What's the Story? Podcast

This week we're joined by two-time Paralympian Colin Judge.  Colin represents Ireland at Table Tennis and has set his sights on a third Paralympic Games in LA 2028.  Colin talked about his approach to the sport and the issues with classification in disability sport, coming up against his hero at the Paris games and, overcoming setbacks. 

Colleen Dulle is associate editor of America Magazine and host of the Inside the Vatican Podcast. She also contributes to ABC News in the US. Her book, "Struck Down Not Destroyed — Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter," will be released later this summer.  With the white smoke cleared, Colleen joins us live from Rome to chat about the new Pope, conclave drama, the Church's power struggles, and why she's still hanging on to her faith — despite seeing all the chaos of the church up close. We also chat about her upcoming book, Vatican finances (they're broke-ish), sex scandals, drones at the Sistine Chapel, and what a “collaborative pope” might look like.  

Philip O'Connor is back — and still allergic to bullsh*t. From trans rights in sport to media responsibility, fascism creeping into society, and what Sweden gets right (and wrong), this is one of those episodes when we sit back and enjoy the ride Phil takes us on!  

We're back from a few weeks off to discuss Danny becoming a Da, the Pope passing away, and the madness of Papal history. We also catch up on League of Ireland football and what desserts the lads are scoffing after this episode. 

Dublin, drink, and debauchery

This week the lads have a quick catch up as Danny recovers from the plague and braces himself for fatherhood.  Mero is obsessed with M&S sweet treats and is baffled by the bowl of shamrock circus act in Washington. 

Movie buff and TV guru Brian Lloyd is back to chat about the recent Oscars and if the Academy Awards actually mean anything to the average movie fan.  We chat a little bit about nepobabies, must see TV, John Cena is a bad guy, and lots more.  WTSpod is available in all your podcasty places and we're on Instagram @WTSpod. 

Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Aoife Moore is back— talking truths, trolls, and trends in media. After a stint with the BBC, she's taken the leap into freelance journalism, swapping the newsroom for her passion for investigative documentaries. In this chat, Aoife talks about the big decision to go solo, her love for storytelling, and why she'll never miss Twitter. Plus, the story behind her number-one bestseller, the wild world of Irish dating apps, and how journalism (and the country) is in a bit of a state. 

John Ludden's back! We last spoke to John two years ago. Now, the relentless author behind Walking Down Warwick Road, and countless other football stories, joins us to chat about his latest book exploring Man United's iconic 60s era – from the Busby Babes to European glory. ⚽ On the episode: John tells us why his United books are flooding the charts. Behind the scenes: Researching football history and forgotten stories. Thoughts on United's future under Ruben Amorim. Remembering the golden days of Denis Law, the tragedy and triumph behind Munich memories,  Sir Matt Busby's legacy, and lots more.

We're back!  After a quiet January and short winter hibernation, WTSpod has returned. This week, our guest is journalist and broadcaster Dion Fanning.  Dion is one half of the Free State podcast alongside Joe Brolly. He will be familiar to many from his work with Ireland Unfiltered, The Currency, Sunday Independent, and lots more. 

The annual WTS Christmas Special with Paul Howard and Gary Mackle is back – live from Paul's kitchen.  This year the lads grill Mero over his affiliation to football hooligans.  Gary has a new adult store partnership.  Paul shares a special Christmas recipe.  And Danny buys presents in a petrol station.  Thanks for listening in 2024, a very Happy Christmas and we hope 2025 is your best one yet. x 

This week we're joined by retired Irish Army Captain, Senator Tom Clonan. Tom is a fully Independent Senator - with no links to any political party. He is seeking re-election in the upcoming Seanad election, hoping to continue holding the government accountable.  Tom has been a tireless campaigner for the Rights of others - as an Army Whistleblower on Gender-Based Violence and as a Parent campaigning for the rights of Disabled Children, Adults, and the Elderly.  Tom is a strong advocate for Irish Military Neutrality. In this episode, we talk about Tom's first term in Leinster House, his advocacy for people with disabilities, and we ask him to put on his military analyst hat to discuss the global security picture.

  This Week We dive into the murky world of fame and power with podcaster and media contributor Cassie Delaney, uncovering Sean 'Diddy' Combs' controversies and crimes — from white parties to freak-offs, abuse allegations, and much more. ✨ Plus:

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod This week, Hilary McGann returns to chat with us about the 2024 US Presidential Election results, surprises, fallout, and more! 

This week, we caught up with the amazing Elaine Burke — tech journalist, host with the brilliant For Tech Sake podcast, and regular contributor to national media. In this episode, we get into:

This week we sat down with the multi-talented Ross Browne —comedian, actor, writer, radio host, and even wrestler. Ross tells us about starting in stand-up comedy and wrestling adventures, being part of the amazing Young Offenders, and finding his love for radio.  In this episode, we dive into:

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod ♿ This week we're joined by Paralympic Champion Mark Rohan!

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod This week we're talking Paris 2024 Olympics with journalist Philip O'Connor who joins us after two weeks in the French capital. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod This week we're joined by Dr Colm Kearns from DCU to discuss his work with Tackling Online Hate in Football (TOHIF) which explores social media abuse, particularly in football.  Colm tells us about his research alongside colleagues in TOHIF and some of the fascinating details behind football fans dark online posts.  To learn more about TOHIF and the research they are doing, you can visit tohif.com   Also on this episode: Mero gushes over Rovers in Europe and the lads react to the gunshot heard around the world.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod A week for the lads to catch up and right wrongs but mostly wrong rights. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week our ol' pal Fergal Devitt - otherwise known as WWE Superstar Finn Bálor - is back on the podcast to catch us up on all that's been happening since we last spoke.  Celebrating his 10th year with WWE, Finn talks to us about the highs and lows of his decade with the company - including his current run as a World Tag Team Champion alongside his former student and fellow Bray man, JD McDonagh (Jordan Devlin.)  We talk about his rivalry with WWE Hall of Famer Edge and the infamous 14 staples incident, his dream matches, the nuance of storytelling, and we hear about the art of making it all come together in front of a live audience and millions watching on TV.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod  Our guest for this episode is the brilliant Jane Casey who is sharing some of the weird and wonderful tidbits that make Ireland such an interesting place.  From secret tombs to origin stories and much more, Jane has been shedding light on some of Dublin and Ireland's lesser known history. You can follow Jane on Instagram and Tik Tok by searching for @janecasey.ie     

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod  On this week's episode... 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod  The man of a million voices, comedian, and podcaster Al Foran is back on WTSpod.  Al joined us to talk about what he's been up to lately and, as it is FA Cup Final weekend, we talk about Manchester United Football Club and the Erik Ten Hag saga.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week the lads catch up on life and what's going on with Bruce Springsteen, The Dublin Portal and why we can't have nice things, the urge to procrastinate, and lots more besides. 

This week we're joined by Susan Dennehy – an award-winning documentary maker and radio producer. Her latest radio documentary Last One on the Train is a 6-part series (airing on RTÉ Radio One and available online) that brings a personal perspective to life for physically disabled people in Ireland. Episode five of the series features our very own Graham Merrigan.  Susan chats to us about making the series, the people behind the stories, and how her daughter Grace drives her to bring these stories to life.  While you're here, why not hit the subscribe button and leave a little review? You can check us out on Instagram and X (Twitter) - @WTSpod.     

This week we're joined by author Richy Craven who recently released his first book – Spirit Level.  Spirit Level tells the story of a directionless 20-something-year-old named Danny Hook who, after his best friend dies in a drunk driving accident, discovers he can see ghosts... but only when pissed.  We chat with Richy about the book, how it came together, and what might happen next. 

This week we're all about movies and TV as Movies Editor with Entertainment.ie Brian Lloyd joins us for a chat.  We chat about big-screen and small-screen favourites, cast a critical eye toward the Oscars, and ask why do they reboot movies that were never any good in the first place?   

This week we're joined by Irish Paralympian Kerrie Leonard.  Kerrie represented Ireland at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics which, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, were held in 2021. Kerrie tells us about her experience in those historic, pandemic games and what it was like for athletes at the events.  Kerrie tells us what brought her to Archery and how it helped her with mental health struggles while studying at college. Having never really intended to go to the pinnacle of para-sports, she narrowly missed out on qualifying for Rio 2016 but that left her ready and poised to take on Tokyo.  With the Paris games on the horizon, we discuss qualification hopes for this year's games. And, away from archery and competing in World Championships and Paralympics, we talk a little about her other passions including being a keen horse breeder and racing fan.   

This week Paul Micheau joins us from the Is it Worth It channel on social media.  Paul talks about creating videos and reviewing food as an ordinary Joe. He has travelled around Ireland giving honest reviews of everything from the humble but iconic breakfast roll to Michelin Star restaurants. Paul's "Is it worth it" review is based on price, taste, and experience with Paul emphasizing the importance of always keeping it real with his audience and how this has led to some interesting encounters with restaurant owners and lovers after reviews.   You can follow Paul and the Is it Worth It channel on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

For almost two years singer song-writer and activist Martin Leahy has been holding a weekly protest outside Dail Eireann to highlight Ireland's housing crisis. Drawing on his personal experience, every Thursday for over 90 weeks and counting, Martin travels from Cork to Leinster House in Dublin to sing his song "Everyone should have a home".  We chat to Martin about his protest and how he feels about being called an activist. His life as a musician and his reaction to Christy Moore covering his song Snowflakes.

We're back and this week we're joined by journalist and broadcaster Brianna Parkins.  In our first podcast of 2024, we take tangent talks to the next level. Our chat with Brianna starts with financial advice and ends with mullets and pornstar moustaches. There's some love for Joe Duffy, a chat about culture wars, and we hear how Australia is tackling housing very differently from Ireland.   

The annual WTS Christmas Special is back and this year we have a surprise guest joining us!  As the tradition goes, Paul Howard and Gary Mackle are on hand to steer us through this festive frenzy before our dynamic duo becomes a triple threat thanks to the one and only Al Foran!  Merry Christmas to you and yours, we'll see you in the new year. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  Friend of the show, Our Man in Stockholm, Philip O'Connor returns to WTSpod to help right the wrongs in our world.  Philip is a journalist and podcaster originally from Dublin and is now based in Stockholm, Sweden.  Following the recent mayhem in Ireland's capital, Philip talks to us about the importance of community and why love must win over hate. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we are joined by Irish actor, writer, poet, and performer Stephen Jones.  Stephen has been performing on stage and on screen for over a decade and will be familiar to people from his roles in Red Rock, Love Hate, and most recently his TG4 drama Northern Lights.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  300th  EPISODE It's WTS 300 and who better to mark the milestone than Messrs Mackle and Howard!  This week the lads talk about BAFTA wins and Kate Winslett, mid-life crises, Howie's surgery recovery, their shared love of the great Vincent Browne, Bruce Springsteen and Paul paying the Boss, Gary's cooking, AI, football woes, and lots more besides.  From Mero and Danny, we just want to say thank you. Whether you have been here for all 300 episodes or just 3 minutes, thanks for listening xoxox.

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod We're back...  This week we're talking to Karim Zidan an investigative journalist and writer who specialises in the intersection of sport, power, and politics.  Karim chats to us about the rise of Saudi Arabian influence in sports and how the term sportwashing doesn't go far enough to capture all that is happening.  Is what's good for the goose good for the gander and will we see France called out for its authoritarian decisions and actions ahead of the Olympic games in 2024?  Mero asks Danny about Ireland and the Rugby World Cup so Danny rants for a few minutes about Ireland falling short in a quarter-final... again. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod This week we're joined by singer-songwriter Steo Wall.  As the finishing touches are being put on his new album, Steo tells us about what's been going on for him and what fans can look forward to when the album comes out later this year. We talk about inspiration and nerves before a big gig and Steo tells us about working with the great Damien Dempsey on his popular hit 'What's Wrong with the World, Ma?"

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod This week we are joined by Brent Lee and Neil Sanders from Some Dare Call it Conspiracy Podcast. Brent Lee is a former conspiracist who spent 15 years down the rabbit hole between 2003 and 2018, believing every event from 9/11 to mass shootings was being orchestrated by a "satanic, paedophilic elite". Brent now fights disinformation and helps to explain and unravel the web of lies constructed through conspiracy.  Neil Sanders is an author covering True Crime and Psychology with a particular interest in the history of mind manipulation techniques. Neil was also part of the "Truther" movement for a number of years before exiting and joining forces with Brent to give people a guided tour of the rabbit hole and reveal the reality of the conspiracy mindset. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  Michael Finkel is a journalist and best-selling author and his new book, The Art Thief, is out now. We first spoke to Michael six years ago on WTS 118 and we were delighted to welcome him back to tell us the true story of Stephane Breitweiser, a man who stole over 200 pieces of art from museums worth billions of euro and he did it all in broad daylight.  The Art Thief is available online and in bookshops now, check out https://www.michaelfinkel.com/ for more. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  After four long years, the artist formerly known as Stephanie Roche is back on WTSpod.  We catch up with Steph about what's been happening since we last spoke, including marrying Dean, her decision to return to Ireland, signing for Shamrock Rovers, and progress in the women's game.  We get Stephanie's thoughts on the upcoming World Cup, Ireland's squad and she predicts a winner... kind of!  Steph will be in Australia covering the Girls in Green for this historic tournament and will be part of the commentary team for the tournament. The Women's World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 20 July and Ireland takes on tournament hosts in a sold-out Stadium Australia.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're joined by Ireland's best MMA journalist and proud son of Blanchardstown, the great one, Peter Carroll.  Petesy joined us to talk about the latest goings on in the world of mixed martial arts* and reveals the cringing trauma behind why he can't watch Love Island.  You can check out some of Petesy's brilliant work by listening to or watching his podcasts The Craic and The Ringer MMA Show.  *This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 14th. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're joined by journalist and broadcaster Elaine Burke. Elaine is a technology and science specialist who can be found contributing to national media regularly. She is also the co-host of For Tech's Sake podcast.  Elaine joined us to wind up Mero and talk all things tech as we hear about AI and if the hype is driving the fear, Apple's latest announcement and the world of virtual reality, Fast- tech and consuming way more than we need to, and we ask Elaine if our devices are really listening to us... 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we go back to the Borough and speak to Sean Mari and Jack Marley from Monkstown Boxing Club.  Jack is a European Heavyweight Champion and Sean is an Irish Elite Champion who has medaled in European competition. Both men are Team Ireland representatives who tell us about their hopes ahead of Paris 2024. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're joined by social historian Donal Fallon. His history podcast Three Castles Burning brings the city of Dublin to life, telling its story through its streets and the people who lived there.   

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week Mero asks Danny about three of his favourite things: Bruce Springsteen, Eurovision, and doing the big shop.  

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're joined by Thomas Crosse - AKA Crossy. Crossy has been soothing the airwaves since he was a teenager and in recent years has become a staple of Irish radio for many people looking to get their morning off to a flyer.  Crossy tells us about how he got started in radio, dealing with social media, loving nostalgia, and why Bruce Springsteen concerts are such a special occasion for him and his Mam.  You can hear more of Crossy every day by tuning in to Dublin's FM104.

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're joined by Bob Carley - a counselor, advocate, pastor, and motivationalist.  We got to know Bob a few years ago through his work with the mental health charity Suicide or Survive and when we sat down to speak with him this week we were not expecting the conversation to flow how it did.  Bob speaks openly, and passionately about his life, relationships, work, and faith. His message is simple; Love never fails. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  This week we're learning about the science of ageing and some simple things we can all do to help ourselves be younger, and healthier, for longer.  Rose Anne Kenny is Professor of Medical Gerontology, at Trinity College Dublin. Professor Kenny was appointed in 2005, to Trinity College and St. James's Hospital, as Head of the Academic Department of Medical Gerontology and holds the Chair of Medical Gerontology. Rose Anne is the founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing TILDA : www.tilda.ie), Ireland's flagship research project in ageing - where she leads a team of multidisciplinary researchers focusing on psychology, nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, economics, bio-engineering, social sciences and health economics as aspects of the ageing process in Ireland.  

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod  Adam Drummond is an Irish athlete who has represented his country in basketball on several occasions.  In 2021, following an accident, Adam was left paralyzed from the waist down. He tells us about life after the accident and how, after years of playing basketball for Ireland and on scholarships in the US, he has found the switch to wheelchair sports and life at Cork-based Rebel Wheelers Wheelchair Basketball Club.