An Irishman Abroad

This month, the Irishman Abroad's recommendations podcast The Selection Box is back by popular demand! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of content out there, if you’ve ever felt like you’re forever scrolling but never finding what you should be listening to, watching or reading, The Section Box is the podcast for you.   First up, the one and only Tom Dunne selects the defining tracks of 2020 and points you to the music you might have missed. After that, award-winning Irish author and Sunday Times arts writer Eithne Shortall selects the absolute best books of the year as well as some fantastic “Mom gift” recommendations. Rory Cashin (Entertainment writer at lovin.ie) and Eoghan Doherty (movies and TV at JOE) trawl through all platforms to find the movies and shows that are a must watch this Christmas. To close, Úna-Minh Kavanagh takes a look at technology addiction, the gaming industry and also discusses being one of the rare few in possession of the PS5.   This is just a taster. To hear this epis

This week’s slightly delayed episode looks at the most deceptively important aspect of running. Subtle problems and changes to a runner’s form can mean the difference between long term injury and PBs. Sonia introduces Jarlath TJ the concept of “chi-running”. Created by Danny Dreyer after suffering a long term injury, Sonia explains that her introduction to the concepts came from another Irish running legend Catriona McKiernan. After examining drills that can activate the essential muscle groups to improve anyone’s running dynamic, we look at why many of us feel trapped with the form we have.    Attempting to change the way we run takes time and one key thing. Sonia explains what that thing is and why even she struggles with it. Jarlath puts your questions to Sonia including one about running while pregnant, is a cheat day essential and what can we do to overcome the cold.  This episode has it all including an update on our next event. There’s even a discussion of the value of potato picking as a youngster.  

Daryl McCormack joins Jarlath this week to talk about his fascinating life and career. Daryl opens up about growing up different in Nenagh, how the challenges moulded him and the impact that the community had on his life. Daryl speaks about working alongside Alec Baldwin in his latest movie Pixie and how he struggled to keep a straight face with Dylan Moran on set. Jarlath digs into his experiences of imposter syndrome while starring in Peaky Blinders, his current Amazon series The Wheel of Time and his thoughts on the ‘it’ factor. There’s also Jarlath’s now-famous “Lightning Round” and much more. This is just a taster. To hear also gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 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

Sonia guides Jarlath through the maze of pitfalls when buying a stocking filler for the runner in your life. With so many running products swamping our timelines, what’s good and what’s not, what’s the safe bet and what’s too personal to bother even trying to guess. Jarlath finds a few odds and ends that he found online and a few bits and pieces that he says will go down a treat. There’s also news on the Irishman Running Abroad challenge. Jarlath gets told off for not listening to Sonia’s guidance on rehabilitation last week and admits he got too excited about being able to run again. For all the tips, guides and extra info in each episode join us on Patreon.   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad   To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.   Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resou

This week, Irish Times writer, essayist and musician Patrick Freyne joined Jarlath for a fascinating conversation about his life and career. His new book 'OK, Let's Do Your Stupid Idea’ is perfect for any Irish person abroad.  Patrick gives an in-depth look into his approach to writing funny, growing up in a town of 'lunatics' and the art of interviewing. Jarlath digs into his notorious relationship with Dermot Bannon, how organisation has become a key to his writing and why he is so cautious about what he reveals of his personal life in his writing. There is a fascinating discussion on the wider conversation about Irish artistic output and much more. To hear the entirety of this conversation about life and creativity with one of Ireland's most beloved writing talents, why not head over to patreon.com/irishmanabroad. This is just a taster. To hear also gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visi

Sonia and Jarlath talk about legal performance enhancers and discuss you suggestions for ways to improve your running times. Everything from changing shoes to coffee comes under the microscope. After last week’s injury Sonia advises Jar on the importance of a gradual return and together they mull over what the next Irishman Running Abroad event should be. Why not get in touch with your suggestion? There’s also a discussion of the power of music and Sonia reveals a few surprising bangers that used to get her pumped before her biggest races during the nineties.   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad   To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.   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 neede

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of content out there, if you’ve ever felt like you’re forever scrolling but never finding what you should be listening to, watching or reading, The Section Box is the podcast for you. In our brand new monthly recommendations podcast our experts sift through it all so you don’t have to.  The one and only Tom Dunne points you to the music you might have missed. Award winning Irish author and Sunday Times chief arts writer Eithne Shortall selects the absolute best books of the year. Rory Cashin (Entertainment Editor at lovin.ie) and Eoghan Doherty (Movies & TV at JOE) trawl through all platforms to find the movies and shows that will completely change your evenings. To close Úna-Minh Kavanagh takes different look at what you should be doing with the technology in your life. Irishman Abroad members enjoy the XL version of the show and receive a full breakdown email with all the recommendations and where to find them. This is just a taster. To hear this episode i

Some days you just don’t feel like it. That’s true of every activity including running but how can we overcome it. In this bumper episode Jarlath presents Sonia with a few of top reasons why people give up on running and asks how avoid falling into the same traps. Regardless of whether you run Sonia’s tips on goals, planning, identity and self-care will help you. She freely admits to losing her motivation regularly including in the last week.   Jarlath explains why he has suffered his most recent dip after a simple visit to the pharmacy got out of control. There’s also a deep dive into the near miraculous change in Jarlath’s pace as Sonia explains her strategy for his training. Finally the mini-controversy created by the claim that a normal person should aim to run 10K in 40 minutes brings out some fun new facts about “Normal People” and a new world record.   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad   To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that ar

Critically acclaimed Irish author Colum McCann gives us a rare insight into his latest novel and the power of storytelling. When you listen to this powerful conversation, you will not be surprised to hear that Colum has won the Rooney Prize, the Novel of the Year Award, the National Book Award and International Dublin Literary Award. His Man Booker Prize longlisted book Apeirogon has lead critics to ask if a book can bring about peace in Israel. Jarlath digs deep into the experience that lead Colum to writing this game changing work. We how his time spent working as a wilderness educator for young offenders Texas changed his path and his recollection of living in New York during 9/11. As Professor of Creative Writing in the Master of Fine Arts program at Hunter College, New York his views on the art of teaching are truly inspiring for anyone trying to spark the interest of young students.  In its essence, this is a conversation about the power of listening and telling one's story and it could not have come a

After a week of comfort eating watching America nearly implode, Jarlath asks Sonia for some nutrition advice this week. Having escaped her quarantine hotel at last, the Irish athletics legend is on a high and gives some priceless tips on mindset and discipline that we can all apply to our intake. There’s news on our up-coming event on November 18th and a look at Jarlath’s speed of progression with his training plan.   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad   To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.   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 navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation.For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twi

This week, Jarlath is honoured to be joined by Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu. This episode is part of Irishman Abroad’s continued effort to raise awareness of the mental health challenges facing young people and our chosen charity partner jigsaw.ie.  Hazel explains how she and her family were on the devastating receiving end of racism as the only Chinese family in Celbridge (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 navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation.   For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com.   Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whol

In a week when it feels like the whole world is either locking down or smothering us with overwhelming news there has never been a better time to get out and run. Sonia remains quarantined in Australia nobody knows the feeling better than her. Today she talks to Jarlath about making the most of our limited surroundings and stringent rules. After 9 solid weeks of training she prescribes a recovery week for Jarlath and explains why this will help massively in the long run.  There’s a review of last weekend’s club event and the announcement of our next event on November 18th. 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   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie.

Jerry Buting has worked for more than 35 years as a criminal lawyer working exclusively on the defence of serious criminal cases. In 2016, his appearance in the Netflix hit series Making a Murderer, turned him into a household name as he acted in the defence of Steven Avery alongside his colleague Dean Strang. This is Jerry's third conversation with Jarlath on the Irishman Abroad Podcast Network and it certainly does not disappoint. Jerry speaks about how COVID 19 is taking a tighter grip on the state of Wisconsin in which he lives, before delving into a review of what Trump has/hasn't done for the criminal justice system in America and he also gives an honest account of the pressures of working in an overloaded system. From the importance of educating the public in how politicians use the fear of crime to get elected to a bombshell revelation surrounding Steven Avery, Brendan Dassey and the Making a Murder series, why crime labs are so reluctant to carry out blind testing and much more, this is a truly fas

Ever wanted to know what Ireland’s greatest athlete regards as the most vital knowledge she has accumulated over the years? Well in this week’s episode Jarlath asks Sonia that very question. The answers can’t but surprise and help you.  Speaking to us from her new home for the next two weeks, Sonia tells us what living in a quarantine hotel is really like. Together Jarlath and Sonia assess a difficulty for a lot of people and talk about the first Irishman Running Abroad Challenge in aid of our chosen charity partner Jigsaw.ie.  Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. 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 navigate life. Please visit t

Brian Pennie poses the question 'how would you live your life differently if life gave you a second chance?' Brian’s drug addiction was so severe that he was deemed too much of a risk for detox. In this rare conversation, he tells his incredible story of rebuilding his world from the depths of addiction, crippling anxiety through to the most unlikely recovery journey. Jarlath asks Brian about the significance of gratitude and how a lack of awareness while suffering with addiction was preventing him from reaching a place of appreciation. We also find out the subtle impact of being a 'black belt in self-deception.' Brian explains how a traumatic surgery as a child has impacted on his life and much more, this is the perfect conversation to listen to on a week where Ireland continues to bare the weight of the pandemic. This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a

It doesn’t matter what your level of running experience most people want go faster. Fresh off completing his first 10K, Jarlath gets into why and how we can all run better times. There’s news on the next Irishman Running Abroad event on October 31st and a little functional fashion advice from Sonia.  Dressing for the changing weather is essential to avoid picking up a chill when running in these months. Jarlath gets ridiculed for his choice of shorts and the most inside baseball pro-top for keeping your feet warm is revealed by Sonia (Patreon edition only).   Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To hear the full length version of this episode and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. 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 s

The award-winning journalist Mark Tighe is the co-author of the best-selling sports boom of 2020, 'Champagne Football - John Delaney and the betrayal of Irish football: the inside story.'   This week, Mark joined Jarlath to offer a rare inside look into the dark and shocking world of the FAI during it's time under John Delaney's reign as CEO.   Mark goes deep into the story of Delaney's infamous 50th birthday party and why he opened with this bizarre scene.  He tells us about those inside the FAI who failed in their responsibility to keep Delaney 'in check'. Jarlath quizzes Mark on how journalists lived in fear of Delaney, the work already going into bringing this book to the big screen, Mark's own journey into journalism and more. There’s also news on Jarlath’s new challenge to raise funds for Jigsaw.   This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every mon

A special World Mental Health Week episode where Jarlath asks Sonia about her mental wellness during her career. Sonia opens up for the first time about the deep lows that followed the huge highs of her career and the lack of understanding during the 90s on the issue.  There’s a big announcement about a running challenge that listeners can join in with to make a huge difference for our chosen charity partner Jigsaw.ie and young people across Ireland.  Later in the episode we get a special bonus interview with the author of The Running Book - John Connell. Don’t forget our next event is this weekend. Download and listen to hear it all.  Join us on https://www.strava.com/clubs/irishmanrunningabroad To hear the full length version of this episode and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad. Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsa

How do you go from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, to working for CNN investigating Russian interference in the 2016 American Presidential Election? Well, Donie O'Sullivan did just that and this week he joined Jarlath to tell his incredible story. Today his focus is upon the ways in which Trump and Biden are using social media in their  campaigns. Donie speaks to Jarlath about this bizarre process and later in the discussion, they discuss the attempts by Trump to influence violent groups to take action (51:00). Donie gives his thoughts on the wider responsibilities of social media platforms (30:00) and the aspects of social media that are most concerning to him (58:00). From his hilarious story about an article published about him in a local Kerry newspaper (13:00) to his perspective on the #MeToo movement and what it was like working in the media at the time it all started (35:00) and much more, this is a hilarious and engaging conversation with a true talent of Irish journalism. This is just a taster. To hear t

To mark World Mental Health Day we have gathered together some of the most enlightening and heartfelt moments of honesty on the subject of mental wellness. To start off Jarlath has the tables turned on him as Jen Trzeciak of Jigsaw.ie asks the questions. For the first time Jarlath opens up about his own mental health journey and challenges he finds toughest as a parent trying to guide his son through life and the pandemic. Jarlath and Jen talk about the incredible work that Jigsaw does, then in the second half of the show we hear from Bob Geldof, Blindboy Boatclub, Marian Keyes, Jason McAteer, Caroline Foran and Richie Sadlier. As the e-Mental Health Manager Jen Trzeciak is responsible for and central to the work Jigsaw does to help young people in Ireland. In a first for the series, Jarlath opens up about his own mental health struggles and Jen gives some priceless advice to parents looking to protect the mental health of their children. In the second half Bob Geldof speaks about letting the light back in