Stirring it up with Andi and Miquita Oliver

Andi and Miquita’s Scottish journey washes ashore in Aberdeen, where they discover a city balancing urban sophistication with rugged coastal charm. Their first port of call is Mara, where Ross and Carolina Cochrane are redefining local fare. Here, they savour a parade of dishes that sing with Scottish produce and Italian flair, challenging notions of traditional Scottish cuisine.The duo then ascends to Greyhope Bay, where Dr Fiona McIntyre's grassroots project has breathed new life into a historic defence battery. This community-driven initiative offers more than panoramic views of the North Sea; it's a testament to Aberdeen's commitment to sustainable development and shared heritage.From city centre to seafront, this episode unveils Aberdeen's multifaceted personality. Andi and Miquita's explorations reveal a place where innovation and tradition intertwine, and where the community's voice shapes the narrative. Their experiences at Mara and Greyhope Bay showcase a city confidently charting its course between honouring its past and embracing a promising future.Special thanks to VisitAberdeenshire (visitabdn.com) for their assistance in arranging access to these special locations and people.

On their final day exploring Glasgow, Andi and Miquita dive into two contrasting yet equally passionate worlds. They kick off at Glasgow City FC, Scotland's most successful women's football team, discussing the evolving landscape of women's sports and the team's unique independent status. The visit offers insights into the professional lives of these dedicated athletes and the psychological aspects of their training.The day concludes at GaGa, where they meet chef Julie Lin and her mother. Here, they explore the fusion of Scottish and Malaysian cuisines, discussing the evolution of culinary traditions and the concept of 'incorrect' yet delicious dishes. Julie shares her journey from MasterChef contestant to restaurant owner, highlighting the importance of building a passionate team.

Andi and Miquita delve into the heart of Glasgow's artistic heritage with a visit to the renowned Glasgow School of Art. Joined by Miquita's brother Louis, a recent graduate, they explore the institution's blend of tradition and innovation. From the modern Reid Building to the fire-scarred Mackintosh Building, they uncover the school's resilience and ongoing influence. Highlights include a fascinating tour of the textiles department, featuring century-old looms still in use today. The episode offers unique insights into the school's role in shaping creative minds and its impact on Glasgow's cultural landscape. Through conversations with staff, Andi and Miquita reflect on the value of artistic education and its power to transform lives and communities.

Andi and Miquita hit Glasgow and begin their cultural and culinary landscape exploration, starting with a tour of the historic Citizens Theatre's renovation. They delve into the theatre's rich history and community impact with the artistic and technical directors. The journey continues at the beloved University Cafe, where Andi discovers a legendary lasagna. Here, they're joined by Michelin-starred chef Lorna McNee for an insightful discussion on Scotland's evolving food scene. Throughout their adventure, Andi and Miquita reflect on Miquita's Scottish heritage, uncovering Glasgow's underappreciated charm and surprising sophistication. From theatrical legacies to culinary innovations, this episode reveals the heart of Glasgow - a city of contrasts, creativity, and unexpected delights.

This week, Andi and Miquita are guests on a whole new podcast, Rich Beyond My Wildest Dreams, where they chat about what they’d do if they won a mind-boggling amount of money—a real EuroMillions jackpot.The pair dream up some wild ideas—Andi’s planning a dinner party, under the moon, with Barbara Streisand and Tennessee Williams, while Miquita’s filling up her shopping basket with Ming dynasty crockery, Basquiat originals and a jet-pack or two. Subscribe and follow Rich Beyond My Wildest Dreams on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/29z8xrme On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4ths7ned On YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ycyfv2fc On TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/mrxtansd On Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/ykumd329 And remember, you can get that EuroMillions feeling every Friday with brand new episodes - featuring the likes of Grace Dent, Richard Herring, Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks. Brought to you by EuroMillions from The National Lottery and Acast Creative

Join Andi and Miquita as they explore the rich storytelling traditions of Edinburgh. They begin at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where Donald Smith brings to life the dramatic tale of Mary Queen of Scots, challenging long-held historical narratives. The pair then visit Greyfriars Kirkyard with guide Eric Melvin, uncovering centuries of Edinburgh's history and the touching story of Greyfriars Bobby. Throughout, Andi and Miquita reflect on the power of oral history, the importance of perspective in storytelling, and the surprising parallels between Scottish and Caribbean cultural traditions. The episode concludes with a visit to the Little Chartroom, where chef Roberta Hall-McCarron shares her culinary journey and the evolving Scottish food scene. From ancient graveyards to modern kitchens, this episode peels back the layers of Edinburgh's rich tapestry, revealing how Scotland's capital city continues to honour its past while carving out a vibrant future.

In this episode, Andi explores Edinburgh with her longtime friend Sandra Walker. They visit the Scottish Poetry Library, delving into the rich literary traditions of Scotland and discussing the importance of poetry in Scottish culture.  Andi and Sandra reflect on the intertwining of politics, rebellion, and art in Scottish history, and how it resonates with their own experiences. The pair also explore Sandra's connection to Edinburgh, uncovering a remarkable family history tied to the very building Sandra now calls home. From Burns Night celebrations to the preservation of Edinburgh's architectural heritage, get ready for cultural insights, and the enduring power of words in shaping Scottish identity.

Join Andi and Miquita as they kick off their special Scottish series of Stirring It Up. Kicking off in Edinburgh, Miquita reconnects with her Scottish heritage by visiting Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers with her father, Robin. They explore the fascinating history of tartan, from its origins as a practical fabric to its role in uniting Scotland. Gordon shares insights on kilt-making traditions, modern tartan designs, and how this iconic pattern has influenced global fashion. Miquita discovers more about her family's Baillie tartan and the deep connections between Scottish culture and her own ancestry. This episode weaves together personal discovery, cultural history, and the artistry of Scottish craft