An Irishman Abroad

The beloved DJ Jenny Greene joins Jarlath for a wide-ranging discussion of her journey from a kid too sick to sit her state exams to filling arenas with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Plagued for years with a chronic cough, Jenny had no choice but to go on a course of aggressive steroids and miss crucial months and years in school. The story of how she found solace in music while sipping from a converted nebuliser and deciding to not sit the Leaving Certificate has to be heard to be believed. Later in the chat Jenny opens up for the first time about her personal and professional journeys including her choice to leave RTÉ and how she met her wife at 14 years old while attending the Gaeltacht. There’s news on a potential new musical project, an inside look at how to convert dancefloor bangers into orchestral pieces, why she thinks she has never experienced homophobia face to face in Ireland and a whole lot more. Irishman Abroad is completely crowdfunded by our listeners. We would like to thank everyone who has sign

This week our US correspondent Marion McKeone takes us inside the emotional Senate Judiciary Committee hearings where gymnasts abused by Larry Nasser detailed the horrendous treatment they suffered at the hands of the FBI. The anger at the Department Of Justice’s failure to attend the hearings, the agents who failed to act on the information they obtained and the shocking mishandling of crucial evidence are just some of the details that come under the microscope. Later Marion looks at the re-election of Gavin Newsome, E Jean Carroll’s breakthrough and what that means for Donald Trump. And finally SpaceX put civilians in space this week so Marion reminds us why she will be first in the queue when the space bus arrives for the rest of us. Jarlath recommends two books for those listening who are gluttons for punishment and there’s a reminder of our running event this Saturday in aid of the Ireland Funds.    To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad

Sonia gives Jarlath the raw and unfiltered truth on what most runners leave out from their running routine and why even the elite athlete rolls the dice not knowing exactly how much damage this can do. Currently travelling to the stadiums she used to dominate, Sonia explains to Jar how different it feels to be the coach this time around. We asked the club members for their running hacks and you're going to love some of the wild answers we received. "Directions Gate" rumbles on as Jarlath gets support from the heartless Michelle Guiney! There's even a chat with the ultra-sound Niall Breslin just 24 hours after he completed a ridiculous ultra marathon in aid of his charity Lust For Life. This huge episode is jam packed and only available in full via Patreon.com/irishmanabroad   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising mo

Actress and writer Jade Jordan sits down with Jarlath to discuss the inspiration behind her stunning new book “Nanny, Ma & Me”. Learning to cope with racism, discrimination and abuse is hard enough but a large portion of the population deny it’s very existence, that is something else entirely. Jade explains how the institutional racism the past three generations of her family have faced might have to get worse before it gets better. The presumption that each generation is more tolerant than the last is examined while we hear raw and heartbreaking audio from Jade's interviews with her mother. The final part of the episode is devoted to Jade’s own story and how her time at drama school crippled her confidence but also showed her how not to teach drama at her own school today. The book Nanny, Ma & Me is out now: https://www.bookstation.ie/product/nanny-ma-and-me-an-irish-story-of-family-race-and-home/ To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abro

Marion McKeone was right there when the World Trade Centre crumbled and the world became a different place. On the 20th anniversary of this devastating event, she looks back on what she observed on that day. Together with Jarlath she traces the events and decisions that followed. The thirst for revenge and even torture began that night. Marion recalls the Irish survivor she encountered, the case for invading Iraq and how Bin Laden evaded Bush. Later Jarlath asks Marion for an update on California’s recall, the Texas abortion law debacle and takes the click bait hook, line and sinker! To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. The Irishman Abroad Liveline is now open. You can now get in touch with us and feature on our shows by sending your WhatsApp voice note to 0044 7543 122 33

Is it possible to run without doing yourself harm? Sonia dials in from Belgium for a frank discussion about the pitfalls that scare many off getting involved. We also hear the first hand experiences of our listeners. In harrowing detail one listener gives us an account of a terrifying assault she suffered while running in Dublin. Sonia provides her usual no-nonsense advice for women and men who want to free themselves from the fear of these things. There’s even more in today’s illustrated notes (Patreon exclusive) plus news of our latest virtual event.   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising money for Jigsaw by signing up to the Irishman Abroad challenge over at https://www.idonate.ie/event/2576_.html    To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episode

This week, we have a very special treat for our listeners in which we bring you the Author's Bumper Special. We have delved into the Irishman Abroad archives with over 8 years of interviews with some of Ireland's top writing talents working and living both at home and abroad. From Marian Keyes, Paul Howard and Blindboy to Cecelia Ahern, Roddy Doyle and Louise O'Neill, we hear the fascinating tales from their incredible careers, their own unique approaches to the writing process, the origin stories of some of their finest work and more. To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to

With Marion McKeone away this week we bring you an extra special bonus comedy Selection Box to start your weekend off with a laugh. You’ll probably know John Hastings from his barnstorming performance on America’s Got Talent but the life he lived prior to that big moment is even more extraordinary and hilarious.  John sits down with Jarlath on the eve of his first album release to talk about the rare infant dyspraxia he was born with that led him to be mercilessly bullied in school. Known for his intensely funny and personal shows John pulls no punches in explaining the strange and rocky road of the tour comedian in Canada and how it feels very similar to Ireland at times.  As live entertainment returns across the world John talks about the turning point moment he had while performing down a camera for Jarlath’s Return Of Craic online lockdown show, the divorce, the bicycle accident that nearly cost him his arm, Patton Oswalt’s influence and some sage advice for new comics - there really is something for ev

After a sensational weekend of athletics at home and abroad, Sonia sits down to talk to Jarlath about the latest events and the less talked about guidelines that make the running world go round. Every field of endeavour has its own code of conduct, accepted and understood best practice. Sonia offers her take on the most important ones including those pertaining to the track while Jarlath quizzes the Olympic great on the more absurd rules he has come across. From snot rockets to the art of getting changed in public, this episode has something for everyone regardless of your experience level. Big shoutout to Tom Corcoran for suggesting this topic. There’s also news on the next virtual Irishman Running Abroad event and full breakdown in the episodes notes (Patreon exclusive).   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising mon

This week, actress and writer Clare Dunne makes a welcomed return to An Irishman Abroad for a very special Selection Box episode. Clare speaks about the much-anticipated release of Herself, how COVID positively impacted upon her IFTA award win, the honour she felt to be named in Variety's Screenwriters to Watch 2020 list and much more. As a treat, we are also giving you a healthy chunk of exclusive content from Clare's first interview on the show which details the writing and making of Herself. Herself is in cinemas across the U.K. and Ireland on September 10th. Support Irish film and make it your first post lockdown movie. To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and c

Recorded prior to yesterday’s events at Kabul airport, in this week’s episode Marion McKeone examines the latest twists and turns in the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The former movie mogul is back in court facing 11 sex assault charges involving five women in Los Angeles County after prosecutors returned to a grand jury this week to resuscitate a rejected count. Later in the episode Jarlath and Marion delve into the Ron Jeremy case and ask whether Prince Andrew will ever co-operate with the increasingly agitated investigators working the Epstein case. Finally Marion answers one listener’s question on a little talked about accusation of sexual assault made against President Biden.   To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. The Irishman Abroad Liveline is now open. You can now get in

It’s the one year anniversary of the Irishman Running Abroad! Sonia dials in from Portland after watching her 2 mile record fall to one of her own athletes at the Pre Fontaine Classic this past weekend. While she fills us in on what it’s like to see the fastest 100 metres since Flo Jo, Jarlath goes to the other end of the spectrum to give us a full report on the hill session organised for listeners at The Hill of Tara. The myth busting begins with the Olympic legend setting us straight on whether there is a specific body type needed to run, if stretching is in fact dangerous, if shoes have a mile limit at all, if it’s possible to catch a cold while running and lots more. There’s also Sonia’s tip of the week, two new book recommendations and a new event on the horizon.   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising money fo

I have fallen for this podcast you can download it to your phone! This week, we hear the story of The Saw Doctors from the band's inception to where they are today in never before heard detail. It’s the perfect way to celebrate 30 years since the release of their timeless debut album, “If This Is Rock And Roll, I Want My Old Job Back”. Guitarist Leo Moran joins Jarlath to speak about falling in love with music, the influence of The Boomtown Rats on the band and to tell some of the funniest touring stories you’ll ever hear. Leo explains the spirit of The Saw Doctor's work and how their hard work paid off in one fateful evening. We also get a one of kind insight into how it felt to become accidental popstars and why N17 wasn't an overnight hit. From his thoughts on the current COVID restrictions over live entertainment to why the band wouldn't call it a day for fears of having to do a comeback tour and much more, this is a thoroughly enlightening conversation straight from the horse’s mouth of one of Ireland

The unfolding catastrophe in Afghanistan is the subject of today's podcast with a deep dive from Marion into the beginnings of the war and a discussion of why 70% of Americans are backing Joe Biden's pull-out from the country. Finally, Marion looks at what she believes will happen next in this crisis. To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. The Irishman Abroad Liveline is now open. You can now get in touch with us and feature on our shows by sending your WhatsApp voice note to 0044 7543 122 330. Why not pose a running question to Irish Olympic Legend Sonia O'Sullivan or ask our America Correspondent Marion McKeone her thoughts on a current talking point Stateside? Of course, if you have an issue with traffic or elephants on the loose in your area, Jarlath can do his best to s

After months of burning the candle at both ends, Sonia is feeling the strain as she returns to the USA. She talks to Jarlath about all she has learned about fatigue over the years and how it can actually be used as a tool to increase speed long term. There are questions from the listeners around how much time an average runner should devote to recovery and a ridiculous story of Sonia's first stateside park run and how it brought out the competitive animal in her. There’s a detailed look at a Sonia designed training plan and lots more over in the extended cut for our wonderful members to enjoy on Patreon.   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising money for Jigsaw by signing up to the Irishman Abroad challenge over at https://www.idonate.ie/event/2576_.html    To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the enti

This week, Leinster, Ireland and Lions rugby legend Rob Kearney joined Jarlath for a rare long-form conversation about his life and career. Rob opens up about being bullied at school, how he is being patient with himself in retirement and how a mistake in the gym one day at the age of 19 caused him one of his biggest career regrets. Rob speaks openly about why international rugby in Ireland is suffocating, his recent move to the GAA, Michael Cheika, contemplating staying in Australia, how he didn't feel welcome at Leinster for a number of years and much more.  To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health

It took a week of protests, media pressure and one Marion McKeone podcast to tip Andrew Cuomo over the edge and into resignation. This week Marion and Jarlath examine what exactly happened to force this supposed street fighter to wave the white flag. His half-hearted apology gets an autopsy and Jarlath asks if Cuomo is positioning himself as the Democrat Trumpish outsider candidate. Does he still have fans? Unsurprisingly, yes. Marion looks at the state of Biden’s Covid vaccine rollout and the LiveLine returns with Gareth Murphy getting in touch with a scandal that many may have missed from 1863.  To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. The Irishman Abroad Liveline is now open. You can now get in touch with us and feature on our shows by sending your WhatsApp voice note to 0044

As the dust settles on Kellie Harrington’s triumph, Jarlath Regan asks Ireland’s greatest ever track and field athlete about what lies ahead for Ireland’s golden girl. Sonia looks back on the moment her life changed in the same fashion, examines the idea of pressure in those moments where gold is on the line and offers a rare insight into why being a runner helped her get her privacy back when her world was invaded. Jarlath and Sonia look back on their first pop up running event at Seán Moore park over the weekend and then they dig into the fundamental questions most runners have both serious and casual but forget to ask. To hear the entire discussion and get extra advice from Sonia in our fully illustrated episode notes, sign up to be a member.   Join our running event on strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad and help raise vitally needed funds for our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie and all the work they do to support young people in Ireland. Why not join Jarlath in raising money for Jigsaw by signing up

This week, one of the most talked about Irish musical talents Róisín O joined Jarlath for a fascinating and heartbreaking conversation about her life and career to date. Róisín explains her creative response to the pandemic during her time spent in lockdown in Kerry, her approach to life and her renewed focus on cutting unsupportive people out of her life. Róisín opens up about how she misses the stage, her imposter syndrome with songwriting and how she finds the lack of a clear roadmap for the live entertainment industry 'terrifying.' To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad Supplementary research provided by John Meagher. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to n

This week Marion didn’t need to go into the archives to find a scandal worth talking about. As we recorded this episode, the Andrew Cuomo scandal continued to unfold before us. The New York Governor has fallen from grace after almost a dozen women came forward to say he sexually harassed at work. Even President Biden has weighed in to urge Cuomo to step down. This seems less and less likely, as Marion explains, partially because of his fight tooth and nail attitude. He has attempted to dismiss the claims pointing to his track record in supporting women’s rights and a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment. He has tried to explain them away as misunderstandings but is there a bigger toxic cultural issue here that could threaten the President? Biden has long been accused of getting too “handsy”. Marion looks at her own experience with men in Washington over the years and makes a bold forecast for what is to follow. To hear every episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 500