Best Stuart Thomson Podcasts (2025)

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Interview with Daniel Rice, 5654, and Sam Cooper, MessageSpace 42:55

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3h ago42:55

42:55

In an interview episode, I talk to Daniel Rice, Director at 5654, and Sam Cooper, Managing Director at MessageSpace. As well as learning more about Daniel and Sam and their paths into public affairs and political communication, we focused on the findings of their recent joint report, "Influence and Information: Media Habits of Westminster." You can…

1
Surfboard Design Elements - Foil / Flex 1:12:27

2M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

In this episode, Luke Howarth from Howie shapes and I discuss the subtleties of a surfboard foil or profile. The distribution of foam in a surfboard is often overlooked but it can have a big impact on how your board performs. We chat about the evolution of foil in a surfboard and how it relates to the different styles of boards. I ask Luke about wh…

1
Shaper Interview with Scott James 2:08:40

2M ago2:08:40

2:08:40

In this episode I chat with Scott James from SJS Custom. Scott first appeared on my radar through social media. The boards he was creating and the way he was presenting them really stood out amongst the many. It piqued my interest. I was keen to chat with Scott to hear more about his back story and it did not disappoint. Scott grew up in the town o…

1
Shaper Interview with Gary McNeill 1:26:11

3M ago1:26:11

1:26:11

In this episode I catch up with Gary McNeill from Gary McNeill Concepts. I first met Gary when I was working on the Gold Coast nearly 20 years ago. From the very first meeting I found him to be friendly, dedicated, talented and a real individual pursuing his own path. Gary grew up surfing competitively, but a few changes in life would motivate him …

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Outside The Bay with Damien Cole from Varuna Surfboards 2:10:46

4M ago2:10:46

2:10:46

In this episode we catch up with Damien Cole, former CEO of Varuna surfboards. The surfboard industry is a fickle beast; it owes nobody anything and we are regularly reminded of this. Earlier this year Varuna surfboards closed its doors for the last time. Varuna surfboards was a new type of wooden construction with a focus on reducing the environme…

1
Interview with Richard Gard, Nissan 28:55

4M ago28:55

28:55

In an interview episode, I talk to Richard Gard, Director and Head of External and Government Affairs Africa, Middle East, Europe, India, Oceania at Nissan Motor Corporation. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, how he leads a small team covering such a huge region, his use of agency support, how the work of agencies has…

1
Shaper Interview with Sergio Gomez 1:27:57

4M ago1:27:57

1:27:57

In this episode I chat with Sergio Gomez from Gomez surfboards. Sergio grew up on the coast of Argentina. The town was rather large, but surfing was considered counterculture and there were only two surf shops. Sergio fell in love with surfing and on one occasion when his board was being repaired, he borrowed his friend's brother's board. The board…

1
Shaper Interview with Dylan Perese 1:21:08

5M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

In this episode I chat with Dylan Perese from DP surfboards and inventor of the soon to be released 'Leashbar'. Dylan caught the bug for shaping in his early teens and instantly knew this was what he wanted to do. A couple of years later he left school to focus on surfboards and never looked back. A member of a thriving surf community south of Sydn…

1
Outside The Bay with Daniel Hawes from Shapers Collective NZ 1:04:06

5M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episode, I chat with Daniel Hawes from Shapers Collective, New Zealand. Howie and I recently discussed the feedback we received about the difficulties currently facing shapers around the world. Shortly after hearing our chat, Daniel reached out to share a business model he is implementing. An Australian expat living in a town named Mangawha…

1
Interview with Robert Magyar, Weber Shandwick 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

In an interview episode, I talk to Robert Magyar, Head of Healthcare, APAC at Weber Shandwick. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of public affairs and lobbying across Asia and, in particular, China, and how his experience of running a consultancy. More details about the book that Robert contributed to, …

1
Shaper Interview with Wayne Roach 2:31:25

6M ago2:31:25

2:31:25

In this episode, I chat with Wayne Roach from Roach Approach surfboards. Wayne's story is a classic tale about a boy that fell in love with surfing at a young age and developed a passion for surfboards. Wayne or 'Roachy' as he is more commonly known, was a product of the bustling surf industry in Cronulla during the 70's and 80's. Roachy worked und…

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Surfboard Design Elements - Rails 59:28

7M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode, Luke 'Howie' Howarth and I discuss the alluring and sexiest design aspect of a surfboard... Rails. Rails come in all shapes and sizes to best satisfy the shaper's accompanying design ideas. The perfect rail is different for different styles of surfboards. We discuss some of the shaper's rails that we like as well as what makes a ba…

1
Interview With Matt Day, Adobe 29:42

7M ago29:42

29:42

In an interview episode, I talk to Matt Day, Head of Government Relations, UK & Ireland. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of working for in consultancy and in-house roles, and how he sees the profession developing in the future. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my edito…

1
Margaret Ann Rutter 39:56

7M ago39:56

39:56

In the 51st episode of Lifestory we are joined by the wonderful Margaret Ann Rutter in our Wee Museum studio. At the age of 80, Ann takes us through her family history via a rocky relationship with her Mother, vacations in Cornwall, teaching and lecturing in Edinburgh and a near death experience on the water, as well as everything in between!…

1
Interview with John Johnston, Politico, London Influence 48:07

9M ago48:07

48:07

In an interview episode, I talk to John Johnston, author of the weekly London Influence email for Politico which covers campaigning, lobbying and political influence in the U.K. We talk about his background and how he got into journalism, how he has found navigating the industry, and trends for 2025. There is also mention of the current consultatio…

1
David Flucker 42:05

11M ago42:05

42:05

Episode 52 of Lifestory sees us joined by the remarkable David Flucker, who is still volunteering for the St Columba's Hospice charity shop in Ocean Terminal at the wonderful age of 102 years old. David begins by taking us back in time to his childhood growing up in a family of fishermen and attending school in Newhaven in the 1920s and on to a won…

1
William Van Der Velde 43:12

12M ago43:12

43:12

In the 51st edition of Lifestory we are joined by regular Wee Museum visitor William Van Der Velde, who looks back on 78 years of life in Edinburgh. We travel back through his attending David Kilpatrick school up until the age of 14, reaching the ABA boxing finals at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanying Ken Buchanan on his rise to the world champion…

1
Interview with Doug Pinkham, President, Public Affairs Council 1:00:15

1y ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In an interview episode, I talk to Doug Pinkham, President of the Public Affairs Council. We talk about the importance of public affairs, its role in reputation management, how the industry has changed and what we can expect from the future. We also couldn't avoid talking about the forthcoming US Presidential election! This episode was recorded bef…

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Sophia Abrahamsen - Stories of A Life in Newhaven 1:03:14

1y ago1:03:14

1:03:14

In the 50th edition of Life Story, we are joined by Sophia. She takes us through stories from throughout her life, from growing up in Newhaven, to her father's gambling, to singing lessons in school and delivering mail and packages over college breaks. Eventually she tells of life working in Conveyance with the National Service and finally about he…

1
Interview with Zoe Cohen, board level director, Master Coach and Activist 46:08

1y ago46:08

46:08

In an interview episode, I talk to Zoe Cohen, a highly experienced board-level director and Master Coach. We talk about the importance of taking action to save the planet, climate communications, her activism and work with Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil. This episode was recorded before the recent UK General Election and *…

1
Interview with John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK 38:04

1+ y ago38:04

38:04

In an interview episode, I talk to John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK. We talk about his work at PR Week, stories that he is particularly proud of, the main challenges facing the public affairs, and how it may evolve in the coming years. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Shaper Interview with Dan Thomson 1:33:44

1+ y ago1:33:44

1:33:44

In this episode we speak with Dan Thomson from Tomo Surfboards. Dan is arguably the most creative surfboard designer of the last 20 years. The art of surfboard shaping and designing was handed down from his father, Mark Thomson. Dan and his father would discuss all aspects of hydrodynamic theory to improve their understanding of real surfboard desi…

1
Risk Appetite in Communications: A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth 4:40

1+ y ago4:40

4:40

All organisations need to manage risk. Some do it better than others. Some make basic mistakes; others try to drive out all aspects of risk. But the reality is that some risk needs to be maintained, not least in communications, otherwise innovation can die. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Outside The Bay - Sam Griffiths 1:26:31

1+ y ago1:26:31

1:26:31

In this episode Christian and I talk to Sam Griffiths. Sam is a passionate surfer who pursued a career in the surf industry. He started his time in the industry at Rip Curl on the back of his love for surfboards and spent time developing their board program. When the opportunity to be a team manager a Quiksilver presented itself, he jumped on it. I…

1
Shaper Interview with Nev Hyman 2:23:34

1+ y ago2:23:34

2:23:34

After a long wait, The Dust Up is back for 2024! We kick things off chatting with a truly fantastic shaper and designer - Nev Hyman. Nev describes himself as a 'Ranga from Perth' in a jovial way, but the truth is he has been heavily involved in the development of surfboard design as well as pursuing future surfboard production methods. Nev has alwa…

1
Five Challenges All Election Candidates Must Be Prepared For 7:28

1+ y ago7:28

7:28

Originally written for LabourList, and with Scott Goodstein, this episode outlines five crucial challenges for which every candidate should be prepared in creating their own winning election scenario. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Monitoring 25:06

1+ y ago25:06

25:06

In a different type of episode, we hear from five of the leading monitoring companies. Delivering public affairs training, I am often asked about who can monitoring services. So, I asked leading monitoring companies to tell us more about what they do. A huge thank you to all those who took part. To learn more about the companies took part (in alpha…

1
Interview with Craig Jones MBE, Fighting With Pride 35:48

1+ y ago35:48

35:48

In an interview episode, I talk to Craig Jones MBE, Executive Director of Fighting With Pride that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families. We talk about his background in the Royal Navy; the lifting of the ‘gay ban’ in the armed forces and the challenges he, and many others, faced; his varied career…

1
Interview with Paul Gerrard, Co-op 31:51

2y ago31:51

31:51

In an interview episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group. We talk about his background in the civil service, the skills he learned and how he has applied them to public affairs and the fantastic campaign he has led tackling violence against shop workers. It is a case study that every…

1
Interview with Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust 22:48

2y ago22:48

22:48

In an interview episode, I talk to Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust. We talk about her impressive career, how it all started, and the benefits of serving of a local councillor. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Interview with Vallath Kavitha Krishnan 25:27

2y ago25:27

25:27

In an interview episode, I talk to Vallath Kavitha Krishnan, a Team Leader in the Scottish Government's Justice Transformation Policy Team. We talk about her background in public affairs and its benefits in her latest policy-focused role. All views expressed in the podcast are Vallath's own. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications T…

1
Outside The Bay with Brad Gerlach from Wave Ki 1:13:20

2y ago1:13:20

1:13:20

In this episode we explore Technique vs. Equipment with Brad Gerlach from Wave Ki. Brad competed at the highest level and reached number one in the world. His smooth Californian style did not all come naturally and with some advice from his Olympic diving father, they explored body dynamics in surfing. Fast forward a couple of decades, Brad has cre…

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Alistair Bennett - A Co-Op Life in the Borders 28:15

2y ago28:15

28:15

In the 48th edition of Lifestory at the age of 80 Alistair looks back on 40 years of working life with the store, from joining Alloa branch as a clerk at 15 to becoming Chief Executive of Borders Co-Op.By The Living Memory Association

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WSL - What Shit Luck for Gabriel Medina 32:46

2y ago32:46

32:46

In this quick episode Christian 'Priddo' Pritchett and I let John 'Robbo' Robertson out of the basement to hear what he has discovered about the WSL's final five for 2023. Never mind the fact that they wont replace Ethan Ewing if he is injured, we explain how the system needs a slight tweak to ensure the world's best surfers can compete to the worl…

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Surfboard Design Elements - Bottom Contours 1:08:46

2y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

In this episode I welcome Luke 'Howie' Howarth to discuss the all important surfboard design element - Bottom Contours. The bottom contour of a surfboard can be described as either flat, convex or concave. Its the detail within these three categories that determine a surfboards performance. What is the best bottom contour for a shortboard, fish, mi…

1
Manufacturer's Cup Update 3:06:30

2y ago3:06:30

3:06:30

In this episode we discuss the Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro, Margaret River Pro and the Surf Ranch Pro. After a classic intro from Bodhi, we chat about some behind the scenes adventures during the Bells competition. Unfortunately, the waves didn't turn up but that doesn't mean there wasn't a lot to talk about. (Time 0:1:30) The next stop on tour was th…

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Interview with Philip Salter, Founder, The Entrepreneurs Network 23:10

2y ago23:10

23:10

In an interview episode, I talk to Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank for Britain’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We talk about how he established TEN, its role and the challenges of running a think tank. I am one of TEN's advisers.By Stuart Thomson

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Have the Politicians Left the Room? Understanding the Challenges of Engaging with Political Audiences 4:09

2+ y ago4:09

4:09

Engaging with political audiences can often feel like an uphill challenge for those seeking to make an impact. Even when an event seems directly relevant, politicians may not always want to take part. Why can it seem like they have left the room? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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The One Public Affairs Question To Focus On: What Needs To Change To Make An Impact? 4:42

2+ y ago4:42

4:42

There can be a lot to consider when writing a public affairs strategy. It needs to think about the policy context, stakeholders, their timetables and much else. But sometimes thinking at a more granular, micro level can help focus and drive action. Always ask what needs to change to get the outcome you want. Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
How To Deliver Effective Public Affairs In A Small Team 3:43

2+ y ago3:43

3:43

There is a common belief that public affairs requires large, well-resourced teams. However, many organisations operate with smaller budgets and teams, which presents a challenge for achieving success. How can we make them effective? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Andrew Grant - Jobs in the 1960s 29:34

2+ y ago29:34

29:34

The 47th edition of The Living Memory Association's 'Lifestory' podcast sees 85 year old historian Andrew Grant looking back on his working life in the 1960s after he had returned from time spent on the ocean waves. Taking us from the Royal Infirmary to record shops and driving Globe Juice bottles around in search of a daily wage!…

1
Shaper Interview with Luke Howarth 1:16:11

2+ y ago1:16:11

1:16:11

It's been a little while since we put out a shaper interview and with good reason. There has been some restructuring happening with The Dust Up and before we welcome Luke Howarth to the team, we wanted to take an opportunity for him to introduce himself to the listeners. Luke was introduced to the ocean at Avalon on the northern beaches of Sydney w…

1
Micro practices for public affairs 3:20

2+ y ago3:20

3:20

Small changes in any working day can have a hugely beneficial impact. But what are the small practices that you could incorporate into a working day to improve the delivery of your public affairs? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Manufacturers Cup Update 1:01:13

2+ y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

In this episode we look back on the first three WSL competitions including the Billabong Pipeline Pro, Hurley Pro Sunset Beach and MEO pro Portugal. We introduce a new member to The Dust Up family, Christian 'Priddo' Pritchett is a lover of competitive surfing, shres the head judging role at Surfing Vic and long time travel partner searching for wa…

1
The importance of personal branding 3:37

2+ y ago3:37

3:37

Standing out from the crowd is important at any stage of a career but it is best to get into good habits early on. Thinking about your personal branding should be one such early consideration. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Interview with Rebecca Deegan, I Have A Voice 14:52

2+ y ago14:52

14:52

I talk to Rebecca Deegan, founder of I Have A Voice, about the campaign, and her experience of working in public affairs. If you want to contact Rebecca then email her at [email protected] Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

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Stuart Roy McIvor 1:09:07

2+ y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

The 46th edition of our Lifestory podcast features the colourful life of Stuart Roy McIvor, who spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police and 5 years as a City Councillor in Edinburgh for the SNP. At the age of 78 with a great appreciation of the where he is now, Stuart looks back on a life packed to the full with both sunshine and shadow.…

1
Interview with Louise Abraham, Cafod 16:07

2+ y ago16:07

16:07

In our first interview, I talk to Louise Abraham, Senior Government Relations at Cafod about her experience of working in public affairs. We talk about how she entered the profession and hear about some of the most effective campaigns she has worked on. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Can Labour become a party of Government? 4:03

2+ y ago4:03

4:03

Keir Starmer continues to face challenges as leader of the Labour Party. There is no doubting the improvement he has already made to their electability, but further change is promised. Is Labour likely to form the next Government? How should those in public affairs be preparing? Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Shaper Interview with Adam Baldwin 2:04:12

2+ y ago2:04:12

2:04:12

In this episode we speak with Adam Baldwin of Reclaim Surf. Adam is based on the Sunshine coast, Australia and very passionate about sustainable surfboards. In the beginning, he would recycle dis-guarded building materials and other items to create all types of surf craft. A health scare prompted him to re evaluate what his priorities are he chose …