Are Influencers Running the World Now?

Are Influencers Running the World Now?

At what point did influencers stop selling products… and start shaping everything? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a closer look at the growing power of influencers — from the things we buy to the opinions we hold. Somehow, influencers have become: * more relatable than celebrities * more trusted than brands * and in some cases… more influential than traditional media But with that comes a big question: Where does authenticity end… and marketing begin? In this episode, we explore: * How influencers became one of the most powerful forces online * Why we trust them more than we probably should * The shift from selling products to selling lifestyles * When “authentic content” starts to feel like constant advertising * And how influencers are now shaping conversations far beyond social media — including politics 💬 Join the conversation: What’s the last thing you bought because of an influencer… and do you actually trust them?

Main Character Syndrome: Are You Living… or Performing Your Life?

When did life stop being something we experience… and start becoming something we perform? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we dive into Main Character Syndrome — the idea that we’re all living like the star of our own film. From TikTok trends telling you to “romanticise your life”… to the pressure of building a personal brand… to turning everyday moments into content — something has shifted in how we see ourselves. In this episode, we explore: * Why does everyone feel like the main character now * How TikTok turned normal life into a cinematic experience * The rise of personal branding — and the pressure that comes with it * When self-expression becomes performance * And whether we’re still living life… or just documenting it It’s about identity, attention, and what happens when your life starts to feel like an audience is always watching.

The Death of the 9–5 (Or Is It?)

Is the traditional 9–5 actually dying… or are we all just pretending it is? In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we unpack the modern reality of work — from remote jobs and side hustles to the rise of the so-called “digital nomad” lifestyle. On the surface, it looks like we’ve entered an era of freedom and flexibility. No commutes, no offices, more control over our time. But are things a bit more complicated? Because while the structure of work has changed, the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere — if anything, it’s evolved. In this episode, we explore: * How remote work reshaped the way we think about jobs. * The blurred line between work and personal life. * The rise (and reality) of side hustles and “multiple income streams.” * Why the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t always what it seems. * And whether the 9–5 is truly disappearing… or just taking a new form. So… is the 9–5 dead? Or are we all just getting better at making work look different? What does work look like for you now — and is it better than before?

LinkedIn Has Lost the Plot

LinkedIn used to be about jobs — now it feels like a performance stage. LinkedIn used to be simple — a place for CVs, job applications, and professional networking. Now? It feels like something completely different. In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we kick off Season 2 by diving into the strange evolution of LinkedIn. From motivational storytelling and “thought leaders” to performative posts and personal branding overload, we explore how the platform has shifted — and why it feels so different today. We discuss: * What LinkedIn used to be — and what it’s become * The rise of the “LinkedIn influencer.” * Why does everyone seem to be a “thought leader” * The line between authenticity and performance * Hustle culture, personal branding, and visibility * Whether this shift is actually a good thing * A Scottish perspective on self-promotion vs modesty Along the way, we break down the types of posts you’ve definitely seen — and ask whether LinkedIn has genuinely lost its way… or if this is just what professional life looks like now. 💬 Join the conversation: What’s the most ridiculous LinkedIn post you’ve seen recently?

The UK Has Voted: What the 2026 Local Elections Really Tell Us

The votes are in — but the story of the UK Local Elections 2026 isn’t as simple as who won and who lost. The votes are in — but what do they really tell us? In this special episode of The Thistle & Dram, we break down the UK Local Elections 2026, looking beyond the headlines to understand what actually happened across Scotland, England, and Wales. From shifting party fortunes to changing voter behaviour, this episode explores the biggest winners and losers — and what these results might mean for the future of UK politics. We discuss: * The key outcomes across Scotland, England, and Wales * Which parties gained momentum — and which ones struggled * What these results say about voter sentiment across the UK * The growing impact of tactical voting and political fatigue * Whether this signals a wider shift ahead of the next general election This isn’t just about results — it’s about what those results are telling us about the direction of the country. 💬 Join the conversation: Did these results reflect what you expected — or signal something bigger?