Glasgow Sessions

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee sits down with Stephen Watt (@stephenwattpoet) — one of Scotland’s most distinctive and prolific poets.Stephen is the author of six poetry collections, the founder of Seahorse Publications, and is widely known as Scotland’s Crime Poet. But there's so much more to him than that.In this conversation, we explore Stephen’s full story — his working life before poetry, how he found his voice on the spoken word scene, and the experiences that shaped his writing. We talk about his deep love of football and what it means to be Poet-in-Residence at Dumbarton FC. We dig into his passion for punk and the rebellious energy that runs through his work. And Stephen tells us about the unforgettable time he met the legendary John Cooper Clarke.From award wins — including Poetry Rivals, the Liverpool Poetry Prize, and the StAnza International Digital Poetry Prize — to performing at the Edinburgh Festival and Bloody Scotland, Stephen has carved out a career that's entirely his own.This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and real insight into the life of a working poet. One not to be missed.Follow Stephen: Instagram: @stephenwattpoet Facebook: Stephen Watt PoetFollow Glasgow Sessions: Instagram: @glasgowsessionsAlso available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music.

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, we bring you a rich mix of live music and spoken word from some of the city’s most exciting grassroots talent.You’ll hear music from Blair, Suzanne, and Don, performing as Tuath, recorded live at the Park Bar on Argyll Street. They’re joined by guest singer Iona Nicdhaibhidh, whose voice adds something truly special to the session.The episode also features conversations and poetry from across Glasgow’s vibrant poetry scene, with contributions from Dean Tsang, Drew Gill, Siluouan H, Nate, Martin Rowe, and award-winning poet Aditya Narayan, all reflecting on the city, creativity, and the power of spoken word.With recordings captured at Speak Easy, Poets’ Corner Glasgow, and the Park Bar, this episode is a snapshot of Glasgow’s live creative culture — raw, honest, and full of character.Thanks to everyone who took part in making this episode possible, and a special thank you to Dierdre and the staff at the Park Bar for their continued support.Hosted by Richard Lee.

Recorded in Glasgow just days before the Scottish Languages Act 2025 passed, this episode of Glasgow Sessions captures Scots language poet Keeks Mc right on the cusp of a historic shift for the language. At the time of our conversation, Scots was still fighting for formal recognition – still too often dismissed in institutions – even as poets like Keeks were proving that it is a living, contemporary literary medium.We talk about what it means to start writing at 40 and rapidly become one of the most distinctive Scots voices in the country, her award‑winning collections Rede Wi Yer Hert and Contermacious Temerity, and the joy and graft of choosing to write exclusively in her ain leed. The conversation ranges through class and language prejudice, humour as a form of resilience, mental health, and the responsibilities that come with speaking from and for a community.Together we also dig into the backlash faced by Len Pennie (@misspunnypennie) and the huge, undeniable impact she’s had in bringing Scots into everyday feeds, classrooms, and conversations. We talk solidarity, nuance, and why visible, vocal Scots creators matter so much at this particular moment in time.This is Keeks’ first ever podcast interview – a genuine world‑first for Glasgow Sessions – and you can feel what’s at stake for both Scots and Scottish poetry running underneath the whole conversation.If you enjoy the episode, please follow us on Instagtam @glasgowsessions, share, and tell a friend. The goal for Glasgow Sessions is to grow onto platforms like BBC Sounds and reach a wider international audience with the voices, stories, and languages that make this city what it is – and your support is a huge part of making that happen.Glasgow Sessions is created and hosted by Richard Lee.

Straight from the heart of Partick Studios, this episode of Glasgow Sessions brings together four powerful poetic voices for a deep, honest conversation about writing, identity, health, and the cultural fabric of Glasgow.Joined by Dean, Greg, Harry, and Annie (Taeside), we move beyond performance and into reflection - exploring what it means to write, why creativity so often grows from vulnerability, and how place, body, and self shape the work we put into the world. These conversations are thoughtful, unguarded, and quietly searching, touching on lived experience as much as language.This is an episode that takes its time. One that invites you to listen closely, sit with difficult questions, and consider the nature of writing not just as craft, but as practice, process, and survival.With thanks to today’s poets: Dean — @tsangman93 Greg — @GRS/. Harry — @harrywritesabit__ Annie — @she.is.a.knee & @taeside_regent🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Prime Music.

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, I’m joined in the studio by Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Zara Louise for an intimate acoustic session and conversation. Zara performs her songs Fool and Desire, and we’re also treated to a world-exclusive first listen to one of her brand-new tracks, Stagnant, set to appear on her upcoming EP.Alongside the music, we talk about Zara’s journey as an artist, the stories and experiences that shape her songwriting, and what truly drives her creative process. It’s a relaxed, honest session that offers a deeper insight into both the songs and the person behind them.

🎙️✨ Glasgow Sessions — Live Poetry at Hillhead Book Club ✨📖In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, we head to Poets’ Corner Glasgow 📍 at the iconic Hillhead Book Club for a powerful night of live poetry and spoken word 🎤🔥, recorded on 15th September 2025.Hosted by the brilliant Emry Beatie (@lochlurker) and Silouan (@silouanarts) 🌿🎙️, the evening brought together an inspiring mix of voices from across Glasgow’s thriving poetry scene.🖋️ Featuring performances from: ✨ Louis Keyes ✨ Jim Ewing ✨ Nate Begg ✨ Gotham’s Calling ✨ Innately Unconventional ✨ And the first-ever poetry reading from Glasgow poet Myles-Elio 🌙📚 ✨ Plus selected poems from Glasgow Sessions📚 Themes explored in this episode: 🔍 Self-exploration & identity 🌿 Tradition & inheritance 🤍 Childbirth, creation & beginnings 🛠️ Work, labour & everyday experienceThis episode captures the atmosphere of a live poetry night — intimate, reflective, and deeply human ✨🖤. A celebration of language, community, and creative expression in the heart of Glasgow 🏙️📖.🎧 Recorded live at Hillhead Book Club, Glasgow.

🎙️ This week on Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee sits down with the brilliantly talented Emry Beattie (@lochlurker) — a Glasgow-based poet whose words move, challenge, and inspire 💫📝 Emry is the host of Poet’s Corner at Hillhead Bookclub, where every Wednesday from 8pm–10pm, voices rise, emotions flow, and poetry takes centre stage 🎤✨In this episode, expect deep chats, plenty of insights, and some truly mesmerising poetry from Emry 🌙💭 Together, they explore creativity, mythology, family histories, and the healing power of words — this one’s not to be missed! 💜📲 Listen NOW on your favourite platform: ➡️ Spotify 🎧 ➡️ Apple Podcasts 🍏 ➡️ Amazon Music 🔥🎉 Support the podcast at Patreon.com/GlasgowSessions 💜 Every bit helps us keep the conversations flowing!👇 Follow & connect: @glasgowsessions 💬 @lochlurker 🌿#GlasgowSessions #PoetryCommunity #SpokenWord #MentalHealthMatters #GlasgowCreatives #PodcastDrop #PoetryLovers #Wellbeing #ScottishPoetry #HillheadBookclub #CreativeConversations 🌆📚🪶

🎙️ Welcome back to Glasgow Sessions! In this episode, your host Richard Lee sits down with three brilliant Glasgow poets — Tyler Kerr, Cat Cochrane & Hannah Doyle ✨.We’re diving deep into the world of words, creativity, and the real-life stories behind the poems. Expect heartfelt performances 🎤 that’ll hit you right in the feels ❤️, alongside some open and honest chats about mental health 🧠. Each poet shares their own ways of looking after themselves — from daily rituals to little acts of kindness that keep them grounded 🌱.But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy — there are plenty of laughs 😂 along the way. Tyler, Cat, and Hannah bring not just their poetry, but their personality, humour, and warmth to the mic, making this a truly special session. It’s that perfect mix of meaningful conversations + good vibes 💫.Whether you’re a poetry lover 📚, someone curious about how creatives look after their wellbeing 🌸, or just in the mood for a good listen while you’re out on a walk 🚶, cooking dinner 🍳, or chilling with a cuppa ☕ — this one’s for you.So plug in your headphones 🎧, hit play ▶️, and join us for an episode that celebrates creativity, community, and the power of speaking openly about mental health. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one 💥.#GlasgowSessions #PoetryCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #GlasgowCreatives #PodcastLife #SpokenWord #PoetryLovers #Wellbeing

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee takes listeners on a journey through some of the city’s most iconic live music spaces.✨ First stop is The Aragon on Byres Road, a cornerstone of Glasgow’s West End tradition. Here, Irish fiddle virtuoso Rowan Leslie joins forces with Andrew Waite, the innovative accordionist from the Borders, alongside Aly MacKenzie of the six-piece band TRIP, with Darren and Patrick completing the line-up. Together, they create an electrifying set that blends Scottish and Irish roots with jazz, contemporary improvisation, and the unmistakable energy of Glasgow’s live scene.🍻 Next, Richard visits The Park Bar on Argyle Street, a legendary institution since 1895 and long-time gathering place for Highland and Island communities in the city. Listeners are treated to a session featuring Orin Simpson on accordion, David Small on guitar, Ruairidh Iain Buxton on flute, Finlay MacVicar on smallpipes and voice, and Aly Williams on pipes and whistle – musicians who embody tradition while pushing it forward.🔥 Finally, the episode captures an impromptu set from the legendary Gunna Sound, thanks to a tip-off from Glasgow poet Ross Wilcock. With Campbell Brown on accordion and Johnny Scoular on guitar, the duo deliver the west coast ceilidh sound that has made them one of Scotland’s most respected acts for over four decades.Throughout the episode, Richard reflects on Glasgow’s unique role in keeping Scottish and Irish traditional music alive, intimate, and constantly evolving.🎧 Listen now: 🟦 Spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts 🛒 Amazon Music👉 Behind-the-scenes updates → Instagram @glasgowsessions 💌 Support the project → Patreon.com/GlasgowSessions#GlasgowSessions #LiveMusicGlasgow #TradMusic #ScottishMusic #IrishMusic #Ceilidh #FolkMusic #CelticConnections #ByresRoad #ParkBar #WestEndGlasgow #GlasgowTradScene #RowanLeslie #AndrewWaite #TRIPBand #GunnaSound #CeolAnAire #Rhuvaal #EriskaBand #AlyWilliamsBand #SupportLiveMusic #ScottishCulture #GlasgowLife #HighlandMusic #GaelicSong #FiddleMusic #AccordionMusic #Smallpipes #FluteMusic #FolkFusion #WestCoastSound

✨ Episode 2 of Glasgow Sessions is here, and it’s a good one! This time around, host Richard Lee hangs out with two brilliant poets — Kaci O’Meara and Dev McMath 🎤📖. Together, they read from their own work, share stories about life as writers, and chat honestly about where their inspiration comes from. Expect laughter, insight, and a few surprises along the way 👀.Of course, no session would be complete without a touch of original music 🎶 and a few shoutouts to the amazing Glasgow community that makes it all possible. This episode digs into what poetry means today, how tradition still shapes it, and why Glasgow is quickly becoming one of the hottest spots in the UK for creative talent 🌟✍️.Glasgow isn’t just a city — it’s a vibe. The mix of voices, cultures, and stories here is making it a real home for poets, and honestly, it feels like something special is happening 💫.👉 Follow Kaci on Insta: @dollgrrrl_poet 👉 Follow Dev: @devmcmath 👉 And don’t forget to give us a follow too: @glassgowsessions to keep up with all the latest ✨