In this episode I Blether with local dietitian Lesley Reid. With everyone on a health kick in Jan who better to get some dietary advice from that someone like Lesley!?

 We discuss a number of topics including the links between IBS and people involved in sport and how this isn't necessarily something that effects people who may be "unhealthy".

Lesley discusses a relatively new diet plan for those with gut issues called FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides) which is proving to be very successful.

In this episode I Blether with Guy Ramsay; we discuss his own background in Thai Boxing and competing all over the world. We also discuss how he got into coaching and developed one the most successful Thai Boxing clubs- Calendonian Muay Thai which has produced Scottish UFC star Joe Calderwood.

We also look at how he was part of a team of people that built one of the most successful Scottish MMA gyms- The Griphouse, Glasgow.

In this episode, the first of 2018, I Blether with Eilidh Macrae- University West of Scotland lecturer about her book.

"Exercise in the Female Life Cycle in Britain 1930-1970"

We discuss her research and some of her key findings which I found fascinating.

Part 2 of my Blether with Nelly we continue to discuss his journey and competing across the world in various Strongman, Power Lifting and Highland Games competitions.

The Highland Games are where Neil's real passion lies which takes him all over the world and he gives me a little Scottish history lesson on famous stones that can be found all over the country and how these stones were very much part of our culture and a right of passage was about being able to lift and carry them which Neil plans on doing in 2018.

In this episode I have good Blether with Neil "Nelly" Elliott about his love for the Highland Games, Strongman and Power Lifting.

Neil talks about his journey and from an early age loved being in the weight room. From here he ended up competing in Heptathlon, discuss and shot put to a very high level but his passion was always in the Highland Games. We also talk about Nelly's success in Power Lifting where he's won multiple titles including the Scottish, British and World Championships. Neil also holds the world record for the drug free bench press.

This part 1 of 2 so make sure to SUBSCRIBE and get Part 2 as soon as it's released.

This week I Blether with Neil Gibson- Director of Performance Sport and Health and Oriam; Scotland's Sports Performance Centre in Edinburgh.

We look at this amazing facility and the resources that are available to try and develop sport at all levels across the country. Neil also touches on his experience working with SPL club Hearts and the Scottish National Team.

Neil has also carried out a significant amount of research in and around the sport and health sectors. We chat about some of his key findings and what areas he is currently researching.

This week I Blether with old friend Dougie Armour "The Hammer" who has been a student of Thai Boxing for over 15 years. If you know anything about Thai Boxing you would know it's a martial art that isn't for the faint hearted given it's the only one that incorporates both elbows and knees. 

Dougie talks about how he first got into the martial art after he got into a scuffle on a night out defending his girlfriend. He had no intention of getting in the ring but was eventually encouraged by his long time mentor and trainer "Cha". It's great to hear how much respect Dougie has for his coach and even though he isn't as involved now, he still considers him his teacher.

We also talk about Dougie's travels and in particular going to Thailand to train and develop his skills, pre fight nerves or fear as he put it and getting kneed in the face.

Part 2 of my Blether with Joe and Tony focuses on questions sent in by some listeners.

We look at various topics including bulking vs cutting and is it possible to add size and drop body fat at the same time, the alarming increase in 16-24 year olds reportedly taking steroids and simple lifestyle changes that can help you drop a waste size.

In Part 1 of this 2 part series I Blether with Joe and Tony, 2 people who know exactly what it takes to get ready for a body building/fitness physique competition.

We discuss the preparation, commitment, dedication, mind set and hard work that needs to go into getting your body in the best possible shape for competition. 

Joe and Tony reflect on what they have learned from their experiences and how this has helped them when it comes to working with clients who wish to take that same journey themselves...to the stage.

Make sure to check out Part 2 next week when I ask Joe and Tony questions about fitness that you the listeners had sent in.

I have a Blether with Scottish goalkeeper Alan Martin who currently plays for Queen of the South in the Scottish Championship.

With only 1% of players making it to the very top and the big £££, Alan gives a very intriguing insight into the challenges all up and coming players face to make it, not just as a player but in life. People can be guilty of assuming footballers have it all but it's a lot more difficult than you would think, especially in an environment that's forever changing.