The DW Podcast

In Episode 92 Derek is joined by a close friend Iain McMillan. Iain recently released his debut novel The Boy With The Thorn In His Side which draws from his experience growing up in 80/90s Scotland and his life in recovery thereafter. The pair discuss Iain's motivations behind writing his first book; his younger life which was dominated by football, fashion, clubbing and alcohol, before delving deeper into recovery and the social problems that face many across Scotland today. Derek and Iain talk in detail about The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, how much is based on Iain's own life and how he hopes that this book will help others.

In Episode 91 Derek speaks to author, blogger and podcaster Chris Lee. Chris is founder and editor of the football culture blog and podcast, Outside Write, and has also contributed to Football Weekends, Halb Vier and The Gentleman Ultra. The pair talk about his latest book The Defiant which charts a century of football-based activism against fascism and the far right - from the 1920s to the present day. Discover the role that footballers, fans, coaches and officials played in the fight against the dictatorships of Mussolini, Hitler, Franco, Salazar and authoritarian states in Latin America.

In Episode 90 Derek is joined by Paul Crawford from Glasgow, founder of Panther Milk and former owner of legendary dance venue the Sub Club. For years, Vegan Panther M*lk has been available at a secret pub on Mitchell Lane and Bananamoon on Great Western Road. Crawford, who ran Glasgow's famous Sub Club at the time, found the recipe at a music event in Barcelona, which has roots in 1920s Spain. He returned to Glasgow with the concept and made his version of the Leche De Pantera. Derek and Paul discuss Paul's success on the BBC favour Dragon's Den, the future of the brand, the back story to Panther Milk and so much more.

In Episode 89 Derek talks to Charlotte Laws. Charlotte Laws was named one of the fiercest women in the world Buzzfeed and is known around the world as the Erin Brockovich of Revenge Porn. The pair talk about Charlotte's upbringing in America; crashing celebrity parties and dating Welsh singer Tom Jones before touch on Charlotte's revenge porn activism. When her daughter became one of Hunter Moore’s revenge porn victims, Charlotte Laws did everything she could to bring down the man responsible for the humiliation caused. Moore, the self-styled “professional life ruiner” created revenge porn hub IsAnyoneUp.com. Site users could submit nude photos of men and women, without either knowledge or consent. A recent 3 part Netflix documentary The Most Hated Man on The Internet documents Charlotte Laws’ journey to have Moore convicted for his crimes. The series interviews other victims of his crimes, and fans of his misogynistic website he named “The Family.

In Episode 88 Derek is joined by Conor Powell, a California based Storyteller & Journalist, freelance producer and correspondent on CNN, as well as hosting the Lords Of Soccer Podcast which goes into detail about the corruption at the highest level of world football. Derek and Conor take an in-depth look at one of the most corrupt international organizations in the world #fifa and discuss Conor's true crime podcast for people who love to be blown away by the audacity of criminals.

In Episode 87 Derek chats to Kerso. For those who know, he needs no introduction. Synonymous in vintage trainer circles as a knowledgeable participant in the UK’s most enduring style movement the Casuals. Born in 1966 in Bellshill Kerso started going to watch his local football team Motherwell FC in 1978 and as the casual scene formed he came a member of the Motherwell Saturday Service in 1983. He talks about how his healthy obsession with trainers and fashion began and still exists to this day, his early memories of travelling to football and showcases his favourite items from his wardrobe.

In Episode 86 Derek chats with one of Scotland's most exciting young musicians Connor Fyfe. Derek first met Connor when he gave him his first gig 4 years ago when the Bellshill musician was only 11 years old. Since then he released his debut album at just 13 and has played shows all over the country. The Lanarkshire singer is also the youngest to ever sell out Glasgow's famous King Tut's – a feat accomplished in just 24 hours – and will be the youngest performer to have played TRNSMT Festival when he takes to the stage in July this year. Connor talks about touring the country at such a young age, going from playing on stage on his own to having a backing band, supporting acts like Jamie Webster and so much more.

In Episode 85 Derek is joined by one of the hottest emerging talents in Scotland, Glasgow based rapper Bemz. Born in Nigeria before moving to London followed by Stranraer and on to Glasgow, Bemz shares his experiences in both life and music. Recently winning BBC Introducing's Scottish Act of the Year, the rap artist appears to have the world at his feet. He is making heads turn across the country, has a festival appearance and TRNSMT coming up and new music in the pipeline. If you enjoyed this episode, please like an subscribe.

In Episode 84 Derek is joined by Jonny Owen, a Welsh producer, actor, broadcaster and writer. Jonny talks about growing up in Merthyr; his early memories of going to the football, getting into fashion, his introduction to music and his fathers influence. The pair talk about Jonny's current role at talkSPORT; interviewing his heroes like Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller and the new talent coming through in the music industry. Jonny goes into detail about his film The Three Kings which was released in 2020 and details the stories of Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein, hailing from industrial Scottish towns and each became legendary football managers. Winning over the hearts of the fans, explore how they changed the face of the game.

In Episode 83 Derek was joined by Matt Collins. Matthew activist and author born in London in 1972 and currently a researcher for Hope Not Hate - the UK's leading anti fascism & anti racism campaign group. In the mid-late 1980's Matthew was heavily involved and active within Britain's Far Right - he was the South London organiser for the National Front, a volunteer for the British National Party’s head office and a member of Combat 18. Matthew details his often violent involvement within these groups before switching allegiances and becoming a mole for the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight which exposed those with Nazi connections. Derek and Matthew talk about the rise of the far right politics in Britain; how the BNP went from street gangs to having elected representatives in the European Parliament, how the language we hear from the current government that is dominated by race became mainstream and more. Matthew talks about the current situation in Britain, the importance of music and culture, his current work with Hope Not Hate and much more. Please like and subscribe to this podcast if you have enjoyed it!

n Episode 82 Derek is joined by socialist politician Jeremy Corbyn MP. Jeremy talks about his Project for Peace and Justice. A hub for discussion and action, building solidarity and hope for a more decent world. They discuss Red Clydeside, Keir Hardie and the current situation at Westminster. The need for radical change and Jeremy's hopes and visions for the future. The pair touch on the influence of the media, Jeremy's first hand experience of this and the toll it took on those around him. Both big football fans the conversation turns to the beautiful game, fan ownership and the role football clubs can play in their communities. Please like, subscribe and share this podcast.

In Episode 81 Derek is joined by Motherwell Football Club manager Graham Alexander. Graham talks about moving to Scotland to take over the Lanarkshire outfit, his own playing career at Burnley, Preston and Scotland and his relationship with St Johnstone manager Davidson. The pair talk about the influence David Moyes had on Graham's career and how the former Manchester United manager pushed him on to play for the national team and extend his playing in to his 40s. Since joining Motherwell Graham has brought in his own players and developed existing players; the gaffer talks about the players he feel have progressed and shares his vision and ambition for the future.

In Episode 80 Derek is joined by Gary and Cbas from West Lothian band Dead Sea Souls. Dead Sea Souls hail from West Lothian in Central Scotland, their songs and high energy gigs never fail to capture the imagination of each and every crowd they play to. Their working class roots and love of that end of week ‘Friday feeling’ exploding over each and every tune. Dead Sea Souls have built a huge following on all social media sites and an ever growing mailing list, which has helped them play with an ever loyal following in all of the major venues throughout central Scotland. Gary and Cbas talk about playing together for over a decade. They stormed back into the Scottish music scene in 2019. Two back-to-back SOLD-OUT nights at the world-famous King Tuts in Glasgow made sure of that. The pandemic may have curbed their ability to play for their fans, but it’s given them time to write and record new material. DSS 2.0 is taking shape! The new material is bound to please fans new and old, still laden with hooks and anthemic choruses, but also more rounded and considered. This new Dead Sea Souls sound is bigger, more musically aware, but still has that dance DNA……the thing that makes the crowd want to turn up and go nuts!

In Episode 79 Derek talks to American animal rights activist and CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa Florida Carole Baskin. Carole rose to fame following her appearance in the Netflix show Tiger King which aired in 2020. Following the release of the series, Carole has received online abuse due to the 3rd episode of the series speculating that Baskin was involved in the disappearance of Don Lewis, her second husband. Carole has constantly refuted these claims and continues to focus on animal conservation. Derek and Carole talk about her profession, appearing on Dancing With The Stars, the aftermath of the show and her plans for the future. Carole notes that she would like to visit Scotland one day and praises the Scottish people for their culture.

In Episode 78 Derek is joined by Mark Evans who works as Head Of International Department at Football Association of Wales. As well as working for the national team Mark regularly watches his local team in Merthyr where he contributes to their fanzine. Mark has worked at the Welsh FA for over 30 years rubbing shoulders with stars like Gareth Bale and Ryan Giggs among many, organising trips to training camps and more recently to major tournaments across the Globe. Derek and Mark talk about their shared love for football, following their local football teams, Mark's desire to see Wales become an independent nation and much more.

In Episode 77 Derek is joined by Scottish four-piece Dictator following their recent success winning Best Rock / Alternative act at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. Hailing from the creatively fertile land of West Lothian, the band began on the same circuits as Lewis Capaldi and shared the same stages in previous iterations before eventually becoming Dictator and even shared a rehearsal room with album chart toppers The Snuts. Dictator have already received praise from the likes of XS Noize, With Guitars, Radio X and BBC Introducing to name a few. The pair talk about their upcoming shows, supporting Glasvegas, their plans for the future and why Dictator are the name everyone should be looking out for.

In Episode 76 Derek chats with Stewart Douglas, vocalist and guitarist in Wrest - one of Scotland's most exciting emerging live indie acts. Stewart talks about he met his band mates at university in Edinburgh and what started as a hobby has grown to a packed touring schedule and 2 albums. The band are fast-selling out shows all across their native Scotland before heading to Europe later this year. Derek and Steward talk about the bands songwriting process, how the lyrics capture feelings and how the pandemic hit at a time when the band was on the rise.

In Episode 75 Derek is joined by Scottish Author & Journalist Kirsten McStay. Kirsten recently self-published her book 'The Swipes of My Life’, a real-life memoir full of dating disasters and other catastrophes and is a show-biz writer for Scottish national newspaper The Daily Record. Derek and Kirsten talk about the process of writing the book, putting all your embarrassing and emotional moments down on paper for the world to read and the books success to date. Within weeks Kirsten had sold thousands of copies and has been totally blown away with the level of support and positive feedback.

In Episode 74 Derek attends Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds. Following their secret set early in the Derek talks to Danny & Harry from McFly about returning to music after lockdown. Rob from Don Broco shares his thoughts pre gig and talks about their latest album. Zebrahead open up about returning to the UK. A on their lack of rehearsals and playing alongside your brothers. All this and so much more. Please like, share and subscribe

In Episode 73 Derek chats with The Skinner Brothers frontman Zac about the bands recent success and what the future brings. The Skinner Brothers burst on to the scene touring with The Libertines and have since landed support slots with The Streets, sold out the famous 100 Club in London and are looking forward to getting back on the road early next year. Zac talks about his early days in London, the early shows and finding their sound, how the people he surrounds himself with at present give him a positive outlook and how things are looking bright for the future.