What’s the Story? Podcast

Chapter 62: Dr. Cara Augustenborg

This week on the award winning WTSpod Danny & Mero had the pleasure of welcoming climate scientist, lecturer and current Chairperson of Friends of Earth Ireland, "The Verdant Yank", Dr. Cara Augustenborg. 

Climate change is arguably the biggest challenge facing humans in the history of our existence - and yet, there are still a number of people who dedicate time, money and energy to denying what 97% of scientists agree on.Its happening, and humans are the driving force. 

Climate Change is accelerating at an alarming rate with some predictions claiming that summers in the Arctic will be ice free within a few years, but sometimes the arguments can be very heavy and laden with technical talk that is mind bending. With that in mind Dr, Cara tries to simplify it all and look at the problem through the simple minds of two lads from Ballybrack that like spicebags and cans of fanta. 

Chapter 61: Gary Mackle

The lads are joined by the esteemed force of Gary Mackle this week. A man with countless opinions and a beautiful mind. 

If WTSpod had an FAQ section the most popular question would be "When is yer man Mackle coming back on?" So with that question in mind we closed the N11 and had a Garda escort organised so Gary could make it to the beautiful surrounds of Fitzpatrick Castle. 

This week ranges from the serious to the silly and everything in between. Grown men in football jerseys, Voting for Donald Trump, Pat Hickey, and Danny has a biscuit club in work. 

On top of all this we give details of our upcoming chapter which will be broadcast on Facebook Live on August 30th. 

Chapter 60: Paddy McKenna

This week on WTSpod we welcome the brilliant Paddy McKenna to Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel. 

A lot of people will remember Paddy as one half of the popular Weekenders show on RTE 2fm which he co-hosted for five years. He is also the editor of one of Ireland's most visited websites, Joe.ie. 

We spoke to Paddy about his work with Joe, parenthood, beer, Euro 2016, politics and more. As usual there's plenty of tangents, irreverent waffle, and Mero segways through the entire chapter. 

Chapter 59: Bas Rutten

With UFC 202 on our doorstep we continue our tradition of a bonus chapter ahead of The Notorious Conor McGregor fighting. In the past we've brought you WTSpod from Vegas, Chael Sonnen and Mero in Vegas but this time we've out done all of that. 

Our guest this week is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, a three time King of Pancrase, a pioneer and legend of Mixed Martial Arts, the one and only Bas Rutten. 

Enjoy. 

Chapter 58: Petesy Carroll

Petesy Carroll is Ireland and Europe's leading MMA journalist. His work features in multiple media outlets including The Daily Mirror, Newstalk Radio, Severe MMA, Talking Brawls Podcast and many others. He has been featured on Ariel Helwani's "The MMA Hour" and is popularly regarded as the best thing to come out of Blanchardstown since the Yankee Candle Store hit the Blanch shopping centre. 

After a bit of a visa problem stopped Petesy crossing the Liffey before, the lads finally got everything sorted and managed to smuggle him across the border of the Southside and into the beautiful surroundings of Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in the glorious seaside resort of Killiney. 

This week's topics include Petesy's start in journalism and some late night calls from The Notorious one himself, Conor McGregor. We look at McGregor V Diaz 2 and hear about friend of the show, Tony McGregor having a magical experience with David Copperfield. 

We talk about MMA in Ireland and the recent situation regarding regulation of MMA, the lads try to out do each other's segways and there's nearly a falling out over chicken wings. 

Chapter 57: Sexologist Emily Power Smith

Emily Power Smith is Ireland's only sexologist - she has Masters degree in sexology, was the resident sexologist on The Tubridy show on RTE radio for 2 years and is a practising therapist. 

So what is sexology? Quite simply it is the scientific study of human sexuality - and with all of this in mind the two lads sat down with Emily to try and learn something about something that they clearly know nothing about. 

Much like trying to normalise the discussion on mental health, people need to look at sexual health and talk about it more. From the serious to the silly this week talks about all areas of the world of sex and sexual study. From the need to improve sexual education for kids in school to people in their adult life struggling to identify with how they feel internally. From the Graham O'Dwyer case to the fetish world of furries and from sex toys to sex injuries, we try our best not to be childish and hear from the expert. 

On top of all this, Danny's having a rough week with man flu and being attacked by a bee the size of bear and apparently Mero was in Australia before? 

Chapter 56: The lads

This week its just Danny & Mero and an entire chapter of housekeeping. After 14 weeks of inviting people to the beautiful surroundings of Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel the lads decided it would be nice to spend some quality time together and get back to basics... Except it starts frosty as Mero is giving Danny the silent treatment. 

The lads eventually sort out their lovers quarrel and talk drugs in sport again as the Olympics is just around the corner and Danny gives his list of unlikely Olympic Heroes - including a swimmer who had only taken up swimming 12 weeks before the Olympic games. 

Mero looks forward to the Paralympic games and then goes on a rant about people who are idiots. 

All of this and loads more besides! We've also been longlisted for two awards in the Littlewoods Ireland Blog Awards 2016 but more on that next week. 

Chapter 55: Al Foran

This week on the award winning WTSpod we're joined by one Ireland's fastest rising stars. Al Foran is an internet sensation and has been setting celebrities alight with his impressions. 

From Robert de Niro to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from Mark Wahlberg to Stone Cold Steve Austin, from Eddie Murphy to The Notorious Conor McGregor - Al's impressions cover a globe of sports stars, movie stars, entertainers and more. 

His videos have received millions of views and there's no telling just how big his act could get as he continues to incorporate new people to his routine, including Jay-Z, Joe Rogan and Martin O'Neil. 

The lads spoke to Al about how he started out doing impressions and where he wants to go with them. Celebrating Ireland goals, McGregor knockouts and a love of wrestling all play a part in this week's chapter. And of course, we hear from all the names above and some more, including the Donald. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney, Dublin. 

Chapter 54: Lindsey Doyle

It's a family reunion on this week's WTSpod as we welcome one time host of the podcast, Lindsey Doyle to Fitzpatrick Castle. 

It's been six months since Lindsey moved on to pastures new so the lads figured it would be great to catch up with the woman who made them homeless.A lot has changed in those months,including the news that Lindsey is pregnant! 

We talk pregnancy issues, get an update on Lindsey's workings with the SBGi crew including UFC fighter Aisling Daly and future superstar Dylan Tuke. The lads talk OJ Simpson, The Stanford Rape case and Lindsey tells us about the time she knocked a bloke out for touching her. 

On top of this Danny & Lindsey trade stories of how they wet themselves and loads more besides. 

Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean or wherever you listen. Follow us on Twitter @WTSpod and check out facebook.com/WTSpodIreland for more. 

Chapter 53: Dave Hannigan on Muhammad Ali

On June 3rd 2016 we said goodbye to arguably the greatest sports star ever, Muhammad Ali. A three time World Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medal winner, Muhammad Ali started life as Cassius Clay. Growing up in Louiseville, Kentucky, Clay had his bike stolen at the age of 12 and vowed to "whup that theif". The police officer who had the stolen bike reported to him told Clay he better learn how to "whup" somebody and take up boxing. The rest is history. 

Dave Hannigan is an Irish writer, journalist and professor based in New York. He has a weekly column that appears in Thursday's Irish Times and his upcoming book "Drama in the Bahamas: Muhammad Ali's last fight" documents the strange and fascinating case of Ali's last ever boxing match in December 1981. 

Through interviews with many of those involved, he discovers exactly how and why, a few weeks short of his fortieth birthday, a seriously diminished Ali stepped through the ropes one more time to get beaten up by Trevor Berbick. 

This is not Dave's first book on Ali, in 2012 "The Big Fight" was released and it tells the brilliant story of how a Kerry circus performer brought Ali to fight in Croke Park. Almost 34 years to day since Ali took on Al "Blue" Lewis in Dublin, on his way to taking back the Heavyweight crown, we hear about that fight and the circumstances around it from Dave who knows all there is to know about Ireland being a footnote in the career of the greatest of all time. 

All of this and loads more besides...

Check out Dave on Twitter, @DaveyHannigan and we're @WTSpod - don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes 

Chapter 52: Cian Cowley, What's the Story?

Way back on chapter 10 of WTSpod Cian Cowley joined the lads and proved to be one of the most popular guests they've had. At the time Cian had just started with SBGi and was tipping his toe in the MMA world - now 10 months later, he is heading to Las Vegas to compete in the IMMAF World Championships. 

The World Championships take place during the UFC's International Fight Week as part of the Fan Expo and will receive world wide attention from media. The lads talk to Cian about his hopes for the Worlds and what he thinks of UFC 200. 

We hear how things have been going for him under the watchful eye of legendary coach, John Kavanagh, and what its like to be training with some of the best MMA fighters in the world, including UFC Featherweight Champion, The Notorious Conor McGregor. 

Cian talks about his Thai Boxing gym, Warriors, and the young hopefuls coming through the ranks there as well as describing the feelings he had after losing in his MMA debut at BAMMA earlier this year and his optimism for turning pro. 

On top of all this the lads give their predictions for UFC 200 as Danny jets off to Vegas and tells us about the best €3 he has ever spent. 

Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean or wherever you tune in. Follow us on twitter @wtspod and check out or Facebook page for more. 

Chapter 51: JP "Pauly" Kinsella, What's the Story?

This week Danny and Mero welcome Borough Boxing Legend, JP "Pauly" Kinsella to the podcast to talk all things boxing. 

Pauly is a highly regarded amateur boxing coach and in 2015 he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his services to Irish amateur boxing in Ireland. Pauly is also the man behind one of the fastest growing schoolboy/girl boxing tournaments on the planet. The Monkstown Box Cup is in it's 4th year and this year will feature over 900 boys and girls up to 19 years of age from all over the world. It takes place from July 1st - 3rd in Holy Child Sports hall, Sallynoggin. 

We talk to Pauly about his life in and out of the ring, having represented Ireland at World and European level and narrowly missing out on Olympic Qualification. On top of all this we talk about the world of Pro boxing, Rio 2016 and the late, great, Muhammad Ali. 

As always rate, review subscribe and check out our previous chapters on iTunes, on Stitcher, Podbean, anywhere and everywhere just search WTSpod 

Chapter 50: Adam Redmond, What's the Story?

This week Danny & Mero are joined by another borough boy done good, Adam Redmond. 

Adam is a sports journalist and writer for The Times Ireland & has featured in a load of Irish papers over the last 10 years. He is man behind rugby website tapandgorugby.com also. 

With the summer of sport ticking over the lads discuss Euro 2016 and make some predictions, including Danny's ridiculous notion Russia will do well. Mero is delighted with the Irish fans while Danny thinks it might be a little bit patronising at this stage. We talk English, Russian & Welsh hooligans as well as Irish hopes and chances. 

On top of the Euros we look at Irish rugby and discuss the historic win against South Africa and the real possibility of winning a test series against the Spring Boks. The under 20s are setting the World Championships alight, is there drugs in rugby? and we have a real chance of seeing an Irish rugby team compete at the Rio Olympics this summer. 

The Irish women's 7s team are just one tournament away from qualifying for the Olympics and that tournament just happens to be on Irish soil at the end of June. We have a quick look at what's going on when the Olympic Repechage comes to UCD next weekend. 

Rate, review, subscribe and of course, COYBIG. 

Chapter 49: Alan Gernon, What's the Story?

Its a summer of football in 2016 so Danny & Mero have hopped on the Euro 2016 bandwagon and got a football guest. 

Alan Gernon is a comedian, sports writer for Boylesports and an author. His new book "Retired: What happens to footballers when the game is up?" has been getting great reviews both home and away. From George Hook to Neil Delamere and from Keys and Gray to the House of Commons, Alan has been in demand following the release of Retired and for good reason. 

Bankruptcy, Divorce, health issues and prison are just some of the shocking outcomes for professional footballers when they hang up their boots. That might sound like hyperbole but Alan has some statistics to back it up, and they are shocking.  Nearly 50% of footballers face bankruptcy within 5 years of retirement. 33% will be divorced with a year of their playing days being up and up to 80% of retired ex pros suffer with osteoarthritis. 

These are just some of the areas Alan has covered in his book. 

Chapter 49 also includes Euro 2016, Football Manager, Summer BBQs, UFC 199, Muhammad Ali and lots more besides. 

Please remember to rate, review and hit that subscribe button. 

Chapter 48: Mark O'Connor, What's the story?

This week Danny & Mero continue to celebrate the borough and Irish film as they welcome writer and director Mark O'Connor to Fitzpatrick Castle. 

Mark has given the world some of the best Irish cinema of the past decade with films like Between the Canals, Stalker and King of Travellers all gaining attention internationally. He has launch some of Ireland's best and brightest actors in Peter Coonan and John Connors and his latest offering, Cardboard Gangsters, is due for release this Autumn. 

Besides talking all things film the lads also spoke to Mark about his love of skate boarding and martial arts, while Danny talks about his recent trip to see Bruce Springsteen and Mero gives us the low down on how the Ballybrack Bulls faired in just their second season. 

Chapter 47: Dave Coffey, What's the Story?

This week Danny & Mero welcome yet another Borough legend to the award winning Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. 

Dave Coffey is a name you may not be overly familiar with but you will definitely have seen his work over the past 10 years. Back in 2007 Dave brought a young couple called Dan & Becs to Irish screens and since then we've been treated to more of his ideas in the form of Sarah & Steve, The Commute and Fade Street. 

We talked to Dave about the process of TV writing and where his ideas came from as well as projects that don't make it to the small screen - including Peter Kay pipping Dave to a big UK deal. 

Besides the TV craic Dave is also a big fan of pro wrestling, much like the lads are so it was inevitable that we would end up talking about men in tights and all things rasslin'. 

Housekeeping this weeks talks about Danny guarding Derren Brown's secrets, Mero asks about Danny's social media rants and we look at how Mero and Louis Van Gall have something in common.  

Chapter 46: North Korea, What's the Story?

This week on the award winning WTSpod Danny & Mero welcome author and film producer, Paul Fischer, to the podcast to discuss the maddest country on the planet, North Korea. 

Paul's book "A Kim Jong Il Production: The extraordinary true story of a kidnapped film maker, his star actress and a young dictators rise to fame." documents the story of a set of daring kidnappings by the secretive state all in a bid to create some block buster movies in the name of North Korea. 

The story of Choi Eun Hee, South Korea's most famous actress and her ex-husband, Shin Sang-OK has become the stuff of legend. Even today some people in South Korea don't believe it happened, and Paul explains the lengths he had to go to to convince Choi to meet him as she feared the North trying to take her once again. 

From talking about the story in a pub to actually visiting the isolated country and being a tourist in Pyongyang, Paul Fischer's story and book can't be missed. 

On top of this we have Mero talking about his recent experience of Darkness into Light and Danny has been trying to get Mero on First Dates Ireland. 

Remember to rate, review, subscribe and share the love.  

Chapter 45: Fitzpatrick's Castle, What's the story?

This week the award winning WTSpod is bringing you the history of the award winning Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel.

Killiney Castle has stood, overlooking Dublin since the 1700's and is steeped in history, no more so than the last 45 years under the guidance and ownership of the Fitzpatrick Family. 

Owner and CEO, Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott-Lennon and her son, Mark Scott-Lennon joined us to give us an idea of what its like running one of Ireland's most famous hotels and the stories behind it. A true family business, Mark Scott-Lennon is the third generation of the Fitzpatrick family to be heavily involved with Killiney Castle. 

Both Mark and Eithne share stories of what makes the castle great, but also give an idea of how hard the hotel business can be, especially when that hotel just happens to be from the 18th century. 

Danny& Mero give you a history of the castle until the Fitzpatrick family took it over and turned into an award winning establishment that has played a part in the lives of thousands of people around the borough and beyond. 

From being a part of a rich country estate, to sheriffs, judges and involvement of the British Monarch, Killiney Castle has withstood everything that has been thrown at it, including the IRA and Black & Tans. 

On top of this, the lads talk about underdogs and great sporting moments following the fairytale of Leicester City winning the Premiership. 

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is celebrating 45 years in business and you can find out more about that at www.fitzpatrickcastle.com 

Chapter 44: Eurovision, What's the Story?

It's the Eurovision extravaganza on WTSpod this week as we welcome Eurovision 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan and journalist / Eurovision expert Brian O'Reilly to Fitzpatrick's Castle for chapter 44.  Mero was reluctant to be involved in this chapter and Danny had to clamp his wheels to stop him leaving the studio. 

Along with Paul Harrington, Charlie McGettigan is etched into Eurovision history with the song Rock 'n' Roll Kids. The song completed a historic three in a row for Ireland, a feat which has never been matched by any country in the Eurovision. We heard how Charlie and Paul came together and what life was like after winning the biggest song contest on the planet. From tea with the Taoiseach to jetting around Europe and the curious incident of the underpants and the BBC, there were some great stories from the last 22 years being shared. 

Brian O'Reilly is the Social Media & Community editor with Independent.ie as well as Eurovision guru. From Sweden's selection process to a beef with Ireland's 1992 winner, Linda Martin, Brian is a man who knows all there is to know about the annual spectacle. Brian and Danny discuss their favourites from down the years and try convince Mero (and probably you) that Eurovision is quite simply, a way of life. We also talk about betting on the Eurovision and give our tips. 

What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com 

Chapter 43: John Connors, What's the Story?

This week on the award winning WTSpod, Danny and Mero were joined by actor and activist John Connors. 

John came to the attention of the nation on the smash RTE drama "Love/Hate" as Patrick, the man who killed criminal kingpin "Nidge". More recently John featured on Irish screens as part of the documentary "I am Traveller" which focused on exploring the identity of Travellers in modern Ireland. 

John brings us through his life on the camp in Darndale on Dublin's north side and how he got started in acting. From losing his father to suicide aged eight to battling with mental health issues in his teens, John's story is filled with ups and downs and features some heart wrenching as well as heart warming moments.  

On top of this the lads talk about summer in Ballybrack, UFC 200 and Danny is going to see Britney Spears. 

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Chapter 42: John Ross Crangle, What's the Story?

This week Danny & Mero are joined by yet another Borough legend. John Ross Crangle. JR, as we know him, is a world cup winning Pitch and Putt player and has won four Leinster Championships. 

What makes these accomplishments on the course even more impressive is JR was able to achieve this while battling his demons off the course. In an emotional chat with the lads Jr describes what life is like with a gambling addiction and how it brought him to some dark times. 

From having to get loans for special occasions after losing his savings to the isolation and frustration of standing on Killiney beach in the rain and contemplating suicide. 

Just this week Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar announced cuts to the Mental Health Service budget and yet JR is the perfect example of how important that funding is. It's now over a year since he entered Pieta House and now JR is an advocate for keeping a healthy mind and speaks bravely battling an addiction that has ruined so many peoples lives. 

You can check out JR's blog at jrcrangle.wordpress.com 

Chapter 41: What's the story with MMA?

Following the tragic death of Portuguese MMA fighter, Joao Carvalho, in Dublin this week Danny & Mero take a look at the reaction and try make some sense of it all. The lads obtained a copy of the letter Minister for Sport, Michael Ring, mentioned on national radio this week and take a closer look at what he said in that letter. 

Following the call for an outright ban on MMA in Ireland from some groups, Danny asks about deaths in other sports and Mero pushes for much needed regulation in Ireland. 

There's the usual housekeeping slot where the lads discuss Bruce Springsteen setting the trend in North Carolina, Bono is a Pox, Robbie Keane is a top bloke and Dublin Husky Rescue needs your help. 

Chapter 40: Bernard Jackman, What's the Story?

This week the lads had the pleasure of speaking to a rugby legend. Bernard Jackman was capped over 90 times while playing in the blue of Leinster and managed to lift two Celtic Leagues and Heineken Cup before retiring in 2010 due to concussion related injuries. 

A true legend to the Leinster faithful, Bernard Jackman also lined out for Connacht and Sale Sharks earlier in his career, winning a European Challenge Cup along the way. He has also represented Ireland at test level. Bernard spoke openly about his career including his start with Connacht under the guidance of Warren Gatland, the decision to turn professional, funny moments from the road, retirement due to concussion and of course his current role as Head Coach of Grenoble in France. 

Besides this Danny & Mero have their usual housekeeping spot including drugs in sport, ice cream, Danny's first job and Mero tries to speak French. 

Chapter 39: What's the Story with Mero & Danny? Round 2

This week the lads are loving April Fool's Day. Having played a joke on the listeners they talk about some other decent pranks from April 1st including Google, The Dublin Spire and floating people. 

April 4th 2016 marks the 48th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King jr so the lads talk a little about this and other historic assassinations including Danny going full geek on one in particular. 

Mero talks about his experience at the recent 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising and this leads the lads to talk about songs that make you feel like Ireland. 

Check out the previous chapters of WTSpod on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean and all podcast outlets. Rate, review, share and subscribe. Follow us on twitter @WTSpod and Facebook by looking for WTSpod Ireland. 

Chapter 38: Ian Taylor, What's the Story?

This week Danny & Mero had the pleasure of speaking to Ian Taylor, who in 2008 became the youngest Irishman to have successfully climbed Mount Everest. 

Besides conquering the world's highest peak, Ian Taylor has climbed Kilimanjaro 19 times and is currently working on leading a team to the South Pole through a new route.Ian is a leading motivational speaker and trains teams for mountain expeditions around the world. 

You can learn more about Ian and join some of his tours to Everest and Kilimanjaro by visiting www.iantaylortrekking.com