Blethered – Details, episodes & analysis

*****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.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

Money Advice Groups

https://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en

Gamblers Anonymous

https://gascotland.org/

https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland

https://www.samaritans.org

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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 Tickets

Health Booster Salt Caves

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @seantmcdonald

Twitter: @seanmcdonald01

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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 Retreat

The Academy

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @seantmcdonald

Twitter: @seanmcdonald01

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I talk to Stevie and Al of Saint Phnx about their early beginnings in band Vigo Thieves, you’ll hear about their tours with Yung Blud and Lewis Capaldi, and the lads reflect on how perseverance and a love for what they do has got them to the where they are.

Blethered LIVE at St Luke's: https://gigss.co/blethered

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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

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Blethered x cinch presents TRNSMT

I'm joined by Amy MacDonald and we discuss her first steps in music, having a drink backstage with U2, and how much she's looking forward to getting back on the road.

And as always, so much more.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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We discuss Paul’s departure from Westminster and the realities of life during Covid after being an MP, moving to Holyrood to serve in the Scottish parliament and pushing for change in Scottish politics.

And we chat about the need for alliances in communities, if we want to see real progression.

Plus, I talk about the time we had dinner beside Theresa May in the House of Commons. Seriously.

www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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Commonwealth Featherweight Champion boxer Nathaniel Collins tell me about his early steps into amateur boxing after overcoming a physical defect at birth, before eventually travelling all over the world to compete against the very best.

We discuss his transition into professional boxing, including the dedication and sacrifice made that saw him recently crowned Commonwealth Featherweight Champion, and what lies ahead.

www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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Former footballer Dean Richardson talks about his days as a youth player at Celtic in the early 2000’s and the progression of his career after leaving Celtic Park.

On top of that, there’s some funny stories about nights in the cells in Dublin and physical assaults from the enigmatic Tommy Gravesen after beating him at pool.

But most importantly, Dean tells me about his recent testicular cancer battle at only 34 years of age, and how vital early detection was in saving his life.

You’ll hear great advice and we dismantle the notion of embarrassment when it comes to something so serious.

www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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Scottish actor Laura McMonagle talks about her early days on BBC Scotland soap River City before going on to work with people like Ken Loach and Martin Compston...

We discuss the added pressure of portraying real-life people such as her character in the Paul Ferris biopic ‘The Wee Man’, among others...

And Laura shines a light on the experience of her latest film project, ‘To Be Someone’, a film about Mods, Music & Organised Crime.

www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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We discuss the Only Fans phenomenon, the social stigma around it, and varying social attitudes around women and sexuality.

We also reflect on the sexualisation and objectification of women from a young age, and Adelia discusses the impact that her career path has had on her relationships with her family and friends.

www.dontfretaboutdebt.net/blethered/

Contact: seanmcdonald.podcast@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanmcdonald01

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

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