The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Supreme Court 'biological women' fall-out

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.

Strikes at Robert Gordon University, John Swinney's reset and MSPs deal with 'burn-out'

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.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey interview

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.

New Dundee University rector interview

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.

Assisted dying interview

We speak with Willie Rennie, the former Scottish Lib Dem leader, on his decision to go public in support of assisted dying proposals.
The MSP for North East Fife tells us what swayed his opinion while the debate plays out across Scotland and in all parts of the UK.
We also hear what’s in store for his party’s upcoming conference in Inverness

Dundee University finance scandal deepens

Bosses at Dundee University admit the institution could have run out of cash by June without support.The revelations from parliament are the latest in a long-running saga.We discuss an extraordinary evidence session heard by Holyrood’s education committee on Wednesday.Plus, our reporters look at the big names leaving Holyrood at the next election.And we hear from Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Liz Smith, one of those headed for the exit door.

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.