Ireland Unfiltered with Dion Fanning

Dion is joined by stand-up comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall, ahead of his headline comedy shows at The Three Arena this December. Whitehall discusses why when it comes to making it on the comedy scene, privilege and class won't get you far and how he deals with his posh guilt. Whitehall also discusses his unique relationship with his father both on and off screen and gives some anecdotes on their worldwide travels.

This week on Ireland Unfiltered, Dion is joined by Irish-Canadian novelist and screenwriter, Emma Donoghue. Donoghue discusses the story behind bringing her award-winning novel, Room, to the big screen and the reality of life as a touring author. Donoghue also reflects on the Ireland she left behind as a young, gay woman and the changes her country continues to make.

Prior to the release of his debut album, Without Fear, Dion Fanning was joined by Irish musician and songwriter, Dermot Kennedy. Kennedy discussed his journey from busking on Grafton Street to playing headline arena gigs and the help he had along the way. He also discusses how he cultivated a loyal fanbase through his lyrics and the creative process behind his debut album.

Ahead of her role as Ismene in Colm Tóibín's new theatre piece 'Pale Sister', Dion is joined by Irish actress, Lisa Dwan. Dwan discusses life growing up as an outsider and the long and lonely road she took to medicating her anxiety. Dwan also discusses her experiences of Boris and the Johnson family and the stark differences between her two working worlds.

In this Brexit Special of Ireland Unfiltered, Dion is joined by Europe Editor for RTÉ, Tony Connelly. Connelly discusses the ongoing Brexit saga and what's in store for Boris and the UK. He also talks to Dion about how he sent the currency up with just a simple tweet and why when it comes to breaking stories, he always has complete faith in his EU sources.

Currently in the midst of his nationwide tour, Dion is joined by stand-up comedian Reginald D Hunter. Hunter discusses the trials and tribulations he faces with age and the high price he's paid for success. Hunter also discusses the reality of growing up as a black kid in 70's America and the life-changing moment he discovered he had a daughter.

For our debut Ireland Unfiltered live show, Dion is joined by GAA pundit Joe Brolly. Brolly discusses his infamous career as a sports analyst and the culture of fear sweeping RTÉ. Have we gone too far with balance in sports commentary? Brolly also discusses the darkness and demons he faced following his kidney donation and life growing up in Derry during The Troubles.

Ahead of the release of her new film 'A Bump Along the Way', Dion is joined by Irish musician and actress, Bronagh Gallagher. Gallagher discuss life growing up in Derry and the struggles faced by the people of northern Ireland, her comedown from fame after the success of The Commitments, and the moment she knew Pulp Fiction would be a hit.

This week, Ireland Unfiltered travelled to the department of finance to chat with Irish finance minister, Paschal Donohoe and discuss the ongoing Brexit saga and why a border poll on this island would be a great mistake. Can there be a clean break in a no-deal Brexit and will Ireland pay the price for the loyalty of the EU? Donohoe also discusses the need for journalistic freedom today and why language in politics is more important than ever.

During another week of Brexit intrigue, Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fail’s Brexit spokesperson, joined Dion Fanning on Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how the saga might end. Has the Irish government prepared properly for No Deal and what are the dangers of a border poll and a united Ireland? Chambers also discusses the realities of being a politician in an online world and if the public have forgiven Fianna Fail for their part in Ireland’s downfall.

On this week’s Ireland Unfiltered, the SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon joins Dion Fanning to discuss Brexit and where Northern Ireland is now. The party of John Hume is not the force it once was and Nichola Mallon assesses frankly the struggles of the party which is trying to be a voice of moderation at a time when the extremes are heard the loudest. There is a on-the-nose assessment of Boris Johnson, a withering assessment of Sinn Fein’s abstentionist policy and a sobering reflection about attitudes in the south to Northern Ireland.

Frank Crummey joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how he broke the mould in Irish society. Many people will not know Frank Crummey but his life has had one overarching theme: women's rights. In this week's show, he talks about his commitment to that work, his early appearance on The Late Late Show which began that process and why he keeps on keeping on

Colm joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how he found creativity in his grief and what chemo does to the mind and soul.

Ardal joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss why he thinks Britain are entitled to their fantasy Brexit and how he may never escape Father Dougal.

Pat joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how he deals with death and danger on the mountain, finding his voice in the tough times, and the moment he decided to become a better person.

Melanie joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how she build an online empire, her Twitter backlash and why she chooses to keep some things private.

David joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss his role as former editor of The Sun, why the British establishment doesn't really care about Ireland, and how the TV series Succession was cruel on the Murdoch family.

Jerry joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss why he chose to leave the team he loved, suffering from imposter syndrome and dealing with the challenges of parenthood.

Lynn joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss the violent history of our state, why a united Ireland border poll could fail and the infamous St.Patrick's Day banner.

Best known for his sketches and impressions, Conor joins Dion on this week's episode of Ireland Unfiltered to discuss how his viral videos brought him from a small town in Westmeath to the Big Apple.

Jared joined Dion to discuss how democracy ends in the USA and the UK, the core values of Britain and why he thinks stupidity is slowly conquering the world.

Also known as Lady Grew, Kate is a singer, writer, performer and sex worker. She joined Dion to discuss why we need to decriminalise sex work in Ireland, the dangers involved in the industry and how she came out to her family as a sex worker on national television.

Dion Fanning talks to Irish actor, Jordanne Jones, who began her acting career at just 14-years-old. Jordanne discussed her mental health and acting, being working class in Trinity College and becoming an activist. She plays the role of Emma in Hugh O'Conor's debut directorial feature, Metal Heart.

Dion Fanning talks to L.A. Confidential author, James Ellroy, whose life has been as dramatic and eventful as the novels he has written. Ellroy discussed obsession, God and how he found freedom from the misery.

Dion Fanning talks to Irish stand-up comedian, Andrew Maxwell.

Ireland Unfiltered: Dion Fanning talks to Irish politician, Saoirse McHugh.

Dion Fanning talks to Irish journalist and broadcaster, Tommie Gorman.

Dion Fanning talks to John Barnes who has followed up a phenomenal career as a footballer, most notably with Liverpool by becoming one of the most articulate and compelling voices on race, politics and societal inequality. He spoke to Dion on all these subjects as well as Cool Runnings.

Dion Fanning talks to Irish economist and writer David McWilliams.

Dion Fanning talks to American Psycho writer Bret Easton Ellis about his sympathy for millennials, how he felt doing that infamous New Yorker interview and why he's worried that Donald Trump will win in 2020.

Dion Fanning talks to Rory O'Neill, aka Panti Bliss, about growing up in Catholic Mayo, living with HIV and why Ireland isn't so bad.

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