Around The World in 80 Gays

Alas listeners - the end is here. This is the final episode of Around The World in 80 Gays for now and maybe forever. Regardless, we've had the pleasure of spending time with some great Irish LGBTQ+ icons and we feel so lucky that we now have this unique audio captured. For this last episode, we pushed the boat out and decided to invite multiple guests on to the podcast. Bertie Ahern dropped in, as did Miriam O'Callaghan, Senator David Norris and the late Gay Byrne even managed to contact us from beyond the beyonds too. Other star turns include Graham Norton, An Taoiseach Leo Vradkar and oh yes - Mario Rosenstock. In this episode Mario talked about his special relationship with his grandmother, his love of George Michael, taking risks and Roy Keane. Thanks to you all for listening and spending time travelling around the world - in 80 gays (+ Marion Rosenstock) with us. Love, Brian and Katherine.

Our main guests last week were writer and performer Eilish O'Carroll and her partner Marian O'Sullivan. We loved chatting to them and reflect on our conversation in this snack side bonus episode. Thanks for listening!

On this week's episode we are joined by actress, writer and comedian Eilish O'Carroll and her partner Marian O'Sullivan. Eilish starred as Winnie McGoodgan in a show you might have heard of - Mrs. Brown's Boys - a BAFTA and IFTA award winning production but has performed all over Ireland and the UK - she even did a spin on Dancing with The Stars in 2019. Welcome to the podcast Eilish and Marian!

In the main episode last week, our guest was writer and broadcaster, Brendan Courtney.Go back and have a listen if you missed it and also to all of our past guests this season - James Kavanagh, Wallis Bird, Cassie Delaney and Darren Kennedy to name but a few. In this minisode however, we chat about friendship, why Brian feels some public figures don't come out and how much we love Brendan. Enjoy!

This week we chatted to friend of the podcast - writer and broadcaster, Brendan Courtney. Brendan is also one half of the Lennon Courtney clothing label which he owns with his friend and business partner Sonya Lennon. Plus, they also have their very own podcast cryptically titled The Lennon Courtney Podcast, available everywhere. In this episode, we talked to Brendan about lycra, his new book and meeting Madonna!

In this minisode, Brian and Katherine share their New York stories inspired by our main guest this week, host and broadcaster, Darren Kennedy. Make sure you go back and listen if you missed it. See you next Thursday for another trip around the world in 80 gays and thanks as always, for listening.

Our globe trotting guest this week is TV host, broadcaster, interiors columnist and entrepreneur, Darren Kennedy. Darren joined us from New York for our chat and shared his coming out/letting in story, his Ricky Martin awakening and the gay anthem that gets him on the dance floor every time. Welcome to the podcast Darren Kennedy!

Hello 80 Gayers and welcome to this week's minisode. Our main interview this week was with Thommas Kane Byrne a.k.a TKB. He chatted to us about all sorts including how growing up in the north inner city has influenced his work. This inspired Brian and Katherine to reflect on their childhoods and talk about how geography and the idea of 'home' has left their impressions on them and their work too. Enjoy!

While Katherine and Brian finish up their winter break/work, we're re-releasing the final episode from series 1 of ATWI80G - our chat with the incredible, Mr. Pussy. Mr. Pussy a.k.a Alan Amsby, first came to Ireland in 1969 with the plan to stay for one week but over 50 years later, he's still here. Since then he has blazed a trail across the drag scene in Ireland, written a book, been on The Late Late Show, performed for Prince and Ronan Keating at The Pod and is fluent in Polari. What a life! We loved recording this episode and learned so much. Mr. Pussy even schools us on where drag stared and it blew our ignorant minds. See you soon for the rest of series 2 and some brand new guests.

Please note: there were some audio issues with the Brian's mic. We're back after our Christmas and panto break and we couldn't be more delighted to welcome writer, actor and self-described Queen of D1, Thommas Kane Byrne to the 80 Gays village. TKB is an award-winning performer hailing from Dublin's North Inner City and artistic director of Breadline. He is one of the youngest winners of the Stewart Parker award, winning a development bursary for his debut play Say Nothin' to No One. You're going to love this episode. Welcome TKB!

Katherine is still in panto and Brian is taking a much deserved break so we're releasing a past episode with a great guest from series 1, Rory Cowan! In this episode, he tells us all about coming out, going out and how his parents taught him to stand up for himself at all times. We hope you enjoy and we'll be back with the rest of season 2 very soon.

Happy New Year all! As we head into a fresh new year, we've decided to share Brian's experience surviving cancer. We hope that if you are going through the same thing or are supporting a friend undergoing cancer treatment that this episode might offer you some comfort, guidance and a few laughs. Stay safe and see you in a couple of weeks with new episodes while we take a wee break. Brian and Katherine

In this post Chrimbo minisode, Brian and Katherine talk about feedback from listeners, where they like to spend a night our and the importance of sharing LGBTQI+ stories. Thank you so much for listening to the podcast this year - we really appreciate your support and hope you've enjoyed the conversations. But for now, bring on 2023 and all it has in store.

Happy Christmas 80 Gayers! This week we are joined by Buzz O'Neill Maxwell, nightclub promoter, event manager and a person who gets things done. We talked about everything from Buzz's letting in story, owning a football club and his love for Dublin City.

This week Brian and Katherine were joined by Eddie McGuinness. Eddie is a social media and communications master, event manager at Dublin Pride and an LGBTQ+ activist. He talked to us about his coming out story, his cancer experience and how he met Katherine. It's a gorgeous episode.

In this bonus minisode, Brian and Katherine talk about their experience as creative human beings and they reflect on their chat with Cassie Delaney.

This week, we are delighted to be joined by superstar podcaster and general wonder woman, Cassie Delaney. Cassie is one third of the very popular Creep Dive Podcast, one half of the Before Brunch podcast and the creator of the Outcaster platform which aims to help creatives make some money honey. This was a great chat where Cassie talked about what being queer means to her, community and most importantly, being from Knocklyon.

In this minisode, Brian and Katherine reflect on their chat with Wallis Bird and how her authenticity is inspiring. Oh, and they also discuss sex clubs.

Wallis Bird latest album Hands, was released earlier this year and she is currently on tour around Ireland and heading to the U.S.A in 2023. Luckily for us, she took time out of her very busy schedule to talk to Brian and Katherine about her gay icons, inspo and anthems.

Inspired by James Kavanagh's appearance on the main episode this week and his multi hyphenated career, we asked each other what new things would we like to try next?

Joining us on our trip around the world this week is podcaster, presenter, writer, food lover and owner of a small hairless cat, James ‘Currabinny' Kavanagh. We talked about loving Blondie, coming out to his mum whilst Corrie was on and egyptology! So put your trays in the upright position and welcome to Around the World in 80 Gays, James Kavanagh!

Our main episode this week was with the amazing Declan Buckley a.k.a. Shirley Temple Bar. Inspired by Declan, Katherine and Brian decided to come up with some drag names of their own and share some of their all time favourites. New main episodes are released every Friday - subscribe and you won't miss a single one!

We're baaack! Welcome back to series 2 of ATWI80G! We're delighted to return with a long-time friend of the show for our season 2 debut - Declan Buckely a.k.a Shirley Temple Bar. Declan is a broadcaster, writer and creator. He is also the host of Telly Bingo on RTÉ1 television and performs as Shirley at Bingo in The George, Dublin. In this episode, he chatted to his ol' pal Katherine Lynch and Brian Kennedy about the gay icons, anthems and inspirations that have shaped his life.

In this Best Of episode we had a gorgeous conversation with panto kings of Ireland, Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick. But being Kings of the Pantoverse is not all that these two do. Alan can be seen every morning on Ireland AM and Karl is a prolific and accomplished writer and performer. As a couple, they've been together since 1993 and married just over ten years. We loved this chat and we hope you do too. Series 2 is coming soon though so stand by and keep those trays in the upright position.

We are still on a little break from the pod but we hope you enjoy this 'Best Of' selection to keep you going - we know how much you LOVE us ; ) This week, we are re-sharing our very first guest on the podcast, Rory Cowan! Rory can currently be seen in Fair City playing the role of Bosco and before that starred in a tiny, indie show called Mrs. Brown's Boys as the loveable Rory Brown. In this episode, he tells us all about coming out, going out and how his parents taught him to stand up for himself at all times. We hope you enjoy and we'll be back with season 2 soon.

**EPISODE CONTENT ADVICE** This discussion covers child abuse and rape. While we're working on season 2 of Around the World in 80 Gays we'll be re-releasing past episodes like this one with guest, Colm O'Gorman. Colm is the former director of Amnesty International Ireland, founder and former director of One in Four and current Global Director of Community Engagement at the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative. And in a whole other side of his life, he is also a food columnist with The Irish Examiner. In this episode, Colm shares his story of abuse and rape by an Irish priest when he was a child. The subject matter is heavy and serious but Colm was so open and eloquent and we are so grateful to him for talking to us. There is also joyful side to this week's ATWI80G too as Colm shares his gay anthem with us and sets out what his dream meal would be. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or just need someone to talk to, we've put together some numbers and resources you or someone you love may find helpful. RESOURCES Beyond Belief by Colm O'Gorman LGBT Ireland - 1800 929 539 or email info@lgbt.ie Outhouse - LGBT Lesbian Bisexual Resource Centre Belong to Youth Service - Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Young People in Ireland -(01) 670 6223 (Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm), 24/7 Anonymous Text Support. Text LGBTI+ to 086 1800 280 anytime when you need support. Standard SMS rates may apply. A trained volunteer will listen to you and help you think more clearly, enabling you to know that you can take the next step to feel better. Samaritans - They provide confidential non-judgmental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Call 116 123.

Hello 80 Gayers of the world! This is the final minisode in this series of Around the World in 80 Gays but never fear! While we are on our mini break, we'll also be recording more great interviews with gay icons and inspirations for series 2. In this final bonus ep, we talked about our brilliant guest from last week, Mr. Pussy and how he has enriched both our lives. There is no one like him. See you soon 80 Gay family for another long haul podcast jaunt! Love, Brian and Katherine.

Alas! The end is not just near - it's here! This is the final episode for series 1 of ATWI80G.Truly though, we have saved the best for last with our guest, the legend that is, Mr. Pussy. Mr. Pussy a.k.a Alan Amsby, first came to Ireland in 1969 with the plan to stay for one week but over 50 years later, he's still here. Since then he has blazed a trail across the drag scene in Ireland, written a book, been on The Late Late Show, performed for Prince and Ronan Keating at The Pod and is fluent in Polari. What a life! We loved recording this episode and learned so much. Mr. Pussy even schools us on where drag stared and it blew our ignorant minds. Until next series, bye for now and thanks for taking a trip with us Around the World in 80 Gaaaaays! P.S Our final bonus minisode will be out Monday.

In this week's minisode we talked about how Brian came to have a doctorate, Katherine's IFTA nominations and just how terrific we all are. I mean, if you can't toot your own achievement flute, what's the point, eh? We hope you love it and don't forget that new full episodes are released every Friday.

Greetings 80 Gayers! On the pod this week, we spoke to journalist Francesca Comyn who is currently the Legal Editor for online publication The Currency. Francesa has also worked for the Sunday Business Post as well as Newstalk where she worked as Courts Correspondent for over 8 years. In 2021, she won the Justice Media Award for court reporting and in the same year, Katherine also won an award for the Trabolgan 60 metre hurdle, egg and spoon race. They are both women of many talents. Enjoy the episode + please leave five stars wherever you listen as it really helps us grow.

Like Forest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get in an Around The World in 80 Gays bonus episode. In this minisode, Katherine shares how she's related to Che Guevara Lynch, Brian talks about his love of San Francisco and dealing with exploding toilets. What can we say - showbiz ain't all glamour. P.S In the main episode this week we chatted with writer and comedian Martin Beanz Warde so go back and listen if you haven't already - it's a good one!

Here we are again - the worlds number 1 podcast hosted by a woman from Leitrim and a man from the Falls Road. This week, we have managed to force, I mean, ask politely, another great friend of ours to share the stories of their gay lives with us. Martin Beanz Warde is a writer and comedian with a degree in sociology and politics from NUI Galway. He has written several publications including The Irish Times and is a frequent contributor to Irish TV and radio and now, Around The World in 80 Gays. Welcome, Martin Beanz Warde!

In this main episode this week we had the incredible talent that is writer and actor, Mark O'Halloran. In this bonus episode, both Katherine and Brian chatted again about how much they love one of Mark's creations - Adam and Paul, and how they love rewatching it. And with that in mind, they then shared what other films they return to.

As an actor, Mark O'Halloran has worked with all the major theatre companies in Ireland. On the big and small screen, he has appeared in numerous films, most notably as one of the eponymous heroes in Adam & Paul for which he also wrote the screenplay. But his talents don't stop there. Mark has also won multiple awards, has dozens of writing credits under his belt and now, to gild his lily even further, he is appearing on Around the World in 80 Gays. We were delighted to have him.

Our very special guest in the main episode this week was Colm O'Gorman. The subject matter was quite heavy so we thought we'd keep it light for the bonus this week. Inspired by Colm's cooking skills and passion for food, Katherine and Brian shared their favourite meal and Brian asks if Katherine has ever tried vag-atarianism?

**EPISODE CONTENT ADVICE** This discussion covers child abuse and rape. This week we are tumbling around the room with delight as our guest is none other than Colm O'Gorman. Colm is the former director of Amnesty International Ireland, founder and former director of One in Four and current Global Director of Community Engagement at the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative. And in a whole other side of his life, Colm is also a food columnist with The Irish Examiner. In this episode, Colm shares his story of abuse and rape by an Irish priest when he was a child. The subject matter is heavy and serious but Colm was so open and eloquent and we are so grateful to him for talking to us. There is also joyful side to this week's ATWI80G too as Colm shares his gay anthem with us and sets out what his dream meal would be. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode or just need someone to talk to, we've put together some numbers and resources you or someone you love may find helpful. RESOURCES Beyond Belief by Colm O'Gorman LGBT Ireland - 1800 929 539 or email info@lgbt.ie Outhouse - LGBT Lesbian Bisexual Resource Centre Belong to Youth Service - Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Young People in Ireland -(01) 670 6223 (Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm), 24/7 Anonymous Text Support. Text LGBTI+ to 086 1800 280 anytime when you need support. Standard SMS rates may apply. A trained volunteer will listen to you and help you think more clearly, enabling you to know that you can take the next step to feel better. Samaritans - They provide confidential non-judgmental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Call 116 123.

Brian and Katherine reflect on this week's incredible guest Vickey Curtis and how her work has affected them both. They also talk about equality and gay marriage plus Katherine talks about writing her own book of poetry someday (hopefully soon…!). New, main episodes are released every Monday so make sure you subscribe and you will never miss a trip Around The World in 80 Gays!

Vickey Curtis is, in her own words, an outspoken word artist, storyteller and theatre maker from Dublin. She has presented work for the Dublin Fringe Festival, the Dublin Live Art Festival, produced for RTE and toured at festivals all over Ireland - to name but a few of her great works. In this episode, Vickey talks about the loss of her mother at 19, coming out at 22 and grief. She also talked about one of her icons, Mary McAleese, the marriage referendum and Vickey even reads some of her beautiful work for us.

Welcome to your snack sized helping of Around the World in 80 Gays. In this week's bonus episode, we reflect on chatting with the incredible Bill Hughes in our main episode last week. Brian recalls working with Bill at an important time in his career and shares the story of the person who first told him he could sing. Katherine talks about feeling like a punk performer and how she is fed up of self-deprecation. Down with that sort of thing we say!

In this 30 minute pleasure cruise of an episode, we chatted to the one and only Bill Hughes, activist, producer and LGBTQI+ hero. Bill was born in the glamorous environs of Athy County Kildare and was one of 13 children. In this episode he tells us his coming out story at 16 in the family kitchen late one Saturday night, marrying his husband Gary, his love of Oscar Wilde, his activism and Joan Rivers. And as with all our guests, he also shares his gay icons, anthems and inspirations. We love Bill and we hope you love this episode. If you enjoyed our chat, please take a second to leave a positive review and five stars wherever you listen. It really helps us grow! Brian and Katherine.

In the main episode this week we chatted to the wonderful Anna Nolan about her coming out story, her time as a nun and life on the TV as star of the first UK series of Big Brother. If you haven't listened yet, make sure you go back and do so right now -Anna's story is so interesting. Another person who we also find endlessly interesting is Oscar Wilde so we decided to make this week's minisode all about him. We share our favourite quotes and reveal our fighting styles... Until next week, bye for now! Brian and Katherine.

Our guest this week is the amazing Anna Nolan. Anna was thrust into the spotlight in the year 2000, after appearing on the first ever series of Big Brother. Since then she has worked on the BBC, Channel 4 and RTE both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as a producer and development executive. Not only that, but she's been a puppet, a poet, a pirate, a pauper, a documentary maker and a nun (2/6 of those are true - but you'll have to listen to find out). We had a great chat with Anna about her coming out story as well as the gay icons and anthems that have helped shape her life. We hope you love it and if you do, please leave a positive review and five stars wherever you listen or even share the episode with someone who might like it. Brian and Katherine.