About Us
Backbench Podcast is brought to you by an energetic team of students from the University of Edinburgh.
A subsidiary of the Edinburgh Political Union, Backbench Podcast was originally created in 2019. Together we hope to platform a range of perspectives to provide insight into the dynamic landscape of contemporary global affairs. The Backbench will discuss both international events as well as local issues here in Scotland.
Backbench has previously interviewed Sir Lindsey Hoyle, Sir Desmond Swayne, Mohamedou Ould Slahi, and MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton. We are excited to provide more cutting-edge analysis of both Scottish and international politics!
Our Mission
We create informed and engaging discussions on political issues that matter to students.
Backbench Podcast aims to provide our listeners with nuanced information and perspectives about current political issues, domestic and international. When listening to Backbench, Edinburgh students can expect to hear voices across the political spectrum, get up-close to current events, and become thoroughly informed in the process.
The 2025-26 Team
Producers
Rachel Barlow: Executive Producer
Renee Phan
Tara Laize
Charlie Franklin-White
Co-Hosts
Rachel Barlow
Conor Doherty
Joseph Hughes
Writers/Researchers
Alex Daniels: Lead Writer
Mia Crawford
Jade Galliford
Kashvee Barjatya
Ting Ting Zhang
Audio Engineer
Jamie Calder: Lead Engineer
Finn Hughes
Tech Supervisor
Mati Pojalowski
Correspondents
Seb Illing
Gabrielle Yurin
Outreach Secretary
Orlaith McEvoy
Communications Managers
Leda Basile
Niamh Werner
