Shaping The North East

A SZN Media Ltd. podcast that explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter.

Showcasing creativity and ingenuity and shouting about what the regions successes really look like. 

Episodes

Mar 2, 2026

57 min

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

Feb 23, 2026

1hr 4 min

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

Feb 16, 2026

1hr 7 min

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.

Feb 9, 2026

1hr 9 min

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.

Feb 2, 2026

1hr 3 min

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/
 

Dec 22, 2025

1hr 5 min

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/
 

Dec 8, 2025

48 min

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/

Dec 1, 2025

56 min

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Smith from KLT Networking in Aberdeen to talk about how he got started in business, his passion for golf, and his love for Scottish courses. We also dive into the importance of networking that’s focused on people, building real, genuine connections rather than surface-level interactions.
This conversation explores Andrew’s personal journey, what motivates him, and why meaningful relationships matter so much in both business and life.
Find out more about KLT Networking:
https://kltnetworking.com
https://www.instagram.com/kltnetworkingaberdeen/
Follow Andrew on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewabn/
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/yfWYMySHti4
Suggest a future guest:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Nov 24, 2025

36 min

Chris sat down with fashion designer Tince Benmouhoub for the latest interview on Seasonal Discussions. They discussed how she got started in dressmaking learning sewing and other skills from her grandmother, through to her time working in alterations in Aberdeen and now running her own online business.
Check out Tince here:
https://tincce.shop
https://www.instagram.com/tince.fashion
https://www.youtube.com/@UCO9KE-UStrz6jBE2ZFXYYUQ
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088500596619
Follow Tince on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/tince-benmouhoub
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/lH86m5Rzt4E
Suggest a future guest here:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

Nov 17, 2025

52 min

It is official! Aberdeen Animates is the newest celebration of animation coming to the granite city and Chris is sitting down to chat with the founders, Aleksandra Clunas and Zara Weston.
Check out Aberdeen Animtes here:
https://www.aberdeenanimates.com
https://www.instagram.com/aberdeenanimates
https://www.youtube.com/@UCaS5dmsHvAJ1c5S7yn1qN-g
https://www.tiktok.com/@aberdeenanimates
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aberdeen-animates/
Contact Aberdeen Animates directly directly on:
aberdeenanimates@gmail.com
Follow Zara on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-weston
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/_Qet0Ndz3Qk
Suggest a future guest here:
Email - info@sznmedialtd.co.uk
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

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