The ScotsCare podcast - with Marcus Railton

In this episode of the ScotsCare Podcast, Marcus Railton is joined by JJ Chalmers – former Royal Marine, Invictus Games medallist and broadcaster – for an open conversation about resilience, identity and life after service. JJ discusses growing up in Edinburgh, the values instilled by his family, and the path that led him from university and the Royal Marine Cadets into active service in Afghanistan. He speaks candidly about the IED explosion in Helmand Province in 2011 that killed two of his comrades and left him seriously injured, and how military training helped him confront fear, pain and long-term disability. JJ reflects on recovery, mental health, and the support available to veterans today, as well as his transition into broadcasting, dealing with imposter syndrome, public scrutiny, and loss of privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this warm and engaging chat, actor Alison O’Donnell—known as Tosh in the BBC drama Shetland—joins Marcus Railton to talk about the twists and turns of her life and career. Alison reflects on growing up in Motherwell, briefly attempting a law degree, and ultimately following her passion for acting. She shares honest stories about the realities of early career life in London: constant house moves, temp jobs, and even working in a law firm’s basement while Shetland was broadcasting on TV.Alison discusses how the show has evolved over the years, from Douglas Henshall’s era to its new chapter with Ashley Jensen, and why Shetland’s landscape and community remain the show’s beating heart. She speaks warmly about her family’s connection to the islands—her children have grown up visiting, and Shetland now feels like a second home. They ask why has the show endured?The conversation also delves into parenting through the pandemic, the challenges of raising young children in isolation, and the balancing act of two creative careers. Alison talks about her partnership with her long‑term partner, and how they navigate work, childcare, and creative ambition together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Tait - Bringing Robert Burns to the WorldIn this special Burns episode, Marcus Railton sits down with Christopher Tait, Scotland’s leading Robert Burns performer—a man who has spent more than three decades bringing the Bard to life across the globe.Christopher first stepped into character as Burns in 1994, winning a national talent competition with his vivid portrayal of the poet’s life. Since then, his journey as Rabbie has taken him to 15 countries and 44 cities, from Seattle and Toronto to Dubai, Singapore, and London. He has fronted New York’s Tartan Day celebrations, shared a stage with the legendary Ronnie Corbett, and even came close to being arrested in Moscow after an impromptu performance in Red Square.His career highlights include fronting the Homecoming Scotland celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Burns’s birth, hosting the Ulster Orchestra Burns Concert, appearing on The Amazing Race, and helping schoolchildren stage a Burns Supper for BBC Scotland’s Cooking up Burns. His theatre work has also been captured by BBC Northern Ireland.Join Marcus and Christopher as they explore the universal appeal of Robert Burns, the adventures of performing Scotland’s national poet on the world stage, and the enduring magic that keeps the Bard’s words alive today.https://www.robertburns.live/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alistair Heather is a Scottish historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his passionate work promoting Scots language, history and culture. He’s a regular voice on radio and podcasts, often exploring identity, heritage, and social justice. Historic Ally's evident passion for his subject has made him a hit on social media, where he's pulled in millions of viewers to his quick sketches about interesting historic Scottish facts.Marcus and Alistair chat about how his social media success grew and blossomed, the darker parts of history, Scottish culture, background and identity, as well as a subject close to Alistair's heart - Scots language. Learn how it is a Germanic language, just like English and how pride and practice in the language and culture are in a healthy and growing place at the moment in Scotland. Many Scots question their place and identity in the world, and Alistair brings an honest positive viewpoint on what it is to be a Scot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Mina's debut novel Garnethill was a bestseller and won the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Award for best debut. It was followed by Exile and Resolution, completing a trilogy of novels featuring Maureen O’Donnell, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In this episode topics range from women in literature, success, empathy, image, social media and the effects of AI to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literary legend Sir Alexander McCall Smith joins the ScotsCare podcast to kick off series 3, with topics ranging from Scotland, community, positivity and negativity, advice, curiosity and writing, as well as the odd mention of ScotsCare! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Carse Wilson is an author and lifelong runner who uses exercise and nature to manage his mental health. Chris was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 40 and is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. He wrote his well received debut novel Fray in 15 minutes stints on his commute to work at the V&A Dundee, where he was part of the team that created the new museum. He didn't even tell his wife or family that he was writing a book! He chats to Marcus about how running helps him with his mental health, autism, writing, the endorsement of Alan Cumming and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a working class, humble background, to taking on the world in a global role as Managing Director of Events for The Drum, one of the world’s largest media and marketing platforms, Lynn Lester also runs the podcast From Working Class to World Class, interviewing some top names that have believed and worked hard, from humble origins to achieve some amazing things. From Clydebank to where she is today, she's learnt a few things, and shares her wisdom with Marcus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sanjeev chats about how his family moved from London to Glasgow when he was 3 and how the place has changed over the years, including his experience of being one of the few Asians in his school and neighbourhood. He talks about how he fell into a creative career, after studying Maths at University, and how he ended up playing Navid in the wonderful Still Game, as well as the other roles he has played to date.He also talks touchingly about his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease and preparing for the loss of a loved one.#thescotscarepodcast #podcast #charity #sanjeevkohli #stillgame Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two meter man from Anchorage, Alaska chats to Marcus about he ended up pursuing his acting career in Scotland, after a stint in London, and going viral with his smorgasboard of regional Scottish accents! Tyler talks about what it takes to be an actor, and how some end up famous, whilst the equally talented can be less lucky. Also, about how he met Limmy's challenge of doing a good Scottish accent despite being American!https://x.com/two_metre_man/status/1580225079920984066 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharon Small is a Scottish actress known for her work in film, radio, theatre, and television. Perhaps best known as Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, she is also known for her lead roles in Law & Order: UK, and most recently in the BBC thriller Nightsleeper. Hear how she grew up in Glasgow, and how she decided to become an actress and what it's like to work with David Tennant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the ScotsCare podcast, Marcus Railton sits down with Ruth Devlin, an educator specialising in the menopause. Despite being from Yorkshire, Ruth has lived in Scotland long enough to earn honorary Scot status, and her accent proves it. Ruth's work has been on Marcus's radar for a while, and their conversation covers a wide array of topics related to menopause, from symptoms to workplace policies and her book "Men, Let's Talk Menopause."Ruth shares her journey of setting up "Let's Talk Menopause" to provide accurate, evidence-based information to people across all sectors. They discuss the importance of raising awareness and the challenges of combating misinformation. Ruth explains the difference between perimenopause and menopause, detailing the physical and psychological symptoms that women may experience. They also delve into the role of celebrities like Davina McCall in breaking the taboo and the growing awareness of menopause in workplaces.The conversation touches on the need for more consistent and comprehensive education about menopause, both for women and men, and the importance of individualised care when it comes to treatments like HRT. Ruth's straightforward, no-nonsense approach and her ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging shine throughout the episode.Whether you're directly affected by menopause or just looking to understand it better, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.Useful links & resources:Women’s Health concern : https://lnkd.in/emdq4hFWMenopause Matters : www.menopausematters.co.ukLet’s Talk Menopause : https://lnkd.in/efMhxQk3Squeezy app : www.squeezyapp.comThe Eve Appeal: www.eveappeal.org.ukNHS inform: https://lnkd.in/eM9E86Rp Ruth is a registered nurse, an educator, a reflexologist & has training in cognitive behaviour therapy. She is the founder & MD of Let’s Talk Menopause, set up in 2012 working & collaborating across all sectors. She published the book Men…Let’s Talk Menopause. Additional resources:• BMS : www.thebms.org.uk• NICE guidelines : https://lnkd.in/gsVqeFDt• Jackie Lynch/Nutritionist : www.well-well-well.co.uk• Daisy Network : www.daisynetwork.org• Endometriosis UK : www.endometriosis-uk.org• The Royal Osteoporosis Society : theros.org.uk• PCOS : https://lnkd.in/gugWEMvA• PMS: www.pms.org.uk/• CBT self help guide : ‘Living Well Through The Menopause' & ‘Managing Hot flushes and Night sweats; A cognitive behavioural self-help guide to the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith: https://lnkd.in/eKyx3mJY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Gomez is a native Glaswegian that has starred in Green Wing, Doctor Who and more recently The Flight Attendant. She played Missy and the first female Master in Doctor Who, but her rise to supervillain and comedic great didn't come overnight. Working bar jobs and grafting eventually landed her the break out role in Green Wing and to working with talents such as Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat.She speaks with Marcus about her interesting family history, Glasgow by way of the Caribbean and Madeira, how she's become a naturalised American citizen, life in New York, Rebus, and how to deal with rejection and setbacks, which is par for the course as an actor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.