Best Holyrood Sources Podcasts (2025)

1
LABOUR: "DANCING TO A RIGHT WING TUNE" ON IMMIGRATION - WHAT'S THE COST? 54:26

4d ago54:26

54:26

Bernard and Alex discuss the danger for Labour of dancing to the right-wing's tune on immigration. What does it mean? What (if anything) does Keir Starmer stand for? What does Labour now stand for? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Question…

1
Reform UK in Scottish Polls - How Much is Media Hype? 52:10

13d ago52:10

52:10

Summary In this episode of the Ponsonby and Massie podcast, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the recent program for government announced by John Swinney, analyzing its implications and the political landscape in Scotland. They explore the limited legislative agenda, the scrapping of peak fares, the promise of more GP appointments, and the s…

1
One Year to Scottish Parliament Election 42:32

17d ago42:32

42:32

In a week that saw Reform UK make seismic advances in the English Local Elections and the Runcorn & Helsby Parliamentary By Election, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie deep dive into the current state of the parties in Scotland - one year from the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections. What does the rise of Reform UK mean in Scotland, what are the impl…

1
IS RELIGION RELEVANT IN MODERN SCOTLAND? 46:36

24d ago46:36

46:36

Bernard and Alex discuss: Religion's relevance today: They explore how religion is now more comfortably discussed by Scottish politicians compared to 20–30 years ago. There's a nuanced conversation about Scotland’s move from a heavily religious society to a secular one, and a new resurgence of faith among younger Scots. The gender recognition legal…

1
Supreme Court Definition of a Woman Explained - What now for the Scottish Government? 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

Bernard and Alex consider today's ruling from the Supreme Court in which Lord Hodge said "The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex." "Successive SNP-led Scottish Governments have championed gender reform and opined on the definition of a woman …

1
TRUMP'S US TARIFF WARS EXPLAINED - What does it mean for you? 47:13

2M ago47:13

47:13

Bernard and Alex explain and analyse the significance of Donald Trump's international trade tariffs and how it might affect you personally in everything from the cost of goods to your pension. Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff offensive has triggered market turmoil and reignited fears of a full-blown trade war, with the FTSE 100 plummeting and …

1
CAN ANYONE SORT THE UK & SCOTTISH ECONOMY? 46:58

2M ago46:58

46:58

Bernard and Alex dive deep into Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, dissecting the harsh realities of the UK's economic growth crisis, looming tax rises, and controversial welfare cuts that could plunge 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty. They explore the political fallout within the Labour Party, a potential backbench re…

1
OPERATION BRANCHFORM - WHAT NOW? 45:48

2M ago45:48

45:48

OPERATION BRANCHFORM INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES STURGEON & BEATTIE - No longer under investigation. MURRELL - Facing embezzlement charges and has appeared in court. What now? PLUS Welfare reform, intergenerational inequality and public spending pressures. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like Th…

1
BREAKING: STURGEON TO STAND DOWN 47:37

2M ago47:37

47:37

Bernard and Alex discuss the news that after being an MSP since 1999, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she will not stand for re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election. Why has she done this? A look back at her career What does it mean for the SNP? What was she like to work with? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you li…

1
JOHN SWINNEY PART 2 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

PART 2 of the Ponsonby and Massie Podcast interview with the First Minister, John Swinney In his most in-depth and revealing interview since becoming Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney joins Bernard Ponsoby and Alex Massie: FEAR FOR SURVIVAL OF THE SNP * On Humza Yousaf resigning after the collapse of the Bute House agreement "If I go back to …

1
JOHN SWINNEY SPECIAL - PART 1 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

Part 1 of 2. In his most in-depth and wide ranging interview since becoming First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney joins Bernard and Alex. "I was exhausted" when Nicola Sturgeon stood down in 2023. My year out revitalised me and allowed me to become First Minister. If I'm elected as First Minister in 2026, I'll stand again in 2031. 2024 General E…

1
NATO AND EUROPE SECURITY CRISIS 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

Bernard and Alex chew over: SECUIRTY CRISIS - NATO and Europe in a Security crisis as "strongmen" Trump and Putin carve up the geopolitical map. GENDER - Last week's debate around gender issues and disagreements on the ability to debate them in the Scottish Parliament puts further pressure on First Minister, John Swinney, and the role of the Presid…

1
STARMER & McSWEENEY - The Inside Story 55:17

3M ago55:17

55:17

Times journalist and co-author of a new book on the current Labour Government, Patrick Maguire, joins Bernard and Alex to discuss Keir Starmer and particularly the relationship with his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney. PATRICK MAGUIRE ON McSWEENEY "People say, ‘Why is this the Morgan McSweeney story with Keir Starmer as a supporting actor?’—becaus…

1
TRUMP & PUTIN - Carve-Up Ukraine & Rip-Up Western Defence 49:39

3M ago49:39

49:39

Alex and Bernard are joined by former SNP Defence Spokesperson in the UK Parliament, Stewart McDonald. On the Ukraine War and Trump's Role “We survived this old man one time before, we'll survive him a second time around.” – Stewart McDonald on Ukrainian resilience against Putin and Trump “This idea that their land can just be chopped up by Washing…

1
Is Labour Bust Economically and Electorally? 51:03

3M ago51:03

51:03

Alex and Bernard discuss the latest polls and fiscal challenges facing Labour so early in a new government. Also, Trump continues to cut up the rule book in America and - what's it really like backstage at BBC Question Time. 📌 On Political Polls & SNP Strategy: 🗣️ "Do I believe any poll? No. All polls are a snapshot of opinion, but when a clear tre…

1
TRUMP'S PROTECTIONISM - An Opportunity for the UK & Scotland? 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

Does Trump's "America First" start to his second term as US President, with trade wars, tough immigration policies, border controls and pulling back from international cooperation actually create an opportunity for the UK and Scotland? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politic…

1
STURGEON ON SALMOND 49:24

4M ago49:24

49:24

On Nicola Sturgeon's Criticism of Alex Salmond and His Family's Response “Telling the truth is now considered an attack and something that should be forbidden or locked away in a box.” “Nicola Sturgeon’s Financial Times interview was more candid than her ‘measured’ statements to Parliament – did she conceal critical details?” On Reform UK and Scott…

1
IS SCOTTISH NATIONALISM POPULIST? 47:59

4M ago47:59

47:59

In the first episode of 2025, Alex calls out John Swinney's warnings on leaving the door open to populists "if populism is to be defined as sort of sweeping generalized single solution to all problems and so on, then isn't Scottish independence the single greatest act of populism in recent Scottish political history?" Also, the Scottish Budget, Lab…

1
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

As the year draws to a close, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie convene to reflect on a year that promised to change the world with more people voting in elections across the globe than at any other time in human history. But did it really change anything for the better? Scotland, Westminster and Global politics in this episode. Merry Christmas from…

1
CHRISTMAS PARTY POLITICS 49:24

5M ago49:24

49:24

We're heading into the Christmas season but not at the expense of political news: Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar, is heading for festive fisticuffs with the Prime Minister over Waspi Women. Bernard and Alex examine the issue and whether it's all talk or can it be solved? Nicola Sturgeon has given a series of interviews but was it a sensible id…

1
WHAT'S GONE WRONG FOR SCOTTISH LABOUR? 43:07

5M ago43:07

43:07

In the wake of a poll in the Sunday Times reporting that Scottish Labour are a long way from preventing the SNP forming a third decade of Scottish Government in 2026 and reports of grumblings within the party from members and supporters at a recent Scottish Labour event, Bernard and Alex ask - what's gone wrong less than 6 months after the party de…

1
2024 PONSONBY & MASSIE POLITICAL AWARDS 1:02:54

6M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Who will win a coveted Ponsonby and Massie coffee mug as Bernard and Alex convene in the Kilderkin Bar on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to hold their own annual Scottish political award ceremony over pints. Also, after Nicola Sturgeon was paid £25,000 to take part in an ITV election programme, Bernard reveals for the first time how much the BBC offer…

1
STV's JOHN MACKAY: New Book on Biggest Stories of His Career 46:23

6M ago46:23

46:23

Anchorman, John Mackay, is one of the best known faces on television in Scotland as the lead presenter of STV's top rated news programmes. In his new book "Scotland Today & Yesterday" John records the biggest stories of his career from Dunblane to the Independence Referendum and tells Bernard and Alex what it was really like living in front of the …

1
EXCLUSIVE: ANAS SARWAR: "I Won't Wait for Westminster to Fix Scotland's Problems" 57:50

6M ago57:50

57:50

In his most revealing and in-depth interview yet, Anas Sarwar outlines Scottish Labour’s agenda for government should he become First Minister in 2026 and what motivates him in politics. •On post 2026 co-operation with SNP “"On individual issues, I will not turn my back or close my eyes to any politician of any party." •Swingeing cuts to SNP bureau…

1
Assisted Dying - Liam McArthur MSP 55:09

6M ago55:09

55:09

There are currently two bills on Assisted Dying - Kim Leadbeater MP introduced a Bill to the UK Parliament in October and Liam McArthur introduced a bill to March in the Scottish Parliament. Liam joins Bernard and Alex to discuss this sensitive subject, the legislation and its ramifications. If you'd like to find out more or this issue affects you …

1
DAME JACKIE BAILLIE 44:10

6M ago44:10

44:10

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, joins Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar to discuss: Scots are paying too much tax for failing services Her admiration of the SNP's Kate Forbes Her belief that the NHS is broken Why she'd like to be Health and Social Care Minister if Labour are elected in Scotland. Her early life in Hong Kong and h…

1
SNP 2026 CANDIDATES 37:34

6M ago37:34

37:34

Bernard and Alex are back considering: SNP Registration of candidacy - Stephen Flynn, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have all thrown their hats in the ring. Can Flynn really be an MP and MSP despite party attitudes and are Sturgeon and Yousaf's intentions even real? PLUS Neil Gray - Does anyone believe the story of why ministerial trips were take…

1
AN "OLD LABOUR" BUDGET? 37:24

7M ago37:24

37:24

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reaction and analysis of the first budget statement from Rachel Reeves - the first woman Chancellor to deliver a budget in British history. Is it a "workerist", old-Labour budget that the likes of Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Denis Healey would be happy with? Bernard and Alex discuss. Focussing on UK, Scottish…

1
UK BUDGET PRE-BRIEFING 50:27

7M ago50:27

50:27

Catherine MacLeod, former Political Editor of The Herald and Special Adviser (SPAD) to UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, joins Bernard and Alex to preview Rachel Reeves first budget of the new Labour Government. Catherine's insights into how the Treasury and Chancellor prepare for a budget. PONSONBY - "This is the real day one of the new Labour gove…

1
HOUNDED: JENNY LINDSAY 45:22

7M ago45:22

45:22

Poet and writer Jenny Lindsay tells her story: Being cancelled and "hounded" for being gender critical Her new book telling the story of her experience - "Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars" She says that gender is an open goal for politicians who should apologize to women and admit they got it wrong. Jenny's book is available here: https://…

1
PT2 - ALEX SALMOND 1954 - 2024 1:02:21

7M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

PART 2 of a 2 part exploration of the life and times of Alex Salmond who died at the weekend at the age of 69. Bernard and Alex pick up the story in 2011 through the zenith of his career at the 2014 Independence Referendum and onto the challenges of legal battles and the Alba Party in his post-SNP world. The programme concludes with a summary of wh…

1
PT1 - ALEX SALMOND 1954 - 2024 44:06

7M ago44:06

44:06

Part 1 of a 2 part special reflecting on the life of "the most consequential Scottish politician of our time", Alex Salmond, who died at the weekend at the age of 69. It's a sincere attempt to capture in some depth the complexity and calibre of the man, his highs and lows. Bernard Ponsonby knew Alex Salmond professionally and personally for 35 year…

1
US PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL - With David Frum from The Atlantic 52:55

7M ago52:55

52:55

Bernard and Alex are joined by David Frum, Staff Writer at the The Atlantic for a deep dive into the US Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. David Frum is widely quoted as the man who coined the phrase "Axis of Evil" while working for George W Bush. Today, he is a renowned writer and a Republican who won't vote for Trump. David…

1
IS SNP INDY DREAM ON HOLD .. 39:18

8M ago39:18

39:18

Bernard and Alex discuss the significance of First Minister, John Swinney, bringing former SNP strategist, Stephen Noon, back into his close circle as a Special Advisor (SPAD). What does it say about the SNP's current strategy and given the positions both Swinney and Noon have taken in the past, does it mean Independence has been kicked into the lo…

1
New Scot Tory Leader Facing Crisis in 2026 31:31

8M ago31:31

31:31

Bernard and Alex discuss whether the New Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, will face an existential crisis with the party at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election. Do a series of factors, including the emergence of Reform, mean there is "no chance they're going to hold second place in 2026"? Also, Rosie Duffield's resignation from Labo…

1
CHANGE? WHAT CHANGE? - Is Labour Facing Mid-Term Blues Already? 39:40

8M ago39:40

39:40

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie delve into the challenges facing the new Labour government in the aftermath of Keir Starmer's first conference speech as Prime Minister. Labour stood on a platform of "Change" but is it immediate enough for the electorate? Where will the money come from in Rachel Reeves upcoming budget? Is the new government facing …

1
WARNING FOR STARMER + US Elections + SNP / Labour Coalition in 2026? 37:03

8M ago37:03

37:03

Bernard is in the USA. Alex is on the Isle of Jura. Bernard says Keir Starmer needs to deliver growth or face the anger of the electorate over growing errors. Alex says that naive and loose-lipped press briefing by new staff in Government and the freebie scandal raise questions over Starmer's judgement. Bernard analyses the US Presidential race fro…

1
Indy Ref - 10 Years On - The Verdict 40:32

8M ago40:32

40:32

It's 10 years since Scotland's Independence Referendum. Bernard and Alex reflect on what happened, where we are now and will there be an Indy Ref II? Including Bernard's insights into what really happened behind the scenes at the TV debates and on referendum night. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political pod…

1
SALMOND & STURGEON - Part 2 Reaction & Analysis 36:05

8M ago36:05

36:05

PART 2 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part two of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …

1
SALMOND & STURGEON - Part 1 Reaction & Analysis 32:01

8M ago32:01

32:01

PART 1 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union". In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part one of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond …

1
MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal" 49:05

9M ago49:05

49:05

Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcast A 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal" The best case scenario is a minority Labour government His political roots in family life in Dundee He regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound…

1
SNP CONFERENCE VERDICT - Where is the Policy Prospectus and Indy Strategy? 34:32

9M ago34:32

34:32

In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus. The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about In…

1
Alex Neil - 30 year wait for Independence if SNP lose in 2026 48:54

9M ago48:54

48:54

On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years" Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The …

1
Should SNP Ministers Meet Israelis and Palestinians? 39:11

9M ago39:11

39:11

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week including Fallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats. Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in Scotland The Scottish Conservative leadership race. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest i…

1
I'll Investigate Douglas Ross says Tory Leadership Hopeful, Meghan Gallacher 46:02

9M ago46:02

46:02

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall. Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income Tax Proposes a re-evaluation of Sco…

1
Labour's Paul Sweeney - 2026 Scot Parl Election "High Stakes" for Future of UK 52:41

9M ago52:41

52:41

He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.; 2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in…

1
Is the Era of SNP Austerity Upon Us? 34:27

9M ago34:27

34:27

Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity? The Winter Fuel Allowance means test New GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if y…

1
I VOTED LABOUR - Former Tory MSP, Prof Adam Tomkins 45:45

9M ago45:45

45:45

Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General Election Role of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous" He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir St…

1
Scottish Tory Leadership Candidate, Brian Whittle 45:01

10M ago45:01

45:01

Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay" Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election. Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication. Scottish Tories - t…

1
UK Riots - Starmer's First Crisis - What do they mean? 38:21

10M ago38:21

38:21

Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far? Who is behind the riots? What this says about the UK? Why no riots in Scotland? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Holyrood Sources Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen