Street Level Photoworks.

Kris Kesiak loves working with people, capturing their uniqueness and authenticity through his unmistakeable photography. A music lover, Kris is inspired by the artists and music videos he discovered in his youth that sparked his imagination and made him ever more determined to go after dreams.

An insightful chat about self discovery, passion and creativity! Enjoy!

Website

https://kriskesiak.com

Instagram

https://instagram.com/kriskesiak?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

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The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Please note: This episode comes some strong language and references trauma and bereavement. Please see helpful links below.

Episode 192 is in conversation with Sandra Harnes. After a successful career in the fashion industry, having danced from a young age, Sandra discovered Zumba by accident and went from instructor to choreographer to trainer in 2 years. Travelling the world, she has taught in over 35 countries, presented for brands such as Fibo and Nike and led 50000 people at Chime for Change as the warm up for Beyonce, JLo and Madonna. Creating concepts and content, in addition to collaborating with other artists, Sandra most recently worked with Strictly couple Fleur East and Bafta winner Giovanni Pernice on a project.

In this conversation, we deep dive into Sandra’s personal life and the incredible journey she’s had to date, as she documents the experiences that have shaped her as a woman. Love, loss and self discovery, we discuss the human condition and what makes us tick. A prominent figure in the fitness industry, Sandra thrives on connection and speaking her truth- ‘a wee lassie fae the sticks loves nothing more than coffee, chocolate and folks who are not afraid to be weird’.

Enjoy!

Sandra’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/sandraharnzes?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Mental Health support

https://www.mind.org.uk

https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland

https://breathingspace.scot

https://www.samh.org.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

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https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use.

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 191 is in conversation with award winning comedian & actor Johnny Mac. From a kid at Kilmarnock Youth Theatre to starring in panto at The Kings Theatre Glasgow, Johnny has carved out a hugely successful career, born out of a love and natural talent for entertaining others. Known for his high-energy, fun-filled and quick witted performances across many of Scotland’s most celebrated theatres, Johnny has honed his craft, ever dedicated to keeping the magic of fun-for-all-the-family theatre alive and kicking. Appearing in numerous productions at the Hippodrome Theatre in Great Yarmouth over the last 14 years, as well as touring his sellout production of The Francie & Josie Show in tribute to the characters made famous by the legendary Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy, his incredible work ethic and passion are unwavering. As his catchphrase ‘I’m enjoying myself’ attests, Johnny does what he loves and loves what he does!

Enjoy!

Johnny’s website

https://www.johnnymac.co.uk

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

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The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 190 is in conversation with Rachael Brown, Chief Executive of The Future Economy Company.

Passionate about connecting and empowering creatives, Rachael at the helm of member-driven community Creative Entrepreneurs Club, aims to provide bespoke opportunities and resources to help others grow authentic and sustainable businesses. Powered by positivity, humility and an innate understanding and sensitivity for what it means to build something from the ground up, Rachael can often be found speaking at events, leading workshops, consulting with organisations and advising at government level, using her extensive experience in the arts and the world of social enterprise to help make positive change within these sectors.

A working-class lassie who didn’t fit into a box growing up, Rachael recounts some of the trials, tribulations and triumphs to date of endeavouring to carve out her own path and lead thoughtfully. This episode is jam packed with insightful anecdotes and food for thought for any creative or business owner!

Enjoy!

Rachael on LinkedIn

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rachaelobrown

Creative Entrepreneurs Club

https://creativeentrepreneursclub.co.uk

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 189 is in conversation with Scottish interior designer Barbara Ramani who pursued architecture before landing on her talent and passion for designing ‘joyous interiors that burst with character and individual charm’. Featured on BBC’s Interior Design Masters and more recently, Channel 5’s Dream Home Makeovers, Barbara has carved out a successful career offering bespoke services to clients in Brighton, Sussex, London and across the UK. With skill, attention to detail and a great business acumen, Barbara has built her design firm from the ground up and in this episode, recounts the fascinating journey to date, revealing just what it takes to create beautiful and functional spaces!

Website

https://www.barbararamaniinteriors.com/

Instagram

https://instagram.com/barbara_ramani_interiors?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

N.B. This episode references sexual assault. Please see helpful links below.

Episode 188 is in conversation with actor, writer and director Joanne Thomson who from a young age pursued a passion for the performing arts, before going on to graduate with a BA in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Working extensively in theatre, TV and film, her theatre credits as an actor include work with the National Theatre of Scotland, Bristol Old Vic and the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Joining the cast of OUTLANDER in Season 6 as new recurring character Amy McCallum, Joanne has also appeared in BBC dramas The Victim and The Suffragettes. A BAFTA Los Angeles Newcomer, she also co-founded the first online BAFTA New Talent Writer's Group. In her writing, Joanne is passionate about amplifying and championing underrepresented voices and navigates the industry and her life with humility and honesty. She recounts the dedication, hard work and tenacity she has ploughed into her craft and how her experiences have shaped her both as an artist and a human being in this ever challenging world.

Enjoy!

Joanne’s links

https://www.joannethomson.co.uk

https://instagram.com/joannethomson22?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://twitter.com/joannethomson22?s=21&t=UZAQ96FQhiBeyxYQswMmmA

Helpful links

Rape Crisis national freephone helpline 0808 802 9999 (12 to 2.30pm and 7 to 9.30pm every day of the year)

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Free counselling services for Equity members:

https://www.equity.org.uk/at-work/bullying-harassment/mental-health-resources/

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use

The Braw and and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 187 is in conversation with singer songwriter and Celtic harpist Chloe Matharu. Drawing on her experiences as a Navigational Officer in the Merchant Navy sailing around the world on oil tankers, Chloe shares her stories through her captivating music, blending the hypnotic quality of her voice with her serene and enchanting arrangements played on the harp. Being of Scottish, Welsh and Punjabi heritage, Chloe sings in both English and Welsh, bringing her unique perspective as a modern day female seafarer into the limelight through the her thoughtful lyrics. Performing all over Scotland and on the brink of releasing her debut album, Chloe recounts the journey towards creating her own music and the experiences to date that have shaped her as both a person and an artist.

Enjoy!

Links

www.chloematharu.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ChloeMatharuMusic

https://www.instagram.com/inverclydeharpist/

https://twitter.com/GirlMatharu

Download links and preorder link for Chloe’s debut album

Catching a Free Ride:

https://youtu.be/KaFa5kN7eW8

Catching a Free Ride

https://listen.scot/cmcfr

Small Voyages:

https://girlandaharp.bandcamp.com/releases

https://listen.scot/cmsv

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 186 is in conversation with musical director, choir master and musician Neil Thompson. Starting out on his musical journey learning to play his grandfather’s trumpet, Graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD) Neil has gone on to carve out an incredible career following his passion for a variety of styles of music. Founder of Musichoir Scotland, Neil encourages singers of all ages and abilities to enjoy communal singing, providing amazing opportunities for participants in both Glasgow and Ayrshire to perform. As frontman of Bahookie he travels the world bringing their unique blend of Ceilidh and rock music to audiences enjoying great success here and abroad.

Neil’s incessant creativity has sparked his latest venture,

SYMPHONIX- his new orchestral rock show premiering in August 2022 at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowlands. Playing hits from the likes of Metallica, AC/DC, Coldplay, Toto, Prince, Nirvana and Muse, SYMPHONIX blends the epic sounds of a live orchestra and a professional choir with choreography and knockout performances.

Enjoy!

SYMPHONIX tickets available here;

https://tickets-scotland.com//artists.html?event_method=viewevent&event_id=fb28d619-d764-11ec-ae51-02614393f1a4

Follow SYMPHONIX

https://instagram.com/symphonixrockorchestra?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Check out Musichoir Scotland

https://instagram.com/musichoirscotland?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Bahookie website

http://bahookie.org/

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions.

Episode 185 is in conversation with award-winning Glasgow based composer, musician and arranger Aileen Sweeney. From the tin whistle to accordion, tenor sax to piano, from a young age Aileen had an appetite and natural aptitude for music, encouraged by her parents to pursue her goals. Studying a music degree and subsequently a masters at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Aileen has gone on to compose pieces commissioned by many of the UK’s ensembles, with her piece ‘Above the Stars’ performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra winning 'Large Scale New Work' at The Scottish Awards for New Music. An accomplished accordionist, Aileen has gigged all over Scotland, appearing at the likes of Celtic Connections and Eden Festival with her band ERISKA. When she’s not composing, performing or teaching music, Aileen is cohost of the award-winning podcast Ear to the Ground with Ben Eames, talking to Scottish/Scottish based composers about their music and careers.

Aileen is incredibly passionate about her craft and combined with her infectious positive energy and down to earth approach, she continues to challenge herself, dedicated to creating music for others to enjoy!

Website

https://www.aileensweeney.com/

Instagram

https://instagram.com/aileen.sweeney.music?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Ear to the Ground podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-scotland/id1539299011

ERISKA

https://www.eriska.net

If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks.

https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave

Follow The Braw and The Brave

https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

See https://soundcloud.com/ for privacy and terms of use