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Sean McDonald is a broadcaster, writer and host of the hit podcast Blethered.
Known for his sharp communication, calm debate style and ability to speak truth without ego, Sean has become one of Scotland’s most distinctive voices — from BBC panels and radio interviews to hosting conversations with politicians, leaders and people with extraordinary life stories.

But beyond the public profile is a thinker shaped by lived experience: Glasgow upbringing, languages learned through sound and instinct, a deep respect for culture, and a belief that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about being understood and staying grounded in who you are.

This episode is honest, warm and full of perspective — a rare look into how someone finds and protects their voice in a world that constantly pulls at it.

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Gordon J Millar is a Scottish actor, voice artist and long-serving nurse whose life story reads like a series of awakenings. From growing up between Glasgow and the Highlands, to writing for Time Magazine, travelling with the Dalai Lama, running the cultural movement Scots Street Style, and stepping into acting at 47 — Gordon’s journey is a masterclass in self-belief, reinvention and the quiet power of creativity.

With more than 70 film and TV credits, a 30-year nursing career, and an outlook shaped by compassion, curiosity and lived experience, Gordon brings depth, humour and humanity to everything he does.

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Lisa Marshall is a mum of three and the voice behind @the_widow_diaries on Instagram and TikTok. Two and a half years after losing her husband to suicide, Lisa began sharing the raw, everyday reality of grief, parenting through it, healing through it, and finding light without pretending the dark never happened. Her work blends honesty, strength, and humour sharing videos exploring the chaos of life while grieving.

In “How You Have to Feel to Heal,” Lisa Marshall sits down with us to talk about surviving the unimaginable, parenting through grief, and why you can’t shortcut healing. We cover the shock, the numbness, the logistics no one warns you about, and the quiet, ordinary moments that stitch a life back together. Lisa shares how speaking openly online helps others—and how their stories help her too.

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Isla Traquair is a journalist, presenter, and storyteller whose career has spanned newspapers, television, and digital media. Known for her empathy and honesty, Isla has navigated both the public eye and deeply personal battles with grace. She speaks openly about trauma, recovery, and the human need for connection — exploring how storytelling can become a pathway to healing. Her ability to hold both light and dark in equal measure has made her a rare and resonant voice in modern media.
In this episode, Mollie and Kyle sit down with Isla Traquair to explore the power of empathy, storytelling, and self-reflection. Together, they discuss the balance between light and dark — in journalism, in relationships, and within ourselves.
The conversation moves through themes of narcissism, mental health, and recovery, offering a raw look at what it means to tell stories that heal. Isla shares her experiences from decades in media and the personal lessons that shaped her journey.
This episode is a reminder that compassion begins with understanding, and that even in the darkest chapters, there’s always light to be found

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Be present in the joy.

Actor, dancer, teacher and all-round powerhouse Darren Brownlee joins Mollie and Kyle for one of our most honest and energising conversations yet. From River City and panto life to his early days at PACE Youth Theatre, Darren opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons of a life on stage — and what it really means to build confidence, face rejection, and find your people.

We talk about growing up as a twin in Paisley, navigating London’s elite arts schools without privilege or a safety net, and why he walked away from the West End “machine” in search of creative freedom and authenticity. Darren reflects on the industry’s obsession with perfection — from the mirror to social media — and how years of dance training shaped both his discipline and his inner critic.

In one of the most moving sections, he shares how therapy and self-reflection helped him shift from people-pleasing to peace-seeking, redefining success not by applause, but by kindness — both to others and himself. We dive into online hate, mental health, and how his River City domestic abuse storyline gave a voice to others experiencing the same pain.

But there’s laughter too: tales from panto, teaching, hospitality shifts in London, and an unforgettable story involving a Chanel suit and a very leaky steak board.

At its heart, this episode is about choosing to live with joy — even when it feels fleeting — and recognising that a no can be as powerful as a yes. Because both mean you were brave enough to show up.

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Our guest is Ash Rowley, a Berkshire-based freelance model whose work spans fitness, lifestyle, menswear and commercial campaigns. First scouted in Birmingham, Ash chose the independent route—prioritising briefs that align with his values and a clean, brand-safe image. He talks candidly about prep (from beard trims to banded pump-ups), overpacking wardrobes, fast turnarounds, and the not-so-glamorous bits that lead to glossy results. We dig into agency vs. freelance, runway sprints around London Fashion Week, social curation, and why he avoids the “quick fame” trap to protect long-term credibility. Off set, Ash works full-time as a consultant and is a devoted dad—proof that you can pursue creative work without losing yourself. Find him on Instagram: @itsashrowley.

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Cherry West is the dazzling stage persona of Scottish drag performer Sam Carlin, who first stepped into heels at just 14 years old. Known for her signature scarlet style, sequins, and live vocals, Cherry brings a unique blend of glamour, grit, and humour to every stage she commands.

At only 18, Cherry has already sold out her own solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, built a devoted following on TikTok, and performed at high-profile events across the UK and abroad. Behind the sparkle lies determination — Cherry is driven not only by a love of performance but by a mission to inspire the next generation of queens to take up space and express themselves unapologetically.

With her debut single “I’m Red-Y” marking her arrival on the music scene, and ambitions to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Cherry is carving out her path as one of Scotland’s brightest drag stars. Fierce, fearless, and unforgettable, Cherry West is more than a performer — she’s a movement in red.

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This week we’re joined by Carol — manifestation coach, tarot reader and the straight-talking creator behind In The Right Mind of Carol. From a thriving career as a MAC makeup artist to launching a crystal-inspired brand in lockdown and, ultimately, stepping into spiritual guidance, Carol charts how motherhood, COVID and a lot of inner work pushed her to break free of old identities.

We get into energy hygiene (yes, cleansing your space matters), balancing nights out with self-respect, angel numbers and “real-life angels,” and why letting go isn’t woo — it’s practical. Carol unpacks manifestation without the fluff: thoughts → beliefs → expectations → outcomes. She shares how to trust the process when you’re a control freak, move on from seasons, and “let it go so it can flow.”

Follow Carol on TikTok/Instagram at In The Right Mind of Carol (watch for scammers), and check out her new community for spiritual guidance, alignment, and—of course—levelling the f*** up.

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In this heart-on-sleeve conversation, conference and events consultant Ruby Sweeney joins Mollie and Kyle to talk about the real work behind a joyful career. Ruby traces her path from hospitality grad to London events, the three-month “never again” agency stint that broke her health, and the moment she chose to build a business on her own terms. She shares why seasons of life beat five-year plans, the “non-negotiables” that protect her mindset, and the contracts, deposits, and scope lines that protect her cash flow.

We get into resilience (and why burnout isn’t a badge), pricing for profit when you’re small, and leading with the kind of energy clients actually return for. Ruby also opens up about motherhood—raising fierce girls, the playground moment that became a masterclass in self-worth, and why kids learning personal development early might change the boardroom later.

If you’re juggling growth with real life, this one’s a warm nudge to choose yourself, tighten your paperwork, and keep your pep. “Fall in love with the person, not the business.”

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Andy Keavney is a veteran whose story is defined by resilience, reinvention, and raw honesty. Having served in the Gulf War, Andy returned to civilian life carrying experiences that shaped him profoundly—both the visible and invisible scars. The transition from military service to the everyday world wasn’t easy, but it became the foundation for a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Today, Andy has built a platform as a social media influencer, coach, and soon-to-be author, using his lived experiences to help others navigate their own challenges. His content blends humour, vulnerability, and authenticity, creating a safe space where people feel seen, understood, and inspired to make change. Andy believes in the power of kindness, the strength found in openness, and the importance of acknowledging that everyone’s trauma is valid. Whether it’s through coaching, his online community, or his upcoming book, Andy is committed to helping people find resilience, purpose, and motivation in their everyday lives.

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