Another side of Lesley Riddoch

EV, Devo and Falkland art

In this week’s @lesleyriddoch podcast, it ‘s all about things working or not. Electric cars are a case in point. The Scottish Government have  announced plans to encourage the take up of EV ( Electric Vehicles ) and these plans have raised a number of questions. You’d think Lesley would be in the target market; so what does she think? The Pope is packing it in and gets a mention.

In the politics section, there have been some revelations about what happens after the referendum. The words ‘Game Over’ have been used. We try and understand what that could possibly mean.

Finally, after an entertaining and enlightening time with the Falkland Centre for Stewardship, Lesley talks about the community ethos. WARNING: does contain favourable mention of Creative Scotland.

 

More Borgen, Bedroom Tax and Resignations

This week’s @lesleyriddoch podcast is the one where we mention Borgen for the last time, for a while or at least until series 3 starts.  We all went along to see Sidse Babett Knudsen at the Filmhouse on Sunday  after the Monday Scotsman column had been filed.  It was a fascinating Q&A session. But what does it mean?

Equally, after an interesting TV discussion about ‘Bedroom Tax’;  we ponder what the Scottish Government could do ; especially in the light of Mike Dailly’s petition. Just when you might think this is new ‘news’;  Lesley recalls a ‘Comment Is Free’ piece ; “How will social housing survive Tory cuts?”  from June 2010. The CIH Scotland document Chris refers to is "Preparing for the Bedroom Tax and Beyond" - technical but still readable. This issue will run and run...we may return to it.

Finally, notwithstanding twists, turns and texts,  there’s been a resignation. Really. It’s all go this week.

Lesley Riddoch's feeling for snow

This week's @lesleyriddoch podcast is all about the trouble with snow, Dundee's regeneration, rail fares , the national grid, and it appears we are due another referendum. There are some scary revelations about train conductors and other things.

Just Iceland this week in the @Lesleyriddoch podcast

Lesley spent some time in Reykjavik getting out and about seeing and meeting people. As ever, everyone here has an opinion to what is going in Iceland. And Icelanders have opinions they were happy to share. This is a short podcast which reflects some of those opinions touching on the arts, the bankers and their Oscar entry.

There will be a longer multimedia slide show with the thoughts of our travellers within the next week. Watch out for the Reykjavik Rap.

 

V

The first @lesleyriddoch Podcast of 2013 ...very Borgen

This week's podcast, the first of 2013, finds Lesley explaining the attraction of 'Borgen'.It's a surprise hit from Denmark that doesn't rely on grisly murders and car chases to capture the attention of its audience. Chris seems to be waiting until the Jackie Chan cameo before he jumps in.

Equally, as MSPs are set to review how to reduce the high rate of teenage pregnancy; the topic is a continuing source of concern. The numbers are not reassuring.

And then there is the economy and this is the part of the Podcast where... it all gets, well, ...spirited.

The Lesley Riddoch Podcast is back ...between rants and opinions, it promises to be an interesting 2013!

 

A Sideways Look at 2012

It is the last podcast of the year and we are struggling to get everything in it. Topics touched upon include; the Creative Scotland  implosion, the Olympics, the 'Donald', the economy and obviously the latest phase of the independence debate.

It is also important to say in a seasonal spirit of giving; there are lots of interesting Lesley Riddoch programmes, interviews, curios and podcasts to be found over at the iTunes store. You can even subscribe free here and get this 'weekly' podcast delivered to you directly.

Thanks again for all the support in 2012 and all the best for 2013!

 

Newtown, Barroso and You English?

It is a difficult Lesley Riddoch Podcast this week. After the tragic events in Connecticut, everyone has an unique take on the underlying causes and the consequent 'fixes'. Surprisingly enough, Michael Moore, amongst others,  has not been slow or shy in coming forward.  Equally, the 'Barroso effect' is still rumbling along in the Scotland-EU debate- is it really one opinion or something else? And finally, Alasdair Gray seems to have touched a very raw nerve with both Scots and English. As ever, Lesley is unafraid to walk right up to the issues.

 

 

Landscape Owenstown McLeveson Trumped ...this week's pod

In this week's podcast, we try to sum up the National Landscape Policy Conference, a new old way of building a community, what Leveson means in a different legal landscape ( Scotland ) and the consequences of an unlikely 'Top Scot' at the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards.  Also honourable mentions for the ...Previously history festival and Tom Devine.

"Can you imagine the unusual decisions that might start to happen if our media was filled with our stories?"

 

RIC, Local and Public Banks ...a podcast with passion

This week’s podcast finds Lesley reporting back from the Radical Independence Conference (RIC) held in Glasgow on November 25. What did she make of the ‘nae scones’, pink hair and ‘free spirits’ ?

 She was also tempted into print by Kenny MacAskill’s remarks, reported in the Scotsman on Sunday headlines, about a reduction in the number of local authorities. What is the direction of travel and can it be changed?

Finally, public banking, or the lack of it at national or local, gets an outing after Chris blogged about it on his ‘Persuade Me’ blog. Is it more Wonga, status quo and less credit unions?

The answer to these questions, and more, is contained within this week’s Lesley Riddoch Podcast.

Warning: moderate ranting ahead.

Copenhagen this week

In this week’s Lesley Riddoch Podcast, Lesley is just back from Copenhagen with tales of cycling schemes, organic food and other Danish delights. In particular, Lesley refers to a conversation  she had with Anya Hultberg of the Copenhagen House of Food. Lesley recorded an interview with Anya for Nordic Horizons here.

( Apologies in advance for some minor mobile phone disruption – Chris is so in love with his new Windows Phone – he forgot to turn it off during recording! )