Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast

Is there such a thing as American exceptionalism? | Ep 32

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast is a compelling reflection on US politics and the role it plays in the world. Gain insight into thoughts on American politics through the minds of this varied panel of guests, all offering their own unique knowledge on the subject. Listen to Jim Naughtie as he speaks to Tim Phillips, Aminatta Forna and Oscar Guardiola- Rivera, and joined by Razia Iqbal later in the talk, for a detailed discussion on if there is such a thing as American exceptionalism.
 
Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, this discussion remains of relevance through the range in expertise on reflecting on American politics and furthermore,  in light of the ongoing US elections. 
 
Guests: 
 
Tim Phillips: Founder and CEO of Beyond Conflict, a non- profit organisation that works with leaders to address conflict and promote social change in the United States and abroad. 
 
Aminatta Forna: Director of the Lannan Center at Georgetown University, and award winning author of the novels Happiness, The Hired Man, The Memory of Love and Ancestor Stones, a memoir The Devil that Danced on the Water, also an essay collection, The Window Seat. Her website for more can be viewed below. 
https://www.aminattaforna.com/
 
Razia Iqbal: Professor at Princeton University and journalist, most recently employed by BBC News as a special correspondent, reporting for outlets across the BBC. From 2011 to 2023, Iqbal also presented Newshour on the BBC World Service.
 
Oscar Guardiola-Rivera: Author and Professor at Birkbeck College, University of London. Oscar Guardiola-Rivera teaches international law and international affairs. He has served as an aide to the Colombian Congress and as a consultant to the United Nations in South America.
 
Jim Naughtie: Journalist, author and British radio and news presenter for the BBC. From 1994 to 2015, he was one of the main presenters of Radio 4's Today programme.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Blair to Brexit Britain and Beyond with Alastair Campbell and Jonathan Powell | Ep 31

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast offers a rare and compelling look into British politics through the eyes of two of its key players from the Blair administration, Alastair Campbell and Jonathan Powell. Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2022, this discussion is not just a retrospective on their time in government but an insightful dialogue on the impact of Brexit, the challenges of mental health in politics, and the future of British governance.
 
Guests:
Alastair Campbell: Former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy and co-host of the podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’.
Jonathan Powell: Former Downing Street Chief of Staff and Chief British Government Negotiator on Northern Ireland.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
The Rest Is Politics: https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Pretty Young Rebel with Flora Fraser and Jim Naughtie | Ep 30

Join Jim Naughtie as he talks to Flora Fraser about the remarkable exploits of Flora MacDonald in both the Jacobite and American rebellions, as they discuss her new book Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald:
https://www.florafraser.com/books/pretty-young-rebel-the-life-of-flora-macdonald/
 
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

The Long Knives with Irvine Welsh and Oscar Guardiola-Rivera | Ep 29

In this exciting episode, we are joined by the legendary author Irvine Welsh, best known for his groundbreaking novel "Trainspotting." Irvine sits down with host Oscar Guardiola-Rivera to discuss his latest novel, "The Long Knives." The conversation delves into Irvine's creative process, his inspirations, and the themes explored in his new book.
Find out more:Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/The Long Knives: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/450924/the-long-knives-by-welsh-irvine/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Do I make myself clear? Sir Harry Evans and Jim Naughtie | Ep 28

Join the godfather of investigative journalism, Sir Harry Evans, as he talks to veteran BBC broadcaster Jim Naughtie about his life, career and some of his most ground-breaking investigative work at the Sunday Times where he uncovered the truth about the thalidomide scandal, the breadth of Kim Philby’s treachery, and took on the Government and Official Secrets Act to publish the Crossman Diaries and change press freedoms in Britain forever. Harry also spills the beans about his momentous tussle with Rupert Murdoch as considers the threat posed by Donald Trump and his concept of a post truth world. 
The interview happened at the 2017 Beyond Borders International Festival and is played in celebration of the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Truth Tellers Summit which is due to take place in London on 15thMay. The summit is the brainchild of Harry’s partner, Tina Brown, whose marvellous interview with Nicola Sturgeon we played in last week’s podcast. It brings together investigative journalists and truth tellers from around the world to shine much needed light on some of the most pressing issues affecting our troubled world and is being live streamed and can be watched via the link below in the show notes.
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
 
Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalist Summit 2024
https://sirharrysummit.org/

Women in the World with Tina Brown and Nicola Sturgeon | Ep 27

Join us for an enlightening episode as Tina Brown, the legendary journalist and editor sits down with Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. This candid discussion about Tina’s dynamic life in media was recorded as part of the Beyond Borders Festival and offers a unique glimpse into the personal and professional milestones of Tina Brown, from her transformative roles at Vanity Fair and The New Yorker to the creation of the Women in the World Conference.
 
Guests:
Tina Brown: Former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, founder of the Women in the World Conference, and a key figure in both British and U.S. journalism.
 
Nicola Sturgeon: Nicola Sturgeon served as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party from 2014 to 2023.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
 
Tina Brown: https://www.tinabrownmedia.com/
Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalist Summit 2024
https://sirharrysummit.org/
Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/projects/women-in-conflict/
 
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

War Stories: Ukraine 2024. Mark Muller Stuart KC speaks with Col. Pavlo Khazan and Petro Koshukov | Ep 26

In this deeply moving episode of "War Stories: Ukraine 2024," Mark Muller Stuart KC hosts a gripping discussion with Colonel Pavlo Khazan and Petro Koshukov, who share their personal journeys from civilians to soldiers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recorded in the heart of Ukraine, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the transformation ordinary people undergo during extraordinary times. Dr. Brivati sets the stage for this compelling narrative with his expertise in historical and contemporary political analysis.
 
Guests:
Col. Pavlo Khazan, Ph.D. Electronic Support Department, General Directorate of Electronic and Cyber Warfare of the General Staff, Armed Forces of Ukraine
 
Petro Koshukov, Serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is seconded to the Reform Support Office, of Ministry of Defence, Ukraine
 
Introduction by:
 
Dr. Brian Brivati: Visiting Professor Kingston School of Art
Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Policy @ Exeter University
Blog: https://charlwood-review.com/
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

Who Gets Believed? With Oscar Guardiola-Rivera and Dina Nayeri | Ep 24

Explore the pressing issues of identity, belonging, and the complexities of migration with philosopher and author Oscar Guardiola-Rivera and celebrated writer Dina Nayeri. This episode centres around Nayeri's thought-provoking works and her latest book, "Who Gets Believed? When the Truth Isn't Enough," delving into the narratives of migrants and the question of credibility in today's society.
 
Guests:
Oscar Guardiola-Rivera: A philosopher and author, engaging in a critical dialogue on global justice and human rights.
Dina Nayeri: Author of "Who Gets Believed? When the Truth Isn't Enough," offering profound insights into the migrant experience and the power of storytelling.
 
Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
Produced by FoSho STUDIOS