Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with Mike Small, editor of Bella Caledonia, about the platform’s exciting 20th anniversary milestone. Mike shares Bella
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Bella Caledonia 20 Years On
Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with Mike Small, editor of Bella …
Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with Mike Small, editor of Bella Caledonia, about the platform’s exciting 20th anniversary milestone. Mike shares Bella
Now Playing
Election Autopsy: Part 1
The dust has settled on Scotland’s latest parliamentary elections—but …
The dust has settled on Scotland’s latest parliamentary elections—but the independence debate is far from over. Fiona and Marlene sit down with young activist Liam Mosson to unpack what the …results really mean for Scotland’s future.
How are we feeling about what just happened at the ballot box? Elated or deflated? Let us know in the comments section. Where do independence movements go from here? And what does the next generation of Scottish activists think about the path ahead?
In this candid conversation, we explore the shifting political landscape, the voices shaping Scotland’s future, and the burning questions that divide and unite the nation.
Key topics:
00:05:21 A new intake of MSPs at Holyrood
00:07:53 Swinney’s new cabinet options
00:13:06 Post-election blues
00:15:00 Reasons to be cheerful
00:17:45 SNP strategy winners and blunders
00:24:49 What do people want in a leader?
00:28:42 Prospects for a referendum
00:36:42 Is Scotland paralysed by the constitution?
00:41:32 A new direction for the left wing bloc
00:45:17 Dealing with the far right
00:52:15 Role for our Westminster MPs?
00:54:04 Labour’s leadership woes
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Join Fiona and Marlene as they celebrate Europe Day (9th May) by exploring the centuries-old cultural bond between Scotland and France!
In this heartwarming episode, they …chat with guest Jane MacKinnon, a Scot now based in France, about the vibrant Celtic festivals keeping the Auld Alliance alive . From the legendary Festival de Lorient to the Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans, Jane takes us on a journey through French celebrations of Scottish culture—and shares exclusive clips from participants at the Festival Ecossais 1782.
Along the way we get another tantalising glimpse into our own history as an ancient European nation and the welcome that awaits us when we regain our place in Europe.
Key themes:
00:01:19 Festival interceltique de Lorient
00:06:01 Festival Aubigny sur Nere
00:12:50 Joan of Arc Festivals
00:20:30 Festival Ecossais 1782
00:24:51 Benedicte Fare
00:26:32 Jean Luc Perrin, now Mayor of Saint-Andiol
00:29:19 Gary and Alice, Clan MacMillan
00:31:50 Robert Amyot MacKinnon, Clan MacKinnon
00:34:29 Basque ladies
00:38:48 Festival volunteers
00:39:43 Patrick Million, Clan MacMillan
00:47:20 Europe for Scotland
00:49:28 Enoch Grimaud Scott, Clan Scott
00:51:15 Marie Nadege Barthazon
Whether you’re interested in history, cultural connections, or just want to feel inspired, this episode is a celebration of friendship, heritage, and the bonds that transcend borders.
Perfect for: History lovers, Francophiles, Scots abroad, and anyone curious about European cultural traditions.
Some other festivals:
The Bressuire Highland Games Between Nantes and Poitiers
Les Fêtes Franco-Ecossaises Aubigny-sur-Nère
Lorient Interceltic Festival
Some Franco-Scottish Communities in France:
Auld Alliance – le lien Franco-Ecossais
Brittany-Scotland Association
The Caledonian Society of France (founded in 1822)
Club Kilt du Pays de Lorient
Fédération des Pipe Bands Francophones
Highland Games – France
The Franco-Scottish Society (founded in 1895)
The French Society for Scottish Studies
The Scots Kirk Paris (established in 1858)
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Paris
Some clans and Facebook groups:
The Auld Alliance – Le groupe francophone des passionnés Ecosse (2.3K members)
Clan Lamont France
Clan MacMillan Society of France
Enoch Grimaud Scott, Clan Scott France
Les Clanmen & Clanwomen du Clan Hay Luxembourg & France (2.3K members)
Clan MacKenzie en France
Robert Amyot MacKinnon, Clan Convenor for France; Europe (4.8K friends)
Soar Alba – French Association of Scottish Historical Re-enactment (9.7K members)
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Holyrood 2026: Our Campaign Review
With the Holyrood parliamentary election just around the corner, we’ve …
With the Holyrood parliamentary election just around the corner, we’ve gathered some of our activist friends around the table to dissect the 2026 campaign. What moments made us sit up …and take notice? What surprised us? And what had us rolling our eyes?
From grassroots organizing to party messaging, we’re breaking down what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what gives us genuine hope for Scottish politics as voters head to the polls.
Tune in to hear what our panel thinks shaped this campaign—and what it tells us about the state of Scottish politics.
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Scots – the Kindest People I've Ever Met with Malini Chakrabarty
Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with artist and anti-racism …
Join Fiona and Marlene as they chat with artist and anti-racism champion Malini Chakrabarty about her powerful work, her experiences living in Scotland, and the crucial skills needed to …build a more equitable society.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Malini shares both the positive and challenging aspects of her journey in Scotland, offering authentic insights into what it means to be a woman of colour navigating Scottish society today. We explore the essential capabilities for combating racism—empathy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—and discuss practical ways these skills can be developed and strengthened.
Malini also opens up about her reasons for supporting Scottish independence and provides fascinating perspective on how younger voters are shaping Scotland’s political future. Her reflections bring fresh understanding to voting behaviour and generational attitudes toward democracy.
Throughout this discussion, Robert Burns’s famous line comes alive: “O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us”—a reminder of the transformative power of seeing ourselves through others’ eyes, and of the importance of genuine dialogue across difference.
A thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply human conversation you won’t want to miss.
Key topics:
00:01:29 Introducing Malini Chakrabarty
00:02:19 Education Scotland’s anti-racism programme
00:09:50 A warm Scottish welcome
00:12:17 Far right racism in Scotland
00:15:21 Protecting our children through education
00:20:31 Making a personal impact
00:24:13 The Power of Art
00:26:35 Supporting Scottish Independence
00:27:36 Young voters
00:30:30 Young women in politics
00:33:37 Different ways to protest
00:38:15 Lets put the women in charge!
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Ending the Energy Rip Off & Energy Manifesto Countdown
Fiona and Marlene are joined by Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp for an update on …
Fiona and Marlene are joined by Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp for an update on Believe in Scotland’s campaign to end the energy rip-off.
Thousands of Scottish households and businesses are demanding answers. …Despite being an energy-rich nation with abundant renewable resources, Scotland pays the highest energy prices in the UK—a disparity that defies logic and hits hardworking families where it hurts most.
The recent petition has sparked action with thousands of Scots demanding an end to the energy rip off flooding the inboxes of elected representatives with calls for change.
With the Holyrood elections on the horizon we also take a look at the manifesto energy pledges from the major parties. We even ranked this from worst to best in our opinion. You might not agree with us – you can let us know in the comments how you would rate them!
Key topics:
00:01:26 Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp gives us the latest on the energy petition
00:29:16 Our Energy manifesto countdown
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Inspired by Kevin MacLeod
Industrial Cinematic by Kevin MacLeod
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
AUOB Glasgow March 2026 #AUOBGlasgow.
Come along and give your voice for Scotland to re-gain its …
Come along and give your voice for Scotland to re-gain its independence. #ScottishIndependence
Get involved! If you are going to this event why don’t you …consider using your phone to livestream and we can pickup your stream like a remote camera and add it to our ALL-IN-ONE stream. Full training and help given remotely from the comfort of your house. Contact office@independencelive.net.
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INDEPENDENCE LIVE – TELLING SCOTLAND’S STORY SINCE 2013
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Now Playing
Countdown to Holyrood: Heather Anderson
Latest in our series of interviews with candidates standing for …
Latest in our series of interviews with candidates standing for election to Holyrood 2026, our guest this week is Heather Anderson who is standing for the Dundee City West constituency …for the SNP.
Key themes:
00:01:10 On the Dundee campaign trail
00:03:07 SNP manifesto snippets
00:08:57 Youth hustings
00:11:52 Is low key campaigning a unionist tactic?
00:19:26 Independence is urgent
00:22:27 Impact of former MPs standing for Holyrood
00:27:32 SNP can’t rest on its laurels
00:33:03 Inspiration from Finland
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Countdown to Holyrood: Ariane Burgess
With Scotland’s parliamentary elections just around the corner, we’re …
With Scotland’s parliamentary elections just around the corner, we’re bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign.
In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence …spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland’s future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May’s election.
Our guest tonight is Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green Party who has been MSP for Highlands and Islands region since 2021.
Key themes:
00:01:10 Campaigning in Highlands and Islands region
00:01:45 Free bus travel
00:05:00 Childcare
00:06:09 Solve rural issues first
00:07:08 Housing
00:09:54 Community confidence building
00:12:28 Local decision making
00:15:10 Who owns the land?
00:21:57 The extractive model
00:23:19 Community energy, community benefit
00:27:38 Ardrossan Harbour example
00:29:41 Scotland’s innate sense of community
00:31:36 Achieving our independence
Whether you’re passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what’s at stake, this series offers in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland’s political debate.
New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland’s most significant electoral moments.
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Countdown to Holyrood: Laura Moodie
With Scotland’s parliamentary elections just around the corner, we’re …
With Scotland’s parliamentary elections just around the corner, we’re bringing you Countdown to Holyrood—our take on the 2026 campaign.
In this series, we sit down with politicians from across the independence …spectrum to discuss their vision for Scotland’s future. From policy priorities to campaign strategies, hear directly from the candidates and party representatives shaping the conversation leading up to May’s election.
Our first guest is Laura Moodie, South of Scotland candidate for the Scottish Green Party.
Key themes:
00:01:06 Campaigning in Southern Scotland region
00:04:30 Transport issues
00:07:30 Infrastructure preparations for an independent Scotland
00:09:15 Energy security
00:10:29 Overcoming the extractive model
00:11:22 The Deposit Return Scheme
00:13:59 Pushing at the boundaries
00:16:05 Assisted dying bill
00:20:51 Our PR parliament subverted?
00:28:55 Iceland’s EU referendum implications
00:32:32 Personal priorities for government
00:35:09 Community wealth building
00:38:30 Joining up the dots
Whether you’re passionate about Scottish independence, curious about the key issues, or simply want to understand what’s at stake, this series offers in-depth interviews with the voices driving Scotland’s political debate.
New episodes come out regularly throughout the campaign. Subscribe to stay updated as we count down to one of Scotland’s most significant electoral moments.
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
Now Playing
Whats On in April
A very windswept Fiona and Marlene take a moment out from the …
A very windswept Fiona and Marlene take a moment out from the independence rally on top of Calton Hill to give a quick rundown of programmes and events we have …planned for April – and look out for extras!
PS the audio gets better about 50 seconds in when we switched on some extra mics!
The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!
Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.Show More
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Previously on What's on Guide
Scotonomics Ep: 137 Introducing The Communities Deliver Framework 📱
Scotland is on the verge of a historic shift. The Community Wealth Building Bill currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament, represents an
Now Playing
Scotonomics Ep: 137 Introducing The Communities Deliver Framework 📱
Scotland is on the verge of a historic shift. The Community Wealth …
Scotland is on the verge of a historic shift. The Community Wealth Building Bill currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament, represents an
Now Playing
Ep 45 Recce Report – 9 March 2026
Cliff and Russ from Veterans for Scottish Independence cast a critical …
Cliff and Russ from Veterans for Scottish Independence cast a critical eye on the events of the day.
The Recce Report is LIVE on the second Monday of the month …at 8PM.
SCOTONOMICS EP 136: Does the climate movement believe that governments must find the money? 📱
The literature review focuses on articles that address macroeconomic …
The literature review focuses on articles that address macroeconomic issues related to climate change. All reviewed literature was published after the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.
The broad …sweep and focus on post-COVID articles help analyse the ‘orthodox economic view’ that underpins the climate movement’s view of climate action.
The findings serve as a guide to prevailing winds in the climate movement regarding fiscal space for monetary sovereign governments.
Join us live to discuss the climate movement’s ‘learned helplessness’.
Danny Dorling joins William Thomson to discuss his latest book, “The …
Danny Dorling joins William Thomson to discuss his latest book, “The Next Crisis.”
Covering inequality, the threat of violence and war, the climate and ecological crisis (among others), they discuss the …role of economists and economics in measuring, influencing, and perhaps even creating our crises.
Danny’s brilliant book ‘The Next Crisis’ is available from:
Episode: 134 Edinburgh: Innovation and the Festival Economy
In this episode of Scotonomics, William Thomson is joined by Nick …
In this episode of Scotonomics, William Thomson is joined by Nick Sherrard to unpack an uncomfortable question:
How can Scotland host the biggest arts festival in the world and still …fail to turn it into long-term economic value for its own creative sector?
Drawing on Nick’s recent research into the Edinburgh Festivals, the discussion reveals a striking imbalance. Global artists, producers, and investors flood into the city each August, yet Scottish creative firms often struggle to secure visibility, influence, or lasting commercial benefit. Major decisions are made elsewhere. There is no Scotland House to promote national talent. Even festival infrastructure and digital platforms are increasingly sourced from abroad.
The conversation broadens to innovation more widely. Nick challenges the way Scotland talks about “ecosystems” without being clear about the mechanisms involved. He outlines the four stages of innovation, arguing that Scotland currently behaves like a stage-four economy: good at assembling ideas developed elsewhere, but weak at owning and scaling original innovation.
The episode also explores how innovation is too often treated as an unquestioned good, disconnected from purpose, wellbeing, sustainability, or community wealth. Big tech, empire-building, and loss-leader disruption models like Uber are contrasted with what a genuinely public-interest innovation strategy might look like.
Finally, the discussion turns to policy and power. From the role of the enterprise agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) to the deeper limits imposed by currency control and foreign ownership, William and Nick argue that Scotland’s economic institutions lack accountability, clarity of purpose, and ambition in the right places. Instead of endlessly chasing unicorns or inward investment, they suggest a far more radical shift. One that directly backs people, enables experimentation, and links innovation to real social and economic outcomes at home. The episode closes with a call to stop abstract talk and start focusing on the practical mechanics of how Scotland actually builds, owns, and benefits from its own economy.
TNT Show. Ep213. With guest Prof. Alf Baird on UN initiative.
Alf Baird is an author and academic. One of the things we will be …
Alf Baird is an author and academic. One of the things we will be discussing is the latest development with the UN initiative. See https://liberation.scot/
In 2020, Alf published a research-based …academic textbook on the subject of Scottish independence: ‘Doun-Hauden: The Socio-Political Determinants of Scottish Independence’, available from: Doun-Hauden: The Socio-Political Determinants of Scottish Independence: Amazon.co.uk: Baird, Alfred: 9798634652320: Books https://amzn.to/2Yiicgz
Can you help? Independence Live 2025 crowdfunder is currently at 55% funded from 151 donations, or consider a wee monthly donation. https://independencelive.net/crowdfunder
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INDEPENDENCE LIVE – TELLING SCOTLAND’S STORY SINCE 2013
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Now Playing
Scotonomics Ep 133: The Economy in an independent Wales
Beyond the Union? Many voters in both Scotland and Wales seek to gain …
Beyond the Union?
Many voters in both Scotland and Wales seek to gain independence from the same Union. But the similarities don’t end there.
Some thoughts from William!
History of Colonial Conquest …and Resource Extraction: Both nations share a history of colonial conquest and resource extraction.
Progressive Ideals: Progressive ideals underpin both independence movements.
Social Movements: In both Scotland and Wales, independence is a social movement.
Aim for a Prosperous, Fair, and Just Society: By becoming independent, both movements aim to create a more prosperous, fair, and just society.
Need for Significant Public Expenditure: Both nations are in desperate need of significant public expenditure, especially in transportation, telecommunications, housing stock, and infrastructure to support electrification.
Potential for Monetary Sovereignty: Both nations can be empowered by insights from Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) to become monetary sovereign governments, issuing their own currency on the day of independence.
Regulation of Financial Services: After independence, both governments will regulate their own financial services sectors, which can be designed for public purpose rather than profit.
Challenges Ahead: Both new nations will face challenges, including building self-sufficiency, withstanding price swings in international commodity markets, and building energy, food, and technological sovereignty.
Join William, Kairin, and guest Mark Hooper.Show More
Now Playing
Hope Over Fear, Coatbridge 2025
Hope Over Fear have done their yearly event 2025 at Coatbridge this year.
Hope Over Fear have done their yearly event 2025 at Coatbridge this year.
Now Playing
TNT Show. Ep212. With guest Malik Al Nasir.
Malik Al Nasir is a PhD Candidate at Cambridge, an author, film maker, …
Malik Al Nasir is a PhD Candidate at Cambridge, an author, film maker, performance poet, and an award-winning academic from Liverpool.
This will be the second appearance for Malik on …the TNT Show. We are really looking forward to talking to him about his new book “Searching for my slave roots”, politics (including Scottish independence), art and football (Andrew Watson).
Can you help? Independence Live 2025 crowdfunder is currently at 55% funded from 150 donations, or consider a wee monthly donation. https://independencelive.net/crowdfunder
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INDEPENDENCE LIVE – TELLING SCOTLAND’S STORY SINCE 2013
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Now Playing
Scotonomics Ep 129: Scotland's Future Fiscal Rules
William Thomson runs us through his report co-authored with Dr Dirk …
William Thomson runs us through his report co-authored with Dr Dirk Ehnts.
The report evaluates a key and widely misunderstood aspect of the economic prospectus for Scottish independence, as outlined …in the Scottish Government’s 2022 publication, ‘Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence.’
It addresses the rationale and implications for the Scottish economy to align with the European Union’s fiscal rules (Stability and Growth Pact). The Scottish Government plans to mirror those rules before it gains membership of the EU.
To fully understand the impact of the Scottish Government attempting to adhere to the SGP, the report introduces a simple macroeconomic model to develop three growth scenarios (average/low/zero growth) for the evolution of the Scottish economy.
The report introduces and then uses the framework of sectoral balances.
We examine how the public sector budget deficit is influenced by the interactions between government spending, taxation, and the behaviour of the private and external sectors.
Finally, in the conclusion, we consider an alternative approach based on the concept of functional finance.
“Scotland’s recent economic history suggests that its economy is not compatible with the current European framework of fiscal rules. Applying the SGP would force Scotland into several rounds of austerity, involving cuts to government spending and tax increases, an action that would be self-defeating, as the public debt would likely rise.”
“A private sector surplus of circa 10% of GDP would be essential to reconstruct a normal European level of public services. A sustained double-figure government deficit would be manageable for a nation with high monetary sovereignty that followed policies to increase its economic resilience and would not present an inflationary risk or downward pressure on a new currency. In fact, this level of private sector surplus would be essential for Scotland to chart a different economic path from the United Kingdom.”
“Scotland’s Economic rules should support the sustainable use of resources, full employment, price stability, and a framework that concentrates on resilience. These are the foundations of a modern society. Without them, there is social, political, and economic instability. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the SGP has clearly shown. A set of rules tailored to an independent Scotland’s needs will be beneficial for the wellbeing of all Scots.”Show More
Now Playing
AUOB Edinburgh March and Rally 2025 #AUOBEdinburgh.
0:51:20 Speaker: Mike Fenwick 0:53:50 Musician: Pete Scally 1:10:08 …
0:51:20 Speaker: Mike Fenwick
0:53:50 Musician: Pete Scally
1:10:08 Speaker: Kenny MacAskill {Alba Party leader)
1:16:29 Musician: Kevin Gore
1:27:07 Speaker: Callum Keir
1:35:20 Musician: Graham Brown
1:53:00 Speaker: Paddy
1:59:54 Speaker: Tommy Sheridan
2:14:41 Speaker: Fiona Nelson …(ISP)
2:18:02 Speaker: Sarah Salyers
2:26:52 Musician: Graham Dallas
2:44:49 Speaker: Euan Hyslop (SNP councillor Edinburgh)
2:51:05 Musician: Amanda Brown
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Come along and give your voice for Scotland to re-gain its independence. #ScottishIndependence
Independence Live will have a team at this event. If you would like to stream from your phone then please get in touch so we can pickup your stream for our production like a remote camera. Contact office@independencelive.net.
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We are here for you, NOW is the time to support or share our 2025 crowdfunder or consider a wee monthly donation. We really need your help. https://independencelive.net/crowdfunder
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INDEPENDENCE LIVE – TELLING SCOTLAND’S STORY SINCE 2013
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What’s on Guide – Newsletter – Events – Shows – Podcasts:
► https://independencelive.net