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Blethered
The Gravy Train Departs Downing Street // with Paul Sweeney MSP
I’m on the road but Blethered keeps moving, just like the studio for this interview with Labour MSP and former MP, Paul Sweeney. We sat down to discuss the outgoing Conservative government on the final journey of the last ever old subway train on the Glasgow subway, after 44 years of service.
A very fitting environment, given that both of the aforementioned are not fit for purpose, completely ragged and everyone wants to see the back of them.
We talk about unlikely political friendships away from the scrutinising glare of the public - between Labour and Conservative politicians, SNP and DUP politicians, and me and someone who served in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet!
Paul speaks openly about his hopes for cooperation between Labour in Westminster and SNP in Holyrood...
We discuss how unlocking the value of Celtic & Rangers could benefit Glasgow & Scotland’s economy...
And we reflect on the incoming Labour government, and what we hope that’ll bring to people’s lives.
If you’re listening prior to entering the polling both on the 4th of July, the gravy train is getting ready to depart Downing Street, and it won’t be stopping back any time soon.
This government’s political malevolence and sociopathic, cruel and corrupt nature is matched only by the jaw-dropping ineptitude of those who functioned within it, including the conveyor belt of Prime Ministers that were essentially elected via undemocratic process.
Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @seantmcdonald
Twitter: @seanmcdonald01
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38. There's Always Light At The End Of The Tunnel
56:08||Season 5, Ep. 38This is an inspiring, no-holds-barred conversation about what it means to take control, seek help, and redirect your future. And it has a good few laughs throughout.I'm joined by Senior Debt Expert Tommy Gallacher and Becky, a former client of Trust Deed Scotland. What you'll hear is a raw, honest and even funny story, that will be familiar to many. Becky talks us through how she fell into serious debt without making any extravagant purchases, and the misery and panic it caused...You'll hear about how she realised she needed help, and the different forms that help came in, from herself, from friends and from professionals...And we end on an uplifting note, as Becky explains how she went from financial instability to complete security, and buying her own home.See How Trust Deed Scotland Can Help Youhttps://www.trustdeedscotland.net/adtermshttps://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debtThis Podcast is a paid for advert from Trust Deed Scotland, a trading name of Harper McDermott Limited. Any of the debt solutions that are spoken about today may not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees apply and your credit rating may be affected. More information on this can be found on Trust Deed Scotland’s homepage or by visiting www.TrustDeedScotland.net/adterms.Free debt counselling, debt adjusting and providing of credit information services is available to customers by contacting www.MoneyHelper.org.uk.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald0137. Capital FM, Unpleasant Celebrities & Endometriosis // with Radio Presenter Katy J
01:12:50||Season 5, Ep. 37Scottish radio presenter Katy Johnston talks about going to school in Aberdeen before arriving in Glasgow for university...We discuss her start in radio at Capital Scotland, before landing the presitgious Drivetime slot...And we chat about big names, unpleasant celebrities and funny encounters.Plus: In-depth chat about endometriosis, the signs and solid advice.And as always, there's plenty more.Endometriosis Letter TemplateContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald0136. Scottish Woman Jailed After Elaborate Catfishing & Stalking Campaign For The THIRD Time
01:04:16||Season 5, Ep. 36Abbie Draper tells me about her years-long ordeal at the hands of registered sex offender and convicted stalker, Adele Rennie.Rennie was jailed for the third time in September 2024, after a catalogue of serious repeated sexual and stalking crimes.Judge's Sentencing Statement - 13th September 2024Stalking HelplineContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald0140. TikToker ‘Kalani Ghost Hunter’
01:10:32||Season 5, Ep. 40American Tik Tok star 'Kalani Ghost Hunter' talks to me about leaving his job in American politics to become a full-time content creator.We share our thoughts on how time is worth more than money, when trying a Sunday Roast for the first time led to internet-stardom, Kalani's interest in Scottish history, and his genuine appreciation for Scottish & British 'cuisine'.Plus: Ghostly encounters while chasing spirits, life in Tennessee and loads more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald0139. Abercrombie & Fitch Sex Trafficking Scandal, British ‘AI Paedophile’ Jailed for 18 Years & The Menendez Brothers Release-Bid
40:53||Season 5, Ep. 39Nicolle Cassels joins me to discuss the latest on the potential release of the now world-famous Menendez Brothers… We reflect on the twisted ‘AI paedophile’ who was jailed for 18 years in England, and the serious dangers of sharing innocent images of children on the internet…And Nicolle talks me through the recent arrest of the ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch on sex trafficking charges.Plus: ‘The Grate London Cheese Robbery’!Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald0138. The Diary of a French Stripper in London // with M
01:17:01||Season 5, Ep. 38M’s book 'Strip - The Diary of a Hustler' tells the story of her life and about the realities of being a stripper in London’s high-end clubs.You’ll hear about her move to England at just 18 and without being able to speak English… M explains how she ended up becoming a hostess before being cast for various reality TV shows, including Love Island in the UK… And we discuss why she started to work in adult clubs, her popularity on TikTok and aspirations for her book and career.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01M's Tik TokM's YouTubeBuy The Book37. Britain's Got Talent Winner Jai McDowall
01:22:54||Season 5, Ep. 37BGT 2011 winner Jai McDowall lifts the curtain on the inner-workings of Britain's Got Talent, dealing with Simon Cowell, his new role as a member of G4 and about some human insecurities, even after being established for so long.And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald0135. The Menendez Brothers Case // with Nicolle Cassels
01:08:02||Season 5, Ep. 35I'm joined by radio newsreader Nicolle Cassels, who talks me through the now infamous 'Menendez Brothers' case, recently brought to the spotlight by a gripping Netflix documentary.We pore over the details of their murder trial, after admitting to killing their parents, and the key details that were ultimately dismissed in court...We reflect on societal changes and how if the trial took place today, they would be likely to have a different outcome... And we discuss the likelihood of their imminent release, after having served 30 years for a very complex and emotional crime.And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald0134. The Peru Two, The Death Penalty & The Scottish Cocaine Trafficker Arrested in Colombia
01:11:06||Season 5, Ep. 34I'm joined by Nicole Tosh and we look back at the infamous story of 'The Peru Two', arrested in Lima as they attempted to smuggle cocaine from Peru to Spain.Plus:• Scottish man arrested in Colombia, attempting to smuggle 2kg of cocaine out of the country• English woman arrested in Chicago, attempting to smuggle 43kg of cocaine into the USA• The death penalty: Can it ever be justified?• Me against Pacha in court in BarcelonaAnd as always, there's loads more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01