Best SWH Podcasts (2025)

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SWH! Best Crime Fiction 2025 - with Callum McSorley 1:04:41

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10d ago1:04:41

1:04:41

For this, the inaugural Scots Whay Hae! Best Crime Fiction podcast Ali was joined by writer Callum McSorley to talk about some of the best books published this year, and to take a look at what's coming in 2026. Each picking six of their favourites, the chat turns to great debuts, superb sequels, welcome returns, award winners, new voices, whisky, w…

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Holiday Eating, Without The Guilt 33:29

1d ago33:29

33:29

Send us a text The holidays don’t have to be a choice between joy and well-being. We invite you into a cozy Christmas Eve conversation that blends candlelight traditions with clear, doable strategies for eating well, staying energized, and sleeping better. From a nourishing breakfast to a colorful plate at dinner, you’ll learn how to slow down and …

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Best Music of 2025 - with Fiona Liddell 1:07:09

1d ago1:07:09

1:07:09

For our latest roundup of 2025 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Gefahrgeist's Fiona Liddell. As is now customary, they each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark over the last 12 months. As they make clear, they could easily have picked many, many, more ex…

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Why Chromium is Important for Your Metabolism and Mind 16:46

8d ago16:46

16:46

Send us a text A tiny mineral with a big impact can change how you feel during the day -from steadier energy to clearer thinking and fewer snack attacks. So, what is this important mineral? Chromium, the quiet cofactor that helps your body process carbs, fats, and proteins more efficiently. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly L. Thack…

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Best Books of 2025 - with Vikki Reilly 1:58:11

13d ago1:58:11

1:58:11

As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2025 podcasts is all about books, when once again Ali is joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to talk about the standouts of the year, and to give a heads up as to what's coming in 2026. The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There are debuts to Las…

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Why Your Symptoms Matter More Than Your Hormone Numbers 31:03

16d ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Hot flashes don’t keep a schedule, and neither do lab numbers. We sit down with Dr. Rachel Novik of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health to cut through the noise around perimenopause, menopause, and hormone testing—and focus on what actually helps you feel like yourself again. We talk about why the most reliable “…

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David Hewitson - Theatre 118 44:50

17d ago44:50

44:50

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to theatre director and producer David Hewitson who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 118, a new fringe venue dedicated to grassroots, DIY and emerging theatre makers. David gave some background to Theatre 118, where they are based and why, and what their aims are. The two then talk …

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Tom Brogan - Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player 57:53

23d ago57:53

57:53

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, writer Tom Brogan to talk all about his latest book Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player which is published by Pitch Publishing. This was a real treat for Ali as Kenny Dalglish is his first, and arguably greatest, hero, and the two talked about what the player, and the…

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Why “I don’t need birth control” still means you might need hormonal control 33:50

23d ago33:50

33:50

Send us a text What if birth control could be your most reliable tool for better cycles, clearer skin, steadier moods, and a smoother perimenopause—whether or not you need pregnancy prevention? Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker sits down with Certified Nurse Practitioner Dana Leslie to map out a smarter, personalized path th…

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Darren McGarvey - Trauma Industrial Complex / Not Funded By Creative Scotland 1:10:42

27d ago1:10:42

1:10:42

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, broadcaster and campaigner Darren McGarvey (also known as rapper Loki) to talk about his book and live show, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the album Not Funded By Creative Scotland, which are three central strands of the same multi-media project, and the two discuss just how they work tog…

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You Don’t Need A Perfect Holiday To Make Real Memories 52:35

30d ago52:35

52:35

Send us a text Perfection is loud during the holidays. Presence is quieter—and far more powerful. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Executive Producer Leigh Klekar sat down with clinical social worker and holistic psychotherapist Marita Pompeani to unpack why this season ratchets up stress and how to find steady ground with simple, science-backed …

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Himadri Madan - The Gaze – you, me, us, and them 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to to choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan to hear all about The Gaze – you, me, us, and them a new interactive installation with live performances which premieres at The Tramway in Glasgow on November 22nd before it goes to The Studio, Capital Theatre in Edinburgh on 28th February in the new year.…

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The Supplement Showdown: Creatine, L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Boron 34:53

1M ago34:53

34:53

Send us a text The wellness industry thrives on convincing us we need the latest supplements for optimal health. But do those trendy powders and pills pushed by social media influencers actually deliver results? In this eye-opening episode, Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker cuts through the marketing noise surrounding four p…

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Peter Ross - Upon A White Horse 1:00:30

1M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we welcome back writer Peter Ross to talk to Ali about his latest book Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland - published by Headline - and which is the last in the 'fox trilogy' (and to find out what that refers to, you'll have to listen in). Peter gives an overview of the book, and how i…

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Grandparents' Rights: Legal Options When You Need to Step In 41:54

1M ago41:54

41:54

Send us a text When family dynamics break down, who protects the bond between grandparents and grandchildren? Attorney Eva Saulnier returns to the Speaking of Women's Health Podcast to tackle this often-overlooked but emotionally charged area of family law. Most grandparents are shocked to discover they have limited legal standing regarding their g…

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Here’s How to Build Collagen the Smart Way 17:30

2M ago17:30

17:30

Send us a text Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Dr. Holly Thacker unpacks what collagen actually is, why production slows with age and menopause, and how to protect and build it with food and daily habits. She weighs the evidence on collagen supplements, shares safety guardrails, and lays out a practical plan for skin, joints, and bones. Dr.…

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Navigating Menopause and Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer with Dr. Corinne Menn 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

Send us a text Breast cancer survivors are sometimes told to endure the fallout of estrogen deprivation. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host sits down with Dr. Corinne Menn, a long‑term breast cancer survivor, to unpack what real, evidence‑based menopause care looks like for breast cancer survivors, high‑risk women, and BRCA previvors—without f…

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Marion Todd - Dead Man's Shoes 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to crime writer Marion Todd to learn all about Dead Man's Shoes, the latest in the DI Clare Mackay series of thrillers. Marion talks about the challenges and advantages in writing a long-running series (Dead Man's Shoes is the ninth entry) before giving a spoiler-free breakdown of the novel, explains…

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Boosting Bone Health 1:06:03

2M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Send us a text Your bones are silently changing beneath the surface, and for women entering menopause, that change accelerates at an alarming rate. Did you know you could lose up to 30% of your bone mass in the first 5-7 years after menopause? This silent thief works without symptoms until a fracture occurs, often when it's too late for prevention.…

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Donald Smith - Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 49:48

2M ago49:48

49:48

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with Donald Smith, the director and founder of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, to hear all about this year's programme, which features over 120 events and which will take place in Edinburgh and all across Scotland from 22nd October - 1st November. Donald breaks down the title Li…

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World Menopause Day: Understanding the Complete Menopause Journey 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Send us a text Every October 18th marks World Menopause Day, highlighting a transition affecting over a billion women worldwide who spend at least a third to half of their lives in this phase. Despite its universal nature, menopause remains poorly understood and inadequately addressed in many healthcare settings. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast …

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Foday Mannah - The Search For Othella Savage 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Foday Mannah to hear all about his award-winning debut novel The Search for Othella Savage, which is published by Quercus Books, and which was shortlisted for this year's Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. Foday gives a brief synopsis of the novel, speaks about the real-life incident which inspir…

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The Risks and Benefits of Hormone Therapy 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Send us a text Hormone therapy remains the gold standard for treating menopausal symptoms—hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. When started within 10 years of menopause onset, it offers a remarkable 30% reduction in all-cause mortality. Yet this fact rarely makes headlines. Join Speaking of Women's Healt…

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Iain Forbes - After Dark 28:49

3M ago28:49

28:49

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Scottish-Norwegian filmmaker Iain Forbes to hear all about his award-winning, and Oscar-qualified, short film After Dark. Iain talks about his Scottish roots, gives a brief summary of the film, the critical reception, how and where it was shot, the casting of his two leads, and the personal nature of the story. T…

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Choosing and Seeing a Doctor at Midlife 57:23

3M ago57:23

57:23

Send us a text Are you tired of feeling like you're navigating menopause or perimenopause alone, armed only with contradictory advice and sensationalized headlines? Dr. Holly Thacker, Director of the Center for Specialized Women's Health at Cleveland Clinic, is here to change that. In honor of October being World Menopause Month, we are replaying t…

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Graeme Macrae Burnet - Benbecula 53:46

3M ago53:46

53:46

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest book Benbecula, which is the new entry in Polygon Books' Darkland Tales series of novellas which have quickly become essential reading. Graeme tells us how he came to write his Darkland Tale, why it was this story, the brutal true crime which i…

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Your Body on Alcohol: What Everyone Needs to Know 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Holly Thacker tackles the complex relationship between alcohol and health, particularly for women. Drawing from both scientific evidence and personal stories, she explains why women experience more severe effects from alcohol than men—even when drinking the same amount. The conversation goes beyond ba…

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The Burning Truth: Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD 36:24

3M ago36:24

36:24

Send us a text That burning sensation creeping up your chest after a delicious meal isn't just uncomfortable—it's your body sending you an important message. Dr. Holly Thacker breaks down the crucial differences between occasional acid reflux and chronic GERD, a condition affecting one in three adults that shouldn't be ignored. Drawing from decades…

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Expert Advice on Midlife Women's Health with Dr. Madeline Cohn 32:59

3M ago32:59

32:59

Send us a text What happens when your body enters perimenopause? Does hormone therapy cause cancer? Dr. Madeline Cohn, who recently joined Cleveland Clinic's Center for Specialized Women's Health as a staff physician, brings clarity to these questions. With expertise in menopause care, sexual health, osteoporosis, and general gynecological concerns…

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Bloody Scotland - The McIlvanney Prize Finalists 2025 43:01

4M ago43:01

43:01

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is our latest collaboration with Bloody Scotland - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - where Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is awarded for the best Scottish crime book of the year. They include Tariq Ashkanani (The Midnight King), Liam McIlvanney (The…

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Your Bladder Matters: Common Urinary Issues in Women 43:55

4M ago43:55

43:55

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why urinary issues seem to affect women differently than men? The answer lies in our unique anatomy and hormonal makeup — factors that make female urinary health both fascinating and complex. Dr. Holly Thacker takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the most common urologic conditions affecting women…

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The Silent Threat: Understanding Ovarian Cancer 31:25

4M ago31:25

31:25

Send us a text Ovarian cancer, the second most common gynecologic malignancy, can be cured 90-95% of the time when caught early. Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host talks through the risk factors like family history, BRCA gene mutations, obesity, and personal reproductive factors that are essential for early detection and prevention. • Risk inc…

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Are You Getting the Necessary Omega Fatty Acids? 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

Send us a text Could balancing your omega-3 and omega-6 intake be the key to better health and wellness? Discover how omega fatty acids play a pivotal role in our lives as host Dr. Holly Thacker unravels everything you need to know about omega fatty acids. Join us as we explore the remarkable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on conditions ranging fr…

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Skincare Secrets for Beautiful, Healthy Skin 57:23

4M ago57:23

57:23

Send us a text Join Speaking of Women's Health Podcast Host Holly Thacker, MD, for secret skincare tips from dermatologists and other experts for younger, healthier skin. Did the summer sun dry out your hair and skin? This episode is filled with ways to get rid of sun spots, improve split ends and bring a glow to your skin. Support the show…

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Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 - Part 4 - Scotland Unsung 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

For the latest, and last, of this year's Scots Whay Hae! Fringe Preview podcasts Ali spoke to musician and storyteller Kirsty Law about her show Scotland Unsung, which is going to be at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile from the 20th-24th August. Kirsty talks about the structure of the show, why she picked the songs she has, the ha…

SWH Podcasts

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Speaking of Women's Health

SWH

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Scots Whay Hae!

Alistair Braidwood

1
SWH! Best Crime Fiction 2025 - with Callum McSorley 1:04:41

1
Holiday Eating, Without The Guilt 33:29

1
Best Music of 2025 - with Fiona Liddell 1:07:09

1
Why Chromium is Important for Your Metabolism and Mind 16:46

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Best Books of 2025 - with Vikki Reilly 1:58:11

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Why Your Symptoms Matter More Than Your Hormone Numbers 31:03

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David Hewitson - Theatre 118 44:50

1
Tom Brogan - Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player 57:53

1
Why “I don’t need birth control” still means you might need hormonal control 33:50

1
Darren McGarvey - Trauma Industrial Complex / Not Funded By Creative Scotland 1:10:42

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You Don’t Need A Perfect Holiday To Make Real Memories 52:35

1
Himadri Madan - The Gaze – you, me, us, and them 34:51

1
The Supplement Showdown: Creatine, L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Boron 34:53

1
Peter Ross - Upon A White Horse 1:00:30

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Grandparents' Rights: Legal Options When You Need to Step In 41:54

1
Here’s How to Build Collagen the Smart Way 17:30

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Navigating Menopause and Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer with Dr. Corinne Menn 37:29

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Marion Todd - Dead Man's Shoes 49:09

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Boosting Bone Health 1:06:03

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Donald Smith - Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2025 49:48

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World Menopause Day: Understanding the Complete Menopause Journey 42:05

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Foday Mannah - The Search For Othella Savage 44:03

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The Risks and Benefits of Hormone Therapy 1:00:19

1
Iain Forbes - After Dark 28:49

1
Choosing and Seeing a Doctor at Midlife 57:23

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Graeme Macrae Burnet - Benbecula 53:46

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Your Body on Alcohol: What Everyone Needs to Know 41:36

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The Burning Truth: Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD 36:24

1
Expert Advice on Midlife Women's Health with Dr. Madeline Cohn 32:59

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Bloody Scotland - The McIlvanney Prize Finalists 2025 43:01

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Your Bladder Matters: Common Urinary Issues in Women 43:55

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The Silent Threat: Understanding Ovarian Cancer 31:25

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Are You Getting the Necessary Omega Fatty Acids? 36:05

1
Skincare Secrets for Beautiful, Healthy Skin 57:23

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Edinburgh Fringe Preview Podcast 2025 - Part 4 - Scotland Unsung 31:33