Blethered

This episode is about how justice and humanity can intersect, and what happens when you treat people like they can still be more than the worst thing they’ve ever done.I’m viscerally aware of how serious crimes affect victims - I’ve felt that pain myself, but every conversation needs space for nuance.And in this episode, you’ll hear former Barlinnie prison officer Frank and I have a very detailed one.We discuss his expansive work history and his view of life inside Barlinnie, how modern innovations in rule-breaking make it tough to stop drugs getting in, plus the blackmail methods used against guards…We take a look at the social factors behind crime and why so many end up in a cycle of prison, addiction, and reoffending…And we explore why, in some cases, investing in rehabilitation makes more sense than a never-ending, expensive spiral.And as always, there’s loads more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Angela Landers is a teacher of transcendental meditation at the TM Centre in Glasgow, recently displaced following the vape-shop fire on Union Street.In this conversation, we explore what transcendental meditation actually is, what it does to the mind and body, and why more people are turning inwards in a world that feels increasingly loud, constant, and overwhelming.We get into the crossover between science and long-standing spiritual practices, how attention and awareness shape our experience, and whether looking inward offers something that modern life doesn’t.I’m not offering a neat solution, because there isn’t one. I’m just asking the right questions.If life feels like too much at times, and you find yourself constantly looking outward for something to settle that, this might shift your perspective.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com TM Glasgow

Derek McEwan is preparing to take on the Marathon des Sables, a six-day, 250km ultra-marathon across the Sahara, where runners carry their own supplies and face extreme heat and cold.He’s doing it to raise money for the Catherine McEwan Foundation, set up in memory of his mum, who died aged 37 after living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease for 21 years. The charity supports people dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, and the daily realities of IBD.To understand the challenge, I joined Derek in a 35°C heat chamber session with humidity and reduced oxygen. Even over an hour, the strain on breathing, heart rate, and effort levels was clear, offering a glimpse into both the race conditions and the ongoing reality for those living with IBD.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comCatherine McEwan Foundation

Ally Begg’s life has taken some extraordinary turns. From growing up in Aberdeen dreaming of playing for Aberdeen FC, to becoming a member of 90s boyband Bad Boys Inc, his journey then moved into the world of football broadcasting. From Manchester United's MUTV and Celtic TV to becoming the face of football across South East Asia, Ally built a global career in sports media. But a serious near-death experience later forced him to reassess everything. This is a story of reinvention, resilience and perspective – in true Blethered style.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

In this episode I’m joined by Stephen Wright and Edward Kelly, partners at KPW Investments, a Glasgow-based firm managing over £500 million in assets on behalf of clients.I’ve always been interested in impressive and inspiring people, and it’s hard not to be impressed by two relatively young professionals who’ve earned the trust and responsibility of managing that level of wealth for individuals, families and businesses.This conversation was also a chance for me to stress-test some of my own beliefs and assumptions about the world of finance. Over the years on the podcast I’ve had many exploratory discussions about debt, personal finance and the financial pressures people face in everyday life, so I was curious to better understand the people working inside the system.What struck me immediately is that Stephen and Edward completely contradict the cliché image people often have of high-end finance. They’re personable, thoughtful and grounded, and clearly care about helping their clients make better long-term decisions with their money.At a time when there’s uncertainty across the board economically, becoming financially literate and learning from experts has never been more important.If you’d like to learn more about their work, you can visit kpwinvestments.co.uk or get in touch with the team at KPW Investments in Glasgow.contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Sports Therapy ScotlandBorn in South Africa and living in Dubai, sports fanatic Tylan left behind a life on the corporate ladder and co-founded Dead Man’s Clique - a brand centred around adrenaline-based activities, combat sports, fitness, tattoos and a thriving social environment.As ‘Head of Danger’ at DMC - he threw himself into the deep end of absolutely everything, and life was going beautifully, until the 22nd of January, 2023, when he was involved in a horrendous motorcycle accident, resulting in very severe paralysis.The last few years have undeniably been incredibly tough for Tylan, but the strong impression I get from him, is that he’s faced them all head on. He’s a really tough, strong looking guy, but there’s real warmth and kindness about him. Maybe most surprisingly, there’s also a wee bit of vulnerability, that he’s happy to show.He’s quite open when he talks about how that day has shaped his life, and even though he’s well within his rights to feel aggrieved and to come across as quite despondent and morose, he’s absolutely anything but. There are a lot of life lessons and his story, and this whole conversation, is quite allegorical. Some of the lessons are really obvious and not particularly enshrouded in any mystique, but it doesn’t make them any less profound.This is a man who was told by surgeons that he had less than zero point zero one chance of ever standing on his own two feet again.Well I watched a video of him walking, just the other day.So that tells me… that we should listen to what the man has to say.Movement Is Privilege Instagramcontact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Michael McEwan is a journalist and broadcaster from Glasgow, with a unique perspective on the world. A former Blethered guest, Michael has cerebral palsy, but has never defined himself by that.After some chats back and forth, Michael expressed that he felt he was categorised in a certain way, and lamented what he felt was a lack of opportunity for him in professional terms.I had the idea to hand over the keys to Blethered, and let him showcase just what he can do. He's funny, intelligent, sharp and a capable interviewer/presenter. So here it is! Blethered, with Michael McEwan. And I'm his guest.Enjoy!contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comMichael's LinkedIn Profile

Craig first gained attention by walking from Hampden to Munich for Scotland’s Euros campaign. He’s now taking on a far bigger challenge, a 3,000-mile walk across the US, raising funds for SAMH ahead of the World Cup.We talk about how the idea came about, his affinity with the Germans, and just what he can expect as he undertakes this mammoth challenge.And, as always, loads more.Sports Therapy ScotlandContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Published ahead of the Netflix documentary on the Lucy Letby case, available to stream from February 4th. I'm joined by lawyer and registered midwife Jaimie McGready to discuss the trial and conviction of serial killer Lucy Letby.Letby was recently convicted of the murder of six newborn babies, and the attempted murder of seven more, in what was the longest murder trial in British legal history.We reflect on the evidence that led to her conviction and receipt of a full life order, meaning she’ll die behind bars.Jaimie and I also discuss the death penalty, the 'morality' of criminal defence lawyers and where the responsibility lies for hospital management staff's failure to act, after repeated warnings about Letby.And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.