Sitting across from me this evening is a slim, thoroughly mild-mannered young man dressed casually in jeans, a t-shirt and trainers. At first, Scott appears unassuming. But this ordinary Scotsman leads an extraordinary life.

Working as an independent technical consultant, Scott McGready is an expert in identifying the mechanisms behind a multitude of scams. Based in Glasgow but working internationally via his many computers, his line of business involves devising solutions to counter fraud. 

Having worked with Police Scotland and organisations including DCPCU, Trading Standards, and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland; Scott now actively shares his knowledge with others, and plays a vital role in raising awareness surrounding online data. 

He is also a Scambassador for the Friends Against Scams campaign, has assisted with the Take Five campaign, UK CSCV protect lead, and made numerous expert media appearances from Secrets of the Scammers, Stopping Scotland’s Scammers and The Radio Hustle. 

On this podcast we discuss his story; with fraud prevention considerably less profitable than fraud itself, how did this ordinary Glaswegian fall in love with the depths of the dark web? Has he ever been hacked? And what does our digital future look like? In this hour long interview, we touch on it all. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Scott McGready
Interviewer: Fat Brestovca

A life in data, fraud and scams: Scott McGready | Whater

Today she is Scotland's resident showbiz reporter, interviewing some of the worlds biggest stars every week. An irrepressibly fun and quirky character exploding with charm; it's no surprise whatsoever that STV offered her the job after only seven days of work experience. 

Spending time with Laura, you could never guess that life has thrown her one if it’s toughest challenges. In the summer of 2009, after experiencing some unusual symptoms, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. 

Almost 10 years on, she has become a source of real inspiration. What was once a ‘death sentence hanging over’ her head, her diagnosis has in many ways catalysed a fresh zest for life, a thirst for adventure. 

In her spare time Laura loves to consume and create music; her band, where she performs with her husband, have played in various venues across Scotland. She hosts events and runs a lifestyle blog, whilst still finding plenty of time to party. “I made a decision a long time ago” she tells me. “I am living with cancer, not dying from it.”

In this podcast, Laura tells her story: life, love, laughs and leukaemia.

Life, love, laughs and leaukemia: Laura Boyd | Whater

Aaron struggled with his weight at school. The obvious conclusion that most minds catapult to is a heavy one - he must have been over-weight and invariably bullied for being larger than the other kids; the last to be chosen for sporting activities, but first to drop out. He will have eaten too much junk food whilst remaining physically inactive. The stereotype often encouraged by Hollywood.

But he was none of those things; eating healthily, playing sports, and playing them well. Aaron was however, for his age, comparatively petite; shorter and considerably slimmer than his peers. He struggled to find clothes that would fit him. Whilst many would not consider being naturally slim a negative, for those who are, it can often lead to the same mental and emotional symptoms that those on the opposite end of the scale experience. 

Fast forward to today - Aaron, at 23, is a big and muscly personal trainer working at a renowned gym. Choosing to turn his life around, upset by comments about his size, he has gone through a significantly gruelling body transformation that has left him unrecognisable to those who knew him. Now he is working to help change the lives of others through his refreshingly self-deprecating  brand, ‘Wee Aaron the PT’ - an element of humour often missing in the testosterone-filled personal training scene. 

In this podcast we discuss the often silent or misunderstood challenges associated with being naturally underweight, whilst delving behind-the-scenes of todays global fitness industry - with now an estimated 180,000 fitness clubs around the world, raking in $84 billion from their 145 million members. This growth is supplemented by a rise in different ‘diets’ and ‘weight-loss products’. Many professionals, including Aaron, still consider a significant proportion of these different products to be misleading the public. 

How did this young man become one of Glasgow’s busiest fitness professionals, and what is he doing to help those with similar experiences to his? This is Aaron’s story on Whater. 

Comment relating to Whater's Code of Ethics 
I have known Aaron for a number of years, having previously been one of his clients. His story inspired me very much and seemed perfect for this platform. We no longer work together.

From petite to PT: Aaron Cameron | Whater

At Whater, we believe that everyone has a story. That's why we have created an ever growing platform showcasing remarkable lives around the world. Interviewing a vibrant mix of people from different backgrounds and cultures; we'll delve into gripping pasts and exciting futures. They'll be heartwarming, heartbreaking, but always inspiring - and many laughs will be had along the way. You're invited to explore these stories with us, every Monday, right here at Whater.

Whater is a journalistic initiative by @FatPresenter

Whater | Ordinary People. Extraordinary Stories.