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The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

Solid Media
SNP
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Scottish National Party
UK Parliament
Scottish Independence
Economic Growth
Scottish Government
Industrial Strategy Council
Brexit
Asylum and Immigration Bill
Planning Reforms
Public Ownership
Conservative Party
Nicola Sturgeon
Independence Referendum
Immigration
Scottish Politics
Kamala Harris
Donald Trump

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes99Founded2 years ago
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Artwork for The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

Latest Episodes

Recorded on the morning of Friday 6th Feb 2026 (It may all have changed by lunchtime)

Includes a moment to reflect on the life of Alex's Father, Allan Massie, who died earlier this week.

Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like o... more

New polls report that 1 in 5 Scots claim they will vote for Reform UK at the Scottish Parliament Elections in May. Bernard and Alex analyse what is ahead.

* Tributes to Lord Jim Wallace

* Scottish Parliament Polling

* Burnham and Starmer

* W... more

We only took a well earned holiday in the cold months in advance of a busy year with the Scottish Parliament Elections. We're back and in this episode we look at the political year ahead domestically and Internationally.

Focussing on UK, Scottish an... more

Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc ... more

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Recent Guests

Paul Sweeney
Labour MSP
Scottish Labour
Episode: BY ELECTION SPECIAL: LATEST REACTION TO LABOUR WIN OVER SNP AND REFORM
Thomas Kerr
Councillor for Reform UK
Reform UK
Episode: BY ELECTION SPECIAL: LATEST REACTION TO LABOUR WIN OVER SNP AND REFORM
John Swinney
First Minister of Scotland
Scottish National Party
Episode: JOHN SWINNEY SPECIAL - PART 1
Patrick Maguire
Author and political journalist at The Times
The Times
Episode: STARMER & McSWEENEY - The Inside Story
Stewart McDonald
Former SNP MP for Glasgow South and defense matters specialist
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Episode: TRUMP & PUTIN - Carve-Up Ukraine & Rip-Up Western Defence
Jenny Lindsay
Poet and author of 'Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars.'
Polity
Episode: HOUNDED: JENNY LINDSAY
David Frum
Staff writer at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush.
The Atlantic
Episode: US PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL - With David Frum from The Atlantic
Michael Marra
Member of the Scottish Parliament and finance spokesperson for the Scottish Labour Party
Scottish Labour Party
Episode: MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal"
Matt Forde
Political comedian and podcast host
Supreme Podcast
Episode: MATT FORDE - Joins Bernard and Alex

Hosts

Bernard Ponsonby
Co-host of the podcast, a prominent figure in Scottish political journalism and longtime TV political editor.
Alex Massie
Co-host and notable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 98 ratings
  • Inaccessibility

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    What, Eric?
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Journalistic perspectives on Scottish politics

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    David Boothroyd
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Tony Collins

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    tonaidh
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Interesting.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Michael Comiskey
    a year ago
  • Too much waffle

    There is probably a lot of very prescient and valuable analysis in this podcast, but the two presenters, and mostly Bernard fall into the trap of very much liking the sound of their own voice.

    Would probably benefit from some judicious editing to keep them on track.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    anon.653
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is frequently recommended as a crucial source for understanding Scottish and UK political dynamics.
Many find the discussions engaging and informative, especially regarding current events and past political strategies.
Some feedback mentions a desire for the hosts to improve their conversational style and pacing during episodes.
Listeners appreciate the deep insights and thoughtful analysis provided by the hosts, highlighting their extensive experience in political journalism.

Top Politics Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

NEW POLLS - 100 DAYS TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS
Q: What is the significance of Jim Wallace's political career?
He was historically significant for being the first Liberal in government for decades and was known for his non-confrontational political style.
NEW POLLS - 100 DAYS TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS
Q: What issues, if any, can actually move the dial for Labour?
Labour must convince the electorate that, after two decades in power, the SNP are tired and out of ideas, emphasizing the need for change.
WHO IS LORD OFFORD? Reform UK's New Leader in Scotland?
Q: What does the Malcolm Offord situation say about the Scottish Conservative Party?
It indicates a perceived dysfunctionality within the party, showing that someone with Offord's history feels the need to leave them.
NEW POLLS: Will Scotland Become Independent if Nigel Farage is Prime Minister
Q: What do you think may happen in the upcoming by-election?
The expectations lean towards a comfortable SNP victory, with potential competition from Labour and Reform for place.
SNP - Explosive Interview with Stewart McDonald
Q: Is it just a disinclination to engage with opposing viewpoints?
McDonald acknowledges the lack of serious political discourse and the need for the party to foster debates about governance and policies.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

What is The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Bringing together two prominent figures in Scottish political journalism, this podcast offers insightful discussions on contemporary political issues in Scotland and beyond. The co-hosts leverage their extensive experience to analyze topics ranging from Scottish independence to the dynamics of various political parties like the SNP, Labour, and Conservatives. Episodes frequently feature commentary on recent political developments, electoral strategies, and the broader implications of policy decisions, making it a vital resource for those interested in understanding the complexities of the Scottish political landscape and UK politics at large.

Unique for its blend of accessible commentary enriched by the hosts' insider knowledge, the podcas... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast:

1. Holyrood Sources
2. Matt Forde's Political Party
3. Not Another One
4. How To Win An Election
5. Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

How many episodes of The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast are there?

The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 99 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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What guests have appeared on The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast?

Recent guests on The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast include:

1. Paul Sweeney
2. Thomas Kerr
3. John Swinney
4. Patrick Maguire
5. Stewart McDonald
6. Jenny Lindsay
7. David Frum
8. Michael Marra

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