Blethered

Published ahead of the Netflix documentary on the Lucy Letby case, available to stream from February 4th. I'm joined by lawyer and registered midwife Jaimie McGready to discuss the trial and conviction of serial killer Lucy Letby.Letby was recently convicted of the murder of six newborn babies, and the attempted murder of seven more, in what was the longest murder trial in British legal history.We reflect on the evidence that led to her conviction and receipt of a full life order, meaning she’ll die behind bars.Jaimie and I also discuss the death penalty, the 'morality' of criminal defence lawyers and where the responsibility lies for hospital management staff's failure to act, after repeated warnings about Letby.And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roz Foyer is the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the most influential voices in the Scottish labour movement. With decades of experience representing workers across public and private sectors, she is a leading advocate on fair work, pay, equality, and employment rights. In practical terms, she represents the collective voice of hundreds of thousands of workers, meaning her positions can shape national conversations, legislative priorities, and real-life outcomes.During this never-ending period of economic pressure, wage erosion, industrial unrest, and sociopolitical uncertainty in Scotland, Roz articulates worker concerns in language that resonates both with grassroots members and policymakers, making her a credible power broker rather than a purely symbolic advocate.In real-terms: she’s a key figure in Scottish life, and is fiercely on the side of the interests of the working man and woman.You’ll hear us talking about Roz’s formative years in the working world, and how she ended up at the forefront of the trade union movement…We discuss the economic difficulties faced by people in Scottish communities, and how they’re fuelling things like flags being hung from lampposts, and what those flags really represent…And we get into potentially uncomfortable territory. The Daily Mail recently attacked Roz on the basis that she owns some properties. Is it counterproductive and hypocritical for a trade union leader to own more than one home? Or is it completely disingenuous and propagandist output from the usual suspects, that falls apart at the slightest scrutiny? You can decide that one for yourself, I don’t think it’ll take you long.And as always, there’s so much more in there - and a chat I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spanish language exchange at Ziques in Hyndland, Glasgow6th January 20265-7pm & 7-9pmUnlimited pintxos!Enjoy a relaxed setting with native speakers and learners of all levelsOpen to all TICKETS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Aye Write 2025 book festivalThis episode digs into why so many young men are being drawn into the darker corners of the internet, and what’s actually happening inside those spaces. I sit down with journalist James Bloodworth and author Chris McQueer, whose new books approach the same world from different angles. One through investigation, the other through fiction.We examine how loneliness, identity, class, online culture and modern masculinity collide. There are pressures pushing young men toward isolated digital communities, the narratives they find once they’re there, and the sinister influences filling the gaps left by real-life connection and purpose.It’s a grounded, honest and unflinching look at an issue affecting families, schools and communities across the country – and what it might take to bring these young men back into the world around them.Lost Boys by James BloodworthHermit by Chris McQueerThe Anchor Inverclydecontact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Benji Waterhouse sits at an intersection of acute psychiatry and stand-up comedy. A consultant psychiatrist and comic, his book You Don't Have To Be Mad To Work Here offers a sharp, humane account of what really happens inside our mental-health system – and the toll it takes on those working within it.In this episode, recorded live at the Aye Write 2025 book festival in Glasgow, we explore the thin line between illness and ordinary life, how humour becomes a coping tool, and why some of our most familiar stories about "chemical imbalance" may be causing more harm than good.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio presenterJonny Campbell looks back on his early days in commercial radio, starting out at West FM and then Clyde 1, before making the jump from Clyde 1 to Capital Scotland.There’s funny chat and some discussion around accents, Tourette’s syndrome, the 90’s radio voice, and men dressing up in dresses for Beyonce tickets.The main reason for this conversation, however, was to discuss both the subject - and Jonny and his wife Kirsten’s experience - of miscarriage. They sadly endured three miscarriages, before the joy of welcoming their gorgeous baby daughter Molly in October of this year.It’s estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, but it’s one of the subjects that remains largely untouched when it comes to open conversation. My aim here is to hold out a loving embrace for whoever needs to hear it. Whether you or your partner, or someone else close to you, has experienced miscarriage, the emotion will run deep, and possibly remain deep within.Sometimes the first step to healing is the realisation that you’re not alone, even when it feels like you are. I hope – if you need it – that you get that from this chat between two daft Scottish guys who end up expressing a lot of love, care and emotion.Oh and you’ll also hear about the time I convinced my pal Keni that he was live on Real Radio back in 2007. That is absolutely worth waiting until the end for.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/miscarriage-information-and-support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.