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Spiralling with Zara Gladman

Spiralling with Zara Gladman

by Zara Gladman

Comedy Interviews Society & Culture

Season 1

Radhika on The Cost of Being a Musician

Fresh from the release of her acclaimed debut album Cinepop, Glasgow musician Radhika joins Zara for the Series 1 finale with a spiral that many young musicians are scared to talk about: why do so many music promoters pay so little, and why does it feel harder than ever to make a living from music? In her first ever podcast appearance, Radhika discusses growing up in a musical family, discovering songwriting through a baby pink guitar, finding inspiration on the shores of Helensburgh and forming a band with her dad (Sushil Dade from Soup Dragons and Future Pilot AKA). We spiral over the realities of gigging in 2026, the very different musical landscapes for Gen Z vs Gen X artists and what audiences can do to support the artists they love. Plus: stage nerves, a debate about vegetarian restaurant pricing and Zara's reflections on the first Series of Spiralling! You can follow Radhika at https://www.instagram.com/radh__1ka__/ Follow Zara at http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to leave a rating or review, or share with a friend.

Kevin Leomo on Racism and Scottish Exceptionalism

Kevin Leomo is a very busy man. He spends his time working a full-time community engagement job, organising arts festivals (like the award-winning Creatives of Colour Festival), making experimental music and as a community organiser, fighting the good fight in Glasgow's cultural scene. In this episode, Kevin joins Zara to tackle one of the biggest questions “Spiralling” has covered to date: why are some people still in denial about racism in Scotland? From Scottish exceptionalism to the reality of everyday racism, Kevin shares his experiences growing up between California and Scotland and reflects on a recent racist attack in Glasgow. Along the way, we discuss the power of food and culture, a difficult encounter with strangers in Luxembourg and what meaningful allyship actually looks like. Plus, we discuss a dilemma presented by previous guest Susan Riddell: is the Irish goodbye rude, or is it self-care? And Zara rambles about her weekend and the epic Freakender festival. Follow Kevin on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/kevleomo and visit his website http://www.kevinleomo.com Follow Creatives of Colour on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/creatives_of_colour Follow Zara on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to follow us, and leave a rating or review to help other listeners find us.

Susan Riddell on Facing a Terrorism Charge and Having an Identity Crisis

Comedian and writer Susan Riddell has had an unusual year. After an alleged incident at an Edinburgh weapons factory (that makes laser-targeting components found in fighter jets used by Israel), she found herself under strict bail conditions, banned from Edinburgh and facing a terrorism charge and trial that still hasn’t happened. Fresh from having some of those restrictions lifted, Susan joined Zara to discuss house arrest, solitary confinement, activist burnout, and why she’s now questioning her identity as a comedian. We also spiral into comedy confidence, whether personal politics can work on stage and a failed attempt to secure a free holiday by rabbit-sitting in Barcelona. A good news disclaimer: since our conversation, Susan’s terrorism charge has been dropped. But she is still awaiting trial for other charges. Follow Susan on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/susanriddellcomedian Follow Zara on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Don't forget to follow us and leave a rating or review to help new listeners discover us.

Sophie Rose McCabe on Dating in Your 40s

Edinburgh-based comedian, actor, ex-raver and soon-to-be drama teacher Sophie Rose McCabe shares a problem close to her heart: how do you date in your 40s? From Tinder etiquette and endless talking stages to childcare logistics, we dive into the realities of dating as a millennial separated parent. We also discuss comedy as a route to reclaiming your identity post-motherhood and why giving birth is surprisingly good preparation for stand-up. Plus, a controversial theory about social media polarising the dating game for everyone. Follow Sophie on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sophiemccabecomedy Follow Zara on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Watch Good for Her on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002fzvl/good-for-her Enjoying the podcast? Give us a follow or leave a review to help new listeners discover us.

Ski on Why Success Never Feels Like Enough

Cheshire-based comedian Ski has built an audience of hundreds of thousands through his online sketches and viral characters alongside his comedy partner Durk (of Durk & Ski). But no matter how much success he finds, Ski always seems to want more. From chasing viral views and creative ambition to health anxiety and ageing, Ski joins Zara for a surprisingly philosophical conversation about finding contentment in life. Along the way they discuss voice note etiquette, a food-related relationship breakdown and a Lake District dream. PLUS: Zara hunts for an Aperol Spritz at an undisclosed Italian location. Follow Ski on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ski_comedy Follow Durk and Ski at: https://www.instagram.com/durkandski Vote for Durk and Ski in the ITV Creator Awards: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Follow Zara at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover us.

Kim Blythe on Creeping Surveillance and Those Kylie Jenner Pervert Glasses

Standup and online sensation Kim Blythe is used to the limelight: but on her own terms. Since inadvertently being caught on camera (cycling on her beloved Voi bike), Kim has been spiralling over the modern age of surveillance. Why is Kylie Jenner promoting “pervert glasses”? How do we protect our privacy when everyone has a camera? And was “Black Mirror” actually a documentary? We discuss Kim’s meteoric rise through the Scottish comedy scene, therapy, internet fame and her very legitimate painting-and-decorating business. PLUS some randoms from Zara about unsolicited Fringe reviews and what 3 stars really means... See Kim at the Fringe this August: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/kim-blythe-puzzle Missing the Fringe? You can also catch Kim on her autumn tour, come to a city near you. Full details on: https://kimblythe.com/ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover us.

Michael Fry on Frying His Brain and the Paradox of Social Media

Irish comedian and actor Michael Fry (@bigdirtyfry) is conflicted: on the one hand, the internet has allowed him to carve out a successful comedy career (from TV roles in Derry Girls and No Worries If Not to his own series on BBC Sounds). But on the other hand, his phone addiction is turning his brain to mush. From watching TikToks on a giant unwieldy iPad to preemptively blocking trolls, Michael and Zara (@zanyzaz) discuss strategies for resisting the relentless pull of the internet. Plus, irrational childhood fears, musical comedy as a safe space and a guy who keeps eels in his basement. Listen to 'Lunchtime with Michael Fry' on BBC Sounds; the new series drops on 5 September 2026: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m002085j Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover the show.

Laura Ferguson on (Not) Separating the Art from the Artist

Fresh from the set of Frankie Boyle-penned crime drama Meantime (starring James McAvoy), TV producer Laura Ferguson joins Zara with a spiral that has bugged her for years: why do people still play a certain moonwalking pop star? Michael Jackson made some undeniable bangers. But can we ever separate the art from the artist? Plus: what a producer actually does, surviving Scottish filming conditions and the art of girl math. Meantime is scheduled to premiere on Sky in 2027 See Zara at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for one night only on Wednesday 12 August 2026: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/zara-gladman-is-aileen-cameron-s-gap-year-fundraiser 'Think Twice: Michael Jackson' is a podcast that takes a deep dive on the Michael Jackson story, including the allegations: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/introducing-think-twice-michael-jackson/id1692238236?i=1000616710436 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover the show.

Martin Clark on Being a Late Bloomer and Making His First Feature Film

Filmmaker Martin Clark takes time out from polishing off his feature film “Public House” (set in Glasgow pub, Heraghty's) to share a spiral that's followed him for years: what if it feels like you're always playing catch-up? What if you're ten years behind your creative peers? We discuss growing up in “the arsehole of Scotland”, his creative process, being a late bloomer in the world of film, and the complicated business of calling yourself an artist. Plus: the delicate balance between self-belief and self-delusion, why Glasgow’s music scene has been such an inspiration - and a very rude dinner party guest. Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover us.

Eleanor Morton on Making Art When the World Feels Anti-Art

Ahead of her return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, comedian, author and self-described “Scotland’s most anxious woman” Eleanor Morton joins the first episode of Spiralling to tackle a big question: how do we keep making art when the world seems increasingly anti-art? We discuss childhood anxiety, AI (a lot!), comedy funding, universal basic income, the Scottish comedy scene and the Fringe. Plus, a mystery caller joins us live on air to share an unusual gripe about his colleague. Catch Eleanor at the Fringe this August with her new show, 'The Mermaid': https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/eleanor-morton-the-mermaid Zara will be doing one night only at the Fringe on 12 August, tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/zara-gladman-is-aileen-cameron-s-gap-year-fundraiser

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