Hollow + Substantial

Back to origin story, Fi and Fi contemplate how their intergenerational friendship has grown over the years, and how they have both changed in the time they've known each other. Plus, there are a couple of viewing recommendations and some thoughts on card-making and changing physical habit. Grab your beverage of choice and settle down for a chat. All of Us StrangersThe Agency  Unfiltered Support the showLet us know what you'd like us to talk about next...find us on Instagram or Facebook and if you like what you're hearing, why not Buy Us A Coffee?

The Fionas are back! It's been almost 2 years, but the time has come to lay down some new chat. After a bit of a catch up, there are some theatre and TV recommendations, a discussion of what Season 7 will hold and a tidbit of practical help about dealing with leftover food and speed tidying. Mens sansa in freezero sano. Or something. James AcasterThe TraitorsTwo Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)Support the showLet us know what you'd like us to talk about next...find us on Instagram or Facebook and if you like what you're hearing, why not Buy Us A Coffee?

If music be the food of friendship, speak on! We're on the very broad topic of music this episode. Before that, though, there's a lot of chat and some fairly serious recommendations of reading and watching. It's all very harmonious, of course.Cilka's Journey (Heather Morris)Good Grief with Reverend Richard Coles (Channel 4)Yvonne LyonCandide (Scottish Opera)Support the show

Pushing the boundaries of their known universe, Fiona and Fiona are on the topic of solar systems, galaxies and black holes in this episode. There's a recommendation of something to read, one of something to watch, and then a lot of spacey chat, some of which is rooted in fact, and all of which is full of wonder. What You Call Free (Flora Johnston)Uncoupled (Netflix)Powers of Ten (BBC Ideas)Powers of Ten (original)James Webb Space Telescope (NASA)Eurospace CentreGravityArrival Support the show

The Fionas are on home territory in this episode, talking about the world of theatre. After some book recommendations and a long-forgotten Pixar movie, conversation turns to snobbery, intercity and interval ice cream. And a lot of Empty Space...Oh William! (Elizabeth Strout)Grey Bees (Andrey Kurkov)Seasonal Quartet (Ali Smith)Life Class (Pat Barker)Wall.E (Pixar)The Burnt City (Punchdrunk)The Empty Space (Peter Brook)Support the show

Join us in a little JOMO by absorbing yourself in this chat. There are a couple of recommendations of what to watch, and then the conversation turns to the fear of missing out. Everything I Know About Love (Book - Dolly Alderton)Everything I Know About Love (TV - iPlayer)This Is Us (Prime)Support the show

Your favourite Fionas are back with some light summery chit chat. Come and join them on the adventure...Fracture (Matthew Parris)Millions (Frank Cottrell Boyce)The Sacred podcast (Theos Think Tank)Support the show

As Etta James, and many loyal listeners, would likely say, at last! Hollow and Substantial are back with a few delicious morsels of summery delight, and here's an amuse bouche to give you a flavour of what's to follow...Support the show

It's the final episode of the season, and we're going out with a bang (and a cough and a giggle). There's a health update, a true crime podcast, a bit of 90s throwback TV and discussion of New Year. Hollow has found a hobby she'd forgotten and there's wisdom on getting your tax return done and listening to your body. Happy New Year!Hollow+SubstantialSweet BobbyThis LifeSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

Hollow has been reading beautiful Advent meditations and Substantial has an arty recommendation.  Conversation centres around London - what is it about London that makes it such a cultural draw? What's it like to live there?  There's a Lost and Found about being prepared for an impromptu speech,  and wisdom on being crafty and stopping in the midst of the busyness. Hollow+SubstantialA QuickeningMoving PicturesSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

Hollow has been to see some improvised Jane Austen, and Substantial is embarking on another winter reading project. Meanwhile, we don't know much about art, but we certainly like talking about it - maybe there should be a warning to any art lovers that we are NOT experts! There's a Lost and Found about rediscovering child-like pleasures, and some wisdom on good housekeeping. Hollow+SubstantialAustentatiousThe Four QuartetsSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

We're already at Episode 4! Substantial is on catch-up TV and Hollow is watching something brand new. Plus, as this episode was recorded during COP26 there's a lot of chat about how any of us can participate in big global topics. Not only that, but there's a story about a poached egg and a Bounty, a Lost and Found about the benefits of ageing and some wisdom to take you into the week. Plus,  you can participate by supporting the show. Thanks for listening! Hollow+SubstantialGuiltThe OutlawsFoolproofHope26Buy Me A Coffee Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

Episode 3 of this season is the first of our listener generated topics, and we're plunging straight in with some civilised discourse on the importance of disagreeing well. Both Fionas have had their eyes caught by some island-based telly, there's a Lost and Found (with a visual aid!) on prioritising your time and some wisdom on encouraging your artistic tribe and remembering your PIN.  It's a long episode - there was so much to agree on!Hollow+SubstantialMurder IslandScotland's Sacred Islands With Ben FogleSeriously: A Guide To Disagreeing BetterHierarchy of DisagreementBuy Me A Coffee Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

Episode 2 of this season will either fly or plummet. It's a weighty topic, but with a little bit of body art chat, some books to read, a Lost and Found about streamlining your subscriptions and some wisdom for the week, it's jam-packed with all your favourite bits. Plus, the weighty chat is pretty interesting and leads to a volte-face from Substantial.Hollow+SubstantialAn American Marriage MayfliesSo You've Been Publicly ShamedThe Soul of ShameBrene BrownBuy Me A Coffee Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

It's been a while but the Fionas are back and there's a lot to talk about. After an introduction to the new season, there are a couple recommendations of what to watch this autumn, a conversation about the ups and downs of turning a year older plus some wisdom about writing cards and dealing with fruit flies. Plus, there's a whole new segment - Lost and Found - all about what we're ditching and what we're keeping in these strange days. Hollow+SubstantialThe CleanerCruellaSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hollowsubstance)

It’s the final episode of season 4 and the chat is all future-focussed. After some book chat and a film review, the conversation wanders away. With some hope about emotion and some wisdom on dealing with your government paperwork and planning your post-lockdown world, it’s everything you need for now.And if you stick around, you might find a little bonus chat about the solar system...

Feisty women and comedy duos...that’s just for starters. The main course this week is a vegetarian option. There are definitions, ethical arguments, historical vegetarians and a couple of recipe suggestions. For dessert there’s hope from International Women’s Day, and then we’re off to the toilet. Honestly, that’s where we end up!

How do you sort out your life? Secrets are revealed as we have a book review, a YouTube recommendation, some chat about admin, a poem, a project for the weekend and new way of describing how we're all feeling.Dolly AldertonReal Red SeasGingers

There's a true crime podcast, a documentary about an octopus and a chat about power dynamics. All that plus an exciting expansion to Hollow's gardening ambitions, and advice about what to do in the event of a digital power cut.

French Netflix, Louisiana nuns, new glasses, potato chitting and championing the young - all the usual nonsense you expect, and some quality chat about how our relationship with our parents changes over the years.

The Fionas are back with a brand new season of chat and comment. In this episode, after some recommendations of what to watch, and what to avoid, talk turns to alcohol and the culture of drinking, good and bad. There’s a message of hope about befriending neighbourly cats, and some wisdom about harissa paste and self-care time. Welcome to 2021, people.DrinkawareMind

It’s the final episode of the season, so it’s a bit longer...Hollow is enjoying some music and Substantial is reading something gritty. The Fionas chat about the importance of celebration, there’s a sign of hope in neighbourhood living, and there’s some wisdom about showing up and about how to choose your Christmas cards. Aves O'MayShuggie Bain

Substantial is joining the rest of the nation and tuning into The Crown, while Hollow is being far more cultural and attending an online jazz festival. The Fionas chat about ageing and childlikeness, there’s a Sign of Hope about communion and letting your guard down, and wisdom about taking care of your body (young and old).The CrownLondon Jazz Festival

Hollow is enjoying a heist documentary, and Substantial is considering taking up chess. Talk turns to Europe and it all gets a bit philosophical. There’s a sign of hope from the Just Love alumni conference, some wisdom about looking after your voice and enjoying parklife.Hatton GardenThe Queen’s GambitJust Love

In this episode the Fionas talk Bake-Off, and how to spend your leisure time. Meanwhile, a sign of hope has arrived from Canada and wisdom about putting down your phone and connecting with like-minded friends.The Great British Bake OffEmily in Paris

This week Substantial has been to theatre for the first time in months and Hollow is reading about food. Conversation this time is about work, and while Substantial tries to remember all her job history, Hollow is adjusting to a new job. There’s another Sign of Hope - and some wisdom for the week. PetrichorEat Up!

Hollow and Substantial are back for another season, and this time they’re talking at a 400 mile distance. In this first episode, the Fionas chat poetry, documentary and what it feels like to uproot your life and move to a new city. Plus, there’s a brand new segment - Signs of Hope - and some wisdom for the week. http://www.padraigotuama.comhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mtmlhttps://www.callanderslandscape.org/nov-skylights/

We’re back! 2020 is what it is, but we are still here...or are we? New season launches Friday 6 November...join us then for all the usual blend of waffle, speculation, nonsense and laughter...we’ve missed you!

It's the final Summer Special and Hollow and Substantial are chatting Wolf Hall, Swimming (again!) and Sally Rooney. Then there's the all-important question of ice cream flavours, and a seafood massacre (be warned!). Wolf HallSwimming Through The SeasonsConversations With Friends

Hollow is running 26 miles in 26 hours. Rachel Pyke wants us to record an episode as during Hour 5. Here it is, Rachel, especially for you! Link below for sponsorship of this brilliant cause, and don’t forget to message Fiona through the night to cheer her on!Hollow’s Just Love 26 Hour Marathon

In the penultimate Summer Special, the Fionas are talking Shane Claiborne, audio drama, Taylor Swift, Mrs America and islands off islands. What's not to love?! Shane ClaiborneWhere You GoTaylor SwiftMrs America

Episode 4 of our Summer Specials takes us back indoors to the land of projects and repurposing with conversation about upcycling and DIY, with a side order of television.

In the third episode of the H+S 2020 Summer Specials the Fionas chat Hamilton, Wild Rose and the joys of pedalling.HamiltonWild RoseCriterium Cycles

In episode 2 of the Summer Specials, Fiona and Fiona go outside. Plus there’s some poetry to be read and some comedy to be watched. Wendell BerryInside No 9StagedVirtual Glastonbury

In the first of their 2020 Summer Specials, Fiona and Fiona take to the water. Plus, there are some books to read and films to watch.AmericanahHidden FiguresSmall IslandLeap In

Coming soon to your usual platform...

It's the final episode of the season we thought would never end! Join the Fionas as they review the last 15 weeks, give a couple of book and radio recommendations, and chat about what's next for Hollow + Substantial. There's discussion about what we've learned in lockdown, a creative kernel about noticing and curating, plus some wisdom about taking up an instrument and calling a friend. We're going to be taking a break for a few weeks, but keep your eyes peeled for developments and thanks again for listening!

In the penultimate episode of Season 2, there's some lockdown chat about clapping, piping and singing before Hollow tells us about a Disney favourite and Substantial gets us racing across the world. The main discussion this week is about vanity, and chat ranges from selfies to interior design. Substantial has a creative kernel on patience and criticism and there's wisdom about lists and boxes...enjoy!

This week there's a lockdown update, some musical recommendations, and a conversation about wellbeing. How do we stay in tune with ourselves and others during this time? And how do we do it when we can't touch other people? There's a Creative Kernel about adapting and repurposing plus wisdom for the week on learning and tidying. Celtic WorshipBen Sunderland Glasgow City Mission

There's a report on lockdown walks and haircare then some recommended viewing and watching. The Fionas then discuss value. Where do we find our value? Are we valuing some jobs more than others in the current season? How can our values help us after the pandemic is past and how much would you pay for a sparrow or a self-shredding artwork? Plus there's a Creative Kernel on buying good art, some wisdom on planning a lockdown event and some thoughts on rest.

From deepest Lockdown, Fiona and Fiona have both found a newfound interest in gardening, and this has sparked today's discussion. Hollow has been ordering some handwritten poetry to see her through the pandemic, and Substantial has spotted a friend's artwork in a BBC drama. Meanwhile, there's discussion about growth in every regard, a kernel about the green-eyed monster and wisdom about writing letters and just giving things a go. Plus, there's news of Hollow+Substantial's move into mainstream media on Sunday 19th April. Tune in to BBC Radio Scotland at 10am for more!https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KathrynthePoethttps://www.kittylambton.comhttps://www.instagram.com/foolproofcreativehttps://www.facebook.com/FoolproofCreativeArts

Like the rest of the world, the Fionas are spending a lot of time on Zoom. Their eyes have been caught by something light and something dark as the conversation ranges from Gogglebox to Coronavirus Newscast and Being Mortal. Talk then turns to Peace - inward and outward - before Hollow has a Creative Kernel about knowing yourself. Finally, there’s some wisdom on messing about on your bike and on what to do with your money at the moment. GoggleboxBeing MortalCoronavirus NewscastStrengthsfinder

With one Fiona is isolation and the other socially distanced, there’s a bit of catching up to be done before we get to the main topic. There are a couple of recommendations of something to read and something to watch, then discussion turns to the topic of Freedom. How can we exercise our freedoms within the limitations of this season? And is limitation an aid to true freedom? There’s a kernel on how to establish routine in isolation, and some wisdom on wearing shoes, putting on make-up and making lists of what you like.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ice-Cream-Breakfast-rediscovering-problems/dp/1473659981/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585558314&sr=8-https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cbq6b/episodes/guide

In this episode, Fiona and Fiona discuss what it means for them to be Scottish. With some great accent attempts, and a dose of healthy self-regard, the pair discuss the good, the bad and the beautiful about the nation they both call home. Plus, Hollow has been listening to some poetry and Substantial has been to see Parasite. There’s a kernel about practising what you start, and there’s wisdom about taking up something new and making friends with animals. https://onbeing.org/series/poetry-unbound/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/https://www.visitscotland.com

We are living in strange times, and this week the Fionas have recorded in isolation. After an update on what the next few weeks will look like in H+S land, there’s a couple of suggestions of fun things to watch if you’re stuck indoors and a conversation about how we can make community happen, especially in these days of self-isolation and social distancing. As usual, there’s a creative kernel with some tips about how to stay connected and well, plus a couple of pieces of wisdom. Stick with us and we’ll be here for you!@creativefools (twitter)@foolproofcreative (instagram)

In this episode the Fionas are talking Lent. Hollow has been watching Love is Blind, Substantial is glued to Last Tango in Halifax and there’s a kernel about how to prepare for the unexpected. Meanwhile, there’s wisdom on the danger of stockpiling and advice to keep on running.

There’s chat about music and unexpected book recommendations, then it all turns soporific as the Fionas consider what it means to get a good night’s sleep. Do your sleep needs change with age? What are some tips to help you nod off? And does a nap do any good? Plus there’s a kernel about looking up, and some wisdom about screen use and owning your relationship status.https://www.facebook.com/musicfavela/https://www.zachariastrust.org/bios/amy-orr-ewinghttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0046H96U8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

While Substantial has been rearranging the apps on her phone, Hollow has been reading about Michelle Obama. To cheer everyone up on a driech Glasgow day, talk turns to holidays - where do you go, what do you do, who do you do it with is up for discussion. There’s a kernel of creative wisdom about being nice and punctual, and some wisdom for the week involving crazy dancing and making the most of traffic delays.

Substantial is reading some dystopian fiction to gain a bit of insight into the present day and Hollow has become a fully paid up New Yorker subscriber. The focus of this week’s episode is what happens when stuff happens and life takes an unexpected turn. How do we roll with life’s punches, how do we help others facing hard stuff and what does an older generation have to teach their younger friends. There’s a kernel about when to stop doing too much, Substantial’s going sugar-free and Hollow has been learning how to look after her houseplants.

In this week’s episode there is a lot of Laura chat and Hollow has been to a teen-friendly gig. Meanwhile, Substantial has been studying Taylor Swift. Conversation then turns to ageing, with discussion about grey hair, gardening, learning from your mistakes and enjoying the benefits of middle age. There’s a creative kernel about work styles, and some wisdom about saying yes to curiosity and an intention to learn the language of the cryptic crossword.@lesswastelaura@lauraksayers

This week Hollow is talking dramatic podcasts and Substantial has been to a production of a classic story. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, discussion turns to friendship and the importance of celebrating it. Hollow has some wisdom about working with other creatives and there’s wisdom for the week to put into practice. https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobehttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blackout/id1447513097https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07r39cw