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with Cathy Macdonald

How to embrace the dark months of winter, a reflection on Pope Benedict XVI, the artist painting NHS staff, and the health benefits of finding community in our neighbours.

After the highs of the festivities, January can be a quiet month and have a real impact on the way that we feel. So how can we reframe this period as a time to recharge, enjoy the peace and quiet - and connect with nature and the seasons around us? Cathy is joined by Katherine May, author of Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times and yoga teacher Penny Clay to discuss how to make the best of winter.

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during the covid pandemic, artist Gilly McLaren felt compelled to thank those that cared for her in the way she knew best - by creating portraits of those who treated her. Gilly labelled her work Portrait and Tales From A Hospital Bed and it features images of the staff at Ninewells hospital in Dundee, where it is now being displayed. Gilly joins Cathy to discuss what motivated her to capture those working around her amidst the chaos and fear of the pandemic.

January is often a month where we try new things and take up new practises like yoga. It’s not a topic normally associated with controversy, but yoga - specifically how it is practised in the West - has recently been accused of cultural appropriation. So how does traditional yoga differ from the modern ‘lycra and yoga mat’ culture? Cathy is joined by yoga teachers Manjulika Singh and Penny Clay to explore whether this ancient practise has been corrupted by the modern Western version.

Following the death of Pope Benedict XVI, how will his legacy be viewed and what does his abdication from the role of Pope mean for the future of the papacy? Ian Dunn, managing editor of The Scottish Catholic, Scotland's independent Catholic magazine and Vatican correspondent, Christopher Lamb join Cathy to discuss how the Pope Emeritus will be remembered.

Stoicism may be associated with someone who bottles up their feelings and keeps a stiff upper lip, but its origins are more philosophical and practical. Amid the various challenges we’re facing - be that the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, or our own daily frustrations - can a stoic approach help? Tim LeBon - research director of Modern Stoicism, practicing CBT therapist and author of 365 Ways to be More Stoic and Kathryn Koromilas, host of The Stoic Salon podcast explore the value of this fascinating approach to life.

In Tom Hanks’ latest movie A Man Called Otto, Tom plays a curmudgeonly grump who has given up on life after losing his wife - but all that changes when he gets to know his quick-witted neighbour Marisol. Although our relationships with our neighbours can be challenging to navigate, they can also be quite beneficial to our lives. Cathy is joined by Professor Stephen Reicher of St Andrews University and singer Fiona J MacKenzie, who relocated from the mainland to the island of Canna, to discuss the value of neighbourhood and community friendships.

2 hours

Last on

Sun 8 Jan 2023 08:00

Music Played

  • CHVRCHES

    The Mother We Share

    • The Mother We Share.
    • 2012 National Anthem.
    • 1.
  • The New Seekers

    I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony)

    • 70's Number Ones Vol 2.
    • Old Gold.
  • David Bowie

    Kooks

    • Hunky Dory.
    • EMI.
  • Elton John

    Crocodile Rock

    • Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002.
    • Mercury.
  • Karine Polwart

    Rivers Run

    • This Earthly Spell.
    • Hegri Music.
    • 4.
  • Elvis Costello

    Brilliant Mistake

    • King Of America.
    • Columbia.
  • Rufus & Chaka Khan

    Tell Me Something Good

    • Rags To Rufus.
    • MCA.

Broadcast

  • Sun 8 Jan 2023 08:00