About Us
The Backbench Podcast is an energetic team of students from the University of Edinburgh.
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.
A student-run offshoot of the Edinburgh Political Union, Backbench Podcast was originally created in 2019. Backbench has previously interviewed Sir Lindsey Hoyle, Sir Desmond Swayne, Mohamedou Ould Slahi, and MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton. Despite a series of hiatuses, Backbench is back and 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 2024-25 Team
Producers
Finn Hughes - Lead Co-Producer
Renee Phan - Exec Co-Producer
David Wilson - Co-Producer
Lucy Frewin - Co-Producer
Co-Hosts
Seb Illing - Lead Co-Host
Josh Cheshire - Co-Host
Renee Phan - Co-Host
Writers/Researchers
Alex Daniels - Lead Writer/Researcher
Maddie Schwarz
Rachel Barlow
Juliet Gartside
Laurie Glen
Kashvee Barjatya
Ting Ting Zhang
Audio Engineer
Jamie Calder
Production Assistant
Joe Hughes
Outreach Secretary
Conor Ó Dochartaigh
Communications Managers
Helise Helffer
Gabrielle Yurin
