Episodes
229. Jeffrey Donaldson: The Rise, Fall & Future of the DUP | John Manley
Irish News Political Correspondent John Manley traces Jeffrey Donaldson's rise through unionist politics, explains the history of the DUP, and examines the political consequences of one of the most significant scandals in modern Northern Ireland.
226. How Brexit Happened: Prof. Katy Hayward
Professor Katy Hayward joins The Ireland Podcast to explain the political, historical and constitutional forces that led to Brexit, and why Northern Ireland became central to the relationship between the UK and the European Union.
223. Colin Murphy: How Ireland Thinks, Speaks and Remembers
Writer, journalist and playwright Colin Murphy joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss Irish political culture, storytelling, consensus, individuality, history and the relationship between politics and culture in Ireland.
220. The Tipsy Fiddler: Celtic Music in Shanghai
Alan Cowell, owner of The Tipsy Fiddler in Shanghai, discusses music, pubs, business, expat life and the surprising popularity of Celtic music in China.
217. Xishuangbanna - Southwest China After Dark
An atmospheric journey through Xishuangbanna in China’s tropical southwest - night markets, durian, temples, karaoke and monsoon rain.
214. Arranging “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion
Fender Jackson breaks down the harmony and arrangement of “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion through live piano demonstrations and discussion.
211. Steve Mack 2: That Petrol Emotion Break Up & Adoption
Steve Mack reflects on the breakup of That Petrol Emotion and the life-changing discovery of his biological father.
208. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist
A long-form conversation with Graham Linehan on free speech, media, and public debate.
205. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part 1
Steve Vai reflects on Frank Zappa, virtuosity, and self-doubt, tracing the musical ideas that shaped his early career in Part 1 of a two-part conversation.
202. Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart: Metal Box - Rebuilt In Dub
Jah Wobble reflects on music, creativity, and the legacy of Invaders of the Heart.
228. How Brexit Was Negotiated: Prof. Katy Hayward
Professor Katy Hayward explains the negotiations that followed the Brexit referendum, exploring the backstop, the Northern Ireland Protocol, and the challenge of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.
225. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 2
The concluding part of Gerry Hanley's conversation explores the musicians who inspired him, the magic of Irish sessions, and why music has the power to connect people.
222. Racist Attacks in Belfast | John Manley
John Manley of The Irish News joins The Ireland Podcast to explain the events behind a week of unrest in Belfast and discuss the wider issues facing Northern Ireland.
219. Irish Voices In Shanghai: The Blarney Stone
A visit to The Blarney Stone in Shanghai reveals a thriving Irish community built around friendship, music, business and a shared connection to home.
216. Leaving China - Returning After Four Years
After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns to Kunming for the first time in four years and reflects on memory, technology, culture and ordinary life in modern China.
213. Slash Chords Explained - Bowie, Beatles & Beach Boys
A special music theory episode exploring slash chords in the music of Bowie, The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
210. Steve Mack: That Petrol Emotion to R.E.M. and Nirvana
Steve Mack (That Petrol Emotion) on joining the band, the 1980s music scene, and the stories behind the music.
207. Bill Laswell: Producer
Producer Bill Laswell discusses the making of Album (1986) by Public Image Ltd - recording with Tony Williams, Ginger Baker, Steve Vai and others.
204. Jane O’Leary: Musician - Part 2
Part two of a conversation with musician Jane O’Leary, exploring her creative life and musical journey.
201. Karl MacDermott: Comedy Writer & Performer
A conversation with Karl MacDermott on comedy, writing, and performance in Ireland.
227. John Heron: 43 Years in the Gaeltacht
As he approaches his 87th birthday, John Heron joins his son, Fender Jackson, to reflect on 42 consecutive years attending Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille. A warm conversation about the Irish language, lifelong learning, friendship and one of Ireland's most remarkable cultural institutions.
224. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 1
Galway accordion player Gerry Hanley reflects on a lifetime in traditional music, the stories behind his recent CD, and the musicians who shaped his journey.
221. Andy McKee: Modern Fingerstyle Guitarist
Andy McKee joins The Ireland Podcast in Galway to discuss Prince, YouTube fame, modern fingerstyle guitar, songwriting, alternate tunings and Irish-made guitars.
218. Fender Jackson: An Irishman in China - Shanghai
An Irishman explores Shanghai through history, music, architecture, electric cars, marriage markets and personal memories from China.
215. Fender Jackson: Leaving China
After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns for the first time since leaving during COVID and reflects on life in Kunming and Shanghai, teaching abroad, identity, grief, technology, Chinese culture and the origins of The Ireland Podcast.
212. Jonathan Kemp: Walking 4,200km for Mental Health - Leg 1
Jonathan Kemp discusses bipolar disorder, recovery, dyslexia, addiction, and his 4,200km mental health awareness walk from Shetland to Galway.
209. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist - Part 2
Part 2 of a long-form conversation on free speech, backlash, and the pressure to stay silent.
206. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part 2
Steve Vai returns for Part Two, listening through PiL’s Album in real time and reflecting on the sessions, the players, and the creative freedom of the record.
203. Jane O’Leary: Musician - Part 1
Part one of a conversation with musician Jane O’Leary, discussing influences, career, and artistic development.
200. Fender Jackson: Interview Your Parents
Fender Jackson explores the Interview Your Parents project and the importance of recording family stories.