Sarah Wylie, In Conversation

Happy first SWIC episode of 2026!Sarah starts her New Year series chatting tobusiness women & fashionista Nadia Alexander! They chat Robert Burns Day memories, Nadia’s love of tartan, what she learned about herself in her job as a career, stepping into the beauty business, how she opened the first Holland Cooper franchise on Multrees Walk, starting her own brand Nadia Alexander & owning one of the few uk manufacturers and so much more. This programme was also broadcast on Speysound Radio.

On the final episode of SWIC, season 6, Sarah got to chat to Skipper & Owner of Bessie Ellen, Nikki Alford.Nikki takes us into her world at sea, from spending a summer on her Aunt & Uncles boat at 16 to sharing stories of cooking & enjoying food from around the world. They talk the wonder of nature, Nikki’s favourite sea birds & finding grounding at sea. They discover they are both dreamers and Nikki’s dream to own Bessie Ellen was fulfilled on her 30th birthday. Bessie Ellen is now home & many others join Nikki on life changing voyages too.This programme is sponsored by The Old Post Office Cafe Gallery.

On this week’s episode, Sarah got to chat to the incredibly talented accordionist, composer, event creator & founding member of Manrán, Gary Innes.They chat Gary’s 20 Year Road Trip Tour with fellow instrumentalist, friend & brother, Ewan Henderson. They go back to when Gary first picked up the accordion, his life growing up in Spean Bridge, founding the renowned band Manrán to performing at Carnagie Hall in New York.Gary is not afraid to take risks & this is shown throughout his music career & his desire to see traditional music reach new audiences resulting in the success of the event he created Hoolie in the Hydro.He has been described as, ‘a jack of all trades & master of all’ by BBC Radio Two’s Mark Radcliffe and this is rightly so. SWIC is sponsored by The Old Post Office Cafe Gallery.

On SWIC this week Sarah got to chat to Highlands based, Multidisciplinary Artist, Claire Macdonald.Claire & Sarah discover a mutual love of theatre & song. This joy Claire found on stage led her to a career behind the scenes as a scenic designer. They chat the importance art has in bringing people together, how it enhances well being & Claire’s love of collaboration too. Claire’s extensive skill set has become her usb enabling her to take on many exciting and diverse projects. She is not afraid to try new things and has a refreshing outlook on the unknowns of the artists way. An episode not to be missed. SWIC is sponsored by the Old Post Cafe Gallery

On this weeks episode of SWIC Sarah had the privilege of chatting to international singing sensation & MD of the Highland Voices Gospel Choir, Tony Henry.They chat his upbringing in St Albans, training at Ballet Rambert, discovering his singing voice at 28, being the voice of Arsenal, singing to royalty, his desire to inspire others, his time as MD with Highland Voices Gospel choir and stepping out into the unknown of a new music adventure. Tony’s ‘can do’ attitude & invaluable insights leave a lasting impact.This episode is sponsored by The Old Post Office Cafe Gallery.

Foodies this is for you!For this episode of SWIC Sarah is delighted to be able to chat to coordinator of Kingussie Food on Film Festival, award winning chef and owner of The Cheese Neuk, Lydie Bocquillon.They chat growing up in France, Lydie’s classic culinary training in Burgundy, working as a chef in top London hotels, her love of fine dining, moving to Kingussie, food styling for Monarch of the Glen, The Auld Alliance to The Cheese Neuk & ofcourse her role in next weeks Kingussie Food on Film Festival.Sarah got to enjoy one of Lydie’s amazing cheese platters while they chatted too.SWIC is sponsored by Old Post Office Cafe Gallery

For the last episode of the season & the last one of the year. Sarah gets to chat to social justice activist, storyteller & founder of Strathspey Storywalks , Sarah Hobbs.In celebration of the winter season they talk festive memories, Sarah Hobbs treats us to a folk tale, they chat putting roots down in the Cairngorms, Sarah’s unexpected delve into storytelling, what drives her, telling untold stories and enjoying the beauty around us.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s episode of SWIC Sarah gets to chat to award winning chef, cookbook author & founder of the Mountain Cafe & KJs Bothy Bakery, Kirsten Gilmour. (KJ) KJ & Sarah chat the value of eating together, her upbringing in New Zealand, the key role her grandparents played in her life, finding solace in food, working in Michelin star restaurants, mentors & founding the beloved Mountain cafe & KJs Bothy Bakery.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

‘ If she can do it, then I can do it’ A favourite quote of this week’s guest.On this episode of SWIC Sarah gets to chat to cold water swimming expert, long distance swimmer and founder of SwimWild, Alice Goodridge. Alice & Sarah chat swimming the English Channel, forging deep friendships cold water swimming, setting up SwimWild, tips for cold winter dips, Alice’s amazing illustrations and her exciting new projects.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s episode of SWIC Sarah had the delight of chatting to bestselling cookbook author, baker & tv presenter, The Hebridean Baker - Coinneach Macleod. Coinneach & Sarah talk his current book tour, his latest cookbook ‘ The Scottish Cookbook’, keeping folklore stories alive, the Gaelic language, dúthchas, what drives his baking and brand new tv series The Hebridean Baker - Nordic Islands! This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s episode of Sarahs gets to chat to crofter & one half of ‘the girls’ from Lynbreck Croft, Lynn Cassells. On the approach to there ten year anniversary as guardians of Lynbreck, Lynn & Sarah chat her and Sandra’s shared dream, a sense of calling, starting out as farming novices, there vision for other aspiring crofters, valuable life lessons and finding a greater sense of self. www.lynbreckcroft.co.ukThis programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

Sarah Wylie In Conversation is back for Season 5 & Sarah has a wonderful winter series for you. Her first guest is chef, food writer, broadcaster & supper club host Sarah Rankin. Sarah Rankin has just launched her second cookbook ‘Feast’ & they got to talk all about it. Sarah & Sarah also chat the love language of food, sourcing locally, connecting with your community, celebrating Scottish produce, Sarah’s time on Masterchef & current book tour. Foodies you do not want to miss this episode!This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On the final episode of this season of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah had the absolute delight of chatting to yoga teacher, menopause yoga teacher & founder of Sauna Cairngorms, Linda Olds( Thain ).What a perfectly timed episode to end this Season on! Linda & Sarah recorded on a stunning sunny evening over looking loch Insh! Sarah & Linda chat being a country girl, Linda’s world travels, life at art college, painting her way around Australia, the rewards of teaching, finding yoga and her AMAZING sauna business set on the shores of the loch. This episode was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s, Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah had the privilege of chatting to acclaimed writer & creative writing teacher Linda Cracknell.Sarah & Linda chat her involvement in the Edinburgh book festival, the adventures she had in her back garden as a child, the impact the rhythm of walking has on us, Linda’s writing process, the Bessie Ellen & the exciting launch of her NEW novel ‘Sea Marked - Throwing a line to a coastal past.’

On this week’s episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah gets to chat to singer, songwriter, vocal arranger and founder of Get Gospel, Jules Rendell.Sarah and Jules chat mutual friends, her singing talent being recognised as a child, how her faith changed her music trajectory, her incredible versatility, working with major artists, founding Get Gospel & celebrating the artist’s journey. This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation Sarah gets to do her first outside recording & chat to documentary photographer and videographer, Ed Smith.Sarah & Ed chat Ed’s exciting new year long project documenting the river Spey, how rivers connect us, belonging, his previous life as a world class kayaker, stepping into photo journalism & telling stories through his art. This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

On this week’s episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah gets to chat to freelance broadcaster, event host & voiceover artist Claire McCollum.Sarah first met Claire on the set of BBC Songs of Praise when Claire was interviewing award winning nature writer & previous guest, Merryn Glover. Then, they were shivering, filming on the Cairngorms. Fast forward a year on and they were recording in the warmth of there homes.Sarah & Claire chat falling in love with reporting as a child, the integral part her Dad played in her career choice, happy accidents, Claire the rugby player, 30 years in broadcasting, style, and the importance of being yourself. This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

Sarah Wylie In Conversation is back for Season 4!This week Sarah gets to revisit her love of dance and chat to founder & principal teacher of Cairngorm School of Dance, Heather Cooney.Sarah & Heather talk growing up in dance, Heathers 11 year dance career, touring the world, choreographing for the 2024 Paralympics, discovering a love of teaching & being an advocate for dance for all. This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

In the final Episode of Season 3 Sarah has the delight of chatting to award winning writer, communicator, co founder of The Storylands Sessions, & treasured friend, Merryn Glover. Sarah & Merryn chat exciting events at Pitlochry Theatre, Merryn’s upbringing in Nepal, the importance of dreaming & birthing a dream, finding play, her acclaimed novel ‘The Hidden Fires’, Loch Insh Old Kirk, thin places and finding home.‘My friends have told the story of my life’ Helen Keller This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.95d0c29a3993a0ebdf71ba44f8cc893318460686

On the penultimate episode of season 3 of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah gets to reminisce her acting days and chat to founder & director of BBB Talent Agency, Iain Wilkie.Iain’s energy is infectious. Sarah & Iain chat the pilot of his new tv series, finding himself while on set of The OutLaw King, being asked to start BBB Talent Agency, putting Scotland on the industry map and finding freedom from life’s noise being a supporting artist.This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio 107.1fm.

On this week’s episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, I had the privilege of chatting to naturalist, ornithologist & much loved ranger of the Cairngorms National Park, Duncan Macdonald. Duncan & I talk growing up in the countryside, getting absorbed in bird books as a child, taking a detour into ornithology, being a nature evangelist, doing what you love & learning to be in the momentThis programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

On this week’s episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah had the privilege of be able to chat to presenter, singer, vocal coach and advocate, Carrie Grant MBE. Sarah first met Carrie & her husband David when she was 19 and has never forgotten the impact the stories they shared and their presence had on her. So this is a full circle moment.Carrie & Sarah talk Eurovision, Fame Academy, life in the public eye, learning to live life well, her & Davids incredible book ‘ A Very Modern Family’, what it means to lament and the joy of ‘and suddenly moments’. This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this weeks episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation Sarah gets to chat to Highland landscape artist, Ann Vastano. Ann & Sarah talk about her most recent commission, the special place Islay has in her heart, her creative process, growing up in Rothiemerchus and re finding play as an adult. We also celebrate 6 years of the Old Post Office Cafe Gallery,This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

Sarah Wylie In Conversation is back for Season 3!! This week Sarah is joined by not one but two guests, the incredibly talented musicians & composers Cailean Mckerron & Ben Godlington.This duo joined forces in January this year to record their first album ‘ A Trip Round the Cairngorms’ in The Wee Studio on Harris. Although it’s not released until later in the year you’ll get to hear two of the tracks recorded live especially for this episode. Sarah, Cailean and Ben chat growing up in music, finding their tribe, sessions at McGregors Bar, honing their craft and their differing composing styles. There fresh approach to traditional Scottish music, enthusiasm & talent is invigorating to be around. These two are definitely ones to watch. This episode was originally produced for Speysound Radio 107.1 fm.

To conclude this season of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah chats with the brilliant, awarding producer, photographer & communicator Hannah Bailey. In this Episode Hannah shares her unusual route into photography, her passion for action sports, her desire to give a voice to causes close to her heart, how she maintains life balance and the key role she plays in facilitating the Cairngorms community cinema & Cairngorms creative.This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

On this weeks Episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation, Sarah steps out of the highlands ( via zoom!) to chat to the beautifully talented, Olivier Award winning actress and singer Cassidy Janson. They talk all about her most recent concert at the Vaudeville theatre, what it felt like to win an Olivier Award in lockdown, being gifted a song by Carole King, Cassidy’s desire to dance from the age of 2 and key people in her life. This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

Founder of Fitness in the Field Scotland, Ally Mackenzie is on this week’s Episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation! Sarah & Ally chat stepping out your comfort zone, finding belonging in fitness, the importance of being in the right environment, team sports & reaching your full potential. Ally’s approach, can do attitude, passion for fitness and seeing people thrive, is infectious! You don’t want to miss this feel good episode. This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this weeks Episode of Sarah Wylie In Conversation singer/songwriter Findlay shares the inspirations for his newly released album ‘ Outsider’, his incredible ten year songwriting partnership with @boohewerdine & how he found his singing voice with Fèis Spè as a teenager. You can purchase his album & incredible coffee table book via the link below & see his remaining tour dates too.https://www.findlaynapier.com/This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s Episode Sarah chats to actor, singer & dancer Rhuairidh McDonald mid way through starring in the uk & Ireland tour of the musical Mary Poppins. Rhuairidh definitely carries the magic of theatre with him & it was a delight to capture some of that sparkle. We get to hear about his work as a child actor, the audition process, landing a westend role, life on tour and staying grounded. His Grandma was one of his biggest cheerleaders and would always say. ‘Whits fur ye’ll no go by ye’ He also credits mentor @officialfionakennedy for believing in him & giving him one of his first lead acting roles.Rhuairidh is not only in the current UK & Ireland tour of Mary Poppins but can also be seen in the opening number on Big Night of Musicals on BBC iPlayer.This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

Sarah Wylie In Conversation is back for season 2!In this first Episode Sarah sits down with newspaper reporter Tom Ramage. Tom knew from an early age that being a reporter was all he wanted to do. He shares his passion for working at a community paper over bigger media outlets and reflects on his deep connection to Scotland as home.With so many fascinating stories, from playing golf with Bing Crosby to hosting Dame Helen Mirren, fitting everything into an hour was a challenge! This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

In this Episode of Sarah Wylie, In Conversation, Sarah chats with children’s author and teacher Lynne Finnie about her amazing book series 4Bears, her life in teaching, and her recent, brave decision to step away from the classroom and pursue writing full-time. It’s a privilege to be able to share in this pivotal moment with her. Lynne’s episode also marks the end of Season 1! Thank you so much for listening and cheering me on. I’ll be back in two weeks with Season 2, and I already have 6 wonderful guests lined up for you.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

On this week’s episode Sarah chats to singer, songwriter, ecologist & woodcarver, Will Boyd-Wallis aka Greenshanks. They talk about what it meant to Will to be a finalist in the 2023 Danny Kyle open stage award at Celtic Connections, the interesting route he took into ecology, his equal passion for the work he does for The National Trust for Scotland & his music, and the much anticipated release of his debut EP Stormbird. This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

In this episode, Sarah chats to award winning writer, bbc presenter & mountaineer, Cameron McNeish. Cameron’s stories are captivating, full of warmth & wonder. You’ll get to hear about his adventures growing up in Govan, being drawn to the hills, his vivid imagination, time as an athlete and becoming a writerThis programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

In this episode Sarah joins Painter & Craftsman Angus Grant in his art gallery, Speybank Studio. Angus takes you on a tour of his gallery, shares how he learned to start a business at 11 years old, & how his love of the Scottish Highlands inspires his work.Ceramicists, jewellery makers, painters & artists by heart you don’t want to miss this. This programme was originally produced for Speysound Radio.

In this episode, Sarah chats to singer/songwriter Ailsa Villegas about singing, songwriting, and producing her own music, gaining a new appreciation for the stripped-back, low-production sound and how it makes you feel closer to the artist. Ailsa also shares a song from her new album, giving insight into the emotion and storytelling at the heart of her music.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.

Sarah Wylie begins by giving a glimpse into her own story —from her early dreams of pursuing acting, to the surprising life lessons she picked up working as a barista. She also shares how reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron gave her the inspiration and courage to start this very podcast.In this episode, she sits down with Agat Girad to talk about life as a contemporary dancer, including what it was like to train in her 30s and the incredible opportunities that came her way. Agat’s story is filled with a ‘can-do’ attitude, unwavering strength, passion, and resilience—qualities that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.This programme was originally produced for Speysound radio.