
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 | 126 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsNewsNews Commentary | |||

Either Michael Marra or Joe Fagan will be the next leader of the Scottish Labour Party. What's happening in the race, what does the new leader need to do and will it make any difference in their goal of Labour unseating the SNP?
PLUS
- It's report... more
Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss Farage's post Clacton by-election propects as it's announced that the parliamentary investigation into substantial donations made to Mr Farage by a donor is active again.
Plus - the Scottish Labour leadershi... more
What's going on? Former SNP FM Nicola Sturgeon criticising John Swinney's SNP? Is this a serious analysis or part of the latest round of book promotion?
The SNP hit back saying John Swinney is the best First Minister yet.
Also, the race for the Sc... more
Bernard and Alex discuss a good start for Andy Burnham in terms of communications but does it really change any of the fundamental issues facing the country.
Also, who are the runners and riders for the Scottish Labour leadership after Anas Sarwar ... 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.
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Apple Podcasts | #62 | |
Apple Podcasts | #155 | |
Apple Podcasts | #249 |
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Two seasoned Scottish political journalists provide a regular insider briefing on devolved and UK politics, with a strong focus on Holyrood dynamics, party leadership, by-elections, and Westminster-Scottish power interplay. Across episodes, discussions emphasize SNP strategy, Labour and Reform UK trajectories, oil and gas policy, and the practicalities of political brinkmanship in Scotland. Noteworthy is the hosts' insider access, long-running experience, and willingness to mix sharp analysis with humor and candid anecdotes, making complex political maneuvers more tangible for listeners who follow Scottish and UK politics closely. The show tends to blend rigorous briefing with personality-driven dialogue, appealing to professionals and pol... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast:
1. Holyrood Sources
2. Scotcast
3. Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
4. Matt Forde's Political Party
5. Not Another One
The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 126 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. Jenny Lindsay
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