Naïvely Optimistic

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Lads, what is happening!Hope you all had a fantastic Paddy's day!I am back. After a few weeks away from the mic and jet setting around the globe for my best mate's wedding over in Central America. I have returned. And I have missed yous dearly.Thank you all so much for be patient with us during the break. I really appreciate the messages and the shares etc.. but we're finally back and buzzing!We kick things off as per the roster with Steven and in this one we treat this more of a catch up episode. I reveal how I got on over the last few weeks over in Mexico, Miami and Belize and then myself and Steven craic into some funny Paddy's Day chat and drop some big big news as well.Thanks again lads! Forever love you absolute rockets!

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Lads, what is happening!Hope you're all having a fantastic week thus far!The Lads™️ are back with another unscripted segment but this time with Steven.I don't even wanna ruin this one. This is a very nice, light hearted ep. Lots of zigs and zags that I think yous will enjoy. Particularly when we get to answering the listeners questions.Hope you enjoy it and yous are all doing wonderfully! Forever love you absolute rockets!

Lads, what is happening!Hope you all had a fab weekend.It was absolutely glorious to be back sharing the mic with Aoife once again! Bit of an interesting one for yous though this week;Unfortunately due to hectic schedules we've been finding it hard to link up. So we found a small gap on Saturday that worked for the both of us, so we decided to go au naturale for this one and just shotgun it. However it's not all just random, free flow chat. I do whip out a topic towards the end that I had prepared from a rabbit hole that I got lost down the other night which is relating to children remembering their past lives! So very out there lol!I think I'll probably do another dedicated episode on that topic though at some point. But for now it was good to at least get a little bit into it with Aoife who ordinarily I wouldn't really do anything like that with.Overall I think yous will enjoy the tempo of this one, lot of zigs and zags and for those of you do enjoy the tangents you will not be let down

THE LADS™️ are back with their first installment of 2022!And in this edition the lads talk all things Spring-heeld Jack!But who was Spring-heeled Jack?In short Spring-heeled Jack is an entity in English folklore of the Victorian era. The first claimed sighting of Spring-heeled Jack was in 1837. Later sightings were reported all over the United Kingdom and were especially prevalent in suburban London, the Midlands and Scotland.There are many theories about the nature and identity of Spring-heeled Jack. This urban legend was very popular in its time, due to the tales of his bizarre appearance and ability to make extraordinary leaps, to the point that he became the topic of several works of fiction.Spring-heeled Jack was described by people who claimed to have seen him as having a terrifying and frightful appearance, with diabolical physiognomy, clawed hands, and eyes that "resembled red balls of fire".One report claimed that, beneath a black cloak, he wore a helmet and a tight-fitting white garment like an oilskin. Many stories also mention a "Devil-like" aspect. Others said he was tall and thin, with the appearance of a gentleman.Several reports mention that he could breathe out blue and white flames and that he wore sharp metallic claws at his fingertips. At least two people claimed that he was able to speak comprehensible English.Enjoy!

THE LADS™️ are back with part 2 of our Jack the Ripper Extravaganza!In this part 2 cap off the final murders and discuss some of the theories surrounding this crazy tale!Enjoy!

THE LADS™️ are back with another NOP HISTORY, But with a twist!Unfortunately due to some scheduling issues, NOP True Crime had to be rescheduled. However, instead of skipping straight to History; I decided to collaborate with Warren on a topic that sits nicely in-between True Crime and History.The result; Jack the Ripper!Many of you will have already heard the name but to some this crazy tale up;Jack the Ripper was an English serial killer. Between August and November 1888, he murdered at least five women—all prostitutes—in or near the Whitechapel district of London's East End. Jack the Ripper was never identified or arrested. Today the murder sites are the locus of a macabre tourist industry in London.Enjoy!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 41!And in this one THE LADS™️ kick off a BRAND NEW theme that we are going to be sticking on for the next few episodes together. We get into it further within the episode but this episode marks the start of this new theme which out simple is THE LADS™️ attack on an array of charlatans within several "self-help" industries. These individuals prey on susceptible people for their own gain, promising them the sun moon and stars in exchange for their money. This happens across the board, in many different spaces and we are going after all of them

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 41! And in this one THE LADS™️ kick off a BRAND NEW theme that we are going to be sticking on for the next few episodes together. We get into it further within the episode but this episode marks the start of this new theme which out simple is THE LADS™️ attack on an array of charlatans within several "self-help" industries. These individuals prey on susceptible people for their own gain, promising them the sun moon and stars in exchange for their money. This happens across the board, in many different spaces and we are going after all of them

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 40!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 39! Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 38! A Halloween special! SORRY; we mean SAMHAIN!The boys talk all things the HILARIOUS Irish traditions surrounding Halloween, such as the infamous black bin bag costumes, bobbing apples, POXY trick-r-treat loots and much more! The Lads also delve into the crazy origins of halloween and tail off with some insane TRUE exorcism stories. One not to be missed!  Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with another NOP HISTORY!With your hosts Gaz O'Neill and Mr Warren Shelley!And as we are approaching Halloween, it felt only fitting that this week we are talk all things the Salem Witch Trials! In short the Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. More than two hundred people were accused. Thirty were found guilty, nineteen of whom were executed by hanging!Madness!As per though; THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion

THE LADS™️ are back with another True Crime extravaganza!And in this installment we are talking all things the... Barbie and Ken Killers!So, are the Barbie and Ken Killers?Known as the “Barbie and Ken Killers” for their good looks, Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo are some of Canada's most infamous serial killers. The young couple induced fear throughout southern Ontario in the 1990s with a string of sex attacks and killings before they were arrested. Bernardo was convicted in 1995 of kidnapping, raping and murdering three teenagers, including Homolka's 15-year-old sister; Homolka pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the deaths in exchange for a 12-year prison sentence. A lawyer for Bernardo later said his client had confessed to at least 10 other sexual assaults. Initially, Homolka portrayed herself as a victim, convincing authorities she was forced to partake in the crimes. Evidence later revealed she was a willing participant.THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion.Enjoy!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 35!And in this one THE LADS™️ are continuing the Disney trend! Talking all things SLEEPING BEAUTY!THE LADS™️ break down the original book in typical NOP fashion with some major laughs along the way!As per with Ian and Gary there are also a couple of hilarious tangents and offshoots here and there!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 34!And in this one THE LADS™️ are talking all things Dyatlov Pass!In short though the The Dyatlov Pass incident was an event in which nine Russian hikers died in the northern Ural Mountains between 1 and 2 February 1959, in uncertain circumstances. The experienced trekking group from the Ural Polytechnical Institute, led by Igor Dyatlov, had established a camp on the eastern slopes of Kholat Syakhl. During the night, something caused them to cut their way out of their tent and flee the campsite while inadequately dressed for the heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures.After the group's bodies were discovered, an investigation by Soviet authorities determined that six had died from hypothermia while the other three had been killed by physical trauma. One victim had major skull damage, two had severe chest trauma, and another had a small crack in the skull. Four of the bodies were found lying in running water in a creek, and three of these had soft tissue damage of the head and face – two of the bodies were missing their eyes, one was missing its tongue, and one was missing its eyebrows. The investigation concluded that a "compelling natural force" had caused the deaths. Numerous theories have been put forward to account for the unexplained deaths, including animal attacks, hypothermia, avalanche, katabatic winds, infrasound-induced panic, military involvement, or some combination of these..As per tradish of course though; the boys break this down in typical NOP fashion with some serious craic along the way

THE LADS™️ are back with yet another NOP HISTORY!With your hosts Gaz O'Neill and Mr Warren Shelley!And this week we are talking all things the Siege of Jadotville! AKA the most INSANE Irish underdog story you most likely have never heard. And reasons for this are explained within the podcast! But lads; this one is BONKERS! And if you're Irish, this a MUST LISTEN.I don't wanna say too much. But in short;The year is 1961. The location is The Congo. The suss is... 150 Irishmen backed up against 4000 Katagans. Fighting for their life in the f*ckin standoff of the century, Madness!As per; THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion

THE LADS™️ are back with another True Crime extravaganza! However covering for Aoife this week while she takes annual leave, we have none other than the Iano fella stepping in!And in this installment, the boys tackle... HEAVENS GATE!So, what exactly is Heavens Gate you ask?Heaven's Gate, was a religious group founded in the United States on a belief in unidentified flying objects. Under a variety of names over the years, including Human Individual Metamorphosis, Bo and Peep, and Total Overcomers Anonymous, the group advocated extreme self-renunciation to the point of castration.As per, THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion.Enjoy !

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 31!And in this one THE LADS™️ are continuing the Disney trend! Talking all things The Little Mermaid!THE LADS™️ break down the original book in typical NOP fashion with some major laughs along the way!As per with Ian and Gary there are also a couple of hilarious tangents and offshoots here and there!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 30!And in this one THE LADS™️ are talking all things the Enfield Poltergeist (made famous by The Conjuring 2) as well as a myriad of hilarious tangents

THE LADS™️ are back with yet another NOP HISTORY!With your hosts Gaz O'Neill and Mr Warren Shelley!And this week we are talking all things Tarrare!Lads; if you're are not familiar with Tarrare, you're about to be! In France in the 18th Century there was a man known as Tarrare. Noted for his unusual appetite and eating habits and able to eat vast amounts of meat, he was *constantly* hungry! So much so his parents could not provide for him and he was turned out of the family home as a teenager and by the age of seventeen he could eat his OWN WEIGHT in beef. This insatiable hunger led him to become a travelling performer, eating everything from snakes to stones to golden forks, to eventually becoming a SPY for the French Military!As per; THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion

THE LADS™️ are back with another True Crime extravaganza!And in this installment we are talking all things... H.H Holmes!So, who is H.H Holmes?Herman Webster Mudgett (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896), better known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or H. H. Holmes, was an American serial killer active from December 1891 to November 1894. Victims were killed in a mixed-use building which he owned in Chicago, located about three miles (5 kilometers) west of the 1893 World's Fair: Columbian Exposition, supposedly called the World's Fair Hotel (informally called "The Murder Castle").THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion. So,ladies and gents. Strap yizzarselves in for this one. This one has it all!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 27!And in this one THE LADS™️ are continuing the Disney trend! Talking all things PINOCCHIO! THE LADS™️ break down the original book in typical NOP fashion with some major laughs along the way!As per with Ian and Gary there are also a couple of hilarious tangents and offshoots here and there!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 26!And in this one THE LADS™️ are talking all things Sleep Paralysis as well as a myriad of funny, strange and crazy phenomena relating to sleep.In short though sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move that occurs right after falling asleep or waking up. Individuals remain aware during episodes, which frequently involve troubling hallucinations and a sensation of suffocation.Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror.THE LADS™️ also resurrect the infamous WhatsApp voice notes from our listeners and play/read some messages sent into us by listeners about their own experience with sleep paralysis.Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back! And its a special one this week!I'm delighted to FINALLY be able to debut the last of the rotating co-hosts. In a new style of the show that I am buzzing about.Ladies and gents, its here..NOP HISTORY!With your hosts Gaz O'Neill and Mr Warren Shelley!And this week we are talking all things RASPUTIN.Lads; if you're are not familiar with Rasputin I don't even wanna give away too much away in this description. Just tune in and enjoy the life and times of one of the whackiest men to ever grace the planet. But in short; Rasputin, was a Siberian-born peasant, who underwent a religious conversion as a teenager and proclaimed himself a healer with the ability to predict the future, won the favor of Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra through his ability to stop the bleeding of their hemophiliac son, Alexei, in 1908 became an influential member of the Romanov Dynasty. But that's not all; this story has it all. From demonic possessions, to satanic immortality, to downright wild levels of PROMISCUOUS horseplay. This is one not to be missed.As per; THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion

THE LADS™️ finally return this week to True Crime!Joined by our True Crime correspondent Aoife Devine. Gaz & Aoife reunite after what seems like an eternity to shoot the shit on all things pedophiles, rapists and clowns. In this installment covering one individual in particular, And that is...Mr John Wayne Gacy.Who is JWG?John Wayne Gacy, (born March 17, 1942, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.—died May 10, 1994, Statesville, Illinois), was an American serial killer whose murders of 33 boys and young men in the 1970s received international media attention and shocked his suburban Chicago community, where he was known for his sociability and his performance as a clown at charitable events and childrens' parties.THE LADS™️ break down this crazy tale in typical NOP fashion.It's good to have Aoife back and banging out some TC again!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 23! And in this one THE LADS™️ talk about the dark origins of one of Disney's most beloved films, Snow White.Dropping some facts along the way about Disney, this is a nice light hearted ep to brighten up your Tuesdays!Gaz also drops an incendiary update vis-a-vis the scam discussed on last weeks show.Enjoy yous sexy animals!

Ladies and gents. Season 4 has landed!THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 22! And to kick off our debut episode we are talking all things CURSED Kleenex commercials! I know... WHAT!? No. We have not lost our minds, this is a LEGIT event that occurred back in the 1980's whereby popular tissue giant Kleenex released a commercial that was so disturbing it was taken off the air immediately. Myself and Steven make our way thought this bizarre tale and in typical NOP fashion have some large laughs along the way.Enjoy yous sexy animals!

Lads!How are we!?To celebrate The Lads™️ finally touching down in the Top Podcasts Spotify charts in Ireland, I've decided to release one of our Patreon exclusive episodes to all of you beautiful listeners here on Spotify & Apple.Potentially my favorite Patreon episode we've ever done, this one is a deep dive into all things Griselda Blanco.What is there to say about this youngone!? Fuck Pablo Escobar and the boys! This youngone was the real O.G!!!Griselda Blanco was known as La Madrina AKA the Black Widow, the Cocaine Godmother and the Queen of Narco-Trafficking, was a Colombian drug lord of the Medellín Cartel and a pioneer in the Miami-based cocaine drug trade and underworld during the 1980s through the early 2000s. She also became the first female criminal BILLIONAIRE!! Sending yous good vibes, always! ✨❤️

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 21!Joined this week by Iano! The lads talk all things Harry Houdini!Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts.Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 20 for a True Crime special!Joined again by our crime correspondant Aoife Devine. Aoife and Gaz dive into all things Denis Rader AKA The "BTK" Killer. Dennis Lynn Rader is an American serial killer known as BTK or the BTK Strangler. Between 1974 and 1991, Rader killed ten people in Wichita and Park City, Kansas, and sent taunting letters to police and newspapers describing the details of his crimesEnjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 19!Joined this week by Steven! The lads talk all things cursed dolls. And what better place to begin than with the one who started it all. Robert!Robert the doll is an allegedly haunted doll exhibited at the East Martello Museum. Robert was once owned by Key West, Florida painter and author, Robert Eugene Otto. For over 100 years, reports have told of the doll moving, changing facial expressions, and even talking. Join us for a history of the doll and its haunts!Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back w/ episode 18!Joined this week by the 3rd of the rotating co-hosts, Iano! Iano, who made his debut earlier in the month over on our Patreon is known to some of the listeners, but excitingly makes his debut this week over on Spotify.In this episode myself and Iano explore the official story behind the flight's disappearance, we analyze the theories and mysteries and try to make heads or tails of the circumstances surrounding this event . Was the plane brought down by the pilot, or a cyber-attack? What kind of information might governments be hiding from the families who lost loved ones?Enjoy yous sexy animals!

THE LADS™️ are back with Episode 17 for another True Crime special!Joined again by our crime correspondant Aoife Devine. Aoife and Gaz dive into all things Robert "Willie" Pickton.Robert William "Willy" Pickton (born 24 October 1949) is a Canadian serial killer who was convicted in 2007 of the second-degree murders of six women. Arrested in 2002, he was the subject of a lengthy investigation that yielded evidence of numerous other murders.Enjoy yous sexy animals!

Gaz is BACK with episode 16!Joined this week by new host and9aas pal Aoife Devine for a True Crime Special. The pair dive into all things Jeffrey Dahmer. Known as the Milwaukee Cannibal or the Milwaukee Monster, Jeffrey Dahmer was an American serial killer and sex offender who committed the murder and dismemberment of 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991. Many of his later murders involved necrophilia, cannibalism, and the permanent preservation of body parts.So without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

Gaz is BACK with episode 15 and the first of the brand new season 3!Joined this week by new host and cousin Steven O'Neill, the lads have PHENOMENAL craic diving into the backstory of the absolute MADNESS that went on behind the filming of the Wizard Of Oz.A very very very funny episode and one we were genuinely chuffed to kick off season 3 with!So without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

Gaz takes the mic solo for a brief address to the nation. Announcing the upcoming launch of Season 3 of the podcast and what's to come following the loss of our beloved Dani. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Lads™️ return with some ALIEN chat this week. Our first feature length episodes on all things extra-terrestrial. The men cover the bizarre abduction case of Betty and Barney hill. The first ever documented and publicized Alien abduction case this one set the stage for all events thereafter.A very very interesting episode indeed one we think you will hopefully enjoy a lot!But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

The Lads™️ return to True Crime this week! Covering Ed Kemper!Ed Kemper is an American serial killer, rapist, cannibal, and necrophile who murdered ten people, including his paternal grandparents and mother. He is noted for his large size, at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m), and for his high intellect, possessing an IQ of 145. Kemper was nicknamed the Co-ed Killer as most of his victims were female college students.A very very interesting look a mad character all together and one we think you will hopefully enjoy a lot!But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

The boys are BACK with episode 25!Due to popular demand The Lads™️ return to more topic focused episodes this week. Deep diving into the bizarre life of John McAfee. Creator of McAfee anti-virus software.McAfee became a multi-millionaire after creating the prominent antivirus software, and later relocated to Belize. The Lads™️ unpack the wild documentary, "Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee" which depicts Filmmaker Nanette Burstein unravelling the strange behaviour of John McAfee, who left his life as a software mogul to become a recluse in the jungles of Belize.A very very interesting look a mad character all together and one we think you will hopefully enjoy a lot!But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

The boys are BACK with episode 11!Keeping the theme light this week once again The Lads™️ produce another cracker to brighten up this gloomy Tuesday!The Lads™️ off by Introducing their new "Jamie"- "Young Jordan"

The boys are back with episode 23!Feeling a bit buzzier this week after a spell of darker episodes as of late, The Lads™️ decided to brighten things up a bit this week and keep it light with some fun topics. From Panda porn to Walt Disney, and then from Disney land Illuminati meetings to gay Ken Dolls

In the latest installment of the Naively Optimistic Podcast; THE LADS™️ discuss the Black Monk of Pontefract! The Black Monk Of Pontefract was a poltergeist that in 1966 haunted the fuck out of the Pritchard family over at 30 East Drive, Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Causing all sorts of carnage over a 2 year period, this story is a creepy one and is sure to provide you guys with a nice blend of humor and intrigue! If your into your ghost stories, this is one not to be missed! But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

Recorded back in mid 2020; In the latest installment of the NO Podcast; THE LADS™️ discuss Mr Dick Chase, AKA Richard Trenton Chase; otherwise known as the Vampire of Sacremento. Richard was an American serial killer who killed six people in the span of a month in Sacramento, California. He was nicknamed "The Vampire of Sacramento" because he drank his victims' blood and cannibalized their remains. This is by far probably the maddest individual the boys have covered thus far. Listener discretion is advised! If you are easily spooked by weird shit you'll be in for a few shocks throughout this episode! True crime fans? Your in for a treat! But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

Recorded back in mid 2020THE LADS™️ burst out of the gate this week, keeping the momentum of season 2 going, bringing you yet another fantastically weird episode. The boys discuss the bizarre phenomenon of people who frequently go missing in National Parks in the U.S. Typically these people vanish without a trace leaving absolutely no sign of physical evidence explaining their disappearance. Often these cases are children and happen right under their parents noses. Very strange stuff. The men delve directly into some of the more specific cases documented by David Paulides and his book series Missing 411 & the Missing 411 documentary. But without further adieu, strap yourself in! Enjoy you's sexy animals!

Recorded back in early 2020. A sharp left this week as The Lads ™ deliver their first True Crime episode!

Recorded back in late 2019 - The Lads™ go full tinfoil hat mode this week and delve deep into the mother of all conspiracy theories, 9/11

Recorded back in late 2019 - In this edition, The Lads™ discuss the recent havoc (erotically named) "Storm Lorenzo" had on our beautiful country, whilst also reflecting fondly on simpler days online, paying homage to one of the better social networks to ever grace the web, "Chat Roulette". Following on from this, the lads delve into the interesting theory that the one and only, Mr Adolf "Houdini" Hitler did not in fact meet his bitter end in the bunker that faithful day on the 30 April 1945, as we have been led to believe, and may have performed the ultimate illusion to end all illusions. Escaping masterfully to the far away lands of Argentina, South America. But not without some adversity.... Enjoy you's little crackers!! xx N.B Please also consider following, subscribing and/or rating the boys on your preferred streaming service, as this really helps The Lads™ with regards to increased exposure etc.. and ultimately will hopefully help in growing the podcast and helping us continue to deliver good content for you all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recorded back in late 2019 - The first step of The Lads™ journey into more topic focused episodes. In this one, the boys delve into the life and times of musical figure and fellow psychedelic activist, Mr Charles Milles Manson. Following on from this, The Lads™ share their own wacky psychedelic story from their most recent excursion to the mecca of all things sex, hash and magic mushrooms, Amsterdam. Recorded during the summer, prior to the launch of what has become Dublin 8's most listened-to podcast, this episode is a nice departure from the shorter, manic episodes of previous weeks and comes in at a nice 50:55 timeframe which should quench the global thirst for The Lads™ until we return next week. Enjoy you's little crackers!! xx N.B Please also consider following, subscribing and/or rating the boys on your preferred streaming service, as this really helps The Lads™ with regards to increased exposure etc.. and ultimately will hopefully help in growing the podcast and helping us continue to deliver good content for you all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.