
Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 36 | Founded | 19 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsNewsSociety & Culture | |||

Pacific-Sized Prep, Green Stramashes & Burnham’s Neoliberal Double-Lock
It’s a Monday recording this week as Lesley dodges the pending house-clearance for 'the moth man' to chew over a busy week in politics. With conference season rumbling on, Andy ... more
Lesley and Fraser delayed recording this week to digest Andy Burnham’s blockbuster Labour Party Conference speech. From grand English policy pitches to Scottish local government reform, Glasgow’s equal pay row, and Holyrood drama, here is what’s in t... more
Could Scotland be on the verge of a democratic revolution—both locally and nationally? In this week's episode, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson break down a today's debate at Holyrood as MSPs discuss Scotland’s right to hold an independence referen... more
This week, Lesley and Fraser unpack a chaotic week in politics, kicking off with the unexpected fallout from Andy Burnham's border poll gaffes, which inadvertently paved the way for the historic Cardiff Declaration. As Donald Trump wades into the Iri... more
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I love the show and tune in ardently every week.
Thought provoking, informative, intelligent craic. Still miss Pat J but Fraser’s a good compliment and I value his input. Much appreciate both of you. Thank you!
Mon Scotland pay attention!!
Love listening to all Lesley &Pat have to say. They just make sense. Love all the scandi stuff.
While she has a lot of new and original views (the Scandinavia stuff) Lesley Riddoch has an ability to talk about well-worn subjects and provide new perspectives.
Pat is a great sidekick, and their unalloyed defence of the Scottish language and culture is a joy at times (and what a slap to the mainstream Brit media), and they never seem to get too dragged in to the in-fighting which has overtaken the independence movement over the last decade.
It’s gey refreshing - mair pooer tae thaim baith... more
Unfortunately not willing to admit some important truths regarding USA election. This means credibility is vastly reduced if not nullified.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #106 |
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This show delivers sharp, left-leaning analysis of Scottish politics, with a strong pro-independence stance and a habit of tying current events to cultural life. Week after week, discussions orbit Scotland's constitutional future, energy policy, local governance, and cross-border dynamics, often through a Nordic-informed, European lens. Quick-witted banter between two seasoned hosts keeps complex policy accessible, while occasional deep dives into community economics, media coverage, and political strategy add practical, on-the-ground relevance for listeners who want thoughtful, regionally focused perspectives that challenge Westminster-centric narratives.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Lesley Riddoch Podcast:
1. Holyrood Sources
2. Scotcast
3. Scottish Independence Podcasts
4. Byline Times Podcast
5. Oh God, What Now?
The Lesley Riddoch Podcast launched 19 years ago and published 36 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Lesley Riddoch Podcast include:
1. Neil McInroy
2. Liam McArthur
3. Magnus Turpie
4. Gavin Hannigan
5. Stuart McHardy
6. Roger Emmerson
7. Dave Pearson
8. Rhys Stanwix
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