The Braw and The Brave

This week I blether with the one and only Louise McCarthy. Star of stage and screen, from Mamma Mia in the West End to Still Game, Louise has carved out an incredible career to date. With innate talent and an insatiable appetite for her craft, she has not only pursued opportunities to play interesting characters but has written and produced her own work. From productions with National Theatre of Scotland and the Tron to BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad and The Scotts, Louise is a seasoned professional whose passion and creativity drives a need to keep learning and challenging herself. Radiating positivity she is a grafter who loves what she does and does what she loves. This episode is sponsored by the Tron Theatre Panto GALLUS IN WEEGIELAND starring Louise McCarthy playing fromWednesday 19th November to Sunday 4th January 2026! “The West End is in crisis. Our beloved Gallus has their ballet exam today and can’t remember the difference between good toes and naughty toes. Then, to make matters worse, their best pal Dinah The Cat (if a feline bezzie is good enough for Taylor it’s good enough for Gallus) has vanished. So Gallus decides to skip their dance exam and go searching for Dinah down that mysterious-looking pothole, finding themselves in a land full of mystery and wonder. Dundee. Jokes… Gallus has ended up in…. WEEGIELAND: a winter wonderland populated with strange-talking creatures, a maniacal power-hungry Queen and her son Knavey (quite possibly the hottest Harry Styles rip-off the pantosphere has ever seen). Will Gallus ever find their beloved Dinah The Cat? Will Knavey declare his love for Gallus and live happily ever after? Or the will the evil Queen of Hearts stop true love in its tracks by demanding OFF WITH THEIR HEADS? “ Get your tickets here: https://www.tron.co.uk/shows/gallus-in-weegieland/

This week I had the absolute honour to sit down and chat with star of stage and screen Blythe Duff. Undoubtedly best known for her role as Detective Jackie Reid in Taggart, from Shakespeare to the West End, Blythe has curated a hugely successful, extensive career to date. From over 20 years of starring in one of Scotland’s most beloved shows to most recently taking to the stage in the newly refurbished Citizens Theatre in Small Acts of Love, Blythe continues to gravitate to the projects that make her soul sing.. A founding member of Lacunas Music Society, Blythe is a master at her craft who embraces challenges and opportunities to connect with her audiences. This episode is supported by Honey Vine Flowers and Events Website: http://www.honeyvineflorist.co.uk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honeyvineflorist1?_t=ZN-90zZXmZLckI&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyvineflorist?igsh=dHZkdHcwZm1ibDh5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELB7yrUXU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This week I chatted with Sean McDonald broadcaster and host of the hit podcast Blethered. From TV to radio, live events to self producing his topical podcast, Sean has built an hugely successful career to date delving into a wide variety of subjects, featuring on programmes such as Good Morning Britain and most recently Debate Night. Sean is passionate about sharing stories to inform and bring around positive change. With meticulous research, refined interviewing skills and sincerity, Sean an incredible asset to Scotland as both a commentator and broadcaster. Not shying away from tricky or complex subject matters, from HIV to politics, addiction to racism, Sean’s podcast explores the many facets of today’s world and gives a voice to those people who have lived experience of the topics discussed. Connect with Sean: https://linktr.ee/seanmcdonald?fbclid=PAZnRzaANkYppleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4Ms4D9Hntk5HfMSz5DMUk92NLJu9WXuTYfmqIRn9vSOh5qKvjK-1RgBjgtH_aem_I-xy0e9xm8VDLcKmkpWblQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seantmcdonald?igsh=bGtkM2dxbzV6eDAw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seantmcdonald?_t=ZN-90jdXDydJCw&_r=1 This episode is kindly supported by JUST PERFECT LTD ‘Interiors and lifestyle store for you and your home’ Find Just Perfect on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justperfectltd?igsh=MWVoYnJwOGtsNm52NA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@just.perfect.ltd?_t=ZN-90jdLKKtFfa&_r=1 #podcast #brawbrave #scotland #scottish #thebrawandthebrave #chatshow #seanmcdonald #blethered #broadcaster

This week’s episode is in conversation with the insanely talented Shereen Cutkelvin. Pursuing a career in music from a very young age, Shereen’s innate talent and passion for music, inspired by her father who was a professional singer, saw her signed to the hugely successful band Neon Jungle, before going on to reach the semi finals of The XFactor with her brothers as The Cutkelvins. Branching out in to acting and presenting, Shereen now cohosts the CBBC’s Saturday Mash-up! and is a presenter on BBC Introducing for BBC Radio Scotland, alongside a whole host of other creative projects. With extensive experience as an actor including starring in Irvine Welsh’s CRIME, Shereen is a highly skilled and gifted artist and performer who goes after the things that make her soul sing! Braw and indeed brave in every way! Follow Shereen on insta: https://www.instagram.com/shereencutty?igsh=aHdrazdpd3lkbzQy This episode is sponsored by: Creative Spark Theatre Arts A community arts charity based in Kirkintilloch striving to use the arts to connect empower everyone within their local area. www.creativesparktheatrearts.co.uk Socials- TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@creativesparktheatrearts?_t=ZN-90LdRhWwhcc&_r=1 Insta- https://www.instagram.com/creativesparkta?igsh=MTlrcHQ4YmM2czJnbw== Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week I’m in conversation with actor, presenter and writer Sanjeev Kohli. From his iconic portrayal of the beloved character Navid in Still Game to most recently starring in the hit Netflix series Dept Q, Sanjeev has curated a hugely successful and varied career to date. Enjoy this deep dive into Sanjeev’s life and work, from growing up as a clever, young people pleasing boy in Bishopbriggs to navigating imposter syndrome and everything in between. Radio, Tv, comedy, drama and even panto, Sanjeev embraces challenges and the chance to do what he loves armed with his innate talent, wit and sincere humility. A warm and open human, Sanjeev is a beautiful storyteller who is braw and brave in equal measure. Follow Sanjeev on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/terminatorsanj?igsh=dWgzbGlvbmtlem1t Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week’s episode is with Scottish broadcaster, TV presenter, DJ and host of Capital Scotland Breakfast Robyn Richford. From ITV's SCRAMBLED to BBC RADIO 1 she has carved out an incredible career to date, with her talent and charisma shining through in everything she sets her mind to. Determined and driven, her diverse skillset and experience across different mediums of broadcasting is hugely impressive. This episode is sponsored by: Standout Theatre School https://standouttheatreschool.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/standouttheatreschool?igsh=MXMwMzR5dmlocmxwdg== https://www.tiktok.com/@standouttheatreschool?_t=ZN-8znySeTRAKU&_r=1 https://www.facebook.com/share/16VFK4xRnX/?mibextid=wwXIfr Robyn’s links: https://www.robynrichford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robynrichford?igsh=MTA1bXhqZTJ6dHY0aA== Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week I welcomed TV Presenter Jean Johansson to The Braw and The Brave. From The Disney Channel to Celebrity Masterchef, Animal Park to A Place in the Sun, Jean has curated a very successful and varied career to date, learning many valuable lessons from the inevitable knocks-backs and setbacks along the way. With determination, a strong work ethic and always with an open and friendly demeanour, Jean has become a beloved household name! Episode Sponsors Lochs and Rocks An environmentally conscious clothing brand. Small changes make big differences. Website: https://lochsandrocks.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lochsandrocks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077693707368&sk=about DN Training Academy  Scotland’s leading health and fitness education academy. Website: https://dntrainingacademy.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dn_training_academy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNTrainingAcademy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dn_training_academy X: https://x.com/TrainingDn MacDonald Crutherland Leisure and Spa  Website: https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/crutherland-house/spa-leisure/spa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macdonaldcrutherland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacCrutherland Jean’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jeanjohansson?igsh=MTVia3pubHU1MmVyeQ== Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week I welcomed actor, musician, writer and producer Brian O’Sullivan to Up Next Studios to chat about his creative life and the incredible career he’s carved out to date! Discovering his innate talent and passion for theatre at a young age, treading the boards of London’s West End aged 9 in Oliver!, he has gone on to work on countless productions including most recently Macbeth alongside David Tennant, alongside continuing to write and produce his own work too. Creating his comedy characters Janice the GP receptionist and her husband Frank, in addition to a whole host of others, Brian has gathered an enormous following online from his sketches and this year sees him take his production UH HUH The Janice and Frank Story to the Fringe! When not on stage, travelling the world playing the accordion or writing sell out shows, Brian is hosting and producing his incredible podcast Putting it Together featuring creatives from Scotland’s theatre world. Follow Brian on Instagram and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bridohingwy?igsh=NHVjczBucjBlOWl5 Putting it Together podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/putting-it-together/id1305192983 https://www.tiktok.com/@bridohingwy?_t=ZN-8y2hRYeR5Dq&_r=1 Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week I welcomed actor Darren Brownlie to Up Next Studios to recount his incredible career to date! From his musical theatre training in London to completing a masters at the RCS in Glasgow (formerly RSAMD), Darren’s innate talent, boundless energy and creativity have seen him work across stage and screen as the ultimate triple threat. From Scotland’s beloved River City to treading the boards in the prestigious Kings Theatre pantomime alongside Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac, Darren is a charismatic performer who through his natural wit and humility lights up any stage, screen or rehearsal room! Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

This week I welcomed actor and fellow podcaster Jonathan Watson to Up Next Studios to recount his illustrious career to date. From Naked Video and City Lights in the 1980s, to Only an Excuse and the highly acclaimed Two Doors Down, Jonathan recalls the many adventures along the way in making some of the country’s most celebrated and beloved TV and radio, as well as his work in theatre and film. Carving out an incredibly successful career, Jonathan recalls his early days of youth theatre and studying at Glasgow’s RSAMD and the people and opportunities that have inspired him, as well as the memorable moments that have shaped him as an actor. Listen to Jonathan’s podcast Forget The Ball https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/forget-the-ball/id1805806772

This week I welcomed singer songwriter Cammy Barnes to Up Next Studios to chat about his incredible career to date! From touring the world with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and National Theatre of Scotland to carving out a hugely successful solo career, Cammy’s innate talent and unwavering work ethic have seen him continue to soar as he pursues his passion for sharing his music with live audiences. Follow Cammy: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcammybarnes?_t=ZN-8xV2jTau3SY&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcammybarnes?igsh=bzZ3eXJ0ZmI1ZHFy Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions. This week I welcomed professional rugby player Rhona Lloyd to Up Next Studios to delve into her incredible career to date and what drives her on and off the pitch! From gruelling training regimes to learning to play the bagpipes, we deep dive into the things that make her soul sing and what being a role model for young women in sport means to her. Follow Rhona on socials: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/rhonalloyd?igsh=M2JpcTM3eTdja3M4 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhonaandthewhales?_t=ZN-8xHDvtQqWmM&_r=1 Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawand... YouTube:    / @thebrawandthebrave   TikTok:   / thebrawandthebrave   Instagram:   / thebrawandthebravepodcast   Facebook:   / thebrawandthebrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast all about people and their passions. This week I welcomed Sam Carlin aka Cherry West to Up Next Studios to talk all things Drag. Starting out aged 14, Cherry has performed up and down the country ands beyond at many high profile events in her signature colour red, making her mark on the UK Drag scene. From learning to lip sync to writing a Fringe show, Sam pulls back the curtain to reveal what life is really like in killer heels and what it takes to build a hugely successful brand! Follow Cherry West YouTube:    / @cherrywestuk   TikTok:   / cherrywestofficial   Instagram:   / cherrywestuk   Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawand... YouTube:    / @thebrawandthebrave   TikTok:   / thebrawandthebrave   Instagram:   / thebrawandthebravepodcast   Facebook:   / thebrawandthebrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions. Episode 240 is in conversation with actor Dani Heron who I invited to Up Next Studios to chat about her incredibly varied and successful career to date. From training in London and starring on the West End, to working on various productions here in Scotland and navigating life as a creative, Dani's talent and innate passion for her craft have seen seen her tackle a number of different roles, ever keen to challenge herself on and off stage. Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrawandTheBrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast all about people and their passions. Episode 239 is in conversation with Conor MackHardie Eliot Hannigan and Gregor Mackay aka musical comedy trio Weegie Hink Ae That? From sell-out Fringe runs to headline shows, whether it's songs about Aberdonian seagulls or pot holes, the Weegie boys’ banter-filled, witty, fast-paced humour is a huge hit both online and with audiences across the UK. Weegie Hink Ae That? website https://weegiehinkaethat.co.uk/ Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weegiehinkaethat/ Follow The Braw and The Brave Website: https://www.thebrawandthebrave.com/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrawandthebrave TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrawandthebrav Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions! Episode 238 is in conversation with actor and stage school owner Shannon Winton. Sharing the highs and lows of pursuing a career in the arts, Shannon opens up about her journey thus far and how a life saving surgery gave her even more determination to achieve her goals! A talented and versatile performer running her successful business, Stand-Out Theatre School, she is dedicated to offering inclusive performing arts school opportunities for young people aged 2 to 18. Based in Falkirk, they offer a fun, low-pressure environment where children can explore singing, dancing, and acting with a focus on creativity, confidence and community. Check out their classes https://stand-out-theatre-school.classforkids.io/ Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/standouttheatreschool?igsh=MXMwMzR5dmlocmxwdg== If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks. https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave Follow The Braw and The Brave https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about Rilke and their passions! Episode 237 is in conversation with Lorenzo Novani the writer of the ‘chip shop play’ Cracked Tiles and co-writer of the stage version of Hilda De Felice’s WW2 story Loving the Enemy. Both shows are regularly performed in Scotland and beyond, with recent performances in Milan and Tuscany. Lorenzo is also a multi-faceted performer: a stage actor, a voice actor, and a professional magician, with full membership of the prestigious Magic Circle. He is currently developing a show called Robert Burns & the Italian Poet in which he will play Robert Burns for a second time, after having played the national bard in the 2022 audiodrama, the Lady and the Poet. His other upcoming project is Shakespeare: Master of the Mind, a psychological magic show celebrating the genius of Shakespeare, which will be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Lorenzo gained a wealth of creative experience in amateur theatre whilst studying Writing for Stage & Screen and the Art of Acting at Strathclyde University. This laid the foundation from which he now writes and performs his own professional work. Promo video for Cracked Tiles https://youtu.be/uYsMSRzijT4?si=LCPSf2Xwf5yfwiWP If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks. https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave Follow The Braw and The Brave https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions. Episode 236 is in conversation with actor and singer Frances Thorburn. From stage to screen, busking on the streets of Glasgow to high profile events, Frances has carved out an incredibly varied and highly successful career doing what she loves. From landing her dream role on River City to playing the icon that is Patsy Cline, her theatre and TV credits demonstrate her impressive skillset as a dynamic and hugely talented performer. A force of nature, her humility and positive spirit shines bright. Frances is a go-getter and a real grafter who loves telling stories and sharing those with others. If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks. https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave Follow The Braw and The Brave https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions. Episode 235 is in conversation with singer Paul Michael. Recognising his incredible innate vocal talent at a young age, Paul’s parents supported and nurtured his passion for music which saw him go on to study music. After starring on ITV’s Starstruck, uploading a video of him on to YouTube performing a Shania Twain song led to him auditioning for the global star’s up coming tour and well, they say the rest is history! Touring the world, performing in sell out arenas singing in Shania Twain’s band, the Lanarkshire lad has had the most unbelievable few years. I chat to Paul and his mum Michelle about his journey this far and what it means to pursue your dreams. Follow Paul on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/fidkPemjFXxnA8Qw/?mibextid=LQQJ4d See Paul live at the King Robert Hotel on 16th of November! 🍴2 course meal followed by an audience with Paul just returned back from supporting Shania Twain in Vegas. Email tricia@kingroberthotel.co.uk Tickets still available £35 and also rooms available £80 bed & breakfast If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks. https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave Follow The Braw and The Brave https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave https://twitter.com/BrawBrave

The Braw and The Brave is a podcast about people and their passions. From a very young age, singer and entertainer Eddie Dobbie discovered his innate talent and passion for performing. From appearing on Barrymore My Kind of People to touring Europe with The Rocky Horror Show, Eddie enjoyed huge success and has a wealth of experience with some incredible tales to tell of his adventures. In part 2, he recounts his journey into adulthood and navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. From appearing on Star For a Night to auditioning in front of Brian May and Roger Taylor, he gives a fascinating account of just some of his amazing and life changing experiences along the way and the hurdles he overcame in the pursuit of his passion to entertain. Listen to Eddie’s album The Man Inside https://open.spotify.com/artist/1L8RQ1sQQlcjWJo87yfiRS?si=KpaeT291TdK0V11jxJG7eA If you’ve enjoyed this episode you can help support the production of future episodes by clicking on the Ko-Fi link below. Many thanks. https://ko-fi.com/thebrawandthebrave Follow The Braw and The Brave https://www.instagram.com/thebrawandthebravepodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBrawandTheBrave https://twitter.com/BrawBrave