The ScotsCare podcast - with Marcus Railton

Featuring legendary music journalist Billy Sloan, whose remarkable 50-year career has placed him at the heart of the music scene. In conversation with Marcus, Billy reflects on his journey from a humble upbringing in Glasgow to becoming Scotland’s leading pop writer. Taking a huge pay cut to pursue music journalism, his determination paved the way for a career that would see him interview icons including David Bowie, Grace Jones, Paul McCartney, and Rod Stewart.Billy shares vivid stories from his career, from early inspirational encounters with The Who, to unforgettable interviews with artists such as Grace Jones—famously conducted while she was in the bath—and a young Bono, whose confidence convinced Billy of U2’s future global success.Billy’s passion for music shines through, as he reflects on the changing landscape of the industry and the importance of being a genuine fan rather than purely a critic. Warm and insightful, this episode captures the highlights of an extraordinary career and also the personal connections and love of music that have defined it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the ScotsCare Podcast, Marcus Railton is joined by JJ Chalmers – former Royal Marine, Invictus Games medallist and broadcaster – for an open conversation about resilience, identity and life after service. JJ discusses growing up in Edinburgh, the values instilled by his family, and the path that led him from university and the Royal Marine Cadets into active service in Afghanistan. He speaks candidly about the IED explosion in Helmand Province in 2011 that killed two of his comrades and left him seriously injured, and how military training helped him confront fear, pain and long-term disability. JJ reflects on recovery, mental health, and the support available to veterans today, as well as his transition into broadcasting, dealing with imposter syndrome, public scrutiny, and loss of privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actress Daniela Nardini, best known for This Life, joins Marcus Railton for a candid chat. She reflects on the fame brought by This Life, and the culture in Britain at that time, and why the role both opened doors and narrowed expectations.She discusses creating art during lockdown, and a major career shift into training as a CBT therapist, meaning she stresses less about her acting career. She speaks openly about grief, family, breast cancer, mental health, for both men and women, and returning from London to Glasgow and Largs. The episode also touches on motherhood, relationships, creativity, and redefining success as fulfilment, and calmness and connection in the modern world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this warm and engaging chat, actor Alison O’Donnell—known as Tosh in the BBC drama Shetland—joins Marcus Railton to talk about the twists and turns of her life and career. Alison reflects on growing up in Motherwell, briefly attempting a law degree, and ultimately following her passion for acting. She shares honest stories about the realities of early career life in London: constant house moves, temp jobs, and even working in a law firm’s basement while Shetland was broadcasting on TV.Alison discusses how the show has evolved over the years, from Douglas Henshall’s era to its new chapter with Ashley Jensen, and why Shetland’s landscape and community remain the show’s beating heart. She speaks warmly about her family’s connection to the islands—her children have grown up visiting, and Shetland now feels like a second home. They ask why has the show endured?The conversation also delves into parenting through the pandemic, the challenges of raising young children in isolation, and the balancing act of two creative careers. Alison talks about her partnership with her long‑term partner, and how they navigate work, childcare, and creative ambition together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the ScotsCare Podcast, Marcus Railton sits down with Scots poet and social media phenomenon Len Pennie for an open conversation.Len reflects on a pivotal 2025 – from launching poyums annaw to navigating personal healing and mental health. She shares insights into anxiety, explaining how she manages nerves on stage and why showing vulnerability can be an act of strength.A passionate champion of the Scots language, Len discusses dialects, identity and why celebrating linguistic diversity matters. She talks about accessibility in poetry and how social media has democratised the art form, making space for new voices and younger audiences.Len also speaks bravely about her experience of domestic abuse, how writing became a way to reclaim her voice, and why she continues to advocate for survivors. The episode features a powerful reading of her poem “Honey”, offering a moving example of her raw, rhythmic and emotionally incisive work.This thoughtful conversation explores creativity, resilience, language, and the role poetry can play in helping us understand the most difficult parts of life.If you have suffered or are suffering from domestic abuse:For women, who would like some support, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for residents in England. https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.ukIf you are in Scotland please call 0800 027 1234. https://www.sdafmh.org.uk/en/If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, please call the Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0800 8010327. https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Tait - Bringing Robert Burns to the WorldIn this special Burns episode, Marcus Railton sits down with Christopher Tait, Scotland’s leading Robert Burns performer—a man who has spent more than three decades bringing the Bard to life across the globe.Christopher first stepped into character as Burns in 1994, winning a national talent competition with his vivid portrayal of the poet’s life. Since then, his journey as Rabbie has taken him to 15 countries and 44 cities, from Seattle and Toronto to Dubai, Singapore, and London. He has fronted New York’s Tartan Day celebrations, shared a stage with the legendary Ronnie Corbett, and even came close to being arrested in Moscow after an impromptu performance in Red Square.His career highlights include fronting the Homecoming Scotland celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Burns’s birth, hosting the Ulster Orchestra Burns Concert, appearing on The Amazing Race, and helping schoolchildren stage a Burns Supper for BBC Scotland’s Cooking up Burns. His theatre work has also been captured by BBC Northern Ireland.Join Marcus and Christopher as they explore the universal appeal of Robert Burns, the adventures of performing Scotland’s national poet on the world stage, and the enduring magic that keeps the Bard’s words alive today.https://www.robertburns.live/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross King is one of Scotland’s best loved broadcasters, who is well known to many of us as the Los Angeles Showbiz Correspondent for ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine or even from the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing.He comes from Glasgow, and cut his teeth on hospital radio, then onto London and the stage. He’s now been in LA for 25 years, presenting and interviewing A list Hollywood starts like Al Pacino.Ross chats to Marcus about his journey and ambition, and how when he came to London he realised the work ScotsCare does is so important to so many that have no one to rely on in a big city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alistair Heather is a Scottish historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his passionate work promoting Scots language, history and culture. He’s a regular voice on radio and podcasts, often exploring identity, heritage, and social justice. Historic Ally's evident passion for his subject has made him a hit on social media, where he's pulled in millions of viewers to his quick sketches about interesting historic Scottish facts.Marcus and Alistair chat about how his social media success grew and blossomed, the darker parts of history, Scottish culture, background and identity, as well as a subject close to Alistair's heart - Scots language. Learn how it is a Germanic language, just like English and how pride and practice in the language and culture are in a healthy and growing place at the moment in Scotland. Many Scots question their place and identity in the world, and Alistair brings an honest positive viewpoint on what it is to be a Scot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawson Muncaster is the co-founder of City A.M., joins us to share his remarkable journey—from a dyslexic student to leading London’s daily business newspaper. He opens up about discovering his dyslexia at 30, how it shaped his communication and leadership style, and why relationships are at the heart of business. Lawson reflects on the impact of Covid and reinventing the paper’s digital presence, and why print still matters. With stories of resilience, reinvention, and the buzz of London life, this episode explores leadership, print and online media, and the future of news through Lawson’s lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Mina's debut novel Garnethill was a bestseller and won the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey Award for best debut. It was followed by Exile and Resolution, completing a trilogy of novels featuring Maureen O’Donnell, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In this episode topics range from women in literature, success, empathy, image, social media and the effects of AI to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.