Stall It with Darren and Joe

Joe tells us about how he once almost became a property mogul, at the tender age of 17. He stood on the edge of an empire, with plans to revolutionise the pool hall scene in Dublin.Sadly this tale is not one of triumph and the business gods didn't smile on Joe, and he is left not with a property empire, but an empire of dirt and a heart full of resentment.Darren has an update on his pawn journey – he’s left the comfort of the couch and entered the real world of haggling over antiques. He’s been haggling at pawn shops and enjoying the thrill of the ride.There’s talk of visiting the Garda seized property auctions, debate over which fictional character Joe most resembles, and updates on his ongoing battle with the food truck industry.

Darren tries Haggis, we hear of exotic visitors to the live show, and weigh up icon Dublin landmarks and institutions to be erased from history.And somehow a discussion on shaving pugs leads to an existential crisis as Daren falls into a wormhole of philosophical thought about the meaning of life, and pugs.

The much discussed fake Rolex arrives amid much fanfare, while Darren’ been literally throwing cash away. Inspired by Darren's reckless disregard for precious metals, Joe’s itching to go on a scavenger hunt, until he learns the laws are  bit more complex than “finders keepers”.Continuing their newfound historical theme, Darren’s been tomb raiding in a supermarket and finds himself considering replacing his collection of toys with a very sensible exhibit of affordable dinosaur fossils.We learn of a remarkably simple but effective scam run inside an English shop, and lament the decline of the simple Swiss roll.During a discussion on social faux pas in Ireland and around the globe we learn that Joe remains utterly undisturbed by what others expect of him in social situations.

Jorts, showband names and multi-pronged pet empires are tangled into the odd web that is this week's bonus episode. Your questions spark discussion on how many businesses you could fit into one truck, why life without a belt is Darren's choice for eternity, and some unfortunate celebrity lookalike allegations.Tickets for Stall It Live at Vicar St are available now at ticketmaster.ieSend your listener questions to [email protected]

Spite once again takes the wheel of Joe’s life, as the desire for petty revenge leads him to lay the foundations for a potentially life changing business venture. But this time, could he be on to a million dollar idea? Or could Darren’s plan for the invention of kebab burgers beat him to the pot of riches?There’s some shocking revelations about 00s cult classic Pimp My Ride, which inspires the lads to design their dream vehicles – with mobile pet grooming, fish tanks and coffee machines at the forefront of the wish list.Darren reveals how Akon fandom remains dominant in his household, which leads to Joe undertaking a mission to get Darren close to his idol, and there are multiple incidences of false advertising of Hollywood superstars appearing at our upcoming live show at Vicar Street.

Is 35 too old to come to the Stall It live show in April? The answer is no, although Darren and Joe may not be the most reassuring comparing the listener who was concerned to other 'ancient' audience members like their mothers and other 'relatives'. They also discuss their favourite conspiracy theories and Joe explains all about the secret Lidl in Antarctica, while Darren wonders about the harsh realities of being ejected from an airplane. Send in your questions to [email protected].

The lads are joined by fellow comedian Kevin McGahern this week who gives the lads an education on life in the country - He explains why he puts on a stronger culchie accent when speaking to the Garda and the boring reality of life on a farm. Darren even attempts to shed his own Dublin accent but only succeeds in taking off his gilet.There's also talk of some previously unheard tales from the Titanic, and other slightly less significant disasters like Joe's first kiss and Kevin's reinvention of himself in a new school. Kevin also shares a story of an audition gone terribly wrong after he went too method and showed up with a can in hand.

Joe claims that he'd be bored on a trip to the moon and reckons there was more craic during the 1916 Rising. Darren meanwhile has dreams of trading stocks and shares, although it quickly becomes apparent that he's actually just planning a scam.A listener gets in touch to offer Joe a gift, but only after it was refused by the Pawn Stars shop in Las Vegas, instead of graciously accepting it, Joe decides he'll recreate a pawn shop at the live show in April. Darren's wedding day attire also comes into question after he was spotted modelling a gilet at a recent wedding fair. There's also a debate about coddle versus stew that inspires the two lads to share their own top cooking tips which include ketchup on spaghetti.Send in your questions to [email protected].

This week we are treated to Joe’s definitive guide to New York City, from the Pecking Ducks of Downtown to the essentials for getting into a row in a burger restaurant, and on to his recommendations for curious local delicacies.We have a bizarre tale from New York, of perhaps history's greatest example of someone backing up their pub talk, driven on by a few pints and a stolen plane (or two).There’s a story of a Hitler matchbook, and questions about what other strange memorabilia commemorates history’s monsters.And Darren tells us about his big day out, riding the DART, enduring an odyssey on Wicklow’s buses, and encountering a gang of sea swimmers.

Joe tells of a terrifying dream that saw ET haunt Dublin's flats, the Stall It audience spots a potentially historic moment at a stadium that could see Joe vindicated at long last, there's a strange tale from a German listener, and Darren saves the world against robot invasion using just the power of dance.

We're joined this week by film director, and long-time collaborator, Ger Walsh. Ger reminisces about how he met Darren, and the power moves Darren deployed in their first meeting.We hear a peculiar conspiracy theory relating to one of Ireland’s most famous actors, Darren celebrates winning the Best Boyfriend award, and Joe reveals his foolproof system to beat the system in Rock Paper Scissors.Joe also tells us about his da’s illustrious career as a competitive draughts player, while Ger’s claims to be a director are called into question as it becomes apparent he does not know the plot to ‘Bean’.

Your queries and musings have put before the lads a raft of tricky choices this week. Is the life of an embarrassing clown or a respectable bore the one they want to lead? Is there more worth in reading a few human minds, or talking to all of the animals? In a room full of spiders, are the lights your friend or enemy?This week we’re joined by Ger Walsh, the director of Darren and Joe’s sketches and TV shows, and he manages not only to challenge the lads with some questions of his own, but also to coax an original Christopher Walken impersonation from Darren.

We reach a remote and unique crossroads this week, as the supernatural and creepy meets relationship advice.Joe makes a ferocious stand on cobwebs, and what they are or are not, while Darren breaks down his system for conflict resolution.We hear about spider wars and the attic invasion saga continues, with the reassuring realisation that “ghosts don’t shit”.There’s a debate on white socks versus black socks, and Joe reveals his fear of empty buildings.Meanwhile, the mailbag grew fat over the Christmas period, with your correspondence going unanswered in our absence. So we take a dive back into it, and hear about sightings of Joe as a background character on First Dates, and Darren has fallen down a pawn shop reality TV rabbithole.

How would Stall It bring Irish culture to the world? Should Joe's conspiratorial views on the aviation industry be entertained any longer? Would you be able to handle being pelted with pencils at breakfast by a former Belgian international footballer? Is a stubbed toe or a lifetime of ham sandwiches a worse fate? We bring you nothing but the very biggest questions this week.

We make our return to the studio after the break and Joe comes armed with many a strange tale, while Darren fears he's been the victim of a grand dog food con.He’s been back to Disneyland and been left frustrated and baffled by the experience. There have been strangers attempting to get into his home, and he's been calling out plumbers to turn on the radiators. It's all left Joe with a shopping list of grievances.Darren is suspicious he’s been tricked, at least once in life, into eating dog food, plus he’s all geared up for the potential catastrophic results of a solar flare, and he’s changed his life with a new headache cap.

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.