The podcast dives into nostalgic reflections on life before the internet, contrasted with the disillusionment of the American Dream. It humorously explores the absurdity of modern urban landscapes and shares a quirky short story about a character who eats slugs. Personal anecdotes highlight a deep emotional connection to music and memories amid societal changes. The journey of Jupe Holahan adds layers of loneliness and transformation, intertwining humor with heartfelt insights. Listeners are invited to ponder the past while enjoying clever storytelling.

I chat with Cork actor Cillian Murphy about his new film "Small things like these" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the eerie evolution of Halloween, from its rich Irish pagan roots to its modern-day consumer frenzy. Reflect on childhood memories of mischief and the dark side of cheap costumes tied to global labor issues. Explore how hyper-capitalism has overshadowed the holiday's true significance, transforming festive creativity into a commercial machine. Discover the importance of keeping genuine discussions alive, free from the influence of advertisers, all while appreciating the history lurking beneath the spooky decor.

Join a relaxed stroll through Limerick City, uncovering its Viking history and a memorable conversation by the Shannon River. Delve into the Normans' arrival and the impact of tyranny on today's laws. Explore the city’s medieval roots and links to colonial themes, alongside reflections on local landmarks. Discover the transformation of a historic site from public executions to a creative hub. Plus, hear about the balancing act between content creation and personal downtime, sprinkled with excitement for upcoming performances.

Explore childhood fears and quirky tales about earwigs and vacuums! Delve into cultural folklore, superstitions, and the ecological impact of dwindling insect populations. Discover a whimsical journey from mental health discussions to embracing creativity inspired by earwigs. Uncover the symbolism of earwigs as protectors of treasures, while critiquing society's neglect of nature for conspiracy theories. This blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful commentary invites listeners to reflect on the natural world.

David McWilliams, an accomplished economist and author of 'Money: A Story of Humanity,' shares captivating insights into the history and significance of money. He recounts personal struggles with traditional economics education and how storytelling can transform understanding. The conversation dives into money's evolution, from ancient civilizations to digital currencies, highlighting key historical events and cultural impacts. With humor and reflection, McWilliams emphasizes the profound role money plays in shaping human civilization, sparking intriguing thoughts on its future.

The discussion kicks off with an insight into the challenges of quitting vaping, highlighting emotional resilience over distraction. It shifts to the moral implications of military actions, particularly examining Israel and Hezbollah's conflict and its impact on civilians. The interplay of media narratives and war accountability reveals how sensationalism distorts reality. Moreover, it explores the connections between fashion, ancestry, and colonialism, revealing how historical actions resonate in today's geopolitics.

Sean Ronayne, a dedicated ornithologist from Cork, brings his passion for capturing the sounds of every Irish bird to the forefront. He discusses the complexities of birdsong and the emotional connections forged through birdwatching. The conversation takes a personal turn as Sean reflects on autism and the soothing solace nature provides. Listeners are treated to whimsical anecdotes about bird vocalizations, the spectacular murmuration of starlings, and the interplay of nature sounds, all while highlighting the importance of environmental awareness.

A simple office kitchen switch to UHT milk reveals the tensions of modern individualism. The concept of skimpflation illustrates how companies compromise quality while maintaining prices, with shocking examples like counterfeit olive oil. A humorous personal journey leads to unexpected enjoyment of self-cleaning public toilets and Fisherman's Friend lozenges. Delving into the product's 1865 origins, we explore its ties to the fishing community, while ecological issues like the Aral Sea's decline impact licorice farmers and their resilience.

Delve into the beauty of autumn while contemplating life's cycles and the changing media landscape. Discover personal reflections on creativity, identity, and the transformative power of failure in artistic endeavors. Join a humorous journey of adapting a short story into film amidst the backdrop of community support. Explore the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest story known, unraveling themes of friendship and mortality in ancient myths. Experience a delightful blend of music and storytelling, featuring a quirky tale of an otter and a saint.