Seasonal Discussions

Meet Sara & Ruby: The Story Behind a Book That’s Giving Back

In this weeks episode, Chris sits down with Ruby & Sara Smith from Stellar Blue Accounting to talk about her children’s book "Ruby the Loveable Labrador", the story behind it, and how it’s helping raise funds for a charity in Aberdeen.
Purchase YOUR copy of Ruby The Loveable Labrador:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Loveable-Labrador-Sara-Smith/dp/1837093164
Follow Stellar Blue Accounting:
https://www.stellar-blue.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellar-blue-accounting-services/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576312027266

Ross Milne Returns: Oldburgh, Film Festivals & The Reality of Indie Filmmaking

In this episode, independent Aberdonian filmmaker Ross Milne returns to the podcast to talk about the upcoming release of his film Oldburgh, its success on the film festival circuit, and the early stages of his next project, Loch Hands.
We also discuss what really goes on behind the scenes of low-budget filmmaking, from working with a small crew to the challenges and rewards of bringing an independent film to life.
Check out Ross' work online:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-milne-369a43191/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gi_filmmaker/
IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11791464/?ref_=fn_t_1

How Iska Walter Turned Her Love of Animals Into a Photography Business

In this weeks episode of Seasonal Discussions, Chris is joined by Iska Walter, founder and creative mind behind Iska Birnie Photography.
Iska takes us on a journey through her initial forays into photography as a childhood hobby and how that developed into a fully fledged brand photography business.
Throughout it all, her love of animals (especially horses) has never waivered, bringing her horse Sam with her across borders for nearly 2 decades.
Keep up to date with Iska:
https://www.iskabirniephotography.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iska-birnie/
https://www.facebook.com/iskabirniephotography
https://www.instagram.com/iskabirniephotography/

Beth Wallace, Off The Air

In this episode, Chris sits down with Beth Wallace, a radio presenter, DJ, and event organiser based in Aberdeen, for a relaxed and honest conversation about her journey into broadcasting. Beth shares how she transitioned from working in mental health into radio, and how that decision led to opportunities across multiple stations including Mearns FM, Original 106, and even appearances on BBC Radio 1.
We talk about the reality of building confidence behind the mic, finding your place in the industry, and learning to back yourself. We also discuss her role hosting The Big Scottish Football Show, launching her own event brand Just Beth Presents, and what’s next, including her upcoming appearance at Granite City Festival.
This is a calm, open conversation about creativity, career changes, and the person behind the microphone.
Follow Beth online:
https://www.instagram.com/justbeth_
https://soundcloud.com/beth-wallace-12
https://www.tiktok.com/@justbeth___
https://www.instagram.com/justbethpresents/
Listen to Beth on the airwaves!
https://www.instagram.com/bigfootballscot/
https://www.mearnsfm.org.uk

Five Men. One Ocean. Three Charities. | Taking on the World’s Toughest Row

This year, five ordinary men are taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet: The World’s Toughest Row, a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
No support boats. No shortcuts. Just relentless waves, brutal sleep deprivation, and weeks in the middle of the open ocean. But this isn’t just about endurance.
They’re rowing for something bigger than themselves. In this episode, we sit down with Will and Stu of Team Remiges V to talk about why they signed up for a challenge that will push them to their physical and mental limits, and the three charities they’re determined to support along the way.
We talk about:
What it really takes to prepare for 40+ days at sea
The mental battles no one sees
The reality of rowing in two-hour shifts around the clock
Why their cause makes the suffering worth it
This is a conversation about pain, purpose, teamwork, and what happens when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary.
If their story moves you, you can support their mission and the charities they’re rowing for via the links below: https://www.remigesv.com
www.linkedin.com/company/team-remiges-v/
https://x.com/remigesV
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560145704795

From Powerlifting Platforms to Coaching the Next Generation

What does it really take to go from competitive powerlifting and strongman to becoming a successful strength coach and personal trainer? In this episode, Chris is joined by Bret Gillies, founder of Infinite Power Coaching, to break down his journey through strongman competitions, powerlifting platforms, and into coaching athletes across multiple sports, plus his mission to get the next generation stronger through the Fit Future project.
We talk about:
Getting started in powerlifting and strongman
Lessons learned from competing at a high level
The realities of becoming a personal trainer
Coaching athletes from different sports
Building strength that actually transfers to performance
Why kids need strength training and community sport now more than ever
This is a relaxed, honest conversation about strength training, mindset, coaching philosophy, and building something bigger than yourself in the fitness industry.

Life Between Scripts: A Conversation with Chris Watt

Life Between Scripts is a laid-back conversation with Chris Watt, an independent screenwriter from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. We talk about his journey into writing, working outside the traditional industry, and the realities of balancing creativity with everyday life. An honest chat about finding your own path, staying motivated, and making space for stories in between everything else.

Behind Pink Sphynx Media: Erin Walker on Risk, Vision, and Creating in Aberdeen

Erin Walker, founder of Pink Sphynx Media, shares the real story behind starting her own production company in Aberdeen, from creative risk to building a sustainable future for the industry. In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, identity, and what the creative sector needs to move forward in Scotland.
See more from Pink Sphynx Media:
https://pinksphynxmedia.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/pinksphynxmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/pinksphynxmedia
www.linkedin.com/company/pink-sphynx-media/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCDztvttGalqQ7UBqBCpSq5g
Suggest a future guest here:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
 

From Highs to Hard Truths: What Our First 8 Months Building a Company Really Looked Like

We have had an incredible 2025 and it's all thanks to you Aberdeen. The engagement from the business and creative communities in the city has been fantastic and we will be continuing that into 2026 and beyond. We want to share as many of Aberdeen's stories as possible and it is a challenge we are 100% ready for.
Thank you Aberdeen, let's keep it growing!
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/pjbRljyrSfY
Suggest a future guest here:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
 

What’s Next for AEA? Shanna Logan Talks Big Dreams & Big Plans

Discover the story behind the Academy of Expressive Arts (AEA) in Aberdeen as I sit down with founder Shanna Logan for an in-depth and inspiring conversation. In this episode, Shanna shares her journey from studying performing arts in Aberdeen to advancing her education in London, and how those experiences led to the creation of AEA.
Keep up to date with AEA by following them online:
https://academyofexpressivearts.com
https://www.instagram.com/academyofexpressivearts
https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofexpressivearts
https://www.facebook.com/academyofexpressivearts/
Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/dxxSBoMoH8c
Suggest a future guest here:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/