Just John

Jonsan Media

Welcome to Just John, the magazine-style podcast where insightful conversation meets inspiring storytelling. Hosted by award-winning podcast producer, educator, and creative director John McBlain, Just John brings you up close and personal with extraordinary voices from across the creative industries, local enterprise, film, culture, and community advocacy.

  1. Jul 6

    Success At The Scottish Podcast Awards 2026

    Hello Hello Hello! In this bonus episode releasing on four individual Jonsan Media podcasts, Creative Director, Host & Producer, John McBlain reflects & celebrates the massive success of the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards at Glasgow’s historic Old Fruitmarket on June 25th 2026.Balancing the privilege of serving as an official judge with the thrill of being a nominee in three categories, John walks us through a whirlwind night that saw Jonsan Media take home two major national accolades at the Scottish Podcast Awards - winning the highly coveted Community Impact Award for Lochnorris Studios and winning a Highly Commended Entertainment and Pop Culture Award for John’s Jotter: 1999!We're also celebrating winning a Highly Commended Award for Transformational Use of Digital Technology at the Pearson National Teaching Awards for our ongoing work at Lochnorris Primary School!Tune in for a celebration of Scotland's audio talent, a massive win for creative education and independent podcasts and a heartfelt thank you to the incredible community making it all happen! A Personal Thank You From John Scot Gardiner, Corrinne Gardiner & Mark Moir and the team at the Scottish Podcast Awards.Gregor Todd, Linda Corbett, Elaine Hutton & Nicole Gottselig.Pupils and Staff at Lochnorris Primary School.Students and Lecturers at Ayrshire College.Taylor McInroy & Ayrshire Film Company.Stuart Reid at Cumnock Chronicle. Links & Websites Jonsan Media WebsiteJonsan Media InstagramScottish Podcast Awards WebsiteJohn's Jotter 1999 WebsiteLochnorris Studios LinkTree

    Success At The Scottish Podcast Awards 2026
  2. Jun 10

    Live At The Podcast Show LDN 2026

    About This Episode This episode was filmed live at The Podcast Show London 2026 with the amazing Spiritland Productions!John & Nicole are here talking about the power of connection, stick-with-it-ness and the business of podcasting! Conversation Threads In This Episode How they met at The Podcast Show LDN 2025Their friendship since last year in LondonThe Scottish Podcast AwardsThe success of Lochnorris Studios & John’s Jotter 1999Reaching out, networking & creating opportunitiesBuilding communities through podcastingInnovation in podcasting educationThe realities of working in the creative industriesConnecting with purposeThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and champion youThe Podcast Show LDN 2026The term showcastingTheir excitement for the futureNicole recalls a fantastic quote from an interview she did with Gayle Troberman, founder of Bubbler Media and Exec Advisor at iHeartMedia:  “If you’re not in the conversation, you’re not in the game.” Friends of The Pod Shout Outs There are several Friends of The Pod that we wanna give a huge Hello Hello Hello to!Find them online as they are incredible people!Kendal Breitman, Anna Xavier, Norma Jean, Zoe Ball, Scot Gardiner, Corrinne Gardiner, Mark Glucki, Linda Corbett, Darcie Hamilton, Gregor Todd & Jacqueline Wardrope. Links & Things ⁠⁠Jonsan Media Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonsan Media Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠John McBlain LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicole Gottselig Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicole Gottselig LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Spiritland Productions⁠

    Live At The Podcast Show LDN 2026
  3. Jun 4

    There's so much packed into this episode I'm just gonna call it a celebration of all things podcasting!

    As the episode title says... there's a lot in this episode! Long time Friend of The Pod, Linda Corbett joins John McBlain to discuss successes, achievements, awards, nominations and much, much more!Links to everything we speak about can be found at the Jonsan Media Website at www. jonsanmedia.com!Photos, videos and more things from the episode are all on the Jonsan Media Instagram so go hit follow there!Oh yeah! We're a dot com at long last! Zoe Ball. Yes. The Zoe Ball. The legendary and iconic, Zoe Ball makes an appearance not once, but twice in this episode. I want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to Zoe Ball for championing the next generation of talent emerging from Ayrshire College and Lochnorris Primary School, celebrating the work we do in podcast production and podcast education and for sharing the love for all things podcasting. You are, always have been, and always will be one of the most inspirational people who inspired my own journey into music, broadcasting and podcasting. Scottish Podcast Awards Lochnorris Studios has been shortlisted for two awards - Scotland's Emerging Talent and Community Impact; John's Jotter: 1999 has been shortlisted for the Entertainment & Pop Culture award; and Kelly Heartfield's Book Club For One has been shortlisted for the Arts & Culture award.Check out the Scottish Podcast Awards website for more details, tickets and much more! Ayrshire Film Festival Podcast Awards Congratulations to Iona Atkins, Robert Myles, Bob Lewis and Anthony Beckles who took home the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards respectively at the 2026 Ayrshire Film Festival Digital Storytelling & Podcast Production Awards!Thank you to our Judges - Gregor Todd, Linda Corbett, Darcie Hamilton & Nicole Gottselig - for embracing the awards and for selecting our 4 winners!A massive thank you to everyone who makes an appearance in the podcast video that was shown at the Film Festival and that appears in this episode - you are the next generation of talent and it has been a privilege being your Lecturer!A massive thank you to EVERY SINGLE PERSON who made this year's event a roaring rampage of success! The Herald Education Awards Congratulations to Linda Corbett, Darcie Hamilton and John McBlain on being finalists in the 2026 Herald Education Awards for their collective work in building the first ever Virtual Reality Student Association Campus in the Metaverse! The short video segment in this episode will blow your mind and make you wanna visit The Nexus! The Podcast Show London John attended the 2026 Podcast Show London conference and had a life changing, career altering and utterly incredible week in Islington, as you'll hear in the episode!He's following this up with a two-parter dedicated to the Podcast Show London, co-hosted with Best Friend of The Pod, Nicole Gottselig!There's an episode filmed and produced by Spiritland Productions; and an episode with the partners in podcasting recapping the conference and telling you exactly why this was such a life changing conference for both of them!In the meantime, check out the Jonsan Media Instagram for some highlights before the episodes drop! Rockpool Podcasts John is finally ready to dedicate several episodes to the multiple award-winning, 500 episode strong, legacy series, Rockpool Podcasts - the show that kickstarted his career in podcasting.He's gearing up for a trip down memory lane to really dissect and look at what it took to build a successful show from scratch, what was going on behind the scenes during production, the physical and emotional toll of burnout and dedication and the unbelievable success story of Rockpool Podcasts. This is a long overdue deep dive and will be well worth tuning in for when the time comes! End Of Episode Descriptor! GO LISTEN! GO WATCH! GO FOLLOW!GO SHARE! Thanks, Friends of The Pod! ❤️

    There's so much packed into this episode I'm just gonna call it a celebration of all things podcasting!
  4. May 11

    Lights, Camera, Ayrshire ! A backstage pass to the 2026 Ayrshire Film Festival

    Summary Get ready for an insider look into the Ayrshire Film Festival!If you're passionate about film, media, or community-driven creativity, this episode is your exclusive backstage pass to how a small college project blossomed into a regional celebration that attracts industry professionals and students alike. Discover why this festival isn’t just about screening films - it's about celebrating the next generation of filmmakers, fostering industry connections, and celebrating Ayrshire’s undeniable talent on a grand stage.Joining John on this episode is Colleen Porte, a dedicated Lecturer at Ayrshire College, as they trace the festival's journey from a simple classroom showcase in 2017 to a major cultural event held at the iconic Astoria Cinema in Ayr. They discuss the festival’s evolution through lockdowns, online digital festivals, and community-wide celebrations, highlighting how each year the event expands its reach - adding new categories, opening its doors to other colleges, and working with renowned industry figures from far and wide!Perfect for anyone hungry for authentic stories, industry insights, or who simply loves celebrating creativity - this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and eager to support Ayrshire’s rising stars. This episode celebrates almost a decade of film, friendship, and future-shaping talent in Ayrshire.Join us in person at the Ayrshire Film Festival on Friday May 22nd 2026, at the historic Astoria Cinema, Burns Statue Square, Ayr. In this episode you'll hear about: The evolution and significance of the Ayrshire Film Festival from 2017The festival's partnership with Ayrshire College and its role in student developmentHighlights of past festivals including venue changes, notable guests, and community involvementDetails on the theme for 2026: Hollywood Glam 1920s Cinema, and how students and staff are preparingIntroduction of new award categories, including digital storytelling and podcast productionThe lineup of distinguished judges and special guests like actress Nicolette McKeownThe festival's role in nurturing creativity, meta-skills, and industry connections for studentsHow the event fosters collaboration among colleges, universities, industry professionals, and community groupsPractical info: festival date, location, schedule, and what attendees can expectThe significance of student-led projects on big screens and future industry prospects Links & Things Jonsan Media WebsiteJonsan Media InstagramAyrshire Film Festival Instagram2026 Podcast Awards Website2026 Podcast Awards PlaylistNicolette McKeon IMDB

    Lights, Camera, Ayrshire ! A backstage pass to the 2026 Ayrshire Film Festival
  5. May 7

    Stealing The Spotlight at Ayrshire College

    Summary Most performers start with beginner courses, but what if your first step into acting, presenting, or digital media could set you up for lifelong success?Jacqueline Wardrope, James Gibson, and John McBlain unveil Ayrshire College’s innovative Stage & Screen courses a game-changing pathway that combines stage, screen, and digital media training. Whether you're a newbie eager to explore or an aspiring professional ready for the next level, this episode shows how our courses empower you to craft a versatile, future-proof career in the creative industries. In this episode you'll discover: How our introductory courses build confidence and transferable skills through hands-on projects like podcasts, short films, and live performances.The real-world industry connections, from BBC Scotland to the Scottish Podcast Awards, that open doors for students during and after their studies.The evolution of technical skills - from acting on stage to the nuances of on-camera performance, self-taping, and digital storytelling that prepare students for today’s on-demand economy.Why understanding the production process and respecting collaboration make you a more professional, adaptable performer in any environment.The pathways from Introduction and Foundation studies to Higher National Certificates, and how our curriculum constantly adapts based on student feedback and industry needs. Links & Things Jonsan Media WebsiteJonsan Media InstagramSteal The Spotlight LinkTreeAyrshire College Website Episode Takeaways In a world where COVID accelerated digital transformation, our courses respond by teaching you to thrive in uncertain times, making you not just a performer, but a confident communicator and creative entrepreneur. Plus, hear directly from students who share how these programs transformed their lives - boosting their craft, confidence, and career prospects.Perfect for anyone curious about acting, media production, or digital storytelling - whether you’re considering your first steps, switching careers, or levelling up your skills. If you want an education that’s tailored, industry-informed, and designed for today’s dynamic job market, this episode is your blueprint for success.Join us as we break down why Ayrshire College’s Stage, Screen & Digital Media courses are shaping the future talent of the creative industries. Your spotlight awaits - are you ready to steal it? Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and guest speakers02:04 - Backgrounds of John, Jacqueline, and James05:05 - Overview of creative industries courses07:39 - Focus on acting for camera and digital content11:01 - Transferable skills: confidence and collaboration18:13 - Student projects and content creation21:02 - Progression to HNC in Acting & Performing Arts26:43 - Preparation for modern auditions30:01 - Transition to series development and podcast creation35:12 - Industry-driven course evolution41:30 - Professionalism and collaboration44:00 - Networking and industry links53:34 - Continuous course improvement

    Stealing The Spotlight at Ayrshire College
  6. Apr 30

    At Home With An Organiser with Lauren Keetch

    Summary Ever wondered how decluttering can be a powerful emotional and psychological reset? This episode breaks down the surprising truths behind creating space in your home, and your mind, by one of the most passionate professional organisers in the industry!Join John McBlain as he chats with Lauren Keetch, founder of Perfect Space Home Organisation, whose work transcends tidying. From helping families break destructive clutter cycles to guiding terminally ill clients through emotional decluttering, Lauren reveals how transforming physical spaces can fundamentally change lives.This episode is essential listening for anyone overwhelmed by clutter, feeling stuck in routines, or curious about the deeper impact of living space on mental health. Lauren shares her expert strategies for making decluttering a sustainable, empowering process, and proves that sometimes, less truly is more!Whether you’re a busy parent, a creative professional, or someone seeking clarity amidst chaos, Lauren’s insights will inspire you to move past the stress and toward a home, and life, that feels lighter, brighter, and more intentional.Connect with Lauren on Instagram or visit her website for personalised help and inspiration! In this episode you’ll discover: The emotional and psychological benefits of declutteringPractical approaches for different client needs (families, celebrities, grief situations)Common clutter challenges in specific spaces (kitchens, bedrooms, playrooms, hallways)The importance of routines and systems for sustainable organisationThe effects of consumer culture and collecting habits on clutterHandling sentimental items and end-of-life decluttering  Links and Things Jonsan Media WebsiteJonsan Media InstagramPerfect Space Home Organisation WebsitePerfect Space Home Organisation InstagramPerfect Space Home Organisation Stan Store Episode Takeaways The key takeaway from Lauren’s work is that organised, clutter-free spaces not only improve your environment but also support your mental health and emotional well-being. Small, consistent changes can lead to lifelong benefits.Lauren describes her work as helping people create better spaces to improve their mental clarity and reduce everyday stress.She highlights that clutter often results from overconsumption and emotional attachments, emphasising the importance of conscious decluttering.Practical advice includes putting items away temporarily to test if they’re needed, and creating purposeful spaces rather than storage areas for unused items.Lauren shares real stories, such as finding loved ones’ ashes in a plant pot and hidden piles of cash, illustrating the surprising and emotional side of decluttering.The importance of routine and systems is stressed - like having designated spots for essentials and minimalist approaches to possessions.She advocates for “Swedish Death Cleaning” - a process to pre-empt overwhelm for family members and prevent emotional and physical clutter after a loved one’s passing.She works with a wide clientele, including celebrities and high-profile individuals, treating everyone with respect and tailoring her approach accordingly.Lauren emphasises that clutter is a universal challenge, and everyone’s workspace or home has “shame cupboards” or hidden messes, normalising these experiences. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction - Meet Lauren Keetch, professional organiser.06:18 - Emotional Benefits - How decluttering boosts mental clarity.17:02 - Practical Tips - Systems for sustainable organisation.09:14 - Common Challenges - Tackling clutter in key areas.11:27 - Consumer Habits - Impact on clutter and solutions.24:05 - Sentimental Items - Handling emotional decluttering.22:27 - Client Stories - Real-life decluttering experiences.43:11 - Final Thoughts - Embrace minimalism for well-being.

    At Home With An Organiser with Lauren Keetch
  7. Mar 17

    Noah Hyslop: A Story of Resilience

    Summary  This episode is released in association with Podcasthon and in support of Young Lives vs Cancer. Most stories of resilience are inspiring, but Noah Hyslop's journey hits differently - showing that even the toughest battles can be fuelled by positivity and purpose. At just 18, Noah's remarkable story of facing childhood cancer with unwavering strength and turning it into transformational charity work is a beacon of hope for anyone fighting their own battles.This episode dives deep into Noah’s incredible resilience, how he navigated diagnosis at 15, shattered the stigma around talking about cancer, and leveraged his experience to raise nearly £83,000 for various charities including Young Lives Versus Cancer. Host John McBlain sits down with Noah and his supportive parents, Lynn and Paul to explore the extraordinary behind-the-scenes of their charity initiatives, Pride of Scotland and Pride of Britain award ceremonies, and the real life impact of community support. Links & Things Jonsan Media Website Jonsan Media Instagram Noah Hyslop Instagram Noah Hyslop LinkTreeNeil MacKinnon Instagram Rockpool Podcasts Spotify Rockpool Podcasts WebsitePodcasthon Website Young Lives vs Cancer Website Pride of Britain Awards 2025 Noah Meets Margot Robbie on YouTube Pride of Scotland Awards 2025  Episode Takeaways Noah and parents Lynn & Paul, share their journey through cancer diagnosis at 15 and how it shaped Noah’s outlook on lifeInsights into the emotional and practical support from Young Lives Versus Cancer and Marion’s HouseThe impactful stories behind Noah’s fundraising efforts, including raising thousands of pounds for charityThe importance of raising awareness about rare cancers and breaking the taboo around discussing cancerBehind-the-scenes of Noah’s award-winning moments, including the Pride of Britain recognitionHow positivity and community support help Noah and his family navigate treatment and recoveryFuture projects, charity initiatives, and upcoming creative endeavours by Noah Chapters 00:00 - Introduction, Podcasthon, & Young Lives vs Cancer01:22 - Noah’s diagnosis and early challenges with cancer02:40 - Noah’s supportive family and pet Stanley04:31 - Creative work and life during treatment06:26 - Photo shoot with Neil MacKinnon and charity involvement10:04 - Fundraising milestones: Raising over £15,000 for Young Lives Vs Cancer12:02 - The role of Marion’s House and hospital support systems15:38 - Navigating conversations about cancer and breaking taboos17:06 - System of support: Family, friends, and medical professionals18:59 - The impact of medical staff and nurses on Noah’s journey21:16 - Family's experience with diagnosis, treatment, and emotional resilience23:47 - Growing up fast: Noah’s teenage experiences with cancer27:29 - Noah’s attitude: Not defining yourself by cancer28:33 - Achievements and future aspirations: College, charity work, and more35:42 - The massive impact of Noah’s story reaching a global audience45:46 - Remarkable recognition: Pride of Scotland and Pride of Britain awards57:23 - The unforgettable night at the awards and future plans58:44 - Key message: “You are not alone - Ask for help, stay positive, keep smiling!”64:50 - Upcoming creative projects, charity initiatives, and continued success66:36 - Final thoughts: Support, resilience, and inspiring othersPodcasthon This episode is released in association with Podcasthon – the biggest charity event in the world of podcasting. Podcasthon.org is an incredible and fast-growing non-profit initiative that unites thousands of podcasters globally with the sole cause of raising awareness for various charitable causes. Young Lives vs Cancer Young Lives vs Cancer is a charity providing practical, emotional and financial support from the moment of diagnosis onward, helping families navigate the immense challenges of treatment, side effects, hospital stays, travel costs and life beyond cancer.

    Noah Hyslop: A Story of Resilience
  8. Mar 12

    Podcasting in Primary School

    Summary Unlock the transformative power of podcasting in primary education - even 10-year-olds can become confident storytellers, digital citizens, and future leaders.Discover how Lochnorris Primary School's groundbreaking podcast series is redefining what's possible for young learners and why teaching kids to produce their own episodes is a game-changer for confidence, creativity, and collaboration.In this episode, John McBlain takes you inside Lochnorris Studios, a pupil-led podcast initiative in Cumnock, Scotland, where children as young as 10 produce, script, record, and edit their own episodes. More than just a fun tech project, this program fosters real-world skills like public speaking, digital literacy, teamwork, and resilience, all while amplifying their voices on a global platform. Learn how this innovative approach is helping shy students find confidence behind the microphone and build crucial meta skills that prepare them for a digital future. Links & Things Jonsan Media WebsiteJonsan Media InstagramLochnorris Studios LinkTreeLochnorris Studios on SpotifyAyrshire Magazine ArticleAyrshire Magazine Issue 63 Episode Takeaways The story behind Lochnorris Studios and its partnership with Ayrshire CollegeHow podcasting cultivates confidence, empathy, and critical thinking in primary kidsThe specific skills gained: storytelling, sound editing, teamwork, resilience, and digital literacyThe impact on the school community, including boosted pride and cross-generational engagementWhy this model is a blueprint for other schools to integrate media literacy into their curriculum Extended Summary  Ignoring this approach risks missing out on developing the next generation of articulate, digitally fluent, and adaptable young leaders. Podcasting isn't just entertainment - it’s an essential tool for education and personal growth in an era of AI, misinformation, and constant connectivity.Perfect for educators, parents, and creative professionals eager to see real-world innovation in schools, this episode will inspire you to rethink what's possible for primary education. If you're passionate about empowering young voices and building future-ready skills, tune in now - these stories and insights are a call to action.John McBlain, an experienced educator and podcast producer, shares insights from his award-winning work and how Lochnorris Primary School is setting a new standard for experiential learning. With proven results, inspiring feedback, and a vision for scaling this impact, John shows how listening to kids' stories can spark a revolution in education.Don't miss this inspiring episode on how young minds are taking control of their learning and voice, leaving a lasting imprint on their communities and careers. Listen now to start your journey toward transforming education through podcasting.

    Podcasting in Primary School

About

Welcome to Just John, the magazine-style podcast where insightful conversation meets inspiring storytelling. Hosted by award-winning podcast producer, educator, and creative director John McBlain, Just John brings you up close and personal with extraordinary voices from across the creative industries, local enterprise, film, culture, and community advocacy.