The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

Part 1 of a 2 part special reflecting on the life of "the most consequential Scottish politician of our time", Alex Salmond, who died at the weekend at the age of 69. It's a sincere attempt to capture in some depth the complexity and calibre of the man, his highs and lows.Bernard Ponsonby knew Alex Salmond professionally and personally for 35 years. they worked and spent time together over the past few months. Alex Massie has covered Alex Salmond closely throughout his career and despite their differences, reveals that Salmond's team once courted Massie to be his speechwriter.Personal reflections from both Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.The rise of Alex Salmond - from the SNP's '79 GroupSalmond's strategic ability to see the end game and retrofit his strategy to make it happen.His ability to read the political temperature of the country and adapt to it.Salmond's rebranding of the SNP and nationalism to make an electoral success.

Bernard and Alex are joined by David Frum, Staff Writer at the The Atlantic for a deep dive into the US Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.David Frum is widely quoted as the man who coined the phrase "Axis of Evil" while working for George W Bush. Today, he is a renowned writer and a Republican who won't vote for Trump. David offers valuable insight into the state of American politics, the Presidential race, the candidates and the ramifications of this historic vote."The most consequential Presidential election of our lifetime""His only interests in politics are adulation, stealing and revenge""The Trump campaign is a war on Taylor Swift to stop Haitians eating pets""Trump's going to lose"

Bernard and Alex discuss whether the New Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, will face an existential crisis with the party at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election. Do a series of factors, including the emergence of Reform, mean there is "no chance they're going to hold second place in 2026"?Also, Rosie Duffield's resignation from Labour - "I cannot recall seeing a more direct assault on the integrity and standing of a party leader than the letter that she sent to Sir Keir Starmer just within the last 48 hours".

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie delve into the challenges facing the new Labour government in the aftermath of Keir Starmer's first conference speech as Prime Minister. Labour stood on a platform of "Change" but is it immediate enough for the electorate?Where will the money come from in Rachel Reeves upcoming budget?Is the new government facing mid-term blues already, only months after the election?Anas Sarwar has said no austerity but how do you define austerity?ALSOThe Scottish Tories and Reform?Will the Scottish Tories even make it to 3rd place in the 2026 election?Are there any ideas in the race to be Scottish Tory Leader?Does Reform have a constituency in Scotland?

Bernard is in the USA. Alex is on the Isle of Jura. Bernard says Keir Starmer needs to deliver growth or face the anger of the electorate over growing errors. Alex says that naive and loose-lipped press briefing by new staff in Government and the freebie scandal raise questions over Starmer's judgement.Bernard analyses the US Presidential race from Vermont - it's edging towards Harris but it's tight.Alex questions Stewart McDonald's suggestion that the SNP should consider a centre left coalition with Labour after 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.

It's 10 years since Scotland's Independence Referendum. Bernard and Alex reflect on what happened, where we are now and will there be an Indy Ref II?Including Bernard's insights into what really happened behind the scenes at the TV debates and on referendum night.

PART 2 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union".In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part two of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.SNPScottish PoliticsScottish LabourScottish ConservativesScottish LibdemsScottish GreensAlba Party

PART 1 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union".In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part one of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.SNPScottish PoliticsScottish LabourScottish ConservativesScottish LibdemsScottish GreensAlba Party