Yes Cowal Scottish Independence Podcast

"Politics, Power & Possibility – A Conversation with Lena Swedlow from Compass" In this episode  IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene reflect on our visit to A Scottish Spring conference back in April, where we were struck by a standout talk from Lena Swedlow, a researcher at the progressive think tank Compass. After a busy summer, we finally caught up with Lena for a wide-ranging conversation about the current political landscape in Scotland and the wider  UK, including the deeper causes behind the shifting trends we’re seeing—from growing voter disengagement to the challenges facing progressive movements. Whether you’re interested in politics, grassroots change, or the future of the UK’s political system, this thoughtful and energising discussion offers fresh insights and hope for what comes next. key themes: 00:03:21   The Class of 2014 00:08:46    What is Compass? 00:11:03    labour's Dilemma 00:14:55    How does Democracy deal with Liars? 00:16:53    Why are people voting for "Reform" party? 00:21:34    

This Week on IndyPodcasters: Dr. Philippa Whitford – The Road to Holyrood 2026 Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Philippa Whitford, recently retired SNP MP and long-time advocate for Scottish independence and national wellbeing. In this episode, we explore: Campaign strategies ahead of Holyrood 2026 How to effectively counter the rising threat of the far right Breaking through media barriers in Scotland The unique, world-leading wellbeing policies of the Scottish Government With decades of political and medical experience, Dr. Whitford offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities facing the independence movement today. She reflects on the successes of the Scottish government despite the limitations of Westminster control and highlights the benefits awaiting us when we have the full levers and powers of an independent country. #scottishindependence #holyrood2026 #drphilippawhitford The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scott

In this special episode IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene take a break from the usual guest format for a more personal chat. After attending the Glasgow book launch of Frankly, Nicola Sturgeon’s much-anticipated memoir, the pair share their candid reflections on the event — and the unexpected TikTok reaction that followed. From going viral overnight to unpacking the diverse responses the book has sparked — across mainstream UK media, podcasts, and Scottish independence commentators — Fiona and Marlene explore what the media response to the book tells us about Scotland’s political landscape, media narratives, and public sentiment. Join them for an honest, insightful, and at times surprising look at the ripple effects of one book — and one TikTok. No guests this week — just real talk from two women navigating politics, culture, and independence in Scotland. Key themes: 00:02:44 Our night out 00:04:44 Responses to our Tiktok 00:09:32 Social media bubbles 00:11:33 Mainstream media TV interviews 00:16:42 Uk podcas

The Scottish Parliament went back to Holyrood last week for the final session before the elections in 2026.   Following the Holyrood debate on Palestine and his very welcome decision to stop giving public money to companies helping to arm Israel in the commission of a genocide,  First Minister John Swinney began today with a speech announcing the publication of the new Scotgov  paper "Your Right to Decide"   This was followed by the first FMQs of the new term. We take a look at some of the stand out moments from these events in this extra Hot Topic episode: Key moments: 00:01:24  The Scottish Government's position on Israel 00:07:20   latest successes including ending peak rail fares 00:11:40   Scotland welcomes refugees 00:16:12   Stand up to Racism protest at Knightswood 00:19:45    Refugees in Glasgow, Saltires in Maryhill 00:24:06    Self determination and the exit process 00:32:52    Rallying cry for democracy Find the new paper Your right to Decide here:https://www.gov.scot/publications/right-decide/ #s

Indypodcasters bring you the latest in the meetings hosted by campaign group Glasgow Pensioners for Independencespeaking with politicians from all pro-independence parties. This time we’re joined by Cllr Anthony Carroll of the Scottish Greens for a lively and informative discussion on Scottish independence, local politics, and the road to Holyrood 2026.   The conversation dives into the Scottish Greens' vision for a greener, fairer, independent Scotland and how that feeds into local issues too. key themes and audience questions: 00:01:32  Doorstep disillusionment 00:09:06  Why renovate George Square? 00:11:24  Community energy projects 00:15:22  Community funding from windfarms 00:17:53  Zonal energy pricing 00:18:36  Working with Labour 00:21:10  Engaging the electorate 00:25:38  John Swinney's plan 00:28:55  Salvo and the UN 00:31:51  Green's manifest 2026 00:38:20  Asylum seekers housing crisis 00:40:54  Was Grangemouth closure the Green's fault? 00:45:10   Extending Glasgow's subway 00:49:49  Maxing  indy

Special Bonus Episode: Live from the Lord Provost’s Peace Garden – 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima Join us for a powerful special episode recorded on 6th August 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. We’re coming to you directly from the Lord Provost’s Peace Garden in Glasgow, where civic leaders, peace activists, and citizens gathered to honour the past and reflect on the future of peace in our world. This commemorative event highlights Glasgow’s enduring commitment to nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and international solidarity. Tune in for moving speeches and music from Protest in Harmony and City of Glasgow chorus as the community unites in remembrance. Key moments:   00:03:06 Songs from Protest In Harmony 00:07:45 Lord Provost's Civic welcome 00:11:38 Consul General for Japan Mr Katsutoshi Takeda 00:14:27 Jean Anderson, Glasgow CND 00:19:52 David Peutherer, Glasgow CND 00:24:30  Ava, one of the garden design team 00:27:48  Pauline, Protest in Harmony 00:28:47  Jacqueline McLaren,

In this episode Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene sit down with economist and educator Jim Byrne to talk about his new online course, MMT101: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Monetary Theory. Designed to make Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) accessible to everyone, Jim’s course breaks down complex economic ideas into clear, understandable lessons. Learn more at https://mmt101.org #indypodcasters #mmt #economics With thanks to The News Agents and The Rest is Money for short clips included in this podcast. The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy u

In this revealing episode recorded at the Bacchus Bar in Glasgow, Pensioners for Independence invite Colette Walker, leader of the Independence for Scotland Party to address the group as part of a series of events the group are arranging leading up to Holyrood 2026. Colette shares her unexpected journey into political leadership, her refusal to be defined by her visual impairment, and the challenges she’s faced as a woman in politics. She also speaks candidly about the shocking abuse she and fellow campaigner Eva Comrie have received online for being women with disabilities. This is an inspiring and eye-opening conversation about resilience, representation, and the fight for Scottish independence. #Pensioners4indy #ISP #scottishindependence   Find out more about the ISP and their campaign to form an alliance with other parties for Holyrood 2026 on the website https://isp.scot. Find out more about pensioners for indy on their website https://pensionersforindependence.scot/ The Scottish Independence Podcasts

Exploring Scotland’s Cultural Heritage | Stuart McHardy & Roger Emmerson at the Independence Forum Scotland Conference In this thought-provoking episode of the Scottish Independence Podcast, we bring you a fascinating session from the recent Independence Forum Scotland conference, featuring historian Stuart McHardy and architect Roger Emmerson. Together, they explore Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and discuss the positive trajectory of Scottish identity and nationhood in the 21st century. Both speakers are respected Scottish authors and thought leaders in their fields. Learn more about their work: Stuart McHardy’s profile and books https://luath.co.uk/pages/stuart-mchardy Roger Emmerson’s profile and books https://luath.co.uk/pages/roger-emmerson

Fiona and Marlene report from the Palestine march and rally in Edinburgh this weekend, with coverage of the march and the speeches from Elizabeth House, also known as Colonial HQ Key events: 00:07:30 Gathering at St Giles 00:08:06  Chanting in Parliament Square 00:08:38  Mick Napier outlines the purpose of the protest 00:10:36  Into the High Street 00:12:51   Speaker Doha Abu Amer 00:19:37   Speaker Tommy Sheppard 00:29:42   Speaker Lesley Riddoch #palestine #gaza #edinburgh  The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https:/

Highlights from the Independence Forum Scotland Conference | June 2025 |  In this episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene share selected highlights from the Independence Forum Scotland summer conference, held in June 2025. They explore key moments from a day packed with fresh ideas, thought-provoking questions, and bold visions for Scotland’s future. Whether you're passionate about tackling poverty, Universal Basic Income, or building a wellbeing economy, this episode offers rich insights from a range of engaging speakers. key topics: 00:01:19 – Craig Dalzell: On what he is willing to sacrifice for a fairer future 00:08:28 – Annie Miller: Why Universal Basic Income is key to wellbeing 00:19:43 – Panel Q&A with Eva Comrie, Dave Thompson, Craig Dalzell, Jim Osborne 00:20:43 – What beliefs, values, and standards should sit at the heart of a wellbeing framework? 00:24:30 – Can we use NHS savings to fund UBI? 00:26:17 – Which policy areas are central to making this happen? 00:37:03 – How do we create the pol

A Bonus episode with updates on three important topics discussed at the IFS spring conference in March 2025: 00:01:34  Scotland's Land Reforms - John Hutchison 00:10:00  Scotland's Energy - John Proctor 00:24:50  Scotland's Democracy - Geoff Bush 00:30:55  Comment from the floor 00:34:35  Forward look This Friday's podcast episode will be the Poverty and Wellbeing session from the Summer conference and we have news of the Autumn conference for your diaries. Find out more from the IFS website https://independenceforum.scot The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podc

In this upbeat episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene speak with Fatima Joji, a member of the National Executive of Women for Independence (WFI), about the organisation’s bold relaunch on International Women’s Day . WFI played a vital role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, building a respected and influential grassroots network of women-led local groups. But over the last decade, momentum has slowed and some groups have gone quiet. Fatima shares her vision for re-energising WFI, the outcome of their first Annual General Meeting, and how women’s voices are still crucial to shaping an independent Scotland.

In this timely episode, Glasgow Pensioners for Independence sit down with Colin Fox, national spokesperson for the Scottish Socialist Party, for a wide ranging discussion on Scotland's shifting political landscape. Recorded just ahead of the Hamilton by-election, the conversation explores the future of hte independence movement, the role of left-wing politics in Scotland and what might lie ahead as we move toward the Holyrood 2026 elections. The outcome of the by election was unknown at the time of recording but one thing is celar: Scottish politics is at a turning point.  How will the current political turbulence shape Scotland's path to independence and social justice? Topics covered: 00:01:36  Opening remarks 00:36:01  Questions from the audience Q1 - is the SNP now a unionist party? 00:40:46   Q2 do we need independence before we can make any changes? 00:49:48   Q3 Why are we stuck at 50%?  Political or cultural issues? 00:56:09   Q4 what is the significance of the Daily Record supporting SNP? 01:01:01