What’s the Story? Podcast

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Friend of the show, Our Man in Stockholm, Philip O'Connor returns to WTSpod to help right the wrongs in our world. 

Philip is a journalist and podcaster originally from Dublin and is now based in Stockholm, Sweden. 

Following the recent mayhem in Ireland's capital, Philip talks to us about the importance of community and why love must win over hate. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we are joined by Irish actor, writer, poet, and performer Stephen Jones. 

Stephen has been performing on stage and on screen for over a decade and will be familiar to people from his roles in Red Rock, Love Hate, and most recently his TG4 drama Northern Lights. 

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300th  EPISODE

It's WTS 300 and who better to mark the milestone than Messrs Mackle and Howard! 

This week the lads talk about BAFTA wins and Kate Winslett, mid-life crises, Howie's surgery recovery, their shared love of the great Vincent Browne, Bruce Springsteen and Paul paying the Boss, Gary's cooking, AI, football woes, and lots more besides. 

From Mero and Danny, we just want to say thank you. Whether you have been here for all 300 episodes or just 3 minutes, thanks for listening xoxox.

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We're back... 

This week we're talking to Karim Zidan an investigative journalist and writer who specialises in the intersection of sport, power, and politics. 

Karim chats to us about the rise of Saudi Arabian influence in sports and how the term sportwashing doesn't go far enough to capture all that is happening. 

Is what's good for the goose good for the gander and will we see France called out for its authoritarian decisions and actions ahead of the Olympic games in 2024? 

Mero asks Danny about Ireland and the Rugby World Cup so Danny rants for a few minutes about Ireland falling short in a quarter-final... again. 

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This week we're joined by singer-songwriter Steo Wall. 

As the finishing touches are being put on his new album, Steo tells us about what's been going on for him and what fans can look forward to when the album comes out later this year. We talk about inspiration and nerves before a big gig and Steo tells us about working with the great Damien Dempsey on his popular hit 'What's Wrong with the World, Ma?"

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This week we are joined by Brent Lee and Neil Sanders from Some Dare Call it Conspiracy Podcast.

Brent Lee is a former conspiracist who spent 15 years down the rabbit hole between 2003 and 2018, believing every event from 9/11 to mass shootings was being orchestrated by a "satanic, paedophilic elite". Brent now fights disinformation and helps to explain and unravel the web of lies constructed through conspiracy. 

Neil Sanders is an author covering True Crime and Psychology with a particular interest in the history of mind manipulation techniques. Neil was also part of the "Truther" movement for a number of years before exiting and joining forces with Brent to give people a guided tour of the rabbit hole and reveal the reality of the conspiracy mindset. 

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Michael Finkel is a journalist and best-selling author and his new book, The Art Thief, is out now.

We first spoke to Michael six years ago on WTS 118 and we were delighted to welcome him back to tell us the true story of Stephane Breitweiser, a man who stole over 200 pieces of art from museums worth billions of euro and he did it all in broad daylight. 

The Art Thief is available online and in bookshops now, check out https://www.michaelfinkel.com/ for more. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

After four long years, the artist formerly known as Stephanie Roche is back on WTSpod. 

We catch up with Steph about what's been happening since we last spoke, including marrying Dean, her decision to return to Ireland, signing for Shamrock Rovers, and progress in the women's game. 

We get Stephanie's thoughts on the upcoming World Cup, Ireland's squad and she predicts a winner... kind of! 

Steph will be in Australia covering the Girls in Green for this historic tournament and will be part of the commentary team for the tournament.

The Women's World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 20 July and Ireland takes on tournament hosts in a sold-out Stadium Australia. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we're joined by Ireland's best MMA journalist and proud son of Blanchardstown, the great one, Peter Carroll. 

Petesy joined us to talk about the latest goings on in the world of mixed martial arts* and reveals the cringing trauma behind why he can't watch Love Island. 

You can check out some of Petesy's brilliant work by listening to or watching his podcasts The Craic and The Ringer MMA Show. 

*This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 14th. 

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This week we're joined by journalist and broadcaster Elaine Burke. Elaine is a technology and science specialist who can be found contributing to national media regularly. She is also the co-host of For Tech's Sake podcast. 

Elaine joined us to wind up Mero and talk all things tech as we hear about AI and if the hype is driving the fear, Apple's latest announcement and the world of virtual reality, Fast- tech and consuming way more than we need to, and we ask Elaine if our devices are really listening to us... 

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This week we go back to the Borough and speak to Sean Mari and Jack Marley from Monkstown Boxing Club. 

Jack is a European Heavyweight Champion and Sean is an Irish Elite Champion who has medaled in European competition. Both men are Team Ireland representatives who tell us about their hopes ahead of Paris 2024. 

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This week we're joined by social historian Donal Fallon. His history podcast Three Castles Burning brings the city of Dublin to life, telling its story through its streets and the people who lived there. 

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This week Mero asks Danny about three of his favourite things: Bruce Springsteen, Eurovision, and doing the big shop.

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we're joined by Thomas Crosse - AKA Crossy.

Crossy has been soothing the airwaves since he was a teenager and in recent years has become a staple of Irish radio for many people looking to get their morning off to a flyer. 

Crossy tells us about how he got started in radio, dealing with social media, loving nostalgia, and why Bruce Springsteen concerts are such a special occasion for him and his Mam. 

You can hear more of Crossy every day by tuning in to Dublin's FM104.

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we're joined by Bob Carley - a counselor, advocate, pastor, and motivationalist. 

We got to know Bob a few years ago through his work with the mental health charity Suicide or Survive and when we sat down to speak with him this week we were not expecting the conversation to flow how it did. 

Bob speaks openly, and passionately about his life, relationships, work, and faith. His message is simple; Love never fails. 

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This week we're learning about the science of ageing and some simple things we can all do to help ourselves be younger, and healthier, for longer. 

Rose Anne Kenny is Professor of Medical Gerontology, at Trinity College Dublin. Professor Kenny was appointed in 2005, to Trinity College and St. James's Hospital, as Head of the Academic Department of Medical Gerontology and holds the Chair of Medical Gerontology.

Rose Anne is the founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing TILDA : www.tilda.ie), Ireland's flagship research project in ageing - where she leads a team of multidisciplinary researchers focusing on psychology, nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, economics, bio-engineering, social sciences and health economics as aspects of the ageing process in Ireland.

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Adam Drummond is an Irish athlete who has represented his country in basketball on several occasions. 

In 2021, following an accident, Adam was left paralyzed from the waist down. He tells us about life after the accident and how, after years of playing basketball for Ireland and on scholarships in the US, he has found the switch to wheelchair sports and life at Cork-based Rebel Wheelers Wheelchair Basketball Club. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we're joined by Fionnuala Moran for a chat about sustainable living, dropping fast fashion, and a bit of showbiz. 

Fionnuala is a broadcaster and journalist who has regularly featured on RTÉ, Virgin Media, and a host of print publications. She recently completed a Master's degree in Climate Change: Policy, Media & Society. 

You can follow Fionnuala on Instagram to get lots of great and simple tips to live more sustainably. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

Football journalist and writer David Sneyd joined us to talk all things football and Ireland's upcoming Euro qualifiers. 

David is a writer with the42.ie and has been featured in the Irish Times, Mirror, Independent, RTÉ, and many more. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week we are joined by Patrick Harding, a Performance Coach with over 12 years of experience working in the elite sporting environment.

Patrick has worked with Arsenal Football Club, Team GB at the Olympics, Michael Conlon, and over the last few years he was been responsible for helping Formula 1 driver Alex Albon get race fit and mentally sharp. 

We spoke to Patrick ahead of the new F1 season and just days before Williams Racing launch their 2023 car which Alex will compete in. 

Welcome back to What's the Story? 

Kicking off the new year is journalist and author John Ludden. 

John tells us about his love for the great Diego Maradonna and how his book, 'Once Upon a Time in Naples' became the blueprint for the Diego Maradonna documentary released in 2019. 

We also talk about Eric Ten Haag at Man United, and reasons to be optimistic after a decade of delusion at Old Trafford. 

To hear more from John and check out his work, pop over to his Twitter, @JohnLudds

What's Christmas without traditions? The annual WTS Christmas Special featuring Paul Howard and Gary Mackle is back once again. Over two hours of giddy messing to keep you company, just in time for your last-minute festive shopping or dreaded holiday traffic. 

Thank you for listening in 2022, we'll see you in the next one. Until then, Merry Christmas, and have a very, Happy New Year. 

Our man in Stockholm Philip O'Connor joins us once again to tell us about his experience at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described this tournament as the greatest World Cup ever, not many would agree. Phillip breaks down the reality of a global tournament in a country that has no free speech and democracy is a pipe dream. 

We discuss the plight of migrant workers, the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, and what the lasting legacy of Qatar 2022 will really be, despite what FIFA might claim. 

Gearoid Farrelly returns to WTSpod to talk all things comedy, his new show Glamour Hammer, boots the cat, and irrational feelings about beans. 

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

Graham Gartland is a coach, media contributor, and former professional footballer. His decorated playing career saw him compete in Ireland, Scotland, and Europe over 12 years. Since hanging up his boots, he has found a new home in the world of coaching, helping to develop some of Ireland's future stars.