The Thistle & Dram

Iain

Welcome to The Thistle & Dram — the podcast where Scotland’s news, culture, and conversation come together over a dram. I’m your host, Iain, and each week we’ll sit down to talk about what’s happening in Scotland — from politics and current events to books, films, music, and the ideas shaping the country today. Sometimes it’ll just be me, sometimes we’ll have guests — but the goal is always the same: thoughtful conversation in a relaxed setting. So pour yourself a drink, get comfortable, and join the conversation. This is The Thistle & Dram.

  1. 1h ago

    THE FUTURE OF SCOTTISH PUBS, Steroid Culture & America's Political Showdown

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The Thistle & Dram is back with Season 3, Episode 3! 🥃🎙️ This episode, we're diving into three very different topics, from the changing face of Scottish pub culture to the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs and the political battle ahead in America. We kick things off here in Scotland, looking at the changing culture of our pubs and the comments made by an MSP about making Scottish pubs places for "ethnic minorities". What does that mean for the traditional pub, how are these spaces changing, and who should they be for? Next, we turn our attention to the growing trend of young bodybuilders using steroids in pursuit of the perfect physique. We discuss the pressures behind the obsession with looking bigger, stronger and more muscular, the risks associated with steroid use, and the potentially serious consequences for those getting involved at a young age. Finally, we cross the Atlantic to look ahead to America's upcoming midterm elections. With the political landscape continuing to evolve, we explore what's at stake, the issues dominating the conversation and what these elections could mean for the direction of US politics. Three topics, plenty to unpack, and as always, a little bit of everything you'd expect from The Thistle & Dram. Pour yourself a dram, get comfortable, and join the conversation! 💬 Join the discussion: Are Scottish pubs losing their traditional identity, or is changing with the times simply part of their history? Let me know what you think in the comments!

    THE FUTURE OF SCOTTISH PUBS, Steroid Culture & America's Political Showdown

  2. 3d ago

    HALLOWEEN'S CELTIC ROOTS, CELEBRITY DEATHS & INTERNET DETECTIVES

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The Thistle & Dram is back with Season 3, Episode 2! 🥃🎙️ This time, we're covering a proper mixed bag of history, celebrity news, internet culture, and a bit of Scotland. We kick things off with Halloween, looking back at its ancient Celtic roots and traditions, exploring how celebrations like Samhain have evolved over the centuries into the Halloween we know today. From old folklore and customs to pumpkins, costumes and trick-or-treating, how much of the original spirit remains? We then turn to the entertainment world and reflect on some of the year's biggest celebrity deaths, including the passing of Patrick Stewart—taking a moment to consider the famous faces we've lost and the legacies they've left behind. After that, we take a look at the increasingly bizarre world of internet armchair detectives, focusing on the Lindsay Clancy trial and the online speculation, amateur investigations and theories that can emerge when real-life tragedies become internet talking points. Where does curiosity end and irresponsible speculation begin? And finally, we bring things back closer to home with a round-up of assorted Scottish news, picking through some of the stories making headlines north of the border. History, Halloween, celebrity culture, internet madness and Scottish news — all in the usual Thistle & Dram mix. Pour yourself a dram, get comfortable, and join the conversation! 💬 Join the discussion: Have Halloween traditions lost their original meaning, or have they simply evolved with the times? Let me know in the comments.

    HALLOWEEN'S CELTIC ROOTS, CELEBRITY DEATHS & INTERNET DETECTIVES

  3. 6d ago

    WE'RE BACK! France Protests, Malta Holiday & The H3 Podcast Drama

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The Thistle & Dram is BACK! 🥃🎙️ It's been a little while since we've uploaded a video, but we're back for Season 3 — and we're kicking things off with a proper mixed bag of conversations. In this episode, we discuss the protests unfolding in France and what they tell us about public frustration and the wider political climate. Then, we take a slightly more relaxing detour as I share a few thoughts and stories from my recent holiday in Malta. And, because no episode would be complete without a bit of internet chaos, we get into the H3 Podcast cheating controversy and the online reaction surrounding the story. From international affairs to holiday stories and podcast drama, this episode has a little bit of everything — serious discussion, lighter moments, and the usual Thistle & Dram mix of commentary and conversation. It's good to be back, and there's plenty more to come this season! Pour yourself a dram, get comfortable, and join the conversation. 💬 Join the discussion: Which topic caught your attention most — the protests in France, the Malta stories, or the H3 Podcast drama? Let me know in the comments!

    WE'RE BACK! France Protests, Malta Holiday & The H3 Podcast Drama

  4. Jul 27

    Movies, Money & Walking Away: A Very 2026 Week

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! This episode is a bit of a mix — but in the best way. We start off with a look at the recent Odyssey film and whether it actually lives up to the hype, before getting into the ongoing conversation around the live-action Moana and why these remakes always seem to divide people. From there, things shift closer to home with a discussion around benefits in the UK — what’s being said, what’s changing, and why it’s such a constant topic of debate. We also touch on a well-known YouTuber stepping away from his role, and what it says about pressure, expectations, and knowing when to step back. It’s one of those episodes that moves between entertainment, real life, and everything in between — the kind of conversation that just flows. Pour yourself a dram 🥃… and settle in.

    Movies, Money & Walking Away: A Very 2026 Week

  5. Jul 21

    Why Modern Dating Feels So… Off

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Modern dating should be easier than ever… so why does it feel so complicated? In this episode, we break down the reality of dating today — from apps and endless options, to ghosting, situationships, and the strange way people seem to connect without ever actually committing. Why does everyone feel replaceable? When did ‘talking’ become its own category? And why does something that should feel natural… now feel like effort? We get into the behaviours, the patterns, and the unspoken rules that define modern dating — with a mix of honest takes, relatable moments, and a few examples that might feel very familiar. Plus, this week’s Dram of the Week 🥃 and a listener question that sums it all up perfectly. This one’s real, slightly chaotic… but still a bit of a laugh. Pour yourself a dram… and let’s get into it.

    Why Modern Dating Feels So… Off

  6. Jul 6

    AI, Automation &… What Do We Even Do Now?

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! AI is getting smarter. Work is getting faster. Everything is becoming more efficient… So why does it feel like something’s a bit… off? In this episode, we dive into the rise of AI and automation — not from a hype or panic angle, but from a real, human one. What actually changes when effort starts disappearing? If machines can think, create, and optimise… where does that leave us? And if everything becomes easier… what do we even do now? We break it all down with a mix of real-world examples, a few ridiculous ones, and some honest reflection on what this shift means for work, identity, and purpose. Plus, this week’s Dram of the Week 🥃 and a listener question that cuts right to the core of it all. This one’s thoughtful, slightly uncomfortable… but still us. Pour yourself a dram… and let’s get into it.

    AI, Automation &… What Do We Even Do Now?

  7. Jul 5

    Special Episode - Nigel Farage, Reform UK, General News.

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Politics in the UK feels like it’s shifting again… and whether you follow it closely or not, it’s getting harder to ignore. In this special episode, we take a step back and look at the bigger picture — from Nigel Farage’s continued influence, to the rise of Reform UK, and what it all says about the current state of British politics. Why are more people paying attention to parties outside the traditional system? Is this just another political moment… or something more long-term? And what does it say about trust, frustration, and the direction the country is heading? This isn’t about shouting opinions or picking sides. It’s about understanding what’s happening, why it’s happening… and what it might mean going forward. As always, we keep it conversational — breaking things down with real examples, a bit of perspective, and a chance to actually think about the bigger picture. Pour yourself a dram 🥃… and let’s get into it.

    Special Episode - Nigel Farage, Reform UK, General News.

  8. Jun 25

    When Did Life Become Content?

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! At some point… life stopped being something we just lived… and started becoming something we capture. In this episode, we dive into the quiet shift that’s changed how we experience everything — from nights out, to arguments to even serious real-world moments. Why is our first instinct to record instead of react? When did memories become content? And are we still actually present… or just watching our own lives play out? We break it down with real examples, some ridiculous ones, and a few that are a bit too real. Plus, this week’s Dram of the Week 🥃 and a listener question that hits right at the core of it all. This one’s a bit deeper… but still us. Sit back, pour something, and let’s get into it.

    When Did Life Become Content?
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About

Welcome to The Thistle & Dram — the podcast where Scotland’s news, culture, and conversation come together over a dram. I’m your host, Iain, and each week we’ll sit down to talk about what’s happening in Scotland — from politics and current events to books, films, music, and the ideas shaping the country today. Sometimes it’ll just be me, sometimes we’ll have guests — but the goal is always the same: thoughtful conversation in a relaxed setting. So pour yourself a drink, get comfortable, and join the conversation. This is The Thistle & Dram.

Information

  • Creator
    Iain
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Iain McMillan 2026
  • Show Website
    The Thistle & Dram