I'm joined by Nicole Tosh and we look back at the infamous story of 'The Peru Two', arrested in Lima as they attempted to smuggle cocaine from Peru to Spain.Plus:• Scottish man arrested in Colombia, attempting to smuggle 2kg of cocaine out of the country• English woman arrested in Chicago, attempting to smuggle 43kg of cocaine into the USA• The death penalty: Can it ever be justified?• Me against Pacha in court in BarcelonaAnd as always, there's loads more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blethered at the Ballot: Politics for those who don't do politics.In the wake of the sudden death of former First Minister Alex Salmond, we reflect on his political legacy, tributes from political adversaries and allies alike, and the future of the Scottish independence movement.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For those of you listening who are not from the UK, Lorraine Kelly is a Scottish broadcaster with over 40 years in television. Known for her warmth and wit, she's a regular face and voice on morning TV, covering everything from hard-hitting news to celebrity interviews.For the majority of you who are from the UK, she’s Lorraine.In this episode, Lorraine tells me about some of her biggest influences, including her grandmother who was partial to a tall-tale or two…She talks about being born to very young parents in a mixed Catholic-Protestant marriage, at a time when that really was a big deal…And there’s some very interesting chat about Lorraine’s career in television including covering Lockerbie and Dunblane, the exploits of legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and seeing David Bowie Live in Glasgow at the legendary Apollo.And as always, there’s plenty more. If you enjoy this episode, be a hero and share it somewhere. Love ye!Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s no secret that more and more of us are struggling with money. The cost of things are constantly rising, but wages aren’t rising with them. So what happens...? We fall into debt. What follows debt is embarrassment, shame, worry, panic and stress.The first thing we do is completely dismantle the idea that debt, in any form, is anything to be embarrassed about. It just feels that way because although so many others are in the same boat, understandably, no one is ever going to talk about it. We then discuss the pragmatic approach and the government-protected options that are there, for everyone. You don’t need to keep having your bank account rinsed every month by things that you can’t afford. That’s where Trust Deed Scotland can help you, and you’ll hear all about it.If you take one thing away from this conversation, I hope it’s that your financial situation has absolutely no correlation to the value you hold as a person, and what you mean to other people. Look at it as a beauraucratic issue, and one that can be rectified at any point.See How Trust Deed Scotland Can Help Youhttps://www.trustdeedscotland.net/adtermshttps://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debtThis Podcast is a paid for advert from Trust Deed Scotland, a trading name of Harper McDermott Limited. Any of the debt solutions that are spoken about today may not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees apply and your credit rating may be affected. More information on this can be found on Trust Deed Scotland’s homepage or by visiting www.TrustDeedScotland.net/adterms.Free debt counselling, debt adjusting and providing of credit information services is available to customers by contacting www.MoneyHelper.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme has accrued around half a million followers across all of his social media platforms, as a byproduct of documenting life with his mum, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, several years ago.Graeme explains the initial signs that they started to notice in his mum, and the timeline from diagnosis until now...You’ll hear about how he and his twin sister Kirstin assiduously and tenderly care for their beloved mum, an example of which you’ll hear me get a wee bit upset about…And we discuss the dark humour that acts as both a coping mechanism and a release valve. Even the worst things in life can sometimes still be funny. Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*****ORIGINALLY RELEASED AUGUST 2019*****Capital FM Producer James tells me about his life and how gambling addiction took a severe grip on him.He explains the stresses and pressures in detail, and how the disease impacted and infected every inch of his life. We talk about the spiralling problem, the debt issues incurred as a result, and how suicide became the most viable option in his eyes.As with every episode of Blethered, we reach the light at the end of the tunnel. With the help of Gamblers Anonymous, James fought back and took control and has turned things around.This is an honest, raw, dark and inspiring account of the affliction - and we even laughed the whole way through the conversation - even when it got really dark. James doesn't hold back and this can stand as an example to anyone else suffering in a similar situation.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01Money Advice Groupshttps://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/enGamblers Anonymoushttps://gascotland.org/https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/Samaritanshttps://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotlandhttps://www.samaritans.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James - by his own definition - is a journeyman. He’s been a DJ, a TV producer, a TV presenter, a footballer in the Philippines, a double glazing salesman and now - one of Scotlands best stand up comedians.Born in Glasgow to an Indian mother and Glaswegian father, he had a unique and distinct perspective on life from the very outset. You’ll hear about his upbringing, his younger sister Lauren and older brother Alexander. Alexander has complex additional needs and requires 24 hour care - something James unravelled in great detail in one of his previous stand up shows.You’ll hear James talk about comedy and what makes things funny, regardless of how dark the subject matter is…We talk about his genuinely fascinating career path and how it’s led him to where he is today, with a good few funny stories for good measure…And James talks me through what he describes as a breakdown, and the clarity of vision and purpose that followed as a result.Edinburgh Fringe Show TicketsHealth Booster Salt CavesContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim is hilarious, intelligent and thoughtful, and I really like her. I think you will too, which is why her debut Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Might as Well’ is well worth going to see. She’s likeable, observant, and funny. Which you’ll hear throughout this chat.We talk about how the UK began to suspect that Reform were fielding Catfish candidates, people that didn’t even exist…Kim tells me about how she decided to just go for it in comedy, after amassing a huge online following…And we chat orange walks, private schools and how difficult it can be to be in creative industries when you don’t have some for of wealthy benefactor.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01Tickets to The Fringe show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living standards are through the floor, while living costs are through the roof. 14 years of a Conservative government have culminated in record numbers of people living in poverty - and a now gargantuan disparity between those who are rich and those who aren’t.However, no one is immune from debt, and certainly not from the shame, embarrassment, stigma and difficulty that accompanies it. Joining me on Blethered at the Ballot to talk through those issues is senior debt adviser Tommy Gallacher, a name many returning listeners will be well acquainted with. Tommy has featured on Blethered five times, offering his expert insight and human approach to one of society’s biggest killers: financial debt. You can go back and listen to our previous conversations where we dismantle the notion that debt is anything to be embarrassed about, while Tommy offers advice and solutions on government-backed and protected initiatives that can help you gain control of any spiralling financial issues. In this conversation, we continue the discussion and Dismantling of the shame and embarrassment attached to debt…We talk about the stark reality that suicides will be linked to financial pressure, and that everything in life can be fixed, while expanding on the Government-protected schemes that exist to help you…And we hear a bit about what Tommy would like to see from an incoming government order to help people feeling the strain If you take only one thing away from this episode, I hope that it’s these four words: Everything Can Be Fixed. It does not matter what it is. So talk to someone, and let’s fix it. While Tommy is a trusted expert who offers terrific advice and invaluable professional help, this episode is not an advertisement for the company Tommy works for, or any other company. As stated in the conversation, there are many different options out there for you, including free advice from impartial charity stepchange.org and mygov.scot/support.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m on the road but Blethered keeps moving, just like the studio for this interview with Labour MSP and former MP, Paul Sweeney. We sat down to discuss the outgoing Conservative government on the final journey of the last ever old subway train on the Glasgow subway, after 44 years of service.A very fitting environment, given that both of the aforementioned are not fit for purpose, completely ragged and everyone wants to see the back of them. We talk about unlikely political friendships away from the scrutinising glare of the public - between Labour and Conservative politicians, SNP and DUP politicians, and me and someone who served in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet! Paul speaks openly about his hopes for cooperation between Labour in Westminster and SNP in Holyrood...We discuss how unlocking the value of Celtic & Rangers could benefit Glasgow & Scotland’s economy...And we reflect on the incoming Labour government, and what we hope that’ll bring to people’s lives.If you’re listening prior to entering the polling both on the 4th of July, the gravy train is getting ready to depart Downing Street, and it won’t be stopping back any time soon.This government’s political malevolence and sociopathic, cruel and corrupt nature is matched only by the jaw-dropping ineptitude of those who functioned within it, including the conveyor belt of Prime Ministers that were essentially elected via undemocratic process.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine this: You're scrolling through Instagram, TikTok or even Facebook, and suddenly you get a message from someone who seems genuinely interested in you. The conversation quickly turns flirtatious, and before you know it, you've shared personal photos and information. And then, the unthinkable happens. The person on the other end reveals their true intentions, and threaten to send it on to your friends and family unless you pay up, or do something equally distressing.This isn't an urban myth or something that only happens thousands of miles away, this is the reality for many people who fall victim to ‘sextortion’ and blackmail by catfish accounts, and it’s happening where you live.These twisted predators use fake identities to build trust and manipulate their victims, leading to devastating consequences, both emotionally and financially.In this episode I’m joined by Debbie MacPhee whose teenage son was targeted, even without engaging with anyone, and we’re shining a light on the tactics and methods used by these criminals. You’ll hear a number of stories about people who were targeted, with some horrifying outcomes, and steps you can take to ensure that you and your loved ones can stay safe in an online setting that’s becoming increasingly dangerous.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aimen Dean was an Al-Qaeda bombmaker who had sworn an oath of allegiance to Osama Bin Laden. He eventually defected to work for the British Security Services as a spy for seven and a half years, before his cover was blown by ex-US Vice President Cheney.We talk about his motivations for taking up arms, the part that radicalisation played, becoming disillusioned with the cause, and his time with MI5 and MI6.Aimen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nine-Lives-Time-Inside-al-Qaeda/dp/1786073285Support Blethered on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/BletheredContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2011. Novak Djokovic wins his first Wimbledon title, Rangers make it three league win in a row, while Celtic win another Scottish Cup in the rain against Motherwell. Osama bin Laden is killed, Adele tops the charts, and there’s earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan. The News of the World closes its doors for good, England burns after riots break out across the nation and the Iraq War finally comes to an end. But the explosiveness is only just about to begin.Young men across the city of Glasgow start to receive friend requests from an attractive young woman named Hayley McKay.She says she’s a model and the niece of Rangers legend Ally McCoist. She says she met them in a club, or they’d chatted while drunk, but nobody can recall meeting her. All of a sudden, Hayley is everywhere. In the papers as a Miss Scotland finalist, flirting online with Celtic & Rangers players and even tagged in Jamie Vardy’s Twitter bio as his girlfriend. Before you know it, she’s writing blogs about having life saving surgery, prompting other women to confide in her with their own stories.Eventually her hoax unravels when a woman in Wales discovers that her pictures are being used in a twisted scam. The Scottish Sun run an article on it, only for it to mysteriously disappear.So, was this a harmless fantasist, or a dangerous criminal?Let’s find out.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s an introduction to Hayley, if you’re not familiar with her, as she has quite the profile.• Model• Miss Scotland Finalist• Niece of Rangers legend Ally McCoist• Love interest of various Scottish Premier League Footballers• One time Girlfriend of Leicester City and England footballer Jamie Vardy• Friend of the rich and famousOh, and one more detail. She never existed.I’m joined by Gabrielle Livingstone as we dig into the bizarre and unbelievable existence of the girl that never was. You’ll hear me tell the story of how I crossed paths online with Hayley, what went on in her imaginary world, and how it all began to unravel.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romana recently shared a very thoughtful and introspective Instagram post about a suicide attempt in April last year. I found it to be very profound, so I asked her if she fancied sitting down and having a chat with me.‘Have you ever thought about killing yourself?’ might seem like a really shocking and insensitive question to ask out loud, let alone have as the title for an episode of a podcast. It could quite reasonably be interpreted as an unsuitably nonchalant and flippant way to ask something so serious. And to be fair, when considered out of context, it’s probably all of the above. I find that lighthearted conversations are a very good way of getting really heavy things out in the open, and it’s sometimes the only way to cut through them.These types of conversations on podcasts can very quickly become overkill. Over-done, over-cooked, under achieving, but every now and then, it’s a conversation worth having, and worth sharing. Everyone, no matter how successful, rich, loved, famous, has absolutely lost themselves at least once in their lives. Money worries, identity worries, job worries, worries about the future, sadness about the past, panic about your career progression or where your life should or shouldn’t be. Families falling apart, friends drifting away. It gets to us all and it’s very easy to then think you’re the only one, and Jesus does that make it feel a hundred times lonelier. Well, you’re not the only one, and when you realise that, it somehow makes it that bit more manageable.We don’t have the answers, if we did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation in the first place. But not every question has a definitive answer, and not every issue has an exact solution. But just talking about them can answer some of it, and solve part of it. And sometimes that’s enough. If you can laugh the whole way through, like we did, then that’s even better. If you’re just here for the patter, then I hope you enjoy it. If you’re here because you’re looking for a lifeline, then I hope this provides it. Stay tuned to the end for some perfect insight into why we should always hold on for tomorrow. If you enjoy this episode, share it somewhere. You never know who it might reach. Love ye.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Berry and Jenny Storey co-own two businesses in one. The first is Urban Retreat, a hair and beauty salon that puts a strong emphasis on community, care and impeccable professional standards. The second, is The Academy. They provide Scotland’s first private traineeship, in direct partnership with the most prestigious spa resorts all over Scotland. Whether it’s someone just starting out in life, or a person who wants to take themselves in a different direction, they provide a clear pathway for those who want to empower themselves with an education that opens doors in exciting places.In this episode, you’ll hear about Kate’s time spent working alongside former Rangers Football Club owner David Holmes, forging a very robust and invaluable business experience, and where that then coincided with Jenny’s years at the coalface of the beauty business…They explain how they educate and empower people to change the direction of their lives, through training, employment, mentorship and friendship, and why it matters so much to them…And Jenny lifts the lid on the industry, from funny mishaps, to the darker and more dangerous downsides that she’s experienced.Urban RetreatThe AcademyContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comInstagram: @seantmcdonaldTwitter: @seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour Councillor Audrey Dempsey has been accused of racism and suspended this week, after she proposed to ask a question at the council about 'racist attacks on white children in schools'.In this exclusive interview, Audrey announces her resignation from the Labour Party.And:Her explanation of why she was asking the question'Liking' tweets from far-right partyFuture in politic+ MoreSenior Producer: Lucy Johnston Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blethered at the Ballot is a political podcast that pulls no punches, brings a laugh or two, and cuts straight through to the important matters without getting caught up in political jargon and meaningless soundbites. The General Election is fast approaching and before we collectively decide who to put in power, we deserve to know the thoughts of those who currently have it, those who want it, and those who are near it.Dr Sandesh Gulhane has been a Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Glasgow since 2021, he’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and he’s a practising NHS GP. He holds the distinction of being the first Hindu and first man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.Now campaigning to be elected to Westminster as an MP, Sandesh has been been chosen as the Conservative candidate for East Renfrewshire – a seat currently held by the SNP’s Kirsten Oswald. This is our conversation about the friendliness of Glaswegians, how he ended up in Scottish politics, my questions and observations about the Conservatives record after fourteen years in government, Douglas Ross’ leadership, and his hopes for the election.Senior Producer: Lucy JohnstonContact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TICKETS: https://www.seetickets.com/event/blethered-with-sean-mcdonald/august-house/2926744Blethered will be LIVE at August House in Glasgow city centre on Thursday 18th April with legendary broadcaster, journalist and entertainer Tam Cowan for a night of conversation, previously unheard stories from a long career in media, and basically just a right good laugh.This will be Blethered in its original style, with strictly nothing off-limits and a chance to hear the stories that are a wee bit too hot for the radio. Tam’s first episode a couple of years back is by far one of the most popular episodes out of nearly 200, and a Live audience setting is where he’s at his best.You’ll hear a clip from the last time we sat down in the studio, with Tam telling me the story of when Frank McAvennie didn’t realise his microphone was still recording, as he took a phone call in a BBC studio…Tickets are only £10 so get yours now and come and join us for a good laugh and a great way to kick off the weekend early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Martin Compston are back on the BBC with Martin Compston’s Norwegian Fling, their second series together, where they travel across Norway and experience some of what the country has to offer.In this episode, you’ll hear Phil talk to me about how going to Gaelic school set him on an interesting and unique career path...I find out how an innocuous conversation led to the commissioning of the programme, and what the experience was like…And Phil talks about working alongside Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond in the run up to the 2014 independence referendum, starting his own thriving PR company, and a bizarre period where he coached Vladimir Romanov. That’s Vladimir Romanov, the enigmatic and volatile former owner of Hearts football club, as he competed in the Lithuanian version of Strictly Come Dancing. Stay tuned for a genuinely world exclusive revelation on that one...And as always, there's plenty more.Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.