Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning
Gold Hat Productions
Free State is a podcast for the curious that stimulates, provokes, challenges and entertains, while never taking itself too seriously. Free State covers topics from sport to politics, love to loss, the human condition and how to fix the world, with guests from across the planet including Nigerian princes, former Prime Ministers, ex convicts, footballers, boxers and extraordinary people from every walk of life. Free State is presented by Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning. Brolly is a barrister, an original thinker with a fascinating backstory, who donated a kidney to a stranger and then led a crusade to transform organ donation on the island of Ireland, and Fanning is an award-winning interviewer and author. They are not motivational gurus or life coaches. They will never try to sell you a penis scented candle. They are two people from very different worlds, with one core belief uniting them - this is not a high performance podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 9, 2025 • 35min
The Peace President - Infantino drags FIFA to a new low
When Gianni Infantino created FIFA’s Peace Prize, how could he have imagined that the inaugural winner would be his great friend Donald Trump.But there Trump was on stage in Washington, presenting himself with the peace medal.On Free State, Joe and Dion look at how FIFA cosied up to autocrats, snake oil salesmen and Trump.They examine how money not only drives professional sport but has become the distorting lens. These days Trump may be a fan of the FIFA World Cup but he has always been a fan of money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 6, 2025 • 42min
Why I Quit the US Government
“I believe to the core of my soul that the response Israel is taking, and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation, will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”With these words, in October 2023, Josh Paul quit the US State Department. He was protesting over the Biden administration’s ongoing funding of Israel’s onslaught in Gaza.On Free State today Josh Paul explains what led him to take the action he did. He speaks about his time in Iraq. He insists that Ireland must be strong on the Occupied Territories Bill, why the ceasefire will not bring a just and lasting peace and what his new organisation A New Policy is hoping to achieve in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 4, 2025 • 35min
2030 A Space Odyssey - Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
Are there reasons to embrace AI? Are the doomsayers wrong and the apocalyptic warnings overstated? What if an ordinary person can access medical or legal advice for fraction of the cost and difficulty it takes today?But what if there is no room for an ordinary person? On Free State today Dion and Joe look at the next frontier. In the technological revolution, we have allowed ourselves to become the product of the social media companies. AI promise us expertise at our fingertips but will the price be our own obsolescence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 2, 2025 • 43min
Bohemian Rhapsody. Dan Lambert, the powerhouse behind Kneecap & Bohemian FC
Daniel Lambert, a music manager and activist behind Kneecap and Bohemian FC, shares insights on his dual roles in sports and music. He discusses the recent FAI motion to ban Israel from UEFA matches, emphasizing its legal basis over political rhetoric. Lambert also reflects on the community resilience of Kneecap amid adversity and the importance of working-class representation in the music industry. He details challenges faced from powerful gatekeepers and celebrates the successes of Bohemian FC, showcasing a model rooted in community values.
Nov 29, 2025 • 38min
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy on surviving on vodka and obsession
Oisin Murphy has been the Champion Jockey in Britain for the past two years. He will travel the country and beyond in pursuit of a winner. Horse racing is an addiction but it is not his only addiction.On Free State today Oisin Murphy speaks about his alcoholism and how he fooled himself into believing he could drink like a gentleman.He discusses with Dion the ways a drinker will fool himself and how he ended up drunk and asleep at the wheel of a car in April. A moment which scared him and changed him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2025 • 47min
Apocalypse Now - AI and the Post Human World
When Donald Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon called ‘AI’ ‘A-One’ it was treated as a gaffe that said a lot about the intellectual calibre of his cabinet.But it told us something else too.On Free State today we look at how the world has been conned by AI to advance the ambitions of the new colonists, the Tech Bros.Does it matter that many expect the AI bubble to burst or is the relentlessness of artificial intelligence pushing us towards extinction?Linda McMahon may not know the difference between AI and A-One but this is the role of politicians in the project: to be overwhelmed by the scale of what is on offer and to say nothing but nonsense. Do you think AI will destroy us all? Let us know at info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 25, 2025 • 37min
Arise Knocknagoshel - Why Sport has to be about community
The hosts dive into the significance of local sport, emphasizing its role in uniting communities during challenging times. They reflect on Knockmore GAA's rich history and the inspiring communal spirit during local finals. The discussion contrasts grassroots participation with the commercialization of elite sports, highlighting rising ticket prices and accessibility issues. They question rugby's evolving identity and its appeal amid increasing market pressures. Overall, it's a lively exploration of how sport strengthens community bonds.
Nov 22, 2025 • 56min
Colin Davidson - ‘There were moments of trauma in my childhood'
Colin Davidson, an acclaimed Irish portrait artist known for his large-scale works, shares insights into his creative journey and the impact of his childhood experiences. He discusses how art became his refuge from a stammer and a shy upbringing during the Troubles in Belfast. Davidson reflects on the interplay of truth in his portraits, revealing moments when sitters' facades slip. He also explores the role of viewers in completing his art and considers the complexities of painting controversial figures, emphasizing the importance of searching for honesty.
14 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 39min
How fortunate it is to be Irish
Explore the profound beauty of care at Mayo Hospice, highlighting its impact on community spirit. Delve into Ireland and Scotland's thrilling football achievements, where shared pride unites fans. Troy Parrott takes the spotlight with insights into his finishing skills, reflecting on how a player’s performance can uplift a nation’s mood. The hosts discuss the commercialization of soccer and the importance of grassroots connections, questioning what it truly means to represent one's country in sport.
Nov 18, 2025 • 38min
Troy Parrott and the joy of living in the now
Troy Parrott has transformed the mood of the nation. On Free State today we ask why the player and the Ireland team have had the impact they had?What is it about a game like football, even at a time when it is scarred by money and greed, that brings people together in a profound way?Dion looks at Troy Parrott and wonders about Ireland’s need for a saviour. Parrott was tipped for greatness from a young age but has taken a different route. Yet, he has captured the heart of the country because of more than just his talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
