Episodes

After 292 days and approximately 4,800 kilometres walking from Shetland to Galway, Jonathan Kemp reaches the end of his Finding Peace of Mind Walk. Fender Jackson joins his old friend for the final steps, reflecting on mental health, resilience and the journey.

What's the difference between feeling low and clinical depression? Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director of Aware, explores diagnosis, the inner critic, bipolar disorder, therapy, suicide awareness and recovery.

Irish News political correspondent John Manley examines the history of Drumcree, the renewed Garvaghy Road stand-off and its implications for law, policing and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Kemp reaches Dublin on his 4,200km journey from the Shetland Islands to Galway, walking and talking with people along the way about mental health, recovery and hope.

Why does Ireland stand apart from much of the Western world in its attitudes towards Israel and Palestine? Political scientists Liam Kneafsey and Miceal Canavan examine what the data reveals.

Henry Cluney, founding guitarist/member of Stiff Little Fingers, joins Fender Jackson to break down “Alternative Ulster” and explore the story, musicianship and recording behind the song.

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.

Former Irish Minister for Justice Alan Shatter returns for Part 2 of his extended conversation with Fender Jackson, discussing Gaza, antisemitism, Zionism and Ireland's increasingly contentious relationship with Israel.

Former Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter joins Fender Jackson for Part 1 of an extended conversation about October 7, the war in Gaza, Israel, Hamas and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Legendary Irish graphic designer Stephen Averill explores the art of the album cover, his decades-long relationship with U2 and the changing visual language of music.

Policy researcher and migration expert Keire Murphy examines Ireland’s changing population and ask whether the country can handle continued immigration.

Family psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan on raising teenagers in the smartphone age, boys and masculinity, divorce and co-parenting, sibling relationships, dyslexia and John Lennon.

Fender Jackson goes inside “Falling Slowly”, exploring the story, unusual chords, melody and vocal harmony behind Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s celebrated song.

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.

A spontaneous conversation with Breandán Mac Cionnaith on Garvaghy Road following the recent Drumcree standoff with the Orange Order.

A walking conversation through Beaghmore Stone Circles with Quinn, creator of Mend & Move On, about divorce, healing, vulnerability and rebuilding a life.

Malachi O'Doherty joins Fender Jackson for a wide-ranging conversation about Trump's visit to Ireland, political violence, kneecappings and the constitutional question in Northern Ireland.

Donald Trump’s visit placed Doonbeg at the centre of international attention. Fender Jackson visits the village to hear directly from local residents, supporters, critics, protesters - and golfer Shane Lowry (maybe).

Gavin Friday on growing up different in Dublin, discovering Bowie, the Virgin Prunes, U2, performance, creativity, family and a lifetime spent following his artistic instincts.

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.