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Christmas is a time when many of us will try and take a break from the news and developments around the world, but very often, even at this festive time there are stories that have universal cut through. From the fall of Ceausescu to the enactment of our own constitution, some extremely significant events have happened over the festive period. So myself and our political correspondent Seán Defoe are going to take you on a trip to Christmases past and the news stories that grabbed the headlines like this one from December 26th, 2004…
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros sit down with Premier League and MLS legend Jermain Defoe for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most memorable careers in modern soccer.Defoe reflects on his iconic five-goal performance for Tottenham Hotspur, what it meant to hear Spurs fans chanting his name before his emotional return to the club, and the toughest defenders he battled in the Premier League. He also shares the surreal story of receiving a phone call from Drake ahead of his move to Toronto FC, and gives his take on which MLS players he believes could have succeeded in Europe.From Premier League glory to MLS insight, this is a must-listen interview with one of England's most prolific strikers. Timestamps:(1:00) – Jermain Defoe joins The Cooligans(6:00) – Memorable moments from his time with Toronto FC(11:30) – Breaking down Jermain's legendary Premier League career(37:15) – Breaking down his decision to join Toronto(41:00) – Not being at Tottenham for the 2008 Carling Cup win(46:30) – MLS players that could've played in Europe Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:
Greta Thunberg visits President Connolly in the Áras, continued fallout for Fianna Fáil. The EU to debate today over the use of frozen Russian assets, and an overwhelming majority decides there is to be no ban for fox hunting. All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.
The gang is here for the FINAL episode of 2025 to recap the seasons of #TFClive, #CanPL, NSL, and national teams, talk about the (potential) new TFC signing of Walker Zimmerman, and a bunch of other malarkey. In this episode Duncan is already lining up a former TFC player for management, Mark still is complaining about kits and Kristin is apparently a registered supporters group now (kidding, I swear).
The gang is here to recap MLS Cup, World Cup 2026 draw and schedule, #CanPL player movement, new coaches, AFC Toronto at the World Sevens, CONCACAF Champions Cup draw, Vancouver new stadium and the usual malarkey. In this episode Mark is saddened amongst other things by everything, Duncan is eyeing the less star-powered fixtures and Kristin is about as good/bad as Gretzky #iykyk
Daniel Defoe – The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe plus The Next Peacelands This episode includes a brief excerpt from Daniel Defoe's The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, offering a small step into the early moments of the novel's world. Kitty reads just enough to catch Defoe's plainspoken tone and the quiet sense of possibility that opens the story. Kitty O'Compost warms up for The Peace Experiments (Season Zero) , the upcoming Peace Is Here series exploring peace, AI, and the commons. The episode closes with The Next Peacelands, where Avis Kalfsbeek reads a real-time list of global warzones and major arms suppliers—an honest grounding in the world as it is, and an invitation to practice peace with intention. Get the books: www.AvisKalfsbeek.com Contact Avis to say hello or let her know how to say “Peace is Here” in your language: Contact Me Here The Next Peacelands source: Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Stockholm Internation Peace Research Institute's Arms Transfers Database [as updated on Wikipedia. Music: "The Red Kite" by Javier "Peke" Rodriguez Bandcamp: https://javierpekerodriguez.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QuyqfXEKzrpUl6b12I3KW?si=uszJs37sTFyPbXK4AeQvow Peace is Here podcast series Coming Soon!: The Peace Experiments (Season Zero) Daniel Defoe – The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe on Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/521
The gang is here to recap the #CanWNT v Japan matches, talk about the Inter Toronto rebrand, preview MLS Cup finals of Vancouver v Inter Miami, U-Sports draft, Ollie Bassett, League 1 Prairies, Michael Bradley to Red Bulls, talk some World Cup draws and the usual malarkey. In this episode, Kristin is all about the hoopla, Duncan notices the tie and jacket like a legend and Mark tries to do a Chris Farley impression that barely works.
The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire.Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon.Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenzky has landed in Ireland for his first official visit. It is not, however, his first time in Ireland having previously visited as part of his comedy group in 2017. It comes as Donald Trump's envoy visits Russia today to discuss a potential peace plan. For more on this state visit Pat spoke to Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent and also Duncan Bullivant, CEO, Henderson Risk Group.
On the agenda for cabinet today is a ban on electro-convulsive therapy for under –18's, a reform of migration procedures and they will seek approval to allow people affected by defective concrete blocks to apply for increased grants. But the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council have warned that the government are spending the budget “like there's no tomorrow”. All to discuss with Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe.
The gang is here to recap #CanMNT vs Venezuela, review a bonkers Vancouver v LAFC match, Valour suspends operation, catch-up on World Cup qualifications, catch up on the MLS Playoffs, NSL metrics, preview #CanWNT vs Japan, and the usual malarkey. In this episode Kristin is surprised Albania is still in it Mark called out CONCACAF failing and Duncan REALLY called out Spurs in this one.
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch is set to run in the Dublin Central byelection.The byelection will take place after former Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe stepped down to take up a role with the World Bank.So, could he get in?Seán Defoe is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Grief is something we've all experienced, and it was pushed into the spotlight on Tuesday night when Scotland player Andy Robertson was immediately interviewed after his country qualified for the World Cup, and talked about his friend and former teammate, Diogo Jota.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss the grief process is Founder of Shapes of Grief, Grief Educator and Psychotherapist, Liz Gleeson.
Ireland's pathway to the World Cup has been confirmed this morning, following a playoff draw at FIFA headquarters…So, does it look good for team Ireland?Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Cameron Hill from Off The Ball. Also joining is Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry, to discuss your options on getting to the Czech Republic game.
A light aircraft has crashed on the Waterford coast, as multiple units of emergency services attend the scene.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent for the Irish Independent.
Minister for Transport and Climate Darragh O'Brien joins Seán Defoe from COP30 in Brazil to discuss what progress is being made there, as well as matters at home such as the situation in Dublin Airport.
A primary school in Louth has been forced to send emails to Government representatives detailing how under pressure the school is financially.In this instance, the school asked parents to ensure students bring in their own toilet roll and their own hand towels to school due to insufficient funding…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas and Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal and Spokesperson on Finance, who raised this issue in the Dáil.
November 20th is World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, and specialists along with Pancreatic Cancer Ireland are calling for rapid access to diagnostic clinics, as it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss this is Professor Tom Gallagher, Consultant Surgeon at the National Surgical Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at St. Vincent's University Hospital.
Dylan Bradshaw, award-winning Hairstylist and owner of Dylan Bradshaw Salon joins Seán Defoe for this week's Thursday Interview!
Hilary Devlin joins Seán Defoe to discuss her journey playing visually-impaired rugby.
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined Seán Defoe on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
The gang is here to recap #CanMNT vs Ecuador, the NSL Final of Toronto v Vancouver, discuss the near futures of the NSL and MLS, Canada bows out of the U-17 World Cup, preview #CanMNT v Venezuela, see if Alfie can play, and the usual malarkey. In this episode Duncan made it to the game (and is reminded why he doesn't go anymore), Kristin is REALLY into doing voices now, and Mark really has a go at his season's ticket increase.
Fine Gael Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has stepped away from his role in Government to take up a position at the World Bank.To chat about the significance of this decision, Ciara Doherty is joined by Fine Gael Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, as well as Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.
Catherine Connolly Inauguration, Party leadership criticised for focus on ‘parachuting in' famous names .Fine Gael spin doctors got €1,000 ‘gifts' for election campaign volunteer work .Housing plan aims to deliver 90,000 ‘starter homes' over five years Government has pledged overall delivery of more than 300,000 new homes by end of 2030.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent and Host of Let me Explain Podcast.
The gang is here to discuss NSL semi-finals, CanPL finals, weather (specifically snow), CanPL awards, #CanMNT roster and match preview vs Ecuador, CanPL kit news, MLS playoffs (ugh), Canada kit news, preview the NSL final in Toronto and the usual malarkey. In this episode Kristin is still bitter about being killed repeatedly, Mark suggests the existence of "conservative carries" and Duncan admits to convincing his wife of an incorrect meaning of a city's name.
Today, president-elect Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as the tenth President of Ireland. Seán Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent for more on this.
As you should know by now, Catherine Connolly is now the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland. She has officially taken over from Michael D Higgins after an inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle today.Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been keeping an eye on proceedings today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how things went, and to look ahead to the next few days as President Connolly begins the role.
Send us a textOn this trip, we're looking at the conventional candidate for the first modern novel in English. Defoe's story of a resourceful man shipwrecked on a desert island is so much more than a ripping yarn: it speaks to the rise of a literary vernacular language, the values of an increasing bourgeois and expansionist society, and of spiritual awakening. Come aboard!Text: https://ia600207.us.archive.org/26/items/cu31924011498676/cu31924011498676.pdfAdditional Music:"Theme from Emergency!" by Nelson Riddle. https://archive.org/details/tvtunes_206"The Ballad of Gilligan's Island" by Sherwood Schwartz. https://archive.org/details/tvtunes_275Support the showPlease like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you!Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.comFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful!Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber OrchestraSubcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish GuardsSound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.orgMy thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!
A problem that many people face: how do you pick the right shoes for you? And what are the risks if you get the wrong pair?To discuss, Seán Defoe is joined by Footwear Expert, Liam Hughes.
The gang is here to recap the CanPL semi-finals Hamilton v Calgary, recap a first leg of the NSL semi-finals, Montreal v Toronto, some CanPL award nominees, Supra announces some staff, catch up on MLS Playoffs, CanWNT U-17s in the knock-outs of the World Cup, preview CanPL final and NSL second leg semi-finals, and the usual malarkey. In this episode Duncan saw only the good parts (and he wasn't wrong), Mark just wanted the season to end and Kristin thinks 1-year olds go to pre-kindergarden.
Independent Senator Tom Clonan joins Seán Defoe to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Joining Seán Defoe is Psychotherapist, author, former professional footballer, pundit, and Movember ambassador Richie Sadlier to discuss the importance of creating the space for men to discuss their mental health…
Ten people were wounded in the mass stabbing on board a train between Doncaster and London's King's Cross Station on Saturday night.Seán Defoe is joined by Stephen Crean, an Irish citizen who was on board the train and interjected, blocking the attacker from injuring other passengers.
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Seán Defoe to discuss a newly-released list on the best 50 hotels in the world.
Former Vice President to George W. Bush, Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84 today. He was widely viewed as one of the most polarizing, but also influential, Vice Presidents ever.Elsewhere, New Yorkers are taking the polls today to elect a new Mayor.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss all is White House Columnist for the Hill ,Niall Stanage.Image: Reuters
The Parents of 826,000 primary and pre-school children in the state will soon be asked to participate in a national survey.The survey, the largest and first ever held so far, will collect data on the kind of school structure parents want. Asking questions around the role of religion in schools, and whether single or mixed schools should be the future approach in education.The Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee, joins Seán Defoe to discuss.
AI chatbots are drawing in teenage boys, who use them for therapy, companionship and relationships, according to new research.Over a third of those surveyed said they were considering the idea of an AI friend, amid growing concern about the rise of AI therapists and girlfriends…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties is appearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice today, calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14, but what is the appropriate age for people to have full responsibility for their actions?Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Child Welfare Consultant, Kieran McGrath.
The gang is here to recap the last few weeks, #TFClive v Orlando, CanPL playoffs so far, preview NSL playoffs and CanPL semi-final, talk some TFC departures, salaries, CanPL awards, #CanWNT vs Switzerland and Netherlands, and the usual malarkey. In this episode, Mark is forced to relive the Forge v Ottawa match, Kristin makes a point pun and it's really good, and Duncan correctly names the individual trophies in the NSL.
Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly both made pitches to undecided voters in the final TV debate of the Presidential campaign last night. For a rundown on the debate we heard from Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe.
The gang is here to recap TWO #CanMNT games, one #TFClive game v LAFC, recap game weeks of NSL and CanPL, talk about other ways you too can qualify for CONCACAF Champs Cup, end of MLS season including a preview of TFC hosting Orlando and the usual type of malarkey. In this episode, Mark declares his love for the Vengabus, Duncan keeps distracting us over the baseballs and Kristin does a voice and it's pretty good.
Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly spoke with Pat Kenny today as part of a Presidential debate ahead of the election on Friday the 24th of October. The two candidates gave their sides to why they should be elected as Ireland's next President.What was the outcome of this debate? Was there anything that stood out to you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, as well as listeners.
The gang is here to draw out another podcast with recapping #TFClive v Chicago, CanPL and NSL game week reviews, World Cup extortion, #CanMNT news, a trophy reveal, preview Toronto away to LAFC and the usual malarkey. In this episode Kristin is (again) here for D-Cups, Duncan announces Canada vs Wales in an exhibition (unverified) and Mark was offered a soap box and he fucking took it.
Literature's most famous castaway, Robinson Crusoe, was washed up on a desert island - where he would remain for 28 years - on 30th September, 1659. By selecting this date, author Daniel Defoe ensured that his fictional protagonist's fate pre-dated the real-life estrangement of Royal Navy man Alexander Selkirk, who was stranded some 46 years later: 14 years prior to Defoe writing his novel. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how his story pioneered not only the English novel, but also the movie trailer; ask whether Crusoe's narrative voice sounds like an authentic young man of the period, or betrays the fact that Defoe was nearly sixty when he created him; and dig around in the writer's early career (including, but not limited to, creating perfume from civets)... Further Reading: • Daniel Defoe profile (The British Library): https://www.bl.uk/people/daniel-defoe • ‘Debunking the Myth of the ‘Real' Robinson Crusoe' (National Geographic, 2016): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/robinson-crusoe-alexander-selkirk-history • The Shipwreck scene from ‘Robinson Crusoe' (1927): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCaYAD1ZGuM This episode first aired in 2021Love the show? Support us! Join
The gang is here to recap TWO MONTHS UNBEATEN as #TFClive earn a draw with Inter Miamessi, recap the NSL and CanPL game weeks, talk about the Oswaldo Leon situation, #CanWNT announces another friendly, preview V-Cup finale, TFC away to Chicago, still drone talk, and the usual malarkey. In this episode, Mark speculates which kitchen plate the NSL first place side will win, and Duncan says what Leon said out loud(!!!) and Kristin makes the opening joke a bit subjective.
The gang is here to recap Toronto vs Columbus, NSL and CanPL game week reviews, Pacific vs City of Langford, Desiree Scott announces retirement, CanPL finally to Montreal/Laval, preview AFC Toronto v Ottawa, TFC v Inter Miami and the usual malarkey. In this episode, Mark chose pro wrestling and regrets nothing, Duncan probably has an even better name for the new club and Kristin gives us a new Ottawa nickname that's probably better than the original one.
. PREVIEW. AUTHORS: Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan TITLE: The Pirate King: Lost Treasure, Piracy in the Indian Ocean, Spying, Spycraft for the King, Scottish Independence SUMMARY: Henry Avery, surviving pirate and strategist, was sent as Daniel Defoe's enforcer/wingman to manipulate opinion in Scotland (1706), fighting Jacobites threatening Scottish independence. Details: Henry Avery was one of the few pirates who survived to enjoy their ill-gotten gains, unlike Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, and Calico Jack Rackham, who were hanged or died Avery was sent with master spy Daniel Defoe to Scotland in early 18th century to undermine the Scottish independence movement They traveled to Scotland in September 1706 Edinburgh was a hotbed of Catholics, known locally as Jacobites These Jacobites threatened to break away from the English Crown Daniel Defoe was sent by London to manipulate public opinion by controlling key figures (church leaders, lawyers, merchants) and the presses They established control within two months Henry Avery served as Defoe's wingman and enforcer Avery is characterized as an incredible strategist, very smart, ex-Royal Navy salt, "the thinking man's muscle"
The gang is mostly here to recap Canada v Wales, TFC v New England, CanPL and NSL match weeks, Voyageurs Cup review of Vancouver Whitecaps v Forge and preview Ottawa v Vancouver FC, and our Ohio Correspondent Mike Hudson comes on to share in the Caleb Porter dismissal after the draw to Toronto and to preview TFC away to Columbus on Saturday, as well as malarkey. In this episode, Duncan goes into incredible detail and respect for the various milking festivals in central Europe, Mark gets confused by which city in BC that begins with the letter "L" is located, and Mike tells us about a place that makes baskets (for real).
Ott and Drew talk about their week in South Africa.
Ott DeFoe joins BTL to talk about his recent BPT victory on the Potomac River.