Open Us Podcast

Join us for episode 46 of the Feckin' Check-in show why don't ya? We cover our recent live rap performance, encountering a charasmatic man in a pub, tea for tradesmen, taxi drivers' non-acceptance of card payments, and a hellish kernel of truth!

Like a phoenix rising from some kind of metaphor, The Feckin' Check-In is back! What exactly is a year's supply of bread, and how is this supply administered to the recipient of such an award? What did your hosts think of the Better Call Saul finale? Who was "hunkering down"? And what's in store for the future? Listen to find out the answers to these questions, and a lot more, in the first Feckin' Check-In in five and a half months!

2me is back from his fatherhood sabbatical and is very much in the hot-seat as he deals with Traynor's FECKs, ranging from Dairy Milks to Don McClean, from Cobra Kai to Stone Cold Steve Austin, from pedantry to NFTs. This one is absolutely packed!

For the first time ever, The Feckin' Check-In features a guest host, Erik Shaw, whom you might know as one of the hosts from Maiden A-Z! As 2me embraces fatherhood, we embrace a number of diverse topics, such as: making children cry, strange urinal interactions, "theatre" steaks, fake celebrity quotes, fan outrage, and the concept of having ice cream for every meal (metaphorically). FECK!

Join us as we start 2022 with our longest and possibly most enjoyable episode ever!   F: Burritos, dog sh*t, stolen goods E: Spotify review, #andjustlikethat, #GetBack C: Alchohol scam, open schools, older friends K: The Pope, School v Life   Plus a surprise announcement!

This time on The Feckin' Check-In we discuss 2me's recent exploits playing football with older men, and Traynor's exploits at the Keep it Tru festival in Germany. We then move on to the FECKS, which cover: F - Toilet vulgarity E - "Follow Friday" - an empty gesture? C - A unique encounter with a beggar K - Patience - is it a virtue?

Here it is, the final piece. Part 3 of my Senjutsu review with Andrew. This one is a Trooper of a Beast of a something. Enjoy!

Join us, feckamanics, for an action-packed and amusing episode 40! F: Two from Traynor about buses and planes! E: The marriage of childhood themes with gore in Squid Game C: Blanking people K: Guilt vs Shame

Please listen to this special announcement about Feckin' Metal moving location online, and also info about upcoming episodes!

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, or some other tired claptrap, The Feckin' Check-In returns, for the first time in almost four months! Join Traynor and 2me as they discuss the Death of the Handshake, podcasts to perpetuate friendships, LOUD NOISES, and surviving through hard times with bite-sized quotes! It's great to be feckin' back!

This week, Andrew and I pick up where we left off with "Writing on the Wall", and also discuss the next three songs on Senjutsu. Wild tangents and theories dominate this lively back and forth discussion on Iron Maiden's latest album!

Andrew DuBroy joins me on this episode to review the new Iron Maiden album Senjutsu! We take the long way around to cover the first three tracks on the album, via stories about our heavy metal fandom, memories of the Cart & Horses pub, tangents on political incorrectness in lyrics, discussions on artwork and music videos, and a lot more in between. This lengthy chat covers a lot and is likely to offend. You have been warned!

On this episode, I speak to world-renowned rock writer, podcaster, and amateur Irish trad singer, Mick Wall! Mick talks about his Irish heritage, tells stories about Lemmy, Iron Maiden, and others, talks about his approach to writing books, and a lot more! A true tale of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll from someone who lived through it, I present to you: Mick Wall!

ArcSabbath continues into the 1990s as Tony Martin and others step aside for a reunion with Ronnie James Dio, and the rest of the Mob Rules era line-up. This period would produce the album Dehumanizer before imploding yet again, when Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler's true intentions became clear - that elusive reunion with original singer Ozzy Osbourne! Mick Wall, Martin Popoff, and Joel McIver's books help to fill in the blanks and lend context to this era where you could say Black Sabbath were going through changes!

On this installment of #ArcSabbath, I fill in some blanks regarding Glenn Hughes's exit and Tony Martin's entrance into Black Sabbath, via Martin Popoff's book, Born Again. My guests and I then get deep into the albums Headless Cross and Tyr, in a period of relative stability for the band in 1989/1990. It wouldn't last long. 

In this installment of #ArcSabbath, my guests and I explore the fallout of the Glenn Hughes era, discuss temporary replacement Ray Gillen, reflect on the addition of tony Martin to the band, and review the album "The Eternal Idol". Again, another tumultuous period in Black Sabbath! 

In this installment of ArcSabbath, I speak to my regular guests, and new addition Jonatan Hedlin from Maiden A - Z, about a tumultuous period in Black Sabbath history - the chaos beforehand and the aftermath of the Glenn Hughes era. Jonatan also provides some background info on himself, and growing up as a heavy metal fan in Stockholm, Sweden. Context is provided by a passage from Martin Popoff's excellent book, Born Again: Black Sabbath in the Eighties and Nineties. We also delve deep into the concept of just who is in Black Sabbath, and when, if ever, people stopped considering the band to be authentic.

Sweating like a pig? Happy as a pig in sh*t? Pig ignorant? Joining me to discuss the smear campaign against pigs is @feckinmetalcast. We also cover pigs in popular culture-from Animal farm to Pulp Fiction- and we discuss the ethics of eating pigs! Oink!  

This month, we discuss the misspelling a mispronunciation of names; the Euro 2020 tournament, including bizarre referee behaviour and why gambling makes football more interesting; how gym culture has changed over the years; and different categories of drunk - from Mary Poppins to The Nutty Professor! 

Feckin' Metal is proud to welcome back The Busiest Man in Rock - Jarvis Leatherby. In this episode, I catch up with Jarvis regarding all the happenings in Night Demon, Cirith Ungol, and the management world, since we last spoke in October 2020. Covering everything from the new Night Demon album, to bar fights and vocal injuries - you don't want to miss this!

On this episode, I speak to someone who has lived through the European power metal scene, from its inception to the present day. Markus Großkopf has been in Helloween since day one, weathering all the line-up changes. He speaks candidly about how the current Pumpkins United version of the band got together, as well as providing fascinating insights into the recording of their new album, "Helloween". Markus is a true heavy metal survivor. Enjoy!

Kyle McNeill returns to Feckin' Metal to discuss all the goings-on of the last 8 months, including an in-depth chat about upcoming album, Shadow of a Falling Star Pt.1. We also discuss 8-Bits and Smash Hits, Wizard Tower Studios, "dungeon synth", pink t-shirts, social media, and future Seven Sisters shows! Ugh!

Today's feckin' animal is the golden #Goose! @feckinmetalcast and I cover: - #Geese fables - #CanadaGoose clientele in Ireland - The Flying V fomation - Good and Bad Eggs! And much more! Listen, you silly goose!

In this installment of ArcSabbath, we delve into Joel McIver's book "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", and Ian Gillan's autobiography, to provide context on the end of the original Dio era, and one of the most bizarre line-up changes in Black Sabbath history. We also hear from the regular cast about the farcical stories surrounding the band at this time, and discuss some quality music that managed to sneak out!

Join us as we discuss parking beside Blessington lake (F), a new wave of comedians on Twitter (E), online tipping culture (C), and another Kernel of truth (K) from @davidmcw in relation to short term-thinking.

On this episode, my guests and I discuss the original Ronnie James Dio era of Black Sabbath, covering off the albums Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, and Live Evil. Hear personal opinions and anecdotes of established FECKers, as we discuss one of the greatest voices in heavy metal!

Join 2me for Feckin' Animals Episode 1, featuring anecdotes and facts about our noisy neighbours, Seagulls. You've seen them in your parks, your towns and your beaches - but did you know how controversial and clever Seagulls are?

The Arc sails on with Episode 2.5, where you'll hear Melissa, Uncle Steve, and Ry, discuss the two least popular Black Sabbath albums of the original Ozzy era. Are these albums unfairly bashed in Sabbath circles? Should the band have hung it up at this point? Also hear the story of Ozzy's exit, return, and second exit from the band within the space of 18 months, told from multiple different perspectives. Never say die!

It's #ArcSabbath Episode 2.0, where you'll hear from a broad range of guests, discussing some of the most interesting and creative Black Sabbath albums ever, including: Vol. 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Sabotage. This episode also features Uncle Steve's top 8 original Sabbath album rankings. All this and more and the Arc sails on!

This month on The Feckin' Check-In, we provide updates on stories from Episode 2 (M&Ms ad), and Episode 25 (dog shit). See what happens when a misunderstanding on Twitter escalates rather quickly, and will 2me ever get to the bottom of this filthy protest? We also discuss rapper DMX, the ever-changing culture of football, and bogus acronyms. Enjoy!

Well, I guess Hell froze over - The first official episode of #ArcSabbath is finally here! Featuring fans, pundits, and podcasters, discussing the original heavy metal behemoths - Black Sabbath! This episode is packed full of anecdotes, personal stories, and heavy metal wisdom. Stick around. You will not be disappointed!

Join us as we cover: "youths" dominating outdoor spaces; the return of concerts later this year; what to refer to your girlfriend as in your thirties; and a kernel of truth relating to the housing crisis - stolen from @davidmcw

In the final teaser episode for the Black Sabbath arc #ArcSabbath, you'll meet the familiar, yet controversial, Uncle Steve, and Joe Siegler, who is new to Feckin' Metal, but has greater insight into Black Sabbath than anyone on the planet! Steve teases an opinion on Tony Iommi vs. Randy Rhoads, while Joe tells stories that only someone with such strong ties to the Sabbath camp could! Things are about to get interesting...

Finally, the Black Sabbath arc is here. Sort of. This week, I tell my own Black Sabbath story and introduce some of the characters you'll be meeting over the next few weeks. In this episode, you'll hear from Philipp, Ry, Melissa, and Alejandra, who are all Black Sabbath fans, but with very different backgrounds! Over the next few weeks, they'll be sharing their experiences of the band, through a series of interviews I've conducted over the last several weeks! It's heavy riffs and zany characters from here on out, in #ArcSabbath!

I'm taking an open-ended break from Feckin' Football for a number of reasons (e.g. not sure if I'm adding value) and this episode is just a quick check-in to explain myself. Thank you to everyone who listened and also to the excellent guests. I'll be back on other podcasts or even this one (who knows!) - until then, cheers!

This week, I play some heavy metal earworms, and give you a bit of insight into my fandom of the bands featured. I also speak earnestly about my love for heavy metal! There's a bit of Neil young in here too, but not too much, don't worry. Oh, and there are some interruptions by the postman! 

Celebrate 100 episodes on the Feckin' Check-In Podcast Network with guest host, Sir John O'Grotes, in an often bizarre a completely wild chat with some very well-known names!

Join the boyos for their feckin' review of Feb feat. a "funny" story relating to the loci method memory technique, reviews of the "Apology Line" podcast and absurd comedian @darren_conway, the importance of Pancake Tuesday in lockdown, and a bizarre kernel of truth delivered by an old friend! Next episode is the 100th on the network - keep an eye out!

Cooler than a fridge wearing in a denim jacket, it's Episode 22 of Feckin' Metal! I discuss Austin Powers, Ms Kensington, and some heavy metal news. I then treat the listener to an education in Irish hard rock and heavy metal, featuring: Primordial,  Thin Lizzy, Dio, Seven Sisters, and more! Tiochaidh ár lá!  

This week, I catch up with some heavy metal newz (z for you 2000s kidz, when "z" made everything 10% cooler), then, in anticipation for my Black Sabbath arc, I play a couple of clips of Black Sabbath deep cuts, followed by some 90s Motorhead. I finish off with some NWOTHM favourites, but you'll have to listen to find out what they are!

Join 2me for reflections on the constancy of football on TV, Man City taking the title (may as well call it now), and David Moyes's style prevaling in a league of high pressers!

This week,  I talk about my love of power metal. Not before discussing Iron Maiden's recent nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2021 ballot, and the small matter of Ronnie James Dio vs. Rob Halford in the battle for the best heavy metal vocalist in Eternia, or something like that. After these matters are cleared up, I delve deep into power metal of the 80s, 90s, 00s, and present day. Featuring: Rainbow, Helloween, Riot, Primal Fear, Powerwolf, Sabaton, and more!

This week's Feckin' Football covers a range of hot topics including corpses at the bottom of walls in free kicks, Carragher's strange noise, costly errors, a solution to time-wasting, and the expected goals league table.

This week, my guest is the curator of the hugely-popular NWOTHM Full Albums YouTube channel, and the unsung hero of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal movement, Anderson Tiago! Anderson talks about how the channel got started, permission required and legalities involved in posting full albums, researching bands to promote, his criteria for what makes the channel, expectations of fans and sometimes feeling like a fraud, Michael Schenker, branded t-shirts, and more! This week I also discuss news stories related to Marilyn Manson, and Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth. Enjoy!

Join us as we feckin' check-in for January 2021, featuring: an update on the golden goose model of podcasting; the joy of getting up early on weekends; goodbye to Trump; the Gamestop saga; Covid-19 test experiences; and the inhumanity of perpetual rent increases!

This week, I speak to none other than the living legend, Blaze Bayley! Blaze holds nothing back here, and discusses: ordinary heroes, mental health, positivity, the Higgs Boson, Nikola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, heavy metal fan culture, meet & greets, the concept of "identity", Pointless Celebrities, and touring as a heavy metal musician. This is one not to be missed!

A little later than usual, it's Episode 17 of Feckin' Metal. This week, I take a sneak peek at the upcoming Haunt album, "Beautiful Distraction", review the recently-released album from Saber, "Without Warning", and also take a look at some recent releases from Accept and Dread Sovereign. 

Join me for this FA Cup-free episode and the debut of "2me's top 10 talking points" from the world of feckin' football this week (e.g. playing out from the back, Ole managing Pogba well, happy Ozil, Klopp factor in decline, and bloody Burnley!)

Joining me today to reflect on Liverpool 1-1 Man United: a Liverpool fan (@El_Diablo48) and a Man United fan (@TheKingOfPing). We cover "banter", tactics, how United shaded the chances but Liverpool controlled the game, outlooks for the rest of the season...then we critique Sky Sports's coverage and the kits!

After a four week break, Feckin' Metal returns! On this episode, I talk about some hard rock and heavy metal albums celebrating significant anniversaries in 2021, examine Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth's recent actions and try to make sense of it all, and look eagerly towards some upcoming releases this year. It's great to be back!

An episode about Kazuyoshi Miura (oldest player in the world), Jack Byrne (Messiah in exile), & FA Cup Guilt. Light-hearted football anti-banter from your feckin host 2me.