What’s the Story? Podcast

This week's episode sees the return of one of the most popular guests to ever appear on WTSpod. Donal Fallon is one of the curators of 'Come Here To Me' and one of Ireland's leading historians. He is a broadcaster and author and has forgotten more about Dublin and her people than most of us will know. You can check out more of Donal's work on www.comeheretome.com WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

This week the lads talk about Ireland's heatwave, The Pope, VAR and Danny is chancing his arm as an influencer.... Hiya Volvic.

Jon Kean is an actor, director and all round gent. His new documentary "After Auschwitz" documents the trials and tribulations of six women who survived the Nazi death camps only to find freedom has a price. The same six women were also the focus of Jon's 2007 documentary "Swimming in Auschwitz" which focused on the events of the ladies' lives up to the end of the second World War. Jon also talks a little a bit about Trump's USA and we catch up on the World Cup with one of the 12 Americans actually watching it. You can learn more about Jon and his work at www.afterauschwitz.com WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatric Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

This week we welcome an old friend back to WTS, Pauly Kinsella. A legend of The Borough, Pauly is one of the driving forces behind Monkstown Boxing Club, and has played a pivotal part in Ireland's schoolboy and schoolgirl boxing evolution. We have a good chat about the sweet science and of course, The Monkstown International Box Cup. Now in its sixth year, The Monkstown International Box Cup is the biggest boxing tournament in the world. Almost 1000 boxers representing 191 clubs from around the world will compete across three full days (June 29 - July 1). If you want to check out the next wave of Olympians and Champions you can go to the tournament for just €5 per day. Full details on https://www.facebook.com/MonkstownBoxCup/ WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Our mini podcast is back and the lads try to talk about the World Cup but get distracted by Blindboy, First Dates and a little talk about the late, great Anthony Bourdain.

This week we are delighted to welcome the great Con Murphy to WTS towers in Fitzpatrick Castle. Con hosts the brilliant “Greatest League in the World” podcast and his voice has provided the soundtrack to sport in Ireland for over 20 years. He has covered six Olympics, football, rugby and golf, including the incredible European Ryder Cup victory at the K Club in 2006. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Caste Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Danny Morrison is an Irish author and political activist. A native of West Belfast, Danny has been a key member of the Republican movement for over 50 years and has lived through some of Ireland's most challenging times. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Our Mini Podcast returns this week, Mero is over the referendum and Danny gets upset about rugby talk being interrupted.

This week we welcomed Jay Lester to the podcast. Jay was aged just 15 when he took part in demonstration oppoising the introduction of water charges in November 2014 and later ended up arrested, questioned and put on trial. He was then convicted of falsely imprissoning then Tainaiste, Joan Burton, the only conviction handed out from that protest. Jay spent 3 years clearing his name and in December 2017 his appeal was successful and the conviction overturned.

Chef Adrian Martin is one of Ireland's leading chefs. At 26 he is one of the most recognised and celebrated chefs in Ireland thanks to his best selling cookbook, TV appearances and regular slots at festivals around the country. Having stared in a local kitchen as a teenager and working his way up to Michelin Star cuisine, Adrian's passion for food is obvious and his enthusiasm and energy are helping to educate children around Ireland on how to cook and eat well. You can try some of his delicious recipies for yourself by visiting his website www.chefadrian.ie WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

WWE superstar Becky Lynch joined the lads for a chat about her life as one of the top professional wrestlers in the world today. Becky gives her thoughts on the Irish Wrestling scene, working with greats like Dusty Rhodes and there's the small matter of Ronda Rousey and the 4 Horsewomen of WWE... WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

The 600 is back, for 10 minutes of unrivaled glory... kind of. This week Danny was too lazy to set up music and decided to make sure the 600 was 600 seconds long Mero is excited about this week's guest and gives a few ideas for what to watch on d'telly.

Our guest this week is the one and only PJ Gallagher. Besides being one of Ireland's favourite comedians, PJ is one half of the hugely successful Dubland podcast alongside the great Suzanne Kane. You can catch PJ on 4fm Monday - Friday on the breakfast show with Jim McCabe. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more

After 6 weeks off the lads are back behind a mic and loving life. This week we're joined by broadcaster and TV host, Mairead Ronan. Mairead is veteran of the airwaves having spent over 10 years in Today FM and played a key part in award winning radio shows. She is also a regular on our TV screens has host of Ireland's Fittest Family and travel show, Getaways. You can check out www.faro.ie for more of what Mairead gets up to. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

We're back... You're Welcome.

We have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later.

This week we are joined by Trinity College lecturer, and writer Frankie Gaffney. In a wide ranging chat the goes from the Fortunestown Lidl incident to Shakespear, we spend an hour with one of Dublin's finest residents. You can support the podcast by signing up to our Patreon. For just €1 per month you can keep WTSpod going. Check out www.patreon.com/WTSpod WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Our mini cast is back and it's not that mini this week. The 600 turned into the The 1080 this week as we went on for 18 minutes instead of the prescribed 10. This week, we celebrate International Women's Day by celebrating our favourite actresses and try to use one film to justify their selection as our favourite... Spoiler Alert: We're not very good at it. There's also a little WTS easter egg for you to discover....

The entire country of Ireland ground to a halt this week as Storm Emma and The Beast from the East swept over the island. This week's episode nearly got buried in the snow but thanks to the magic of the internet the lads were able to record a short podcast and discuss the events of the week, including the biggest news story of the year and why the snow is best thing that could have happened to Leo Vradkar. You can support the podcast by joining our Patreon for as little as €1 per month, go to www.patreon.com/wtspod

Irish MMA star Chris Fields joins us ahead of his KSW 42 Fight on March 3rd. We talk a little MMA, Chris remembers his time in The Borough and we go off on tangents, Danny turns heel and Mero wants life in a socialist paradise. Support the podcast on www.patreon.com/wtspod WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

This week on our mini podcast we pick our favourite actors and try to justify our choice with one movie pick.

This week the lads brought the podcast on the road and returned to the Bray Comedy Festival where they caught up with their old friend Gordo from Those Conspiracy Guys. There were burgers, a cat, the coldest night ever, conspiracy chat and some confused memebers of the public. Thanks to Bray Comedy Festival and The Harbour Bar for inviting us back to the festival. If you missed the comedy festival you can catch live comedy every month in The Hardy Har Comedy Club, upstairs in the Harbour Bar. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

On our mini podcast this week the lads talk about their upcoming Workshop with friends of the show Suicide or Survive - you can come along and it's free of charge, check out our social media for full details. We also have officially launched our Patreon for anyone who wants to support us - go to www.patreon.com/wtspod On top of this Mero's wearing facemasks and Danny gets his toes painted.

Our love doctor Gary Mackle has joined us for Valentine's Day to heap love advise upon the world. From colourful farts, to being comfortable with yourself and spicing things up in the bed room, Gary has tips for everyone. He shares some of the problems people have sent in to his famed Arklow Gazette column and offers his take on how to find love in the modern world. Gary and Danny quiz Graham on his new love life and Danny confesses to Graham's Fair City appearance helping his love life. We also give our top songs for increasing the love this Valentine's Day. WTSpod and The Arklow Gazette take no responsibilty for any relationships ruined as a result of the advice contained in this podcast. Listener discretion is advised and we apologise for the childish giggling throughout.

We're back with another edition of our 10 minute tangents - The 600. This week Danny is mad impressed by Space X and Elon Musk, Mero can't wait for the new League of Ireland season and the lads have been listening to a new podcast.

The legendary George Foreman joined us this week to tell us some of his favourite memories from an incredible career. From facing down Ali, to his comeback after a decade away from boxing. We hear about George's success outside the ring including the world famous grill and a little about the hit TV show 'Better Late Than Never.' George has a surprising take on what he wants to see from the future in boxing. Seán Sheehan also joins us to talk about the state of the UFC and the so called superfights. We talk Ronda Rousey in the WWE and call an early predictoon for Cormier v Stipe. You can check out Seán on The Severe MMA Podcast every week - www.severemma.com WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Our mini podcast is back this week with 10 minutes of sheer audio bliss. This week animals have been in the news alot, including a talking orca that doesn't talk, and the Chinese are cloning monkeys now.

With a last minute hiccup Danny & Mero were left guestless so had to improvise... which never goes well. The lads talk about bread and decide what the best burger in Dublin is, Danny doesn't know what a romcom is, Mero hates the oscars, Danny farts and we reveal the plans for our Valentine's special with a little help from an old friend... WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

This week we welcome back an old friend, John Connors. John last joined us 2016 and since then he has gone on to be a key part in the most successful Irish film of 2017, Cardboard Gangsters. In a wide ranging discussion, we talk to John about what's coming next for him, the bare knuckle boxing tradition for Travellers, John's feelings on history and we see if it's possible for three men to have a rational conversation on Repeal the 8th. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

Our 10 minute mini podcast returns this week as Danny rings an ususpecting Mero and gets the low down and what Mero has been doing this week. We also talk about drugs in sport and question if is ever acceptable for a sportstar to use drugs.

Dylan Tuke is one of Ireland's top MMA fighters. At just 21-years-old he is already one of the most recognised fighters in Europe and has just signed an exclusive 3-fight deal with Brave CF. Dylan spoke to us about his start in Mixed Martial Arts, turning pro, and what happens when "The Nuke" goes off. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

And now for something completely different... In this special mid-week bonus podcast we are joined by Michael Graham to peek under the hood of Trump's America. Michael has decades of experience in politics and media and is the host of the "Michael in the Morning Podcast." An American republican who believes Donald Trump is an idiot, Michael still holds true to the conservative ideals that are associated with Republican Americans. Besides working in media, Michael has also been a political consultant and spent some time as a stand up comedian, working with names like Chris Rock, Jeff Foxworthy and Jerry Senfield. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

This week we're joined by Borough legend and friend of the show, Keith Kelly. Keith is a mental health advocate who shared his, raw, emotional and powerful personal story with us. Just over 10 years ago Keith experienced a life changing trauma which left him suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ultimately led to him attempting to take his own life. Today, Keith is healthy and well and able to share his story so others might hear it and reach out. He is also studying in Maynooth University and helps with the mental health programmes run by the amazing Suicide or Survive. www.suicideorsurvive.ie If anyone listening to this podcast or reading this feels like they are in need of help, or even beyond help, please know help is there. The below charities are available by phone 24/7 Samartains - 116 123 Pieta House - 1800 247 247 WTSpod is brought to you by the award winning Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

WE ARE BACK! It's our first podcast of 2018 and what better way to start off than with the return of our minipod - The 600. We're 3 days into the new year so we decided to talk resolutions and find out if the lads had mad any.

Adam Burke is one of Ireland's finest comedians. He is the resident host of The Hardy Har Comedy Club and the man behind the increasingly successful Bray Comedy Festival. Adam is no stranger to WTSpod and we were delighted to welcome him back to close off 2017. We get an update on the upcoming Bray Comedy Festival and theres the usual tangents, giggles, insults, rows and interesting tid bits. You can get your tickets and see the full line up for 2018's Bray Comedy Festival at www.braycomedyfest.ie WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!! A short podcast this week as its been a long year for the lads, so long they forgot to do a lot of things for this podcast so it meant Danny tried to fix it... You'll see what we mean. We have a little chat about music and talk about the old days of buying CDs as Christmas presents and how they don't make bands like they used to. Mero asks what is the right gift for couples in long relationships and Danny tells the story of how he got engaged... it involves a batch loaf. Merry Christmas to all our guests, listeners, supporters and Ric Flair. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

This week we're joined by broadcaster and podcast host, Suzanne Kane. Suzanne is one half of the amazing Dubland Podcast and is a regular on Newstalk radio and TV3. You can check out more of Suzanne's work here --> http://suzisays.com/ WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

In the latest edition of our weekly mini podcast it's Danny's turn to answer the questions of a listener... would he kill a family member for world peace?

This week we welcome back an old friend and fan favourite, Paul Howard. Following another best selling instalment of the Ross O'Carroll Kelly series and a successful stage show in the Gaiety Theatre, it was great to welcome Paul back to WTS Towers. With the festive season in full flow we decided to talk Christmas songs and compile our list of festive favourites. There's controversy, surprises, some old classics and a couple of cover versions. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Our weekly mini podcast returned this week after Mero's trip to hospital. We get an update on his condition and we find out what it would take for Mero to go to prison or leave the WTSpod...

Our guest this week is journalist and broadcaster, Joe O'Shea. A vetran of over three decades, Joe has covered some of the biggest stories of the 90s, 00's and now but perhaps the biggest event of all these years is Brexit. With the world seemingly intent on shrugging its shoulders and continuing a long walk down an a very unclear path, Joe tires to give us two eejits an idea of the how, what and why of Brexit. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Shauna Bannon is one of Ireland's leading athletes and kickboxers. With over 20 national titles and multiple European titles, Shauna marked 2017 by being crowned a double WAKO world champion and female fighter of this year's WAKO world championships. Shauna joined us to talk kickboxing, life as an elite athlete and her decision - having conquered kickboxing - to take on the world of Taekwondo and represent Ireland at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

A weekly bonus podcast where Danny and Mero take a topic from listeners, guests, social media or anywhere really and have 10 minutes to disect it. Or they have 10 minutes to waffle like they always do. This week the lads tackle one of 2017's biggest sex scandals.

Ewan MacKenna is an award winning journalist applying his trade from the far flung shores of Brazil (by way of Athy, Co. Kildare). Ewan is a regular contributor to national and international press and can be heard regularly giving comment, thoughts and opinions on the likes of Today FM and Newstalk Radio. Ewan gives the lad a brief lesson in Brazillian tourism before talking about Conor McGregor, David Walsh & Tom Humphries, Ireland and Rugby and even a little bit of ultimate frisbee. You can catch Ewan on twitter by tweeting @ewanmackenna or check out his work in papers like The Sunday Business Post.

A weekly bonus podcast where Danny and Mero take a topic from listeners, guests, social media or anywhere really and have 10 minutes to disect it. Or they have 10 minutes to waffle like they always do. This week the lads are very upset after a mierable week for Irish sport.

This week the two lads sit down to go through the Paradise Papers and try make sense of it all. Nobody done anything illegal so what's the big deal? Would either of the lads avail of tax avoidence? Do either of the lads even undertsand tax avoidence? (Probably Not) We also ask how good is GSP? Who would be on our MMA Mount Rushmore*? And Danny is trying a new recording method that may or may not continue in future.... WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. *Comments and opinions regarding Anderson Silva & Conor McGregor were recorded before the events of November 10th.

A weekly bonus podcast where Danny and Mero take a topic from listeners, guests, social media or anywhere really and have 10 minutes to disect it. Or they have 10 minutes to waffle like they always do. The lads are nervous ahead of the new World Cup Playoff this weekend and Danny finally gets revenge on Mero.

This week we are joined by Oldham Athletic forward, Eoin Doyle. Doyler, who is currently on loan from Preston North End, told us about his career to date; including his start in the League of Ireland before heading across the water to make a name for himself in the SPL. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

A weekly bonus podcast where Danny and Mero take a topic from listeners, guests, social media or anywhere really and have 10 minutes to disect it. Or they have 10 minutes to waffle like they always do. It's November which means one thing and one thing only... it's Christmas and Danny isn't happy.

Niamh Maher is the host of Girls with Goals - a new podcast from Her.ie that offers some great guests and awe-inspiring individulas. When she's not hosting GWG, Niamh is busy being a journalist, producer and squash hero. Topics this week go from serious to sublime to silly including Niamh missing Patrick Swayze a little bit too much and Danny finally finds someone who loves The Newsroom. We also talk Repeal the 8th and gender wars to online dating, twitter trolls and the dreaded d*ck pic. You can check out Girls With Goals through Her.ie and be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Soundcloud and all good podcast places. WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com