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Even if you don’t listen to podcasts, it’s quite likely you’ve heard of their growth in popularity. Why so you may ask? Well, you can listen to your favourite shows, but whenever suits you. Also, as podcasts are audio based, you can multitask – win-win!
If you’re into podcasts, then it’s highly likely you know what you like to listen to. Some prefer shows that are more conversational in nature, others like informative content – whether that be history, politics, agriculture or sport and sometimes health and wellbeing is the order of the day.
So, whether you’re new to the world of podcasts and looking for something to dip your toe into, or you’re an aficionado looking for new shows, we’ve got some options for you.
The Agricast
This is a relatively new venture by host Karol Devaney, a Sligo sheep farmer, shearer and ag science graduate. Its main show delves into the world of farming and all its nuances; interviewing farmers in all their forms, as well as others involved in the ag industry. Given the host’s passion for shearing, there’s also an offshoot podcast, Shearing Show. Since The Agricast launched during the summer, the guests have been not only varied, but also informative and interesting. The style is relaxed and conversational, really delving into the guests’ stories and their thoughts on farming.
Three Castles Burning
Three Castles Burning is a social history podcast telling some of the forgotten tales of Dublin. Whether you’re from Dublin or not, if you’ve any interest in Irish history you’ll enjoy this podcast. It’s the brainchild of Donal Fallon, editor of the history blog, Come Here to Me. The episodes are less than a half an hour and there’s plenty of them. To give a flavour of topics, it has covered; Dublin’s Little Italy, early Irish aviation, the growth of suburbs, Kevin Barry and more.
The Tommy and Hector Podcast with Laurita Blewitt
Now, this podcast is only four episodes in at the moment, but it’s already making waves with listeners. Tommy Tiernan and Hector Ó hEochagáin are old schools friends; they’re joined by Mayo woman Laurita Blewitt recording this podcast in the garden shed. It’s extremely conversational, but of course very funny. They start off talking about receding hairlines and go from there. If you’re a fan of either Tommy or Hector, you’ll love this.
Dr Doireann’s Podcast
Another new one, and defiantly worth a listen. There are currently four episodes of Dr Doireann’s Podcast; it focuses on health, lifestyle and wellbeing. The topics so far have been varied and engaging, from women’s health to fillers and Botox, fertility and coping with adversity. Dr Doireann O’Leary is a Cork-based GP who is well-known for her health slot on Today FM and also her Instagram page @dr.doireannoleary which has 170,000 followers!
Dolly Parton’s America
Hands up Dolly Parton fans? Dolly Parton’s America is a nine-episode documentary looking at Dolly Parton’s life and legacy. It’s hosted by Jad Abumrad, who speaks not only to Dolly herself, but also to managers, celebrities and fans. As the title eludes, it also takes stock of Dolly’s America, culturally and politically, and how she unifies in this landscape.
Ready to be Real
Ready to be Real is presenter Síle Seoige’s podcast. In it, she interviews people from all walks of life; there are celebrities, politicians, health professionals, activists and athletes, or just anyone with a story to tell. Some of the guests she has had on include; Tommy Tiernan, Kathryn Thomas and Michael Healy-Rae. Also, from time-to-time, Síle records meditations and solo podcasts, which reply to listeners’ questions or speak about a topic like self-worth. Really, this podcast is reflective of what Síle is about.
Where is George Gibney?
This podcast is by Second Captains (a must checkout for sports fans) for BBC Sounds and is topping a lot of podcast charts at the moment. It’s produced by Mark Horgan, producer of Second Captains and Ciaran Cassidy. Mark spent two years following the trail of George Gibney across Ireland, the UK and the US. George Gibney is a former Irish Olympic swimming coach who was charged with child sexual abuse, but never stood trial. It’s a gripping and intense listen.
Podcasts are available across a range of platforms. Spotify and iTunes are two of the main ones. You can download these apps on your smartphone, but you must have an iPhone to access iTunes. Often also, a podcast will have its own website where you can listen to the episodes.
Don’t forget
The Irish Farmers Journal Weekly Podcast and Down to Agribusiness Podcast can be accessed here. They’re also available on iTunes and Spotify.
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