Apolitical - a Scottish politics podcast

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Apolitical is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with people involved in Scottish politics. The show will be taking a non-partisan approach and we'll be speaking with politicians, activists, journalists and others about their political backgrounds and influences.

Heard Yet Media


    • Jun 21, 2016 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 42m AVG DURATION
    • 90 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Apolitical - a Scottish politics podcast

    #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2016


    In Episode 45 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Leaving the European Union with Tom Harris, the former Scottish Labour MP who is heading up Vote Leave Scotland.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Tom on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Leave vote; • The infamous £350m per week figure and what […] The post #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2016


    In Episode 44 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Remaining in the European Union with Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens' spokesman on Europe and external affairs.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Remain vote; • Whether the EU's treatment of Greece has […] The post #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2016 26:18


    In Episode 45 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Leaving the European Union with Tom Harris, the former Scottish Labour MP who is heading up Vote Leave Scotland.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Tom on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Leave vote; • The infamous £350m per week figure and what […] The post #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2016 25:01


    In Episode 44 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Remaining in the European Union with Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ spokesman on Europe and external affairs.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Remain vote; • Whether the EU’s treatment of Greece has […] The post #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #43: Libby Brooks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2016


    In Episode 43 of Apolitical we welcome the Guardian's Scotland Correspondent, Libby Brooks, to the show. Libby is an established part of the Guardian team and has been based in Glasgow since the 2014 Independence referendum.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Libby on the podcast are: • The women who inspired her to get into journalism; […] The post #43: Libby Brooks appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #43: Libby Brooks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2016 42:25


    In Episode 43 of Apolitical we welcome the Guardian’s Scotland Correspondent, Libby Brooks, to the show. Libby is an established part of the Guardian team and has been based in Glasgow since the 2014 Independence referendum.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Libby on the podcast are: • The women who inspired her to get into journalism; […] The post #43: Libby Brooks appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #42: Pat Kane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2016


    In Episode 42 of Apolitical we welcome musician and writer Pat Kane to the show. A long-term supporter of Scottish independence, Pat – best known to many as half of the successful duo Hue & Cry – has been a prominent voice in the constitutional debate before, during and since the referendum campaign.     Amongst the topics we discuss with […] The post #42: Pat Kane appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #42: Pat Kane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2016 62:39


    In Episode 42 of Apolitical we welcome musician and writer Pat Kane to the show. A long-term supporter of Scottish independence, Pat – best known to many as half of the successful duo Hue & Cry – has been a prominent voice in the constitutional debate before, during and since the referendum campaign.     Amongst the topics we discuss with […] The post #42: Pat Kane appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #41: Jordan Daly

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2016


    In Episode 41 of Apolitical we welcome Jordan Daly from the TIE Campaign. After chatting with Jordan's co-founder Liam Stevenson last year, we get an update on the campaign's progress in 2016.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jordan on the podcast, recorded shortly before the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, are: • Developments in the campaign's work since […] The post #41: Jordan Daly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #41: Jordan Daly

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2016 46:03


    In Episode 41 of Apolitical we welcome Jordan Daly from the TIE Campaign. After chatting with Jordan’s co-founder Liam Stevenson last year, we get an update on the campaign’s progress in 2016.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jordan on the podcast, recorded shortly before the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, are: • Developments in the campaign’s work since […] The post #41: Jordan Daly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2016


    In Episode 40 of Apolitical we are joined by Steven Purcell, formerly the Leader of Glasgow City Council, to discuss the outcomes from last week's Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are: • Where do Scottish Labour go from here; • What are the causes of the Scottish Conservatives' success; […] The post #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2016 40:27


    In Episode 40 of Apolitical we are joined by Steven Purcell, formerly the Leader of Glasgow City Council, to discuss the outcomes from last week’s Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are: • Where do Scottish Labour go from here; • What are the causes of the Scottish Conservatives’ success; […] The post #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2016


    In Episode 39 of Apolitical we welcome back Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn for more discussion of the parties contesting this year's Scottish elections. In this episode we look at some of our preferred policies and the best-case electoral scenario for each of the parties.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • Who is […] The post #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2016 37:52


    In Episode 39 of Apolitical we welcome back Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn for more discussion of the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we look at some of our preferred policies and the best-case electoral scenario for each of the parties.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • Who is […] The post #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2016


    In Episode 38 of Apolitical we welcome former guests Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn to discuss the parties contesting this year's Scottish elections. In this episode we consider each party's policy platform and look for the problems and challenges they are likely to face.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • […] The post #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2016 86:13


    In Episode 38 of Apolitical we welcome former guests Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn to discuss the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we consider each party’s policy platform and look for the problems and challenges they are likely to face.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • […] The post #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #37: Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2016


    In Episode 37 of Apolitical we welcome Darren McGarvey as our sixth guest of Season 2. Darren, also known as ‘Loki', is a musician, activist and political writer from Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Darren on the podcast are: • How his politics and outlook were affected by the Independence Referendum campaign; • His early […] The post #37: Darren ‘Loki' McGarvey appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #37: Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2016 55:50


    In Episode 37 of Apolitical we welcome Darren McGarvey as our sixth guest of Season 2. Darren, also known as ‘Loki’, is a musician, activist and political writer from Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Darren on the podcast are: • How his politics and outlook were affected by the Independence Referendum campaign; • His early […] The post #37: Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #36: Robin McAlpine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2016


    In Episode 36 of Apolitical we welcome Robin McAlpine as our fifth guest of Season 2. Robin is the Director of Common Weal and has written for a variety of publications, including Bella Caledonia and CommonSpace, on a wide range of topics.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Robin on the podcast are: • His introduction to […] The post #36: Robin McAlpine appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #36: Robin McAlpine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2016 80:52


    In Episode 36 of Apolitical we welcome Robin McAlpine as our fifth guest of Season 2. Robin is the Director of Common Weal and has written for a variety of publications, including Bella Caledonia and CommonSpace, on a wide range of topics.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Robin on the podcast are: • His introduction to […] The post #36: Robin McAlpine appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #35: Naomi McAuliffe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2016


    In Episode 35 of Apolitical we welcome Naomi McAuliffe as our fourth guest of Season 2. Naomi is the head of Amnesty Scotland and has written for the Guardian and other publications.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Naomi on the podcast are: • Her history in political activism; • How the Scottish Government's approach […] The post #35: Naomi McAuliffe appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #35: Naomi McAuliffe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2016 39:45


    In Episode 35 of Apolitical we welcome Naomi McAuliffe as our fourth guest of Season 2. Naomi is the head of Amnesty Scotland and has written for the Guardian and other publications.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Naomi on the podcast are: • Her history in political activism; • How the Scottish Government’s approach […] The post #35: Naomi McAuliffe appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #34: Cat Boyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2016


    In Episode 34 of Apolitical we welcome Cat Boyd as our third guest of Season 2. Cat is the first candidate on the regional list for Glasgow for RISE, is a co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign and writes regularly for The National, CommonSpace and many other outlets.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Cat on the podcast […] The post #34: Cat Boyd appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    national cat glasgow apolitical commonspace cat boyd radical independence campaign
    #34: Cat Boyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2016 51:14


    In Episode 34 of Apolitical we welcome Cat Boyd as our third guest of Season 2. Cat is the first candidate on the regional list for Glasgow for RISE, is a co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign and writes regularly for The National, CommonSpace and many other outlets.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Cat on the podcast […] The post #34: Cat Boyd appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    national cat glasgow apolitical commonspace cat boyd radical independence campaign
    #33: Cllr. Monica Lennon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2016


    In Episode 33 of Apolitical we welcome Councillor Monica Lennon as our second guest of Season 2. Monica is a councillor for Hamilton North & East and is placed second on Scottish Labour's list for the Central Scotland region at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Monica on the podcast, which was recorded […] The post #33: Cllr. Monica Lennon appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #33: Cllr. Monica Lennon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2016 42:45


    In Episode 33 of Apolitical we welcome Councillor Monica Lennon as our second guest of Season 2. Monica is a councillor for Hamilton North & East and is placed second on Scottish Labour’s list for the Central Scotland region at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Monica on the podcast, which was recorded […] The post #33: Cllr. Monica Lennon appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #32: Angela Haggerty 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2016


    In Episode 32 of Apolitical we welcome back Angela Haggerty as our first guest of Season 2. Angela was also a guest early in Season 1 and joins us to discuss the fallout from her recent sacking as a Sunday Herald columnist.   Magnus Llewellin, Editor-in-Chief of the Herald Group of newpapers, was offered an opportunity […] The post #32: Angela Haggerty 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #32: Angela Haggerty 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2016 40:10


    In Episode 32 of Apolitical we welcome back Angela Haggerty as our first guest of Season 2. Angela was also a guest early in Season 1 and joins us to discuss the fallout from her recent sacking as a Sunday Herald columnist.   Magnus Llewellin, Editor-in-Chief of the Herald Group of newpapers, was offered an opportunity […] The post #32: Angela Haggerty 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #31: Liam Stevenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2015


    In Episode 31 of Apolitical we speak with Liam Stevenson, a co-founder of the TIE Campaign which seeks to ensure that all schools in Scotland are offering an LGBTI+ inclusive education. We chat about how he came to be involved in the campaign; why TIE is necessary; and what lies ahead for the campaign.     Amongst […] The post #31: Liam Stevenson appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #31: Liam Stevenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2015 34:16


    In Episode 31 of Apolitical we speak with Liam Stevenson, a co-founder of the TIE Campaign which seeks to ensure that all schools in Scotland are offering an LGBTI+ inclusive education. We chat about how he came to be involved in the campaign; why TIE is necessary; and what lies ahead for the campaign.     Amongst […] The post #31: Liam Stevenson appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #30: Iain Bartholomew

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2015


    In Episode 30 of Apolitical we look back on 2015 and forward to the new year in a special mini-episode. If there are any guests you want to see on the show please let us know, but more importantly let them know! We're keen to speak to people from all of the political parties and from the Scottish […] The post #30: Iain Bartholomew appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #30: Iain Bartholomew

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2015 2:17


    In Episode 30 of Apolitical we look back on 2015 and forward to the new year in a special mini-episode. If there are any guests you want to see on the show please let us know, but more importantly let them know! We’re keen to speak to people from all of the political parties and from the Scottish […] The post #30: Iain Bartholomew appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #29: Jeane Freeman OBE

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2015


    In Episode 29 of Apolitical we speak with Jeane Freeman OBE, a co-founder of Women for Independence and the SNP's candidate for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley in the 2016 Holyrood elections. We chat about her journey from the Labour party to the SNP; the potential impact of tax credits reform; TTIP; and the election campaign […] The post #29: Jeane Freeman OBE appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #29: Jeane Freeman OBE

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2015 44:07


    In Episode 29 of Apolitical we speak with Jeane Freeman OBE, a co-founder of Women for Independence and the SNP’s candidate for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley in the 2016 Holyrood elections. We chat about her journey from the Labour party to the SNP; the potential impact of tax credits reform; TTIP; and the election campaign […] The post #29: Jeane Freeman OBE appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #28: Jen Stout

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2015


    In Episode 28 of Apolitical we speak with Jen Stout, a co-ordinator of the Scottish Land Action Movement. We chat about her interest in land reform, what it could mean for the people of Scotland and try to understand what constitutes a “Mugabe-style land grab”.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jen on the podcast are: […] The post #28: Jen Stout appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #28: Jen Stout

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2015 29:42


    In Episode 28 of Apolitical we speak with Jen Stout, a co-ordinator of the Scottish Land Action Movement. We chat about her interest in land reform, what it could mean for the people of Scotland and try to understand what constitutes a “Mugabe-style land grab”.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jen on the podcast are: […] The post #28: Jen Stout appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #27: Steven Purcell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2015


    In Episode 27 of Apolitical we speak with Steven Purcell, formerly a Labour Councillor and the Leader of Glasgow City Council. We chat about his time as Leader, the present situation faced by Scottish Labour and what an SNP-led council would mean for the city of Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the […] The post #27: Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #27: Steven Purcell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2015 43:48


    In Episode 27 of Apolitical we speak with Steven Purcell, formerly a Labour Councillor and the Leader of Glasgow City Council. We chat about his time as Leader, the present situation faced by Scottish Labour and what an SNP-led council would mean for the city of Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the […] The post #27: Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #26: Anas Hassan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2015


    In Episode 26 of Apolitical we speak with Anas Hassan, a pharmacist and writer who recently missed out on selection to the SNP regional list for for Mid Scotland and Fife. In a chat recorded prior to that vote we discuss Anas' political background and his views on SNP policy.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Anas on […] The post #26: Anas Hassan appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #26: Anas Hassan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2015 47:07


    In Episode 26 of Apolitical we speak with Anas Hassan, a pharmacist and writer who recently missed out on selection to the SNP regional list for for Mid Scotland and Fife. In a chat recorded prior to that vote we discuss Anas’ political background and his views on SNP policy.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Anas on […] The post #26: Anas Hassan appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #25: James McEnaney

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2015


    In Episode 25 of Apolitical we speak with James McEnaney, an educator and writer who contributes a regular column to Common Space. We chat about diversity in the ‘Yes' movement; the impact of Jeremy Corbyn's election on Scottish politics; and the Scottish education system.     Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • […] The post #25: James McEnaney appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #25: James McEnaney

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2015 38:41


    In Episode 25 of Apolitical we speak with James McEnaney, an educator and writer who contributes a regular column to Common Space. We chat about diversity in the ‘Yes’ movement; the impact of Jeremy Corbyn’s election on Scottish politics; and the Scottish education system.     Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • […] The post #25: James McEnaney appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #24: David Torrance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2015


    In Episode 24 of Apolitical we speak with David Torrance, the political writer and journalist known for his biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and for his regular television appearances. We chat about his work; the scope of political debate in the UK; and his current take on the constitutional situation in Scotland.     […] The post #24: David Torrance appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #24: David Torrance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2015 34:49


    In Episode 24 of Apolitical we speak with David Torrance, the political writer and journalist known for his biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and for his regular television appearances. We chat about his work; the scope of political debate in the UK; and his current take on the constitutional situation in Scotland.     […] The post #24: David Torrance appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #23: John MacKay

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2015


    In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book.     Amongst the topics we discuss with John on […] The post #23: John MacKay appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #23: John MacKay

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2015 33:24


    In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book.     Amongst the topics we discuss with John on […] The post #23: John MacKay appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #22: Christopher Silver

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2015 40:24


    In Episode 22 of Apolitical we speak with Christopher Silver, a writer and film-maker who has authored a book titled The Case for a Scottish Media, available soon. We chat about his thoughts on the traditional Scottish media and where he thinks improvements are required.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Christopher on the podcast are: […] The post #22: Christopher Silver appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    scottish apolitical christopher silver scottish media
    #22: Christopher Silver

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2015 40:24


    In Episode 22 of Apolitical we speak with Christopher Silver, a writer and film-maker who has authored a book titled The Case for a Scottish Media, available soon. We chat about his thoughts on the traditional Scottish media and where he thinks improvements are required.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Christopher on the podcast are: […] The post #22: Christopher Silver appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    scottish apolitical christopher silver scottish media
    #21: Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2015


    In Episode 21 of Apolitical we speak with Jack McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland who now represents Labour in the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale. We chat about his time as First Minister; his thoughts on House of Lords reform; the prospects for Scottish Labour; and his international development work.   Apologies […] The post #21: Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #21: Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2015 48:58


    In Episode 21 of Apolitical we speak with Jack McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland who now represents Labour in the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale. We chat about his time as First Minister; his thoughts on House of Lords reform; the prospects for Scottish Labour; and his international development work.   Apologies […] The post #21: Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

    #20: David Clegg

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2015


    In Episode 20 of Apolitical we speak with David Clegg, the Daily Record's Political Editor and reigning Scottish Political Journalist of the Year. We chat about his work; the Daily Record's decision to endorse Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour Party leadership; the challenges facing traditional media outlets as they adapt to developing technology and changing consumer behaviours; and […] The post #20: David Clegg appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

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