What’s the Story? Podcast

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 🍻
Historian and host of the amazing Three Castles Burning, Donal Fallon is back for a great chat about the story of the Irish pub and Dublin’s early houses.

We also chat about Dev, the Monto’s wild past of guns and sex for sale, and, as always, Donal shares some great nuggets from Irish history. 

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.

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! 

• 🐾 Pup-date: We get the all-important update on Brie, Hilary’s puppy, and the real star of the show!
• 📊 Election Reflections: Hilary gives an inside look at how Americans are reacting post-election, discussing key trends and voter sentiment.
• 🎤 Media on the Move: We dive into how podcasts have become the go-to space for political campaigning, changing the game for media.
• 📚 History Deep Dives: Hilary teases an upcoming conversation with author Ben Macintyre about his book The Siege, on the 1980 Iranian Embassy hostage crisis.

Follow @newsbyhil on Instagram, X, and Patreon to get more from Hilary! 

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:

🚗 Adventures in Autonomous Cars: Elaine tells us what it's like to ride in a driverless taxi and how it could change the future of travel.

🤖 Robots Among Us: From medical marvels with Robotics to stock-taking bots in supermarkets, we explore how automation is changing everyday life.

🧠 AI: Beyond the Buzz: We separate fact from fiction in the world of artificial intelligence and discuss its true potential and pitfalls.

💬 Battling Online Misinformation: As the world nervously looks to the US presidential election on November 5th, we talk about algorithms, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the importance of keeping conversations respectful.

All of this and lots more! 

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:

• 🤼‍♂️ Wrestling Antics: Ross shares unbelievable tales from his days in professional wrestling, including keeping kayfabe and some wild backstage stories.

• 🎤 Comedy Journey: We explore how Ross transitioned into stand-up comedy, his inspirations, and his most memorable performances.

• 🎬 Behind the Scenes of The Young Offenders: An inside look at writing for the hit show and how Ross overcame imposter syndrome.

• 📻 Radio Revelations: The fun and challenges of hosting a morning radio show, building chemistry with co-hosts, and laughing with listeners.

You can catch Ross on stage this October at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght and the Roisin Dubh in Galway. Check out his Social Media for more details. 

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! 🏅

From embracing life in sunny Portugal to sharing insights on the challenges within para-cycling 🚴, Mark opens up about his journey, the impact of athlete classifications in disability sports, why Ireland is getting it wrong, and supporting emerging talents 🌱.

Plus, hear the remarkable story of a Palestinian cyclist who, having lost his leg after being shot by an Israeli sniper, overcame incredible odds and will compete at the Para-Cycling World Championships in Zurich. 

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. 

🎙️✈️ We talk about the highs and lows of the games, from unforgettable victories to the controversies that captured the world's attention. 🏅🔥

What sparks the culture wars at an international event like the Olympics?

How do athletes and fans navigate the complex web of polarizing issues?

Philip shares firsthand insights that go beyond the headlines including telling us about his encounter with the Dutch Olympic Team and their reluctance to answer questions regarding the inclusion of paedophile volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2016. 

🎧 Listen now to get the full story

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

🎙️ New Episode: US Election Drama with Hilary McGann! 🇺🇸

We chat with journalist Hilary McGann (News By Hil) about the latest US Presidential Election twists:

• Biden withdraws 🇺🇸 ➡️ Kamala Harris becomes the Democratic Nominee
• VP picks 🔍
• Importance of swing states 🎯
• How Trump captivates audiences like no one else 📣

Get the inside scoop on one of the most unpredictable elections in history! 🗳️✨

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 darker 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. 

👃Mero has the sniffles 

😷 Danny's done with Covid 

🎸 20 years since Oxegen 

🛫 WTF is rawdogging and why are lads bragging?

🦷 Ireland Men's National Team  has a new Dentist / Manager 

🇳🇱 Cheering on the Netherlands 🤦‍♂️(and now Spain)

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. 

In 2015 Danny & Mero spent an afternoon chatting to the great Mícheál O'Muircheartaigh. Following the sad news of Mícheál's passing, we are republishing this episode from way back when. 

Mícheál is, was, and always be a true great of broadcasting. He'll be remembered fondly and missed deeply. 

Shine On, Mícheál O'Muircheartaigh

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... 

🖥️ What did you want to be when you grew up? 

🍑💨 Roland the Farter and the world of professional flatulists

🏆 United win the FA Cup 

🤦‍♂️ Leinster comes up shy, again. 

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.