The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson
Insight and analysis with a Scottish focus from political commentators from The Courier, The Press & Journal, the Evening Telegraph and the Evening Express.
Insight and analysis with a Scottish focus from political commentators from The Courier, The Press & Journal, the Evening Telegraph and the Evening Express.
Listen on:
Episodes
Jul 1, 2026
End of term quiz
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
35 min
Were you paying attention during the Scottish election?
Do you have the brains to take on the toughest test in hyper-niche political questioning?
Then you should play along with our traditional end of term Stooshie quiz.
There is no prize other than personal glory. Enjoy.
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
26 min
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned.What will his departure mean, and can his likely replacement Andy Burnham succeed?We also discuss the by-election results in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South.And St Andrews University academic Dr Antonis Vradis speaks to us about his experience on the Gaza flotilla.
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
22 min
Yet more cuts at Dundee University mean lots more job losses.
The team assesses what’s gone wrong and digs into the political backlash.
It’s also the week of three big UK by-elections, including two covering Dundee and Aberdeen.
We spoke to voters in Aberdeen South for their views.
Jun 12, 2026
Aberdeen South by-election candidates interview
Jun 12, 2026
Jun 12, 2026
1hr 24 min
Six party candidates join the Stooshie to go over the priorities for the key by-election, being held on June 18.
Join us for a 90-minute special edition with candidates from the Conservatives, SNP, Reform, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Green party.
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
27 min
Plans to build a huge new AI data centre near a Fife village have proven divisive.But businessman Mark Wilson, the man behind the scheme, thinks it’s a “game-changer” for Fife.He speaks to us on the podcast about how he will address the concerns of Auchtertool villagers.
Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
20 min
Politicians in London and Edinburgh are under pressure to listen to rural island voices and build better connections under the sea.
We spoke to an engineer who builds tunnels around the world – but not our own islands.
Andy Sloan has been talking to Westminster and Holyrood recently, and says infrastructure upgrades on that scale are a reality – it just needs political ‘champions’.
May 31, 2026
Humza Yousaf interview
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
45 min
The former first minister is our special guest on the podcast this week.
Mr Yousaf spoke candidly about Peter Murrell’s embezzlement conviction and the SNP campervan controversy.
He also opens up about his in-laws being trapped in Gaza in late 2023 and gives his thoughts on the rise of Reform UK at the Holyrood election.
May 20, 2026
Double by-election alert
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
24 min
Just when you thought it was safe to forget about the election, along come two more.
The team looks at the upcoming Westminster by-elections in Aberdeen South, and in Abroath and Broughty Ferry.
John Swinney is sworn in as first minister once again - but what challenges lie ahead for his new government?
May 13, 2026
Scottish election special
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
31 min
The team picks out the highlights from the Holyrood election and the stories behind the scenes.
We look at the leaders, asking who is safe and whose coat is on a shoogly peg.
We also assess the under-reported stories and concerns about a “spoiler” party targeting the Greens.
May 5, 2026
The Stooshie Live in Aberdeen
May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
1hr 54 min
The future of the north-east takes centre stage in a specially recorded live edition of the podcast in Aberdeen.
Six candidates from all main parties across the region join host Andy Philip in front of an audience at The Press and Journal offices in the city.
Debate, including sharp questions from the public, covers the energy economy, transport, a housing emergency, colleges and universities, and the NHS.
Listen to the full two-hour event here, recorded on April 30, in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament election on May 7.
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.

