Michael McEwan is a journalist and broadcaster from Glasgow, with a unique perspective on the world. A former Blethered guest, Michael has cerebral palsy, but has never defined himself by that.

After some chats back and forth, Michael expressed that he felt he was categorised in a certain way, and lamented what he felt was a lack of opportunity for him in professional terms.

I had the idea to hand over the keys to Blethered, and let him showcase just what he can do. He's funny, intelligent, sharp and a capable interviewer/presenter.

So here it is! Blethered, with Michael McEwan. And I'm his guest.

Enjoy!

contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Michael's LinkedIn Profile

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Craig first gained attention by walking from Hampden to Munich for Scotland’s Euros campaign. He’s now taking on a far bigger challenge, a 3,000-mile walk across the US, raising funds for SAMH ahead of the World Cup.

We talk about how the idea came about, his affinity with the Germans, and just what he can expect as he undertakes this mammoth challenge.

And, as always, loads more.

Sports Therapy Scotland

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

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I'm joined by lawyer and registered midwife Jaimie McGready to discuss the trial and conviction of serial killer Lucy Letby.

Letby was recently convicted of the murder of six newborn babies, and the attempted murder of seven more, in what was the longest murder trial in British legal history.

We reflect on the evidence that led to her conviction and receipt of a full life order, meaning she’ll die behind bars.

Jaimie and I also discuss the death penalty, the 'morality' of criminal defence lawyers and where the responsibility lies for hospital management staff's failure to act, after repeated warnings about Letby.

And as always, there's plenty more.

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald/

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Billy Porter's name is synonymous with Glasgow in the 1980’s and 90’s, where he was a hugely popular comedian in the pubs, clubs and venues of Glasgow and the west of Scotland.

Known for his quick thinking, sharp wit and on-the-edge humour, he was a cult favourite, and since his move to Tenerife in 2008, he’s been a must-see for any Scots travelling to the island on holiday.

Billy tells me about growing up in Shettleston in a family not blessed with an abundance of wealth, the same as most in that era…

He reflects on the impact of realising he was gay, in a harsh and unkind era, when it came to homosexuality…

And he speaks very candidly about his challenges with alcoholism, and the years through which the laughter flowed every night, but rarely from him.

You’ll know Billy Porter the comedian, but this conversation is Billy Porter the son, the brother, the husband, the friend, the wee guy from Shettleston and the man he eventually came to be.

Bily's Instagram

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

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Roz Foyer is the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the most influential voices in the Scottish labour movement. With decades of experience representing workers across public and private sectors, she is a leading advocate on fair work, pay, equality, and employment rights.

In practical terms, she represents the collective voice of hundreds of thousands of workers, meaning her positions can shape national conversations, legislative priorities, and real-life outcomes.

During this never-ending period of economic pressure, wage erosion, industrial unrest, and sociopolitical uncertainty in Scotland, Roz articulates worker concerns in language that resonates both with grassroots members and policymakers, making her a credible power broker rather than a purely symbolic advocate.

In real-terms: she’s a key figure in Scottish life, and is fiercely on the side of the interests of the working man and woman.

You’ll hear us talking about Roz’s formative years in the working world, and how she ended up at the forefront of the trade union movement…

We discuss the economic difficulties faced by people in Scottish communities, and how they’re fuelling things like flags being hung from lampposts, and what those flags really represent…

And we get into potentially uncomfortable territory. The Daily Mail recently attacked Roz on the basis that she owns some properties. Is it counterproductive and hypocritical for a trade union leader to own more than one home? Or is it completely disingenuous and propagandist output from the usual suspects, that falls apart at the slightest scrutiny? You can decide that one for yourself, I don’t think it’ll take you long.

And as always, there’s so much more in there - and a chat I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

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This is the story of two Scottish rappers who pretended to be American, signed to the biggest record label on earth, made a fortune, toured with Eminem and D12, appeared on MTV, recorded multiple albums, before eventually being rumbled.

I’m joined by Gavin Bain - one half of the now defunct rap duo Silibil N' Brains - who originated in the Scottish city of Dundee. After multiple rejections, they decided to pretend to be from California, and to their surprise, enjoyed immediate success.

Their unbelievable story is now the subject of a biographical film - California Schemin’ - directed by Hollywood heavyweight James McAvoy. The film is based on Gavin’s autobiography, Straight Outta Scotland, but in typical Blethered style, I want to hear about the detail behind the detail, and the nuances of what drove him to pursue the life that he did, and the experiences that made him who he was.

You’ll hear about growing up in South Africa, how lucid dreams become prophetic previews of his life events, moving to Motherwell and then Dundee, and how the characterisation that his musical adventure was anything other than unequivocal creative and commercial success, is truly wide of the mark.

Gavin and his coconspirator and close friend Billy Boyd’s story is one of the most jaw dropping, hilariously unfathomable and absurd that I’ve ever heard. Make sure you go and see the film when it’s out in early 2026.

Spanish Club at Zique's Hyndland

contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

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Spanish language exchange at Ziques in Hyndland, Glasgow

• 6th January 2026
• 5-7pm & 7-9pm
• Unlimited pintxos!
• Enjoy a relaxed setting with native speakers and learners of all levels
• Open to all

TICKETS

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Scotland heads into an election while housing, public services and the cost of living pile pressure onto people’s lives. In that climate, the Greens are trying to set out what they stand for – after time in government and time out of it – and explain the role they believe they can play in Scotland’s future.

Against the rise of the far right across Europe and growing political frustration at home, clarity is important. I’m here to ask direct questions, listen properly, and give guests the space to explain themselves without distortion. You can decide what you think for yourself.

Game 4 Padel comes to Dundee!

contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

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