The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

What is happening to the NHS?

We look at NHS Tayside where proposals emerged to cut back beds to save cash.
Labour's Michael Marra talks to us about the political pressure on Nicola Sturgeon.
And we look at shocking levels of bullying in secondary schools as politicians face calls to act.

Life after oil and gas?

We speak to Guy Ingerson, a former oil and gas employee who went green. He questions the view that Aberdeen and the north-east really wants to cling onto oil and gas. Younger people are crying out for change, he says.
We also catch up with campaigners trying to save St Fittick's park near Torry from development as part of the shift to low-carbon industry. Can you fix the world by destroying more countryside? Our team also discusses the controversial UK Government block to equally controversial gender reform laws in Scotland.

US pastor in Aberdeen on Trump’s ’dangerous’ legacy

We speak to Jared Stacy, an ex US pastor who moved to Aberdeen after the insurrection, on the lessons we can learn from Trumpism in the UK.
Mr Stacy is now studying at Aberdeen university for a PhD on conspiracies linked to Trump and paranoia. Could it happen here?
We also discuss the announcement of freeports in Scotland, and what they might mean for communities and the economy.
And we take stock of the political stewardship of the NHS in Scotland.

End of year politics quiz!

Our resident quiz master takes the politics team on a trip down memory lane in a wrap of 2022.
From Covid rules in spring to elections and multiple prime ministers, it's been a rollercoaster year for Scottish politics.
Test your memory and see how you do.

Gordon Brown is back to reform the UK but are voters listening?

Gordon Brown has drawn up his blueprint to reform devolution across the UK. We discuss the plans and hear from unconvinced Dunfermline SNP MP Douglas Chapman, who wishes independence was offered as an alternative.
We also discuss the new leader of the Westminster SNP group, Stephen Flynn.

NHS Tayside cancer scandal special

In this special edition of The Stooshie, we discuss the headlines from our exclusive NHS Tayside breast cancer investigation.
Our separate feature-length video documentary on the scandal, published on The Courier website, explores the lack of evidence around government claims women were put at increased risk of their cancer returning. We hear from patients and senior health professionals.
And we reveal how officials missed repeated warnings that botched reports risked collapsing a once highly-respected breast cancer department.
On The Stooshie, Andy Philip chats to Courier political editor Derek Healey to get the inside story, the growing calls for an inquiry and what it means for the SNP Government.

Independence referendum interview special

The Supreme Court has spoken on IndyRef2, so what happens next?
We speak to former Yes strategist and ex Alex Salmond adviser Stephen Noon, who thinks a longer wait might be useful for the SNP. 
We also caught up with campaigners outside Holyrood where demonstrators heard from Nicola Sturgeon.They had mixed opinions on whether the SNP leader can achieve their goal. 
Subscribe to the Courier or Press and Journal today to stay up to date on Local and Scottish news. Go to www.thecourier.co.uk/subscribe/ or www.pressandjournal.co.uk/subscribe/ to get unlimited access to the news that matters to you.

Eljamel campaigners

Campaigner Jules Rose tells us how she won't stop pushing the government for an inquiry into the actions of disgraced Dundee surgeon Sam Eljamel.
In stark terms, she tells how the doctor removed her tear gland instead of a brain tumour.
She likens her determination to that of the Hillsborough campaigners who refused to take no for an answer.
We also discuss Jeremy Hunt's budget implications for ordinary households and look at the other top stories beyond the political bubble.

Week 45: Stooshie - Climate change

We speak to Dundee university scientist Dr Simon Cook @glacio_cook on the missed chances and any elusive gains as Nicola Sturgeon returns from COP27.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton delivers a 'fake news' warning about recycled green energy claims.
Our team of political reporters discuss the top stories including our alarming reports on the long-running historical child abuse inquiry and the struggle to house refugees.

Week 44: Stooshie - energy, skills and jobs special

We speak to former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard on the struggle to go green in industry.
We catch up on the skills summit in Aberdeen and the wider push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Rishi Sunak has U-turned again and will go to the climate conference in Egypt, along with Nicola Sturgeon.
Meanwhile, we look at the fall-out from the Halloween night of horror in Dundee's Kirkton area.
And we analyse the latest budget blackholes after John Swinney's review.