Seasonal Discussions

Gary works a full-time 9–5… but built this on the side. From printing onto skateboards to creating an Aberdeen-based clothing brand, this is how Doric Studios started. In this episode, we talk about how it all began, learning screen printing from scratch, and what it’s really like running your own business alongside a full time job. Whether you’re thinking about starting something yourself or just curious how small ideas turn into real brands, this is a grounded look at building something after hours. If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing for more conversations like this. Follow/check out Doric Studios: https://doric.studio https://www.instagram.com/doric_studio/ www.linkedin.com/company/doric-studio/  

What does it REALLY take to plan a golf trip to Scotland? In this episode, Chris sits down with David Harris, founder of Bonnie Wee Golf, to break down the reality behind golf tourism in Scotland, from how far in advance you need to book (it’s longer than you think) to what actually goes into planning a world-class golf experience. With over 20 years in the industry and recent recognition as Golf Tour Operator of the Year at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, David shares insider knowledge on how these trips are built, what golfers get wrong, and how to make the most of your visit. We also dive into: • How far in advance you REALLY need to plan • What goes into organising a golf tour • What clients can expect from their experience • The realities of demand for iconic Scottish courses • Behind the scenes of the global golf tourism industry If you’re thinking about planning a golf trip to Scotland, this is essential viewing. Connect with Bonnie Wee Golf: https://bonnieweegolf.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/bonnieweegolf/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonnie-wee-golf/ https://x.com/bonnieweegolf https://www.facebook.com/bonnieweegolf https://www.youtube.com/user/BWGTV

This week on Seasonal Discussions, things get…a little unhinged (in the best way). I’m joined by Mark Thouless from Flux, a brand agency that doesn’t just talk about making brands happen, they actually give a sh*t about doing it properly. But don’t expect a neat, buttoned-up branding masterclass…that’s not how this conversation goes. Instead, we get into the real stuff: Why branding so often misses the mark, what it actually takes to make something resonate, and how creativity, honesty, and a bit of chaos all play a role. Along the way, there are: – questionable (but surprisingly accurate) analogies – deep dives into geek culture and toxic fandoms – a completely unnecessary (but unforgettable) stand-off between a pigeon, a crow, and a seagull – and just enough insight to make you rethink how brands should show up in the world It’s messy, it’s funny, and somewhere in the middle of it all…it makes a lot of sense. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when serious brand thinking meets zero interest in taking itself too seriously, this one’s for you. Check out Flux for yourself: https://www.readytoflux.com https://www.readytoflux.com/flog https://www.instagram.com/readytoflux/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/readytoflux/

What happens when a family business faces loss and has to find a way forward? In this episode, Chris sits down with Rachael Wright and Tanya MacDonald from Securastore in Aberdeen to talk about legacy, leadership, and stepping into new roles after the passing of Tanya’s brother & Rachael's husband, David. We cover: • Taking over a family business and what that really means • Navigating grief while keeping things moving • Rachael’s journey from Australia back to Aberdeen • Tanya stepping up (and passing her forklift licence 👏) • Football, fitness, networking, and the human side of business • What the future could look like for Securastore. This is a relaxed, honest conversation about resilience, community, and what comes next. If you’re part of a family business, based in Aberdeen, or just interested in real stories behind local companies, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more conversations with people shaping business and community in the North East. Find out more about Securastore: https://securastore.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/securastore-ltd/

This weeks Seasonal Discussions is sponsored by Stellar Blue Accounting Services. https://www.stellar-blue.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellar-blue-accounting-services/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576312027266 In this episode, Chris sits down with Jill Butler-Rennie to explore her journey from marine biology into the world of event hosting. Jill shares how she transitioned into a career in events, what it takes to create meaningful experiences, and why bringing people together is at the heart of everything she does. We also talk about her roots in South Shields, her love for Sunderland AFC, and the importance of finding where you truly belong, both personally and professionally. 🎙️ Topics in this episode: • Career change: from marine biology to event planning • Event hosting & creating memorable experiences • Community, culture & belonging • South Shields roots & Sunderland AFC • Life and work in Aberdeen 👍 Like, comment & subscribe for more conversations with inspiring people.

In this weeks episode, Chris sits down with Ruby & Sara Smith from Stellar Blue Accounting to talk about her children’s book "Ruby the Loveable Labrador", the story behind it, and how it’s helping raise funds for a charity in Aberdeen. Purchase YOUR copy of Ruby The Loveable Labrador: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Loveable-Labrador-Sara-Smith/dp/1837093164 Follow Stellar Blue Accounting: https://www.stellar-blue.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellar-blue-accounting-services/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576312027266

In this episode, independent Aberdonian filmmaker Ross Milne returns to the podcast to talk about the upcoming release of his film Oldburgh, its success on the film festival circuit, and the early stages of his next project, Loch Hands. We also discuss what really goes on behind the scenes of low-budget filmmaking, from working with a small crew to the challenges and rewards of bringing an independent film to life. Check out Ross' work online: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-milne-369a43191/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gi_filmmaker/ IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11791464/?ref_=fn_t_1

In this weeks episode of Seasonal Discussions, Chris is joined by Iska Walter, founder and creative mind behind Iska Birnie Photography. Iska takes us on a journey through her initial forays into photography as a childhood hobby and how that developed into a fully fledged brand photography business. Throughout it all, her love of animals (especially horses) has never waivered, bringing her horse Sam with her across borders for nearly 2 decades. Keep up to date with Iska: https://www.iskabirniephotography.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/iska-birnie/ https://www.facebook.com/iskabirniephotography https://www.instagram.com/iskabirniephotography/

In this episode, Chris sits down with Beth Wallace, a radio presenter, DJ, and event organiser based in Aberdeen, for a relaxed and honest conversation about her journey into broadcasting. Beth shares how she transitioned from working in mental health into radio, and how that decision led to opportunities across multiple stations including Mearns FM, Original 106, and even appearances on BBC Radio 1. We talk about the reality of building confidence behind the mic, finding your place in the industry, and learning to back yourself. We also discuss her role hosting The Big Scottish Football Show, launching her own event brand Just Beth Presents, and what’s next, including her upcoming appearance at Granite City Festival. This is a calm, open conversation about creativity, career changes, and the person behind the microphone. Follow Beth online: https://www.instagram.com/justbeth_ https://soundcloud.com/beth-wallace-12 https://www.tiktok.com/@justbeth___ https://www.instagram.com/justbethpresents/ Listen to Beth on the airwaves! https://www.instagram.com/bigfootballscot/ https://www.mearnsfm.org.uk

This year, five ordinary men are taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet: The World’s Toughest Row, a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. No support boats. No shortcuts. Just relentless waves, brutal sleep deprivation, and weeks in the middle of the open ocean. But this isn’t just about endurance. They’re rowing for something bigger than themselves. In this episode, we sit down with Will and Stu of Team Remiges V to talk about why they signed up for a challenge that will push them to their physical and mental limits, and the three charities they’re determined to support along the way. We talk about: What it really takes to prepare for 40+ days at sea The mental battles no one sees The reality of rowing in two-hour shifts around the clock Why their cause makes the suffering worth it This is a conversation about pain, purpose, teamwork, and what happens when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary. If their story moves you, you can support their mission and the charities they’re rowing for via the links below: https://www.remigesv.com www.linkedin.com/company/team-remiges-v/ https://x.com/remigesV https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560145704795

What does it really take to go from competitive powerlifting and strongman to becoming a successful strength coach and personal trainer? In this episode, Chris is joined by Bret Gillies, founder of Infinite Power Coaching, to break down his journey through strongman competitions, powerlifting platforms, and into coaching athletes across multiple sports, plus his mission to get the next generation stronger through the Fit Future project. We talk about: Getting started in powerlifting and strongman Lessons learned from competing at a high level The realities of becoming a personal trainer Coaching athletes from different sports Building strength that actually transfers to performance Why kids need strength training and community sport now more than ever This is a relaxed, honest conversation about strength training, mindset, coaching philosophy, and building something bigger than yourself in the fitness industry.

Life Between Scripts is a laid-back conversation with Chris Watt, an independent screenwriter from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. We talk about his journey into writing, working outside the traditional industry, and the realities of balancing creativity with everyday life. An honest chat about finding your own path, staying motivated, and making space for stories in between everything else.

Erin Walker, founder of Pink Sphynx Media, shares the real story behind starting her own production company in Aberdeen, from creative risk to building a sustainable future for the industry. In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, identity, and what the creative sector needs to move forward in Scotland. See more from Pink Sphynx Media: https://pinksphynxmedia.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/pinksphynxmedia/ https://www.facebook.com/pinksphynxmedia www.linkedin.com/company/pink-sphynx-media/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCDztvttGalqQ7UBqBCpSq5g Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/  

We have had an incredible 2025 and it's all thanks to you Aberdeen. The engagement from the business and creative communities in the city has been fantastic and we will be continuing that into 2026 and beyond. We want to share as many of Aberdeen's stories as possible and it is a challenge we are 100% ready for. Thank you Aberdeen, let's keep it growing! Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pjbRljyrSfY Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/  

Discover the story behind the Academy of Expressive Arts (AEA) in Aberdeen as I sit down with founder Shanna Logan for an in-depth and inspiring conversation. In this episode, Shanna shares her journey from studying performing arts in Aberdeen to advancing her education in London, and how those experiences led to the creation of AEA. Keep up to date with AEA by following them online: https://academyofexpressivearts.com https://www.instagram.com/academyofexpressivearts https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofexpressivearts https://www.facebook.com/academyofexpressivearts/ Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dxxSBoMoH8c Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Smith from KLT Networking in Aberdeen to talk about how he got started in business, his passion for golf, and his love for Scottish courses. We also dive into the importance of networking that’s focused on people, building real, genuine connections rather than surface-level interactions. This conversation explores Andrew’s personal journey, what motivates him, and why meaningful relationships matter so much in both business and life. Find out more about KLT Networking: https://kltnetworking.com https://www.instagram.com/kltnetworkingaberdeen/ Follow Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewabn/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yfWYMySHti4 Suggest a future guest: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Chris sat down with fashion designer Tince Benmouhoub for the latest interview on Seasonal Discussions. They discussed how she got started in dressmaking learning sewing and other skills from her grandmother, through to her time working in alterations in Aberdeen and now running her own online business. Check out Tince here: https://tincce.shop https://www.instagram.com/tince.fashion https://www.youtube.com/@UCO9KE-UStrz6jBE2ZFXYYUQ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088500596619 Follow Tince on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tince-benmouhoub Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lH86m5Rzt4E Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

It is official! Aberdeen Animates is the newest celebration of animation coming to the granite city and Chris is sitting down to chat with the founders, Aleksandra Clunas and Zara Weston. Check out Aberdeen Animtes here: https://www.aberdeenanimates.com https://www.instagram.com/aberdeenanimates https://www.youtube.com/@UCaS5dmsHvAJ1c5S7yn1qN-g https://www.tiktok.com/@aberdeenanimates https://www.linkedin.com/company/aberdeen-animates/ Contact Aberdeen Animates directly directly on: [email protected] Follow Zara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-weston Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Qet0Ndz3Qk Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Steve Thomson joins us in the studio to share his "Insights" into how to get the best out of YOUR team. #selfawareness #personaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment Check out SYT Coaching & Development here: https://www.syt-coaching.co.uk Contact Steve directly to book your session: [email protected] Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-thomson-466a60a Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FwsHmN5BgAg Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Local hip hop producer and DJ Nick Cronin (a.k.a Vagrant Real Estate) joins Chris in the studio this week and shares some amazing stories about the hip hop scene in Scotland, as well as giving us an insight into the collaborations on his upcoming album. Check out Vagrant's info and music catalogue: https://www.vagrantrealestate.com Follow Nick online: https://www.instagram.com/vagrantproducer https://x.com/vagrantproducer https://soundcloud.com/vagrantrealestate https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8vs0SU2iGONiQl45G2ir5A Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YtLcV4Nx53g Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

From writing songs in her bedroom to performing in London and leading Aberdeen’s "Next Wave", Nicole D is a voice you’ll want to remember. In this episode, she opens up about her journey, her inspirations, and the future of her music. Check out Nicole's music here: https://www.youtube.com/@nicoled8981 Follow Nicole online: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_d__ https://www.tiktok.com/@nicole_d1_ https://www.facebook.com/nicolednicoled Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sKW0Pr3vVuE Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Independent filmmaker Ross Milne gives us the low down on Indie filmmaking and some colourful stories from his time in the states. Check out "You'll Be Hurt When I'm Done: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10652634/youll-be-hurt-when-im-done Follow Ross online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-milne-369a43191 https://www.instagram.com/gi_filmmaker Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dJMDbJRQUXk Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Heyday Digital founder Hannah Adams joins Chris in the studio this week for an insightful and colourful catch up! Visit Heyday Digital Agency for yourself: https://heydaydigitalagency.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/heyday-digital-agency https://www.instagram.com/heydaydigitalagency https://www.facebook.com/heydaydigitalagency Follow Hannah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahadamsheydaydigitalagency Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CCqncrTorwo Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris in the studio this week is Darren Cadger, co-founder of Arch 35 Marketing. Visit Arch 35 for yourself: https://www.arch35.com www.linkedin.com/company/arch-35-marketing/ Follow Darren on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-cadger-arch35 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/C7HgGi6L9g8 Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris in the studio this week is Aberdeen's most colourful creative, Rosée Elliott. Author of "Behind The Mirror", Rosée is an absolute powerhouse of positivity. Grab your copy of "Behind The Mirror": https://roseeelliott.com/books Follow Rosée on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/roseeelliott Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hNmbcmLma0E Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris in the studio this week is Isabel Lockhart, an Aberdeen based celebrant with a story that will take your breath away. Check "Legacy Celebrant" here: https://www.legacycelebrant.org.uk https://www.instagram.com/legacycelebrant_official https://www.facebook.com/legacycelebrant.org.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-celebrant Follow Isabel on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabeladdison/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EUWixi7HRCg Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris in the studio this week is Marlow Bushman, a West Virginia native with an incredible story of their journey to the North East of Scotland. Check Mara Housing Cooperative: https://maracoop.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/people/Mara-Co-op https://www.instagram.com/maracoop_abz Follow Marlow on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marlow-bushman Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/arJ5oj5vV6A Suggest a future guest: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is Dr. Monika Gostic, one of Aberdeen's (if not Scotland's) most prominent nutritional coaches AND a teaching fellow at Aberdeen university. Check out Dr. Monika: https://monikagostic.com https://www.instagram.com/chronic_nutritionist https://www.facebook.com/DrMonikaGostic Follow Dr Monika on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-monika-gostic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonikagostic Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/_gCw31ydL7A Suggest a future guest: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is the owner of Somerville Books (Aberdeen's newest independent bookstore), Christie Murphie. Check out Somerville Books here: https://www.somervillebooks.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/somerville_books Follow Christie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-murphie Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/jU6ZFO55aUI Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is award winning independent filmmaker, Bailey McKenzie Check out Bailey's profiles here: https://www.instagram.com/baileymckenziefilm_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-mckenzie-45b756317 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16293964 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qpn1ORXlJjU Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is the enigmatic photographer behind Kingshill Studios, Susan Renee. Check out Kingshill Studios here: https://www.kingshillstudios.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kingshillstudios/ Find Susan here: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-renée-kingshill/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0a1fhEKWX-c Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is the founder and CEO of Prospect 13, Cerri McDonald Check out Prospect 13 here: https://prospect13.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospect13/posts/?feedView=all Find Cerri here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerrimcdonald Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d860z0hrJzE Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Joining Chris for this episode is local independant filmmaker, Kieron Williamson. Watch "A Half Ounce": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50AKPMJGe7A Follow Kieron: https://www.instagram.com/k1w1atw_prod Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/_W9rYw4y-aA Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

On this weeks episode, Chris is joined by Finlay Hendry from Our Union Street. Full video episode available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SZNMediaLtd Check out Our Union Street here: https://www.ourunionstreet.com https://www.instagram.com/ourunionstreet/ www.linkedin.com/company/our-union-street/ Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/  

On this weeks episode, we catch up with Stuart Robb of Thistle Tavern, a local TCG and TTRPG store in the heart of Aberdeen.   Check them out here: https://thistletavern.com/   Suggest a future guest here: Email - [email protected] www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/  

Anne Magarin is undoubtedly one of the most infectiously positive people in the entire city. Her passion and enthusiasm for her work is inspiring and she is definitely the kind of human we all want to spend time around! Check them out here: https://www.chss.org.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-magarin/ To feature on a future episode or recommend a potential guest, contact us at the following links: E-Mail: [email protected] https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk  

Adam Joji is the founder of GRPZ Sports, as well as a successful personal trainer. All this achieved by the age of 25, this man is an inspiration to many. Check them out here: https://www.grpzsports.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-joji/