Multi award-winning podcast from Dublin, Ireland. Everyone has a story to tell...
Episodes
Saturday Jan 30, 2016
Saturday Jan 30, 2016
This week on What's the Story podcast, all the emotions are flowing as Lindsey announces that she will be departing WTSpod Towers for the foreseeable future.
Despite being punched right in the feels, Danny & Mero soldier on to ensure Lindsey doesn't leave on bad terms and most importantly, that she doesn't leave without trying the famous spice bag. Did she like it? Did she hate it? Did she lob a load of curry sauce on it and ask for more?
Besides the spice bag we hear about what's next for Lindsey as she prepares for her upcoming MMA fight in Belfast. We look at the US Presidential election and weigh up the Donald Trump factor. Danny attempts to explain the US presidential voting system and is probably way off the mark.
We talk more documentaries with topics such as Crutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD) and Kuru and are cows the main reason global warming is running amok?
Lindsey brings up the "Alive" scenario and asks if we would eat each other to stay alive. Danny talks about the time he interviewed former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern and was left with egg on his face.
Graham brings up the idea that impending general election in Ireland may not take place at the end of February because of the 6 Nations and Danny does everything he can to rubbish it.
The concussion topic comes back again as the lads look at the Johnny Sexton issue and concussion in sport.
All this and loads more besides, you can check out all our previous chapters on iTunes, stitcher and all podcast outlets, just search WTSpod.
Saturday Jan 23, 2016
Saturday Jan 23, 2016
Mark Baker is one of the world's leading portrait artists. He is renowned in Ireland in for his signature "in 3" paintings and has had is work displayed in international galleries.
From Dave Grohl to Johnny Cash, George Best to Brian O'Driscoll and Katie Taylor to Connor McGregor - Mark has painted and drawn famous faces from all parts of the celebrity world including Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day Lewis. He even includes United States President Barack Obama amongst those who have a Baker original hanging in their home.
We spoke to Mark about his artwork, how he got started and how he decides on who he will put on canvass next. He tells us about his upcoming projects and some of his work that was robbed after appearing at an exhibition in an airport.
There's also talk of the Oscars and diversity, Lindsey gives advise on the paleo diet, Danny is trying to coin phrases and getting called out on it and Mero has trouble picking an upbeat song as the lads put together their "Monday morning songs". We have a Mark Baker print to give away and details are on our facebook page -Facebook.com/WTSpodIreland and there's also the curious incident of Richard Gere and the gerbill...
Don't forget you can check us out on iTunes, Stitcher and Twitter just search WTSpod.
Friday Dec 11, 2015
Friday Dec 11, 2015
UFC 194 will see the biggest fight in the history of the UFC Featherweight division featuring the unstoppable Jose Aldo and the unmissable Conor McGregor. With a fight this big we figured we need a big guest, and they don't get much bigger than The American Gangster, Chael Sonnen.
Chael Sonnen was one of the biggest draws in the history of MMA. His rivalry with Anderson Silva helped to create a legend and cemented Chael's place as "the peoples' champion." A regular analyst with ESPN's MMA coverage, Chael's breakdown of fights and unique perspective have made sure that his transition from life inside the octagon to life outside the octagon has been just as captivating for audiences.
A man who is no stranger to controversy and at one point had the entire nation of Brasil out to get him, Chael Sonnen has never backed down from speaking his mind and calling it as he sees it, and that's exactly what went down when we spoke to him.
The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger joined us to discuss UFC 194 and give us his thoughts on the biggest fight card of the year. We also talked to Chael about his own podcast (You're Welcome - available on iTunes) and how that started. We hear about his involvement with pro wrestling and we hear a little about his plans for the holiday season.
On top of this the lads have their usual bit of messing and laughing, Danny breaks into song, Lindsey hates Harry Potter and Mero is over Rocky. We talk Geek Ireland and the 2015 Geekies and reveal who we'll have on WTSpod next week.
Saturday Dec 05, 2015
Saturday Dec 05, 2015
Suicide or Survive (SoS) is an Irish charity which endeavours to challenge the stigma attached to mental illness. The founder and CEO of SoS joined us this week to tell us about the work of the charity and share her own story.
Caroline McGuigan is a qualified psychotherapist who has battled with anxiety and depression for decades. She told us about how she survived her own attempt at suicide and after going through the system within Ireland for help,she was left frustrated with the help that was there.
Channelling her frustration into productivity, Caroline went to Trinity College Dublin to study psychotherapy and at her own kitchen table started laying the foundations for what would become Suicide or Survive. A deeply personal and touching story, Caroline was very open and frank about her own struggles with depression and anxiety and the impact they have had on loved ones, even her own children.
Caroline and her team at Suicide or Survive are leading the charge in removing the stigmas around suicide and mental health and replacing them with an unwavering respect for everyone's mental health. Danny, Mero & Lindsey are all delighted to be a part of this process and hope that this chapter of What's the Story? plays even the smallest part in helping to remove those stigmas.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression affect one in four people in the world. A 2013 study by the Royal College of Surgeons found that over 50% of Irish youths suffer from mental health issues by the age of 24. If there is one message WTSpod wants our friends and supporters to hear it is that it is okay to be not okay.
If you, or anyone you know, is affected by the issues discussed in this podcast or would like to seek help we would strongly encourage you to go to www.suicideorsurvive.ie or www.yourmentalhealth.ie - alternatively you can contact any of the WTSpod team in confidence and we'll help.
Samaritans 24hr free helpline: 116 123
SOS helpline: 1890 577 577
Saturday Nov 07, 2015
Saturday Nov 07, 2015
This week on What's the Story? Your three hosts are off to a wedding so that means a simplified chapter with no guests.
Mero is talking about Michael Moore, Danny hates Halloween and Lindsey goes to town on The Biggest Loser. We drop hints at future guests including the greatest phone call Danny has ever received.
The lads discuss the chart success they have enjoyed, Lindsey wants to marry Sunny Bill Williams and we check back in on Danny's bid to go from obese to beast.
All of this and loads more besides. You can check out our previous chapters on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Republic and all android outlets. Just search WTSpod.
Follow us on Twitter - @WTSpod @danjomurray @merriganmania and @lindseydoylePT
Sunday Nov 01, 2015
Sunday Nov 01, 2015
Our guest this week is one of Ireland's leading sports journalists. Ken Early has become renowned from his time on the multi-award winning "Off the Ball" before departing Newstalk FM with his collegues to form The Second Captains - a multi platform media production company.
Over the last few years Ken and the Second Captains have dominated the podcast charts in Ireland and many will be familiar with their hugely successful TV show on RTE. Along side the podcast and TV work, Ken also writes for The Irish Times.
We spoke in depth about MMA - UFC Dublin and Lindsey's involvement with Aisling Daly's training. We discuss Conor McGregor and if he is the champion or if the interim-title he holds is just a fancy fashion accessory. Ken offers his opinion on Dana White and his thoughts on the UFC being their own worst enemy.
Should MMA fighters have a union, and outside of Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor is their anyone strong enough to take on Dana and the Fertita brothers? Is the situation even that bad for fighters?
There's also chat about best man duties at weddings, the life and deaths of Bob Durst, is Baseball a sport? Ireland in the play offs, Danny struggles to end the podcast and loads more besides.
You can check out our previous episodes on all podcast outlets, iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean, Podcast Addict etc. Just search WTSpod
Rate Review Subscribe and let us know what you think on Twitter, we are 'WTSpod"
Sunday Oct 25, 2015
Sunday Oct 25, 2015
This week on What's the Story? Podcast we change gears and welcome our first Politician to our ranks.
Richard Boyd Barrett is TD (Member of Irish Parliament) for the constituency of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown located in South Dublin. After over a decade of political campaigning, Richard was elected to Dáil Éireann in the 2011 general election and has become one of the most prominent voices amongst the anti government opposition. He is a member of the People Before Profit party and is also one of the 16 TDs that make up the Dáil Technical Group.
We spoke to Richard about growing up in his constituency, playing football for every team in the borough and how he came to get involved with politics and campaigns. Having grown up in a relatively affluent area and attending one of Ireland's most elite private schools, its been a long road to campaigning for social justice; a road that brought Richard to London, Israel and back again.
It was in Israel in the late eighties that Richard was exposed to politics in a way that would inspire him to get involved upon his return to Ireland. We heard all about his early days in the Socialist Workers Party and his involvement in campaigns from Save our Seafront and opposing the water charges.
Danny admits he didn't vote for Richard in the last election while Mero proudly admits he did, Danny then does his best to question things like social housing, welfare and opposition to Ireland's low corporation tax rate.
All of this and we hear about Lindsey's adventures with BJJ and her upcoming MMA debut, Mero has pink eye, Toblerone banter and Danny continues to spread the word of secret messages within company logos.
You can check out all our previous chapters with guests including Paul Stenson, Paul Howard, Tony McGregor, Pat Flynn, Cian Cowley Saskia Tidey and many more by searching WTSpod on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean and all podcast outlets on Android.
Rate, review, subscribe and let us know what you think! Tweet us on @WTSpod and stay tuned for more great guests
Saturday Oct 17, 2015
Saturday Oct 17, 2015
This week on What's the Story? its just the three lads having the craic.
Lindsey has big news she wants to share and the lads are excited by it. She also goes to war on "bread myths".
Mero has beard nits and Danny announces his 15 year plan to climb Mount Everest and talks about his special eye.
Besides this we talk all things Rugby World Cup, Ireland slaughter France and we look at Ireland v Argentina. Danny predicts who will make the semi finals and gets emotional over #DoItForPaulie #ThanksPaulie
Ireland v Poland also pops up and it was heartbreaking. The lads talk documentaries that range from Ice Hockey to Basketball, Formula 1 to Amy Winehouse and how many dead bodies are on Everest anyway?
As always you can check out all of our chapters on iTunes, Stitcher and all podcast outlets just search WTSpod. Rate, review, subscribe and let us know what you think!
On Twitter we are @WTSpod and the lads are @lindseydoylept @danjomurray and @merriganmania
Sunday Oct 11, 2015
Sunday Oct 11, 2015
This week we were joined by Sunderland ladies and Ireland ladies footballing hero, Stephanie Roche.
Steph spoke to us about growing up in the borough, her early days of playing and football with Valeview FC and Cabinteely FC and the discovery that she could play football as a profession.
From the inaugural women's Champions League with Dublin's Peamount United to her time playing in France, her short stint in The US with Huston Dash right up to her signing for Sunderland earlier this year and venturing into the world of media with her Irish Independent column. It's been a storied career for the Irish striker and we haven't even mentioned "that goal".
We heard all about the wonder strike that shot Steph from local girl from Shankill to household name and global recognition. The nomination for the famed FIFA Puskas Award all the way to the award ceremony where she was rubbing shoulders with footballing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi. It was great sitting down with Steph and we hope you enjoy hearing about her career to date.
As always there is the usual bit of jokes, chat and opinion from Danny, Mero & Lindsey including Mero's birthday, Lindsey tapping people out all over the place, Danny is 30kg down, Ireland v Germany, Euro 2016, The Rugby World Cup, Papa Johns, The spice bag/box and loads more besides!
Check out WTSpod on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Repubic, Podbean, Podcast Addict and all podcast directories. Rate, review, subscribe, like and share, let us know what you think and as always, thanks for listening.
Sunday Oct 04, 2015
Sunday Oct 04, 2015
This week we were joined by a pioneer of women's MMA and a true Irish legend. Aisling Daly is part of the now famed SBG Ireland crew that have taken over the UFC. At the age of just 27 Ais "The Bash" Daly is already a veteran of the sport and one of the most respected European competitors, there's also the small matter of her being Ireland's first ever pro MMA champion and Ireland's first female UFC fighter.
We spoke to Ais about everything, from how she got started in MMA and the early days of training under the brilliant John Kavanagh in "the shed" in Dublin's Harold's Cross, her first fight, the growth of MMA and the UFC, the Irish reaction to MMA, her time in The Ultimate Fighter house and of course her upcoming fight against Erika Almedia at UFC Fight Night in Dublin.
On top of all this we hear about Lindsey's victory in her most recent fight to capture the Four Nations title, Danny is waiting on a call up from Joe Schmidt and Mero is still looking for parking.
As always rate, review subscribe and let us know what you think! You can check all our previous chapters out on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher, Podcast Republic and all podcast outlets, just search WTSpod.
Sunday Sep 20, 2015
Sunday Sep 20, 2015
This week on What's the Story we take a little trip to one of Ireland's most famous places, Carrigstown, as we get an inside look at a basketball rivalry that makes The Chicago Bulls v The New York Knicks look like a tea party.
The Ballybrack Bulls v The Carrigstown Condors.
We're joined by RTE's Fair City star Steve Gunn (Dan Keating of The Condors) who tells us about life on both sides of the camera and his days before landing his gig with the award winning serial drama. From taxi driving to busking, selling cash registers to working in a German circus, there's not a lot Steve hasn't tried - including tap dancing.
We also had Irish Wheelchair Association Sport Development Officer, Mark Barry, along with us to tell us about the storyline on Fair City which involves Steve and of course our very own Graham Merrigan. Mark dishes the dirt on Mero and also tells us about his own journey from competing at the Barcelona 92 Paralympic Games to going on a J1 to Alaska and everything in between.
As usual the lads discuss everything and anything including smelly Glasgow Celtic fans, the Rugby World Cup, Robert Durst The Jinx and loads more besides.
As always rate, review, subscribe and let us know what you think! You can check out all our previous chapters on iTunes or any podcast app for android, just search WTSpod.
Sunday Sep 13, 2015
Sunday Sep 13, 2015
A special edition of What's the Story? this week as Danny & Mero head to the heart of Dublin, Ballybrack, to witness the newest generation of ass kicking kids at the very first Junior Takeover Muay Thai event.
The two lads had chats with a host of kids and fighters including Evan, Ella, Tom and Maia from Warriors Gym in Dublin. Zoe, Daniel and John Walsh from Waterford Muay Thai, Aaron and Liam who only found out they were fighting each other when they sat down together with us, Shane and Shane from Celtic K1 and of course, friend of the show and the man behind the event, Cian Cowley.
It was a great day which had everything from kids in their first fight to teenagers who are nearly veterans. Danny got called out by one of the kids and had to leave with a security escort, Mero is currently working on his spinning back fist technique and we learned that Disney Land in Florida is haunted... at least according to one of the kids.
Big thanks to everyone involved on the day, especially Mark Merrigan who was our producer, runner, organiser, security, life coach and spotter.
Don't forget to check out all our previous chapters online and on iTunes, rate, review, subscribe and let us know what you think!
Sunday Sep 06, 2015
Sunday Sep 06, 2015
This week on What's the Story? Danny, Lindsey and Mero are on fire!
Danny seems to hate the world and everything in it, especially do gooders on Facebook, overbearing parents on Facebook, and begrudgery... in general, not just on the Facebook.
Mero loves everyone and everything, except Lindsey's baking. To counter Danny being in a sulk, Mero tries to be upbeat and loving life.
Lindsey reveals her hippy side and takes the abuse from the lads over her baking skills like a pro.
All of this and, we talk the serious situation in Syria, defending/bating Bono, Danny receives the scariest message of his life, the Bloggies 2015 and our BIG competition winner is revealed.
Don't forget to check out our previous chapters on iTunes or, if you're on an android user download the Podcast Addict app free in Play Story and we'll go in your pocket with you everywhere.
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Sunday Aug 30, 2015
Sunday Aug 30, 2015
Our guest this week is one of Ireland's hottest prospects in the world of combat sports. Cian Cowley is 23-years-old and already considered a vetran of Thai Boxing. With over 50 professional fights and 4 titles, Cian has recently announced his desire to compete in MMA and has joined forces with Ireland's most prominent team, SBG.
We spoke to Cian about his recent meeting with Coach John Kavanagh and his plans for progression with Mixed Martial Arts. We also discussed how he began in Thai Boxing, growing up in the borough, leaving school and quitting college to fly to Thailand at the age of 16 to pursue his dream of fighting.
Cian tells us all about his famous Warriors Gym in Dun Laoghaire, the art of training and the weight cut, his love of coaching the next generation of fighters and his own promotion "The Takeover", being BFFs with Tyrone Spong and of course, his two dogs Cosmo & Nova.
On top of all this your three hosts do their best to go off on irreverent tangents including the smell of awards around Story Towers, Danny is covered in cheese this week, Mero nearly missing the podcast due to his chair rolling off and Lindsey has difficulty with a spinning chair. The lads discuss the shenanigans going on in Korea, details of an upcoming competition and of course, the now traditional conversation on Spice Bags. All of this and loads more besides.
Rate, Review, Subscribe and let us know what you think, we're on iTunes and all the podcast formats just search WTSpod
Sunday Aug 23, 2015
Sunday Aug 23, 2015
This week we were joined by League of Ireland legend, Pat Flynn. With a football career spanning three decades, Pajo shared plenty of stories from humble beginnings with Loughlinstown Boys all the way through to the world of professional football including crossing paths with legends like Denis Irwin, Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne, Glen Hoddle, and Joleon Lescott to name a few.
We also hear about Pajo getting trials for the first time, tears in the airport, the infamous temper, playing against Ronaldo and Del Piero and why the washing machine will be important for when he hangs up his boots.
Mero gets excited and butchers the intro, Danny tries to talk about rugby on a chapter about football, Lindsey tells us about getting kicked off a football team and Pajo dishes the dirt and what happened when Mero met an interesting "lady" on a night out in Dublin - All of this and loads more besides.
As always you can check us out on iTunes --> https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/wtspod/id1010889093?mt=2 Hit that subscribe button please, then rate, review and let us know what you think!
Sunday Aug 16, 2015
Sunday Aug 16, 2015
This week on What's the Story? sees your three hosts tell stories of waking up from being unconscious, including Mero's horse, Danny's important question and Lindsey turning into Google maps.
Mero & Lindsey discuss their recent experience at the Cage Kings event in the national basketball arena which leads Mero to call out one of the fighters, meanwhile Danny calls out Lionel Messi & Herbalife after ranting for a few.
Also on the agenda this week, Dublin being voted the greatest city on the planet, Anderson Silva's Viagra is dodgey, Jose Aldo is taking the piss, stun huns & masso girlos, and loads more besides.
Rate, review, comment and let us know what you think! Check out our previous episodes on iTunes and don't forget we're all over social media, #WTSpod
Wednesday Jul 22, 2015
Wednesday Jul 22, 2015
Our guest on "What's the Story?" this week is a legend of The Paralympic Games. Johnny Fulham represented Ireland four times, four times, four times, four times at the Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2004. He set several Irish records and won two European Championships along the way.
Mero & Danny spoke to Johnny about growing up in Ireland with a disability, his venture into wheelchair sports, a 16 year career as an elite athlete, his new career as Vice President of Paralympics Ireland as well as his work with The Irish Wheelchair Association. We also take a look at the road to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, Star Wars, Alex Zanardi, Oscar Pistorius, and a tough decision regarding the loves in Johnny's life....
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Monday Jun 22, 2015
Monday Jun 22, 2015
Everyone has a story to tell and we want to share it.
Each week join Danny, Mero & Lindsey as they bring you their own stories and the stories of their guests. In episode one we hear from our three hosts as they give you their own background and introduce themselves.
Graham Merrigan is a 30-year-old broadcaster and wheelchair athlete who has represented Ireland in wheelchair rugby sevens.
Lindsey Doyle is personal trainer and fitness expert. She is a World Champion Kickboxer and is currently training in MMA.
Danny Murray is a wannabe World Champion and wannabe Broadcaster. He is a 27-year-old man child who can be found wrestling his walrus shaped labrador, Cleo.