Connect Conversations

In this episode, we sit down with Scott McFarlane — entrepreneur, marathon runner, proud dad, and the man The behind Paisley Alive Festival.We dive into how the idea for Paisley Alive was born, what sparked the vision, and how it’s grown from a concept into a major event for the town. Scott shares what goes on behind the scenes, how preparations are shaping up, and the real excitement building around the festival as it gets closer.We also talk about Paisley’s influence on Scott’s journey, why giving back to your hometown matters, and the impact events like this can have on community pride and opportunity. Alongside that, we explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the discipline that comes from marathon running, and how fatherhood has reshaped his outlook on life and success.

This week we’re joined by the brilliant Ray Bradshaw — stand-up comedian, writer, and all-round top guy. We chat about his brand-new UK tour, the stories behind it, and how being a CODA has shaped not just his comedy, but the way he sees the world.Ray also takes us behind the scenes of working with the Scotland national team, sharing what it’s really like interviewing the Tartan Army across the globe — the characters, the chaos, and the pride of following Scotland everywhere.A proper insightful, funny, and honest conversation with one of Scotland’s sharpest comedy minds

Today’s guest is former professional footballer Jason Naismith, who sits down with us to talk through an incredible journey both on and off the pitch. Jason reflects on growing up in Paisley, breaking through the ranks at St Mirren, and the pride of captaining his boyhood club. He then opens up about life after football — how he transitioned into personal training, why he’s passionate about helping young players develop while also helping players rehabilitate injuries, dealing with setbacks and the guidance he gives to keep them on the right path! 

This week we sit down with Anna Cameron — an online coach, PT, athlete and Reformer Pilates specialist. Anna talks us through her journey into athletics, the impact of her first major injury, and how Reformer Pilates became a key part of rebuilding her strength, mobility and confidence. She also breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions around Pilates and explains why it’s such a powerful tool for anyone who wants to move better and stay injury-free!

This week, we sit down with Dean Hepburn — Exercise Scientist and founder of Primitiv Evolve. From evidence-based coaching to mindset transformation, Dean breaks down what it really takes to evolve physically and mentally. We dive into the science behind performance and recovery, including the use of artificial testosterone and its impact on health, wellbeing, and longevity. This one’s all about understanding your body, building habits that last, and using science to reach your full potential.

This weeks conversation is with Pro Wrestler and Scottish Powerhouse Joe Coffey – a man who has carved his name into modern professional wrestling through sheer grit, relentless drive and world-class performances from the independent scene to WWE’s NXT UK and NXT.Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or just curious about the grind behind the glamour, Joe Coffey delivers a raw and honest story full of intensity, ambition, and Glasgow steel. This is one you don’t want to miss!

This week we’re joined by Sarah Gellatly — a professional dancer turned personal trainer whose story is equal parts inspiring and raw. From performing in theatre and on cruise ships around the world to battling kidney disease and endometriosis, Sarah’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and reinvention.We go behind the scenes of life on cruise ships, the pressures of the dance industry, and how she made the leap into helping others better themselves through fitness and mindset.

This week we sit down with the founder of Trail Goddess®, the women’s trail running brand making waves across the UK. From starting small to being featured in Women’s Running Magazine and nominated for Running Apparel Brand of the Year, we dive into her journey, the challenges of building a business in a male dominated arena, and how she’s creating a community that empowers female runners everywhere.

In this weeks episode, we sit down with Emma-Jo Montgomery, the founder of the West End Foot Clinic, whose journey is both raw and remarkable. After facing time in mental hospitals and surviving a suicide attempt, Emma-Jo had to rebuild from the ground up. Through courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in moving forward “one step at a time,” she’s now created a thriving clinic that helps people every single day. This is an unfiltered conversation about breaking down, standing tall again, and turning pain into purpose.

In today’s episode we’re joined by Gill Wilson, a former teacher who made the bold move to leave education and follow her passion for fitness as a personal trainer. Gill shares the highs and lows of stepping away from a stable career, the motivation behind her career change, and how she’s built a new life around health and wellbeing. She also opens up about her battle with alopecia and hair loss, speaking honestly about the challenges, resilience, and mindset its taken to keep moving forward. This is a powerful and inspiring conversation about change, courage, and taking control of your own story.

This week on the show, we sit down with Frazer Orr to hear his story of building a career in sales, stepping away to explore personal training, and learning how to balance life’s demands. Frazer also opens up about his decision to start his sobriety journey, sharing the challenges he faced with alcohol and the positive changes it’s bringing to his life.

From an unsettled childhood and school bullying to years of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse in her first relationship — Bex McKenzie has faced struggles that would break most.After falling into drink and drugs as a way to cope, she rebuilt her life from the ground up. Today, Bex is a fitness coach empowering women to find strength and confidence through her own platform Vyra 💪🌸This is a raw and powerful story of resilience and recovery.⚠️ Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of abuse, trauma, and sensitive subjects.

Glasgow-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and coach Danny Danger McCallion takes us through his journey in BJJ, from his early days on the mat to becoming a multi-time ADCC Scotland champion and Submission Series winner. We dive into his training philosophy, the highs and lows of competing, and the lessons he’s learned along the way—both on and off the mat. Whether you’re a BJJ fan or just love stories about dedication, discipline, and passion, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration.

What drives someone to step into a cage and fight? Keir Harvie, a rising MMA bantamweight signed to Cage Warriors, takes us inside the world of professional fighting — the pressure, the pain, and the mindset it takes to survive. From brutal training camps to the walkout adrenaline, this is the raw, unfiltered reality of life as a fighter chasing the top.

Paul Manson, also known as The Random Runner, takes us inside the mind of an extreme athlete. From tackling ultra marathons over 120km to scaling remote mountain trails and pushing through 24-hour runs, all while filming the journey, Paul reveals what drives him to keep going when most would stop. We explore the physical limits, the mental battles, and what it really takes to run on the edge — and document every step.

This weeks conversation is with Professional boxer and Law and Business graduate Axel Ngoy talks us through his journey to turning pro and stepping into the ring for his first of many BIG fights. Balancing university alongside training and his advice for anyone looking at trying something new.

Spiritual mentor Lauren Hardie talks us through founding Serenity Movement and how the core values have helped shape the strong woman she is today. How peace and mindfulness can help you heal physically and mentally, living through a physically abusive relationship and using holistic practices to navigate and control your mind and emotions.

This weeks conversation is with Liverpool FC and Scotland International Jenna Clark talks us through her career so far. Developing and breaking through at Glasgow City, her dream move to Liverpool and the feeling of playing and scoring for your country and the rise of Women's Football.

This weeks conversation is with mental toughness Guru Stephen Kerr. "The Powarman" talks us through blowing up on Instagram and TikTok, where the ideas come from for the videos and the message he is trying to send. We also discuss how we can impact the younger generation among a number of other extremely interesting topics.

This week we sit down with Doctor Gillan Coats, who takes us behind the scenes of the NHS from his perspective.. Is medical school as tough as people say ? How do we improve waiting times and understaffing ? His thoughts on people going abroad for treatments and the after shock of COVID on the public healthcare system.

This week we sit down with Secondary school teacher Scott talks us through the Scottish education system in 2025 from a teachers perspective. We talk through the Curriculum for Excellence, challenges for children in deprived areas navigating school and beyond and the ever changing roles of teachers in the modern day world.

This week we sit down with Stuart Macgregor, whose path moved from medical science and doing lab work to full-time personal training and changing lives — a decision that went against the advice of those closest to him.We dig into the wild world of fitness and nutrition on social media and beyond — the good, the bad, the informed and misinformed. What it really takes to be a “PT” these days. A really good one for anyone navigating their next move in life listening to your heart can lead you to good places in life.

This week we sit down with Nicola Pitticas, CEO of Summer In The City sports camps for kids. We talk her journey from international hockey to a cancer diagnosis didn’t slow her down—it sparked a whole new mission.During chemotherapy, she planted the seed for Summer in the City, a sports camp that’s now one of Glasgow’s most popular and fast-growing summer programs for kids. We unpack the mindset behind building something meaningful in the middle of adversity, and how sport, community, and hope became driving forces in her life.

In this episode, we sit down with the man behind Infinite Gents Grooming to unpack the story behind the name, and the journey that shaped it. From enlisting in the army at a young age, to going AWOL, facing discharge, and navigating the mental toll of that transition—he opens up about the real, raw moments that followed.We explore how barbering became more than just a trade—how it turned into a space for connection, conversation, and mental clarity, not just for him, but for the clients who sit in his chair.We also take a deep dive into the impact of mental health—how trauma, identity, and purpose can collide after life in the military, and how opening up and talking is so vitally important.⚠️ This episode contains strong language ⚠️

In this episode, we explore Fraser’s journey into the world of sports therapy and how he found his passion—helping people move, recover, and perform better through the power of sports massage and rehabilitation.Fraser shares how his fascination with the human body led him into this field, the challenges and learning curves along the way. If you’re into fitness, recovery, or just want to understand how to take better care of your body - this one’s for you.

In this episode, we explore her journey into the fitness industry and how she found her true calling—empowering and transforming the lives of women through fitness.Molly shares how her passion for health and helping others took root, the unique challenges she faced launching her personal training career during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she kept clients motivated through uncertain times.We dive into why she chose to work exclusively with women, the profound impact that decision has had on her and her clients, and her heartfelt advice for any woman thinking about stepping into the gym for the first time.If you’re looking for real talk, inspiration, and a reminder that fitness is about so much more than aesthetics—this one’s for you.

A jump into the world of Athletics with potential 2026 Commonwealth Athlete Reuben. We talk the decision to get into Pole Vaulting at an early age and how a strong support network growing up kept him motivated through challenging moments.  The typical training week of an athlete and his advice for younger athletes looking to make their mark and set themselves apart from the competition.

An amazing insight into Graeme's journey as a Personal Trainer. The reasons behind starting as a PT at just 19 years old and the challenges faced when trying to build a business and how they were overcome. The decision then, to move to an employed role and the benefits of working in a team environment as an employed PT at David Lloyd.