Eleanor Morton on Making Art When the World Feels Anti-Art

Fresh from the release of her acclaimed debut album Cinepop, Glasgow musician Radhika joins Zara for the Series 1 finale with a spiral that many young musicians are scared to talk about: why do so many music promoters pay so little, and why does it feel harder than ever to make a living from music? In her first ever podcast appearance, Radhika discusses growing up in a musical family, discovering songwriting through a baby pink guitar, finding inspiration on the shores of Helensburgh and forming a band with her dad (Sushil Dade from Soup Dragons and Future Pilot AKA). We spiral over the realities of gigging in 2026, the very different musical landscapes for Gen Z vs Gen X artists and what audiences can do to support the artists they love. Plus: stage nerves, a debate about vegetarian restaurant pricing and Zara's reflections on the first Series of Spiralling! You can follow Radhika at https://www.instagram.com/radh__1ka__/ Follow Zara at http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to leave a rating or review, or share with a friend. Are you Spiralling about something? Leave me a voice note.

Kevin Leomo is a very busy man. He spends his time working a full-time community engagement job, organising arts festivals (like the award-winning Creatives of Colour Festival), making experimental music and as a community organiser, fighting the good fight in Glasgow's cultural scene. In this episode, Kevin joins Zara to tackle one of the biggest questions “Spiralling” has covered to date: why are some people still in denial about racism in Scotland? From Scottish exceptionalism to the reality of everyday racism, Kevin shares his experiences growing up between California and Scotland and reflects on a recent racist attack in Glasgow. Along the way, we discuss the power of food and culture, a difficult encounter with strangers in Luxembourg and what meaningful allyship actually looks like. Plus, we discuss a dilemma presented by previous guest Susan Riddell: is the Irish goodbye rude, or is it self-care? And Zara rambles about her weekend and the epic Freakender festival. Follow Kevin on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/kevleomo and visit his website http://www.kevinleomo.com Follow Creatives of Colour on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/creatives_of_colour Follow Zara on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to follow us, and leave a rating or review to help other listeners find us. Are you Spiralling about something? Leave me a voice note.

Comedian and writer Susan Riddell has had an unusual year. After an alleged incident at an Edinburgh weapons factory (that makes laser-targeting components found in fighter jets used by Israel), she found herself under strict bail conditions, banned from Edinburgh and facing a terrorism charge and trial that still hasn’t happened. Fresh from having some of those restrictions lifted, Susan joined Zara to discuss house arrest, solitary confinement, activist burnout, and why she’s now questioning her identity as a comedian. We also spiral into comedy confidence, whether personal politics can work on stage and a failed attempt to secure a free holiday by rabbit-sitting in Barcelona. A good news disclaimer: since our conversation, Susan’s terrorism charge has been dropped. But she is still awaiting trial for other charges. Follow Susan on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/susanriddellcomedian Follow Zara on Instagram at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Don't forget to follow us and leave a rating or review to help new listeners discover us. Are you Spiralling about something? Leave me a voice note.

Edinburgh-based comedian, actor, ex-raver and soon-to-be drama teacher Sophie Rose McCabe shares a problem close to her heart: how do you date in your 40s? From Tinder etiquette and endless talking stages to childcare logistics, we dive into the realities of dating as a millennial separated parent. We also discuss comedy as a route to reclaiming your identity post-motherhood and why giving birth is surprisingly good preparation for stand-up. Plus, a controversial theory about social media polarising the dating game for everyone. Follow Sophie on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sophiemccabecomedy Follow Zara on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Watch Good for Her on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002fzvl/good-for-her Enjoying the podcast? Give us a follow or leave a review to help new listeners discover us. Are you Spiralling about something? Leave me a voice note.

Cheshire-based comedian Ski has built an audience of hundreds of thousands through his online sketches and viral characters alongside his comedy partner Durk (of Durk & Ski). But no matter how much success he finds, Ski always seems to want more. From chasing viral views and creative ambition to health anxiety and ageing, Ski joins Zara for a surprisingly philosophical conversation about finding contentment in life. Along the way they discuss voice note etiquette, a food-related relationship breakdown and a Lake District dream. PLUS: Zara hunts for an Aperol Spritz at an undisclosed Italian location. Follow Ski on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ski_comedy Follow Durk and Ski at: https://www.instagram.com/durkandski Vote for Durk and Ski in the ITV Creator Awards: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Follow Zara at: http://www.instagram.com/zanyzaz Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/spiralling to help new listeners discover us. Are you Spiralling about something? Leave me a voice note.