Stall It with Darren and Joe

Would the lads stand a chance taking on TV classic, Gladiators? Could they freeclimb Ringsend church? Do they stand a chance taking a penalty against a world class goalkeeper?There are many questions this week that push them to consider why physical feats offer them the bet chance of glory – or the lesser chance of disgrace.

As the nation enjoys the festive season we go in another direction, with Joe facing down a ferocious letter from a skeptical listener who has, quite frankly, had just a just enough of Joe's spooky tales.That brings us into the fascinating world of superstitions, from Darren's infinite counting to the perplexing compulsions of major sport stars.Darren admits he has never (and we mean, ever) played cards - and sends Joe's head spinning.And Darren and Joe play out what would happen were Joe to shoot Darren, in public.

A conversation about horses and ponies is hijacked by a wandering Terence Power, of the Talking Bollox podcast, who ambles into the studio and offers his insights on equestrian questions.There is another horse themed query, but this time one that pits the stable life against one of drama and daring.

It’s a somewhat festive episode this week, with discussions on Christmas pyjamas, strange Christmas pudding traditions, and Joe’s contention that Rocky is a Christmas movie.The Christmas spirit soon gives way to the usual fare, such as debates on if Joe would look crazy with bleached hair and if Darren could play Marlon Brando in a biopic.

Darren has crossed a line at the local Chinese and the lads aren't sure they can ever look at him the same way again.Joe's fake luxury watch hunt is inspiring followers, who wait with bated breath to see if Joe has been scammed.And a listener question about dramatic stage entrances at the Stall It live show inadvertently lead us to the realisation that at the heart of every classic Disney animated movie lies a bleak darkness.Send your questions to [email protected]

Joe is thinking about the world ending, whether that is by anthrax attack or falling clouds - and he wants to explore his feelings with Darren's help.An intercepted communication sparks a debate over what technology the gards use to communicate, after which absolutely nobody is willing to admit defeat.Darren considers a career in old school stand up comedy, and he's been doing Bono impressions at the dentist. Plus he's worried a fly infestation in his apartment means the haunting he has hoped for has come true, but Joe thinks the true cause could be far more mundane, and disturbing.

Would global fame and riches be worth it if you were despised at home? Or is the life of a nationally adored, yet humble, figure the way to live your life? what about a life of utter contentment on an isolated farm in Ireland's most rugged corner? Your questions have the lads pondering what drives them, what they truly want for life - and if an Oscar is worth having your ma's gaff egged.There's also talk of Darren's Funko Pop style head, Joe's disdain for socks, and Darren's dream line up for a potential new interview podcast - ranging from Don Conroy to Eddie Murphy.Send all of your questions and comments to us at [email protected]

Darren contemplates a Christmas spent peering through Joe’s front window, basking in the reflected warmth of the McGucken family Christmas. We take a tour through North Korea, led by tour guide Joe – and Darren is outraged by the inconvenience of Ireland’s voting system.Plus there’s some ideas pitched for the upcoming live show, and news of how you can find an audience for whatever bizarre talents you may have.

Competitive baking, strategic golf to navigate family politics at Christmas, and misheard red lentils are all in the ether this week, as your questions open a myriad of odd avenues.Joe remains defiant in the face of criticism, and simultaneously predicting humanity's imminent (relatively speaking) doom, while Darren is wondering how the tone of an invite can veer it from innocent to quite sinister.Listeners have sent in their own theories on the JFK conspiracy, with one in particular catching our eye.We have a listener query on podcast recommendations that leads to a bit of a discovery for the lads.Plus, we have some big news on our next live show, and the airing of a Stall It tribute song.

Joe has been leading a life of forced cosplaying, and this week he comes clean about the situations he has found himself in, including playing the role of a Mary Poppins character on Griffith Avenue.Darren is considering a life as a scaffolder, and aiming to learn the basics of car maintenance.And there are tales from the pub career of Darren, including a hot streak of barring orders and a belly to belly confrontation.

Darren is worried about what's he going to miss out on by not living for another 1000 years, and Joe is considering an eternity in 1990.Darren has some serious problems with the ethics of Jurassic Park, and submits to us that the T-Rex was in fact a big chicken (literally).And the lads show a great degree of sympathy towards the early-Christmas songs crowd.

We reach the final stage of our odyssey through the world of JFK assassination conspiracies, and for our final act we explore some of the many different conspiracy theories that have arisen from the storm of confusion left in the wake of the murder of JFK. From Cuban exiles to disgruntled Mafia bosses, from war-hungry spy masters to murderous aliens - it seems there are few left above suspicion once we get through the vast array of theories, from the potentially plausible to outright bizarre. And to round it out, the lads give their take on what they think it the most likely of the many scenarios put forward. Will Joe allow himself be swayed away from conspiracy by any of the evidence he has heard, or will he convert Darren to his point of view?

We move beyond the Texas School Book Depository, and explore the events and evidence that doesn't relate solely to Lee Harvey Oswald - from the Grassy Knoll, to the Magic Bullet, to The Umbrella Man and JFK's missing brain. This is where the mystery of the day really kicks in. Were there shooters behind a picket fence, was there a signal from a mysterious man standing at the curve in the road, why did the doctor who conducted the autopsy burn his notes? Who were the men seen in the railroad yard in the moments around the shooting? Was a puff of smoke seen on the Grassy Knoll as the shots rang out? We delve down into the further layers that make up the parts of the many JFK conspiracy theories, and ask what can be relied on, and what is debunked - as we explore what it is that ensures this story endures to this day. Plus we track how the story evolved in the years after November 1963, as a newly released video and a Hollywood blockbuster ensured the public could never lose the obsession with this unsolved mystery.

The lads wrestle with some absolute nonsense this week, as your questions force them to consider things such as: Is a life better spent under the watchful eye of a narrator, loudly detailing your every move to the world, or a brass band following you with a bespoke playlist for your days?There are also brain busters forcing us to weigh up giant tricycles and hoverboards as a lifetime's transport.Joe, of course, comes in for some criticism - the people are against some of his recent big pronouncements on his ability to do absolutely anything - but also some love, it seems he was missed.

Who was Lee Harvey Oswald? Was he the patsy he claimed to be, or part of something far more elaborate?We continue our deep dive into the world of the JFK assassination, looking into the back story of Lee Harvey Oswald and examining the evidence laid out against him, and why critics argue the official version of events doesn’t add up.

At long last, after many (many) requests from Joe, we are at last descending down the rabbit hole that is the JFK assassination and the many (many) conspiracy theories that surround it.On the 60th anniversary of the murder of US President John F. Kennedy, we set out to understand why even today it remains the grandest of all conspiracy theories and a story that holds a seemingly infinite fascination for millions around the world.Why, after six decades, are so many people still so obsessed with the questions that linger around what happened that afternoon at Dealey Plaza? Is there any merit to the many, many conspiracy theories, and will the final truth ever be known?In this first part (of four) we look at the events of November 22nd, 1963,when one moment in Texas changed the world forever.

Hopped up on tales of conspiracies - the lads wonder whether their listeners are being honest in their emails or if it's time that the identity of those sending in questions should be confirmed before their questions are answered. While awaiting the introduction of that process, they imagine the safest spot in their homes to hide a paperclip away, excluding the obvious answer 'up your bum'. Joe's never failing confidence in his own abilities, and unusual lunch combinations, also comes into question, while Darren struggles to see himself as the male lead in a romantic comedy.Send your listener questions into [email protected].

Joe returns to defend his good reputation against the barbs aimed at him in his absence. Darren attempts to mark the glorious comeback with a celebrity deathmatch, and Joe is ready to bring the trash talk to sell the main event. He’s confident enough to reveal his tactics once he’s in the ring – and it involves a lot of running.Darren’s been at the hospital and he wants us to know all about it, and he’s threatening to steal Joe’s kettle.Meanwhile, Joe is falling deeper into the world of high quality counterfeit goods, and Darren has a cautionary tale of the dangers of falling for a seemingly good deal online.

A listener's question has the lads delving through their personal archives for the very worst cringe inducing miscommunications, and inappropriate messages, We game out the road that would lie ahead if all chocolate was to be replaced with beef - and Joe sets Darren a mission to seek out more foods that sit on the divide between sweet and deep fried.And Stall IT has received an offer from a listener in the horse racing world, and it's one we choose to embrace.

Joe continues his absence from the pod this week and Terence Power of the Talking Bollox podcast continues his run as Joe's stand in.It gives Darren and Terence the chance to discuss tracksuits, from those that get you barred in pubs to the world's most expensive leisure wear, and the problem with dress codes and inconvenient barring orders.The lads consider getting into the rare whiskey (and wine) investment market.Darren tries to dispel Terence's notions he's gone too high class, with live-in staff out in Finglas, and there are some dreams of living off the grid in Finland.

Joe's away for a week of filming, but Darren and Eoin weren't left without an inner city young fella as Talking Bollox's Terence Power stepped in to fill his New Balances. His presence derails them from answering important questions about things like getting a takeaway to a deserted island and Patrick Swayze's performance in the 1989 film Road House. There's also plans being made for a number of GoLoud events including but not limited to a Stall It quiz night and a 'charity' straightener between Joe and Terence.

Joe gets into bed with the scammers and is aghast to find he may have been scammed.Darren has been out on the town and comes back feeling both worn out and philosophical, and his adventures remind Joe of a run in he once had with a noughties one-hit-wonder.Joe is celebrating a major parenting achievement, and the lads wonder about how deep some people's hobbies can go - from social media profiles for your kids, to detailed dedication to miniature action figures.

This week we get Darren’s secrets for ensuring a quick takeaway delivery, we are witness to Joe falling victim to a toilet delivery hoax, and weigh up both a lifetime avoiding smelly fingers, and a lifetime singing Abba in toilets – plus there big questions about what the podcast might be called in an alternate universe.

For an extra special and extra spooky Halloween and horror themed episode we welcome Peter Dunne, the writer and director of the brilliant Petrified podcast - and a man with a lifelong devotion to the artform of horror.We hear talk of visits to haunted places, contact with the dead, and discuss the best (and worst) horror themed adventures you can spend your hard earned cash on.And there's also a deep dive into a startling fear of eggs.

The cardboard cut-out shaped hole we have dug grows only deeper, as we learn just how far the obsession runs among the Stall It listeners.Joe is put in his place regarding the Irish Quaker community (again), and asked for his take on one of history's most talked about conspiracy theories,Darren decides the life of a vampire might be the one for him, until he realises the impact it might have on his garlic mayonnaise consumption. And Joe is wondering if hosting a Stall It table quiz might be the next big step in his career.

Joe is loving the glamour of life on a film set, and Darren has been wondering about tall tales he heard from a childhood friend.Darren recalls his career as an actor in reconstructions of crimes (an international star, no less), and that leads to him reminiscing about his time on a jury and as a key cog in the wheels of justice. This somehow leads to very interesting ideas on how to to truly practice impartial justice in the age of celebrity, when a genuinely unbiased jury is becoming harder to find.We are reminded of Joe's staggering knowledge of Big Brother history, as he finds himself being drawn back into the world of 24 hour reality TV.And we delve into the enduring impact of classic horror films (Darren is still shaken by one particular film), and talk about the genius behind what was arguably the first viral marketing campaign - The Blair Witch Project.

At long last the lads must consider the choice between platform shoes and going barefoot, ion quite specific circumstances, as listeners once again ask them the big questions.There is a decision to be made on living in infamy or anonymity, and a controversy erupts over the location of a missing cardboard cut out of Joe, with one listener feeling aggrieved by a strange turn in events.

While Darren took centre stage at a global event, Joe found himself at the centre of a local storm. A tweet about an acting performance whipped up a tornado of controversy and rage, but Joe feels like people mostly missed his point – while Darren lived out his childhood dreams, with a GoPro attached to his head.Darren tells us about his magical trip to Manchester United, including safety briefings from UEFA on what to do if he falls over in front of 50 million people; while Joe goes back over a bizarre few days he spent in the storm of a media controversy that nobody seemed to be asking for.

Dealing with loneliness can be difficult - but not for listeners of Stall It who get expert advice from Darren and Joe on how to make new friends, including suggestions like learning the ukulele and getting a pug. Another option to meet people could be online games, which we see in action as Darren makes a new friend on the podcast after being challenged to a game of Ultimate Team by a listener.The lads consider whether they would rather bath in baked beans or make a trip to a graveyard alongside a naked Jonjo Shelvey and there's also a discussion on the potential of training a pet skunk, and the best attribute to get from a Star Wars character.

It's a week of celebrity, showbiz and glamour on Stall It, from the roar of the crowd at Vicar Street, to Darren's bow before tens of millions worldwide, and the chance of showbiz glory at a glitzy awards ceremony.We reflect on our first ever live show at Vicar Street, and discuss everything from the preparation for the show, to worrying that a musical letter to the Unabomber might have come across as "a bit culty". The lads ask if Joe's ma may have ended up being the star of the show, and consider that Eoin's once closely guarded anonymity is now in shreds.We also take time to celebrate the power of democracy, as shown by the Stall It public voting in-person on some of the biggest issues ever to grace the podcast - and we finally settle "the chicken soup question".It's a big week for Darren and Joe besides the sold out show at Vicar Street, with Darren off to appear on the pitch at Old Trafford, and the two of them attending a major awards ceremony - which seems like a wonderful idea until they discover they might have to fight for the trophy, if they win one.There's also tales of glamorous award ceremonies in LA, with the lads chasing Bono and rubbing shoulders with JJ Abrams - and some thought given to the idea of Stall It playing at The Sphere in Vegas.

On the eve of our live show the lads sat down to record a quick bonus episode, but those plans of efficiency were soon dashed by a query about the sandwich credentials of hot dogs and burgers.There are also choices between paws and hooves, more acts of listener devotion, and a tip off for Joe from Down Under.

As they prepare to take Stall It to the stage on Friday, Darren and Joe reveal what listeners can expect, before getting distracted by custom bowling balls and the rules of playing marbles. Joe longs for just a sip of the original Coca Cola recipe, while the two ponder on the origins of TK Red Lemonade. Darren then reveals one of Joe's more confusing tendencies and it leads into a deep exploration of the inner workings of Joe's mind.

The lads have been signing autographs on charge sheets and drinking full fat Coke at such a rate that they're struggling to get through the bonus episode.Your questions this week give a new perspective on one of Joe's childhood tales; and even give Joe a chance to gloat about being proven right. There is also an attempt to reignite the chicken soup debate (with pictures kindly included) and Darren's Nice Guy image is shattered by a listener.There are some interesting nicknames sent in by a listener, and Joe is thrown by having Eoin come to his aid on a quiz question.

We take our deepest dive yet, as Joe's recent experience of being hypnotised (or not being hypnotised, as he claims) leads us to explore the fascinating story of the CIA's secretive mind control programme, MK Ultra.We hear tales of secret brothels, bogus medical studies, fake hippie houses, and an awful lot of LSD; and we cross paths with the JFK assassination and Charles Manson - all as part of a secretive, bizarre mission to find ways to take control of the human mind.Along with that there's the completely separate matter of Darren's FIFA 23 addiction (and Joe's total inability to understand it), and Darren's hopes that he can someday turn it into a lucrative streaming career.

A listener's email about a small religious community in the south east sets off a wave of confusion, with Darren struggling to grasp the characteristics of cults and skin heads, and why none of those things are relevant to the discussion.There are also brain busters on swivel chairs vs tricycles, and a chance to insert some Air Jordans into iconic moments in Irish history.

We set off on an odyssey through the world of petty crime, and crime prevention, this week. Joe has been picking locks but doing it at all the wrong times, while Darren is wondering about the process of career progression for an up-and-coming gangster, and what life must be like wearing a Canada Goose puffer jacket in 26 degree heat.The lads wonder about the decline of the post office raid, and marvel at the sheer effort involved in an ATM heist.Joe wants to stop banning things just because they can hurt us, while Darren is reflecting on the legacy of Dublin hash – which leads Joe to contemplate the decline of the humble hot rock.And Joe accidentally finds himself cycling on a motorway, where he is almost killed by a bus with Darren’s face on the side.

A listener ensnares Joe in a sting in a sleepy Spanish town, exposing his shameful behaviour to the world with an email detailing (in some detail) Joe's offences.Darren has some tips for a tourist's trip to Dublin, and some trouble coming up with a unique trait of his.The lads consider the benefits of a tour of Ireland's small towns, and Joe is accused of gross hypocrisy and (simultaneously) being the Dublin taxi driver of the high seas.

The lads return from their respective holidays and their show at Electric Picnic with much to talk about.Joe has been stealing swimming and surviving tuna attacks, while Daren went to Tenerife and entered the Very Good Very Nice multiverse.They both had very different experiences of Electric Picnic, with Joe blagging his way into the most restricted areas of the festival and doing some major celebrity spotting, while Darren got lost in a dark car park.And there's been some aggro, from over enthusiastic "saleh" shouters, to tourists encroaching on Joe's pre-booked spaces.

The lads have to consider the realities of fighting chickens in cars on an almost daily basis, or annual knife fights with an orangutan.Joe stakes a very typical position on the topic of when it’s acceptable to hang Halloween or Christmas decorations, and there are some suspect and marvelous trivia “facts” - which might be useless but are sufficiently comforting.

Joe's doctor makes some interesting observations and narrowly escapes an altercation. However, the bad driver who expressed his frustrations towards Joe in a carpark doesn't get off so lightly, and Darren explains that he too suffers from road rage even though he can't drive.The lads reminisce on their childhoods - which for Joe means the realisation that growing up in the flats may have affected him and for Darren means the surprising revelation that he was once a fixture of the Dublin teenage disco scene. There's also talk of a few new films, some of which spark debate, and others which can't be spoken about at all.

Joe won't stand for it any longer - A pint that is, he is strictly sitting down for drinks these days and explains his reasoning in detail. Darren pushes through his dislike of breakfast foods to create his own ideal bowl of cereal, complete with Prime in place of milk.And there's talk of a Stall It video game, the upcoming live show and one listener learns that you can't rely on anyone, not even your favourite podcast host, to repay a kind gesture.

Joe's talk of influencers and publicity stunts sparks a memory for Darren of a very interesting school day. He recounts, to an incredulous Joe, how a bear once threw sweets and chocolate bars into the yard during break time, and the two go on a deep dive into Finglas, 2006, to try and find some answers. They recruit some help along the way from eye witnesses who do their best to piece the mystery together, despite distractions like upcoming trips to Dunnes and those apple drops from back in the day.

Joe's dislike of seagulls has moved onto a different avian species, while Darren ponders the best way to include some basic arithmetic in his day to day conversations. And although it's been years since either of them were on the DART, the lads still have opinions on Dublin's public transport offerings and contemplate the pros and cons of becoming a bus.

Both Darren and Joe sleep in and arrive late to record the podcast, leading them to discussions about Joe's childlike, yet very self aware, dreams of skateboarding and togging out for Man United.Darren's extra hour of sleep unfortunately does little to get rid of his headache, and while it may just be a 'nocebo' effect from years of feeling a bit sick, it could be a sign of some previously undiscovered psychic abilities. And there's a deep dive into one doctor's attempt at establishing a 'Premonitions Bureau' to predict and prevent disasters.

Joe is adamant that forks have made fingers obsolete and wonders if it was the quantity of feta cheese being eaten in Greece that inspired the ancient civilisation to invent the utensil. The conversation then moves on to another piece of tableware as the lads discuss the legality of drinking a pint of Guinness with a straw. Darren looks to catch out listeners who piss in the bath and the manager of Charlestown Athletic makes an impromptu appearance to announce the signing of a new player, a move hoped to turn things around for the club after relegation.

Joe arrives in with a letter from home detailing his terrible tipping habits. Unfazed, he shows no shame for his behaviour, nor for any other equally embarrassing moments, not even one which resulted in a change of underpants. Darren meanwhile tries to decode the secret meaning behind a cup of pick-n-mix brought back from the cinema and briefly considers therapy to make him sound more distinct from Richard Dunne. There's also talk of chippers, corner shops and an exploration of the pros and cons of jocking people.

Making the best of a bad situation, one listener wants to harness Joe's incredible capacity to find the bad in the world and turn it into a big money spinning TV production. The lads are torn on deciding if they'd rather master all of the world's languages or become fluent in each of its musical instruments, and a listener has sent us in a cinematic video showing us what life is like working the farm, as you listen to Stall It pontificate on the pros and cons of farming life, despite knowing nothing absolutely nothing about farms.

Darren and Joe embark on another adventure of mystery this week, as they learn about the strange case of an unidentified body on a beach that left investigators baffled for decades, with theories abounding about spies, time travellers and jilted lovers. Joe is also remembering rigged raffles and Darren recalls his time as a lounge boy benefiting from the generosity of local small time crooks. And of course there's some talk about our upcoming live show at Vicar Street, on September 29th.

A letter of praise arrives all the way from West Cork, and it sparks something deep inside Darren & Joe, who just can't find it in themselves to be gracious - but are intrigued by the idea of farm life. There are decisions to make on if we would fare better against evil aliens or menacing AI, and with our live show at Vicar Street announced, one listener has put forward two potential scene stealing moments, and asked the lads to pick one.

This week we have an unseasonably supernatural wander through haunted tales, superstitions and potential possessions - from haunted bread to a floating wobbly woman coming up the stairs. Joe sends a shiver through our spines with a terrifying tale of some potential hauntings in his home and an inexplicable fear of a man in his bath, while Darren is suspicious of a ghostly sliced pan. We also explore the origins of superstitions, from knocking on wood to a fear of the ominous potential of black cats, and why poisoned crops lay at the heart of the Salem Witch Trials. There are some bizarre tales of impersonators - from a globe trotting French fraudster to the man who enjoyed the high-life posing as Robert De Niro. Besides all that, Joe argues playing a gig in front of 25 people in a pub is what musicians really want, rather than playing Croke park, and Darren tells us about navigating a world of violence in Finglas as a young lad.