Shaping The North East

SZN Media Ltd
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

A SZN Media Ltd. podcast that explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter. Showcasing creativity and ingenuity and shouting about what the regions successes really look like. 

  1. 3d ago

    How The North East Of Scotland Shaped An Album | Fiona Soe Paing

    What does it mean to find home? In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris sits down with Scottish-Burmese singer, songwriter and producer Fiona Soe Paing to explore identity, creativity and the landscapes that inspire her music. We discuss Fiona's unique approach to songwriting, and how her acclaimed second album became a journey to reconnect with the Scottish places she now calls home. We also talk about: • Finding inspiration in Scotland's landscapes • Creativity, identity and belonging • The stories behind her music • Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival • Building a career as an independent artist Whether you're passionate about music, creativity or the stories that shape who we become, there's something here for you. Listen to Fiona Soe Paing Website: https://www.fionasoepaing.co.uk Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EqBwNXnselFEVu4vrXe9T?si=KxQuP5aAT_eMD5dSf4x4Dw&nd=1 Bandcamp: https://fionasoepaing.bandcamp.com/album/sand-silt-flint-3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/FionaSoePaing Follow Fiona on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionasoepaing.music/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionasoepaing/ About Shaping the North East Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter. Each episode features honest conversations with inspiring guests from across business, culture, creativity and community. Subscribe for new conversations every week.

  2. Jul 20

    Taking North East Music To Belladrum | The Funky Red Pandas

    What does it take to build a band from scratch and earn a place on one of Scotland's biggest festival stages? In Episode 2 of Shaping the North East, Chris sits down with Stu and Stu from The Funky Red Pandas to explore the band's journey from an ambitious idea to one of the North East's most exciting live acts. From winning Battle of the Bands just months after forming to releasing their debut album, The Word is F.U.N.K., the pair reflect on the milestones that have shaped the band's story so far. We also discuss what it means to perform at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, why live music still matters, and how they've stayed true to their sound while building momentum. Whether you're a musician, a creative, or simply someone chasing an ambitious goal, this conversation is packed with honest insights into perseverance, collaboration and taking opportunities when they come your way. In this episode, we discuss: • How The Funky Red Pandas came together • Winning Battle of the Bands • Releasing The Word is F.U.N.K. • Preparing for Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival • The future of the band and what's next Check out "The Word Is F.U.N.K.": YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lsFK0ZSJW_GPCLQd7UoUDjcoez965dVgw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4mx6oPuKt7oVWioPOLGc56?si=N9pYar-iSjSArWiLN5A_9Q Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-word-is-f-u-n-k/6781120041 Follow The Funky Red Pandas: https://www.facebook.com/thefunkyredpandas/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCS5yZoTY60xrrjvrXoi0r5g https://www.instagram.com/thefunkyredpandas https://www.tiktok.com/@thefunkyredpandas Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter.

  3. Jul 13

    Building a Healthier Aberdeen | Lewis Donaldson

    Welcome to the very first episode of the newly rebranded Shaping The North East. To kick off this new chapter, we're joined by Lewis Donaldson, founder of L.Donaldson Massage in Aberdeen, for a conversation about self-care, entrepreneurship and the changing ways people choose to invest in themselves. Lewis shares his journey from studying media at university to building a successful massage therapy business, why he believes a personalised, holistic approach to health delivers the best outcomes, and his thoughts on the rise of larger therapy chains that often sacrifice individuality for convenience. We also discuss changing attitudes towards disposable income, why more people are prioritising wellbeing over traditional nights out, and how the continued growth of L.Donaldson Massage has led to an exciting move into a new city centre studio. Shaping The North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter. Follow the podcast to hear more conversations with the individuals helping shape the future of the North East. Follow L.Donaldson Massage: https://www.ldonaldsonmassage.com https://www.instagram.com/l.donaldsonmassage/ https://www.facebook.com/p/L-Donaldson-Massage-61568274151702/

  4. Jul 6

    Building a Business and a Family Together | Amanda & Bob Law's Story

    In this episode (sponsored by KLT Networking), Chris sits down with Amanda and Bob Law from Amanda Law Mortgages to explore the journey behind the business and the family that powers it. Amanda shares how she built her career in finance and took the leap to launch her own mortgage business, while Bob reflects on his career in the oil and gas sector before making the decision to join the company full-time. Together, they discuss life in Aberdeen, raising a young family, navigating the challenges and opportunities of working as a married couple, and learning how to play to their individual strengths. We also talk about entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of understanding how to work together effectively both at home and in the workplace. Amanda and Bob offer an honest insight into building a successful mortgage business while maintaining a strong family life, as well as their vision for the future of Amanda Law Mortgages. Keep up to date with Amanda Law Mortgages here: https://amandalaw-mortgages.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560264342446 https://www.instagram.com/amandalawmortgages https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-law-cemap-b27a401a8/ https://www.tiktok.com/@UC0-m0cWMQ6HPG2xiPqLyQAg https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-law-6b310737/ If you're interested in entrepreneurship, financial services, career transitions, family businesses, or the realities of building a company with your partner, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical lessons. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review if you enjoy the conversation. Amanda Law Mortgages is a trading style of Aberdein Considine LLP who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

  5. Jun 29

    Aberdeen's Music Talent Deserves a Bigger Stage | Glen Gauld, North City Signal

    Aberdeen is home to an incredible range of musicians and artists, but many never get the exposure they deserve. Glen Gauld, founder of North City Signal, explains how his platform is helping shine a spotlight on local talent, capture live performances, and build a stronger creative community in the North East of Scotland. We discuss: • Glen's background and journey into music production through NESCol • Why he started North City Signal • The artists and musicians they've worked with • Some of Aberdeen's most memorable recording locations and venues • The challenges facing local artists today • The future vision for North City Signal If you're interested in Aberdeen's creative community, independent music, and the people working behind the scenes to support local artists, this episode is for you.

  6. Jun 22

    How TokOfTheDeen Built a Loyal Community While Championing Aberdeen's Local Businesses

    In this episode, I sit down with Lesley-Ann, better known as TokOfTheDeen, to discuss how she has built a thriving online community in just 14 months. What started as a way of exercising creative expression through creating content has grown into something much bigger. Lesley-Ann shares how she uses her platform to champion independent businesses, highlight hidden gems across Aberdeen, and create genuine connections with her audience. We talk about the importance of trust, staying positive online, supporting others to succeed, setting goals, and the lessons she's learned while growing her presence on social media. Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or simply interested in the power of community, there's plenty to take away from this conversation. In this episode: • Building a community online • Supporting local and independent businesses • Growing a social media presence • Creating positive content • Building trust with an audience • Goal setting and personal growth • Championing Aberdeen's local business scene Connect with TokOfTheDeen: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokofthedeen https://www.instagram.com/tokofthedeen/ https://www.facebook.com/Tokofthedeen/ Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510 https://www.youtube.com/@SZNMediaLtd https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

  7. Jun 15

    What Happens When You Say Yes Before You're Ready? | TEDx Aberdeen Speaker Chloe Watson

    When Chloe Watson was invited to give a TEDx talk, she didn't feel ready. Today, Chloe is a content creator, sustainable fashion advocate, and TEDx Aberdeen speaker whose talk, Confessions of a Fast Fashion Addict, challenged the way we think about clothing consumption and fast fashion. In this episode, Chloe shares the reality behind stepping onto the TEDx stage, the self-doubt she faced beforehand, and how the experience transformed her confidence. We also discuss building a platform around sustainable fashion, navigating life as a content creator, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what happens when you say yes to opportunities before you feel fully prepared. Whether you're interested in public speaking, personal growth, content creation, or sustainable fashion, this conversation offers an honest look at confidence, courage, and taking the next step before you're ready. Connect with Chloe: Instagram Watch Chloe's TEDx Talk: Chloe's TEDx Aberdeen Talk

  8. Jun 8

    Inside NAFCo 2026: Bringing the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention to Aberdeen

    In this episode, I sit down with Kirsty Clements and Laura Harrington, Festival Directors of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo), as we explore one of the most significant traditional music events coming to Aberdeen this year. We discuss the origins of NAFCo, what makes the convention unique, and why its return to the Granite City is such an important moment for the North East of Scotland. Kirsty and Laura provide an insight into the extensive programme of workshops, performances, and events taking place throughout the festival, as well as the internationally renowned musicians and guests who will be visiting Aberdeen. We also look at the venues that will host the convention, the impact the event is expected to have on the region, and the opportunities it creates for musicians, learners, and audiences alike. Alongside the festival itself, Kirsty and Laura share their own personal journeys into the world of traditional music and event organisation, and how they each became involved with NAFCo. Whether you're a musician, a folk music enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Scotland's biggest cultural events of the year, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention. For more information about NAFCo, including tickets, workshops, and event schedules, visit the official festival website: https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/ https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention

See All (50)

About

A SZN Media Ltd. podcast that explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter. Showcasing creativity and ingenuity and shouting about what the regions successes really look like. 

Information

  • Creator
    SZN Media Ltd
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Shaping The North East