Apolitical - a Scottish politics podcast

In Episode 45 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Leaving the European Union with Tom Harris, the former Scottish Labour MP who is heading up Vote Leave Scotland.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Tom on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Leave vote; • The infamous £350m per week figure and what it means; • Whether people can really expect any savings resulting from a Leave vote to be invested in the NHS; • Additional powers that would accrue to Holyrood in the event of the UK leaving the EU; • How to make a moderate case in support of a cause backed by extremists; • Where changes to immigration could be made to benefit the UK after leaving the EU; • How the murder of Jo Cox relates to the referendum campaign and the challenges of campaigning sensitively in the wake of such an event; • Plans for the last few days of the campaign; and • Tom’s prediction for the outcome of the Referendum.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   The post #45: Leave: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 44 of Apolitical we discuss the case for Remaining in the European Union with Ross Greer MSP, the Scottish Greens’ spokesman on Europe and external affairs.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are: • His personal reasons for supporting a Remain vote; • Whether the EU’s treatment of Greece has damaged it; • How comfortable he is with standing for the same objective as senior Westminster Conservatives; • Whether the EU can be reformed; • How the EU benefits the environment and how it impacts Scotland’s fishing industry; • How the murder of Jo Cox relates to the referendum campaign and the challenges of campaigning sensitively in the wake of such an event; • Plans for the last few days of the campaign; and • Ross’ prediction for the outcome of the Referendum.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   The post #44: Remain: EU Referendum Special appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 43 of Apolitical we welcome the Guardian’s Scotland Correspondent, Libby Brooks, to the show. Libby is an established part of the Guardian team and has been based in Glasgow since the 2014 Independence referendum.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Libby on the podcast are: • The women who inspired her to get into journalism; • Her perceptions of political life in Scotland compared to London; • Recollections from writing her 2006 book, The Story of Childhood: Growing Up in Modern Britain; • Gender balance in Scottish political journalism and Scottish politics; • Political discourse in Scotland and in particular the term ‘ulsterisation’; • Online abuse received by female writers and by Libby in particular; • Deportation and covering the story of the Brain family; and • What makes her optimistic about life in Scotland today.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Libby’s Guardian piece on ‘Ulsterisation’ Libby on Twitter Libby in the Guardian The Story of Childhood: Growing Up in Modern Britain Harpies & Quines   The post #43: Libby Brooks appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 42 of Apolitical we welcome musician and writer Pat Kane to the show. A long-term supporter of Scottish independence, Pat – best known to many as half of the successful duo Hue & Cry – has been a prominent voice in the constitutional debate before, during and since the referendum campaign.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Pat on the podcast are: • The politics he was exposed to as a child; • His relationship with party politics; • Winning the role of Rector of the University of Glasgow; • The themes from his Rectorial Installation Address; • Whether he sees his music as political in nature; • How his Play Ethic theory relates to modern political expression; • Serving on the advisory board to Yes Scotland; • Whether the ‘Yes’ movement has crystallised in the SNP for a significant proportion of its participants; • The sustainability of crowdfunded new media once the current intense period of referenda and elections passes; and • How optimistic he is about Scotland’s prospects for independence.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Pat on Twitter (also here and here) Hue and Cry on Twitter The Play Ethic (see also: the Observer article that preceded the book) Pat’s Rectorial Installation Address Radical Animal Thoughtland Bella Caledonia Common Weal University of Glasgow   The post #42: Pat Kane appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 41 of Apolitical we welcome Jordan Daly from the TIE Campaign. After chatting with Jordan’s co-founder Liam Stevenson last year, we get an update on the campaign’s progress in 2016.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jordan on the podcast, recorded shortly before the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, are: • Developments in the campaign’s work since the start of the year; • The commitments made by various political parties to work with TIE; • What form that collaboration might take; • How TIE plan to keep political attention on the campaign’s goals from waning; • TIE’s plans for teacher training seminars; and • His hopes for the future of the campaign.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: TIE Campaign TIE on Twitter TIE on Facebook Jordan on Twitter   The post #41: Jordan Daly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 40 of Apolitical we are joined by Steven Purcell, formerly the Leader of Glasgow City Council, to discuss the outcomes from last week’s Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are: • Where do Scottish Labour go from here; • What are the causes of the Scottish Conservatives’ success; • Should the SNP be satisfied or disappointed with the outcome of the election; • Did the Scottish Greens have a good night or an underwhelming one; • Where do the Liberal Democrats stand now; • What happened to the 100,00+ people in Glasgow who voted SSP in 2003; and • What’s next for Scottish politics now the elections are over?   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Steven Purcell on Twitter Scottish Conservatives Scottish National Party Scottish Liberal Democrats Scottish Green Party Scottish Labour Glasgow City Council   The post #40: Election Review with Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 39 of Apolitical we welcome back Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn for more discussion of the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we look at some of our preferred policies and the best-case electoral scenario for each of the parties.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • Who is going to be the official opposition in the next Parliament; • Which policies we would like to see implemented; • What outcomes the parties can dream of before the votes are counted; • Where some of the key battlegrounds will be; and • Our predictions for the election result.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour Manifesto (released after recording) Scottish Liberal Democrats Manifesto Scottish Conservatives Manifesto UKIP Scotland Manifesto Scottish Communist Party Manifesto Women’s Equality Party Manifesto Scottish Greens Manifesto RISE Manifesto SNP Manifesto   The post #39: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 38 of Apolitical we welcome former guests Carolyn Scott, James McEnaney and Ian Dunn to discuss the parties contesting this year’s Scottish elections. In this episode we consider each party’s policy platform and look for the problems and challenges they are likely to face.     Amongst the topics we discuss on the podcast are: • The highlights of the fourth Scottish Parliament; • How the 2016 campaign has been going; • Policy platforms for all of the parties contesting the election; • Weaknesses, issues and problems that could hold each party back; and • Whether there is any prospect at all of the SNP failing to win a majority in May.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour Manifesto (released after recording) Scottish Liberal Democrats Manifesto Scottish Conservatives Manifesto UKIP Scotland Manifesto Scottish Communist Party Manifesto Women’s Equality Party Manifesto Scottish Greens Manifesto RISE Manifesto SNP Manifesto   The post #38: Holyrood Election Preview – Part 1 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 37 of Apolitical we welcome Darren McGarvey as our sixth guest of Season 2. Darren, also known as ‘Loki’, is a musician, activist and political writer from Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Darren on the podcast are: • How his politics and outlook were affected by the Independence Referendum campaign; • His early activism; • The response to his recent STV article on not voting SNP; • His concerns with the SNP’s pragmatic political approach; • Why he holds the SNP to a higher standard; • Thoughts on the concept of ‘independence first’; • His hopes for an cross-party anti-poverty commission; and • His outlook on Scotland’s political future.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Darren’s STV Article Darren on Twitter Darren’s music Darren’s blog   The post #37: Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 36 of Apolitical we welcome Robin McAlpine as our fifth guest of Season 2. Robin is the Director of Common Weal and has written for a variety of publications, including Bella Caledonia and CommonSpace, on a wide range of topics.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Robin on the podcast are: • His introduction to politics and political activism; • His time at Westminster, working for the Labour Party; • Losing his faith in the New Labour project; • The independence referendum campaign and how it changed things; • Common Weal and how it came about; • Where power lies and how to change that; • Progressive taxation; and • Where the independence movement stands today.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Common Weal Robin on Bella Caledonia Robin on CommonSpace   The post #36: Robin McAlpine appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 35 of Apolitical we welcome Naomi McAuliffe as our fourth guest of Season 2. Naomi is the head of Amnesty Scotland and has written for the Guardian and other publications.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Naomi on the podcast are: • Her history in political activism; • How the Scottish Government’s approach to Human Rights differs from the UK Government; • Whether Amnesty Scotland has noticed or benefitted from increased political engagement in Scotland; • The refugee crisis and what has been happening recently; • The present situation in Calais; • How asylum seekers are treated in Scotland; and • The UK Government’s manifesto commitment to replacing the Human Rights Act.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Naomi on Twitter Amnesty Scotland Amnesty International UK   The post #35: Naomi McAuliffe appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 34 of Apolitical we welcome Cat Boyd as our third guest of Season 2. Cat is the first candidate on the regional list for Glasgow for RISE, is a co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign and writes regularly for The National, CommonSpace and many other outlets.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Cat on the podcast are: • Her early introduction to politics; • What inspired her activism and how it developed during the referendum campaign; • Her political icons; • What RISE is and how it can be distinguished from other groups and from political parties; • Thoughts on setting the rate of Income Tax in Scotland; • Encountering and fighting mysogyny; and • Her outlook on Scotland’s future.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Cat on Twitter The Left Project RISE: Scotland’s Left Alliance Radical Independence Campaign The National CommonSpace Photo courtesy of CommonSpace/Cat Boyd   The post #34: Cat Boyd appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 33 of Apolitical we welcome Councillor Monica Lennon as our second guest of Season 2. Monica is a councillor for Hamilton North & East and is placed second on Scottish Labour’s list for the Central Scotland region at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Monica on the podcast, which was recorded prior to the results of Scottish Labour’s regional list selection being announced, are: • Her work as a councillor in Hamilton; • The high and low points of her time in that role so far; • Her assessment of Scottish Labour’s prospects at the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections; • Thoughts on Kezia Dugdale’s leadership and whether a bad election would threaten it; • Cuts to council budgets and what they mean; • Her involvement in Women 50:50; and • Her hopes for Scottish Labour’s future success.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Monica on Twitter Scottish Labour   The post #33: Cllr. Monica Lennon appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 32 of Apolitical we welcome back Angela Haggerty as our first guest of Season 2. Angela was also a guest early in Season 1 and joins us to discuss the fallout from her recent sacking as a Sunday Herald columnist.   Magnus Llewellin, Editor-in-Chief of the Herald Group of newpapers, was offered an opportunity to contribute to the show and his response is referenced during the interview. He also asked that we refer to this article in the Guardian, which reflects his position.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Angela on the podcast are: • The work she was doing for the Sunday Herald; • The impact of and response to that work; • Graham Spiers’ controversial column for the Herald that precipitated her dismissal; • The Herald Group’s position in respect of the matter; • Whether questions of freedom of speech or freedom of the press are relevant to this matter; • Criticisms she has received in relation to the matter; and • How this can lead to positive developments for Scottish journalism.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: The Herald’s apology Graham Spiers’ response to the apology Bella Caledonia’s report of Angela’s sacking Angela’s article on Bella Caledonia on this subject   The post #32: Angela Haggerty 2 appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 31 of Apolitical we speak with Liam Stevenson, a co-founder of the TIE Campaign which seeks to ensure that all schools in Scotland are offering an LGBTI+ inclusive education. We chat about how he came to be involved in the campaign; why TIE is necessary; and what lies ahead for the campaign.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Liam on the podcast are: • The aims of the TIE campaign; • Liam’s thoughts on the inspiration behind the campaign; • His introduction to politics and thoughts on why TIE is important; • Challenges faced by LGBTI+ kids on a daily basis; • What TIE has achieved so far and their goals for the coming months; • The inadequacy of the Scottish Government’s position on LGBTI+ issues; • The responsibility of being seen as speaking for a community he is not a part of; and • His hopes for the future of the TIE campaign and what can be realistically achieved.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: TIE Campaign Attitude‘s assessment of the SNP’s manifesto on LGBT issues TIE Campaign on Twitter   The post #31: Liam Stevenson appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 30 of Apolitical we look back on 2015 and forward to the new year in a special mini-episode. If there are any guests you want to see on the show please let us know, but more importantly let them know! We’re keen to speak to people from all of the political parties and from the Scottish political media, so get the suggestions coming!     Please join us in discussing any ideas you have for the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod and on Facebook.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Image © Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – 2012. Licensed under the Open Scottish Parliament Licence v1.0.     The post #30: Iain Bartholomew appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 29 of Apolitical we speak with Jeane Freeman OBE, a co-founder of Women for Independence and the SNP’s candidate for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley in the 2016 Holyrood elections. We chat about her journey from the Labour party to the SNP; the potential impact of tax credits reform; TTIP; and the election campaign ahead.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jeane on the podcast are: • Her involvement in student politics; • Joining the Labour party and her role as senior political advisor to First Minister Jack McConnell; • When she determined that independence was in Scotland’s best interests; • Joining the SNP and her candidacy for Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley; • Her thoughts on the tax credits reform proposed by George Osborne and the Conservative government; • Reflections on Scottish Labour’s response and thoughts on the SNP’s approach to the issue; • Revisiting her BBC interview with Andrew Neil during the referendum campaign on TTIP; • Her present views on TTIP and whether it is still a threat; • Early canvassing and the current lie of the land in Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley; and • Her hopes for the next session of the Scottish Parliament.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Women for Independence Jeane’s Election Crowdfunder Jeane on Twitter   The post #29: Jeane Freeman OBE appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 28 of Apolitical we speak with Jen Stout, a co-ordinator of the Scottish Land Action Movement. We chat about her interest in land reform, what it could mean for the people of Scotland and try to understand what constitutes a “Mugabe-style land grab”.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jen on the podcast are: • What the Scottish Land Action Movement is; • Whether land reform is an issue that primarily interests the Left; • If Land Reform and Scottish Independence are inextricably linked issues; • Whether the SNP leadership has an appetite for genuinely radical land reform measures; • A reflection on land reform measures implemented in Zimbabwe and how – if at all- they are reflected in proposals for Scotland; • Whether she has sympathy for the perspective of land owners who perceive their property rights to be under threat; • Concerns that community groups may lack the resources to maintain land and property to the same standards as private owners; • Whether a Land Value Tax is regressive; • How land reform could affect urban areas; and • How people interested in land reform can contribute to the debate.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Land Action Movement Jen Stout on Common Space Jen on Twitter   The post #28: Jen Stout appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 27 of Apolitical we speak with Steven Purcell, formerly a Labour Councillor and the Leader of Glasgow City Council. We chat about his time as Leader, the present situation faced by Scottish Labour and what an SNP-led council would mean for the city of Glasgow.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Steven on the podcast are: • His early interest in politics and the politicians that inspired him; • The roles he held on Glasgow City Council and his rapid progression to Leader; • His parliamentary ambitions; • The truth behind allegations of gangland influence on Council decisions; • The end of his time as Leader and whether there are any prospects of a political comeback; • How SNP-led councils could affect the relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities after the 2017 local elections; • Labour’s prospects of retaining control of Glasgow City Council in that election; • The strategy he’d deploy were he Labour Leader in Glasgow today; • Whether Councillors should be full-time positions and how that would affect the level of available talent and voter engagement with local politics; and • His diagnosis and analysis of the present state of play for Scottish Labour.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Steven Purcell on Twitter Scottish Labour Glasgow City Council   The post #27: Steven Purcell appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 26 of Apolitical we speak with Anas Hassan, a pharmacist and writer who recently missed out on selection to the SNP regional list for for Mid Scotland and Fife. In a chat recorded prior to that vote we discuss Anas’ political background and his views on SNP policy.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Anas on the podcast are: • His move to SNP politics; • His thoughts on traditional right:left politics; • Thoughts on homeopathy; • Why his Twitter account is labelled “Official”; • His feelings about certain SNP policies; • Moratoriums and bans and how to decide which applies where; and • His outlook on the future for Scottish politics.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Anas Hassan on Twitter Anas’ blog Anas on Common Space   The post #26: Anas Hassan appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 25 of Apolitical we speak with James McEnaney, an educator and writer who contributes a regular column to Common Space. We chat about diversity in the ‘Yes’ movement; the impact of Jeremy Corbyn’s election on Scottish politics; and the Scottish education system.     Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • His initial introduction to politics; • Party politics and political activism; • His writing background and how he came to write for Common Space; • Whether the Yes movement has remained intact since 2014’s referendum; • The SNP dominance of pro-independence politics and whether that is a good thing; • Divisive issues facing independence supporters; • Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Labour leader and how that impacts on Scottish politics; and • What the biggest issues with the Scottish education system are and how to address them.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: James McEnaney on Twitter James’ blog Common Space   The post #25: James McEnaney appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 24 of Apolitical we speak with David Torrance, the political writer and journalist known for his biographies of Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon and for his regular television appearances. We chat about his work; the scope of political debate in the UK; and his current take on the constitutional situation in Scotland.     Amongst the topics we discuss with David on the podcast are: • His time as a card-carrying member of a political party; • The choices that have led to his working with a wide variety of publishers and media outlets; • Why he prefers to call himself a journalist than a commentator; • Whether the scope of political debate in the UK is artificially limited; • The reasons for restricting “acceptable” opinion; • Where he sees the independence movement today; • Whether the moment for independence has passed; and • The political highlights he anticipates in the year ahead.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: David Torrance’s Website Birlinn Biteback Publishing David in the Herald David in the Scotsman David on Twitter   The post #24: David Torrance appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book.     Amongst the topics we discuss with John on the podcast are: • His interest in politics and how it led to a career in journalism; • Starting his professional life at the Sunday Post and his dreams of working at the Evening Times; • How he made the leap into broadcast journalism; • Life at the BBC as a young newsman; • The fascinating story behind his switch to STV; • Highlights of his broadcasting career; • The inspiration behind Notes of a Newsman; • Covering Scotland’s independence referendum and his favourite moment of the campaign; • A remarkable close-quarters encounter with a shirtless Alex Salmond; •The uncertain future for political journalism in Scotland; and • The events he expects to make headlines in the year ahead.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: STV News Scotland Tonight John MacKay on Twitter Buy Notes of a Newsman Buy John’s novels   The post #23: John MacKay appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 22 of Apolitical we speak with Christopher Silver, a writer and film-maker who has authored a book titled The Case for a Scottish Media, available soon. We chat about his thoughts on the traditional Scottish media and where he thinks improvements are required.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Christopher on the podcast are: • His early exposure to politics; • The appeal of issue- and community-based politics in comparison with party politics; • Reflections on the Referendum period; • How he sees the present state of the Scottish media; • Progress on his book and whether it will be out soon; • What the book seeks to do; • Distinguishing between mainstream and ‘alternative’ media; • Financing news media in Scotland; •Why the overwhelming majority of ‘alternative’ media comes from a pro-independence background; and • How he sees Scotland’s media developing in the coming years.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Christopher Silver’s website Christopher Silver on Twitter The Case for a Scottish Media Crowdfunder 2 minute manifesto   The post #22: Christopher Silver appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 21 of Apolitical we speak with Jack McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland who now represents Labour in the House of Lords as Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale. We chat about his time as First Minister; his thoughts on House of Lords reform; the prospects for Scottish Labour; and his international development work.   Apologies for the sound issues on this episode – we hope they don’t detract from your enjoyment of the conversation.   Amongst the topics we discuss with Jack on the podcast are: • The path that brought him to active politics and the Labour Party; • How he feels about the process Labour have chosen to select their new UK leader; • Whether Scottish Labour have made a good choice of leader in Kezia Dugdale; • His thoughts on reforming the House of Lords; • His intense year as Education Minister at Holyrood; • How he tried to replace Donald Dewar and ultimately replaced Henry McLeish as leader; • His memories of five years as Scotland’s First Minister; and • The development and peace-making projects he is involved with around the world.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour The McConnell International Foundation Jack McConnell on Twitter The post #21: Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 20 of Apolitical we speak with David Clegg, the Daily Record’s Political Editor and reigning Scottish Political Journalist of the Year. We chat about his work; the Daily Record’s decision to endorse Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour Party leadership; the challenges facing traditional media outlets as they adapt to developing technology and changing consumer behaviours; and his experiences covering the Referendum and General Election over the past couple of years – including a look at “The Vow”.     Amongst the topics we discuss with David on the podcast are: • The career path that brought him to the Daily Record; • How the Record came to be endorsing Jeremy Corbyn; • What that decision means for the paper’s approach if another candidate is successful; • Whether the prospect of conflict between Kezia Dugdale and Corbyn is appealing; • The challenges facing traditional media outlets with the decline in newspaper circulation; • His feelings on social media and the value of Twitter as a journalistic tool; • His memories of covering the Referendum and how the General Election campaign felt different; and • Whether the “Vow” has achieved what the Record hoped it would.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Daily Record David Clegg’s Articles at the Record The Vow Record declares for Corbyn David Clegg on Twitter Dundee Courier The post #20: David Clegg appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 19 of Apolitical we speak with Councillor David Meikle, the sole Conservative representative on Glasgow City Council. We chat about his political background; the Scottish Conservatives’ prospects at Holyrood; and the controversial tale of selection to the Conservative regional list for Glasgow at the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with David on the podcast are: • His initial interest in politics; • The values and policies that drew him to the Conservative Party; • His personal political ambitions; • How Ruth Davidson came to top the regional list for Glasgow at the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections; • What prospects the Scottish Conservatives have for success at Holyrood; • How the party rebounds from their lowest vote share in living memory at the 2015 General Election; • Upcoming changes at Glasgow City Council and what they mean; and • Whether Scotland’s place in the Union is secure.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Conservatives David Meikle’s website David Meikle on Twitter Glasgow City Council The post #19: Cllr. David Meikle appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 18 of Apolitical we speak with Carolyn Scott who is a writer, presenter and producer on NewsShaft and a founder of News Scotland CIC. We chat about ‘new media’, News Scotland CIC’s programming and her interest in issue-based politics.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Carolyn on the podcast are: • Her introduction to political activism; • Whether she has ambitions of a career in politics; • The genesis of News Scotland CIC; • The strengths of developing ‘new media’ sources in Scotland; • The benefits and drawbacks of online-only media; • Why News Scotland didn’t eventually launch a Scottish digital TV channel; • What ‘new media’ offers that traditional media doesn’t; • Sustainable funding models for ‘new media’; • NewsShaft and other News Scotland CIC projects; • Her approach to issue-based politics and whether causes are being overwhelmed by the independence movement; • The case for electoral reform at Westminster; and • Her assessment of the future for ‘new media’ and News Scotland CIC.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: News Scotland CIC NewsShaft website NewsShaft podcast Carolyn Scott on Twitter Carolyn’s columns on NewsShaft NewsShaft on Twitter The post #18: Carolyn Scott appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 17 of Apolitical we speak with Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for Europe and International Development in the Scottish Government. We chat about his meteoric rise as a politician; the migration crisis in Calais; faith in politics and the way Scotland’s International Development budget is used.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Humza on the podcast are: • His exposure to politics as a youth; • How the US Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program changed his views on America; • What convinced him of the case for Scottish independence; • His political icons and role models; • The ramifications of focusing Scotland’s aid budget on a narrow group of nations; • What impact the treatment Greece is receiving from its EU partners has had on his pro-EU stance; • Why the UK needs to do more to help refugees and asylum seekers; • The Scottish Government’s position in relation to immigration and migration; • The influence his faith has on his politics; • Whether his career has been aided or hindered on account of his faith; and • His assessment of where the case for and chances of Scottish independence stand right now.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Humza Yousaf’s website Humza Yousaf on Twitter The SNP Scottish Government IVLP Malawi Development Programme The post #17: Humza Yousaf MSP appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 16 of Apolitical we speak with Fraser Stewart, a CommonSpace columnist, about the financial crisis in the Eurozone, with particular focus on Greece, Syriza and their recent negotiations with the EC/ECB/IMF ‘Troika’.     Among the topics we touch on with Fraser on the podcast are: • His own politics and his perspective on the crisis; • Syriza’s credentials as a legitimately radical party of government; • The negotiations between the Greek government and their creditors; • The human impact of austerity politics; • Other Eurozone countries who could face issues with debt and repayment in the coming years; • How the Greek scenario affects the way Scots view the European Union; • How that affects the theoretical prospect of an independent Scotland considering membership; and • What impact the hardline negotiations with Greece will have on the radical left in the UK as they consider their campaigning position for the in/out referendum.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Fraser Stewart on Twitter CommonSpace Fraser Stewart: After Greece we can be sure of one thing on UK and Euro austerity – something has to give (CommonSpace) Fraser Stewart: Greece is part of a bigger political shift, and Scotland has a role to play (CommonSpace) Fraser Stewart: Austerity Europe v The People (Bella Caledonia) Academic criticism of Syriza Academic support for Syriza New Statesman interview with Yanis Varoufakis The post #16: Fraser Stewart appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 15 of Apolitical we speak with James Cook, until recently the Scotland Correspondent and now Los Angeles Correspondent for BBC News. We chat about his experiences covering the Independence Referendum in 2014 and the General Election in 2015; allegations of bias in BBC reporting; and the things he’ll miss about Scottish politics when he heads to California.     Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • His interest in politics on a personal level; • What Los Angeles holds in store for him; • How the Referendum and 2015 Election campaigns differed from what had gone before; • Highlights from covering those campaigns; • Allegations of bias in the BBC’s reporting and where he thinks they could have done better; • First-hand recollections from Gordon Brown’s bigot-gate episode in 2010; • The politicians he’s found easiest and hardest to work with; and • The things he will (and won’t) miss about covering Scottish politics.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: BBC News BBC Scotland James Cook on Twitter The Big, Big Debate “Absolute chaos” in St. Enoch Square! The post #15: James Cook appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 14 of apolitical we speak with George Foulkes, the former Labour MP and MSP who now sits in the House of Lords as a life peer. We chat about his early involvement with politics; his views on Iraq, including the morality of regime change and where he believes criticism is due; the challenges facing Labour in Scotland; and his original definition of the term ‘cybernats’.     Amongst the topics we discuss with George on the podcast are: • What drew him to politics and to Labour in particular; • The highlights of his long career as a parliamentarian; • His biggest regrets from his time in Parliament; • Whether he still believes supporting the war in Iraq was the right choice; • The major aspect of that conflict he believes is open to valid criticism; • Who he supports for the leadership and deputy leadership of Labour in Scotland and in the UK; • The challenges facing Labour in Scotland; and • The original definition of “cybernats” (you might be surprised by this one…).   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour Party Labour Party George Foulkes’ Blog George Foulkes on Twitter Chilcot Inquiry The post #14: Lord Foulkes of Cumnock appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 13 of Apolitical we speak with Jamie Szymkowiak, ambassador for the One in Five campaign. We chat about the campaigns goals and ambitions; their success so far; and the measures they think will make a difference in the future.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Jamie on the podcast are: • Why the One in Five campaign was set up; • What the campaign hopes to achieve; • Issues affecting participation of disabled people in politics; • The early success the campaign has enjoyed; • Measures that can be taken to encourage more disabled people in politics to be open about their conditions; and • The campaign’s prospects for long-term success.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: One in Five Jamie Szymkowiak on Twitter One in Five on Facebook One in Five on Twitter The post #13: One in Five appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 12 of apolitical we speak with Tommy Sheridan, Co-convener of the Solidarity Party and a former MSP. We chat about his grounding in activist politics; his role in the anti-poll tax movement; Donald Dewar’s secret, last-ditch attempt to retain warrant sales; the rise and fall of socialist politics in the Scottish parliament; the fallout from his courtroom battles; and his hopes for the future.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Tommy on the podcast are: • The political example his mother set to him as a child; • His early forays into activism at Stirling University; • His favourite Miliband; • Experiences from the anti-poll tax movement; • His greatest achievement as a Parliamentarian; • Donald Dewar’s secret efforts to retain warrant sales and poindings in Scotland; • Concerns about swearing an oath to the crown; • The reasons behind the SSP’s loss of all six MSPs at the 2007 Holyrood elections; • The effect his court cases had on that decline; • Why a public pharmaceutical service could make a big difference to Scotland; • The platform Solidarity are standing on at next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections; • Trusting the Scottish electorate; and • His hopes for the future of Scottish politics.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Solidarity Hope over Fear Tommy Sheridan on Twitter John Maclean The post #12: Tommy Sheridan appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 11 of Apolitical we speak with Terry Anderson, a cartoonist who put together The Auld Acquaintance, a referendum-themed exhibition. We chat about Terry’s political involvement; the exhibition; freedom of speech; and future prospects for Scottish political cartoonists.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Terry on the podcast are: • Challenges facing cartoonists around the world; • His The Auld Acquaintance exhibition; • The Charlie Hebdo murders and the surrounding issues; • Freedom of Speech and the right to offend; • The weaponisation of cartoons; and • The collective prospects for political cartoonists in Scotland.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Terry Anderson’s website Terry Anderson on Twitter The Auld Acquaintance exhibition See The Auld Acquaintance in 2015 Scottish Cartoon Art Studio Scottish Artists Union Cartoonist Rights Network International Charlie Hebdo The post #11: Terry Anderson appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 10 of apolitical we speak with Colin Fox, National co-spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party and a former MSP. We chat about his introduction to politics and activism; his disenchantment with the Scottish Labour Party; the decline in support for the SSP over the past decade; and what the future holds for the Left in Scotland.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Colin on the podcast are: • His introduction to politics as a young man; • The challenge of being a socialist in the Scottish Labour Party; • Progressing from Labour to a separate Socialist platform; • His political icon; • Whether a Socialist party has any relevance to 21st century politics; • What the alliance between the SSP and the Left Project is and what it means; • Where the two groups differ; • What caused the SSP’s decline in fortunes after the 2003 Holyrood elections; • The impact of Tommy Sheridan’s libel action and subsequent trial for perjury on the SSP; • How to distinguish between the parties on the Left in Scotland; and • What he sees as the biggest issue in Scottish politics today.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Socialist Party SSP Podcast Scottish Left Project 2003 Holyrood Election The post #10: Colin Fox appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 9 of apolitical we speak with Ian Dunn, Deputy Editor of the Scottish Catholic Observer and a columnist with CommonSpace. We chat about the part religion plays in politics; the influence of the Catholic Church on the voting habits of its adherents; and his challenging views on the difficulties facing the SNP in the future.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ian on the podcast are: • His involvement in politics as a youth; • His reasons for writing about Scottish politics; • The extent to which his faith informs his politics; • Policies or parties that are incompatible with a Catholic faith; • Separation of church and state; • Why it’s all downhill from here for the SNP; and • His thoughts on the future for Scottish politics.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Catholic Observer Ian Dunn on CommonSpace – Is this the high water mark of Scottish Nationalism? Ian Dunn on Twitter The post #9: Ian Dunn appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 8 of apolitical we speak with Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Green Party and prospective candidate for the Glasgow Kelvin constituency in 2016’s Scottish Parliament elections. We chat about Patrick’s grounding in Green politics, his prospects in the Holyrood elections and what distinguishes the Scottish Greens from other parties of the left.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Patrick on the podcast are: • His earliest political influences; • The political figures that inspire him; • Why he thinks he stands a chance of winning in Glasgow Kelvin; • Whether the Scottish Greens are a party of socialism; • How to distinguish between the parties on the left of Scotland’s political spectrum; • The benefits of crowdfunding for candidates and political parties; • Why the constitutional question remains the biggest issue in Scottish politics today; and • What the future holds for the Scottish Green Party.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Harvie for Kelvin Patrick Harvie MSP Scottish Green Party Patrick Harvie on Twitter Patrick’s crowdfunding campaign The post #8: Patrick Harvie MSP appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 7 of apolitical we speak with Angela Haggerty, Editor of CommonSpace, a new media news service created by the Common Weal think tank. We chat about political journalism in Scotland, threats to freedom of speech and Angela’s experiences with criminal levels of abuse on social media.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Angela on the podcast are: • Her time as a teenage political activist; • Why she chose to work in political journalism; • Where CommonSpace differs from traditional media outlets; • Whether there are too many male editors in the Scottish political media; • Freedom of Speech issues faced by journalists in Scotland; • The challenges of criticising the SNP when your readership is largely supportive of the party; • The effect of criminally abusive behaviour on social media; and • Her concerns about the lack of progress made to tackle this kind of abuse in recent years.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: CommonSpace Angela Haggerty on Twitter Common Weal Comparison of journalist and PR figures The post #7: Angela Haggerty appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 6 of apolitical – recorded prior to the General Election – we speak with Cllr. Paul Kelly, a Scottish Labour councillor for Motherwell who was Frank Roy’s election agent during the 2015 Election. Outwith a dicey election prediction, we chat about local government, Jim Murphy’s leadership and why he can’t see Labour working with the SNP.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Paul on the podcast are: • The impact of the Ravenscraig closure on his political views; • The Labour figures he views as role models; • His predictions ahead of the 2015 General Election; • How he sees the health of Scottish Labour more generally; • Whether Scottish Labour is hampered by being seen as a party of Unionism; • How to tackle child poverty in Scotland; • Why there is no room for co-operation between Scottish Labour and the SNP; and • His views on local government and what changes can be made to deliver better outcomes on a local level.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour Frank Roy North Lanarkshire Labour Ravenscraig Steelworks Cllr Paul Kelly on Twitter The post #6: Cllr Paul Kelly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 5 of apolitical we speak with James Kelly, a political blogger and amateur psephologist, about the value and nature of opinion polls, what they taught us about the 2015 General Election campaign and what we can look forward to in terms of polls for the next year or two.     Amongst the topics we discuss with James on the podcast are: • The origins of his interest in politics; • The surprising reason he started his blog and where its name came from; • Events that shaped the polls in the 2015 General Election campaign; • The relative value of opinion polls and political betting markets; and • How he devises his trademark alliterative blog titles.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scotgoespop James Kelly on Twitter New Statesman May2015 The post #5: James Kelly appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 4 of apolitical we speak with Gillian Martin, an SNP activist and North East Scotland Exec for Women for Independence about gender equality in Scottish politics and the increasing importance placed on individual party leaders over policy and local candidates at UK Elections.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Gillian on the podcast are: • Inheriting political activism from her father; • Supporting quotas for all-female shortlists; • The politics of personalities and the impact of televised debates; • Her own political ambitions; and • What she learned from watching her political role-model.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Gillian’s blog – The Misssy M Misssives Gillian on Twitter Women for Independence Indy Quines blog   The post #4: Gillian Martin appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 3 of apolitical we speak with Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens’ Head of Development, about his political background, what drew him to the Greens and what he hopes to achieve in politics. We discuss the development of the Scottish Greens and their future prospects along with a range of other issues.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ross on the podcast are: • How he became politicised and what his early motivations were; • Tactical voting and its impact on his prospects at the 2015 General Election; • His views on First Past the Post, Alternative Vote and other potential electoral systems; • Developing the popular perception of the Greens as more than a single-issue Party; • His thoughts on how important Scottish independence is to the Scottish Greens; and • The importance of addressing economic inequality in Scotland.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Greens Ross Greer on Twitter Greenpeace UK   The post #3: Ross Greer appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 2, apolitical spoke with Natalie McGarry to discuss her politicised childhood, the 2015 General Election campaign and the benefits & perils of using social media as a politically active individual. In this Episode you will learn a little more about the background and motivations of the challenger for Margaret Curran’s Glasgow East constituency and her hopes for Glasgow’s – and Scotland’s – future.     Amongst the topics we discuss with Ms. McGarry on the podcast are: • Why she wants to represent Glasgow East at Westminster; • How working in Women for Independence helped her overcome a lifelong fear; • The lessons she’s learned from making mistakes on Social Media; • How to work towards gender equality in Scottish politics; • What the SNP hope to achieve at Westminster in the next Parliament; and • The human impact of austerity and poverty.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Women for Independence Natalie McGarry website Natalie McGarry on Twitter Natalie’s campaign Facebook page   The post #2: Natalie McGarry appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 1, apolitical sat down with Duncan Hothersall to discuss his political roots, heroes and ambitions. For anyone familiar only with Duncan’s high-volume, opinionated and occasionally confrontational Twitter contributions here is an opportunity to decide whether that persona is a true representation. Duncan is a member of the Scottish Fabians, chair of the constituency Labour Party for Edinburgh South and is a high profile activist for Scottish Labour.     Amongst the topics Hothersall discusses on the podcast are: • How many Labour MPs will survive the General Election; • His ambitions for a future in politics and elected office; • How political activism led to his involvement in party politics; • The impact of Social Media on Scottish politics; and • The reaction from inside Labour to his Twitter activities.   Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.   View our house rules for commenting here.   Show Links: Scottish Labour Scottish Fabians Duncan Hothersall on Twitter Ian Murray MP The post #1: Duncan Hothersall appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

Welcome to apolitical, a politics podcast featuring interviews with figures from all points on the Scottish and UK political spectrum.     As the name suggests, we will be taking a balanced approach and strive to treat every guest fairly. That said, we strongly encourage discussion of the points our guests raise and will be promoting that here on the website and also on social media.   We are looking for suggestions to help put the show together, so if you have a great idea for a potential guest please let us know.   Where possible we will announce upcoming guests in advance and invite listeners to submit questions for them. We can’t use them all, but we will make time for as many as possible.   We hope you enjoy the show and look forward to receiving your feedback. You can find us on twitter at @apoliticalpod, over on our Facebook page or you can join in with the comments here on the website.   Image © Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – 2012. Licensed under the Open Scottish Parliament Licence v1.0.   The post Welcome to apolitical! appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.