Best The Scottish Parliament Podcasts (2025)

1
Was the atomic bomb necessary to end war with Japan? 36:57

6h ago36:57

36:57

The decision by the United States to drop atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 remains one of the most controversial moments in modern history. Did the atomic bombs force Japan's surrender in the Second World War? Or is this far too simple a narrative? Speaking to Elinor Evans, historian Richard Overy reconsiders the …

1
JMW Turner: life of the week 38:40

1d ago38:40

38:40

In 2015, the Bank of England asked the British public to nominate a deceased cultural figure they felt deserved the honour of appearing on a banknote. The figure they chose was JMW Turner. So what made Turner such an extraordinary artist? And why do his landscape paintings still resonate today, 250 years on from his birth? Here, in conversation wit…

1
Hiroshima: in the shadow of the bomb 43:36

11h ago43:36

43:36

At 8.15am on 6 August 1945, an atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. It was an event that changed the course of history, but it was also one driven by individuals. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, Iain MacGregor tells this story through the eyes of people whose lives were forever shaped by the quest to build the bomb – and those affected by…

1
WW2 evacuees: everything you wanted to know 33:58

3d ago33:58

33:58

Imagine being torn from your home and sent to live with strangers... well that was exactly what happened for many in the Second World War. To escape the threat of bombing in British cities, thousands of people were transported to the countryside – and they weren't just children. In this everything you wanted to know episode, historian Joshua Levine…

1
Colette Walker ISP 47:25

5d ago47:25

47:25

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 …

1
Queen Victoria's secret love affair 41:19

3d ago41:19

41:19

Ever since the 1870s, rumours have swirled around Queen Victoria and her Highland servant John Brown. Were the pair in love? Could they have got married? And might they even have had a secret child? Historian Fern Riddell investigates these claims in her book Victoria's Secret, and has made some dramatic discoveries that she believes cast the story…

1
The 300-year battle over free speech 37:32

7d ago37:32

37:32

From the French Revolution to the social media age, Fara Dabhoiwala charts the surprising history of the idea that people should be able to say what they like From America's founding fathers via John Stuart Mill to today's social media giants, humanity has long wrestled with the idea of free speech. What does it mean? Can it really apply to everyon…

1
Erik the Red: life of the week 44:21

8d ago44:21

44:21

According to the Vinland Sagas of the early 13th century, Erik the Red was a violent and murderous outlaw. But he was also an explorer, a powerful leader and the father of a famous dynasty. Historian and Old Norse expert Eleanor Barraclough charts his fascinating life and legacy, in conversation with James Osborne. The HistoryExtra podcast is produ…

1
Power & terror: a history of the nuclear age 52:23

9d ago52:23

52:23

In the closing years of the 19th century, scientists began recording strange phenomena – mysterious glowing gas, smudges on photographic plates. Findings like these triggered a process of scientific discovery in the field of nuclear physics that would ultimately lead to unprecedented devastation at the end of the Second World War. Speaking to Matt …

1
The Minoans: everything you wanted to know 49:37

10d ago49:37

49:37

Centred on the island of Crete, the Bronze-Age Minoan civilisation stretched from roughly 3000 to 1200BC, and is probably most famous for its legend surrounding the mythical Minotaur and the fabulous palace of Knossos. But what else do we know about this ancient society? In conversation with David Musgrove, Ellen Adams answers all the key questions…

1
Wha's Like Us? 34:10

12d ago34:10

34:10

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. Tog…

1
Fun, fear and flatbread: childhood in ancient Rome 20:13

12d ago20:13

20:13

What was it like to be a child in ancient Rome? Historian, author and broadcaster Bettany Hughes delves into life for young people across the civilisation, unpicking everything from lice combs and goat-drawn chariots to toga ceremonies and terrifying teachers. Speaking to Emily Briffett, she draws upon extraordinary artefacts to uncover a world tha…

1
SWINNEY'S INDY CONUNDRUM - "You can't claim an independence mandate if you don't ask for one" 35:45

14d ago35:45

35:45

It's Summer in Politics-Land and the First Minister of Scotland has chosen this quiet moment to outline his plans for Independence - What plans, you may ask? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie clash over the right to a second independence referendum but agree that the First Minister cannot claim a mandate if he doesn't ask the electorate for a mandat…

1
Iron Mountain: the conspiracy that duped America 33:56

14d ago33:56

33:56

As the war in Vietnam spiralled out of control, US president Lyndon B Johnson was confronted by a different type of threat: a fake report so convincing that it tricked Americans into believing dangerous disinformation. But that was never the intention. Revisiting The Report From Iron Mountain, journalist Phil Tinline speaks to James Osborne, to rev…

1
Palestine - Yes It Is A Genocide 37:11

15d ago37:11

37:11

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…

1
Bayeux Tapestry politics & natural disasters: history behind the headlines 52:44

15d ago52:44

52:44

In the latest episode of our monthly series charting the historical background of current news events, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter are joined by Matt Elton and Dr David Musgrove to explore what the Bayeux Tapestry tells us about the history of Anglo-French relations – and how people in previous centuries coped with natural disas…

1
Deadly bellringing and fatal bacon: grisly accidental Tudor deaths 34:51

16d ago34:51

34:51

From drowning and agricultural mishaps to getting stabbed during a football match, crushed by a pig, scalded by porridge or suffocated by a fish, there were myriad ways to accidentally die in Tudor England. Speaking to Ellie Cawthorne, Steven Gunn reveals what coroners records of fatal accidents can teach us about daily life in the 16th century. (A…

1
Beer history: everything you wanted to know 41:36

17d ago41:36

41:36

Beer is one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. From refreshing lagers to amber ales and creamy stouts, there’s a style for virtually every drinker to enjoy. But how did this winning combination of water, hops, malts and yeast become such a staple in the first place? Jon Bauckham talks to Phil Withington to answer listener questions on…

1
How We Set Up Our Parliament 1:00:06

19d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

🎙️ In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by Esther Roberton, co-ordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention, the movement that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Scottish Parliament. Esther reflects on the original aspirations for a new kind of democracy in Scotland and assesses how far those ambitions have been realised ov…

1
Mein Kampf: Hitler's dark vision for the future 24:55

19d ago24:55

24:55

Published 100 years ago in 1925, Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf was one of the most consequential books of the 20th century. It laid out Hitler's political ideology and future aspirations, as well as making the Nazi leader a lot of money. In more recent times, Mein Kampf has continued to influence neo-Nazis and antisemites around the world, and there ha…

1
The Reality of Managing Trump's Visit to the UK 48:33

21d ago48:33

48:33

Starmer and Swinney to Meet President on Visit Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great…

1
King vs parliament: the moment that sparked civil war 41:19

21d ago41:19

41:19

Over the winter of 1641-2, England stood on the precipice of civil war. Historian and author Jonathan Healey charts how the relationship between the king and parliament disintegrated during those months, leading England down the road to bloody conflict. Speaking to Ellie Cawthorne, he reveals why tensions arose between Charles I and the MPs, and co…

1
Lord Russell Rook: Joining the House of Lords 32:27

22d ago32:27

32:27

It’s our final episode of the season, and Tim is joined by a familiar voice: Lord Russell Rook of Wimbledon.He’s been on the podcast before, but earlier this year he was appointed as a Labour Peer by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Tim catches up with him to chat about how his faith has shaped his work over the years, and to hear his take on the govern…

1
The Mitford sisters | 2 : life of the week 31:23

22d ago31:23

31:23

Like many families, the Mitfords emerged from the Second World War bearing scars. Yet as the world entered a new, uncertain era, the sisters' knack for making headlines showed no sign of abating. Released from prison, Diana remained loyal to fascism. In America, Jessica became the target of McCarthyism, and later joined the burgeoning Civil Rights …

1
Slavery on the medieval Silk Road 44:10

23d ago44:10

44:10

Slavery was a grim but omnipresent reality across the Silk Road during the Middle Ages. Speaking to Emily Briffett, Claire Taylor unpacks the complex networks of enslavement that spanned from Ireland to China, revealing how – and why – human lives were traded alongside silks and spices. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC Hi…

1
The history of women's football: everything you wanted to know 44:34

24d ago44:34

44:34

Who was Nettie Honeyball? Why was the First World War a golden age for female factory teams? And why did the English Football Association move heaven and Earth to stamp them out? Speaking to Spencer Mizen as the women's Euros grips viewers, Jean Williams answers the big questions on the rollercoaster history of women's football - and female players…

1
Sacrificing our Heating Bills and other Good Ideas 52:17

26d ago52:17

52:17

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 futu…

1
Live Aid: pop's Big Bang moment 32:26

26d ago32:26

32:26

It may be hard to believe for those of you who can remember it, but this month marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic music extravaganza that was LiveAid. David Hepworth co-presented the BBC's coverage of the event, a role that gave him a ringside seat at Queen's celebrated performance and led to a sweary encounter with Bob Geldof. In conversatio…

1
Exploring the medieval world with Marco Polo 42:59

28d ago42:59

42:59

You may be familiar with the name of Marco Polo – the 13th-century Venetian merchant who travelled along the Silk Road, journeyed through Asia and spent time at the court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Famously, he documented his experiences in a detailed account that has inspired many travellers since. Emily Briffett and Sharon Kinoshita follow in…

1
STARMER SURVIVES MUTINY BUT HAS HE LOST THE CREW? 49:19

28d ago49:19

49:19

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reflect on Keir Starmer surviving last week's back bench mutiny but has he quietly lost the crew? Will this be regarded as a moment that instigated further ferment? Also, reflections on the death of Tory grandee, Lord Norman Tebbit at the age of 94. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other gr…

1
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani: Representing the Church in the House of Lords 28:14

29d ago28:14

28:14

This week, Tim is joined by the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Guli Francis-Dehqani.They discuss her powerful testimony, her experience of life in the UK as an Iranian refugee, and her current role as Bishop of Chelmsford and member of the House of Lords.They also explore the process of electing the Archbishop of Canterbury.Tim reflects, too, on…

1
Independence Forum Scotland - updates from March 25 conference 36:24

29d ago36:24

36:24

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 an…

1
The Mitford Sisters | 1 : life of the week 47:28

29d ago47:28

47:28

For much of the 20th century, six sisters from Britain’s minor aristocracy had a knack for making headline after scandalous headline. They were Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica and Deborah Mitford. Now, the sisters' incredible shared story has been adapted into a TV drama called ‘Outrageous’ – based on the best-selling biography by Mary S Lovel…

1
Beyond the trenches: a new take on WW1 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

When you think of the First World War, what springs to mind? Is it trench warfare? The myth that troops would be home by Christmas? Or perhaps the idea that the whole thing began because of the assassination of an Austro-Hungarian archduke? In this episode, we’re going beyond these narratives to consider alternative perspectives of the opening week…

1
Roman warfare: everything you wanted to know 52:39

1M ago52:39

52:39

Did the Roman legions actually wear red? How often was their famous 'tortoise' formation actually used? How did military leaders maintain control of an army spread across such a massive empire? And what exactly was it that made that army so formidable? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Dr Adrian Goldsworthy answers listener questions on the ancient super…

1
Preview: Was Pearl Harbor an inside job? 11:11

1M ago11:11

11:11

In the first episode of season 2 of History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Twomey joins Rob Attar to tackle the "back door to war" conspiracy theory, explaining why manyAmericans have been willing to believe in a president's treachery. Find the full episode and listen to the whole series by heading to Hi…

1
Lesley Riddoch on Finland 44:02

1M ago44:02

44:02

🎙️ IndyPodcasters, Fiona and Marlene chat with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Lesley Riddoch about her latest documentary project – a powerful new film exploring why Finland is the happiest country in the world 🇫🇮✨ Scotland has already adopted Finland’s famous Baby Boxes, but what else can we learn? Lesley dives into: 🔹 Finland’s world-reno…

1
The People's Princess: why Diana captivated the world 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

From her introduction into the royal family to the tragic circumstances of her death, Diana, Princess of Wales was never far away from a newspaper front page or TV headline. She was a media sensation, a national talking point, and a cultural icon. Speaking to Matt Elton, Edward White, author of Dianaworld: An Obsession, argues that the mythologisat…

1
Secrets of medieval manuscripts 49:58

1M ago49:58

49:58

On first glance, what might you notice about a medieval manuscript? Maybe the material it's made from, the elaborate script, or ornamental illustrations. But, look a little closer, and there's a lot more to discover. In fact, as historian and curator Michelle P Brown explains, these medieval artefacts offer a portal to the past. Emily Briffett spea…

1
Sojan Joseph: First Labour MP for Ashford 30:21

1M ago30:21

30:21

This week, Tim is joined by Labour MP for Ashford, Sojan Joseph. He chats with Tim about his faith and his journey to Westminster, having entered Parliament just a year ago as one of the 411 MPs who delivered Labour’s landslide victory. Tim also weighs in on the row involving his Lib Dem colleague, Chris Coghlan MP, whose priest has refused him com…

1
Owain Glyndŵr: life of the week 54:40

1M ago54:40

54:40

Famed for his dramatic and determined revolt against English rule in the early 15th century, as well as his bold vision for an independent Wales, Owain Glyndŵr has gone down in history as a symbol of Welsh resistance and a national hero. Speaking to Emily Briffett, historian Gideon Brough charts the medieval nobleman's emergence as a warrior and a …

1
Magic beakers & Roman helmets: artefacts that shaped history 38:22

1M ago38:22

38:22

Metal detectorists and members of the general public have contributed hugely to our understanding of Britain's past, through the artefacts they have found hidden in the ground. Speaking to David Musgrove, Michael Lewis and Ian Richardson revisit some of the everyday discoveries that have reshaped history – from a Bronze Age cup with magical propert…

1
SOE: everything you wanted to know 49:56

1M ago49:56

49:56

From parachuting into Nazi-occupied France to silent assassinations and exploding rats, many of the missions undertaken by the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War sound like the events of a high-octane spy thriller. Dr Kate Vigurs tells Elinor Evans more about the organisation dubbed 'Churchill's Secret Army', answering listene…

1
First Minister's Questions 26 June 2025 46:32

1M ago46:32

46:32

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Joe FitzPatrick To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Sarcoma UK report, Unique Among Cancers. Tim Eagle To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to …

1
Women for Independence - On the Road Again 40:38

1M ago40:38

40:38

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 wo…

1
Sisi & Eugénie: the empresses who redefined royalty 43:58

1M ago43:58

43:58

In the latter half of the 19th century, Europe was dazzled by the beauty, charm and sensibility of two empresses: Eugénie, Empress of the French via her marriage to Napoleon III; and Elisabeth (or 'Sisi'), consort to the Austrian emperor, Franz Joseph. Author Nancy Goldstone speaks to Danny Bird about the lives of these two women, revealing how the…

1
John Lennox: Can God be present in the public square? 31:55

1M ago31:55

31:55

This week, Tim is joined by Professor and author John Lennox, the keynote speaker at this year's Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast.The annual gathering brought together over 800 people in Westminster Hall to worship, pray, and reflect on the question: Can God be present in the public square?In addition, Tim offers his thoughts on the ongoing situation…

1
STARMER'S REPORT CARD - End of First Year - Marks Out of Ten 50:53

1M ago50:53

50:53

The 4th of July marks the first anniversary of Keir Starmer's election victory and time as Prime Minister. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie evaluate his first 12 months in No 10 Downing Street, breaking down performance into domestic and foreign affairs performance. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political po…

1
Ghosts, vampires & Abba holograms: an uncanny history of London 27:05

1M ago27:05

27:05

Millions of tourists flock to London each year, eager to snap a selfie in front of Buckingham Palace or Big Ben. But beyond the crowds lies a darker – and distinctly stranger – side to the city: a gothic metropolis haunted by tales of demons, poltergeists and murders most foul. Jon Bauckham talks to author and historian Clive Bloom about some of th…

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