What’s the Story? Podcast

This week we welcome a true Irish legend to WTSpod as we catch up with the one and only Aisling Daly. 

Ais is one of Ireland's most recognised MMA stars and recently announced her retirement from competitive action. A brazillian jiu jitsu blackbelt, a world champion, a UFC fighter and one of the nicest people out there, it's always a pleasure to sit down and chat with Ais. 

We catch up with The Bash on what led to her retiring and what she's up to now, Safe MMA and what comes next. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more

It's been a while since Danny & Mero just sat down together and had a chat so this week they correct that. Mero tries accents, the lads talk about Spanish students coming to Ireland and the Liverpool football star who hung around the tunnell at Tesco Ballybrack. 

There's talk of the cringe factor in football today as clubs try to embrace social media to announce players coming and going - Liverpool and Chelsea in particular. Danny hates football fans and Mero can't wait for Danny to go on holiday so he can takeover the WTS twitter account. 

The lads also show how current they are by talking about the Mayweather McGregor press tour two weeks after it happened. There's also news of a new WTS venture so you can get even more of the multi award winning podcast...

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more 

This week we welcome back an old friend in director and writer, Mark O'Connor. When we spoke to Mark in 2016 (chapter 48) and John Connors (Chapter 43) we heard about a project called "Cardboard Gangsters". Fastforward to today and Cardboard Gangsters is the highest grossing Irish film of 2017 and is entering its 6th week in Cinemas across the country. 

Mark tells us about the project and what goes into producing a film like this. We hear of his admiration for John Connors who he co-wrote the movie with and for those listening overseas Mark gives an update on an international release. 

Of course there's the usual chat and waffle from the lads and Mark gives his prediction for Mayweather McGregor. 

Cardboard Gangsters in cinemas across Ireland now, check local listings, head along and support Irish Film. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.

Damian Darker is an Elite Martial Arts athlete, a professional kickboxer, a personal trainer, an all round gent and of course, a Borough legend. 

Besides just having the craic we spoke to Damo about his highlight reel knockout which went viral and put his name on everyone's lips in Irish K1. Damo talks about turning professional in Ireland, the difficulty in finding opponents and even when he does find them, the difficulty in finding one who treats the sport professionally. 

We hear about his new business venture, The Lab, which he runs with with BJJ ace, Austin Rhatigan, and a name that will be familiar to longtime listeners of WTSpod - Lindsey "Danger" Doyle. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more

This week the lads set up camp in Ballybrack's Igo Inn and welcomed back one of their favourite guests, Al Foran. 

It's been an incredible year for Al which has seen his stock rise internationally with his videos racking up millions of views, and a memorable encounter with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. 

Al's impressions have earned him a massive following and he brought them to table when he sat down with us, including Gordon Ramsay, President Trump, Jeff Stelling, Wayne Rooney, Tyson Furey and of course The Notorious Conor McGregor. 

Later this year Al will be hitting the stage with his brand new one man show, be sure to follow him on Facebook to keep up to date. www.facebook.com/alforancomedy 

Colm Hayes is an award winning broadcaster and mental health advocate. He was recently announced as the new Programme Director for Radio Nova and has been involved in Irish radio since the 1980s.

Colm is regarded as one of the thought leaders in Irish Broadcasting, his work with FM104, particularly with the Strawberry Alarm Clock, established them as Dublin's leading radio station. Colm has also enjoyed success with the national broadcaster, RTE. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads reunite with their favourite climate scientist, Dr. Cara Augustenborg. 

The Paris Agreement was thrust into the world's attention recently when President Trump announced the United States would be exiting the agreement. So the lads asked someone who actually knows something to come in and tell us what's what. Cara first joined the lads last year and now, nearly a year on she's come back to continue her efforts in trying to educate two clowns from the borough. From coffee being in danger to islands going under water and trying to capture carbon, Cara took the lads on whirlwind tour of climate and what we could all do to help. 

You can hear more from Cara at her website, www.caraaugustenborg.com 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Dil Wickremasinghe is a broadcaster, journalist. mental health advocate and campaigner for social justice. She hosts "Global Village" on Newstalk Radio and is a regular contributor to national TV and press. She has actively contributed to seeking equality for the LGBTQ communities in Ireland and as it is Pride week in Dublin, you'll hear why Dublin Pride has a significant meaning to Dil. 

Dil's story is one of incredible pain and amazing healing. From the coldness of a family break up in Sri Lanka, to the warmth of the 2015 Marriage Referendum here in Ireland, Dil's journey has been long and her courage unquestionable. 

in 2011 Dil and her partner, Ann Marie Toole, set up Insight Matters, which aims to provide affordable and inclusive psychotherapy and councelling. In 2015 they welcomed their first child and are expecting their second child this summer. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads welcome current BAMMA welterweight contendor Richard Kiely to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. 

With BAMMA 30 in Dublin's 3 Arena just a few weeks away, Richie came in and told the lads his plan to become the Bamma Welterweight Champion once he disposes of his BAMMA 30 opponent. 

A vetran Kickboxer and with multiple titles, Kiely transitioned to MMA under the watchful eye of Coach John Kavanagh and made his pro debut in December 2016, taking the fight by TKO with a vicious knee. 

You can follow Richie on the build up to his BAMMA 30 fight on Facebook - www.facebook.com/richardkielymma 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Ellen Coyne is one of Ireland's brightest and best journalists. In a short space of time she has earned herself the respect of audiences and peers alike, as well providing investigative pieces that have shocked, angered and educated many. 

We we spoke to Ellen about Women's Rights in Ireland, the Repeal the 8th campaign, communicating with emojis, online dating and loads more besides.

Ellen currently writes for the Irish edition of The Times which is now available Monday - Saturday in print and online so you can have access to great content whatever way you want it. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpartick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

To celebrate the 100th episode of WTSpod we had our first ever live show all in aid of Suicide or Survive. 

Recorded from a sold out Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, the lads were joined by Al Foran, Aisling Daly, Colm Hayes, Paul Howard, Steve Gunn and Caroline McGuigan for a live quiz that at times was beautiful mayhem. Thankfully, WTSpod special correspondent Gary Mackle was there to keep track of what was happening and provide motivational talks when needed... 

Thanks to the support of everyone who came on the night, The Natural Kitchen Dun Laoghaire, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Sound Works and all of the local businesses that supported the night we raised over €2500 euro that will go directly to SOS and the amazing work they do with Mental Health. 

(Thanks to Syncwood Studios who helped us recover audio in post production) 

Tom O'Mahony is one Ireland's busiest comedians. A regular in comedy clubs across the country, Tom has also been a regular across Irish TV with parts in Bridget & Eamon, Damo & Ivor, Republic of Telly and TV3's Uploaded Uncut. 

Tom is also familiar to the podcasting world with his own podcasts. The Tom & Gerry show which he records with fellow comedian and Waterford Whispers writer Gerry McBride, and his recently launched podcast, "Buckshot" which gives us a view of the world through the eyes of a rough neck Tipperary native with no time for bullshi*t. 

To see Tom live on a stage near you, go to https://www.facebook.com/TomBearComedy/ to see dates across Ireland. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Clelia Murphy is a screenwriter, director, producer and actress. She is best known for her work on the RTE's flagship drama series, Fair City, where she plays the fiesty Naimh Cassidy. She is also due to star in the up coming comedy series "Nowhere Fast" alongside her daughter Clarabelle and Alisson Spittle. 

On top of being one of Ireland's most recognised TV stars, Clelia also happens to be Mero's soap crush and well able to put the two lads in their place for the duration of this chapter... not even Mero's Aunty Mary was safe... 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

Cian Cowley is one of the Borough's most well known talents. Still in his 20's and considered a Muay Thai vetran, Cian has moved into the world of MMA where last summer he took home a bronze medal at the IMMAF World Championships in Las Vegas. 

Following the success of this, Cian is turning pro and joined us just days away from his professional MMA debut at BAMMA 29 in Birmingham. 

We spoke to Cian about the build up to his fight, his experience at the IMMAF Worlds, being a part of the McGregor training camp ahead of his redemption fight with Nate Diaz, what happened when Cian's car was robbed and of course, Cosmo the Bully. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads have been left to their own devices and are guestless - which as usual results in childish giggles and ridiculous comments. 

This week Danny and Mero talk about the upcoming live show WTS100 - which is almost sold out - and the problem they've been having with the show. 

Football bans and The Lions tour also make the grade and the lads get a fit of the giggles. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

WTSpod is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone we are having a live show in aid of Suicide or Survive, Thursday May 18th, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Special guests on the night and tickets are on sale now www.wts100.eventbrite.ie 

Ruairí McKiernan is an award winning social innovater from Cavan, Ireland. He has made incredible contributions across Irish society with his work on social justice, youth and communities and wellbeing. He is the founder of spunout.ie and the co-founder of uplift.ie. 

Ruairí has also been a key member of team Lust for Life and in 2012 President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, appointed him to the Council of State where he sits with fromer Presidents, Taoiseach, and other public figures.  

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more

WTSpod is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone we are having a live show in aid of Suicide or Survive, Thursday May 18th, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Special guests on the night and tickets are on sale now www.wts100.eventbrite.ie 

Every so often the lads like to invite friends of the Borough into the studio at Fitzpatrick Castle and solve the world's problems. 

This week Ian Mahon came to sit down and give us his take on how to look after everything inb the world, however, we got sidetracked early and often, solved nothing and instead ended up with Ian and Mero giving Danny a run through of how Tinder works. 

Mero discusses why he isn't looking for commitment and that if a girl can't take his unrivaled passion for RTE programming then she will never be the love of his life. 

As it's Easter we talk about easter eggs and comebacks that are better than Jesus. Mahoner tells us about his cat getting bullied and Mero gets the giggles as we try to finish the chapter which causes Danny and Mahoner to craic up. 

WTSpod is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone we are having a live show in aid of Suicide or Survive, Thursday May 18th, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Special guests on the night and tickets are on sale now https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wts-100-the-live-show-in-aid-of-suicide-or-survive-tickets-33094401245 

This week the lads are joined by Dr. Tom Clonan - a retired Irish Army Captain who served on active duty both home and abroad. Tom is now a media lecturer and security analyist for some of Ireland's leading publications including The Irish Times.

He is the author of two best selling books (Blood, Sweat & Tears and Whistleblower, Soldier, Spy). Tom's research into sexual harrassment, assualt and bullying within the Irish Defence Forces led to an independant government enquiry. In 2003 the enquiry vindicated everything Tom had said and this led to a transformation of equality across the Irish Defence Forces. 

Dr. Clonan also campaigns for the equality of people with disabilities. His son, Eoghan, is a wheelchair user and has been the catalyst for his campaign and continues to be a source of inspiration in Tom's fight for equality. 

The lads spoke to Tom about the state of the world today. Lone wolf attacks, Syria and the Middle East, Russia v America - are we on a path to a global conflict? Where does Ireland fit in with all of this and are we safe from the threat of extremeists? 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

WTSpod is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone we are having a live show in aid of Suicide or Survive, Thursday May 18th, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Special guests on the night and tickets are on sale now https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wts-100-the-live-show-in-aid-of-suicide-or-survive-tickets-33094401245 

It's Wrestlemania week so to mark the occassion we brought in one Ireland's brightest and best, Joe Cabray. 

With over a decade of experience in the wrestling industry Joe is currently one of the driving forces of the incredible Over The Top Wrestling. OTT has developed a massive following in Ireland and has brought a pro wrestling scene to the masses, evident in them selling out their flagship ScrapperMania show almost as soon as it went on sale. 

Joe has travelled the world with pro wrestling and rubbed shoulders with some true legends, including a lock in with Bret "The Hitman" Hart. He was one of the pioneers of the Irish wrestling scene and talks openly about his experience within the WWE performance center. 

You can catch more of Joe and his alter ego, Luther Ward, at upcoming OTT Wrestling shows nationwide. Check out www.ottwrestling.com for more. 

If you enjoyed this chapter of WTSpod be sure to check out chapter 27 with WWE superstar Finn Balor. 

WTSpod is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone we are having a live show in aid of Suicide or Survive, Thursday May 18th, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Special guests on the night and tickets are on sale now https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wts-100-the-live-show-in-aid-of-suicide-or-survive-tickets-33094401245 

Colonel Randall Larsen is a retired US Air Force Colonel and is the national security advisor at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and a senior fellow at the Homeland Security Policy Institute at George Washington University.

He formerly served as a professor and department chair at the National War College, the founding director of the Institute for Homeland Security, the executive director of the bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

The world seems a fragile place in 2017, political tensions are aired on the news, and twitter, everyday. There is no longer a balance of Superpowers, and attacks from small groups or individuals have become more frequent. So what if one of these attacks was carried out, but instead of guns or explosives, the weapon of choice was a biological weapon designed to infect as many people as possible? Is it a real threat or is it just a conspiracy - has anyone tried to do it before or will nature throw something at us before anyone can weaponise a disease? These are just some of the things Randy was able to tell us about. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrck Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads are joined by one of Ireland's greatest messers, PJ Gallagher. 

PJ came to a lot of people's attention over 10 years ago thanks to his part on the much loved "Naked Camera" tv show. Since then he's gone on to be one of Ireland's favourite comedians and continues to be a leading light in the entertainment industry. 

From gicknas to manscaping, a pitbull named Sharon and how passionate is Damien Dempsey?, PJ had Mero & Danny sweatting with the laughter. 

You can hear PJ every weekday morning on 4fm from 6-10 as he hosts the breakfast show alongside Jim McCabe, he is also hosts the hilarious "Dubland" Podcast with Suzanne Kane which is available on iTunes now. 

His new tour "Dickhead" kicks off April 28th in Sligo with dates around Ireland to follow, follow @PJGallagher on twitter for full listings. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads go from being jovial and happy, to angry and ranty, to having a full blown deep and meaningful conversation like a couple of teenage girls at a sleep over. 

The state of the nation has angered both the lads, the Tuam Mother & Baby home, Grace, and the treatment of Sgt. Maurice McCabe are just some of the issues that are plaguing Ireland right now. The lads question the motives of the Catholic Church and ask why are people continuing to baptise their children into a religion they don't believe in? 

Mero leads Danny into a deep and meaningful conversation he was not expecting and there is way too much singing. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

This week the lads are joined by one of Ireland's modern treasures. Emmet Kirwan recently captured the hearts and minds of Ireland with his incredible poem "Heartbreak". The video that accompanied the poem has been viewed over 1.3 million times and has been shared over 20,000 times on Facebook alone.

is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, visit www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more. 

A special edition of the podcast this week as we took WTSpod on the road and travelled to Bray (Bré) for the 2017 Bray Comedy Festival. We caught up with some of the comedians who performed across the week including Chris Kent, Karl Spain, Danny O'Brien and friend of the show/comedy Don, Adam Burke. 

David Moore is Ireland's best known astronomer. Having set up Astronomy Ireland in 1990, he has been gazing into space and looking beyond our own planet for over three decades. 

He has discussed space with Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Sir Patrick Moore and now the two lads on WTSpod. You can learn more about the world beyond our world by going to www.astronomy.ie and joining the club. 

We also give details of our first ever live show which will take place on May 18th - first guests are announced and we'll give more details in the coming weeks including how you can be there. 

WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, check out www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.