The DW Podcast

In Episode 92 Derek is joined by a close friend Iain McMillan. Iain recently released his debut novel The Boy With The Thorn In His Side which draws from his experience growing up in 80/90s Scotland and his life in recovery thereafter. The pair discuss Iain's motivations behind writing his first book; his younger life which was dominated by football, fashion, clubbing and alcohol, before delving deeper into recovery and the social problems that face many across Scotland today. Derek and Iain talk in detail about The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, how much is based on Iain's own life and how he hopes that this book will help others.

In Episode 91 Derek speaks to author, blogger and podcaster Chris Lee. Chris is founder and editor of the football culture blog and podcast, Outside Write, and has also contributed to Football Weekends, Halb Vier and The Gentleman Ultra. The pair talk about his latest book The Defiant which charts a century of football-based activism against fascism and the far right - from the 1920s to the present day. Discover the role that footballers, fans, coaches and officials played in the fight against the dictatorships of Mussolini, Hitler, Franco, Salazar and authoritarian states in Latin America.

In Episode 90 Derek is joined by Paul Crawford from Glasgow, founder of Panther Milk and former owner of legendary dance venue the Sub Club. For years, Vegan Panther M*lk has been available at a secret pub on Mitchell Lane and Bananamoon on Great Western Road. Crawford, who ran Glasgow's famous Sub Club at the time, found the recipe at a music event in Barcelona, which has roots in 1920s Spain. He returned to Glasgow with the concept and made his version of the Leche De Pantera. Derek and Paul discuss Paul's success on the BBC favour Dragon's Den, the future of the brand, the back story to Panther Milk and so much more.

In Episode 89 Derek talks to Charlotte Laws. Charlotte Laws was named one of the fiercest women in the world Buzzfeed and is known around the world as the Erin Brockovich of Revenge Porn. The pair talk about Charlotte's upbringing in America; crashing celebrity parties and dating Welsh singer Tom Jones before touch on Charlotte's revenge porn activism. When her daughter became one of Hunter Moore's revenge porn victims, Charlotte Laws did everything she could to bring down the man responsible for the humiliation caused. Moore, the self-styled “professional life ruiner” created revenge porn hub IsAnyoneUp.com. Site users could submit nude photos of men and women, without either knowledge or consent. A recent 3 part Netflix documentary The Most Hated Man on The Internet documents Charlotte Laws' journey to have Moore convicted for his crimes. The series interviews other victims of his crimes, and fans of his misogynistic website he named “The Family.

In Episode 88 Derek is joined by Conor Powell, a California based Storyteller & Journalist, freelance producer and correspondent on CNN, as well as hosting the Lords Of Soccer Podcast which goes into detail about the corruption at the highest level of world football. Derek and Conor take an in-depth look at one of the most corrupt international organizations in the world #fifa and discuss Conor's true crime podcast for people who love to be blown away by the audacity of criminals.

In Episode 87 Derek chats to Kerso. For those who know, he needs no introduction. Synonymous in vintage trainer circles as a knowledgeable participant in the UK's most enduring style movement the Casuals. Born in 1966 in Bellshill Kerso started going to watch his local football team Motherwell FC in 1978 and as the casual scene formed he came a member of the Motherwell Saturday Service in 1983. He talks about how his healthy obsession with trainers and fashion began and still exists to this day, his early memories of travelling to football and showcases his favourite items from his wardrobe.

In Episode 86 Derek chats with one of Scotland's most exciting young musicians Connor Fyfe. Derek first met Connor when he gave him his first gig 4 years ago when the Bellshill musician was only 11 years old. Since then he released his debut album at just 13 and has played shows all over the country. The Lanarkshire singer is also the youngest to ever sell out Glasgow's famous King Tut's – a feat accomplished in just 24 hours – and will be the youngest performer to have played TRNSMT Festival when he takes to the stage in July this year. Connor talks about touring the country at such a young age, going from playing on stage on his own to having a backing band, supporting acts like Jamie Webster and so much more.

In Episode 85 Derek is joined by one of the hottest emerging talents in Scotland, Glasgow based rapper Bemz. Born in Nigeria before moving to London followed by Stranraer and on to Glasgow, Bemz shares his experiences in both life and music. Recently winning BBC Introducing's Scottish Act of the Year, the rap artist appears to have the world at his feet. He is making heads turn across the country, has a festival appearance and TRNSMT coming up and new music in the pipeline. If you enjoyed this episode, please like an subscribe.

In Episode 84 Derek is joined by Jonny Owen, a Welsh producer, actor, broadcaster and writer. Jonny talks about growing up in Merthyr; his early memories of going to the football, getting into fashion, his introduction to music and his fathers influence. The pair talk about Jonny's current role at talkSPORT; interviewing his heroes like Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller and the new talent coming through in the music industry. Jonny goes into detail about his film The Three Kings which was released in 2020 and details the stories of Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein, hailing from industrial Scottish towns and each became legendary football managers. Winning over the hearts of the fans, explore how they changed the face of the game.

In Episode 83 Derek was joined by Matt Collins. Matthew activist and author born in London in 1972 and currently a researcher for Hope Not Hate - the UK's leading anti fascism & anti racism campaign group. In the mid-late 1980's Matthew was heavily involved and active within Britain's Far Right - he was the South London organiser for the National Front, a volunteer for the British National Party's head office and a member of Combat 18. Matthew details his often violent involvement within these groups before switching allegiances and becoming a mole for the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight which exposed those with Nazi connections. Derek and Matthew talk about the rise of the far right politics in Britain; how the BNP went from street gangs to having elected representatives in the European Parliament, how the language we hear from the current government that is dominated by race became mainstream and more. Matthew talks about the current situation in Britain, the importance of music and culture, his current work with Hope Not Hate and much more. Please like and subscribe to this podcast if you have enjoyed it!

n Episode 82 Derek is joined by socialist politician Jeremy Corbyn MP. Jeremy talks about his Project for Peace and Justice. A hub for discussion and action, building solidarity and hope for a more decent world. They discuss Red Clydeside, Keir Hardie and the current situation at Westminster. The need for radical change and Jeremy's hopes and visions for the future. The pair touch on the influence of the media, Jeremy's first hand experience of this and the toll it took on those around him. Both big football fans the conversation turns to the beautiful game, fan ownership and the role football clubs can play in their communities. Please like, subscribe and share this podcast.

In Episode 81 Derek is joined by Motherwell Football Club manager Graham Alexander. Graham talks about moving to Scotland to take over the Lanarkshire outfit, his own playing career at Burnley, Preston and Scotland and his relationship with St Johnstone manager Davidson. The pair talk about the influence David Moyes had on Graham's career and how the former Manchester United manager pushed him on to play for the national team and extend his playing in to his 40s. Since joining Motherwell Graham has brought in his own players and developed existing players; the gaffer talks about the players he feel have progressed and shares his vision and ambition for the future.

In Episode 80 Derek is joined by Gary and Cbas from West Lothian band Dead Sea Souls. Dead Sea Souls hail from West Lothian in Central Scotland, their songs and high energy gigs never fail to capture the imagination of each and every crowd they play to. Their working class roots and love of that end of week ‘Friday feeling' exploding over each and every tune. Dead Sea Souls have built a huge following on all social media sites and an ever growing mailing list, which has helped them play with an ever loyal following in all of the major venues throughout central Scotland. Gary and Cbas talk about playing together for over a decade. They stormed back into the Scottish music scene in 2019. Two back-to-back SOLD-OUT nights at the world-famous King Tuts in Glasgow made sure of that. The pandemic may have curbed their ability to play for their fans, but it's given them time to write and record new material. DSS 2.0 is taking shape! The new material is bound to please fans new and old, still laden with hooks and anthemic choruses, but also more rounded and considered. This new Dead Sea Souls sound is bigger, more musically aware, but still has that dance DNA……the thing that makes the crowd want to turn up and go nuts!

In Episode 79 Derek talks to American animal rights activist and CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa Florida Carole Baskin. Carole rose to fame following her appearance in the Netflix show Tiger King which aired in 2020. Following the release of the series, Carole has received online abuse due to the 3rd episode of the series speculating that Baskin was involved in the disappearance of Don Lewis, her second husband. Carole has constantly refuted these claims and continues to focus on animal conservation. Derek and Carole talk about her profession, appearing on Dancing With The Stars, the aftermath of the show and her plans for the future. Carole notes that she would like to visit Scotland one day and praises the Scottish people for their culture.

In Episode 78 Derek is joined by Mark Evans who works as Head Of International Department at Football Association of Wales. As well as working for the national team Mark regularly watches his local team in Merthyr where he contributes to their fanzine. Mark has worked at the Welsh FA for over 30 years rubbing shoulders with stars like Gareth Bale and Ryan Giggs among many, organising trips to training camps and more recently to major tournaments across the Globe. Derek and Mark talk about their shared love for football, following their local football teams, Mark's desire to see Wales become an independent nation and much more.

In Episode 77 Derek is joined by Scottish four-piece Dictator following their recent success winning Best Rock / Alternative act at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. Hailing from the creatively fertile land of West Lothian, the band began on the same circuits as Lewis Capaldi and shared the same stages in previous iterations before eventually becoming Dictator and even shared a rehearsal room with album chart toppers The Snuts. Dictator have already received praise from the likes of XS Noize, With Guitars, Radio X and BBC Introducing to name a few. The pair talk about their upcoming shows, supporting Glasvegas, their plans for the future and why Dictator are the name everyone should be looking out for.

In Episode 76 Derek chats with Stewart Douglas, vocalist and guitarist in Wrest - one of Scotland's most exciting emerging live indie acts. Stewart talks about he met his band mates at university in Edinburgh and what started as a hobby has grown to a packed touring schedule and 2 albums. The band are fast-selling out shows all across their native Scotland before heading to Europe later this year. Derek and Steward talk about the bands songwriting process, how the lyrics capture feelings and how the pandemic hit at a time when the band was on the rise.

In Episode 75 Derek is joined by Scottish Author & Journalist Kirsten McStay. Kirsten recently self-published her book 'The Swipes of My Life', a real-life memoir full of dating disasters and other catastrophes and is a show-biz writer for Scottish national newspaper The Daily Record. Derek and Kirsten talk about the process of writing the book, putting all your embarrassing and emotional moments down on paper for the world to read and the books success to date. Within weeks Kirsten had sold thousands of copies and has been totally blown away with the level of support and positive feedback.

In Episode 74 Derek attends Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds. Following their secret set early in the Derek talks to Danny & Harry from McFly about returning to music after lockdown. Rob from Don Broco shares his thoughts pre gig and talks about their latest album. Zebrahead open up about returning to the UK. A on their lack of rehearsals and playing alongside your brothers. All this and so much more. Please like, share and subscribe

In Episode 73 Derek chats with The Skinner Brothers frontman Zac about the bands recent success and what the future brings. The Skinner Brothers burst on to the scene touring with The Libertines and have since landed support slots with The Streets, sold out the famous 100 Club in London and are looking forward to getting back on the road early next year. Zac talks about his early days in London, the early shows and finding their sound, how the people he surrounds himself with at present give him a positive outlook and how things are looking bright for the future.

In Episode 72 Derek talks to Scottish footballer Jordan McGhee. Jordan, who currently plays for Dundee Football Club in the Scottish Premiership, talks about his career to date and looks forward to the season ahead. The pair discuss his journey from coming through the ranks at Hearts when the club was going through a challenging period; making his debut at 16, scoring on his second appearance, giving away a penalty in the Edinburgh derby before moving to Middlesbrough on loan. Following a spell in England Mcghee went to Falkirk where he captained the side and had a very positive relationship with the Bairns supporters despite being relegated to League 1. In June 2019, McGhee signed a two-year deal with Dundee, who had been relegated to the Championship the previous season. Jordan became a key figure for the Dark Blues, impressing in a variety of different positions and would be voted by his teammates as Dundee's Player's Player of the Year at the end of the season. Manager James McPake then named him as the captain ahead of the new season which saw them promoted back to the Premiership. Derek and Jordan discuss the play-off games where Jordan netted 3 important goals, his relationship with teammates like Jason Cummings, Charlie Adam and what it's like to play for such a big club.

In Episode 71 Derek talks with Scottish author Aidan Martin. Aidan's memoir Euphoric Recall discusses in detail his recovery from addiction and many traumas including sexual abuse. Aidan who works in mental health and addictions, will obtain a MSc in Social Work in 2021 and gained an honours degree in social sciences: with criminology and sociology in 2017. As a grateful recovering addict, Aidan is heavily involved in the recovery scene. The pair talk about Aidan's experience, the problems facing young people in Scotland today, Scotland's drug crisis and much more.

In Episode 70 Derek is joined by Jamie Keenan - drummer and vocalist from Scottish band The LaFontaines. Derek and Jamie discuss The LaFontaines latest hit and Scotland's new national anthem Scotland, Bonnie Scotland which they have recorded for the Scotland men's football team who are competing at a major finals for the first time in 23 years. Jamie discusses the writing process, the response to date, what it was like having some well known faces feature in the video and Scotland's hopes for the tournament.

In Episode 69 Derek is joined by Finnish footballer Onni Valakari for a quick chat ahead of Finland's first ever major football tournament. 21 year old Onni is being tipped by the BBC as one of the players to watch at Euro 2020 following a great start to his international career, scoring on his debut against a star studded France team. Derek and Onni talk about the upcoming tournament, Onni's father playing football in Scotland for Motherwell in the late 90s, his expectations for the tournament and what the future could look like for the young midfielder.

In Episode 68 Derek is joined by Panda - a Glasgow based street artist. This is the first time Panda has put his face to an interview! Panda shares his emotional journey from growing up skateboarding in Paisley to a decade of excessive partying and working in bars to recently getting sober and using that energy to developing his art and "Big Heid's". The Big Heid's are visible all across Glasgow and loved by many. Panda references his early years and implies the Big Heid's are influenced by The Beano, The Simpsons and can be reflective of the faces witnessed during those years of partying. Panda talks about SWG3 in Glasgow and their Yardworks Festival which showcases local graffiti artists & his own project Colour Ways Glasgow CIC which was founded in May 2020. This artist led organisation aims to support and promote graffiti and street art within Glasgow. Panda reflects on a youth group he was involved with ran by Darren McGarvey / Loki and how that has encouraged him to support other youth groups now. The pair discuss how graffiti is viewed by the wider public, the language that is used when describing graffiti and the elements of control in a society that is built on fear. Panda talks about the power of graffiti and street art, the first time he painted during the night in a public place and the money wasted by Glasgow City Council on removing art that isn't deemed offensive. Enjoy. DW!

In Episode 67 Derek chats with Patrick Harive, the co-leader of the Scottish Green Party. Patrick talks about his early introduction to politics and attending CND rallies with his mum, getting elected to the Scottish parliament for the first time nearly 20 years ago and how politics has evolved since then. The pair discuss the dark side of social media, Patrick's love for Peacocks Ice Cream and which Scottish beer festivals are worth attending and which ones to avoid. They look forward to the 2021 Scottish Election and discuss some of the Scottish Greens main policies and why people should vote like our future depends on it.

In Episode 66 Derek talks to Marie-Claire Donnelly, a Quantum Energy & Life Coach from West Lothian Scotland who used lockdown to write her debut book It Is What It Is. Marie-Claire talks about her journey to becoming a life & fitness coach, the support from her family and goes in to detail about It Is What It Is is - a personal account of the many universal lessons Marie-Claire was taught during the lockdown period. The pair discuss the challenges in the writing process, the achievement when it was complete and the feelings achieved by putting all your personal thoughts down on paper and opening it up to the world. You can follow Marie-Claire's journey at @coachingbymc

In Episode 65 Derek is joined by Craig Telfer. Craig is the host of the BBC show A View From The Terrace which is an irreverent, sideways look at the world of Scottish Football screened on a Friday night. Craig talks about the show and how they do thing differently, not always focussing on the big clubs, capturing the stories away from the pitch where clubs are engrained in their community. One of the most celebrated VT's the show has produced details Scotland's most remote away day in Scottish football - going to visit a club in the outer hebrides. Craig talks about the beautiful scenes and how the production company Studio Something do a great job of capturing the stories, the dreams and the things often not shown around football clubs. Derek and Craig discuss the journey from podcast to TV show, what it's like filming and recording with your close friends and what the future holds!

In Episode 64 Derek is joined by Duncan Cowles, a BAFTA Scotland Award winning documentary filmmaker whose short films have been selected for various film festivals internationally winning a selection of awards. Derek and Duncan chat about Scary Adult Things, a BBC Scotland commissioned 6-part TV series which explores millennial problems in an off-the-wall documentary series. ‘Scary Adult Things', produced by Studio Something, follows Duncan as he hurtles into his 30's, still living at home with his parents, he looks around at his peers and attempts to answer the question most millennials wrestle with, ‘am I doing this right?' Duncan talks about his journey from college to being an award winning documentary maker, the benefits and challenges to living at home and so much more.

In Episode 63 Derek caught up Ross Geddes, founder and owner of Finnieston Clothing Ltd, to talk about his own personal journey and the story of Glasgow's modern heritage brand. Ross talks about the challenging of running a business, and in this case a very new business, in lockdown, what it's like working with family, his visions for the future and the importance of being able to adapt in an ever changing market place. Finnieston Clothing offers functional lifestyle garments with a strong focus on quality and durability. The brand was founded in Glasgow, a city whose shipbuilding yards were once revered the world over. Although all but a handful of yards are gone forever, the pride in the industry is still very much alive. Finnieston aim to tell the story of the industrial workforces of Glasgow's past through their garmets.

n Episode 62 Derek talks to legendary Scottish house DJ Jon Mancini. Jon talks about his collection of over 30,000 vinyl, how he started djing locally in the 88/89 before progressing in to STREETrave ranks, holding a residency at the Arches, being involved in Coloursfest, EH1 and playing with legends like David Guetta. Derek and Jon talk about the legendary events of the 90s, how the scene developed from the football oneupmanship in the 80s and brought lads from different rivalry factions together in unity. Jon touches on the scene nowadays and how it has changed from the early days, how its became more corporate and how he believes the kids nowadays don't have the same experience as they did. The pair discuss some of the amazing names who he has shared the stage with over the years; Swedish House Mafia, Moby, Carl Cox, Digweed, Sasha, Danny Rampling and many more.

In Episode 61 Derek talks to Ewan Gibbs, a lecturer in History at Glasgow University and author of the book Coal Country: The Meaning and Memory of Deindustrialization in Postwar Scotland. Ewan talks about the deindustrialization in Scotland, his research for his PHD and his forthcoming book. Ewan goes in to detail about the coal mines across Scotland, the poll tax campaign and importance of the Trade Union movement. We discuss the Caterpillar factory protests in Tannochside which had been built on top of a mining village in the 1950s and the 30th anniversary of the protests organised by former Caterpillar workers. Ewans book is due out late February and you can follow him on Twitter for more info @ewangibbs.

In Episode 60 Derek is joined by footballer Lionel Ainsworth. Lionel talks about his career in the game, starting at Derby County before moving to various clubs in including in Bournemouth, Watford, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham. In 2013 Lionel was loaned to Scottish club Motherwell and this was arguably the highlight of his career. He scored his first goal on his second appearance for Motherwell against Dundee United on 22 September 2013. On 3 January 2014, after four goals in four appearances, Ainsworth's loan was extended to the end of the season. In the summer of 2014 his move became permanent. Lionel reflects on his time in Scotland, reminiscing about some of the goals he scored in Claret & Amber, his good relationship with the supporters, how the likes of Keith Lasley helped him and his family settle and much more. He talks about the play-off game v Rangers where the team won 6-1 over 2 legs with Lionel scoring in both matches, he discusses the game that saw manager Ian Baraclough lose his job and the ugly scenes that followed in the dressing room and details his less than positive thoughts on another one of his former manager's Mark McGhee.

In Episode 59 Derek is joined by Val McDermid - a legendary Scottish author. Val who was brought up in a working class family in Kirkcaldy, Fife is often branded the Queen of Crime for the impact she has made through her writing. In this episode the pair talk about Val leaving Scotland to study at St Hilda's College, Oxford - where she was the first student to be admitted from a Scottish state school. Val talks about her involvement with her local football club Raith Rovers and the relationship and support she has from her fellow fans. She emphasises the importance of football clubs in their local community and the sense of solidarity that can bring. On Scottish independence McDermid believes Scots should "be gallus" and Derek points out that despite sometimes Scots lacking self-believe we have a rich history and a lot to be proud of. Val's book Still Life is out in February 2021, her first graphic novel due out in May 2021 and of course this years crime novel in the pipeline set in 1979.

In Episode 58 Derek is joined by another West Lothian based singer / songwriter Mark Sharp. Mark talks about his early experiences of gigging around Scotland, forming his band The Bicycle Thieves, playing with his friend Lewis Capaldi and the music scene in Scotland. In 2020 Mark done a series of covers throughout lockdown, released a track to raise funds for the NHS and managed to play a number of shows before Covid really hit. He has a bright future ahead of him and is looking forward to getting back on stage.

In Episode 57 Derek is joined by one of Scotland's hottest and most promising musicians Luke La Volpe. Luke is from West Lothian, an area in Central Scotland that in recent years has produced a number of fantastic musicians, from Lewis Capaldi to the Snuts and many more. Derek and Luke discuss the reasons behind the success, how he jokingly wants to shrug the "Lewis Capaldi's pal" tag and whats in store for the future. Luke is tipped for huge success and discussed how the pandemic has put a lot of work on hold but details he is still working hard behind the scenes, writing and recording so when live music returns he will be back with a bang!

In Episode 56 Derek is joined by Gavin Bain. Gavin is a Scottish musician, published author and screen writer who conned the music industry in to thinking he was from California. Alongside his best friend in his rap duo Silibil N Brains he partied with Madonna, toured with D12, signed a record deal with Sony and then the lies all caught up with them. Gavin was born and brought up in South Africa before moving to Motherwell where he experienced bullying. As soon as he could he moved to Dundee to study and this is really where his love for hip hop took over him. Derek and Gavin talk about Gavin's musical journey from making up rhymes in a Tayside skateshop to touring the world. Gavin tricked the music industry in to believing he was American and lived that life every day for 3 years. The stress and anxiety of living a lie resulted in breakdowns in relationships and with his mental health and eventually he was found out.

n Episode 55 Derek is joined by Scottish footballers Lana Clelland who currently plays for Fiorentina Women in Seria A and Harvey St Clair who plays in the Serie B for Venezia FC. Lana talks about growing up in Perth, Scotland and playing football as a kid before making it professional, representing Scotland at the World Cup Finals in France and how she now feels like a native in Florence. Harvey tells his story about coming through the ranks at Chelsea before making the switch to play in one of the worlds most unique cities. He talks about living in Venice, the importance and influence of the ultras in Italian football and also representing Scotland at youth level.

In Episode 54 Derek is joined by Matt Johnson. Matt is a Welsh TV presenter, broadcaster, producer and mental health advocate. Matt talks about his own battle with depression, the importance to life an authentic truthful life and how at times it can be incredibly scary to appear vulnerable or admit you need help. Matt openly discusses attempting suicide twice around a decade ago and how focusing on work, running the London marathon, opening up on This Morning about his struggles then led to him being an ambassador for Mind charity. Derek mentions his reluctance to previous detail mental health on the podcast because he has wanted to make sure it is sincere and makes a difference to others. The pair touch on the dangers of social media and the language used in the media to drive clickbait. Matt opens up about losing 2 close friends and how this has effected him. I'd like to thank Matt for speaking so open and honestly. Available on all podcast platforms.

In Episode 53 Derek is joined by Jaret Reddick from the pop-punk band Bowling For Soup, the voice of Chuck E Cheese & so much more. Jaret is from Texas, USA and the pair talk about stereotypes in their respective countries from cowboys to kilts. They discuss Bowling For Soup's career and how true friendship has kept the band together for over 25 years. Derek remembers his first BFS show in Glasgow back in 2002 and Jaret tells how their shows are a mix of live music & comedy. Jaret details how important family life is, his kids opinion on him being the voice of Chuck E Cheese all across the States and how his daughter couldn't believe how many monthly listeners the band have on Spotify. Derek asks Jaret's opinion on streaming sites like Spotify and the singer-songwriter emphasises that they've never made word from making music but merch sales and a hectic touring schedule is what keeps the band ticking on. Available on all podcast platforms.

In Episode 52 Derek is joined by Scottish singer songwriter Tommy McGuire. Both Derek and Tommy were born and brought up in Motherwell, Lanarkshire and have played gigs together for many years. The pair discuss growing up in a town like Motherwell, the local music scene and how bands like The LaFontaines can inspire other local kids to get involved in music. They celebrate Tommy's recent success following the release of his latest single 'Smile'. The song which Tommy describes as being about "if you don't laugh you'll greet" peaked at No.7 in the official Scottish charts and a series of radio appearances quickly followed. Tommy is an extremely hard-working musician who plays in venues and bars across the country nearly every night of the week so the lockdown has brought it's own issues for this rising star. He details what he has done to adapt to the current situation from appearing on various live streams to writing and recording more of his own material.

In Episode 51 Derek is joined by one of Scotland's 25 most influential women Julie Linn MacLeod. Julie, who's family hail from Malaysia, talks about her experiences of growing up in Glasgow, her mothers stories from being a health worker in Glasgow during the Ice Cream Wars and how the street food stalls in Malaysia have influenced her cooking. We discuss Julie's restaurant Julie's Kopitiam in Glasgow's Southside. Julie details how lockdown has affected the hospitality industry & the importance of a good work-life balance. Derek and Julie touch on racism in Glasgow, machoism and the hierarchy that has historically existed in kitchens and lots more. Thanks to Chris and the team at Scran Glasgow for hosting us for filming and recording.

In Episode 50 Derek is joined by Scottish novelist Christopher Brookmyre. Christopher talks about his 25 years as an author and how that has led to him doing things never imaginable like playing at Glastonbury with his friends and fellow writers. The Fun Lovin' Crime Writers story is hilarious and brilliant and Chris recalls some of his favourite moments from their shows. He details the time he performed as a Stand-Up comedian on a Monday night at the Comedy Store opening for A-list comedians and managed to get through unscathed. We discuss his novels and his recent work with his wife under the pseudonym Ambrose Parry & loads more

In Episode 49 Derek is joined by Scottish multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Stuart Braithwaite from the post rock band Mogwai. Stuart talks about his early years growing up in Lanarkshire, picking up his first instrument at school in Strathaven and the influence his high school music teacher had. The pair talk about the way the British Government view the creative industries and the importance of these industries, how Mogwai and other musicians have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the future of live music. Stuart talks about Mogwai's touring and recording schedule, their support for Scottish independence and his love for skateboarding. Thanks again to Chris and the team at Scran Glasgow for providing their cafe to film and record.

In Episode 48 Derek talks with Scottish actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli. Sanjeev discusses growing up in Glasgow, his early musical influences from Price concerts at Celtic Park to visiting Graceland while travelling around America. We chat about Sanjeev's career over the years; the legacy of Still Game, the backstory of his character Navid Harrid, working with Hugh and Greg, performing the Hydro & so much more. Sanjeev covers being the voice for couch to 5k, becoming a permanent feature in River City playing AJ and looks forward to a number of films that he features in and will be released in the not too distant future.

In Episode 47 Derek is joined by Australian skateboarder Tas Pappas who during the 1990's, alongside his brother Ben, reached the top two places in the world rankings. His journey and story was documented in the 2014 film All That Mayhem - watch it! Tas opens up about his early childhood trauma and how that has affected him throughout his life. We discuss Tas moving from Melbourne to Tampa Florida at the age of 17, going 8 months without talking to his parents, to follow his dream of becoming a pro skater. The Aussie quickly rose to the top of the skateboarding ranks but admits he always had a chip on his shoulder due to the early trauma in his life and always wanted to prove to his dad he could be a man. In 1996 Tas won both titles at the Hard Rock Cafe Skateboarding World Championships (the finals event, as well as points accumulation for the entire year), beating Tony Hawk on the way. At the time Tas admits he was cocky as a result of drug use and following the competition used his prize money to buy cocaine. In 1999, Tas' brother Ben was arrested for attempting to smuggle 103 grams of cocaine into Australia in the sole of a skate shoe. As a result of the conviction, he was banned from traveling internationally for three years and his passport was seized. Tas highlights that drugs blind you to the reality of life which ultimately led to his brothers suicide and his own incarceration in the US. Tas opens up about flying to Argentina to pick up a kilo of cocaine while under the influence of speed, which he then hid in skateboards and brought back to Australia, getting arrested on his arrival. Since his release from jail Tas has turned to Christianity and believes deliverance has allowed his spirits have been cast out of him leaving him feel lighter. It allowed him to resist the urges and is now off his psychotic medication which he was on for 15 years. Tas is now back in Melbourne, skating for fun with his son Billy, and working as a window cleaner on skyscrappers. Tas admits he is "still a work in progress" but is well and truly on the right track.

In Episode 46 Derek is joined by Dave Hook better known as Solareye from the Scottish hip hop group Stanley Odd. Dave talks about the democratisation of music production, the roots of hip-hop and it's links to community, Stanley Odd's writing process and how Covid-19 has changed their ways of working. We discuss Stanley Odd going stateside, playing at Scotland week in Central Park New York before playing alongside The View in Brooklyn, Boston + more. Dave reflects on 2014 which was a rollercoaster year for the group. They were touring a lot, released the Chase Yirself EP in April and the album A Thing Brand New in November. In the September of 2014 the band got behind the Scottish independence campaign releasing the track Son I Voted Yes and playing live at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh at the campaign concert A Night for Scotland. Derek and Dave look forward to Stanley Odd's forthcoming album Stay Odd which Dave believes sums up "staying true to being weird, wonderful & awkward outcasts", a 14 track record featuring the most recent single KILLSWITCH.

In Episode #45 Derek is joined by Italian former footballer Marco Negri. Marco talks about breaking on to the scene in Italy, firstly at Udinese then Bologna and in the Serie A with Perugia. He played against players like Ronaldo, Maldini & Zidane before moving to Glasgow to join Rangers. In Glasgow Marco hit the ground running scoring 23 goals in his first 10 league games. He describes manager Walter Smith as a gentleman & explains that team mates like McCoist, Goram and Gazza helped him settle in the dressing room. Marco reflects on his time in Scotland and comments on the current squad. He believes that this could be the season Rangers win their 55th league title although notes it will come down to the head to head fixtures against rivals Celtic.

In Episode #44 Derek is joined by Italian footballer Manuel Pascali. Manuel talks about playing at Parma before moving to Kilmarnock FC in Ayrshire, Scotland where he became a fans favourite securing legend status. The 39 year old is still playing football for Serie D outfit Fanfula and notes that he wants to be the oldest outfield player to play in Italy. The pair discuss Pascali's highlights in Scotland from scoring in a 1-0 win over Rangers, another goal in the Ayrshire derby and captaining the team in 2012 - the year the Killie lifted the League Cup. Manuel reveals that he was offered a job as part of Angelo Alessio's backroom staff when he took over as manager in June 2019 and hopes that one day he will return to Rugby Park.

In Episode 43 Derek is joined by Sunday Times Best-Selling author & former journalist Craig Robertson. Craig, who is born and bred in Stirling, talks about his 20 year career in journalism from interviewing Prime Minister John Major then Margaret Thatcher to travelling to the USA to interview Kenny Richy who was on Death Row. The pair go on to talk about some of the major stories Craig attended including 9/11 & the Omagh bombing. Craig details his experience of talking with the families who lost loved ones and how he gained their trust. On a lighter note Craig talks about his love for black pudding before discussing his books; from his debut novel Random through the years to his most recent release The Photographer. Craig talks about when writing Murderabilia he purchased a letter from Ian Brady in order to understand what it felt like to hold a letter written by a murderer. The pair note that Scotland is blessed with fantastic crime writers and Craig emphasises the supportive community in which they exist.

In Episode #42 Derek is joined by Motherwell FC Assistant Manager and former Captain Keith Lasley. Keith talks about how Covid-19 has effected the usual day to day schedule at the Football Club, playing games without supporters, Motherwell's start to the season and their Europa League fixtures. The pair talk about learning Spanish and the support given to players from the PFA. Keith details how David Moyes suggested learning a foreign language as part of the UEFA A Licence course, the challenges of going from captain to assistant manager and the difference between young players when he was breaking through in comparison today.