SCOTT McGLYNN is an online creator and LGBT activist. Scott’s podcast, which has just reached 100 episodes, shares the same format as a celebrity talk show. We caught up with Scott McGlynn to talk about his podcast and activism.
AC: What can you tell us about your activism for the LGBT community?
SCOTT McGLYNN – Yes, this is something I am very emotionally attached to. Being a spokesperson, fighting our fight and using my platforms to spread the word to support the LGBTQ community in a positive way is what I’m born to do. I struggled growing up and don’t want any other person, whatever age, to go through what I did. It is incredible to do talks at youth centres and meet other LGBT people who are sharing their life with me. It is very inspiring.
AC: You have an incredibly popular podcast. Who has been your favourite guest?
SCOTT McGLYNN – I get asked this question a lot, it is so hard to pick anyone, I am just honoured people take time out to come on the show. The great thing about my show is that since recording with a guest we’ve stayed in touch, so I am thinking we should do some reunion episodes! I did this once with Perez Hilton but I’d love to do more reunion episodes.
AC: What can listeners look forward to in the coming weeks?
SCOTT McGLYNN – I have just finished recording my 100th guest episode which was a pinch-me moment.
It is mad to think how much the show has grown since I launched it in 2016. I do have some exciting ideas for the show. I’d love to do a live version of the show, and I was hoping to do this for my 100th episode but with Covide-19, unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. But never say never, maybe in 2021 I could even do a mini-tour!
AC: Can you tell us about your experience with acne?
SCOTT McGLYNN – I started experiencing skin problems when I was in high school, I was 12 or 13 years old. Back then I didn’t have access to a phone and didn’t know how to search for products to help my skin condition. “How to guides” to reduce redness were hard to come by. It was a shock every day to see another spot, blemish and breakouts. Not many other people in school were getting them. I would also wonder why I was the one who had spots. No-one told me what acne even was.
AC: How did this affect your self-confidence?
SCOTT McGLYNN – Absolutely it did. If you met me 20 years ago, I wasn’t the same person, I was very shy, I mumbled and didn’t speak at all. It was very hard going to school 5 days a week knowing I was going to get bullied for how I looked and my sexuality. It mentally affected me and gave me anxiety. Still to this day, my anxiety kicks in now and again. But in a way, I am proud of myself as I come out the other side stronger, and speak out now to help others who might be in the same situation.
AC: What are your hopes or ambitions for the skincare industry?
SCOTT McGLYNN – Right now, I believe we are in a good place. A lot of brands are catering to men now. I am finding with products and brand marketing it is all very unisex, which I think is a great thing. It should have been like this years ago. I hope nothing changes in the future and the trend for unisex treatments keeps ongoing. Skincare and hair care are just as important for men as they are for women. I know a lot of men are using hair laser removal these days, and so they should.
AC: You’ve worked with many household name brands. What do you look for in a collaboration?
SCOTT McGLYNN – In terms of skincare brands, I make sure I trial out for 7-10 days before posting and recommending them to my followers. That is really important and my number one rule!
I have skin that can change overnight, just from using the wrong product, so that’s something I am conscious when recommending any product or treatment to others.
AC: Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
SCOTT McGLYNN – Oh gosh! I really wouldn’t know where to start, the only thing that could help me is an influencer organiser. I get sent products daily and I pop them in my storage box until I need it but sometimes I forget what’s come and what’s in the box until weeks later. So it would be cool when I get a package if I could take a photo and then just look on the app when I need to check what I have received, the schedule and checklist. Like Depop when it says sold over the item.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
SCOTT McGLYNN – It is very important, it is the place to express, speak out and show your creativity. The fun thing is with social media, Youtube and so on, you have control and make it how you want it to look. Make what you want to make. Also, it is great to give my opinions on Twitter.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
SCOTT McGLYNN – I prep myself three days before by researching the guest, planning the format of the episode, and then I make sure I check it over it again and again. When recording I know my guest and it is good to have a great conversion flow, but maybe ask me again if I ever do the show live!
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
SCOTT McGLYNN – Peaceful and accepting that is all I want for everyone!
AC: If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
SCOTT McGLYNN – I’m Scott McGlynn: Watch This Space.
PHOTOGRAPHY: THE STORYTELLER UK
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
