Best Podlitical 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

14d 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

18d 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

25d 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

3M 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
Hello from Scotcast 2:00

4M ago2:00

2:00

Martin Geissler on the BBC's new Scottish news podcast. A new episode of Scotcast is published every Monday to Wednesday by 5pm. Get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] BBC Radio Scotland

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
Our Final Podlitical 36:46

5M ago36:46

36:46

In our final episode, the team look back at 6 years of change and chaos in politics. How does this week's row over WASPI women and Labour's new government link back to former PM Theresa May trying wrangle a Brexit deal through during her premiership? How did the constitutional debate develop, and where did that leave parties like the SNP? The team …

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
Interview: First Minister John Swinney 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney sits down with Podlitical. The First Minister talks about becoming SNP leader right before the UK general election was called, how he worried his party faced a wipeout when the polls closed, and how he believed he was "the only person on the planet who could turn it around" for the SNP following…

1
Buzz Or Buzzword? 26:24

5M ago26:24

26:24

The team discuss Labour's "reset" plans, and politicking ramping up in Holyrood. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Labour's "Plan for Change", but how has it gone down with the electorate, and Scottish Labour MSPs? As the 2026 Holyrood election continues to approach, the politicking ramps up in Holyrood, following the Scottish Budget, and polls…

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
Politics By The Pound 33:14

6M ago33:14

33:14

Was the pound in your pocket or politicking at the heart of the Scottish budget? The team are joined by economist Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute, at the University of Strathclyde, to deep dive into the Scottish Government budget this week. From surprises over the vow to scrap the two child benefit cap, tinkering …

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
Assisted Dying: What's next for Scotland? 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

As MPs back proposals for assisted dying in England & Wales, what's next for Scotland? Podlitical's Rajdeep Sandhu sits down with two MPs and two MSPs who are split on support/opposition for assisted dying - Scottish Labour's Graeme Downie MP, Scottish Conservative Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur MSP, and the SNP's Seamus …

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
A Matter of Life and Death? 28:44

6M ago28:44

28:44

The team talk winter fuel payments in Scotland, immigration, and assisted dying. Ahead of next week's Scottish Government budget, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has told Holyrood that every pensioner in Scotland will receive a winter fuel payment next year. What does this mean for Scotland's finances and what does it say about 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
Reap What You Sow? 25:24

6M ago25:24

25:24

Farmers protest inheritance tax changes, and budget manoeuvres continue in Holyrood. This week saw thousands of farmers descend on the capital to protest Labour's changes to inheritance tax, while Labour claims the existing rules around inheritance tax aren't fair nor sustainable. In Holyrood, the row over Stephen Flynn's ambition to run as an MSP …

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
Who Cares Wins 30:38

6M ago30:38

30:38

The National Care Service is delayed and the build-up to Holyrood 2026 continues. With the announcement that the National Care Service has been delayed, but not dropped according to the Scottish Government, and the original vision set out by former First Minister Sturgeon looking further away, what might be the fate of the National Care Service in …

1
Trump World 22:59

7M ago22:59

22:59

What does the new US president-elect Donald Trump mean for Scotland and the wider UK? From threats of tariffs, to campaign clashes with the Labour leadership, the team discuss the implications of a Trump presidency on the UK, including the risk of export tariffs for Scotch whisky, and the kind of relationship the US and UK may have for the next fou…

1
Interview: Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes 22:32

7M ago22:32

22:32

Podlitical sits down with Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to talk budgets. Kate Forbes, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, chats with Podlitical following Labour's first budget in 14 years, discussing how she and the SNP-led Scottish Government feel it's a "step in the right direction…

1
The Budget: Pain or Gain? 31:09

7M ago31:09

31:09

Podlitical breaks down the tax and spend on Labour's first Budget in 14 years. What implications do Chancellor Reeves' announcements have for Scotland, and the upcoming Scottish Government budget later this year? The team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde to deep dive into the…

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