Irish Stew Podcast

Despite the “Off the Beaten Craic” theme to the current Irish Stew podcast series, on this episode hosts Martin Nutty and John Lee follow the well-worn track of history that flows through Athlone like the broad River Shannon. Their guide is the affable Vincent Harney of Athlone Guided Tours, a well-researched, perceptive storyteller who peels back the layers of the Athlone story from atop Athlone Castle, while crossing the Shannon, and as they trod the ancient streets back into the very heart of Irish history. Along with local history, Vincent shares his story of growing up in a big farm family in nearby Cornafulla, the post office his parents operated, his own time as postmaster, and lessons learned working the family farm. “In the post office, I loved hearing the old people’s stories and hearing about their history. And we would know the history of the fields around us, like the one field given away for a loaf of bread during the famine,” Vincent recalls. Inspired by those stories, Vincent started a new career leading historical walking tours to share how Athlone’s origins as a river ford placed it at the crossroads of Irish history, how Norman and Cromwellian armies both marched over its first timber bridge, about the accommodation built into the stone bridge for the gentry's sail boats, and why the railway bridge was considered an engineering marvel of its day. Vincent reveals Athlone's surprising connections to the Titanic disaster with the sad tale of the ill-fated passenger Margaret Rice, whose body could only be identified by the shoes she wore, purchased from the venerable Parsons of Athlone in the red brick building that still stands today at the corner of Custume Place and Northgate Street. Vincent spins a happier tale about Athlone native John McCormack, tracing the singer’s unlikely rise from a working-class family to global fame as one of the greatest tenors of all time. The episode wraps with Vincent making a compelling case for visiting Ireland and coming to Athlone when you do, reminding us, “the history of Ireland is here in Athlone.” Next week, Irish Stew talks organic farming and agritourism in Offaly with Margaret Edgill of Mt. Briscoe Farm and Pippa Hackett, former Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Links Athlone Guided Tours WebsiteInstagramFacebookTripadvisor Hidden Heartlands Travel Resources Ireland.comDiscover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Irish Stew Links WebsiteVincent HarneyInstagramLinkedInXFacebookTikTokEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 32; Total Episode Count: 135

The oldest pub in Ireland, Europe…the world? Lend an ear as we explore the legend and lore of Sean’s Bar with the pub’s official storyteller Timmy Donovan. A central character in the Sean’s Bar story for the past 37 years, Timmy flips the calendar back to AD 900 when Luain Mac Luighdeach set up an inn on the banks of the Shannon which would evolve over the centuries into the Sean’s Bar of today. He points out the ancient wicker-and-wattle construction unearthed in the venerable pub’s plaster walls and the slanting floor that carried medieval floodwaters through the bar down to the nearby river as just two signs of the pub’s antiquity. Of the eye-catching memorabilia layering the pub’s walls, Timmy may be the proudest of the Guinness World Record certificate proclaiming Sean’s to be the oldest pub in the world. That and the monster trout on display that Timmy himself landed in the nearby Lough, evidence of the prime fishing that has long drawn anglers to the region. Timmy tells the saga of the Vikings sailing up the Shannon deep into the Hidden Heartlands, how for local monks distilling whiskey was doing God’s work, why hundreds of police uniform patches festoon the pub walls, and how American football fans are beating a path to Sean’s door. Sean’s Bar not only dispenses a full range of pints and pours, the legendary pub also serves its own Sean's Whiskey, now an integral part of the pub's identity, for which Timmy is a most compelling spokesperson. The monks would be proud, Timmy. Sláinte! LINKS Sean’s Bar WebsiteFacebookInstagram Hidden Heartlands Travel Resources Ireland.comDiscover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Irish Stew Links WebsiteTimmy DonovanInstagramLinkedInXFacebookTikTokEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 31; Total Episode Count: 134

Taste Ireland…more specifically, taste the Hidden Heartlands of the Irish Midlands through a completely original cuisine designed around the fresh local produce from surrounding farms, on offer at Athlone’s Michelin Bib Gourmand culinary destination, Thyme Restaurant. Chef John Coffey conjures up his ever-evolving menu around the vegetables local organic farmer Shannon is pulling or plucking from her nearby farm that day. Local flavors, regional aromas, beautifully presented courses all plated by the Chef/Owner himself, the lively chatter of diners sitting down to what they know will be a memorable meal, the warm welcome and flawless service from the staff and the understated, unstuffy, intimate surroundings combined to provide a multisensory sendoff to Irish Stew’s “Off the Beaten Craic" series, the audio chronicle of podcast hosts John Lee and Martin Nutty’s eight-day ramble through Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, starting in Athlone, the geographic heart of Ireland astride the River Shannon’s “brightly glancing stream.” Chef Coffey relates how he opened Thyme in November 2007, just months before the financial crisis devastated Ireland's economy, surviving days with no customers, weeks of no salary, and months of operating with a skeleton crew. Maybe it was his unwavering commitment to hyperlocal sourcing that pulled him through. The menu changes constantly depending on seasonal availability of local produce—plums for three weeks, game in autumn, heritage potatoes in varieties like Purple Rain that supermarkets abandoned decades ago. Coffey's outlook is based on community interdependence, where farmers, butchers, and their families create a self-sustaining economic ecosystem. Don’t look for Reality TV chaos in the kitchen, as Coffey creates an aura of focused calm in his domain, even when diners fill all of Thyme’s 56 seats. On the podcast, Chef Coffey explains why he’s rejected expansion opportunities, so you’ll have to get to Athlone to sample his ballotine of quail with yuko leaf and heritage potatoes or anything else he creates. So, lend an ear to Irish Stew as it begins its Midlands meanderings with a celebration of Ireland's culinary transformation and the growing appreciation for slower-paced, ingredient-focused Irish dining experiences that await in the Hidden Heartlands. Go raibh an bia blasta! LINKS Thyme Restaurant WebsiteInstagramFacebookShannon's Eco Farm Instagram Hidden Heartlands Travel Resources Ireland.comDiscover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Irish Stew Social Media InstagramLinkedInXFacebookTikTokEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 30; Total Episode Count: 133

Your cohosts are back from an eight-day road trip through Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, where instead of profiling a person, they went “Off the Beaten Craic” to explore a place - the Irish Midlands. Some tourists might view it as "drive-through country,” as they motor west from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way, but John and Martin found just a fraction of what they’re missing in Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, and Leitrim. And by traveling at a leisurely “slow tourism” pace during the quieter fall “shoulder season,” they found little traffic, uncrowded restaurants, more of a local vibe to the pubs, and had legendary historic sites almost to themselves. The peripatetic podcasters conversed with almost two dozen Midlands guests, capturing stories about local history, organic farming, biodiversity, greenways, Shannon river cruising, farm-to-table dining, slow adventure travel, hospitality, archaeology, astronomy, entrepreneurship, and civic pride, while at times going knee-deep into the distinctive bogs that shape the Midlands landscape. Your hosts also brandished their selfie sticks to add sights to their sounds on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. The “Off the Beaten Craic in the Hidden Heartlands” series was made possible through the support of Tourism Ireland, which markets the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling holiday destination, and the guidance of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, with a tip of the hat to the Leitrim County Council for their warmest of welcomes. Join us “Off the Beaten Craic in the Hidden Heartlands!” Links: Hidden Heartlands Travel Resources Ireland.comDiscover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Irish Stew Social Media InstagramLinkedInXFacebookTikTokEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 29; Total Episode Count: 132

Guest Overview John Davis, the inquisitive everyman, serves as the perfect foil to economist David McWilliams on Ireland's beloved David McWilliams Podcast. Known for his genuine curiosity and ability to ask the questions listeners are thinking, Davis brings a unique perspective shaped by decades in the music and media industries. Episode Journey Join Martin Nutty and John Lee as they trace Davis' fascinating career through sound - from the music studios of Dublin and London to international productions further afield. This wide-ranging conversation explores how a music industry veteran transitioned into becoming one-half of Ireland's most successful podcast duo. Key Topics Explored Special Moment The episode builds to a deeply personal and moving conclusion with Davis delivering a heartfelt "Seamus Plug" for As I Am, Ireland's leading autism charity. This emotional segment reveals a cause that holds profound meaning for Davis personally, offering listeners a glimpse into the man behind the microphone. Why This Episode Matters A rare, intimate look at one of Irish podcasting's most recognizable voices, exploring how genuine friendship, professional adaptability, and personal passion combine to create compelling audio content that resonates with tens of thousands of listeners weekly. Links As I AmLinkedInDavid McWilliams PodcastLove ShinesEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 28; Total Episode Count: 131

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic last month and Ireland’s first NFL game at the end of this one, Neale Richmond kicks off the episode with a timely gridiron tale. “I'm not just a very old and average rugby player, but I'm the only member of the Irish Parliament who's played American football. I was a defensive tackle for the Dublin Rebels and proud holder of a Shamrock Bull medal from 2016,” says the Fine Gael TD for the Dublin Rathdown constituency and Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora. The sport-mad Minister shares examples of the ways these imported American events boost Ireland’s economy and provide an ideal platform to advance his ministerial goals of fostering stronger international relations, diaspora engagement, and economic growth. He tells of growing up in a Protestant family with Ulster-Scots roots, right down to his Orange Order grandfather, which hasn’t blunted his fatherly pride in his son’s embrace of Gaelic Football and the Irish language or his own commitment to a united Ireland. “I'm a passionate United Irelander. I want our country to be united as an independent republic, as part of the European Union. I think that it’s in the interest of the over 7.2 million people of all backgrounds that live on this island,” he says, adding, “but one thing I'm really very clear about is that United Ireland will be different. It'll be a new Ireland; it won't be like the republic that I proudly live in today.” He highlights the significance of Ireland's international aid programs particularly in Africa, the evolution of Ireland’s diaspora, and the necessity of supporting Irish citizens abroad, including the extension of voting rights for the diaspora in presidential elections. He wraps with an unorthodox “Seamus Plug” for the United Nations, saying that despite its problems, the UN provides a critical forum for international dialogue and that the work of its agencies for Human Rights, Refugees, Family Planning for Women, and its World Food Program all remain vital. Join us! Links: Fine Gael WebpageInstagramFacebookXLinkedIn Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 27; Total Episode Count: 130

In something of an epilogue to our “Lost in Belfast” series, former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy III joins Irish Stew for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, peace, and public service. From the streets of Belfast to the tumult of Washington, Kennedy reflects on the lessons Northern Ireland can teach the wider world, the legacy of his famed family, and where his own journey is headed next. Joe provides his deeply personal perspective on the remarkable transformation of Northern Ireland from conflict to cautious cooperation. While acknowledging the divisions that remain, he points to the extraordinary resilience of its people and leaders. For him, Northern Ireland offers a living example of what can be achieved when reconciliation and restraint guide politics, a message that resonates far beyond Ireland’s shores. On a more personal note, Kennedy reflects on the deep imprint of public service in his own family story. He describes it as more of a calling than a career choice, whether through elected office, advocacy, or movements like the Special Olympics. His commitment continues through the Groundwork Project, an initiative supporting civic engagement in often-overlooked communities across America, seeking to rebuild trust between citizens and the political process through a strategy rooted not in messaging alone but in genuine listening and local empowerment, and through Citizens Energy, the green energy nonprofit his father founded. Looking ahead, Kennedy sees promise in Belfast’s growth, from education and innovation to its growing spirit of community, bridging past struggles with future possibilities. For Kennedy, service remains the thread tying it all together, whether in politics, community work, or renewable energy. Join us for this Global Irish Conversation on politics, peace and public service in Belfast, Boston, and beyond with #JK3. Links: Joe’s “Seamus Plug” Wave Trauma CentreSocial media InstagramBlueSkyX - TwitterFacebookGroundwork Project WebsiteInstagramFacebookX - TwitterCitizens Energy Corporation Website Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 26; Total Episode Count: 129

Today, we hear the story of an American congressman who changed the lives of thousands of Irish people, the foundation created to honor his legacy, and the big event this fall that will celebrate that legacy. To tell the tale, we have two Irish individuals who benefited from the Morrison Visa program, spearheaded by Congressman Bruce Morrison: Feargal O’Sullivan, CEO of the outsourced sales and marketing firm USAM, and Elaine Brennan, Executive Director of Global Strategic Partnerships for Northwell Health. Since Morrison Visas helped thousands of young Irish people, Elaine, Feargal, and a stellar group of diaspora leaders created the Morrison Legacy Foundation and will honor the Congressman at the Morrison Visa 30th Anniversary Celebration, Wed., Oct. 1, at the legendary Rainbow Room, high atop New York’s Rockefeller Center. Get all the details at the links below. With that, we wrap until the fall when we’ll come back strong on September 7th in an episode with former U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Joseph Kennedy III. Talk to you then! Links Morrison Legacy Foundation WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramElaine Brennan LinkedInNorthwell HealthFergal O'Sullivan LinkedInUSAM Group Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 25; Total Episode Count: 128

In his third appearance on Irish Stew, historian Dr. Damian Shiels joins Martin Nutty for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. Now living in Finland, Damian shares the personal story behind his move abroad, driven by Ireland’s rising cost of living and the opportunities remote work provides. The episode explores Damian’s latest projects, including "Transatlantic", a new podcast he co-hosts with Finn Dwyer, which dives deep into the historical connections between Ireland and America. Damian also discusses his groundbreaking new book, Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865. The culmination of 15 years of research, the book offers a powerful and detailed examination of the Irish experience during the American Civil War, revealing the socio-economic realities and identities of Irish soldiers in Union ranks. Throughout the episode, themes of immigration, identity, and racism are explored, connecting past and present. Damian and Martin reflect on how understanding the history of the Irish diaspora can illuminate today’s pressing issues—from housing crises to evolving notions of Irish identity, both at home and abroad. Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 24; Total Episode Count: 127

The Smuggler is back and rhyming its way through Ireland, so we updated our earlier episode with actor Mick Mellamphy with news of his Irish tour of Ronán Noone’s award-winning one-man tour de force this July. Set on a wealthy American island enclave and performed in rhymed verse, The Smuggler follows Irish immigrant Tim Finnegan as he’s pulled into the local criminal underworld after a fatal crash stirs tensions between locals and migrants. It's a raucous, interactive experience, with the edge of a thriller and the serious subtext of immigration and identity, playing in Listowel, Cork, Belfast, and Dublin (details below). With roots in both Dublin and Cork, Mick is a well-known New York actor and artistic director of the Origin Theatre who enjoys rockstar fame as the performance capture actor for the cheeky Irish gunslinger Sean MacGuire from the massively popular video game Red Dead Redemption 2, aka RDR2. Mick leaves us with a wee sample of The Smuggler as he slips into the conflicted character of Tim Finnegan, but to get the full experience, catch Mick on tour in Ireland this July. Original episode published January 2023 Links The Smuggler FacebookSt John’s Theatre, ListowelThe Cork Arts TheatreThe Harrison Hotel, BelfastJ.R. Mahon’s, DublinMick Mellamphy FacebookInstagramLinkedInOrigin Theatre/1st Irish Festival Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 23; Total Episode Count: 126

In this episode, host Martin Nutty chats with Declan Curran, actor, writer, and producer of the acclaimed short film Dear Imelda. Declan traces his creative path from creating teenage comedy sketches on YouTube to crafting award-winning short films that have screened at festivals worldwide. His growing success is highlighted by a recent distribution deal brokered by Network Ireland Television (NITV) with the Japanese streaming platform SAMANSA, expanding his reach to international audiences. Recorded at the Capital Irish Film Festival in Washington, DC—hosted by Solas Nua—this conversation captures the vibrant, collaborative spirit of the festival. Declan discusses the realities of self-funding projects, the power of film festivals for emerging filmmakers, and the value of real-life connections in a digital age. He also reflects on the top-tier screening experience at venues like the AFI Silver Theatre and the support he’s found through family collaborations, particularly with his cousin Arón Holden, director of Dear Imelda. Looking ahead, Declan talks about his aspirations to transition into feature filmmaking and the lessons he’s carrying forward from his indie film success. Links Declan Curran WebsiteFacebookInstagramDear ImeldaBirthdayShall We SitShine Solas Nua WebsiteCapital Irish Film Festival 2025 Other Links SAMANSANetwork Television IrelandAFI Silver Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 22; Total Episode Count: 125

When you have a good story to tell, why not invite the world? For our Lost In Belfast series finale, we convene in the Titanic Hotel’s grand vaulted hall, where the ill-fated ship was designed. Hundreds have gathered from across local communities and from around the globe for the Belfast International Homecoming—civic leaders, elected officials, business executives, investors, entrepreneurs, culture makers…and two peripatetic podcasters. Co-host and a Belfast Homecoming Ambassador himself, John Lee spoke with the event’s creator Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, a former Lord Mayor, long-time publisher, and Irish Stew alum and Connla McCann, who organizes this and many other high-profile events on both sides of the Atlantic as co-founder and director of Aisling Events. We glean their insights on the purpose, evolution, outcomes, and future of this much anticipated annual event (returning Sept. 25, 2025), and grab soundbites from Dan Dennehy--VP Council for American Ireland Relations, Bryan O’Dwyer, a New York lawyer dedicated to advancing Ireland’s cause in the United States, and Smuggling Nun Poitín’s Maura Clare, another past Irish Stew guest and a 2024 Belfast Homecoming Ambassador. We also heard about the Homecoming’s sister event, the New York New Belfast Luncheon Conference, coming to the stately New York Athletic Club on Thurs., June 12. See the link below for last-minute tickets! So, we are lost no more—we found our way home to Belfast. We thank Tourism Ireland for all their support and Máirtín and Connla for inviting us to the Belfast Homecoming! Links 2025 New York New Belfast Conference2025 Belfast International HomecomingAisling Events Máirtín Ó Muilleoir LinkedInTwitter/XFacebookEarlier Irish Stew episode Connla McCann LinkedInFacebook Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 21; Total Episode Count: 124

In the 10th episode of the Irish Stew Podcast's Lost in Belfast series, host Martin Nutty sits down with poet Linda McKenna. Together, they discuss poetry, history, and forgotten voices of Irish history. Linda's path to poetry began almost by accident, but her talent was apparent, confirmed when she received the prestigious 2018 Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing. Recording from the Observatory room at Belfast's Grand Central Hotel, Linda opens up about her unique approach to poetry, drawing inspiration from historical archives and fragmentary records to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of women throughout history. During this compelling discussion, Linda reads excerpts from her acclaimed collection Four Thousand Keys and offers insights into her upcoming work, which seeks to recover and amplify voices from Ireland's 1798 rebellion. Her poetry serves as both historical excavation and artistic expression, breathing life into stories that might otherwise remain buried in dusty archives. Join Martin and Linda for a conversation that connects past and present, exploring how poetry can serve as a bridge between forgotten histories and contemporary understanding. Links Linda McKennaTwitterFacebook Books Four Thousand KeysIn the Museum of Misremembered Things Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 20; Total Episode Count: 123

In this episode of Irish Stew, host Martin Nutty connects with key figures from Solas Nua, a dynamic Washington, D.C.-based arts organization devoted to contemporary Irish culture. Recorded during the Capital Irish Film Festival, the conversation features: Kate Meenan-WaughAndrew DolanRex DohertyKate recounts her Irish upbringing, her background in education, and the path that led her to Solas Nua. Andrew delves into the opportunities and hurdles of running an arts organization without a permanent venue, highlighting the power of partnership-driven programming. Rex shares his journey of reconnecting with Irish heritage and describes how Solas Nua nurtures the growth of Irish theater and artists. Together, they explore Solas Nua’s mission to promote Irish voices, innovative approaches to community engagement, and upcoming initiatives, including events spotlighting renowned playwright Enda Walsh. As Solas Nua marks its 20th anniversary, the guests reflect on the organization's evolving impact, the significance of cultural storytelling, and the enduring influence of Irish arts in the U.S. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Lee, the Irish King and beloved brother of John Lee. Links Solas Nua WebsiteInstagramTwitter (X)FacebookEnda Walsh Festival - June 21 - 22 Kate Meenan Waugh - Board Co-Chair Profile at Solas Nua Andrew Dolan - Executive Director LinkedInNEA - Artful Life Interview Rex Daughtery WebsiteLinkedInEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 19; Total Episode Count: 122

Join us in jail, or is it gaol, as in the Crumlin Road Gaol, the last Victorian era prison relic in Northern Ireland, now being put to better use as the home of the Belfast Distillery Company, working to revive the classic old McConnell’s Whisky brand and creating a major new hospitality and tourist attraction in the process. We stop for “just the one” in this all-too brief episode, where CEO John Kelly lays out the twin goals for the distillery: “Restore the legend of McConnell’s Irish Whisky that was and will be again, and bring distilling back to Belfast.” The 22-year veteran of Guinness and Diageo knows the spirits industry…and the neighborhood, having gone to school just over the prison wall, back in the bad old days of the Crumlin Road Gaol. John shares insights on why Irish whiskey lost favor, how it is now roaring back, and the immersive experiences drawing visitors to this dramatic new distillery. And BTW—it isn’t a typo—McConnel’s spells it “whisky” without the “e”. Links: McConnell's Whisky WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitter (X)LinkedInYouTubeJohn Kelly LinkedIn Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 18; Total Episode Count: 121

When you’re in a UNESCO City of Music, you expect to hear some great sounds, which we did when we found our way to the Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts to hear the Belfast singer, songwriter, performer, and musical explorer Suzanne Savage. Hooked at age seven by an Ulster Orchestra concert, she picked up a violin at age eight. Within a few years, she was practicing classical music by day and gigging with Belfast bands by night. Suzanne talks about her deep connections with Belfast and its music scene, her varied musical influences, and how she balances her artistic endeavors with practical considerations. Suzanne tells of her jazz influences, international experiences, noteworthy performances, and the important community initiatives she supports in Belfast. In the Duncairn concert, she was backed by her Savage Five string ensemble for an evening of her contemporary art songs, a reminder that there’s more than Trad to be had in the first UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland. Join us for a journey through the marvelous musical landscape of the stellar Suzanne Savage! And thanks to the Belfast Music Society for their warm welcome. Links Suzanne Savage FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter/XBandcampYouTubeSinging Leonard Cohen with RTÉ Concert Orchestra Savage Five WebsiteFacebookSeamus Plug - The People's Kitchen, Belfast FacebookKindness on the StreetsThe Duncairn Centre for Arts & Culture WebsiteFacebookEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 17; Total Episode Count: 120

This episode of the Irish Stew Podcast features a discussion with documentary filmmaker Alan Gilsenan and journalist John Walsh about their film 'The Irish Question.' The film delves into the recent history of Ireland, the partition between North and South, and contemplates the concept of a United Ireland in the post-Brexit era. The conversation highlights the impact of Brexit, economic and cultural complexities, and the fragile peace established by the Good Friday Agreement. The episode also touches on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation as a foundational step towards any potential unification. Recorded at the Capital Irish Film Festival in association with Solas Nua, this discussion pays homage to diverse Irish identities and urges a deeper conversation on Ireland's future. Links The Irish Question (Trailer) Alan Gilsenan - Director Yellow AsylumWikipediaTwitter / XJohn Walsh - Writer LinkedInBlueSkySolas Nua Website Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 16; Total Episode Count: 119

Former champion boxer John Duddy from Derry and one-time construction worker Newry’s own Ciaran Byrne share their unlikely paths to acting on stage and in film in part two of our first live podcast recording for Origin Theatre’s 1st Irish Festival. The two friends delve into how their life experiences inform their performances, personal traumas from The Troubles, and the critical role of theater in post-conflict healing and education. Sharing compelling narratives throughout, Ciaran and John underscore the significance of their Northern Irish roots and the transformative power of storytelling, but don’t stint on the Irish craic. Massive thanks to Origin’s Theatre’s artistic director Mick Mellamphy (who we featured in this 2023 episode) for envisioning our live podcast event and curating our stellar guest list, to the Northern Ireland Bureau for their generous support, to Bill Schultz for recording and editing the episodes, and to Jimmy and the crew at Ryan’s Daughter for their above-and-beyond hospitality. Links Ciaran Byrne WebsiteIMDbXInstagramLinkedInFacebookJohn Duddy IMDbInstagramFacebookLinkedInOrigin Theatre WebsiteThe Northern Ireland Bureau WebsiteEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 15; Total Episode Count: 118

After Origin Theatre’s artistic director Mick Mellamphy welcomes our paying (!) audience to the 1st Irish Festival’s first live podcast event, we introduce theatre makers, Derry’s own Labhaoise Magee of Fair Play Productions and Big Telly Theatre’s Crissy O' Donovan who was raised in Dublin, worked in GB, and is now based in Northern Ireland. Fair Play brought Sinéad O'Brien's "storytelling masterclass" No One is Coming to Origin 1st Irish this year, while Big Telly staged the immersive Granny Jackson’s Dead. Labhaoise and Crissy talk about their theatrical journeys, how storytelling can process collective memory, how theater can promote democratic culture in post-conflict Northern Ireland, and the transformative power of dramatic arts in fostering connections and understanding. Join us Upstairs at Ryan’s Daughter for our first live podcast recording, made possible by the support of the Northern Ireland Bureau. Links Labhaoise Magee IMDbFair Play Productions WebsiteInstagramXCrissy O' Donovan LinkedInBig Telly Theatre WebsiteYouTubeXOrigin Theatre WebsiteThe Northern Ireland Bureau Website Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 14; Total Episode Count: 117