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240 episodes with Scottish independence
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Today, Gavi FINALLY gets to talk about his favorite topic, Jean Beaudrillard's "Simulacra and Simulation," which explains Hyperreality. "The Matrix" film is allegorical to the postmodern condition of Hyperreality. We discuss examples of simulacra, Hyperreality, and the history of how we (in the western canon) came to view the world this way. We discuss simulated reality as it relates to christian fundamentalism and the US.If you have any thoughts, opinions, or questions about this topic (or corrections) please let us know either by comment or by emailing us at LeavingEdenPod@gmail.com! We would love to do a listener responses episdoe!02:00 - Intro02:20 - Black Mirror San Junipero03:15 - The Matrix03:30 - Elon Musk03:48 - Mark Zuckerberg and the Metaverse04:10 - Please subscribe to our Patreon!04:40 - Media Theory and Philosophy05:17 - I'm sorry for mixing up SimulaCRA and SimulaCRUM05:47 - Jean Baudrillard's "Hyperreality"06:04 - Simulacra and Simulation07:10 - First Order Simulacrum07:40 - Second Order Simulacrum07:55 - Third Order Simulacrum, Hyperreality08:29 - Fourth Order Simulacrum, or Pure Simulation08:50 - Alexander Hamilton to Scamilton is Hyperreality11:07 - Christian Nationalism and Hyperreality12:54 - Hyperreality and Pure Simulation are curated reality13:30 - Did Sadie grow up in a simulation?13:50 - Kim Kardashian's butt broke the internet14:54 - The 6 7 meme is proof that we are living in a simulation15:30 - Doot Doot 6 7 by Skrilla15:50 - Lamello Ball16:00 - The 6 7 kid is Hyperreality and the meme is pure simulation17:19 - Brainrot is hyperreality18:50 - Thank you to our patrons!20:17 - The Civil War and the birth of Modernism21:50 - Modernist themes, truth comes from struggle and effort22:17 - Upton Sinclair, The Jungle22:30 - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath22:50 - Gone With the Wind24:00 - Little Women24:34 - The Civil War, Transcendentalism, Naturalism25:05 - The birth of postmodernism25:15 - Dada art movement (dadaism)25:26 - Anything can be a source of truth25:30 - The gifts of postmodernism, Civil rights, LGBT rights, Women's Lib movement25:55 - World War 2 and the nuclear age27:10 - Love is Blind, Kobe Bryant, Fresh off the Boat, Scottish Independence referendum28:45 - Absurdism, Memes, and Breadtube Spongebob29:04 - The drawbacks of postmodernism30:00 - Hyperreality, 9/1131:22 - Loss of sense of self32:04 - Michael Jackson, Prince, Robin Williams, George Carlin, Jesus, AI Deepfakes32:35 - Leonard Cohen32:50 - Bag Culture, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Commercials34:35 - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle36:28 - Please email us!37:01 - Our current state of Hyperreality37:31 - Doctors vs. Anti-Vaxxers and influencers37:41 - Teachers vs. Homeschoolers38:07 - Doomerism38:17 - It's going to be OK?38:38 - The early church38:50 - Jesus was a guy (probably?)39:11 - The Disciples (first order Simulacrum)39:22 - The Council of Nicaea (Second order Simulacrum)39:40 - Church Tradition (Third Order Simulacra, or Hyperreality)40:10 - Culture War/Kid Rock Turning Point USA halftime show40:45 - Growing up in a cult vs. growing up in a simulation41:04 - Destruction of the 2nd Temple happened, Revelation is a first order simulacrum41:35 - Millerism, Adventism, Premillennial Pretribulationism are second order simulacra41:45 - Protocols of the elders of Zion, A Thief in the Night, and Left Behind are all third order simulacra or Hyperreality42:12 - The Holocaust, McCarthyism and the Red Scare, Satanic Panic, Q Anon, January 6, 2025 Rapture Hoax, are mass delusion brought on by pure simulation44:20 - Hyperreality peaked in 202044:45 - The end of COVID-19 and the rise of AI45:04 - What is coming next?45:45 - AI CEOs are grifters46:32 - Minor League Baseball47:10 - 2020, Social Unrest, George Floyd protests, Anti-Mask/Vaxx48:14 - Transcendentalism, Naturalism, humanity's relationship with nature, Oliver Wendel Holmes, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman50:29 - The next movementSubscribe to Leaving Eden Podcast on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4q94gAnsoW2jME4SvVrrQJoin our Patreon for extended, uncensored, and ad-free versions of most of our episodes, as well as other patron perks and bonus content!https://www.patreon.com/LeavingEdenPodcastJoin our Facebook group to join in the discussion with other fans!https://www.facebook.com/groups/edenexodusJoin our subreddit! Reddit.com/r/EdenExodusBluesky:@leavingedenpodcast.bsky.social@hellyeahsadie.bsky.social@gavihacohen.bsky.socialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/leavingedenpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/sadiecarpentermusic/https://www.instagram.com/gavrielhacohen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How many legal problems can you fall into in the space of a single podcast? This week, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson navigate a potential minefield of four major legal and political controversies. We dive into the ongoing sagas involving Peter Mandelson and the Trade Ambassador formerly known as Prince Andrew.Closer to home, we dissect the row over the Lord Advocate and the revelations surrounding the timing of Peter Murrell's charges being shared with the First Minister. We also look at the shock announcement that the Alba Party are unlikely to contest the Holyrood election, blaming financial and regulatory problems alleged to have been caused by their former General Secretary.But it's not all legal drama; we look at the ideas that could truly transform the face of Scotland. From local control to community wealth building, we discuss how empowering communities can shift our mindset and boost the economy. In this episode:The Legal "Big Four": Mandelson, Prince Andrew, the Lord Advocate, and the Alba Party.Peter Murrell & The First Minister: the dual role of Scotland's Lord Advocate.Transforming Scotland: Why local control and community wealth building matter more than ever.By-election Watch: Can Labour hang one?LinksSupport the podcast with a monthly or annual subscriptionhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeCommunity Wealth Buildinghttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fridayseconomics/video/7594406782802464013Gordon Brown as Private Investigator articlehttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/why-gordon-brown-delving-deep-into-epstein-filesExcellent Simon Pearson substackhttps://simonpearson1.substack.com/p/the-only-politics-on-offer?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3669870&post_id=188725593&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1wdpld&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailEverybody to Kenmure Street filmreview https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/power-pyjamas-everybody-to-kenmure-street-glasgow-immigrationSearch local screemnngs - 'everybody to kenmure street showtimes' ★ Support this podcast ★
The boays are joined by comedian Hal Cruttenden. Hal chats about middle-aged dating, his journey from acting into stand-up comedy (including recently playing Winston Churchill) and turning up to stand-up gig during an armed siege. Hal also reveals what he said to the Queen after performing at the Royal Variety Performance, how his name became synonymous with doing multiple shows a night, and shares his thoughts on how the English feel about Scottish Independence. Hal's is currently on tour throughout the UK with his new stand-up show. Tickets here: https://halcruttenden.comTickets for Marc's stand-up show at the King's Theatre in Glasgow on Friday 20th March available here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/marc-jennings-bread-and-circuses/kings-theatre-glasgow/Sign up to our Patreon for extra episodes and bonus content including access to all our live shows here: https://www.patreon.com/somelaughSome Laugh Merch Available Now: https://visualanticsapparel.com/collections/some-laugh-podcastYou can watch the boays' stand-up specials for free here on the Some Laugh YouTube channel : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM6lKn8dnMK5bOtlX-3XlCpZSf-B_qweQ&si=JjKknRTZvvza5l55 Stand-Up Tickets:Marc: https://linktr.ee/MarcJenkoStu: https://linktr.ee/StuartMcPSteve: https://linktr.ee/stephenbuchanan
In this week's episode, we examine the Community Wealth Bill now and Act and discuss how it might pave the way for better local procurement and build wealth locally as a slight antidote to Scotland's extractive economy. We discuss Kier Starmer and yet another U-turn as the UK Government continue to spin around. This time on English local elections. We look at the latest revelations about the criminal charges against former SNP CEO Peter Murrel, the detail of the allegations against him and the political fallout about the delay to his trial. We also discuss how this all reflects on the SNP as a party and the scorn that was heaped on folk who tried to flag up problems. We also discuss Alba, Alliance for Liberation Scotland, Jim Ratcliffe and much else besides.LinksFinland FilmGlasgow - 18th February - https://www.believeinscotland.org/shop/#!/Screening-of-Lesley-Riddochs-new-film-with-Q&A/p/807936451Musselburgh - 19th Februaryhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lesley-riddoch-finland-the-happiest-country-that-almost-never-existed-tickets-1980183406875?aff=oddtdtcreatorCommunity Wealth Building Billhttps://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/Band Back Together at the Òran Mór - Indpendence Gighttps://www.ticketsource.co.uk/independence-forum-scotland/were-putting-the-band-back-together-supporting-scottish-arts/e-rbjakzMorgan McSweeney's gang investigate journalists - National got there firsthttps://www.thenational.scot/newsletters/bulletin/1898/?nid=1898&ref=eb ★ Support this podcast ★
In 1706, Edinburgh was on the brink of a popular uprising. Men and women took to the streets to protest the planned union with England, fearing the end of Scottish sovereignty. But unbeknownst to the mob, a spy was in their midst—the English writer Daniel Defoe, now bankrupt and thrice pilloried, had turned a government agent. In A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe's Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish Independence (Yale UP, 2026), Dr. Marc Mierowsky tells the dramatic story of Defoe and his fellow spies as they sabotaged the Scottish independence movement from the inside. Together they disseminated propaganda and built a network of operatives from London to the upper Highlands, providing the English government with up-to-the-minute intelligence and monitoring its adversaries' every move. Through the lives of Defoe and his ring, their handlers, and opponents, Mierowsky guides us through this shadowy underworld of espionage and propaganda—revealing a disturbing and distinctly modern political campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
How many weeks have started with a ponder that this has been an extraordinary week for the Labour Party? Nothing, so far at least, could eclipse Anas Sarwar's solo attempt to unseat Prime Minister Kier Starmer this week. In this episdoe, we look at the series of departures, Tim Allan, the press officer who hardly got noticed going in the wake of Morgan McSweeney's departure as Chief of Staff.We discuss the impact in Scotland and the May elections. We also react to the Scottish conference of Your Party, which voted decisively to be a pro-independence party and their decision to field candidates on the list and in constituencies at the Holyrood election. There's a smattering of on the winter Olympics and renewed calls for a proper bank holiday on Saint Andrew's Day. ★ Support this podcast ★
In 1706, Edinburgh was on the brink of a popular uprising. Men and women took to the streets to protest the planned union with England, fearing the end of Scottish sovereignty. But unbeknownst to the mob, a spy was in their midst—the English writer Daniel Defoe, now bankrupt and thrice pilloried, had turned a government agent. In A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe's Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish Independence (Yale UP, 2026), Dr. Marc Mierowsky tells the dramatic story of Defoe and his fellow spies as they sabotaged the Scottish independence movement from the inside. Together they disseminated propaganda and built a network of operatives from London to the upper Highlands, providing the English government with up-to-the-minute intelligence and monitoring its adversaries' every move. Through the lives of Defoe and his ring, their handlers, and opponents, Mierowsky guides us through this shadowy underworld of espionage and propaganda—revealing a disturbing and distinctly modern political campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography
In 1706, Edinburgh was on the brink of a popular uprising. Men and women took to the streets to protest the planned union with England, fearing the end of Scottish sovereignty. But unbeknownst to the mob, a spy was in their midst—the English writer Daniel Defoe, now bankrupt and thrice pilloried, had turned a government agent. In A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe's Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish Independence (Yale UP, 2026), Dr. Marc Mierowsky tells the dramatic story of Defoe and his fellow spies as they sabotaged the Scottish independence movement from the inside. Together they disseminated propaganda and built a network of operatives from London to the upper Highlands, providing the English government with up-to-the-minute intelligence and monitoring its adversaries' every move. Through the lives of Defoe and his ring, their handlers, and opponents, Mierowsky guides us through this shadowy underworld of espionage and propaganda—revealing a disturbing and distinctly modern political campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1706, Edinburgh was on the brink of a popular uprising. Men and women took to the streets to protest the planned union with England, fearing the end of Scottish sovereignty. But unbeknownst to the mob, a spy was in their midst—the English writer Daniel Defoe, now bankrupt and thrice pilloried, had turned a government agent. In A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe's Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish Independence (Yale UP, 2026), Dr. Marc Mierowsky tells the dramatic story of Defoe and his fellow spies as they sabotaged the Scottish independence movement from the inside. Together they disseminated propaganda and built a network of operatives from London to the upper Highlands, providing the English government with up-to-the-minute intelligence and monitoring its adversaries' every move. Through the lives of Defoe and his ring, their handlers, and opponents, Mierowsky guides us through this shadowy underworld of espionage and propaganda—revealing a disturbing and distinctly modern political campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1706, Edinburgh was on the brink of a popular uprising. Men and women took to the streets to protest the planned union with England, fearing the end of Scottish sovereignty. But unbeknownst to the mob, a spy was in their midst—the English writer Daniel Defoe, now bankrupt and thrice pilloried, had turned a government agent. In A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe's Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish Independence (Yale UP, 2026), Dr. Marc Mierowsky tells the dramatic story of Defoe and his fellow spies as they sabotaged the Scottish independence movement from the inside. Together they disseminated propaganda and built a network of operatives from London to the upper Highlands, providing the English government with up-to-the-minute intelligence and monitoring its adversaries' every move. Through the lives of Defoe and his ring, their handlers, and opponents, Mierowsky guides us through this shadowy underworld of espionage and propaganda—revealing a disturbing and distinctly modern political campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies
In this week's episode, we discuss the Labour Party cheerfully throwing Peter Mandelson under the bus. We look at the allegations and the possible police investigation that's been called for by the SNP and others after leaks of sensitive information by him to Jeffrey Epstein. Everybody is deciding that he betrayed the country, that they're shocked and horrified by these allegations, and yet, Mandelson was a repeat offender in terms of breaking the rules, and Kier Starmer put him right back at the top of government yet again. We look at the further damage to the UK PM's reputation and the sorry state of the Westminster Government. We ponder how this reflects on his right-hand man, Morgan McSweeney? And what does it say about the House of Lords and our so-called democracy when this man cannot have his peerage stripped away?Become a Pal or Buddy, support the podcast: https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeLinksFinland Film Showingshttps://lesleyriddoch.com/eventsFrench Government Social Mediahttps://www.politico.eu/article/france-diplomats-memes-fight-maga-era-information-wars-emmanuel-macron/Richard Murphy - Big parties are falling flatM for some reasonhttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25815305.big-parties-falling-flat-reason/Liam McArthur - Podcast Extrahttps://share.transistor.fm/s/7d0b957a ★ Support this podcast ★
In this week's episode, we digest a heavy couple of weeks of news, including the latest killing by ICE agents in Minneapolis. We ask how long can Reform in the UK continue to get away with their references to America, connections with the Trump administration, and leaning on the sort of DOGE style of efficiencies in government as their big offer in the Scottish elections? We look at Lesley's column and discussion of whether Scotland should have boycotted the World Cup if Trump had gone further with Greenland threats. We also look at Andy'King of the North' Burnham's knockback from standing, in the forthcoming by-election that would have let him jump in as a replacement Labour leader. Will it all just be brushed under the carpet? How successful will that be? Scottish Labour seems to have got a new tactic of ‘mandamification' of Anas Sarwar. We digest the attempts to ape the social media style of the New York Mayor with groovy videos, the walking, talking, jazzy music, and jumping camera shots. Will that work?Edinburgh Cameo screening of the Finland filmUnfortunately the Cameo double booked themselves. The February 20th screening of the Finland film HAS MOVED to Sunday March 22nd 5.15pm. TTicket-holders for the original date will be refunded but must buy a new ticket for the March date. Sorry about that. A new booking link for March 22nd will be online soon at https://lesleyriddoch.com/events.LinksScottish Labour is a party stuck in long-term declinehttps://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25789020.scottish-labour-party-stuck-long-term-decline/Gavin Newsome World Economic Forum Davoshttps://www.youtube.com/live/ObkKhPt1QM0?si=lzSpDW8FWWTrWB_UDeacon Blue 'appalled' after Malcolm Offord quotes Dignityhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25800409.deacon-blue-appalled-malcolm-offord-quotes-dignity/ ★ Support this podcast ★
In this Podcast Extra, we speak with Liam McArthur MSP about his private member's bill - Assisted Dying for Terminally ill Adults. Lesley and Fraser reflect on their own views and their personal connections and involvement with the assisted dying campaign. You can find out more about the bill at https://www.dignityindyingscotland.org.uk/. Both Lesley and Fraser take a supportive view of the legislation. This is a complex and difficult subject. A contrary view is taken by organisations like Care Not Killing https://carenotkilling.scot/ ★ Support this podcast ★
The Scottish Budget dominates this week's episode - did Scottish Labour produce a massive own goal by not bothering to contest or argue for anything in the budget? Has their decision to abstain made life easier for the SNP and led to muted criticism in the press? There seems to be the impression, in the press at least, that there's not an awful lot to say about the budget and the SNP have sailed through a fairly steady as she goes and uninspring pre-election budget with little pain.We look at the situations across the world at the moment, in Minnesota in the aftermath of the terrible shooting there, the situation in Iran, and the continuing pressure on Greenland. All this and more.LinksSee the latest film showings for the new Finland Filmhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/eventsGreenland filmsUncovering the history of America's secret cold war base on Greenlandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIw8pEqJMHwHow did Greenland become part of Denmark and why does Trump want to buy it?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYfSlQaIEXk ★ Support this podcast ★
It's a new year, and a happy one, we hope. We start, as we did last year, with Donald Trump in the headlines - this time after illegally kidnapping the President of Venezuela. We discuss all the ramifications of that, how it is occupying all the bandwidth of every world leader as well as Trump and the USA's renewed threats to Greenland. It's the start of the Scottish election campaign; we look at how things have kicked off and where the election might leave prospects for an independent Scotland. ★ Support this podcast ★
This week Dom and Q charge straight into one of the most iconic war epics ever made: Braveheart (1995). Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the film tells the legendary story of Scottish warrior Sir William Wallace as he leads the fight for independence against the brutal rule of King Edward I of England.Inspired by the 15th-century epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace, the movie blends heroism, heartbreak, and massive battle sequences that changed the scale of war films forever. Supporting performances from Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack, and Angus Macfadyen round out this sweeping historical drama.In this review, we get into: Mel Gibson's intense performance and direction The emotional power behind Wallace's story The film's legendary battle scenes Historical accuracy vs. Hollywood flair Why Braveheart is still talked about 30 years later
In this week's episode, we have a long reflection on the trauma that's around at the moment. Some of it is faced by people who have campaigned against things like the battery storage plants that are abounding around rural Scotland. Sleepless nights, disappointment, disillusionment. That may not seem like a big deal in the face of all the other trauma going around, the terrorist attack on Jews in Australia, the enduring horrible genocide being experienced in Gaza, and the suggestion by President Netanyahu that you can't speak about one without getting on the wrong side of the other.So we discuss all of that. Donald Trump's allegation that, putting it bluntly, Europe is crap, and perhaps the difficulty in managing to get a common position when giving funds to Ukraine would bear that out. We also discuss the Question Time furor over the question about school children and fluency in English, which turned into a debate about second languages among young people All that and more.LinksJen Strout - Night Train to Odesahttps://birlinn.co.uk/product/night-train-to-odesa-2/Jim Sillars - The New Case for Optimismhttps://www.vagabondvoices.co.uk/rants/the-new-case-for-optimism ★ Support this podcast ★
Some big pennies are dropping this week. The biggest, probably, is the US disengagement from Ukraine. It's not just Ukrainians that are being given the heave-ho, it seems to be Europe as a whole.We also look at the big statement about energy for an independent Scotland and the promise of a third off bills. Is that realistic? of course, it actually is, but quite how would you get there? And does John Swinney have to spell it out? We analyise the nuclear consensus amongst Labour, Tory, and the Westminster parties. Why on earth are they so keen to have new nuclear plants in Scotland? We talk about Lord Malcolm Offord and his defection to Reform to stand for the Scottish Parliament. And we look at the Sandy Peggie verdict. Does anybody really see clearly what it means?The A'Chraobh Forest ProjectProducing a professional film from the footage will cost £600-£1000.The Spiral Forrest at Borgie in Sutherland is an attempt by descendants of the people cleared by the Duke of Sutherland from Strathnaver to have their say about the landscape. It's composed of the 18 trees native to Scotland which are also part of the unique Gàidhlig alphabet. Lesley planted the first tree in 2000 along with hundreds of school kids from North Sutherland and returned this weekend with organisers, some of those children now adults and their own children, to commemorate 25 years of a very different kind of woodland. She captured footage while she was there and is looking to raise some money to pay an editor. If any Sutherland folk or people who feel strongly about native Woodland or indeed the clearances, want to contribute, please contact her at hello@lesleyriddoch.comLinksNorway the Twin Nationhttps://youtu.be/oUbMAFO6kA4Makar Homeshttps://www.makar.co.uk/ ★ Support this podcast ★
This week, we learnt that there was no black hole in the UK finances all along. We discuss Rachel Reeves and her doom and gloom pre-budget speech, the controversies that have followed and the stoochie caused by the Office for Budget Responsibility having already told the chancellor that she had some money in the kitty after all. The resignation of the head bummer of the OBR and calls for the resignation of the Chancellor.We discuss all things Saint Andrew's Day, planning nightmares in the Highlands over wind farm expansion.That and Barclays Hamden Stadium, whether anybody will ever call it that, and does it matter?LinksFind out more about the Birthplace of the Saltire and the new Saltire Monumenthttps://saltire.scot/ ★ Support this podcast ★
Well, there's the football and the football and the reaction to the football and the football, and the goals and the radio commentary and the hope and the exhilaration and the football. So we talk about that even though Fraser's nae all that keen. We talk also about the lessons you might learn from Denmark, which is being heralded by Labour as their template for their new crackdown on refugees and asylum seekers.We look at the recent Copenhagen mayoral election where the Social Democrats have lost the control that they have held for 100 years, mostly over the pact with the far right. So beware what you wish for Labour. We talk also about the new Good Morning Scotland that isn't called that anymore. Is it all that different, and what could it be doing more? We look at the COVID inquiry verdicts and the tragedy of the UK establishment telling the Scottish Government that their big mistake was not deviating completely from what the British government was doing. All this and more..LinksCelebrate Saint Andrew's Day at the birthplace of Scotland's FlagPipes and Drums from 1.30pm, Flag Ceremony 2pm followed by a service in Athelstaneford Parish Church. (small hand flags only, plesase, no personal flags, saltires or banners) https://www.facebook.com/events/800678686169345Pennie Taylor - scroll to 1:27:49 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mp06Richard Murphy and budget - https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25643726.scotland-needs-budget-wont-get/Guardian and Danish left resurgent - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/22/danish-model-centre-left-parties-labour-doesnt-workDown Cemetery Road 5 stars from Graudian https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/29/down-cemetery-road-review-emma-thompson-thriller-apple-tv ★ Support this podcast ★
Michelle throws herself into politics. The Scottish Independence referendum is on the horizon and Michelle becomes a key figure in David Cameron's ‘Better Together' campaign and is handed the key to the House of Lords. Just after 'Baroness More of Mayfair' moves in with her new boyfriend Doug, Covid hits the nation. When she hears that the NHS is facing a shortage of PPE, Michelle has an idea.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Suddenly, Denmark is in the news and not necessarily in a good way. We discuss the UK Government's plans for changes to immigration and asylum in the UK.We also look back to what's been described as the circular firing squad of Labor's inept briefing against Wes Streeting and the kind of will she won't she hokey cokey budget where the tax rises that were supposed to be inevitable have suddenly been offlaid by discovering some money down the back of the sofa. We take a look at the latest news on WASPI Women, The Alba Party's policy announcements on Onshore Wind, and muse over what is going on with Your Party as it continues to move forward despite repeated setbacks. LinksCelebrate Saint Andrew's Day at the birthplace of Scotland's FlagPipes and Drums from 1.30pm, Flag Ceremony 2pm followed by a service in Athelstaneford Parish Church. (small hand flags only, plesase, no personal flags, saltires or banners) https://www.facebook.com/events/800678686169345Danish Immigration System by BBC's Iain Watsonhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002m315Interesting land reform piece which Lesley contributed background for;https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/green-lairds-lego-millions-and-the-battle-to-buy-back-scotlands-land ★ Support this podcast ★
In this podcast extra Lesley speaks to writer, human rights campaigner and former diplomate Craig Murray and to Sara Salayers of Salvo about their work in the UN in both Geneva and New York taking forward the case for Liberation Scotland find out more at https://liberation.scot/ ★ Support this podcast ★
The BBC's had a pretty bad week, North and South of the border. We look at the suggestions that Robbie Gibb, the right-winger on the BBC board, has led a bit of a coup to get rid of the Director General and Head of News. What happens next? Does the license fee payer have to cough up millions to compensate Donald Trump for apparent hurt to his reputation?We discuss that, plus the hurt to Yesers in Scotland and that there has hardly been a mention of the lack of trust, visible and measurable in Scotland as a result of handling of the Indyref. We examine some of the most outragous examples of BBC Bias and recall the protests. We also look also at prisons and the problems in England with the mistaken release of dangerous offenders. We also discuss planned early release in Scotland. What's that about, and why are our prisons filled to bursting? Donate to support the Podcast https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeLinksMagnus Turpie If you would like to support Magnus Turpie and Friends you can vote for them at Question 11 and Dick Gaughanich at Question 6https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/voting/Listen to the full band https://www.youtube.com/@mcturpie/videosWatch the Scotland's Lost Forests Filmhttps://youtu.be/MuTV1SiYeu4Forest film write up in the National https://www.thenational.scot/news/25610918.lesley-riddoch-launched-new-film-scotlands-missing-forests/London Calling: BBC bias during the 2014 Scottish independence referendumhttps://youtu.be/TXQYuLUAbyw?si=H1mN3ZCRFDsKLcnBScotcast about BBC bias on Panorama starts with Senior Producer Natalie Higgins and Martin GeisslerThen Brian Taylor and Liz Lloyd on IndyRefhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002m077YouGov Media Trust findingshttps://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/45744-which-media-outlets-do-britons-trust-2023 ★ Support this podcast ★
fWotD Episode 3107: Sieges of Berwick (1355 and 1356) Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 6 November 2025, is Sieges of Berwick (1355 and 1356).The sieges of Berwick were the Scottish capture of the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed on 6 November 1355 and their subsequent unsuccessful siege of Berwick Castle, and the English siege and recapture of the town in January 1356. In 1355 the Second War of Scottish Independence had been under way for over 22 years, after a period of quiescence the Scots, encouraged by the French who were fighting the English in the Hundred Years' War, assembled an army on the border. In September a truce was agreed and much of the English army left the border area to join King Edward III's campaign in France.In October the Scots broke the truce, invading Northumbria and devastating much of it. On 6 November a Scottish force led by Thomas, Earl of Angus, and Patrick, Earl of March, captured the town of Berwick in a pre-dawn escalade. They failed to capture the castle, which they besieged. Edward returned from France and gathered a large army at Newcastle. Most of the Scots withdrew, leaving a 130-man garrison in Berwick town. When the English army arrived the Scots negotiated a safe passage and withdrew. Edward went on to devastate a large part of southern and central Scotland. He was only prevented from worse depredations because bad weather prevented his seaborne supplies from arriving.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:30 UTC on Thursday, 6 November 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Sieges of Berwick (1355 and 1356) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Brian.
In this week's eposide we give first reactions to Rachel Reeves' speech outlining all the terrible problems of the UK which land us with some of the highest Governent borrowing costs in the world. We look at what might lie ahead in the UK budget and discuss how Reform's economic strategies are falling off the edge at a rate of knots with the council they actually run Kent County Council looks set to increase council taxes rather than managing to save money.We also discuss the land reform legislation that was going through Holyrood last week, which seems destined to make no difference whatsoever, except to complicate things even more. All this with a sprinkling of Edinburgh trams, Highland Council's seemingly robust response to SSEN's High Votage Transmission plans, and forays into the US and New York's mayoral election. But we end (before Lesley has to run out the door) with reflections on Scottish cultre and the life of the curator Elspeth King.LinksTacking stitches - The first thing you should do when you buy a new coathttps://www.esquire.com/uk/style/a46500500/tacking-stitch-coat-jacket-vent-men/Elspeth Kinghttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25589816.former-glasgow-peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-dies/https://news.stv.tv/west-central/peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-on-becoming-the-glasgow-midden-raker - great STV interview with Elspeth King 2022.Land ReformBriefing by Andy Whitemanhttps://andywightman.scot/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stage_3_briefing.pdfCouncil Tax (not) Reformhttps://www.commonweal.scot/articles/magazine-e2ypeEdinburgh Tramshttps://padfletcher.substack.com/p/edinburgh-council-and-its-tram-extensionPaddy Fletcher piece on economics of new edinburgh tram. ★ Support this podcast ★
We start with the outcome of the Caerphilli by-election victory, won by Mr Caerphilli himself Lindsay Whittle and Plaid Cymru. But who did we hear from across the airwaves but Reform and Labour, not the victors themselves. Pretty par for the course perhaps but we try to correct that.We chew over recent opinion polls recently one suggesting there is now a pretty healthy majority for independence in Scotland. We look at the Labour Party and the struggles it is in over the whole of the UK as the Reform vote grows.We also talk a little about another election you won't have heard much about here in Scotland and the UK - the Presidential Election in Ireland where a left-wing republican endorsed by Kneecap who wants free public transport, housing as a human right, and support for the Irish language, plus Palestine won a landslide victor what does that mean?We also discussproblems in Scotland, violence in the classroom with some truly appauling statistics released recenbtly but what do they speak of at a deeper level?LinksScotwindhttps://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25568033.scotwind-scandal-analysis-scotlands-lost-energy-wealth/?ref=eb&nid=2261&block=article_block_a&u=d0e5dd8444617f314b5eb8a45311f0c8&date=261025Your Party - interview with Zarah Sultana indy at 7.35 10.00' wealth tax https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xTUyml3Y40AOW6qEk2sf0?si=1d1059ad0c874990&nd=1&dlsi=3ec5a5e0ebb9489bStephen Gethins on the tiny glimmer of reality dawning at WM re proportional yes result https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/a-breakthrough-in-scotlands-right-to-decide-5373779CultureSara Sheridan's book The Ice Maiden https://www.sarasheridan.com/the-ice-maidenThe MetagamaStep aboard the SS Metagama, a journey that will take you from the Butt to Barra and on to the lakes and plains of Canada, to 1920s Detroit and Prohibition, through the ebb and flow of fortunes on both sides of the Atlantic, with this ensemble of acclaimed musicians and singers.https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/metagama-an-atlantic-odyssey-ensemble-autumn-25#datesandtimesLanguageAnna Walker Ruadh ScotlandAinmean-Àite na h-Alba website gives information about Gaelic place names and their meaning. https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/# Iona's Namescape: - https://ionaplacenames.glasgow.ac.uk/map/#12/56.3411/-6.4126Storywalks in the Monadh Ruadh (Cairngorms) -www.storywalks.scotForgotten Woodlands: https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-woodland-heritage-mapped-future which is a pilot project from NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (the national advisory partnership for Gaelic place-names) to map all Scottish place-names to reveal their historical woodland coverage.Tobair an Dualchais/Kist o' Riches- not just placenames but oral tradition recordings in Gàidhlig and Scots where the speaker talks about placenames and their meanings: https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/ ★ Support this podcast ★
In this Podcast Extra, Lesley travels to Rhyl to speak at a march and rally organised jointly by YesCymru and AUOBCymru (All Under One Banner Cymru), the march brought people from every corner of Wales to the north coast, filling Rhyl's streets with a sea of Welsh flags, banners and music. Lesley is blown away by the everyday and natural use of the Welsh language by so many Welsh speakers from all walks of life and from different ages. She interviewed some of the organisers of the march to find out more. ★ Support this podcast ★
There's a bit of Welsh theme in the podcast this week. Lesley, having just come back from speaking at an all-under-one-banner Cymru rally in Rhyl gives us the low down on all things Welsh, the Welsh indepdendence movement and the revival of the Welsh language. We talk about up coming changes to the Welsh voting system, scrapping what we've got for the Scottish elections which still has the first-past-the-post and the move to a completely proportional system. Why aren't we talking about that here in Scotland? We also discuss the separate Yes movement, Yes Cymru, which was set up in 2014 and is separate to the Welsh indpendence supporting parties.We also look at more authoritarian moves by UK Labour and breifly discuss the fall out over the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans traveling to the watch a game against Aston Villa. And the Prince formerly knows as Duke of York and the timidity of the UK Labour government to just deal properly with stripping his titles.LinksREVIVE's national conference, a landmark event that is set to be a pivotal moment in Scotland's land reform journey.https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/revive-what-scotland-wants-real-land-reformSenedd Elections changeshttps://senedd.wales/senedd-now/senedd-blog/how-will-the-new-voting-system-work-at-the-next-senedd-election/Welsh placename projecthttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/19/welsh-placenames-submitted-to-wales-project-protect-linguistic-heritage ★ Support this podcast ★
In this week's episode we discuss the SNP conference which has been something of a triumph for John Swinney. His position on independence was accepted and he made a pretty bouncy closing speech. But what if next May the elections have a result that the combination of independence parties exceeds the 65-seat majority when the SNP alone does not? In this conference episode we also look at the energy policy that was discussed. Is it time to have a really bold policy as Tommy Sheppard and the SNP Trade UInion Group proposed. That is to set up local heat companies, which is something that can be done now under the powers of devolution. Since nobody's arguing against this will it actually happen? We look at the walk-in GP centers idea. Fraser has had some actual experience this weekend of the provision down south in England, and we talk about much else besides. LinksAn Evening With James Robertsonhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-james-robertson-tickets-1574320477929?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=42fc24f2dc22940e664f8ea8e93a5321ec02c2b5597bcbbd9c5e23fbde563cf32509b26d31f24d323588f4a7cee2f6ce4019bfcceb73dfe7a3816972a5c2f0efce72947d8ca626c06afa44b8 ★ Support this podcast ★
In this week's episode we chew over the UK Home Secretary's plan to give police in England extra powers to curb repeat demonstrations for Gaza, Palestine, or indeed anything else. We look also at the prospects for peace in Israel-Palestine.We compare party conferences with Conservatives speaking to empty halls to tiny numbers of activists who bothered to turn up. And the Greens Conference in England, which really had quite a zingy kind of speech from the Jewish leader, Zak Polanski, who nonetheless upholds the right to protest for Palestine.All of that, plus looking ahead to the SNP at the weekend.LinksMark Thomas My Life in Serious Organised Crime - https://youtu.be/PRwsXnBQaEo?si=3Ec1-kc0YGMARic0Wales rally 18 OctoberRhyl https://www.auob.cymruDenmark film showing 19 OctoberCaernarfon The Institute, The Carlton, 14 Bangor St, Caernarfon LL55 1AT 2pm More details soon on lesleyriddoch.com/eventsMissing Forests premier at the Revive Converence 8 NovemberREVIVE: What Scotland Wants - Real Land Reform. Available that evening on https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch Highland Windfarm Revolt screening plus Q&A - 29 November at 2pmPhipps Hall Beauly Free with donations. lesleyriddoch.com/eventsFinland FilmThe film will hopefully be ready in early November. My first priority is to book into cinemas which have very long lead times. But if any group wants to host a screening plus Q&A in late Nov/ early Dec or maybe more realistically Jan 2026 - please get in touch. hello@lesleyriddoch.com ★ Support this podcast ★
In this Quantum I look at 12 times I have changed my mind about something.....the EU; Israel and the Jews; Democracy; Scottish Independence; Immigration; Socialism; Education; Climate Change; Islam; Transgender Ideology; Equality before the Law; Netflix. And the final word from Acts 28. with music from Europe, Dave Alvin, Leonard Cohen; Dougie Maclean, Pink Floyd; Supertramp; and Robert Plant.
In this week's episode we consider the Labour Party conference and what it all meant. We reflect on the odd goings on, like Labour Home Secretery Shabana Mahmood saying her political hero is Margaret Thatcher and we tackle Kier Starmer's conference speach. With Labour and Reform facing off on migration policy and plans for so called Brit Card compulsory ID Cards we look at what is motivating these policies and whether this is the type of country that you'd want to live in.We also ponder some interesting history that saw the archives of Scotland sink in a boat in the 17th century off the Northumbrian coast with no report very little knowledge or understanding of this event in Scottish consciousness.LinksEstonia The Baltic Tiger - YouTubeA Bleather O'Books - TicketsSunday, November 2 · 10:30 - 11:30am (Doors at 10:15am)Robertson Room, Robert Burns Birthplace MuseumMurdoch's Lone Alloway KA7 4PQHow Cromwell and Edward I robbed Scotland of centuries of its historyhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/17300143.cromwell-edward-robbed-scotland-centuries-history/Lost to the Waveshttps://blog.historicenvironment.scot/2020/08/stormy-past/ ★ Support this podcast ★
Lesley is back and Finland's in the news, not just because Russian jets invaded Baltic airspace as well as Estonian earlier last weekend, but because they are prepared for a future that perhaps all of us are suddenly having to focus on. Oslo and Copenhagen airports both experienced Russian drones wandering through their airspace and closing those airports and there was an alleged cyberattack in Brussels.It feels like the problems of the continent are certainly coming home to roost. We talk about all of that, and the many ways in which Finland is a country that just actually functions extremely well because it is prepared and it never gave up the good old stuff that many other societies, Britain in particular, just dispensed with, things like trams and affordable housing. So there's a lot of Finland in this week's episode. We also discuss Your Party and its travails and a a bit of Andy Burnham and chanllanges to Kier Starmer. We look too at Palestine and whether recognition will actually aid some sort of progress there. Not to mention Donald Trump and his paracetamol and Seagull gate and the SNP's new CEO. ★ Support this podcast ★
. PREVIEW. AUTHORS: Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan TITLE: The Pirate King: Lost Treasure, Piracy in the Indian Ocean, Spying, Spycraft for the King, Scottish Independence SUMMARY: Henry Avery, surviving pirate and strategist, was sent as Daniel Defoe's enforcer/wingman to manipulate opinion in Scotland (1706), fighting Jacobites threatening Scottish independence. Details: Henry Avery was one of the few pirates who survived to enjoy their ill-gotten gains, unlike Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, and Calico Jack Rackham, who were hanged or died Avery was sent with master spy Daniel Defoe to Scotland in early 18th century to undermine the Scottish independence movement They traveled to Scotland in September 1706 Edinburgh was a hotbed of Catholics, known locally as Jacobites These Jacobites threatened to break away from the English Crown Daniel Defoe was sent by London to manipulate public opinion by controlling key figures (church leaders, lawyers, merchants) and the presses They established control within two months Henry Avery served as Defoe's wingman and enforcer Avery is characterized as an incredible strategist, very smart, ex-Royal Navy salt, "the thinking man's muscle"
This podcast extra was recorded at the NORA conference in Stornoway. This was the first conference of its kind in Stornoway. It included Scotland and Scottish Isles, and the NORA countries: Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, and coastal Norway. The title of the event was Building Sustainable Futures for Island communities.NORA, or Nordic Atlantic Cooperation, is an intergovernmental organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers, uniting Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and coastal Norway. Established in 1981 and formalized as NORA in 1996 when coastal Norway joined, the organization strengthens regional cooperation to make the North Atlantic a dynamic part of the Nordic region.https://nora.fo/Lesley spoke with:https://nora.fo/participants-stornowayGréta Bergrún Jóhannesdóttir, a researcher at Bifröst University, Iceland, focusing on rural Iceland, gender, and equality.Ondrej Spala, Project Manager for ICE Kirkenes, Norway, and Director of the Arctic Circular Economy Summit. His role in fostering entrepreneurial networks in the Nordic Arctic.Karin Marie Funding Lyster, an entrepreneur from the Faroe Islands, founder of MAI Learning AS, an EdTech company focused on AI integration. She has won awards for Arctic youth entrepreneurship. ★ Support this podcast ★
The Labour Party dominates this week's podcast, which might be a bit of a shock for followers of Independents, but not in a very good way for Keir Starmer. We discuss the fall out of Angela Rayner's resignation and the further collapse in confidence since the departure of the golden girl of the working class side of Labour stepped out. We look at the fall out over her stamp duty debacle on her what actually was a third residence.We also take a look at the race for the deputy leadership and what that might mean for UK Labour and for Scottish Labour's chances in next year's Holyrood election. The election campaign which will be masterminded by Douglass Alexander after poor old Ian Murray, who sacrificed life principles actually over nuclear weapons to be loyal to Keir Starmer was brutally sacked on the phone. Have a wee look at Douglas Alexander and how liked he is north of the border by his own folk.And flags and more flags from the use of the Saltire in Scotland and English politicians obsession with mentioning the Union Jack in every press conference.LinksBirthplace of Scotland's Saltire - https://saltire.scot/Public opionon Frage and Reformhttps://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/52896-how-do-britons-see-reform-uk-ahead-of-their-2025-conference ★ Support this podcast ★
With both the Scottish and UK Parliaments back in session today, there is a back to school vibe for this week's podcast. After a quite week last week everything is kicking up a gear. We look at the Keir Starmer's mini mini reshuffle, which is a lot less sensational than expected, but seems to be centralizing power in Number 10. We talk about the number of departures from the Scottish Conservatives, and the fact that one of them, Graham Simpson going to Reform, might jeopardize the recall petition idea that he is pushing through as a private member's Bill.We also talk about the Scottish Green's leadership election and what that might mean in terms of new leadership, the energy price cap, and Kemi Badenoch: drill, baby, drill. All of that and more. Home Truths for Home Rule3pm Kirkcudbright Parish Church Saturday 6th Septhttps://kbtfringe.com/events/06-09-2025-15-00-home-truths-for-home-rule-scotland-after-25-years-of-devolutionScotland's Parliament, established over 25 years ago, has changed how we do politics. But has its record and impact been as significant as its advocates claim? What have been its successes - and what could it do better? People feel increasingly alienated by party politics and the centralisation of ‘Edinburgh knows best'. How if at all can this change? Join journalist and campaigner Lesley Riddoch and former First Minister Henry McLeish assess the impact of devolution, the contours of next year's Scottish elections, and what Scotland's future should look like and how we might get there.LinksOn Sept 13 & 14 at Netherbow Theatre in Storytelling Centre Royal Mile Edinburgh 7pm.https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:6226/“The Invaders' Fear of Memories” is a theatre piece based on the life and diaries of Yosef Nachmani – a Russian Jew who migrated from Tsarist Russia to Ottoman Palestine in 1907. Nachmani became Director of the Jewish National Fund in the Galilee and subsequently played a central role in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine's indigenous people. The play offers a perspective into the origins of settler-colonialism and apartheid in modern-day Israel, exploring themes of loyalty, violence, ideology, and grief.The Invaders' Fear of Memories is performed by Benjamin Rivers, the great grandson of Nachmani. Over the course of the play, Rivers performs 12 characters and sings in Arabic, Hebrew, Ukrainian, and Yiddish.Tam Dean Burn as guest actor and a panel of distinguished academics for post screening Q&ASince August 2023, The Invaders' Fear of Memories has been performed to audiences across four continents.Also Peter Kennard's new exhibition “GAZA” from 6pm on Friday August 8th at 13A Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QG extended till end September.FREE SPEECH AGAINST THE GENOCIDE rally2pm Saturday Sept 6th Queen Elizabeth House (Scotland Office) Edinburghhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.ukThe Promise https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-promisehttps://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-promiseClaire Foy and Christian Cooke star in Peter Kosminsky's BAFTA-nominated drama. Eighteen-year-old Erin sets out on an emotional journey when she retraces her grandfather's footsteps in Palestine. ★ Support this podcast ★
From his early years marked by an assassination attempt on his father that coincided with Edward's conception, to his brutal campaigns against the Welsh and Scots, Edward I's reign is completely thrilling.Matt Lewis and Dr. Andrew Spencer delve into the life and legacy of this medieval warrior, reformer and conqueror, who threw himself into a Crusade, survived an assassin's blade and poison and transformed English governance.More:Henry IIIOrigins of Scottish IndependenceGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it time for John Swinney to do something robust and clear to make it obvious to everyone that Scotland is really got a different outlook towards the whole question of Palestine and Palestine Action than Westminster? We discuss the call from Ross Greer MSP to explore legal ways to stop arrests and prosecutions like the ludicrous situation of award-wining sreenwriter Paul Laverty.We talk also about the asylum protests that have been going on in Perth and elsewhere and ask where they largely the product of people being bused in or are there deeper problems with asylum and housing. We look at the electoral commission's publication of the annual accounts of Scottish politial parties and look at the numbers. And we discuss the Great John McLean and the campaign to create a permenant memorial to him in Glasgow.LinksPaul Laverty arrest https://youtube.com/shorts/1PCYk92UtpE?si=5s5vkpMC2-qYoDQvSaturday 6th September at 2pm outside Scotland Office (off Royal Mile) EdinburghMore info soon onhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.ukJohn Maclean statueCrowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/john-maclean-statue-campaign-2Article - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/25415449.crowdfunder-bid-statue-revolutionary-john-maclean-glasgow/"I wish no harm to any human being” "No human being on the face of the earth, no government is going to take from me my right to speak, my right to protest against wrong, my right to do everything that is for the benefit of mankind,” “I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot.”John Maclean March - Hamish Hendersonhttps://youtu.be/4gaUezjN87w?si=vKgb-8SzFGZ6ALrQ ★ Support this podcast ★
This is a special podcast about Scotland's culture and its tenacity over centuries of denial, marginalisation and nae seemin posh enough.Lesley heard these two in action at an Independence Forum Scotland event in Perth and thought the craic was so good it deserved this wider audience.So Stuart McHardy a writer, occasional broadcaster, and storyteller who has been Director of the Scots Language Resource Centre in Perth and President of the Pictish Arts Society is in conversation with Roger Emmerson, a distinguished architect who surprised many in his own profession by running the first Scottish architecture course in the 1990s.We discuss the irrelevance of ‘clown characters' like Neil Oliver and David Starkey, delve into the Scots embrace of contradiction and the ability to (happily) be in twa minds and ponder the success of Department Q. Amongst many other fascinating cultural themes. Stuart McHardy books include The Quest for Arthur, On the Trail of Scotland's Myths and Legends, Tales of the Picts, Strange Secrets of Ancient Scotland, Tales of Whisky and Smuggling, The Wild Haggis an The Greetin-faced Nyaff.View Stuart's books at Luath PressForthcoming Edin Book Festival gig Weds 13th August about book at printers now Scotland's Sacred Goddess (and if new book link appears then slot in here) Roger Emmerson books includeScotland in 100 buildingsLand of Stone – a journey through Modern Architecture in ScotlandView Roger's books at Luath Press ★ Support this podcast ★
Nicola Sturgeon and her book is absolutely everywhere with the press full of the tiniest revelations. We have a look, neither of us having read the book, but take a look at really what's sitting behind some of the more serious revelations, particularly over the wisdom of pressing on with the gender recognition reforms, and behind the scenes, what was really happening. We ask the whether we going to learn anything that helps us with creating a more democratic country in Scotland that isn't so reliant on leaders and top-down instruction through all of this? Or just promote Nicola Sturgeon's book sales?All of that and news from the big wind farm convention that was held in Inverness where Lesely was present making a new film.Are these guys just NIMBYs who need to knuckle down and accept the hardware the same as everyone else for the green transition? Or has planning for it and democracy about it just gone completely out the window? And some culture from Fèis Rois.LinksNicola Interviewhttps://www.itv.com/watch/news/nicola-sturgeon-reflects-on-her-arrest-and-her-trans-policies-in-exclusive-interview/7qr93nfFèis Roishttps://feisrois.org/Robin McAlpinehttps://robinmcalpine.org/this-is-the-one-tall-tale-that-matters/https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25385625.wholly-political-campaign-independence-terrible-idea/Shona Cravenhttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25382339.lessons-must-learned-loss-rationality/ ★ Support this podcast ★
Today, Newscast was recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe in front of a live audience.Adam was joined by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney. We covered his meeting with Donald Trump, his plan for Scottish Independence and his policy on the Loch Ness MonsterYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a whatsapp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade. The social producers were Joe Wilkinson and Michael Pearson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham
A blowy week in Scotland and for Scottish Politics, we speak about Kate Forbes's decision not to stand in next year's Holyrood Election. We look at the huge question of childcare, not just for her, but for everyone, speculate on who might stand in her constituency. We analyise the the disagreements on concience and policy issues from the stance gay marriage to Kate's economic strategy, and look at the suggestion that infrastructure has to come first before you can get to wealth creation, and childcare is infrastructure.We also discuss Kier Starmer and his guttural position on Palestine and John Swinney's much interrupted Edinburgh Fringe gig over the question of whether he has condemned Israel's genocide. All of that with a little swatch of Belladrum and a lot of speculation and the wind.LinksMike Mackenzie column about the inability of a devolved government to properly finance infrastructure; https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25361743.highlands-islands-will-win-scottish-independence/ Jon Shafi column about all parties in a state of collapse and flux not just the SNP.https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25365016.politicians-fleeing-stage-old-certainties-collapse/Kate Forbes - Mum guilt means my daughter comes with mehttps://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/kate-forbes-snp-mum-children-interview-2zfvjn8pr ★ Support this podcast ★
Dr. Murray Cook is an archaeologist, author, co-founder and co-director of a field school, and Honorable Research Fellow at Stirling University. His research focuses on the area around Stirling, Scotland and its expansive history.There are Neolithic stone circles, Bronze Age burials, late Iron Age sites that offer a glimpse of life just before the Romans arrived, and artifacts that mark the Roman presence itself.Stirling Castle, built in the 12th century, became the most used royal residence in Scotland for centuries. It is the site where William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and where Robert the Bruce claimed victory at the Battle of Bannockburn during the First War of Scottish Independence. The royals of the House of Stewart lived here for generations, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Nearby lie medieval and historic cemeteries with burials of both the famous and the infamous.In this episode, Dr. Cook discusses his research that spans all of Stirling's history, the benefits of slowing archaeological research down to focus on a single area, the importance of telling the stories of humanity's shared past, and the vital role of public outreach in securing the future of archaeology.TranscriptsFor transcripts of this episode head over to: https://archpodnet.com/tpm/19LinksStirling Archaeology SubstackMurray Cook's Author Bio and Links to BooksRampart Scotland Field School - Open to All!See photos related to episode topics on InstagramLoving the macabre lore? Treat your host to a coffee!ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion
Donald Trump comes to Scotland and don't we know it! President Trump, with saltires fluttering on his motorcade instead of the union flag descended this week on Turnberry in Ayrshire and then up to Aberdeenshire. He's described John Sweeney as a terrific guy despite not really having met him yet and he suggests that all the proceeds from removing tariffs should go to Scotland, not to the UK. We discuss whether he's just mixing it, whether he actually favours Scotland in some way or is it all just rubbish that will be reversed next week.We also talk also about John Swinney's suggestion that there should be a constitutional convention. Again, that's suggested now, having been ruled out in previous weeks. We look at the SNP's strategy, such as it is, that there can be no move forward for Scotland without a referendum and that a referendum will only come if the SNP somehow manages to get over the line as the largest party in 2020. Simples! We take a look at the latest announcements. We also discuss the action that's ongoing against supporters of Gaza and the emergency UK cabinet meeting.LinksDave Pearson article about private wires https://bylines.scot/news/scotland/retaining-scotlands-wind-wealth-a-strategy-for-renewable-power/A 'good constituency MP'? how ‘hard working local politicians' are facilitating a genocidehttps://substack.com/home/post/p-169235829 ★ Support this podcast ★
There's a bit of a protest theme in this week's podcast. Obviously the Gaza Palestine demonstration at the weekend where Lesley was speaking. Thankfully there weren't arrests at the time, but could they be yet to come? There was also, if you like, the protest of Richard Murphy on Radio Scotland, interrupted continually on a program about bias and trust in the BBC.We discuss the rebels who've been booted out of the parliamentary Labour Party, but oddly not all the rebels that voted for axing the welfare cuts that were put forwward by Kier Starmer. Will this produce more dissent within a party that's now polling about the same as the new left wing party created by Zara Sultana that dosen't even exit yet.We talk about Trump and his potential comeuppance over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Forget to even mention that he's coming to Scotland. We'll take that next week and have a wee tribute to Dick Gaughan the master of Scottish traditional music. All of that and more!Join the Pals and Buddies and support the Lesley Riddoch podcastLinksPalestine letter to sign Protest is not terrorismhttps://protestisnotterrorism.wordpress.com/War Crimes CD - all income (not profit ) going to Gaza https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Crimes-Champion-Doug-Veitch/dp/B0F3JY4KTLDick Gaughan special Travelling Folk with Anna Massie on BBC Soundshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002ft8fDonate to help Dick Gaughan try and retreive the rights to some of his most important trackshttps://www.gofundme.com/f/aatux2 Buy the 8 disc set of Dick's musichttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2121905920/dick-gaughan-r-evolution-1969-84-an-8-disc-box-set/rewards ★ Support this podcast ★
Donate to support the podcast There's been a lot of missing in action in this week's podcast. Where is the Scottish government and the SNP when an energy supplier, Octopus, calls for zonal pricing that would give Scotland the cheapest energy in Europe? They're kind of missing in action. We talk about the latest proposals by Rachel Reeves, which looks like a bonfire of the regulations on the banking sector, which kind of prompted all the chaos post 2008.Is that really going to be such a great advance? And back to Israel and Palestine, some shocking admissions, about the connections between the current Labour government and trips to Israel that were not declared by MPs. That and more news about the July 19 march in this week's podcast on lesleyridich.com and social media.Scottish National demonstration Saturday 19 July Assemble 1pm foot of the Mound Edinburghhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/event/eggec-nakba-demo-duplicate-1/ ★ Support this podcast ★
On this week's episode, we talk about the putative new Left-wing party possibly headed by Jeremy Corbyn. We speculate on why he hasn't said he will join it and what is happening on the Scottish front with a group that's promising a meeting in October. It's not very clear whether it supports independence or not.We talk about the victory of a left candidate for the Democratic nomination in New York City with a program that would probably make Jeremy Corbyn's heart sing.We're still talking about the wider question of Palestine and the shameful decision by the SNP group at Westminster to abstain on the vote on Palestine Action as they succumbed to Westminster bullying tactics and were outfoxed by Labour's procedural shenanigans. We reflect that in the previous parliament, with MPs like Tommy Sheppard, Dr Phillipa Whitford and Joanna Cherry, this would not have happened. That and much more besides, including bits and bits about the Western Isles and the, uh, glorious bounciness of Greenlanders.And we have a guest spot with Mick Napier from the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign ahead of a planned demonstration.1 pm meeting at the foot of the Mound, Edinburgh. LinksFinland Film https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/finland---the-education-superstars-a-new-filmNHS Apphttps://www.digitalhealth.net/2024/10/scotland-s-digital-front-door-platform-to-go-beyond-the-nhs-app/https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view%2Cplaying-catchup-will-the-rollout-of-the-long-overdue-nhs-app-help-take-pressure-off-scotlands-gpsCnoc Soilleirhttps://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/about-us/campuses-and-centres/cnoc-soilleir/Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson ★ Support this podcast ★
You can donate to support and keep the podcast going by becoming a Pal or Buddy of the Podcast at https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeBy the time you listen this, you'll know what we don't, which is the result of the disability cuts vote in the House of Commons, the revised package, which will now only put 150,000 people into poverty. And that's this year. Because next year, of course, is a whole new ball game for those wishing to sign up to PIP.We speculate on what these reforms and the opposition to them means for Labour Party support, for Keir Starmer's personal authority and popularity. We look also at, last week's Question Time where Lesley was on the panel, having just been stung in the throat by a wasp! Drawn no parallels or importance from that other than it was a strange way to prepare.We also discuss the big events of the week, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Kneecap and Bob Vylan's and the BBC's decisions to broadcast and not broadcast, which are inadvertently helping to promote artists who are the only people able to bring this issue to the forefront. We also look at NATO spending via a quote from the late great Hamish Henderson, Fraser relfects on his time working in the Westminster Parliament and much more besides. LinksFinland Film Crowdfunderhttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/finland---the-education-superstars-a-new-film ★ Support this podcast ★
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