"Asking the right questions saves lives" James Brannigan

In this powerful episode of The Parting Glass, we are joined by retired PSNI Detective Sergeant James Brannigan, one of Ireland’s most respected homicide investigators. James reflects on his policing career, his instinct for questioning the official story, and the experiences that shaped his approach to justice.The conversation centres on the murder of 21 year old Katie Simpson, whose death was initially treated as suicide. James explains how he identified overlooked red flags, challenged internal resistance, and helped expose the truth that ultimately led to a murder trial.James also discusses coercive control, how it operates long before physical violence occurs, and why it is so frequently misunderstood by investigators. He shares insight into his work with The Katie Trust https://thekatietrust.com a cross border charity he founded to support families who believe their loved one’s death was suspicious or inadequately investigated. The Trust provides independent reviews by experienced investigators and advocates for transparency, accountability, and dignity for bereaved families. This episode is a compelling and compassionate look at investigative failure, institutional blind spots, and the courage required to pursue truth when the official version does not add up.If this episode brings up difficult feelings or if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or coercive control, help is available.Republic of IrelandWomen’s Aid 24 Hour National Freephone Helpline1800 341 900Free, confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including coercive controlhttps://www.womensaid.ie [womensaid.ie]Samaritans Ireland116 12324 7 emotional support for anyone struggling or in distresshttps://www.samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland/Northern Ireland24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline0808 802 1414Free, confidential support for women and men affected by domestic or sexual abusehttps://www.dsahelpline.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"People approach me for photos.I'll never get used to it" Ciaran MoranFrom the heart of Dublin’s inner city to stages he once only dreamed of, Ciarán Moran opens up in this gripping episode about the reality behind the rise.It’s not just about the music it’s about the journey. The graft, the setbacks, the self-doubt and the resilience it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.A raw talent with a story to match, Ciarán shares how his environment shaped his sound, his hunger, and his honesty as a songwriter.Talks pressure, staying grounded, and backing yourself when it matters most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Parting Glass, we’re joined by comedian and internet sensation Simon Hennessy and things take a turn.Simon chats about life on the comedy circuit, creating viral characters, and the brutal reality of taking a show to the Fringe Festival. Think tiny audiences, endless flyering, questionable accommodation, and the emotional rollercoaster of performing your soul to six people, two of whom are also comedians.He opens up about the pressure of constantly being funny online, creative burnout, and the weird gap between internet success and real life gigs. We talk stand up, sketch comedy, and what it is actually like trying to turn jokes into a career without completely losing your mind.Then the truth comes out.Simon reveals his dark side. Beneath the lovable comedian exterior lurks a massive bully, a man who has learned to weaponise intimidation, sarcasm and pure social pressure to force innocent passers by into attending his Fringe shows. A master of psychological warfare. A menace with flyers. A comic who refuses to take no thanks for an answer.It is a hilarious and honest chat about grafting, self promotion, imposter syndrome, and the lengths performers go to just to get bums on seats, with plenty of laughs and questionable ethics along the way.Comedy, chaos, bullying for good, and the Fringe Festival as you have never heard it before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode delivers an unforgettable conversation with Senator Frances Black, a woman whose life story unfolds with the intensity of a novel and the emotional force of lived truth. From her early years shaped by music and community to the defining challenges that forged her resilience, Frances speaks with a depth and honesty that holds nothing back.She brings us inside her most passionate battles, including her determined push for the OTB Bill and her long standing advocacy for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people. She reflects on the Ireland she dreams of for her grandchildren, sharing her heartfelt hope to one day see a united Ireland built on fairness and compassion.In one of the most striking moments of the interview, Frances explains why she believes Catherine Connolly is the best person to serve as President of Ireland. She speaks about Catherine’s integrity, independence and unwavering commitment to justice. Frances also reveals that she herself was invited to run for the presidency, but she shares candidly why the timing is not right for her at this moment in her life. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a woman driven by fierce empathy, unshakeable conviction and a lifelong devotion to standing up for others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paralympian Colin Judge joins The Parting Glass for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. Born with one arm and no legs, Colin defied every expectation to become a European Champion, six-time Irish National Champion, and a two-time Paralympian. He talks reclassification setbacks, rebuilding from rock bottom, the pride of wearing the green jersey, and the fire driving him toward LA 2028. It’s raw, honest, funny, and full of unstoppable Irish grit.If you need motivation, this is the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Parting Glass, we sit down with actor, comedian, writer and proud Dublin inner‑city native Joe McGucken. Raised in the Dunne Street flats in Summerhill, Joe has built a career out of sharp storytelling, surreal humour, and the kind of Dublin wit you can’t fake.We chat about the runaway success of Darren & Joe’s Free Gaff, the RTÉ Player’s most‑watched original series, Joe’s heartfelt short film Hometime, and his collaborations with longtime creative partner Darren Conway. Joe opens up about fatherhood, the joys and disasters of growing up in 90s Dublin,and his love of The Parting Glass song .This conversation is as warm, funny and honest as Joe Stick around for rapid‑fire questions, some cracking Dublin stories, and plenty of laughs.Joe McGucken onlineWebsite / Podcast Hub: theboldpodcast.podbean.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Parting Glass, I sit down with Nikki Hayes, a beloved Irish radio personality, to explore her journey through fame, personal struggles, and eventual recovery. Nikki shares candidly about her early love for radio, the challenges of living with addiction, and the impact of her personal life on her career. After facing homelessness and legal troubles, Nikki's story takes a hopeful turn as she enters treatment and begins to rebuild her life, reconnecting with her daughter and returning to the radio industry. This raw and inspiring conversation highlights resilience, the power of community support, and the ongoing journey of recovery.If you have been affected, you can contact Tiglin in Dublin via Tiglin at the Lighthouse (Pearse Street, Dublin 2) on 085 287 6863, or access public support through HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 for free, confidential advice and referral to local addiction services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Gibbs : Freaks, Festivals & Finding the BeatThis week I sit down with a true legend of Irish dance music , Al Gibbs. From his early days spinning kids’ discos in Ballybrack to sharing stages with Carl Cox and writing Maniac 2000, Al’s journey is packed with rhythm, resilience, and rave history.We talk about the evolution of DJing, the golden days of Dublin’s club scene, staying grounded through the crash, and what it’s like to host Freaks on Friday the iconic FM104 show that’s been lighting up Irish weekends for nearly 20 years.It’s a nostalgic, honest, and inspiring chat with a man who's never lost the buzz for what he does.👉 Catch Freaks on Friday every Friday from 7–10pm on FM104 👉 Freaks with Al Gibbs airs Saturdays from 9–11pm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode of The Parting Glass, Zoe Holohan opens up about surviving one of Europe's deadliest wildfires, a tragedy that claimed the life of her husband of just four days, Brian. Zoe credits the incredible teams of surgeons and medical staff in Athens and St. James’ Hospital in Dublin for saving both her life and her limbs. She also expresses her eternal gratitude to Manos, a volunteer firefighter, who pulled her burnt body from the flames, giving her a chance to live.Throughout her journey, Zoe's wicked sense of humor has been a vital part of her healing process, helping her navigate the darkest days and giving her the strength to push forward. Her story is not only one of unimaginable loss but also of resilience, gratitude, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity. Now, Zoe is using her experience to advocate for burn victims and others affected by trauma, sharing her story to inspire and uplift. This episode is a testament to the power of survival, the human spirit, and the role of humor in healing. #Resilience #Survival #Advocacy #Loss #Gratitude #Humor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Pull up a chair, grab a pint — we’ve stories to tell."I’m Niamh Ryan, and every week on The Parting Glass, I sit down with Dubliners who’ve been through the wars , heartbreak, injustice, near disasters and somehow come out the far side with a story that’ll break your heart and make you laugh in the same breath.From Olympians to musicians to everyday legends, we talk truth, grief, craic, and everything in between.It’s raw, it’s real, and sometimes it’s a bit sweary.Slainte Listen to The Parting Glass -available on all platforms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.