Podcasts By The Scottish Parliament

Darren McGarvey, aka LOKI, is a writer, performer, community activist and columnist. His book Poverty Safari, has recently won the prestigious Orwell Prize, is described by Irvine Welsh as, “an intellectual and spiritual rehab manual for the progressive left,” He was rapper-in-residence at Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit and McGarvey’s views are being sought on everything from BBC Question Time to The Guardian. Join Darren and the Presiding Officer to discuss the “industry of deprivation”; how to achieve political representation for the unrepresented and working-class masculinity in the 21st century, as explored in McGarvey’s new album Trigger Warning. Join us for an energising mental-flossing from one of Scotland’s most inspiring commentators.

In partnership with the Open University in Scotland.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, answered questions from MSPs in The Scottish Parliament on the 21th February 2019.

In conjunction with the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, the Futures Forum held a seminar on the idea of Scotland as a wellbeing economy.

The seminar was chaired by Gordon Lindhurst MSP, convener of the Committee, and featured a presentation from Dr Katherine Trebeck, Policy and Knowledge Lead for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, on the concept of and reasons for a wellbeing economy, and the work of WEAll Scotland.

For more information, please visit the Scotland’s Futures Forum website.

The Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP, answered questions from MSPs in The Scottish Parliament on the 7th February 2019.

A seminar, delivered at the Scottish Parliament on the 31st January 2019 by Tony Connelly, RTE Europe Editor, Author of Brexit & Ireland, and co-presenter of the Brexit Republic Podcast.

Chaired and introduced by Joan McAlpine MSP.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, answered questions from MSPs in The Scottish Parliament on the 31st January 2019.

A recording from the Festival of Politics session titled “The Future of Public Service Broadcasting”. In partnership with BBC Scotland

Does the rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon mark the end of TV as we know it, or is public service broadcasting needed now more than ever? Join chair Torin Douglas, former BBC media correspondent and panellists including Andrew Billen, The Times; and Professor James Bennett, Professor in Television and Digital Culture, Royal Holloway University of London, to discuss if and how public service broadcasting can adapt to meet the needs of an increasingly digital world.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, answered questions from MSPs in The Scottish Parliament on the 24th January 2019.

A recording from the Festival of Politics session titled “Peacemakers of the 21st Century”.

Who are the invisible power-brokers and peace-makers who can defuse nuclear stand-offs to global conflicts? Join our chair Professor John Sturrock QC and panellists Lord Browne of Ladyton, former Secretary of State for Defence; Major General Martin Smith Royal Marines (retired); Dr Jasmine Gani, School of International Relations, University of St Andrews and Mark Muller Stuart QC, Senior Mediation Advisor to the UN Department of Political Affairs and author of Storm in the Desert: Britain’s Intervention in Libya and the Arab Spring; for an insight into the art of diplomacy.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, answered questions from MSPs in The Scottish Parliament on the 10th January 2019.