Unspun Live

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, comedian and campaigner Susie McCabe joins The Herald’s education writer James McEnaney to reflect on a decade of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign — and why the fight is far from over.

Susie opens up about growing up under Section 28, coming out as a teenager in the 1990s, and the isolation and fear that shaped her early years. She shares how the culture of silence in schools, fuelled by government policy and societal stigma, robbed her generation of the support they needed — and how things have changed, and why they still need to change.

In a powerful and deeply personal conversation, former SNP MP Hannah Bardell joins Unspun Live to reflect on life after politics.

Speaking to The Herald's Political Editor, Andrew Learmonth, Hannah talks candidly about losing her seat, the emotional toll of frontline politics, starting a new business, and navigating IVF while building a future with her wife.

She shares behind-the-scenes insight into the 2024 campaign, the bittersweet experience of walking away from Westminster, and why stepping back doesn't mean stepping away forever.

Leading political comedian Matt Forde joins The Herald's political correspondent Hannah Brown to discuss the Edinburgh Fringe, Scottish political figures Joanna Cherry, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Ian Murray and much more more (including the occasional impersonation). Matt also speaks about how he wants to try 'Defying Calamity' in politics during his appearance at the world-renowned festival in Scotland next month.

In a week of U-turns and rebellions over Labour’s welfare reform plans, Brian Leishman MP joins Unspun Live for a blistering interview.

The Alloa & Grangemouth MP tells Andrew Learmonth why he’s voting against the bill, what’s gone wrong inside the party, and how Labour risks repeating the worst mistakes of austerity.

He also talks Grangemouth, wealth taxes, being “Aff the leish man”, and what Anas Sarwar needs to do to win next year's election.

Ahead of our shows at the Fringe in August, we are joined by political broadcasting guru and The Herald columnist Brian Taylor. He tells us about the skills he employs to get the most out of an interview with political figures. We also chat about those joining us during our four day appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Later, we discuss Scotland's Future in 25 years and are joined by founder of Scotland 2050 Barrie Cunning.

Former SNP MP Stewart McDonald also hops on the podcast to tell us his thoughts on John Swinney's leadership amidst mounting tensions in the SNP.

After Scottish Conservatives pledged to renew their party at their conference over the weekend, The Herald's political correspondents Hannah Brown and Kathleen Nutt analyse whether or not this is possible and if John Swinney's expected push for independence will strengthen them as the party in opposition. Political Editor Andrew Learmonth also speaks to Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie who says his party needs to stop “self-flagellating” over past mistakes and instead focus on rebuilding trust with voters.

It was meant to be a two-horse race — or so John Swinney said. But Labour’s stunning win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has upended expectations and sent shockwaves through Scottish politics.

In this emergency episode of Unspun Live, The Herald’s politics podcast, political editor Andrew Learmonth takes you behind the scenes at the count with colleagues Rebecca McCurdy and Kevin McKenna.

Hear exclusive insights, on-the-ground reactions, and what this shock result means for the SNP, Labour — and the 2026 Holyrood election.

Nigel Farage picks a fight with The Herald and abandons us outside Hamilton's German Doner Kebab shop. We also speak to Monica Lennon about her Ecocide Bill.

The race to be Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse's next MSP is well and truly underway with the SNP, Labour and, now, Reform UK fighting for the top spot. Political correspondents Hannah Brown & Kathleen Nutt discuss the by-election after Hannah visits Hamilton town centre to gauge local feeling and speak to some of the main candidates battling it out.

What do you do when Nigel Farage accidentally steals your name? If you're Reform Scotland, you rebrand — reluctantly — as Enlighten, and try not to look back.

In this episode, Andrew Learmonth speaks to Enlighten director Chris Deerin about swapping a solid, sensible think tank name for something a little more luminous — and about politics, policy, and if the Scottish Parliament is living up to its early promise.