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This bonus episode features the full interview with writer Geoff Holder, recorded for my recent Maggie Wall podcast.

In this conversation, Geoff shares insights into Scotland’s witch trials, theories about the Maggie Wall monument, and the enduring mystery that has fascinated visitors to Dunning for centuries.

If you haven’t yet, listen to the full Maggie Wall dramatised documentary for the complete story.

🌐 Find out more about Geoff’s work: www.geoffholder.com

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In the heart of Dunning, Scotland, stands a rough stone monument that has puzzled visitors for centuries. Painted across its face are the words: “Maggie Wall was burned here in 1657 as a witch.”

But who was Maggie Wall? Why is she remembered when the names of women truly executed in Dunning have been forgotten?

This dramatised documentary blends historical fact with artistic licence, weaving real voices, actors, and sound design. It honours the women lost to Scotland’s witch trials while exploring the enduring mystery of Maggie Wall.

With contributions from writer Geoff Holder. Special thanks to the Dunning Parish Historical Society, Demi Sutherland, Ryan Cotter, Richard Zak, Kieran Foley-Hall, who helped bring this story to life.

🌐 Find out more:
Geoff Holder → www.geoffholder.com

Dunning Parish Historical Society → https://dunning.uk.net/

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Join me on 13th September, for a brand new experimental 6-part series, Let’s WALK About, voted for by YOU, the listeners.

In this series, I’ll be taking you on walks, starting in Dunning, Scotland.

Exploring stories and reflections that surface along the way, expect atmosphere, history, and honesty as I try something different from my usual one-on-one interviews.

This trailer gives you a taste of what’s coming. Six walks. Six stories. One season to see where the journey leads.

Let’s WALK About starts soon. Put your headphones in and come along.

If you have any suggestions for a future walk, drop me a message on Instagram!

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LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-foley-instlm-ips-48927a6a

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In this episode, Nicky and Ryan dive into the wonderfully strange talents we all have but could never (or should never) put on a CV. From oddly specific life skills to completely useless party tricks, we explore why these quirks matter more than you think.

We also tackle a round of our quick-fire “This or That” game, revealing way too much about ourselves in the process. Expect laughs, light chaos, and maybe a few moments that make you think, “Wait… am I weirdly good at that too?”

Grab a cuppa, settle in, and join us for an hour of conversation that’s equal parts ridiculous and relatable.

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LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-foley-instlm-ips-48927a6a

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Broken Systems, Real Lives
Adult Social Care. Access to Work. Postcode lotteries. Endless paperwork. Delayed support. It’s the reality for too many disabled people in the UK.

In this episode, I speak with Luis, a fierce disability advocate and founder of Unstoppable Living. Drawing on his own experiences, Luis shares what it’s like to navigate these broken systems, and what it would take to build support that’s dignified, timely, and equitable.

We cover:

• The emotional and logistical nightmare of social care
• The postcode lottery and why local authority matters
• The truth about Access to Work delays and who they hurt most
• What change could look like and where to start

This conversation is raw, informed, and rooted in lived experience.

👤 Connect with Luis on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/unstoppablecrazycripple

or

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unstoppablecrazycripple/

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LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-foley-instlm-ips-48927a6a

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📄 Transcript + resources available for all episodes
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In this transatlantic episode of Let’s Talk About, I’m joined by Zack Borodkin

Disability rights advocate, community outreach coordinator, and all-around powerhouse based in New York. We explore what dating while disabled looks like in the U.S., how cultural and policy differences shape experiences, and why Zach thinks some dating apps have become too commercialised.

From the politics of care to confidence, consent, and finding the right person (or algorithm), this episode digs into the realities of dating with a disability, with honesty, humour, and heart.

Connect with Zach:

Zach is active on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyborodkin/

Subscribe + Share

Like what you hear? Tap follow, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, and share with someone who needs to hear this.

🎧 Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Buzzsprout

Support the show

💡 Stay in the loop
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Join Nicky and Ryan as they ramble their way through the implications of the proposed MIG for Scottish carers.

New research released today explores how a Minimum Income Guarantee could be piloted for unpaid carers in Scotland.

The research report, by Carers Scotland and IPPR Scotland, explores the positive impact for unpaid carers such an income guarantee could deliver, and outlines a viable model of how it could be implemented.

A Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) is an assurance that no one will fall below a set income level that would allow them to live a dignified life.

A MIG can be delivered through employment, targeted payments and also through other types of support or services to be provided or subsidised by the state.

Unpaid carers save Scotland £15.9 billion each year1 by providing care and support to family members, friends and neighbours who could not get by without their help.

However, their caring role can have a great personal cost, including reduced financial security, poorer health and damaged earning and career prospects. Unpaid carers in Scotland 56% are more likely to be in poverty and 60% more likely to be in deep poverty2 than those without caring responsibilities.

The Minimum Income Guarantee pilot proposed by this research aims to recognise the diverse challenges that unpaid carers on low incomes face and respond by delivering tailored support in the form of both services, non-cash benefits and additional payments, to bring these unpaid carers up to the minimum income standard.

Special thanks to Fiona Collie for her voice note.

Below are the websites mentioned in the podcast

https://www.carersuk.org/scotland

https://www.ippr.org/scotland

https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/

https://www.carersuk.org/policy-and-research/state-of-caring-survey/

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Support the show

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If you need help please reach out to one of the following organisations

https://thecanmoretrust.co.uk

https://talkclub.org

https://giveusashout.org

Voices of Change: Breaking the Silence on Suicide.

In this special three-part series, we’re diving deep into the stories of individuals whose lives have been profoundly impacted by suicide.

In Part One, we’ll meet Karen, whose life was forever altered when her partner tragically took his own life. Karen shares her heartfelt story, her journey through grief, and her powerful call for mental health policy reform in Scotland—a change she believes is vital to prevent more families from enduring the same loss.

In Part Two, we hear from John, the founder of The Canmore Trust. John’s son’s suicide changed the course of his life and inspired him to create a space for others to share their stories, find solace, and support one another. John will discuss the mission of The Canmore Trust and the work they’re doing to foster hope and understanding.

Finally, in Part Three, we’ll speak with Ben Akers, who turned the devastating loss of his best friend Steve into action. Ben’s grief motivated him to establish Talk Club, a mental health charity focused on men and suicide prevention. He’ll share the philosophy behind Talk Club, the impact it’s making, and how he hopes to encourage more men to open up about their mental health struggles.

Each of these stories is deeply personal, and yet, they connect us all to the universal need for compassion, awareness, and systemic change. We hope their courage inspires you as much as it has inspired us.

Support the show

💡 Stay in the loop
💬 Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkabout1111?igsh=emJhOTc5b3h4bTBr

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-foley-instlm-ips-48927a6a

☕ Buy us a coffee: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1756031/support
📄 Transcript + resources available for all episodes
🧠 Created by Nicky | Sound design by Nicky

⚠️ Content may include references to mental health, trauma, suicide or ableism

#NeurodivergentVoices #RealTalkPodcast