What’s the Story? Podcast

Chapter 88: Emmet Kirwan

This week the lads are joined by one of Ireland's modern treasures. Emmet Kirwan recently captured the hearts and minds of Ireland with his incredible poem "Heartbreak". The video that accompanied the poem has been viewed over 1.3 million times and has been shared over 20,000 times on Facebook alone.

 

As one of the nation's most recognisable voices, Emmet has continually produced work that connects with the audience and evokes both emotion and thought. His work on the RTE series "Sarah and Steve", his performance of the poem "Just Saying", and most recently his award winning play "Dublin Old School" have all received highly positive reviews.

 

Ireland has produced some incredible artists throughout history, it was a pleasure speaking to one of the modern greats on this week's podcast.

is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, visit www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 87: Bray Comedy Festival

A special edition of the podcast this week as we took WTSpod on the road and travelled to Bray (Bré) for the 2017 Bray Comedy Festival. We caught up with some of the comedians who performed across the week including Chris Kent, Karl Spain, Danny O'Brien and friend of the show/comedy Don, Adam Burke. 

Chapter 86: David Moore

David Moore is Ireland's best known astronomer. Having set up Astronomy Ireland in 1990, he has been gazing into space and looking beyond our own planet for over three decades. 

He has discussed space with Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Sir Patrick Moore and now the two lads on WTSpod. You can learn more about the world beyond our world by going to www.astronomy.ie and joining the club. 

We also give details of our first ever live show which will take place on May 18th - first guests are announced and we'll give more details in the coming weeks including how you can be there. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 84: Diamond Dallas Page

Diamond Dallas Page is a former pro wrestler and a three time Heavyweight Champion of the World. He has revolutionised the world of fitness with his DDP Yoga workouts. 

DDP has enjoyed success in and out of the wrestling ring and at age 60 he shows no signs of slowing down or taking a step back from the DDPY revolution. 

The DDPYoga Now app is available in the App store, Google Play store and online at www.ddpyoganow.com 

WTSpod is brought to you by the award winning Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 83: Irvin Muchnick

This week Danny & Mero spoke to journalist and author, Irvin Muchnick, who is one of the world's best investigative journalists. 

The lads spoke to Irvin about George Gibney, the former Irish Olympic Swimming coach who is at the centre of a child sex abuse scandal that has rocked irish swimming for more than three decades. Since the mid 90's Gibney has lived in the USA under a cloud of suspicion and a desire from many to have him extradited to Ireland to face charges. 

Irvin has also worked extensively on pro wrestling stories, most notably the story involving Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and the death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino. Further to this Irv has also covered the infamously tragic story of the Benoit double murder suicide which shocked the world in 2007. 

 

 

 

Chapter 82: Caroline McGuigan

This week we welcome Caroline McGuigan back to the podcast. Caroline is the founder and CEO of mental health charity Suicide or Survive.

When we originally spoke to Caroline way back on chapter 22, we were amazed by the response to her story - over a year later and we thought we would check in to see how Ireland is doing with mental health and for the usual waffle the lads provide - including Danny trying to talk about mad cow disease but knowing nothing about it. 

If you want to learn more about Suicide or Survive check out www.suicideorsurvive.ie or if you feel you need to talk to somebody, phone Samaratains on 116 123 - 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com 

Chapter 81: The Retro Gamer, Naoise O'Hare

Nostalgia just aint what it used to be... except for when you're talking about computer games from your childhood. 

This week gaming guru and retro enthusiast Naoise O'Hare stopped by WTS towers in the beautiful surrounds of Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel to talk all things Gamer Con and all things retro gaming. 

Retro gaming has developed a massive following over the past few years as the worlds original home gamers seek out what brought them hours of entertainment as a kid. From Mario to Sonic, Duckhunt to Metal Gear Solid, Golden Axe to Street Fighter, we talk about all the classics and our favourites from down the years. 

Naoise will be manning the Retro Zone at the 2017 Gamer Con which takes place on March 18th and 19th in Dublin's Convention Center. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 80: Wayne McCullough

This week we are joined by one of the most successful Irish boxers in History. 

Wayne McCullough is an Olympic Silver Medal winner and went on to become the WBC Bantamweight Champion of the world. 

We talked to The Pocket Rocket about his incredbile career and some of his favourite moments from his years in the ring. We also hear how he is looking to establish a stable of Irish fighters at his gym on the west coast of America, including reaching out to fellow Irish Olympians Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlon. 

Wayne talked about his love of The UFC and Mixed Martial Arts and how even at 46 he reckons he could take on current 125lb king pin, Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson. 

Wayne also gives his take on a certain Conor McGregor, including the much rumoured McGregor v Mayweather superfight. 

Remember to rate, review, subscribe and share if you like what you heard - WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 79: Gary Mackle

So long 2016, hello 2017. 

Friend of the podcast, Gary Mackle makes a welcome return to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and joins the lads for their review of 2016... kind of. 

We had great inentions of reviewing 2016 but as usual, tangents and rabbit holes get the better of the conversations. 

 

Chapter 78: Davina Devine

This week we welcomed one of Ireland's most beloved drag acts to Fitzpatrick Castle to get a glimpse of life through the eyes of an all singing, all dancing entertainment sensation. 

Davina Devine has been performing nationally and internationally for over a decade. She is the resident Queen of Dublin's iconic gay bar "The George" and hosts her own night every Thursday. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours, thanks for listening. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Chapter 77: Paul Howard

This week the lads welcome friend of the show, Paul Howard to studio 9 in Fitzpatrick Castle. 

One of the most popular guests to ever feature on WTSpod, Paul is a multi award winning journalist and author who created the infamous and beloved, Ross O'Carroll Kelly. 

Paul's latest book "I read the news today, oh boy" is about the life and times of Tara Browne. A man who died at the age of 21 and yet led one of the most fascinating and incredible lives of any figure from the 20th century. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more

Chapter 76: Jess Kelly

This week the lads bring WTSpod on tour and record part of the chapter in Danny's car and the other part in the company of journalist and broadcaster Jessica Kelly in Dublin's Newstalk FM. 

Jess has been with Newstalk radio for over 6 years now and is currently the technology correspondent for the station. She is a regular contributor to the Pat Kenny show and can be heard across all shows discussing the latest and best bits from the technology world. 

Special thanks to Jess and all in Newstalk for allowing us use their studio for recording this week. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

 

Chapter 75: Ronan Burtenshaw

Ronan Burtenshaw is a journalist, broadcaster political genius and Dail Researcher. He covers Ireland and Britain for Jacobin Magazine and has featured on Tonight with Vincent Browne. 

We talked to Ronan about Fidel Castro, Brexit, Trump and even Bertie this week as Ronan brings a bit of political nouce to two bewildered lads who like to think they know about important stuff but really would be better off talking about Attenborough shows again or that time Hulk Hogan turned heel and formed the NWO. 

We announce the winner of our Brock Lesnar competition and loads more besides. Hit that subscribe button where ever you listen and don't forget to rate, review and share. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

Chapter 74: Adam Burke

Adam Burke is one Ireland's finest comedians. A native of Bray (Bré) Co. Wicklow he launched The Hardy Har comedy club 8 years ago and it has become a favourite amongst comedy fans and comedians.

He has played some of the best venues around the country and featured in comedy festivals that would make any joke writer blush, including launching the incredible Bray Comedy Festival which will run again in February 2017 for the third year running. 

Ontop of all this Adam has been known to dawn some spandex and boots between the ropes as professional wrestler. He has been in the squared circle with legends like Dan Severen, current WWE Smackdown Women's champion Becky Lynch and of course, fellow Bray man and friend of the show Finn Bálor. 

Be sure to check Adam's solo show "Adam Burke is Alive" on December 8th in the Hardy Har Comedy Club, Harbour Bar, Bray. 

 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - www.FitzpatrickCastle.com

Chapter 73: The Lads

This week on WTSpod, Danny & Mero change things up a bit. There's more Trump talk, Conor McGregor is the King of The World, Danny insults vegans and Mero is still talking about his new found celebrity status thanks to Tesco. 

All of this and loads more besides, including how you can get involved in our 2016 Christmas Special AND its competition time - You'll need to head over to our facebook and twitter pages for details on how you can. 

Don't forget to check out Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and hit subscribe as you download. 

Chapter 72: League of Ireland legend, Pat "Pajo" Flynn

Way back in chapter 9 we spoke to Borough legend Patrick "Pajo" Flynn. Over a year later and Pajo has called time on a football career that seen him play alongside some legends of the game in England before returning home to become a fan favourite (in most cases) with clubs across the country. 

Having laced up the boots for the last time as a pro, Pajo penned a heartfelt thank you letter to fans, friends, family and clubs from down the years which went viral and was shared thousands of times. A two time League of Ireland winner, a Setanta Cup winner and a Division 1 winner, Pajo will always be rememberd as a no nonsense player who gave everything he had. It was a pleasure to welcome him to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and congratulate him on wonderful career. 

Chapter 71: Bruce Buffer & Dan 'The Beast' Severn

With UFC 205 just days away WTSpod sticks with tradition and brings you a special chapter ahead of Conor McGregor stepping into the Octagon once again. 

Dan 'The Beast' Severn is a true pioneer of Mixed Martial Arts. He is the only Triple Crown winner (UFC Tournament, Ultimate Ultimate and UFC Superfight) in the history of the organisation. He has a professional record with over 100 victories and enjoyed a spell with the WWF going toe to toe with wrestling greats such as The Rock, Owen Hart and The Godfather. Dan joined us over the phone and shared some stories from his incredible career. 

Through the magic of Skype we spoke to Bruce Buffer who is known to millions around the world as The Veteran Voice of the Octagon. He has become renowned as one of the greatest announcers of all time and has been there for almost every step of MMA's growth around the world. He is a world class poker player, a former pro kick boxer and a 2nd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. Bruce also manages his brother, the legendary Michael Buffer and has his own podcast "It's Time!" available on iTunes. 

Check out www.brucebuffer.com for more, including how you can have your very own personalised Bruce Buffer introduction.   

Chapter 70: Donal Fallon & Dublin's hidden histories

This week on WTSpod the lads are joined by historian, author, broadcaster and League of Ireland fan, Donal Fallon. 

Donal is a regular contributor to Newstalk radio with his hidden history section and is one of the men behind the incredible blog, Come Here To Me. CHTM has fast become one of Ireland's favourite sources of history material and deals with the brilliant to bizarre. 

Body snatchers in Dublin graveyards, the city beneath the city, league of Ireland and Dublin pubs are just some of the topics covered this week as Donal guides us through some incredible stories of the nation's capital. 

Don't forget to subscribe and review when you download, check out Twitter and facebook for more. 

Chapter 69: Saskia Tidey

We last spoke to Saskia over a year ago when she was on the brink of qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. 

62 chapters and an Olympics later we caught up with, what is now, our favourite Olympian. 

We talk about life at the games, the Olympic Village, the return home and what comes next for one of Ireland's elite sailors.

Housekeeping is in full flow this week with zoo animals, Switzerland, David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer all coming up. 

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, give a share and leave a review. 

Chapter 68: Joanne McNally

This week on the award winning WTSpod we welcomed one of Ireland's brightest talents to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. 

Joanne McNally is one of the current hosts of hit RTE comedy series "Republic of Telly" and is a regular on the radio waves also. She is a hugely popular comedienne and star of productions like Singlehood, Separated at Birth and most recently Bite Me. 

From shoplifting to fuel an eating disorder to approaching her biological father for the first time through Facebook pokes, Joanne is definitely one of the most interesting and entertaining guests we've had the pleasure of talking to so far. 

All of this and the lads have more documentary suggestions, congratulations are being dished out and Danny is back tracking on Trump. 

Dont for get to rate, review and hit that subscribe button! 

Chapter 67: Man Flu

This week Danny has the dreaded man flu and Mero has to put up with his grumpy whinging. 

Listeners from abroad, Concussion, the death of Josh Samman, Danny's dislike of Gaelic Football, Mero recommends more documentaries to watch and Friday Night Lights turned 10 this past week. All this and more on this week's chapter. 

Don't forget get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook, and hit that subscribe button when downloading! 

Chapter 66: Those Conspiracy Guys

Paul Kelly and Gordon Rochford AKA Those Conspiracy Guys have gone from Ireland's best kept secret, to Ireland's leading independent podcast. 

Launched in 2014 and now in Season 4 of their insanely popular podcast, the two lads popped out to Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel in the heart of Killiney to catch up with Danny & Mero. Gordon of course has been a guest previously on WTSpod but with Paul along side him the conspiracies were flying like a UFO outside Area 51. 

Princess Diana, Big Foot, The Presidential Election, Zika Virus - these are just some of the many topics covered this week and if you want to hear more head over www.thoseconspiracyguys.com or check them out where ever you listen to podcasts. 

Chapter 65: One Zero Con with Rob Hartnett

This week the lads welcomed Rob Hartnett to Fitzpatrick's Castle in a bid to learn more about the commercial side of sport. 

Rob Hartnett is the CEO of Sport for Business and one of the men behind the biggest sport and technology conference in Ireland this year, The One Zero Con, in Dublin's RDS. The One Zero Con takes place October 21st and key note speakers include Lance Armstrong, Sir Clive Woodward and Shane Lowry. 

Rob joins the lads around the 47 minute mark of the podcast but before Rob popped into the studio at Fitzpatrick's Danny and Mero went about solving some of life's great mysteries. Mysteries like where do sayings come from and is it true Adolf Hitler had a brother who roamed the streets of Dublin? 

Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes or wherever you listen and get in touch on Facebook and Twitter. 

Chapter 64: Jason Brophy

This week the lads are joined by a man who is responsible for ushering in the golden age of style in the borough. Jason Brophy is the creative director of Men's Hair Co. - One of Dublin's most popular and beloved barbers.

Having spent the best part of a decade honing his skills and mastering the craft, Jay opened the doors of his first shop in 2014 as a one man show and now, less than two years later he has a second shop and an entire team leading the way in men's grooming. 

You can check out menshairco.ie for more and make an appointment with the lads in either Bray or Dun Laoghaire today. 

Chapter 63: Aonghus Óg McAnally

This week the lads are joined by one of the nicest men in Irish entertainment and a third generation actor - the great Aonghus Óg McAnally. He is a third generation actor, following in the footsteps of his father Aonghus McAnally and his grandfather, the late, brilliant Ray McAnally. 

Aonghus has done it all in the acting world, from award winning performances treading the boards of international theatres, to starring on both the small screen and big screen. On top of all this he is the man behind Irish production company Rise and commentator for the amazing OTT Wrestling. 

We spoke to Aonghus about acting, wrestling, The Dublin Fringe Festival, Mother Teresa and a whole lot more... including the best Tinder story you will hear for a long time. 

Aonghus will be featuring in The Dublin Fringe Festival from September 21st-24th in the Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar as he stars in the play, "Traitor". Follow @AonghusOg on Twitter for more.