Best Scot Independence Podcasts (2024)

1
Cool Scot: A Conversation with Greg Moodie 36:19

1h ago36:19

36:19

10 years on from the Independence Referendum we catch up with "artist, writer and deviant collagist" Greg Moodie. Greg's artwork and cartoons were iconic elements of the 2014 campaign and he has continued to produce political commentary in the guise of humour ever since. Greg has a new book out this month called The Unbearable Stupidity of Being wh…

1
Indyref 10th Anniversary : Holyrood Rally Speeches 49:59

2h ago49:59

49:59

On 18th September 2024 we marked the 10th anniversary of the historic first Scottish Independence Referendum, Indyref for short. During a passionate and exhilarating campaign, support for the Yes side grew from around 30% to over 50% before settling back at 45% on the day of the vote. In the words of Professor Sir John Curtace, the Yes side lost th…

1
WARNING FOR STARMER + US Elections + SNP / Labour Coalition in 2026? 37:03

1d ago37:03

37:03

Bernard is in the USA. Alex is on the Isle of Jura. Bernard says Keir Starmer needs to deliver growth or face the anger of the electorate over growing errors. Alex says that naive and loose-lipped press briefing by new staff in Government and the freebie scandal raise questions over Starmer's judgement. Bernard analyses the US Presidential race fro…

1
Rioting Britain? Scotland says No 51:52

39m ago51:52

51:52

After weeks of violent outbreaks in England, the far right racist contingent tried to bring their poison to Glasgow's George Square last weekend. Glasgow was having none of it and organised an anti racist demonstration which drew a far bigger crowd than the racists could muster. We reflect on the event with our guests Bill Ramsay and Isobel Lindsay…

1
Indy Ref - 10 Years On - The Verdict 40:32

3h ago40:32

40:32

It's 10 years since Scotland's Independence Referendum. Bernard and Alex reflect on what happened, where we are now and will there be an Indy Ref II? Including Bernard's insights into what really happened behind the scenes at the TV debates and on referendum night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
1820 Radical Uprising - A Story of Forgotten Heroes ( Part 1) 36:19

2h ago36:19

36:19

Part 1 of a 2 part episode this week as Fiona and Marlene go on the trail of the Radical Uprising of 1820, with the help of historian Tom Dowds. What we found is a fascinating tale of plots, intrigue, government spies, revolution and Scottish radicals dreaming of democracy and the creation of a Scottish Government. To be continued..... Look out for…

1
SALMOND & STURGEON - Part 2 Reaction & Analysis 36:05

3d ago36:05

36:05

PART 2 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part two of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …

1
SALMOND & STURGEON - Part 1 Reaction & Analysis 32:01

2d ago32:01

32:01

PART 1 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part one of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …

1
Scottish Currency Group Conference 44:21

7d ago44:21

44:21

We chat to Tim Rideout and Ian Stewart about the Scottish Currency Group Conference coming up on 21st and 22nd of September and the exciting line up of guest speakers. Online and In Person tickets are available from Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-currency-group-conference-tickets-965256055847?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Hope to s…

1
MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal" 49:05

7d ago49:05

49:05

Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcast A 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal" The best case scenario is a minority Labour government His political roots in family life in Dundee He regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound…

1
SNP CONFERENCE VERDICT - Where is the Policy Prospectus and Indy Strategy? 34:32

11d ago34:32

34:32

In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus. The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about In…

1
Read Our Lips 55:35

12d ago55:35

55:35

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene mull over August's events with guest Lynne Dougan in our Livestream for August 2024. We share some of our escapades this month - Lynne was at Elgin, Fiona got stuck in the mud, Marlene celebrated Ukraine Day. We also cover the Winter Fuel Payment debacle - Marlene has the stats! As Rachel Reeves perfects her eye rol…

1
Alex Neil - 30 year wait for Independence if SNP lose in 2026 48:54

15d ago48:54

48:54

On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should SNP Ministers Meet Israelis and Palestinians? 39:11

19d ago39:11

39:11

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week including Fallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats. Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in Scotland The Scottish Conservative leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Hiroshima 79th Anniversary Commemoration 53:49

21d ago53:49

53:49

It is 79 years since the nuclear and atomic bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Every year Scottish CND organises events to commemorate this anniversary. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were invited to record the Glasgow even at the peace tree in the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery. It was a moving, yet upliftin…

1
I'll Investigate Douglas Ross says Tory Leadership Hopeful, Meghan Gallacher 46:02

25d ago46:02

46:02

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall. Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income Tax Proposes a re-evaluation of Sco…

1
MIC: Andrew Wang, Head of TV, Development, and Production 56:31

22d ago56:31

56:31

This week's guest is Andrew Wang. Andrew Wang is Head of TV, Development & Production at JuVee Productions, a production company founded by Viola Davis and Julius Tenon that emphasizes artist driven projects from a diverse range of new and established voices. At JuVee, Andrew guides projects through all stages of the development process, seeing a t…

1
Labour's Paul Sweeney - 2026 Scot Parl Election "High Stakes" for Future of UK 52:41

25d ago52:41

52:41

He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.; 2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in…

1
Is the Era of SNP Austerity Upon Us? 34:27

1M ago34:27

34:27

Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity? The Winter Fuel Allowance means test New GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

1
Battle of Falkirk Commemoration 27:22

1M ago27:22

27:22

The Battle of Falkirk took place on 22nd July 1298 and was a tragic loss for the Scots under William Wallace. His comrade Sir John de Graham, or Graeme, died in the battle and is buried at Trinity church in Falkirk. The De Graeme Society organise an annual commemoration of the battle and the brave Scots who gave their lives defending our freedom. T…

1
I VOTED LABOUR - Former Tory MSP, Prof Adam Tomkins 45:45

1M ago45:45

45:45

Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General Election Role of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous" He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir St…

1
Scottish Tory Leadership Candidate, Brian Whittle 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay" Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election. Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication. Scottish Tories - t…

1
A Scottish Citizens' Convention 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp is our guest for the second episode in our new series of podcasts on the theme of A National Conversation for Scotland. Gordon is head of campaigning organisation Believe in Scotland and he joined Indypodcasters Marlene and Fiona in the studio to talk about ambitious plans for a Scottish Citizens' Convention. Topics covered in…

1
Elaine Frontain Bryant - EVP and Head of Programming at A&E - Nov. 7, 2022 1:00:36

1M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This week, we're taking a look back at an MIC session with Elaine Frontain Bryant from Fall 2022. Elaine is Executive Vice President and Head of Programming at A&E Network, where she manages the A&E programming team and is responsible for overseeing the development, creation and execution of all programming for the network. In this role, Elaine won…

1
UK Riots - Starmer's First Crisis - What do they mean? 38:21

1M ago38:21

38:21

Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far? Who is behind the riots? What this says about the UK? Why no riots in Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Leanne Wood: A Blueprint from Wales? 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

Part 1 of our new podcast series A National Conversation for Scotland . Following the shockwaves from the General Election result, we decided to revisit the topic of a national conversation for Scotland, starting with a fresh look at the conversation we had with Leanne Wood about the Welsh Constitutional Commission. In this episode we revisit that …

1
Independence Referendum II (Re-uploaded Version) 43:47

2M ago43:47

43:47

Bernard and Alex get heated with each other when the subject of a legitimate route to a second independence referendum arises. Also, Tory leadership contest. From the Press Bar on Albion Street in Glasgow. Questions and comments from Lee Carney Jonny Gray Wings Over Scotland Gordon Innes Follow us on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Hosted on Acast. S…

1
In Glasgow's Press Bar - Trump's Big Mistake, Tory Leadership Battle, 2 Child Cap to be Cancelled? 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

Bernard and Alex retreat to their natural habitat in Glasgow's famous journalists' haunt, The Press Bar on Albion Street, to ponder the stories of the day over a sociable refreshment. Trump's Big Mistake - Alex reckons Trump made a big mistake in his singular determination to unseat Joe Biden before the election. Tory Leadership Battle - Insight in…

1
Robert the Bruce: A Man with a Plan 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

This month saw the 750th anniversary of the birth of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, Robert the Bruce. In this episode, filmed mainly on location in Bannockburn, we draw from three different accounts of the Bruce's most famous battle and attempt to pinpoint the most likely sites of the different phases of the battle. We also examine the military…

1
Scot Cru, Independent International Television & Media Consultant 1:00:52

2M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

This week's guest is Scot Cru, who works as an independent international television and media consultant and previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Formats and Unscripted Content at MGM Studios. In this role, Scot was responsible for the distribution of MGM formats worldwide and launched MGM UK. Before that, Scot worked as Executiv…

1
MATT FORDE - Joins Bernard and Alex 44:47

2M ago44:47

44:47

Matt joins Bernard and Alex with excellent impressions of ... Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Rachel Reeves Tony Blair Ed Miliband Also What makes Scottish audiences different What makes people walk out Who's taken offence to his impressions His hopes for the new government You can catch Matt's show at the Edinburgh Festival here https://tickets.edfring…

1
JOE BIDEN Goes, MHAIRI BLACK Festival Shows, RACHEL REEVES Public Sector Pay Grows 34:53

2M ago34:53

34:53

Bernard and Alex tackle the stories of the week; JOE BIDEN - Both Bernard and Alex are keen observers of US Politics - their thoughts on Joe Biden agreeing to step down as Presidential Candidate. MHAIRI BLACK - After standing down at the General Election, the former SNP MP announced her Edinburgh Festival show "Politics Isn't For Me" as well as wor…

1
Tis But A Flesh Wound 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

Following the election results earlier this month, indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene invited guest and friend of the podcast Lynne Dougan into our studio for a chat. Lynne was at the count of the Alloa and Grangemouth constituency and gives us some behind the scenes insights as to what goes on through the night of an election. This episode was origi…

1
King's Speech Reaction - A Return to Big Government? 32:02

2M ago32:02

32:02

Bernard and Alex bring you an instant briefing on the King's Speech with the first legislative agenda for Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. Is it a return to big Government (as some critics have said) or a different type of intervention? Headlines on the bills Watch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government. Hosted on…

1
SNP - Explosive Interview with Stewart McDonald 55:31

2M ago55:31

55:31

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie speak to Stewart McDonald, SNP front bencher who lost his seat at the General Election ..... and he had a lot to say. ON 2026 HOLYROOD ELECTION 25:32 MASSIE: "Do you think getting "horsed" in 2026 is now the most likely outcome of the Holyrood election?" McDONALD: "Yes" ON INDEPENDENCE 35:07 "The hard pause has been…

1
Women O' Independent Mind 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were delighted to take part in a panel discussion which took place after Edinburgh Women for Independence group's AGM in June. The format was: 00:01:09 Sam Page from Yes for EU on the topic of reasons to rejoin the EU 00:08:42 Ruth Ritchie on behalf of Believe in Scotland on the topic of grassroots activism 00:16:42…

1
MIC Panel: Austin-Based Film Festivals 1:02:30

2M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

This week's podast features a panel of film festival leaders based right here in Austin. Neha Aziz, Alka Bhanot, David Finkel, Todd Hogan, and Gabriel Ornelas visited UT Austin on March 21st, 2024 to discuss the community-based film festivals that they lead. Neha is Artistic Director for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, as well an independe…

1
Your Questions No3 - General Election Results 29:12

2M ago29:12

29:12

Your questions on the General Election result directly to Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie This episode, questions from: Peter Hardy - @PeterHardyAG (X) Ian Jones - @Salop_Ian (X) Michael Apter - @Michael_Apter (X) Andrew Brophy - @AndrewBrophy3 (X) LTW Anderson - @ltwanderson (X) Mark Brown - Via Email Gordon Dudman - Via Email Andrew McCall - Via…

1
New Cabinet. Also, what now for the Tories and SNP? 30:27

3M ago30:27

30:27

In this episode, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss The new Labour Cabinet The future propects for the Conservatives and SNP .....and the former TV cameraman who out-predicted the pollsters. Bernard and Alex also reference a previous episode with Tom Baldwin discussing Keir Starmer in great detail. It's really worth a listen and gives unrival…

1
UK General Election Result - The Verdict ... 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

We've been up all night. Here is the hot-off-the-press take on the UK General Election result from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Labour joy Conservative and SNP election woes. What will the parties do next? What should they do next? Plus, highlights of selected seats and stories. #generalelection2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…

1
Dissolving the Union with Graeme McCormick 32:11

3M ago32:11

32:11

Why did Graeme McCormick decide to stand in the SNP leadership contest and why did he then withdraw his candidacy to allow John Swinney to be elected unopposed? We last chatted to Graeme McCormick in September 2023 about his proposals to dissolve the UK union and how that might come about (you can listen to that episode here https://www.podbean.com…

1
Election Special: The Final Countdown 48:51

3M ago48:51

48:51

As we enter the last week of the General election campaign trail, Marlene and Fiona chat to Indy supporters at the Bannockburn rally - and find a mixed set of views! We also consider what the turnout might be and whether people are sufficiently disenchanted with the election campaign that they will abstain, or spoil their ballots and what practical…

1
OUR BIG ELECTION NIGHT PREVIEW 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

YOU CAN GET OUR FREE WALLCHART HERE - https://x.com/PonsonbyMassie/status/1806349078093087015 This Episode is in 2 parts PART 1 - 0 mins - 17 mins - ELECTION NIGHT INSIGHTS - Alex asks Bernard to share his insights on how presenters cope with overnight election programmes. PART 2 - 17 mins - 39mins - WHAT TO WATCH FOR - Bernard and Alex give you a …

1
BIG POLL WARNINGS - for Tories, SNP & Biden 38:38

3M ago38:38

38:38

With some recent polls predicting the SNP and Conservatives will be reduced to a rump of MPs at the General Election on Thurs 4th July, Bernard and Alex have a health warning for pollsters and politicians alike. Can these polls be trusted and do they have the nuance to pick up on constituency level sentiments? Plus, it was the issue the Democrats d…

1
Manifesto Madness 1:03:07

3M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

As the party manifestos start to appear, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene are joined by guest Marion Robertson to pick out the bits we like from the manifestos on offer. Note that the first half of this episode was recorded before the official launches of the Scottish Greens and Alba manifestos, links to both are below. Main themes are: 00:00:30 IS…

1
Austin Entertainment Industry Panel 1:01:22

3M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

We concluded the Fall 2023 semester with a panel featuring five leaders in the media industry right here in Austin. Alfred Gomez is a director of programming and development at Blind Nil Magnolia, an unscripted production company operating here in Texas. Jennifer Hutchins is a freelance producer and founder of All Entertainment Business, and has wo…

1
Your Questions Answered.... 27:49

3M ago27:49

27:49

Bernard and Alex do their best to answer your questions sent in to ponsonbymassie@gmail.com Questions this episode from; Darren McGarvey @lokiscottishrap (X) Rob Shorthouse @bobtwopointoh (X) John Duffy @johnduffy512 (Youtube) Colin Thompson @colinthompson3111 (Youtube) Argyll Loon @argyllloon (X) Luca Brasi @hickslike22 (X) Ewen Kennedy @ewangkenn…

1
JK Rowling, Nigel Farage & Stampgate 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

Bernard and Alex on ..... The effect of Farage and Reform Will JK Rowling's gender recognition reform criticism of Labour come back to haunt the party? Stampgate - Will allegations of the SNP using MSPs expenses to pay for election campaign stamps re-ignite memories of previous scandals for voters? ... and Scotland exiting the Euros. Bernard and Al…

1
Over 65s: Why still not yes? With Pat Kane 52:53

3M ago52:53

52:53

Musician, author and journalist Pat Kane is our guest in this episode when we discuss why over 65s are still not convinced by independence. Pat suggests the answer might lie in our musical influences - are former hippies, punks and post punks more likely to challenge the status quo? Themes included in our discussion are: 00:02:43 Musical influences…

1
Major Yougov/SKY Poll + SNP & Labour Manifestos 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

Yougov sampled 39,979 in a super poll that shows the Conservatives reduced to 108 seats. The SNP & Labour Manifestos are out. Bernard and Alex give insight and analysis into the latest developments in the UK General Election 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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