Round the Studios

On this episode, Karen talks to Dr Cat Dunn. Cat is an amazing curator who has put on several shows which use contemporary artists to explore the themes of migration, identity, memory and Blackness in relation to the landscape and built environment. She has worked in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland, The University of Edinburgh and Glasgow Sculpture Studios. Dr. Dunn's curatorial practice is grounded in research on re-indigenisation as a critical methodology for rethinking curatorial practice. Through this approach, she investigates the intersections of migration, memory, and identity, examining how processes of cultural reclamation, belonging, and ancestral knowledge shape contemporary Black diasporic experiences. Her work interrogates how Blackness is perceived, performed, and preserved across diasporic landscapes, paying close attention to the ways personal and collective histories are carried on bodies, embedded in objects, and inscribed into spaces. Grounded in Caribbean thought and attuned to the tensions of displacement, she curates exhibitions that challenge fixed notions of identity while creating spaces for re-indigenisation, cultural continuity, and decolonial futures.Cat's current group exhibition is on at Timespan in Helmsdale until the 1st March 2027. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen talks to the wonderful Nicola Glencross. Glencross, also known as Nikki Storm, is a professional wrestler and historian working on capturing women wrestler's stories. The project explores American women’s sports history and popular culture, and utilises oral history testimony.Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Edinburgh, Nicola Glencross is a former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) women and tag team champion.Alongside her academic career, Nicola travels and works around the world as her professional wrestling alter ego Nikki Storm.Beginning her journey in hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, Nikki spent eight years honing her craft, wrestling across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Japan and North America. In 2016, she moved to America after being signed to the WWE where she competed for 10 years on television, playing various characters such as Nikki Cross, Abby the Witch and Nikki ASH.Throughout her WWE career, she continued with her academic journey, graduating with an MSc in History at the University of Edinburgh in 2023. She also completed courses in American, Art and Women’s history from Seminole State college in Florida (2017-2019). Shortly following her exit from WWE, the world stood up and took notice as Nikki and her husband Big Damo (formerly Killian Dain in WWE) took over the reigns at PROGRESS Wrestling in May 2026.Founded in 2012, and as one of the premier companies in Europe, PROGRESS is now in the hands of active wrestlers for the first time ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Karen explores radical Glasgow with Historian and Tour Guide Katherine MacKinnon. Bonding over their love of the Vicky Road Oxfam Book shop, they talk about some of the key figures in the city's radical history including Agnes and Patrick Dollan, John S. Clarke and John McLean. We also chat about the changing skyline of the city, lion taming, the mural trail and how there are actually more notable Glaswegians than just Billy Connelly!MacKinnon is a public historian, arts worker, writer and researcher based in Glasgow. She works with groups of people to explore and document experiences of everyday life, past and present.Check out Radical Glasgow Tours, who have a fantastic selection of walking and audio tours and sticker/merch collection available! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to find out who 'Stanny' is? If so, listen to Karen talk to independent art advisor James McNaught talk about the Glasgow Girls, exhibitions and the art market. They talk about their favourite 'Glasgow Girl', a term which was bestowed on a group of artists and designers who were working and producing in Glasgow from around 1880.Jessie M.King, Norah Neilson Gray and De Courcy Lewthwaite Dewar all get a mention. James is an independent art advisor specialising in the acquisition, valuation and management of art and private collections. James works closely with private clients to identify exceptional works, make informed acquisitions and develop collections that are both personally meaningful and considered in the context of the wider home. His approach is independent, discreet and high tailored, drawing on an extensive network across the art market and relative professional discipline. He has a particular expertise in the Scottish Art market, with an in-depth knowledge of its artists, collections and institutions. He advises clients on opportunities within Scotland and beyond, helping them navigate the market with confidence, curiosity and a genuine appreciation of Art. *He also explains who 'Stanny' is! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 2 of 'Round the Studios: Scottish History from a different perspective'. In episode 1, Karen talks to her lifelong friend (they have known each other since they were 4 years old) the ceramicist and all round legend, Dr Maria Di Mario.*Maria is a Barcelona-based ceramicist who ingrains her feminist politics into her work and life. As a mother of three young children, her work reflects her lived experience of being an artist, working mother, partner and friend. Throughout this episode she provides the listener with a fabulous reading list which have helped her during times of change and at the various stages of womanhood. She has been a stable and supporting, and stable figure throughout Karen's life and if anything, this episode in just a glimpse into the friendship and shared history between the two.Maria holds a PhD in Creative Writing, but I knew that she wouldn't use her 'Dr' title. See, told you she was an all round badass?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.