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. The Podcast Boom: Too Many Mics

    2h ago

    The Podcast Boom: Too Many Mics

    Let’s be honest… Everyone has a podcast now. And yes — that includes this one. In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a self-aware look at the explosion of podcasting — and ask the question a lot of people are thinking: Are there too many podcasts? Because what started as a niche space for long-form conversation… Has turned into a crowded world where anyone with a mic can hit record. In this episode, we explore: Why podcasting has become so popular (and so easy to start)The different types of podcasts we’ve all come acrossThe gap between having something to say… and just talkingWhether more podcasts mean more value — or just more noiseAnd yes… whether we’re part of the problem💬 Join the conversation: Be honest — do you think there are too many podcasts… or are we just getting started?

    57 min
  2. Special Episode - Henry Nowak

    2d ago

    Special Episode - Henry Nowak

    In this special episode, we take a measured look at the events surrounding Henry Nowak and the wider aftermath across the UK. This is a developing and sensitive situation, and the aim here is not speculation, but reflection. We discuss what has been reported so far, how the story has unfolded, and the responses from the public, media, and political figures. We also explore the broader questions being raised—around accountability, public reaction, and how events like this shape national conversation. This episode steps away from the usual tone of the podcast to provide a more grounded and considered discussion.

    42 min
  3. Are Influencers Running the World Now?

    Jun 1

    Are Influencers Running the World Now?

    At what point did influencers stop selling products… and start shaping everything? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a closer look at the growing power of influencers — from the things we buy to the opinions we hold. Somehow, influencers have become: more relatable than celebritiesmore trusted than brandsand in some cases… more influential than traditional mediaBut with that comes a big question: Where does authenticity end… and marketing begin? In this episode, we explore: How influencers became one of the most powerful forces onlineWhy we trust them more than we probably shouldThe shift from selling products to selling lifestylesWhen “authentic content” starts to feel like constant advertisingAnd how influencers are now shaping conversations far beyond social media — including politics💬 Join the conversation: What’s the last thing you bought because of an influencer… and do you actually trust them?

    55 min
  4. Main Character Syndrome: Are You Living… or Performing Your Life?

    May 25

    Main Character Syndrome: Are You Living… or Performing Your Life?

    When did life stop being something we experience… and start becoming something we perform? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we dive into Main Character Syndrome — the idea that we’re all living like the star of our own film. From TikTok trends telling you to “romanticise your life”… to the pressure of building a personal brand… to turning everyday moments into content — something has shifted in how we see ourselves. In this episode, we explore: Why does everyone feel like the main character nowHow TikTok turned normal life into a cinematic experienceThe rise of personal branding — and the pressure that comes with itWhen self-expression becomes performanceAnd whether we’re still living life… or just documenting itIt’s about identity, attention, and what happens when your life starts to feel like an audience is always watching.

    57 min
  5. The Death of the 9–5 (Or Is It?)

    May 18

    The Death of the 9–5 (Or Is It?)

    Is the traditional 9–5 actually dying… or are we all just pretending it is? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we unpack the modern reality of work — from remote jobs and side hustles to the rise of the so-called “digital nomad” lifestyle. On the surface, it looks like we’ve entered an era of freedom and flexibility. No commutes, no offices, more control over our time. But are things a bit more complicated? Because while the structure of work has changed, the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere — if anything, it’s evolved. In this episode, we explore: How remote work reshaped the way we think about jobs.The blurred line between work and personal life.The rise (and reality) of side hustles and “multiple income streams.”Why the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t always what it seems.And whether the 9–5 is truly disappearing… or just taking a new form.So… is the 9–5 dead? Or are we all just getting better at making work look different? What does work look like for you now — and is it better than before?

    57 min
  6. LinkedIn Has Lost the Plot

    May 11

    LinkedIn Has Lost the Plot

    LinkedIn used to be about jobs — now it feels like a performance stage. LinkedIn used to be simple — a place for CVs, job applications, and professional networking. Now? It feels like something completely different. In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we kick off Season 2 by diving into the strange evolution of LinkedIn. From motivational storytelling and “thought leaders” to performative posts and personal branding overload, we explore how the platform has shifted — and why it feels so different today. We discuss: What LinkedIn used to be — and what it’s becomeThe rise of the “LinkedIn influencer.”Why does everyone seem to be a “thought leader”The line between authenticity and performanceHustle culture, personal branding, and visibilityWhether this shift is actually a good thingA Scottish perspective on self-promotion vs modestyAlong the way, we break down the types of posts you’ve definitely seen — and ask whether LinkedIn has genuinely lost its way… or if this is just what professional life looks like now. 💬 Join the conversation: What’s the most ridiculous LinkedIn post you’ve seen recently?

    1h 9m
  7. The UK Has Voted: What the 2026 Local Elections Really Tell Us

    May 10

    The UK Has Voted: What the 2026 Local Elections Really Tell Us

    The votes are in — but the story of the UK Local Elections 2026 isn’t as simple as who won and who lost. The votes are in — but what do they really tell us? In this special episode of The Thistle & Dram, we break down the UK Local Elections 2026, looking beyond the headlines to understand what actually happened across Scotland, England, and Wales. From shifting party fortunes to changing voter behaviour, this episode explores the biggest winners and losers — and what these results might mean for the future of UK politics. We discuss: The key outcomes across Scotland, England, and WalesWhich parties gained momentum — and which ones struggledWhat these results say about voter sentiment across the UKThe growing impact of tactical voting and political fatigueWhether this signals a wider shift ahead of the next general electionThis isn’t just about results — it’s about what those results are telling us about the direction of the country. 💬 Join the conversation: Did these results reflect what you expected — or signal something bigger?

    1 hr
  8. Scotland, Spectacle & Politics: A Season Finale Conversation

    May 4

    Scotland, Spectacle & Politics: A Season Finale Conversation

    From the spectacle of WrestleMania 42… to the seriousness of the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026 — this week had everything. What do wrestling, politics, and public opinion have in common? More than you might think. This episode is where culture, politics, and people all collide. Big events. Big questions. And Scotland right in the middle of it all. And for the first time — we’re bringing your questions into the conversation. From global spectacle to national debate — this episode brings everything together. In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we cover a wide range of topics shaping conversation right now. From a review of WrestleMania 42, to a breakdown of the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026, and for the first time, listener questions that bring your voice into the podcast. We discuss: WrestleMania 42 and my high-level thoughts on the PPV as a whole. Key moments and takeaways from the BBC Scotland Election Debate 2026.Listener questions on Scotland, identity, media, and the futureThe growing role of audience conversation in shaping the podcastThis episode marks a milestone — bringing together culture, politics, and your perspectives as the podcast continues to grow.

    1h 7m
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Iain McMillan 2026
  • Show Website
    The Thistle & Dram