The only podcast you need to keep your finger on the pulse of Scottish politics. Each episode, as well as an in-depth interview and top national and international politics headlines, political journalists from The Press & Journal, The Courier, Evening Express and Evening Telegraph discuss and explain the week’s biggest stories from Holyrood, Westminster and beyond. Be Better Briefed, with The Stooshie.
Episodes
21 minutes ago
Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer in Scotland
21 minutes ago
21 minutes ago
Two political heavyweights started the week in Scotland, and we went to speak to both.
In Aberdeen, Nigel Farage unveiled his latest north-east defector from the Tories. And in Glasgow, Keir Starmer outlined the impact of his defence spending plans.
We look through the developments - including a weird Reform attack on the media - to see what it means locally. And we look at the timing as voters in a crucial Holyrood by-election prepare to cast their ballots.
7 days ago
St Andrews University, Israel and Gaza
7 days ago
7 days ago
This week's episode focuses on our in-depth coverage of the fall-out from the St Andrews University rector's comments on Israel.
We reveal the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure £2m from a spooked donor, and allegations of hate crimes in the ancient university town.
The by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is turning poisonous.
We look at Reform leader Nigel Farage and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's comments on minority communities and values.
And we focus on how one grandmother's stress over the future of her sheltered home illustrates the real-life impact of tough budget choices
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Reform defections and the future of colleges
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
The link between a college funding crisis and the future of jobs is becoming clear.
We look closely at UHI Perth, and at Nescol in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh to see what it means.
If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of worrying about that fabled energy industry 'just transition' anyway?
We also look at polling showing Reform on track to stun Conservatives - and everyone else - with a focus on multiple defections in one council, Aberdeenshire.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Raac and ruin
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Reporter Lindsay Bruce joins the podcast to describe what’s happening in communities affected by the crumbling concrete crisis caused by Raac in housing.
Lindsay has spent months speaking with people who are losing their homes in places such as Torry in Aberdeen.
Parts of Dundee are also caught up in the crisis, leaving local government with a hefty bill.
And while we campaign for justice for those affected by the crisis, what are our politicians doing other than blaming each other?
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Leading doctor on Scotland's fragile NHS
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Inverness GP Dr Iain Kennedy, the British Medical Association's Scottish council chairman, joins us for a full interview on the stresses and strains in the NHS.We look into the findings of our own survey which explores real-life experiences of the health service.Dr Kennedy has clear messages to the political leaders who will find the NHS front and centre of the May 2026 Scottish elections.He points out where the service is struggling, and where it shows encouraging signs of progress.
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Union chief Roz Foyer interview
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
The STUC’s Roz Foyer joins us in Dundee where union members held their annual congress.
Roz sets out the big challenges ahead for jobs, the decline of Grangemouth refinery, higher education and the future of the economy.
She reflects on speeches to union members from First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
And she warns Labour in particular have not lived up to promises at last year’s election, saying she wanted to hear some more 'humility' from the party leader.
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Supreme Court 'biological women' fall-out
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
We look at the fall-out from the Supreme Court ruling on women being defined by their biological sex in equalities law.
What does it mean in practice? And how are politicians and activists responding?
One MSP, the newly elected Dundee University rector Maggie Chapman, is at the centre of a backlash for calling the court “bigoted”.
We also discuss whether John Swinney’s “summit” on tackling the far-right can achieve its aims.
And we wonder if the people of Torry in Aberdeen will be delighted that Michael Gove has decided to use the name in his title at the House of Lords.
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Strikes at Robert Gordon University, John Swinney's reset and MSPs deal with 'burn-out'
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
It’s Holyrood recess, but the headlines keep coming.
This week, the team speaks to striking staff outside Robert Gordon University fighting cuts in an education funding crisis.
We also look at First Minister John Swinney’s latest reset while the world tries to get used to Donald Trump’s tariff whims.
And we take a close look at MSP “burn-out” as politicians wonder if it’s worth going for public office with one year to the next Scottish election - and just weeks from a big byelection.
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey interview
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
We speak to Lib Dem leader Ed Davey in Inverness as his party looks to the Highlands ahead of next year’s Holyrood election.
He discusses the party’s hopes of making gains across the region – including in the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency currently held by Kate Forbes.
The Lib Dem leader also talks international affairs including the UK’s approach to handling Donald Trump and his party’s priorities over the next 12 months.
Finally, Ed explains the lasting impact of the late Charles Kennedy, former leader of the party, who was a Highland MP for 30 years.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
New Dundee University rector interview
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
We speak to Maggie Chapman, who saw off a challenge from TV Gladiator Sabre in an election to the role of Dundee University rector.
She tells us about her plans to help fix the crisis-hit institution and how she learned from her previous rector post at Aberdeen University.
We also bring the story up to date on the political angles and on-campus worries for jobs.