Marion McKeone examines the year that was 2024 and names her biggest winners and losers of the year. A year defined by war, violence, political turmoil and upheaval has produced more memorable moments than one podcast can fit. Jarlath and Marion do their level best to sift through them all and recap the news from the past two weeks. Happy holidays to all our listeners across the world. Here’s to a better 2025!

Email the show, [email protected] or come see Jarlath’s new standup show “In Bits” on tour in 2025. www.jigser.com/gigs - To access the full episode and the entire catalogue of content go to www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad 

Has President Biden done the one thing that could really upset Republicans into making his retirement hell? This week the pardoning Hunter Biden sent the GOP into a spiral while the skeletons emerged from the Hegseth closet. Marion McKeone sifts through the biggest news stories and the possible return of shy Ronnie Desantis! We also get her movie picks of the year and the new fragrance from the house of Trump. Email us on [email protected]  / Come see Jarlath's new standup show live www.jigser.com/gigs  or watch Jarlath's new standup special right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCqZ2zYXtNg 

Entries are open for the 2025 Ballymore Cobh AC Sonia O'Sullivan 10 Mile Road Race. In case you missed our last episode, this race will be the focus of the podcast from February 1st to April 6th. Sonia talks to me to today about the tricky process of sifting through all your entries for her squad. Since announcing the plan to pick 20 listeners to be coached by the GOAT herself for her home-coming dance race we have been inundated with your emails. It's fantastic to see but it is taking some time to find the exact right fit for the team. Rest assured you will know if you've made the squad by Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, Sonia gives me her top tips for staying on your fitness track over the holiday season. She also reflects on her weekend in Valencia and what Christmas used to look like back in her days at the top od world athletics.

If you are not interested in being part of Sonia's personal team for the Cobh 10, why not just join the rest of the gang heading down. Spots are very limited so get on it now while there is still space. We are busy preparing the up-coming season and lots more for you. Hopefully see you at a comedy show between now and then.

The people have spoken. American has chosen its next President. Was this an "unwinnable" race for Harris? What does it reveal about America? Should pollsters just resign and go work in a supermarket somewhere in Wisconsin? Is there a celebrity in shining armour who can rescue the Democrats from themselves? How will this selection affect Ukraine and Gaza? Marion McKeone and Jarlath Regan reflect on what the hell just happened.

Hear the full ad free episode and much more at www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad 

It’s squeaky bum time for America. Marion McKeone looks back on the past week of hateful rallies, botched messages and urgent pleas. What have been the biggest turning points in this incendiary election? And what does it take to move the needle in the final few days. Jarlath has had his feet on US soil this week as he tours his standup show through several states. What is he hearing on the ground and does it match up with what Marion has seen on the campaign trail?

Hear the full conversation and all the up-coming Irishman In America election podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad - it takes a few clicks to sign up and there’s no obligation, cancel any time you like.

Come see Jarlath live on tour this coming year. www.jigser.com/gigs or email the show [email protected]

Unprecedented is a word that gets thrown around too much in relation to this election but when the military suddenly start getting involved in flagging one of the candidates as a fascist, that fits the bill. John Kelly’s comments and various pieces in the New York Times  this week would have sunk a candidate in any other era. Today it seems meaningless to Republicans who don’t mind supporting a self confessed fan of Hitler. Marion McKeone examines the latest developments form the campaign trail including Tucker Carlson’s spanking fantasy, Elon Musk’s election interference, threats against Jack Smith and the political scientist Matt McWilliams who predicted America’s gravitational pull towards an authoritarian leader back in 2015.

To get the full conversation and a heap of bonus content visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or come see Jarlath on tour www.jigser.com/gigs

Email the show [email protected]

Would you like to be coached by Sonia O'Sullivan? As Jarlath Regan can tell you, it is life changing. Today on the podcast Sonia and Jar sit down to reflect on the crazy 4 year journey of this podcast and the new direction it is taking with it in 2025. The podcast is focusing the series on various hand picked races throughout the year and inviting you to join a squad coached by the GOAT herself. The first of which will be Sonia's very own race: The Cobh 10 Miler in April 2025. Now is your chance to be considered for the squad. Submit your story and entry to [email protected] today. Squad members will receive a tailor-made weekly program from Sonia, free entry to the race, of course the stunning Irishman Running Abroad singlet and of course, the chance to meet and run with Sonia in her home town.

Listen to the episode to hear all about the big new plan for the coming year. Both Sonia and Jarlath are really excited to take the show in this direction and you can enjoy a heap of extra content including the Sonia's previous training plans for 5km, half and full marathons by joining up on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad  

Jarlath heading for Boston on Friday. Follow him on Strava or drop us a line if you'd like to join him at the Boston Parkrun there on Saturday morning. For tour dates and more info visit www.jigser.com 

Marion takes us out on the campaign trail this week where things got very weird very fast. We look back on a week of tough questions, town halls and challenging moments for both candidates. Rumours have swirled about Donald Trumps sudden mental decline this week. Could he be facing a Joe Biden-like decrease in capacity or is he just a bored entertainer becoming increasingly cranky with his old worn out material? Are the polls reliable or are they being conservative in their estimates? Marion takes out her crystal ball to answer the question, "What will he do if he loses?" Obviously, this time, he does not need to be shown from the building but will riots break out in swing states. One things is for sure the dialogue is changing or ramping up as the big day draws near. Hear some of the highlights in this week's episode and get in touch with your questions for Marion in the comments section or by emailing [email protected] & make sure to come over to www.patreon.com/irishmanabraod to hear the full conversation, support the show and more.

Latest polls show the Harris lead narrowing ever so slightly. Is the Trump rope a dope approach working at last. Marion looks at the new Bob Woodward book and the revelations around Putin and his free COIVD test hand out from Trump. Elon Musk and Obama appeared at rallies this week. We compare both performances and preview the new Apprentice movie. Was Netflix afraid of this film?

Hear full episode of this podcast every week on www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad

Not too long ago Sonia was crossing the finish line to win her first ever marathon in Dublin. Now with only a couple of weeks to go to the 2024 edition of the race, the GOAT looks back and tries to bust some myths surrounding the fabled race. Having died on heartbreak hill last year Jarlath pitches in a few of his own observations and tips. When there's too much information and even more hot takes, it can be hard to gain clarity on what absolutely needs to be done before race day. Thankfully Sonia is here to help. Click here to access Sonia's training plans and XL episode of the podcast www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad or email us on [email protected]