A SZN Media Ltd. podcast that explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter.
Showcasing creativity and ingenuity and shouting about what the regions successes really look like.
She Couldn't Find What She Wanted in Aberdeen, So She Built It
What happens when you move from London to Aberdeen, discover something you feel is missing, and decide to create it yourself?
In this episode of Shaping the North East, we sit down with Miss Monstera to explore her journey from London to Aberdeen and the events she's created since moving to the city. Her LGBTQ+ and kink events are about more than simply having a night out. Miss Monstera believes Aberdeen needs spaces where people can step away from the pressures of everyday life, forget about work, bills and expectations, and simply be themselves in an environment where they feel safe, welcome and free to express who they are.
We talk about why she felt those spaces were needed, how she went about creating them, and what she's learned about building a community around something that doesn't necessarily fit the traditional idea of Aberdeen nightlife. We also get into the much more personal side of her story, including meeting her wife, a whirlwind romance that spans continents, and the challenges of trying to build a life together while navigating the realities of UK visas and long-distance relationships.
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter, from the businesses being built here to the creative people, communities and ideas helping shape what comes next.
Find Miss Monstera
https://www.instagram.com/lady_of_gore/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipse_scotland/
https://www.instagram.com/gore_aberdeen/
Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter.
Follow SZN Media:
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
28 Sept 2026
From Passion to Community in Aberdeen | Chris & Edina
What happens when a passion for retro toys, video games and collecting becomes something much bigger than a business?
In this episode of Shaping the North East (sponsored by Utopia Body Arts in Aberdeen), Chris sits down with Chris and Edina, the founders of "Vintage Toys & Collectables" and "Video Games Aberdeen", to talk about their journey from being out of work during the pandemic to creating two businesses that have become part of Aberdeen's growing retro, gaming and collecting community.
We talk about where the idea came from, the challenges of starting a business during such an uncertain period, and how their passion for everything from vintage wrestling figures and 80s cartoon memorabilia to Pokémon and video games helped them build something that people in Aberdeen have genuinely rallied behind. But this conversation is about more than collecting.
We also explore the importance of community, trust and shared interests, and how creating a welcoming space for people with similar passions has become such an important part of what they do. It's a story about entrepreneurship, taking an opportunity when circumstances change, and turning a personal passion into something that connects people across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.
🔗 Find out more about Chris, Edina and their businesses:
Vintage Toys & Collectables:
https://www.facebook.com/vintagetoyandcollectablesaberdeen/
https://www.instagram.com/vintagetoysandcollectablesabz/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCB8ij0xAU21pwfPcJlD9p4w
https://www.tiktok.com/@retroconsolestoys
Video Games Aberdeen:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Video-Games-Aberdeen-61583396473338/
https://www.instagram.com/videogamesaberdeen/
🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Shaping the North East:
https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Check out our Sponsor:
https://www.utopiabodyarts.com
https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/
https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter, from entrepreneurs and creatives to community builders, businesses and organisations making a difference across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. If you're enjoying the series, subscribe, follow and share the episode to help us continue showcasing the people and stories shaping our region.
#ShapingTheNorthEast #Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #VintageToys #Collectables #RetroGaming #VideoGamesAberdeen #AberdeenBusiness
21 Sept 2026
From 9–5 to the Stage: Shannon Andrew's Singing Journey | Aberdeen
What happens when the life you thought you wanted turns out not to be the life that makes you happy?
In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris is joined by Shannon Andrew, an Aberdeen singer and vocalist whose journey has taken her from a decade of corporate 9–5 life to performing across the North East of Scotland. Shannon talks openly about growing up in Aberdeen, following the traditional idea that success meant getting an office job, buying a house and settling into a conventional career, only to realise that it wasn't the right path for her.
We explore her decision to leave corporate life behind, her journey of self-discovery and healing, and how a move to Portugal helped her rediscover her love of singing. Since returning to Aberdeen, Shannon has established herself as a performer across venues, events, weddings and celebrations throughout the North East, and has recently been nominated for Breakthrough Artist Of The Year at the Granite City Entertainment Awards. We also talk about finding your own path, the importance of doing something that makes you happy, and what Shannon hopes comes next as she continues to develop her career as a singer and performer in Aberdeen.
Cast your votes in the Granite City Entertainment Awards:
https://gcea.co.uk
Find out more about Shannon Andrew:
https://shannonandrewmusic.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/shannonandrewmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076836804993&locale=en_GB#
Find Shaping the North East:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk
Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region’s next chapter. From entrepreneurs and creatives to businesses, community projects and the people working to make a difference, each episode tells the stories behind the people and ideas shaping the North East of Scotland.
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