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

The Podcast Boom: Too Many Mics

Let’s be honest… Everyone has a podcast now. And yes — that includes this one. In this episode of The Thistle & Dram, we take a self-aware look at the explosion of podcasting — and ask the question a lot of people are thinking: Are there too many podcasts? Because what started as a niche space for long-form conversation… Has turned into a crowded world where anyone with a mic can hit record. In this episode, we explore: * Why podcasting has become so popular (and so easy to start) * The different types of podcasts we’ve all come across * The gap between having something to say… and just talking * Whether more podcasts mean more value — or just more noise * And yes… whether we’re part of the problem 💬 Join the conversation: Be honest — do you think there are too many podcasts… or are we just getting started?

Special Episode - Henry Nowak

In this special episode, we take a measured look at the events surrounding Henry Nowak and the wider aftermath across the UK. This is a developing and sensitive situation, and the aim here is not speculation, but reflection. We discuss what has been reported so far, how the story has unfolded, and the responses from the public, media, and political figures. We also explore the broader questions being raised—around accountability, public reaction, and how events like this shape national conversation. This episode steps away from the usual tone of the podcast to provide a more grounded and considered discussion.

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?