))
Scottish history and culture with a mix of traditional and modern Scottish music. Take a virtual trip to Scotland on every episode!
…
continue reading
In your writing life, no matter how hard you work or how well you plan, things won't always unfold the way you'd hoped. In Ease Lessons for Writers, we explore what gets in the way of our writing, why that happens, and why it matters. Together we learn how to make our writing easier and more joyful. I'm your host, Monna McDiarmid, a writer and coach based in Japan and Nova Scotia. Website: monnamcdiarmid.com/ | Newsletter: monnamcdiarmid.com/subscribe/ | Instagram: @monnamcdiarmidwrites/ | P ...
…
continue reading
THE WANDERING WOLF is songwriter Yoni Wolf's ongoing collection of field recordings from the road, unscripted internal monologues, self-reflective moments, and in depth conversations with musicians, artists, comedians, and interesting people of all kinds. These episodes stand to chronicle Yoni's life as a traveling bard and those he crosses paths with out there in the wild world.
…
continue reading
A unique audio drama series created by writer/director Neil Cargill and musician/sound designer Simon James featuring an original electronic music score and full cast including Ian McDiarmid, famed for his role as Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars saga, as Cuttings – the radio ham who picks up a mysterious voice. The voice belongs to a girl (Joy McAvoy, from Ken Loach's The Angels' Share and Filth) trapped in an abandoned amusement park called Akiha Den Den. Singer Wendy Rae Fowler (feature ...
…
continue reading
1
Episode 92: Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4
20:11
20:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:11
Need a song or a poem to brighten your day? In the 4th installment of our Poetry & Song series, enjoy inspiring verse from Scottish national poet Kathleen Jamie, World War I poet David Mackie, and composer Hugh Roberton. Plus brand new music from trad fusion band DLU, a lovely rendition of the famous Highland air "Westering Home" from the Highland …
…
continue reading
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss what the phrase "Simply Scottish" means, and you'll hear from Andrew's father Andrew …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland
31:26
31:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:26
On this episode, Andrew shares 11 top experiences you'll want to add to your own Scottish itinerary! From the summit of Arthur's Seat and the peak of Ben Nevis to the villages along the North Coast 500 and the fresh cuisine on the Isle of Skye, be inspired by these memorable places and activities. Plus, enjoy music from newcomer Katie McFarlane, pi…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 89: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3
26:28
26:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:28
On this episode of Simply Scottish, journey with us to two Edinburgh landmarks as Andrew shares more memories of his childhood in the Athens of the North. Today, The Meadows is a beautiful city park. Discover how the space has been used across the centuries by locals, from drinking water and war garden to derby soccer and the world's fair. Andrew a…
…
continue reading
Journey with us in the footsteps of Scottish-American naturalist, conservationist, and inventor John Muir! Host Andrew reports on an extraordinary experience visiting the Muir Papers and exhibit at the University of the Pacific in California. Hear what it's like to open and examine boxes of Muir's original papers, letters, and fragments. Plus, a se…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 87: Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America
38:54
38:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:54
Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has had a profound impact on the United States since the early years of the republic. On this episode, Andrew talks to nationally syndicated radio host and fellow Scot Janet Parshall on how Burns inspired countless Americans, including two leaders instrumental in America's fight to end slavery: abolitionist Fre…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2
36:53
36:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:53
Enjoy the second half of our interview with Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Learn how to live the Braveheart life as we unpack the lessons Randall shares in his book Living the Braveheart Life. Topics include the importance of mentors, why we all need an Uncle Argyle in our lives, and how we can live out the spirit of f…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 85: Living the Braveheart Life: A Conversation with Randall Wallace, pt. 1
35:10
35:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:10
On this episode, Andrew interviews Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Hear about the trip to Scotland that introduced Randall to the story of Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace. Discover how Randall learned to be a master storyteller and go on to write and direct several box office hit movies, including We Were Soldi…
…
continue reading
In this second installment of our Off The Shelf series, host Andrew dusts off a splendid wee book from the 1960s that brings to life the people and places of Edinburgh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You get to imagine you're visiting a friend in the majestic Old Town as well as the beautiful New Town. Learn what it was like to live in S…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 83: Tracing Your Scottish Roots, pt. 1 (Wee Yin #9)
23:21
23:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:21
On the latest Wee Yin episode, Andrew kicks off a new occasional series designed to help you trace your Scottish roots. Learn the basics, like where to turn to start your search and what types of information are out there. Also, find out how you can unlock bonus episodes and other content by becoming a supporter of Simply Scottish. Plus, how to get…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 82: Queen Elizabeth II (Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 6)
33:02
33:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:02
In the latest installment of our popular Six Degrees of Scotland series, we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by exploring her connections to Scotland and its people. Discover Balmoral Castle, the queen’s paradise in the Scottish highlands. Learn why Elizabeth II was often more popular among Scots than the monarchy itself. And we’ll look at how the…
…
continue reading
1
36. Caroline Donahue (Season 3, Episode 3/3)
1:13:07
1:13:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:07
TODAY'S GUEST: CAROLINE DONAHUE As a book-loving Writing and Book Coach, Caroline doesn't believe there is any force more powerful in this world than writing. With a Masters in Psychology and Expressive Arts, and a subsequent career in the book world that began with working in a bookshop, progressing through editing and producing a thrice annual au…
…
continue reading
1
35. Caroline Donahue (Season 3, Episode 2/3)
1:01:59
1:01:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:59
TODAY'S GUEST: CAROLINE DONAHUE As a book-loving Writing and Book Coach, Caroline doesn't believe there is any force more powerful in this world than writing. With a Masters in Psychology and Expressive Arts, and a subsequent career in the book world that began with working in a bookshop, progressing through editing and producing a thrice annual au…
…
continue reading
1
34. Caroline Donahue (Season 3, Episode 1/3)
56:07
56:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:07
TODAY'S GUEST: CAROLINE DONAHUE As a book-loving Writing and Book Coach, Caroline doesn't believe there is any force more powerful in this world than writing. With a Masters in Psychology and Expressive Arts, and a subsequent career in the book world that began with working in a bookshop, progressing through editing and producing a thrice annual au…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: MICHELLE Today's episode is my third and final conversation with Michelle, a mom of two and an attorney who prefers storytelling to legalese, as well as an open heart over the analytical mind. She believes that when her heart and mind work as one, that's where the magic happens, and she has been on a lifelong journey to connect them …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 81: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 2 (Wee Yin #8)
20:50
20:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:50
We're taking you back to Scotland in the 80s! Join host Andrew McDiarmid as he shares more memories of his childhood in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh. Learn about Edinburgh's Italian connection through Tino Luca and his amazing ice-cream business, as well as business partners Alfonso and Sam and their 50-year legacy of cutting the hair of celeb…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: MICHELLE Today's episode is my second conversation with Michelle, a mom of two and an attorney who prefers storytelling to legalese, as well as an open heart over the analytical mind. She believes that when her heart and mind work as one, that's where the magic happens, and she has been on a lifelong journey to connect them both. She…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: MICHELLE Today's episode is my first conversation with Michelle, a mom of two and an attorney who prefers storytelling to legalese, as well as an open heart over the analytical mind. She believes that when her heart and mind work as one, that's where the magic happens, and she has been on a lifelong journey to connect them both. She …
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: LALA HULSE Today's episode is my third conversation with Lala Hulse, an artist and musician who is trying to get her creative life back together after moving halfway around the world during a pandemic. She believes everyone can draw and everyone can sing. Thanks for this conversation, Lala. HOMEWORK INVITATIONS FROM OUR SECOND CONVER…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: LALA HULSE Today's episode is my second conversation with Lala Hulse, an artist and musician who is trying to get her creative life back together after moving halfway around the world during a pandemic. She believes everyone can draw and everyone can sing. Thanks for this conversation, Lala. HOMEWORK INVITATIONS FROM TODAY'S CONVERSA…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: LALA HULSE Today's episode is my first conversation with Lala Hulse, an artist and musician who is trying to get her creative life back together after moving halfway around the world during a pandemic. She believes everyone can draw and everyone can sing. Thanks for this conversation, Lala. HOMEWORK INVITATIONS FROM TODAY'S CONVERSAT…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 80: Profiles: Elsie Inglis and Sir Harry Lauder (Radio Archive #85)
38:34
38:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:34
On this episode, we're dusting off selections from a radio episode of Simply Scottish that originally aired in April 2000! Hear Andrew Jr and his father Andrew Sr. profile two courageous Scots - medical pioneer Elsie Inglis and performing legend Sir Harry Lauder. You'll also hear Andrew's dad share a funny story from his tour of the Scottish Highla…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: ELIZABETH Today's episode is my second with Elizabeth who is in the process of becoming. She currently does laundry, dishes, drives carpools, and fills remaining “confetti time" with reading, writing, playing piano, thinking, and staring at a screensaver of a vine-covered tree. Along with her husband, she cares for two human children…
…
continue reading
TODAY'S GUEST: ELIZABETH Today's episode is my second with Elizabeth who is in the process of becoming. She currently does laundry, dishes, drives carpools, and fills remaining “confetti time" with reading, writing, playing piano, thinking, and staring at a screensaver of a vine-covered tree. Along with her husband, she cares for two human children…
…
continue reading
ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: ELIZABETH Today's episode is my first with Elizabeth who is in the process of becoming. She currently does laundry, dishes, drives carpools, and fills remaining “confetti time" with reading, writing, playing piano, thinking, and staring at a screensaver of a vine-covered tree. Along with her husband, she cares for two human chi…
…
continue reading
On this episode of Simply Scottish, it's all about the music! Enjoy a mix of classic songs and brand new tracks, handpicked by host Andrew McDiarmid. Featuring Deacon Blue, Capercaillie, Eddi Reader, Salsa Celtica, Iain Fraser, Simon Thoumire, and David McGuinness. Warning: the music contained in this episode may cause toe tapping, smiling, daydrea…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 78: John Muir and the Grand Canyon
33:20
33:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:20
You've probably heard of Scottish naturalist and conservationist John Muir, but did you know he almost lost his eyesight in an accident that changed the course of his life? Find out what happened, and listen as we share some stirring passages from Muir's essay describing the magnificence and wonder of the Grand Canyon. Plus, enjoy a mix of brand ne…
…
continue reading
ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: JUN SEKIYA This is my second conversation with Jun Sekiya, a writer of scripts, novels, and raps from Yokohama, Japan. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he works as the creative assistant of Soman Chainani, author of the YA fantasy series “The School for Good & Evil”, soon to be a film from Netflix. Jun is working…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my third conversation with Heather J. Patel, a writer currently editing her debut memoir - an intimate portrayal of the toll family secrets and shame have on early identity. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, son, and sweet rescue dog. She received her Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. Thank you, Heath…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my third conversation with Megan Sunstrum who is writing a memoir about depression, anxiety, being a badass and moving across the country during a pandemic to start a new life. She has a wild imagination, a knack for story-telling, and a deep love of talking to strangers, green things and also furry things. She l…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 77: Basketball & Books: James Naismith and Lucy Maud Montgomery (Wee Yin #7)
21:54
21:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:54
Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can play anytime, anywhere! In this latest entry in our Six Degrees of Scotland series, learn the Scottish and spiritual roots of basketball as we profile minister and athlete James Naismith. And we'll look at fellow Scottish-Canadian Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the popular children's novel A…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my second conversation with Maile Topliff, a lifelong lover of words – her elementary school nickname was Webster. She believes that the stories we tell can change our lives. She is currently writing her first non-fiction book – an invitation for the reader to listen to the call to be the author of their own stor…
…
continue reading
ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: JUN SEKIYA This is my second conversation with Jun Sekiya, a writer of scripts, novels, and raps from Yokohama, Japan. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he works as the creative assistant of Soman Chainani, author of the YA fantasy series “The School for Good & Evil”, soon to be a film from Netflix. Jun is working…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my second conversation with Heather J. Patel. Heather is a writer, currently editing her debut memoir - an intimate portrayal of the toll family secrets and shame have on early identity. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, son, and sweet rescue dog. She received her Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. You…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Megan Sunstrum is writing a memoir about depression, anxiety, being a badass and moving across the country during a pandemic to start a new life. She has a wild imagination, a knack for story-telling, and a deep love of talking to strangers, green things and furry things. She lives in rural Nova Scotia with her husband a…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 76: Covenanter: Scotland's Battle for Religious Freedom
35:34
35:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:34
To fully appreciate our freedoms today, we have to understand the history behind them. In this episode of Simply Scottish, we take you back to 17th century Scotland to tell the story of the Covenanters, brave men and women who put God before kings and fought for the freedom to worship according to their conscience and conviction. We'll also look at…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my second conversation with Maile Topliff, a lifelong lover of words – her elementary school nickname was Webster. She believes that the stories we tell can change our lives. She is currently writing her first non-fiction book – an invitation for the reader to listen to the call to be the author of their own stor…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my first conversation with Jun Sekiya, a writer of scripts, novels, and raps from Yokohama, Japan. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he works as the creative assistant of Soman Chainani, author of the YA fantasy series “The School for Good & Evil”, soon to be a film from Netflix. Jun is working on a…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: This is my first conversation with Heather J. Patel. Heather is a writer, currently editing her debut memoir - an intimate portrayal of the toll family secrets and shame have on early identity. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, son, and sweet rescue dog. She received her Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. You …
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Megan Sunstrum is writing a memoir about depression, anxiety, being a badass and moving across the country during a pandemic to start a new life. She has a wild imagination, a knack for story-telling, and a deep love of talking to strangers, green things and furry things. She lives in rural Nova Scotia with her husband a…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Maile Topliff is a lifelong lover of words – her elementary school nickname was Webster. She believes that the stories we tell can change our lives. She is currently writing her first non-fiction book – an invitation for the reader to listen to the call to be the author of their own story. Call it a heliograph or Vade Me…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Today's episode is the final conversation with Jason Craig Poole, a self-proclaimed word nerd who loves language. He believes books have the power to save lives--and credits the magic of books for shaping and saving his own life. He's also a process fanatic who can't seem to get enough when it comes to learning how artis…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Today's episode is the final of three conversations with Brunella, a student at Smith College in Massachusetts. She grew up in Lima, Peru, and has lived and studied in Japan. She likes thinking and writing about the internet, culture, and labor. She also writes Qué Verguenza, a newsletter "about books, and everything els…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 75: Ronald Reagan's Scottish Roots (Wee Yin #6)
15:59
15:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:59
Did you know that former U.S. president Ronald Reagan is related to a radical weaver from Paisley? On our latest Wee Yin, we look at Reagan's Scottish ancestry to see where he might have gotten the tenacious spirit that launched him into Hollywood stardom and the White House. Enjoy tunes along the way from Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter, as…
…
continue reading
Today's conversation is the third and final episode with Karissa Swanson who is driven by the desire to help others and to create. As program manager for a nonprofit, she works for equity in music education, coaching music teachers in under-resourced public schools. Karissa’s creative pursuits change with the seasons of life. She’s currently in the…
…
continue reading
Today's episode is the third of three episodes with Rachael Herron, the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, she teaches courses through her own …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 74: Why We Need Robert Burns in 2022
26:29
26:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:29
In this episode of Simply Scottish, learn why we need Scottish poet Robert Burns now more than ever before! He's been dead over two centuries but his catchy songs and verse championing liberty, equality, and democracy are alive and well. See how Burns helped to unite Americans during the Civil War and discover three ways he can unite us again in 20…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Today's episode is the second of three episodes with Jason Craig Poole, a self-proclaimed word nerd who loves language. He believes books have the power to save lives--and credits the magic of books for shaping and saving his own life. He's also a process fanatic who can't seem to get enough when it comes to learning how…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 73: The Scottish Merchant Navy and Radar Technology Pioneer Robert Watson-Watt (Radio Archive #129)
34:39
34:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:39
Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this episode of Simply Scottish from our radio archives, hear co-host and co-founder Andrew McDiarmid Sr. teach us about the Scottish merchant navy, as well as share his humorous stories of almost meeting one of Scotland's most famous sons, Sean Connery. Plus, Andrew Jr. on Sir Robert Watson-W…
…
continue reading
About today's conversation: Today's episode is the second of three episodes with Brunella, a student at Smith College in Massachusetts. She grew up in Lima, Peru, and has lived and studied in Japan. She likes thinking and writing about the internet, culture, and labor. She also writes Qué Verguenza, a newsletter "about books, and everything else." …
…
continue reading
