
The two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, join forces to bring you a regular “must listen” insider briefing on the political and wider world.
Bernard has been Scotland's leading TV political editor for many years while Alex is the unavoidable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Together they bring decades of experience and unsur... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 132 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsNewsNews Commentary | |||

Andy Burnham has lifted Labour’s spirits—but can he afford to deliver? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine what comes after the conference applause: pension reform, social care and the prospect of a tax-raising Budget.
Bernard argues that Burnh... more
With Labour’s conference approaching, Bernard and Alex discuss Andy Burnham’s first Budget, the speculation about an early general election, and whether a divided opposition could help Labour hold on to power.
Could Scotland’s councils be radically ... more
Michael Marra has been elected as the new Scottish Labour Leader. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie take a deep dive into the issues he'll face.
Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest i... more
Poor marks for Scottish Education in PISA figures, Burnham’s referendum blunder and a bad week for the SNP succession hopefuls?
* Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine Andy Burnham’s confusion over the route to a second Scottish independence ref... more
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As a Londoner, this is the podcast I immediately turn to whenever I want context about a Scotland news story. The duo provide effortless erudition, eloquence and wit. They have a formidable knowledge of Scottish politics, but can just as easily explain a story in the British or international context as well. Their authoritative voices and confident manner remind us just how good the Scottish educational system used to be.
I value greatly your inaccessibility. If you would turn up the volume progressively too, that will ensure that I continue to receive your wise counsel
The two podcasters are thoroughly experienced journalists looking at Scottish politics - both devolved and within the UK, and able to offer insightful opinions. There are advantages and disadvantages in learning about politics through journalism and you will find them here: advantages include an analysis free of party political blinkers and able to explain what is operating below the surface. But not having an inside view of the system, and relying on secondhand briefings, means in incomplete pi... more
Two top tier Scottish journalists, no question. Both excellent communicators and worth listening to always, though especially with Alex, I find myself in disagreement more often than not. Really hoping for substantial and in depth coverage of the attempted ‘assassination’ of Alex Salmond in a future episode, once the legals are concluded of course! Don’t let us down please gents!
Interesting.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #217 |
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Two veteran Scottish political journalists provide a steady, insider briefing on Scottish and UK politics, with a focus on SNP dynamics, Holyrood and Westminster relations, budgetary pressures, and public policy reform. Across episodes they weigh education, devolved governance, party leadership contests, and the economic backdrop, often blending sharp policy analysis with candid banter and culture-grounded commentary. The pair's strengths lie in deep contacts and decades of reporting, delivering clear context behind headlines. A notable edge is their willingness to critique leadership decisions and public sector reform while keeping a distinctly Scottish perspective. Potential listeners will likely find timely, well-sourced analysis that co... more
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The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 132 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 Ponsonby and Massie Podcast include:
1. Anton Muscatelli
2. Chris Hanretty
3. Mark Diffley
4. Paul Sweeney
5. Thomas Kerr
6. John Swinney
7. Patrick Maguire
8. Stewart McDonald
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