Blethered

Dr Kevin is a writer and researcher whose work looks at where data meets identity - basically, where hard facts and statistics collide with the more personal, subjective sides of who we are.Sexuality shouldn’t ever need to be a focus, but it 's relevant in the context of our conversation, because our identities shape how we see the world. Kevin and I are the same age, from the same country, working in similar fields - but our life experiences have been vasty different. As we talk, we realise we experience a lot of the same dynamics, feelings, and reactions when it comes to identity - they just happen to be about different aspects of it. This episode is about coming together, listening closely, and exploring how two guys with similar backgrounds experience life in their own ways, and how that relates to the notion of masculinity and how it’s been predefined.Pre-Order Dr Kevin's Book: Rainbow TrapContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

In Part 1, I got a good sense of John as a man, his connection to his family and how politics became his vocation. In Part 2, we get into the here and now, and some of the issues that are affecting people in Scotland, particularly young men and the concept of masculinity.We consider the concept of radicalisation and extreme ideologies masquerading as benevolent influences...We examine the disparity between the gravity of domestic and sexual crimes, and the sentences handed out in the Scottish judicial system...And we discuss the rapidly rising crime of ‘sextortion’, something covered in extensive detail on previous episodes of Blethered. An alarming number of cases in Scotland alone have resulted in catastrophic and devastating outcomes, with one being publicly addressed by the First Minister in Parliament last May.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bz0EWOiBANAContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

This is the start of an ongoing mini-series on the topic of masculinity in the modern world, and who better to launch it than the man at the highest position of political influence in our country.This is part 1 of 2, and focuses on John Swinney the man, his formative years and how his family shaped him, and what inspired him to get involved in politics.This whole topic is about being human, and how easy it is to be influenced by what we see and hear in popular culture, and John is no different in that respect. You’ll hear the First Minister tell the story of his uncle, a world war 2 hero killed tragically close to the end of the war…He explains how defeat in the 1992 General Election served as the catalyst for what would go on to become a lifelong commitment to his vocation…And we talk about the importance of civility and respect in politics, and how the public are influenced by what they hear in parliament…Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eBDDYzYjVdEContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

*WATCH ON YOUTUBE*I love having expansive and unpredictable conversations and that’s exactly what this is.This is probably the opposite of what you’d expect to hear based on your preconceptions about the guest, but as you’ll hear, those will prove to be quite inaccurate.We discuss the congruity between materialism and spirituality, in pursuit of a happy and fulfilled existence…We talk about Brian’s devotion to Islam, and about religion in general, in the 21st century…And we chat travel, learning languages, meditation, gratitude, recognising PTSD, and so much more…This episode is brought to you by Piranha - creators of custom sports gumshields.Designed for athletes, fighters, and rugby players, they provide maximum airflow and advanced protection, helping athletes reach peak performance. Both the style and design are fully customisable, with advanced technology behind the guard - delivering superior protection, maximum airflow, and elite-level performance.Piranha on InstagramContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

Dr Aisan Ghaemian is a Chartered Psychologist and accredited Cognitive Behavior Therapist, and has a PhD in the field of Health Psychology.This was a fascinating conversation on a variety of topics, and I thoroughly enjoyed having such an expansive conversation with such an expert authority in her field.We discuss the impact of social media - and I don’t mean the mealy-mouthed, surface level bullshit we hear on a regular basis - we REALLY discuss it, and I express some uncomfortable truths about my personal involuntary reactions to it…Dr Aisan and I have a bit of back and forth about the veracity and sincerity of the predominant discussions on the nation’s collective mental-state. Are they performative and without any discernible positive outcome, or should we just be satisfied with hashtags and fluffy social media posts?We’re in an undeniable mental health crisis, that worsens year on year. Is that just a random occurrence that’s exacerbated by Instagram and seeing everyone else having a good time? Or is it a direct consequence of communities being deliberately under-funded, wages NOT rising in relative teams for 18 years, despite prices spiralling out of control to the immense profit of opportunistic and callous companies, little sign of hope for hard-working, honest people and a constantly impending sense of doom? We already know the answer to that one...And I listen intently as Dr Aisan talks to me about therapy and what it does for us.And as always, there’s plenty more. https://www.instagram.com/aysan_ghaemian/Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

We recorded this conversation on the banks of Loch Lomond as the sun set in front of us, something I mention about 68 times. But my plan worked, the incredible backdrop cultivated some really profound and life affirming thoughts, as I hoped it would. You’ll hear about Roisin’s self-created journey in music, from making some tracks at home to singing in front of Tom Jones on The Voice…Her life-changing cancer diagnosis, turning her world upside down and forcing her to stand face to face with her own mortality, and that feeling of liberation when she realised that we’re really not here forever…And we discuss our love for the Beatson Cancer Centre and Ardgowan Hospice - places close to both of our hearts.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

Abbie 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: @seanmcdonald01

Here’s a wee bit of information about Michael. He’s a Scottish journalist and broadcaster who has a long list of notable achievements in his field. He’s written for The Scotsman, the Times, The National and The Barrhead News…He’s featured frequently on BBC Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland, producing a notable documentary for the latter…And he even created a short film back in 2009, that went on to receive critical acclaim and awards nominations.He also has cerebral palsy.You’ll get a good idea about Michael as a man, as a professional, how he sees the world, and how the world sometimes sees him. This isn’t a sob story, it’s absolutely anything but.This is a story of someone who’s had his challenges and has faced up to them, and proved the point that disability is a label that we should all see beyond, and that people deserve to be seen beyond. There’s a very fine line between admiring someone and patronising them, but I’m in complete admiration of Michael’s tenacity, ambition and ability. A self taught self-starter who has carved his own space in a very competitive, and often ruthless, industry.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

There’s an upcoming parliamentary debate about the Tobacco & Vapes bill, which was first introduced in the House of Commons on the 5th of November, 2024. Its purpose is to significantly improve public health by reducing smoking rates and preventing nicotine addiction among young people.Here to discuss that with me is Greig Fowler, a business director of Vape retailer VPZ. He says that vaping is an effective tool to get people away from smoking, with Public Health England saying it’s at least 95% safer than smoking. We look at the proposed law changes and what they hope to achieve…We talk about the dangers of driving an already unregulated, £2.4 billion per year market, into increased black market activity…And you’ll hear the viewpoint of Caitlin Notley, professor of addiction at the University of East Anglia, on whether these measures will see a decrease in the number of smokers in the UK…And from Christopher Snowdon of the Institute for Economic Affairs, on potential ramifications of pushing the market into the hands of nefarious figures.Regulation and restriction of tobacco products are undoubtedly a net positive for society, including but not limited to, the NHS and people’s bank accounts. However, we’re entitled to demand transparency and proper application from our politicians. I hope this conversation goes some way to filling you in on a subject that maybe hasn’t grabbed your attention. It affects us all, whether we realise it or not.Read the Bill, have your say: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/the-tobacco-and-vapes-bill-2024Take part in the survey: https://www.vpz.co.uk/blog