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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Recorded live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Aye Write 2025 book festival

This episode digs into why so many young men are being drawn into the darker corners of the internet, and what’s actually happening inside those spaces. I sit down with journalist James Bloodworth and author Chris McQueer, whose new books approach the same world from different angles. One through investigation, the other through fiction.

We examine how loneliness, identity, class, online culture and modern masculinity collide. There are pressures pushing young men toward isolated digital communities, the narratives they find once they’re there, and the sinister influences filling the gaps left by real-life connection and purpose.

It’s a grounded, honest and unflinching look at an issue affecting families, schools and communities across the country – and what it might take to bring these young men back into the world around them.

Lost Boys by James Bloodworth

Hermit by Chris McQueer

The Anchor Inverclyde

contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

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Colin Brown is the founder of Gambling LEAP, which stands for Lived Experience, Education, Awareness and Prevention.

Colin lived with gambling addiction for over 25 years, eventually finding the strength and resolve to turn things around, but not before a number of intense challenges and setbacks throughout his life.

He now hopes to use his experience and relative success in managing his addiction, to serve as a help and signpost for anyone currently going through the same experience.

In this episode, Colin explains how addiction crept in and how it manifests itself in every facet of life, work and relationships… We discuss the predatory nature of the gambling industry itself, and how football and entertainment are complicit in its destruction And Colin offers his insight into tackling gambling addiction, both for those suffering with the affliction, and also for those close to gambling addicts.

If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, there are some helpful links in the episode notes, but more importantly, there are some genuinely helpful points and information throughout the conversation. If you enjoy it or find it helpful, then don’t be shy in sharing it with others. You never know who might benefit from seeing it.

contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.