Episodes

Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland, joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about her life, public service, peace, faith and the changing island of Ireland.

Why do so many Irish people support Palestine? Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, discusses Ireland's relationship with Palestine, Israel, military neutrality, Zionism, antisemitism, BDS and the search for peace.

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.

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.

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.

A visit to The Blarney Stone in Shanghai reveals a thriving Irish community built around friendship, music, business and a shared connection to home.

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.

A special music theory episode exploring slash chords in the music of Bowie, The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

Steve Mack (That Petrol Emotion) on joining the band, the 1980s music scene, and the stories behind the music.

Producer Bill Laswell discusses the making of Album (1986) by Public Image Ltd - recording with Tony Williams, Ginger Baker, Steve Vai and others.

Recorded immediately after Glen Hansard’s funeral in Dublin, close friends and fellow musicians share personal memories of his friendship, generosity, music and the man they came to say goodbye to.

The concluding episode of our three-part conversation with Prof. Katy Hayward examining Brexit's legacy, Northern Ireland and the future of these islands.

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.

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.

Andy McKee joins The Ireland Podcast in Galway to discuss Prince, YouTube fame, modern fingerstyle guitar, songwriting, alternate tunings and Irish-made guitars.

An Irishman explores Shanghai through history, music, architecture, electric cars, marriage markets and personal memories from 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.

Jonathan Kemp discusses bipolar disorder, recovery, dyslexia, addiction, and his 4,200km mental health awareness walk from Shetland to Galway.

Part 2 of a long-form conversation on free speech, backlash, and the pressure to stay silent.

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.

Recorded at Glen Hansard’s public wake in Dublin, friends, musicians and admirers share their memories of the musician and the impact he had on their lives.

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.

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.

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.

Alan Cowell, owner of The Tipsy Fiddler in Shanghai, discusses music, pubs, business, expat life and the surprising popularity of Celtic music in China.

An atmospheric journey through Xishuangbanna in China’s tropical southwest - night markets, durian, temples, karaoke and monsoon rain.

Fender Jackson breaks down the harmony and arrangement of “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion through live piano demonstrations and discussion.

Steve Mack reflects on the breakup of That Petrol Emotion and the life-changing discovery of his biological father.

A long-form conversation with Graham Linehan on free speech, media, and public debate.

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.