The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Dundee University jobs crisis

More than 600 jobs are at risk at Dundee University.While managers take desperate measures to cut a £35 million deficit, what happens next?We discuss our exclusive coverage including an interview with principal Shane O’Neill.Our reporters describe the impact among staff outside the university.And we look at what this means for Dundee, Scotland and government policy.

An eye-opening trip to Ukraine

We’re joined by two Scottish MPs fresh from Ukraine where they saw first hand what Russia’s war means.
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry SNP MP Stephen Gethins was in the country with Dunfermline and Dollar Labour MP Graeme Downie.
They explain what it’s like to see a day in the life of a Ukrainian sheltering from Russian drones.
And they reflect on the UK and Scottish response to Donald Trump, after his shock interaction with Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House.

John Swinney interview

Scottish First Minister John Swinney speaks to The Stooshie for a feature-length interview as he nears a year in the top job.He talks about the vital support of family, and how early morning runs listening to The Jam (and his friend Pete Wishart's band Runrig) keep him going.We cover the big challenges he faces in the NHS and education - including troubled Dundee University - as focus turns to the next year before the Scottish Parliament election.He admits he sees all his political opponents as a threat to the SNP after nearly 20 years in power.And as Nicola Sturgeon prepares to publish her memoirs, does John Swinney have book in him too?

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar interview

Anas Sarwar joins us as his party’s conference gets under way in Glasgow this weekend.
Can he get over the obstacles since Labour’s general election win and be next first minister of Scotland?
The Glasgow MSP joins us to discuss policies, polling set-backs and more.

Scotland Office minister on energy jobs promises

Labour politicians are getting flak over energy job promises again, but seem to think the public don’t really mind. Do you?
We spoke to UK Government Kirsty McNeill, and Scottish Labour’s Michael Marra, about economic fortunes.
And after big SNP promises of budget boosts, what do Fife paramedics on the frontline think about reality for the NHS?

Justice for tragic Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson, another NHS reset and a complex NHS Fife trans doctor tribunal

After the death of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson, is justice too soft for young offenders?
How are doctors reacting to John Swinney’s big NHS speech?
And we explain the upcoming NHS Fife trans doctor tribunal, with all its implications.
 

Who’s securing Scotland’s sea borders?

Donald Trump is back in the White House and the world is braced for what comes next.As he eyes up taking over the continent from North Pole to Panama, how will Russia react?And crucially, are we exposed to increased risk of sabotage in our waters around the Atlantic and North Sea coasts?We also look closer to home on the future of mental health support for new mums, and how institutions such as Dundee’s Carseview are performing for those in need.And why do governments keep spending money on reports they don’t want to read, like charging motorists to drive in Aberdeen?

Maybe the public don't like honesty after all

The polls are in, and it’s grim reading for Keir Starmer.
Reform are on the rise, and the SNP shows no sign of rolling over for Scottish Labour.
As Scottish Secretary Ian Murray wonders aloud if the public like honesty after all, we look at the tough road ahead.
We also take a look inside Donald Trump’s mind and wonder what’s in store for us after his inauguration this month.
And is it really true he’s the one making the case for oil and gas jobs in Scotland?

What’s coming up in 2025?

The team returns for a new year to consider what the big stories will be. 
Budgets take centre stage, including alarm over university finances and the NHS. Money can be found for a broken mountain railway in the Cairngorms, so why not everywhere else?And will our politicians find a way to respond to Donald Trump and social media doomscroller-in-chief Elon Musk?

2024 Politics Quiz

When you really think about, 2024 seems more like a fever dream than anything else.
Remember Rishi Sunak’s rain-drenched resignation?
Ed Davey’s bizarre attention grabbing stunts?
Humza Yousaf’s abrupt, self-inflicted implosion?
Play along with our team of politics reporters in our end-of-year quiz to see if you’ve been switched on or turned off.