The Lesley Riddoch Podcast
679 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsScottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with former media lecturer and Dundee United fan, Pat Joyce. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.
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Episodes
2014 Review - M to S
December 31, 2014 11:30 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBIn the third of the series of 2014 Reviews, we travel from M to S. We start with an example of 'M' and touch on politicians, newspapers, 'Question Times', boat festivals , TV stations and programmes as we finally land on 'S'. As you can imagine, there is a fair bit of referendum but more happened. It is also worth pointing out that all the Lesley Riddoch podcasts are still there in the archive for you to download and listen to. So, if there is a topic you want to hear more about from 2014, ...
2014 Review - G To L
December 26, 2014 19:06 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBIn the second 2014 Review podcast, we tackle G to L. From Gordon to Land Reform via Norway, huts and 'everything is awesome'. We discover why musicians vote the way they do and the problems with brothers.
2014 Review - A to F
December 24, 2014 17:24 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBThis special series of @lesleyriddoch podcasts tries to cram the year into A to Z. This one concentrates on A to F; from MPs in boiler suits to villages with big impacts. We also learn why Brian Cox is a sweet heart and which MEP Lesley went to school with. Alloa, Bella Caledonia, Commonwealth Games, Co-op Farmers and more are here in the first of this series of holiday break podcasts.
Women's Prison and Radio Schedules
December 22, 2014 09:59 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBThis week's podcast reflects on a week of 2 Common Weal meetings in Aberdeen and Leith and 2 Women for Independence meetings in Dalkeith and Edinburgh. The topic of the new women's prison in Inverclyde was raised and Lesley wrote about it in the Sunday Post. The petition started by the Edinburgh Women for Independence Group is here. Finally we talked briefly about the changes to the BBC Radio Scotland schedule. There are some interesting local and international opportunities .
Jim, Shops and Sheds
December 14, 2014 22:55 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBThis week, a new Scottish Labour leader is elected, Lesley speaks in an Alloa charity shop and a shed project in Easterhouse closes. Elsewhere Nigel Farage and Russell Brand trade verbal blows and the Amazon review crowd deflate some hot air.
Women's Quotas and Alex Returns
December 07, 2014 23:09 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBThis week's @lesleyriddoch podcast muses on women's quotas following a Nordic Horizons event and ponders the return of Alex Salmond.We also manage to cover Aye shops , Stirling Women for Independence, more Land Reform, and describe the arrival of 'Wee White Blossom'.
Land and Smith
November 30, 2014 20:19 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBThis week's @lesleyriddoch podcast looks at the latest Scottish Government proposals on 'Land Reform' and the immediate reactions to the Smith Commission Report. We also talk about East Coast railways.
The National
November 24, 2014 15:28 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBIn this week's @lesleyriddoch podcast we discuss the new 'National' newspaper, fracking, marine energy, Radical Independence, 50:50 cabinets and round up the week's speaking engagements.
Goodbye Hello ( Rock Star)
November 17, 2014 14:01 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBLesley reports back from the SNP Conference which said farewell to Alex Salmond and welcomed its new leader; Nicola Sturgeon. What was the vibe? There was also a lot of talk about who might stand "under the SNP banner" in the 2015 UK General Election - Lesley's name is mentioned - what does she think? And finally, after numerous requests, more details of the community banks are revealed.
TTIP
November 10, 2014 00:23 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week we tackle TTIP and try to wrap our brains around it. Is it as bad as everyone seems to think it is? And is there any rationale for it? Lesley spoke at the Rural Parliament and found a raft of issues to address. Also, there are updates on Restaurant Day, Nordic Horizons, Women's Quotas and 'White Blossom''
Leadership
November 02, 2014 23:07 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBThis week's podcast tries to keep up with the various leadership contests. Scottish Labour seems to be having the media attention and if it is to be believed; it's a foregone conclusion. Is Jim Murphy the answer? Really? Lesley thinks not. She explains her reasoning. Also a quick round up of the week's events and more news about 'Blossom'.
Johann and Timo
October 26, 2014 22:57 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBThis week we recap the book festivals at Lismore and the Radical Book Fair. It is also saw the shock resignation of Johann Lamont the leader of the Scottish Labour Party and a fair few folk had something to say about that. Lesley had a slightly different take on the various commentators. Nordic Horizons also hosted Timo Santala , the co founder of 'Restaurant Day' and there is plenty to share about this event. We also construct an interesting new radio programme which is modelled on unlikely...
Good Enough
October 19, 2014 20:41 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBThis week's podcast takes its title from something Lesley saw in Denmark, which she reveals at the tail end of the podcast. We also manage to talk around gender, equality, the nature of devo whatever and infrastructure. It also includes a number of meanders and shout outs.
Brown, booze, books
October 13, 2014 13:50 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBJust back from Swansea for the first time in 30 plus years, Lesley finds Wales ‘different’. This week’s topics in the pod include; Gordon Brown, the Smith Commission, the Devo Max slate, the best kept secret about alcohol sales and the books we are supposed to read.
Back From Holiday
October 05, 2014 21:45 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBWe are back in the pod after a week’s break. Even though we were on holiday, Lesley still managed to keep across all the news stories. This included Alex Salmond on a phone in, Human Rights, Angela Constance and Women For Independence meeting in Perth. Lesley is pretty forthright about all these topics and reveals some of her plans for the next wee while.
QT Plus
September 26, 2014 21:57 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBThis week’s podcast starts with Lesley’s appearance on BBC’s Question Time. Lesley talks through the questions which ranged from the consequences of the Referendum, the Labour Party, and bombing IS. We also manage to tackle some thoughts about the new media rising in Scotland.
Aftermath
September 21, 2014 21:23 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBIt is difficult to categorize this podcast. It’s about the polling day and then the aftermath of the Referendum. We cover the media hype, the role of Alex Salmond and the rise of 45. It’s a long listen and very emotional and “the referendum is over but the energy persists.” It is one of the most uplifting podcasts we’ve done
Stories 2
September 17, 2014 10:49 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBIn a quick follow up to the ‘Stories’ podcast this week, Lesley runs through the other stories that happened below the radar. If you were worried that other countries are not interested in this referendum; then listen to whom Lesley has been talking to. Hint – it’s Australian TV and radio and 20 plus Norwegian students We also talk to retired Lt Colonel Andrew Parrott who explains all the defence issues; simply and without panic. And finally, we have tales from the front line to re...
Stories
September 14, 2014 22:49 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBHere we are 3 days away from the referendum Vote and the pace has picked up. Lesley has been on the road constantly; Helmsdale, Portgower, Strathpeffer, Ardrishaig, Shawlands and the Glad Café. She was on the Radio 4 World Tonight Debate and watched the Big Big Debate. We talk about the lost purse, signs, the hunt for tshirts , flash mobs and ‘love’ in the campaign. There are lots of stories to tell.
The 51 Breakthrough
September 07, 2014 20:27 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThis week’s @lesleyriddoch podcast comes from Orkney. Lesley has been talking about housing at the Orkney Science Fair and opening the Yes Shop in Kirkwall. Ed Miliband has been in the news as well…but probably not in a good way. And there has been a YouGov poll which puts ‘Yes’ at 51% for the first time.
Sweden and Pensions
September 01, 2014 11:17 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBJust back from a visit to Sweden, Lesley explains Radio Sweden, immigration and their upcoming general election. Turning to matters at home, pensions have been an issue raised in this phase of the Referendum Debate and Lesley expands on her thinking in her Scotsman column. Finally, she rounds up her experience on more meetings and watching the Big Debate alone abroad.
Ref TV , Visibility
August 24, 2014 19:14 - 42 minutes - 39 MBThis week sees the last episode of Referendum TV and Lesley reflects on some of the highlights and unexpected aspects of working with fellow journalists and presenters. We also manage to squeeze in Scotland’s visibility, Leith Says Aye, Sarah Beattie Smith of the Green Party on ‘Citizen’s Income’, George Foulkes on Lords Reform, Otters For Yes, the West Midlands Police Commissioner by-election and more besides. Finally, before the next big ‘Salmond versus Darling’ debate; we tell you what ...
More Big Issues
August 18, 2014 10:39 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast, we sweep up some of the big issues which have been mentioned in the newspapers. Lesley starts with her Sunday Post article “Let’s Do The World A Favour And Ditch Trident” – which has proved popular on Twitter. We also touch on the current NHS role in the debate; “health is more than hospitals”. Finally we round up the vibe from various meetings and Referendum TV.
Consequences Before Everything
August 11, 2014 18:03 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast, Lesley expands on the reasoning in her recent Scotsman column “Let’s Concentrate on the Real Debate”. The whole referendum seems to have got snagged on the consequences of a vote rather than examining the rationale for independence. We also recorded the views of a number of tourists and visitors to Edinburgh who share their insights.
The Debate about The Debate
August 08, 2014 01:30 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThis week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast talks about the STV Debate. The debate itself kicked off more debate, analysis and polls. Referendum TV had its first transmission and we get a view from behind the scenes. We also review “The Pure, The Dead, and The Brilliant”. And finally, Alyn Smith MEP explains how Europe works and the missing issue in the campaign MSM debate.
Games and Voices
August 04, 2014 18:51 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThis week we are talking the unexpected bonuses of the Commonwealth Games and the return of football. We also heard from Bruce Fummey with his unique take on the referendum. Lesley reveals a new media outlet; “Referendum TV’.
The Commonwealth Games
July 28, 2014 18:29 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBIn this week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast and following Lesley's Scotsman column this week, we turn the Commonwealth Games upside down and give them a good shake. Men’s emotions, rugby support, the strength of TV pictures, the ‘new’ Glasgow kiss, amongst other things, get a good airing. We also talk cycling and badges.
Heb Med
July 21, 2014 10:14 - 29 minutes - 27 MBThis week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast is an outside broadcast from the Western Isles, recorded in the ‘Mediterranean’ swelter of Luskentyre. Lesley has touring the Western Isles with Angus Brendan MacNeil MP as part of the “Blossom and Bu Choir’ tour. Together they cover the topics of remote communications on islands, including an interesting insight into how UK telecoms works and what 4G could do. Both are learning Nordic languages and are taking different things away from that experience. W...
Last Week This Week
July 14, 2014 06:03 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBWe are trying to catch up on a busy week which included appearances on the Daily Politics , ‘Any Questions’, a hutting rally and some powerful writing about national security and child abuse at Westminster. Lesley takes us behind the scenes and explains what it’s like to prepare for these types of political programmes and offers an insight as to why some panels are more amenable than others and why you need panda jokes.
Intimidation and Debate Fatigue
July 08, 2014 08:08 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBThis week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast starts by trying to unpick BBC2’s “Scotland:For Richer or Poorer?” and Channel4’s “The Great British Break-Up?”. Both programmes seem to illustrate a couple of problems which are leading to ‘debate fatigue’. There is also a mention of intimidation which Lesley wrote about and we examine that in a bit more detail. Lesley also offers a few thoughts about how this malaise in the #indyref could be addressed. Which in turn leads to some views about transport ...
Kay and Brian
July 04, 2014 10:12 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBAt the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, we met up with Kay and Brian. Both are keen 'skiffers' and involved in the local Portsoy community. It was good to get them into the pod to talk about the Festival, skiffs and, inevitably politics. If this referendum debate is about anything, it’s about understanding ourselves and listening to different voices. We hope you enjoy this ‘special podcast’ and we’ll be back around the kitchen table momentarily.
Belfast and Portsoy
June 30, 2014 19:19 - 21 minutes - 20 MBLesley spent a few days in Belfast with academics and wrote about how a commentator said “Whatever the result, Scotland has already won.” Here she explains a bit more detail behind the headlines. We also manage to squeeze in references to Farr, Newtonmore, Mark Cousins and the forthcoming ‘Words from the Wild ‘ Book Festival on Knoydart. There is also a quick review of ‘A Dangerous Game’ , Anthony Baxter’s follow up to ‘You’ve Been Trumped’. We also will be releasing a wee treat mid we...
Major and Crossfire
June 23, 2014 11:08 - 44 minutes - 41 MBJohn Major comes north and seems to be the latest heavyweight to offer advice as an opinion. And who should be the next poster person to appear? Lesley also reflects on what it takes to talk to farmers at the Royal Highland Show. Surprisingly, it’s not all subsidies. And we had to talk about it. BBC Radio Scotland’s new programme; Crossfire. There were a number of opinions expressed and Lesley explains her thinking about the shortcomings of the format and more problems in the MSM.
Geiteberg and Rowling
June 16, 2014 13:30 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBLesley is back from the Geiteberg Folk Festival just outside Oslo. Whilst there, she managed to grab a few words with one of the Directors; Brian Ó hEadhra. Both share a love of all things Norwegian and Scottish for different reasons. Arriving back home, as the row over JK Rowling seems to continue to rumble along; Lesley has a few thoughts. Finally, this is a short 'start the week' podcast; we will be back at longer length later this week to catch up on more of the week's topics and issues.
100 Days
June 09, 2014 15:38 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBIt’s ‘100 days until’ and we’ve had ‘hope to nope’ from Obama, glorious leader jibes and the inevitable countdown to 18 September .We discuss these topics along with ‘Devo More’ and how the Queen deals with fainting. Lesley is also frustrated by the media coverage and we learn which European country has the highest IT workers per capita.
Ranty At Aunty
June 02, 2014 15:04 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBPopular BBC Scotland presenter Gary Robertson is about to leave and ‘Scotland 2014’ arrives – Lesley has written about her concerns. In this podcast, she explains why she thinks things have been going wrong. We also touch briefly on Blair and Bush and Tory tax proposals. And oddly enough, end on some good news …yes , you will have to listen to the very end.
Stromness
May 26, 2014 22:02 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBThis week we are in Stromness on the ‘Blossom trail. In the light of the European election results, does this shed any light on Scottish politics? And you would have noticed that the Land Reform Review Group has reported and Lesley has blogged and written about it, but here she talks through some of the issues. Finally, there is a new proposal for a ‘national council’ – what is that all about? Lots of questions and some answers in this week’s @lesleyriddoch podcast.
Puffins To Intolerance
May 19, 2014 11:31 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBThis week’s big themes are; relating to nature, energy companies mis-selling and the role of the ‘ethnic arguments’ in the constitutional debate. We also manage to weave in seeing puffins and gannets at the Bass Rock, Carrying the Fire , St Johnstone, the language of Labour, the new BBC referendum programmes, wrestling and the Atlas of Productivity.
It's No' Fair
May 13, 2014 16:56 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBThis week’s podcast is framed and named by William McIlvanney , who “observed at the Ullapool Book Festival this weekend, the Scottish slogan is not ‘wha daur meddle wi me’ but ‘wait a minute, that’s no’ fair’.” We talk through the week’s events; the Grove Community Garden opening in Fountainbridge Edinburgh, the rise of competitive gardening, the Radical Independence gathering in Inverness and the calls for ‘reconciliation’ and nearly everything else in between; including the role of 12 ye...
Bank Holiday Special
May 05, 2014 12:25 - 38 minutes - 35 MBWhilst the rest of the country enjoys the May Bank Holiday, we are hard at work tackling the issues. Lesley thinks David Cameron should try a ‘zero hours’ contract.The whole issue of land reform bubbles up again with news about the Coop sale and a hard hitting Scotsman column from Lesley. We discuss the question; land reform and a referendum campaign – how do they fit together? We also discuss Fintry’s FRESh community awards and the Big Ref Debate… ideas and lessons from both, it would...
Getting Down To Business
April 29, 2014 13:57 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBAs the CBI changes its mind, is Lesley conducting a witch hunt? Renaissance man Icelander Halldór Guðmundsson came to call about Harpa at the latest Nordic Horizons meeting. He did talk about Harpa and a number of other fascinating Icelandic topics in a way which prompted a lot of thought. Finally, Lesley is just back from Dunoon, Arran and Islay where she had a great time talking about ‘Blossom’. There were a lot of people who helped on the way to a great series..but she also discover...
Things out of our control
April 21, 2014 15:46 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBThis week’s @lesleyriddoch podcast is still reeling from the cyber attack at our Typepad blog hosts. So we started to speculate on other things outwith our control. The list starts with the BBC Referendum debate in Orkney. Was this a format not suited to a debate? A debate not suited to the format. And how did this contrast with the Science Festival Energy Referendum Debate ; ‘The Perfect Mix’ ? Lesley doesn’t write the headlines in the Sunday Post either and has a few things to say about ...
Updates, Energy and Defence
April 14, 2014 16:21 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBAfter a busy period of activity; there are updates to deliver and comments to be made. The e-petition from Carolyn Leckie has clearly influenced a decision not to demolish the Red Road Flats as a part of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. There was a public meeting in Blairgowrie to discuss how to proceed with the Co-operative group and their sale of Rosemount Farm. After a brief visit to Easdale on the Blossom Tour, the whole topic of ‘energy’ came up. Lesley wrote about the subject ...
The Anti trident rally, tangling with a Tory and Red Road
April 07, 2014 12:09 - 34 minutes - 32 MBIn a packed Podcast this week, Lesley talks about the Anti-trident rally in Glasgow and reflects on the passing of Margo MacDonald. Moving along to the Aye Write debate, Lesley locked horns with Rory Stewart the Tory MP about ‘modernity’ amongst other things. All of which took place in Glasgow which is set to ‘wow the world’ by blowing up the Red Road tower blocks – is this a good idea and a fitting way to open the Commonwealth Games? Finally we explore some of the issues around today’...
Kokar, Coop and the Big Beasts
March 31, 2014 23:01 - 24 minutes - 23.4 MBLesley is travelling this week in the Aland Islands and reports back on the big international debate which is facing Finland. A hint; it’s about NATO and Putin. Back home Lesley has blogged and written about the Co-op but now there is a campaign involving the potential community purchase of Rosemount Farm near Blairgowrie ( @rosemountcoop ) which she explains in some detail. And over the last weekend, there have been calls for the big hitters, the big beasts of the Labour Party to get stuc...
Renewables Tory Bingo Scotlab
March 24, 2014 17:16 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBThis week’s @Lesleyriddoch podcast picks up on the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change’s presentation to the Scottish Renewables Conference. On the basis of what he said and hasn’t done; it’s a continuing surprise that renewables and renewable energy don’t feature more prominently in the current constitutional debate. It’s a similar picture as we turn to Grant Shapps’ current problems; #ToryBingo. Lesley wrote about this in the Sunday Post and here we speculate more about ...
Europe, the BBC and Renewables
March 16, 2014 23:19 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBIn this week’s @lesleyriddoch Podcast, we reflect on an interesting event with The European Movement in Scotland and 5 Million Questions; a lively debate about Europe and the Scottish Referendum. Which leads onto the current spat about Andrew Marr and Barroso…and thence to the BBC and its current take on the Referendum. And the demise of the ‘Headlines’ programme. And the Vikings in England. And finally, with the Scottish Renewables Conference this coming week, we talk TESLA, batterie...
Unmerited Awe
March 11, 2014 15:18 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThis week, we discuss the continuing discussion of ‘bad news business’ which Lesley wrote about in her Newsnet Scotland blog . What is the mystique of business which seems to invoke an unmerited awe for business leaders? Especially when the Co-op are the latest to announce big problems in their core business model. In a similar vein, Gordon Brown seems to have made another maiden speech in his intervention in the constitutional debate. Likewise, Sir Menzies Campbell has launched the ‘Campbe...
The Rammy and Farmers
March 03, 2014 00:03 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBThis week Nicola Sturgeon and Johann Lamont met in the latest STV debate and talked over each other. This has been termed ‘the stairheid rammy’. Lesley thinks there is more to it than simple disagreement. In business news this week, the Co-op are about to sell farms and won’t split them up, Holyrood are about to look at farming subsidies and Standard Life are uncertain. Lesley thumps the table. Finally, Aberdeen and Lesley have a wonderful ‘Blossom’ experience.
Everything is awesome
February 24, 2014 08:25 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBThe lore of the Lego Movie, peripatetic Cabinets and their meetings, Sovereign Funds, the ‘Top Islands’ ,curling and what Jackie Bird did when she visited . As ever, Lesley manages to weave a narrative in between this varied range of topics. ( She wrote about the Trip Advisor awards for Lewis and Harris in the Sunday Post and the meetings of the UK and Scottish Cabinets in Aberdeen in the Scotsman.)