What’s the Story? Podcast

This week we're joined by the great Colm O'Gorman. He is the executive director of Amnesty International Ireland and the founder of One in Four. You can follow Colm on Twitter - @Colmogorman

This week we are joined by Jade Jordan. Jade is an actor and author whose book "Nanny, Ma, and Me" was released earlier this year and has been nominated for an Irish Book Award. The book spans three generations of an Irish family of colour and their experience of Ireland.

This week we're joined by Anne Marie McNally who has been at the heart of community activism since writing a letter to the Evening Herald has a child and has built a career around that activism, politics and sport.

This week we're talking mental health with the brilliant and humble Keith Kelly. Keith is a mental health activist and the founder of Jumpers for Goalposts, the volunteer-run movement that encourages men of different ages, races, backgrounds and abilities to come together for an old-fashioned game of football using ‘jumpers for goalposts’. If you're near Ballybrack on Sunday, 10th of October pop along for a special get together of Jumpers for Goalposts supported by Mental Health Ireland, kicking off at 11am beside Ballybrack Boys Football Club. To learn more about J4G and future events, visit and like the facebook page today.

This week comedian and podcaster Gearoid Farrelly joins us and we get nostalgic for the nineties and have some craic. Check out Gearoid's podcast Fascinated to hear some of the great chats he has with guests that range from Chesney Hawks to Carol Decker, Bosco to Rachel Allen and so many more. Visit https://gearoidfarrelly.com/ for tour dates and more.

WE ARE BACK!!! After a little summer break we're back and back with a bang. Joining us to kick off our latest run of episodes are two of the best combat sports journalists on the planet. Ariel Helwani and Petesy Carrol are two thirds of the brilliant Ringer MMA Show which is exclusively available on Spotify. This week we hear how the Mega Powers of MMA journalism joined forces and we talk Nick Diaz's return to the Octagon, Conor McGregor and Irish Media, Ariel and Bret 'The Hitman' Hart and lots more besides. Tune into the Ringer MMA Show live on Spotify Greenroom.

This week we welcome Ciaran Mulqueen back to the podcast. Ciaran is the driving force behind the Instagram page that is calling out the insanity in the Irish housing market today, Crazy House Prices. Ciaran first joined us six months ago to talk to us about the mayhem we're seeing around the country and there are no signs of that mayhem stopping.

It's been a marathon summer for Our Man in Stockholm Philip O'Connor having covered both Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics back to back. So, with Philip home less than 48 hours from Tokyo we decided to not let him rest and tell us all about his summer of sport. From working at the games with Covid restrictions to the interesting sandwiches you can get in Tokyo Phil gives us a behind the scenes run through of what it's like covering the games as a journalist. Danny tries to squeeze in some NBA talk and Mero talks to Phil about the brilliant piece he wrote about the Pride of Portland Row Kellie Harrington. If you've not read it you can find it here.

This week we welcome Dr Cara Augustenborg back to the podcast to chat about billionaires in space, charging an EV in Ireland and all things climate change. Danny tries to keep up with the youth by dropping a Tik Tok reference, Mero had an unpleasant experience while out with the stunning Suggsy and Cara tells us why Bezos and the lads need to pull up their socks on earth before heading off into outer space.

On this week's episode Paul and Gary announce their new arts centre in Wicklow. We talk about the Olympics and Paul shares his experience of reporting from Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, the Celtic Tiger and the biggest hangover the country has ever had and the problem with social media.

After a summer holiday the lads return to hear the amazing story of the Black Donnellys - an Emmy award winning Irish Duo who have found success in the US and Las Vegas. Dave Rooney, originally from Ballybrack, joins the lads to discuss winning the Emmy for the documentary "An Irish Story: This is my home". The film took the coveted NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) prize in the “Outstanding Achievement” Documentry; Category. If you manage to get to fabulous Las Vegas in the future, make sure to pay a visit to the Mandalay Bay where you'll find the Black Donnellys lighting up the stage in Ri Ra's Irish Pub.

Eve McDowell is a co-founder of stalking.ie which she set up with Una Ring as there is currently no specific stalking legislation in Ireland. Eve joined us to share her story as a victim of stalking and told us about her experience, how it happened and the lack of support available to victims even as they go through the courts process in Ireland. Eve and Una are actively campaigning to introduce specific stalking legislation in Ireland and to provide support to those experiencing stalking. You can sign the petition by visiting the website above or clicking here. At the time this podcast goes live, less than 400 signatures are needed. If everyone listening signed it, the petition would reach its goal within 24 hours.

Joining us this week is one of the most popular and requested guests we've ever had on the podcast, PJ Gallagher. A national treasure and a man responsible for bringing laughter to millions of people, we're always delighted to catch up the man himself. We talk about dogs, Sex and the City, what makes a dickhead, and we take an unexpected and deep turn when talking about PJ's childhood. Don't forget you hear PJ on Radio Nova, weekdays from 6-10am and you can subscribe to the hilarious Dubland Podcast which he hosts along side the amazing Suzanne Kane.

Larry Mahony is a former FAI UEFA ‘A’ Licence instructor with over 30 years of coaching experience. He has provided expert coaching for players at every level of football in Ireland, from the youngest beginners all the way up to the professionals of Ireland’s National League. We spoke to Larry about his career in football from his trials with clubs like Manchester United and Preston North End to his return home and four decades of success in the Irish game and in Europe. His new book, 'Let the players play' is available now and has won the praise of Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kennedy and Ireland internationals like Stephanie Roche and Aine O'Gorman.

This week we're joined by People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett who spoke to us live from the Dail which is currently sitting in Dublin's Convention Centre due to Covid-19. Our chat with the Dun Laoghaire TD covered issues like Israel Palestine, the Debenhams workers, housing and loads more besides.

***On 4 May 2021 Alan McLoughlin passed away. He will always be remembered by Irish football fans and we are truly thankful that he joined us on this podcast in 2018. We've republished this episode in his memory. Shine on, Alan McLoughlin.*** In November of 1993 Alan McLoughlin wrote his name into Irish football history. His left foot providing the strike that ultimately sent the Republic of Ireland into a frenzy, packing their bags for the 1994 World Cup in the US, after securing a draw against Northern Ireland. On this bonus podcast, Alan joined us just hours after the FAI parted ways with Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane and the rest of O'Neill's backroom staff. Following a disappointing run of games, the Republic of Ireland are struggling to see a bright future for their football fortunes. We also spoke to Alan about his days in the green jersey and the legendary strike in Windsor Park back in '93.

This week we're joined by the brilliant and always fascinating David McWilliams. A broadcaster, author, economist and now podcaster, David is one of the most respected voices in Ireland and beyond. This week the chats go from Vespas to the rejuvenation of main streets in Ireland and from the lack of new council housing ruining football to the increasingly asked question of 'what next for Northern Ireland?' Make sure to click subscribe for all future episodes and check out the David McWilliams Podcast too.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we're joined by journalist and reporter Brianna Parkins. Brianna will be familiar to listeners from her work with Virgin Media and the Irish Times and from her time as the Sydney Rose at the 2016 Rose of Tralee. From dealing with sexism in the workplace to discussing what chocolate goes in the fridge. Danny takes exception to Brianna saying the sun in Ireland is weak, Brianna also shares her Mam's hilarious reaction to her becoming the Sydney Rose and Mero shares stories from his time in Australia (again).

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. On this week's episode we learn Mero has Kerry Katona in his eyes, Danny can't say the word optometrist, salted caramel is a celtic tiger creation, we've found the greatest cinnamon bun on the island of Ireland, we hear listeners' "unpopular opinions" that aren't really unpopular and we hear how Mero is helping Danny get Air Jordan's for his wedding... *Apologies for the audio this week - plagued with mic problems. We'll get it sorted for next episode.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. In association with Inner City Helping Homeless, we are delighted to welcome Fergal Devitt - AKA WWE Superstar and NXT Champion Finn Bálor - back to WTSpod. As part of Wrestlemania week, Finn will defend his NXT championship at NXT:Stand and Deliver and he took time out of his busy schedule to chat to us about what he's been up to since the last time we spoke in January 2016. A big thank you must go to Inner City Helping Homeless for supporting this episode and for the incredible work they do on the streets of Dublin. The ICHH outreach volunteers are on the streets 7 nights a week, 365 days a year offering practical supports to people that are sleeping rough in doorways, parks, squats and places off the beaten track. To support the great work done by this charity please visit https://ichh.ie/donate/.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we're blasting off to space with Dr Niamh Shaw who is at the forefront of Ireland's space ambitions. Niamh is a performer, a writer, an engineer, a scientist, a communicator and aspiring astronaut. She has worked with the European Space Agency, presented talks at NASA, spoken at Áras an Uachtairan and, as we hear, been involved in a very unique Mars expedition simulation here on Earth.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. Housing in Ireland is absolutely bonkers and the pandemic has only made it worse. This week we spoke to Ciaran Mulqueen of the Instagram page that has Estate Agents cursing t'internet, Crazy House Prices. We had a chat with Ciaran about the page and the madness that is buying a gaff in Ireland in 2021. A personal trainer turned primary teacher, Ciaran has no vested interest in the property game beyond being a first time buyer and looking for the right deal. The page has grown rapidly and has become a bit of a community for people looking to buy and finding nothing but frustration.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. It's St. Patrick's Day and to mark the occasion we decided to get the band back together. Gary Mackle and Paul Howard have become firm fan favourites with our listeners over the years. Paul is a best selling author and a highly respected journalist. Gary is an agony aunt, raconteur, philanthropist, entertainer and award winning designer. This week we help you build a playlist of great power ballads and cracking cover versions. Gary tells us about the time his arse was compared to a global rockstar's, Paul reveals a dislike for Ed Sheeran, Cheltenham and even Paddy's Day. The lads share war stories from recent trips to the supermarket while Gary gives us some much needed interior design advice and tell us about the time he had to turn down the offer of coordinating a wedding...

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we're joined by League of Ireland legend Conan Byrne. A league and cup winner and veteran of European campaigns, Conan has done it all across Ireland's domestic football scene and he joined us this week to chat a bit about his career so far and the upcoming LOI season.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. Immunologist Luke O'Neill joins us this week to talk Covid-19 and tell us about the vaccine. Luke tells us why the vaccine is completely safe and takes some time to answer listeners' questions. Luke's book 'Never mind the b#ll*cks, here's the science' was published in 2020 and is available online and in book shops. You can also catch Luke twice a week on the Pat Kenny show on Newstalk and on his own podcast, 'Show me the science' which is available everywhere now.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. Making her long awaited return to WTSpod, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Aoife Moore is back to help educate the lads and shed some light on the world we live in. After a ten minute ramble from Danny and Mero, Aoife puts some manners on the conversation as we chat about schools in Derry v Dublin private schools, female representation in politics, getting stick over working class accents, Irish journalism has a wealth of talent and loads more besides. You can follow Aoife on Twitter and pick up a copy of the Irish Examiner to see her bylines running wild on the pages.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. Alan Moore is a sports specialist based and radio host on Captial FM in Moscow. Originally from Dublin, Alan has been based in Russia for around 10 years and has covered a plethora of sports from football to tennis and loads more besides. We spoke to Alan about the typically Irish way he ended up with a radio show in Moscow and about doping in sport. Alan predicted in September 2020 that Liverpool would not retain their Premier League title as they were "cycling off" - so what does it mean? How safe is hyper caffeine dosing and what is in Klopp's magic bottles? Are all the clubs playing the same game?

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. Dr Tom Clonan returns to the podcast this week after nearly four years from his first appearance. Tom is a retired Irish Army Captain, security analyst, media lecturer and equality activist. His son Eoghan is a wheelchair user and has been the catalyst for Tom's campaign and continues to be a source of inspiration in the fight for equality.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. For the first time since WTS184 the lads have a chat, just the two of them, and as expected it's tangent filled, giggles, waffles and nonsense. Exactly what you'd expect really.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we're joined by our favourite social historian, Donal Fallon. Donal is the man behind the mic on the amazing Three Castles Burning podcast and has been a regular contributor to national media for the last few years.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. So here it is, our Christmas Special and everybody's having fun... we didn't really talk about Christmas but instead it felt like we pressed record on the WTS 2020 office party. As always, when joined by Gary Mackle and Paul Howard, we never know what way the conversation will go. From the gift exchange to dodgy doctors, rat infestations and food disposal, VAR to the Milky Bar Kid, it's random and it's beautiful. Happy Christmas and thanks for listening. Here's to a brighter a better 2021, we'll see you there.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we're joined by Mack Mirahmadi - the man behind the brilliant Good Boy Dog Training. Mack gives us some great advice for our canine companions and helps some listeners out by answering their doggy dilemmas with his expertise. Check out Mack on instagram and if you feel like you're chasing your tail and your four-legged friend is driving you barking mad, then Mack is the man to set your tail wagging.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod. This week we are joined by New York based photographer Mel D. Cole. Mel took time from his Thanksgiving celebrations to chat to us about life behind the lens as one of the most exciting photographers in the world today. Mel has captured a who's who of hip hop artists from Kanye to Kid Cudi, Beyonce to Rihanna and everyone in between. His book, Great: Photographs of Hip Hop 2002 - 2019 was published in earlier this year and is available to buy now. More recently, he has launched Charcoal Pitch FC. The first Black owned sports photography agency dedicated to creatively exploring soccer/football visually. Throughout 2020 Mel has been taking photos and documenting the Black Lives Matter protests and the reaction to the US Presidential election which saw supporters of both candidates take to the streets as results came out. You can see all of this and more on Mel's Instagram.

This episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod Joining us this week is Our Man in Stockholm, Philip O'Connor. Philip is a regular on WTSpod and is described (on this podcast at least) as the Hulk Hogan of Irish journalism. He takes us on whirlwind tour of what happens next in the United States as well as giving us his thoughts on the covid vaccine.

Our favourite friends and pillars of the podcast Gary & Paul join us for a catch up and to tell some stories.

This week on WTSpod we're joined by Mark Burke, a Wicklow man who contracted Covid-19 in March and was given a less than 5% chance of surviving. Thanks to the incredible work of the nurses and doctors, combined with incredible support from family, friends and entire communities, Mark is still here today and was able to share his story. This week we also take some time to try and promote some local businesses that are near and dear to us. A few quid spent locally can make all the difference so please pop in and support your favourite local places.

This week we welcome back a dear friend of the podcast, Europe's top MMA journalist and co-host of The Bash podcast Petesy Carroll. Alongside his long-term partner in crime Niall McGrath, Petesy can be heard every week on The Bash which is available on all podcast providers. On this episode of WTSpod we talk about the impact of covid on media, the rise of conspiratorial views from MMA fighters, Conor McGregor, a fighters union, drugs in sport, triple cheeseburgers, and the greatest prank Mero ever pulled.

This week we're joined by two of the participants in the Suicide or Survive 20-4-20 challenge. (Donate by visiting https://justgiving.com/campaign/20-4-20) The aim of the 20-4-20 challenge is to get a group of 20 people of all ages & fitness levels to complete 20,000km & raise €20,000 between February and the 10th September (World Suicide Prevention Day ). This breaks down to each individual completing 1000km & raising 1000, 1 a Km. The 1000km can be completed by walking, running, cycling, swimming, rowing or crawling and all in aid of the brilliant SOS. Eamonn, who is based in Galway, shares his personal story and what led him to get involved in the brilliant initiative which is the brain child of John Blake. Mary, based in Tralee, came into the challenge in a totally different way but still with an incredible story and mind set. Visit https://suicideorsurvive.ie/ for more information on a great event and incredible charity.

Our man in Stolkholm Philip O'Connor is back on WTSpod. We talk Sweden's response to coronavirus and how they travelled the road less taken. Danny get's surprise Abba chats and Phil tells us about his project for the US Presidential election, "Outside it's America".

This week we're joined by the brilliant and uber-sound Jarlath Regan. Jarlath is a stand-up comedian and podcaster who is the voice (and brain) behind the incredible Irishman Abroad series. His new comedy special "Notions 11" is available to stream on Patreon now and you can check it out by visiting patreon.com/irishmanabroad

Joining us this week is the hilarious Joanne McNally. One of our all time favourites, Joanne is making her third appearance on WTSpod to tell us all about life with COVID, the truth about travelling by sea, online dating, launching a new podcast with an old friend and loadsa craic in between. Unfortunately, thanks to coronavirus, live comedy is hard to come by these days, but when it's back make sure to get out to some gigs - especially if Joanne is involved. Until then, you'll have to settle for watching her be gas on Instagram.

This week we're joined by Femi Bankole who is one of the people behind the brilliant social media movement Black and Irish. In the wake of George Floyd's murder and the surge of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Femi and his two friends Leon Diop and Boni Odoemene set up the Black and Irish instagram page to platform the experience of black people around Ireland. Femi tells us about the page and his experience of living in Ireland and what he hopes to change. This week's podcast also gives a nod to the great Jack Charlton who passed away last Friday. At a time where people need to stand together, Jack's legacy is one of bringing an entire country together through the magic of Euro 88, Italia 90 and USA 94.

He's back. We have the legal team on notice. He's Dermot Bannon's nemesis and Shania Twain's alleged lover, he's Gary Mackle.

Tipperary's newest author Paul Whyte joins us this week to tell us about his new book "Harrow the Boys". Paul tells us about how he started writing, where he gets inspiration and, given he shares his name with a WWE superstar, we of course ask him about 'rasslin.

Joining us during lockdown is independent Senator Lynn Ruane. She was first elected to Seanad Éireann in 2016 and was returned for a second term in 2020. In 2018 Lynn released her autobiography 'People like me'. This episode of WTSpod is dedicated to memory of Ray Clarke.

The great and wonderful Eric Lalor joined us this week as we all continue to play our part in the lockdown. Eric is one of Ireland's favourite comedians and actors, known for lighting up stages and the streets of Carrigstown on RTÉ's Fair City.

This week we're joined by the People's Historian and host of the brilliant Three Castles Burning Podcast, Donal Fallon. Donal has forgotten more about Dublin than most will ever know and specialises in social history - sharing the stories of the people behind the events. Wash the hands. Stay at home.

In the midst of a COVID-19 lockdown we turn to two comedic masterminds to share some laughs through Skype. Stay at home. Wash the hands. Much love.

A global pandemic with people living in isolation? There's only one man to turn to, host of Buckshot Podcast and comedian, Tom O'Mahony. Tom gives his thoughts on the pandemic, lets us know what he's been up to and how he's surviving, Mero bails out when rugby gets brought up, and Tom tells us about his hard hitting 99-year-old grandad who takes no shit. Check out Buckshot Podcast to hear more of Tipperary's finest. Wash your hands.