The Last Word with Matt Cooper Comedian & Author Jarlath Regan on The Gobshite Guidebook
Dec 3, 2025
Jarlath Regan, a comedian and author known for his observational humor, dives into his new book, The Gobshite Guidebook: A Survival Manual. He defines 'gobshites' as chronic idiots and explores their rise in culture, including relatable anecdotes and insights about parenting. The duo discusses dealing with gobshites at work and in politics, highlighting how charm often helps them ascend to power. Regan also sheds light on dating red flags, revealing lessons learned during the pandemic that help identify toxic relationships.
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Gobshite As A Permanent Social Stamp
- Jarlath Regan defines a gobshite as a permanent label for someone who is oblivious and annoyingly idiotic.
- He argues that once someone is branded a gobshite, that stamp rarely leaves them and it's a distinct social category.
Parenting Shapes Gobshite Behaviour
- Regan suggests gobshites are often created by permissive parenting that fails to hold children accountable.
- He links repeated parental cover-ups to adults who resist direction and repeat reckless behaviour.
Charm Masks Workplace Damage
- Gobshites often end up in positions of power because they make strong first impressions and can charm people initially.
- That charm conceals the destruction they leave behind, making them long-lasting and influential in workplaces.
