A Wee Blether With...

The broadcaster and writer chats about her exciting new Scottish podcast network

Broadcaster Janice Forsyth on her new Scottish podcast network The Big Light

A Wee Blether With…

How did your new podcast network, The Big Light, come about?

The idea came from chats between myself and my friend, former top Scottish television producer, Fiona White. She and I had been talking for ages about creating a highquality platform for Scottish voices.

What can listeners expect?

People love hearing Scottish voices and we have so many terrific stories to tell. It seemed obvious that Scotland deserves a high-quality podcast network. There’s our Tartan Noir crime fiction show, our media discussion

Talk Media, or our Brave Your Day interview show.

Did you call it, “the big light” in your living room and did you get a row for leaving it on?

Yes to all of that! We’d been trying to think of a name that would be memorable and a bit different. It’s shining a light on Scotland but at the same time it’s a homage to that old-school Scottish expression. It’s funny that some people get it straight away and others don’t get it for ages.

Favourite Scottish words?

I love stramash, stooshie and feart. I also use gallus a lot.

Any new shows in the pipeline?

I have a blinder of an interview with Billy Connolly for my new series, Great Scot! He told stories I’d never heard before. His daughter was in the control room with Fiona. One minute they were in tears at his poignant observations on life, the next they were crying with laughter at his funny stories.

You’re an incredibly busy woman. What do you do in your time off?

I like walking – particularly around Loch Fyne where my brother has a cottage. I like to go there and feel all the stresses lifting from my shoulders. I absolutely adore going “doon the watter” to Bute too. During lockdown, I enjoy urban walks round my home in Glasgow.

What did you learn about yourself during lockdown?

That I’m very happy with my own company. I spend all of my public life yapping, so I quite like to retreat away from that on my days off. I’ve also learned that I shouldn’t put things off. Like many people, I think I’ll be springing into action with things a bit sooner once lockdown is over, not delaying them.

Who is the most inspirational person you’ve ever interviewed?

There have been a few, but Ida Schuster stands out. In our Old School podcast the Glaswegian actress shares stories of her remarkable life. Sadly, she passed away in April. When we recorded the podcast, I realised how precious and wonderful it was. She was such a life force. At 101 she was still curious about the world. Still questioning and challenging things. There’s a lesson there for us all there about being a strong woman.

Is curiosity the key?

Oh, absolutely! Be curious. That’s a good tattoo, if I ever get one.

Find out more about The Big Light podcasts at www.thebiglight.com