This week on Houli’s Hooley, the Houlihan brothers and Clay O’Brien are back with their usual mix of sports talk, parenting chaos, and questionable life advice. The Hooley kicks off with March Madness, though for Clay it has less to do with college basketball and more to do with attending roughly 12 to 18 of his kids’ games every week. At this point he is essentially living inside a folding chair at a suburban gymnasium. The boys swap stories from the youth sports circuit, including travel tournaments, scoreboard confusion, and the strange realization that the parents may be more competitive than the kids. From there the conversation drifts into St. Patrick’s Day planning, the fine art of surviving parade season, and why every responsible party host should force their guests to eat a sandwich before things get out of hand. Along the way there are neighborhood observations, a few parenting confessions, and the usual Hooley philosophy that life tends to work out better when you can laugh at it.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park & Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan celebrates one of Chicago’s most cherished traditions in the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the historic Parade Queen Contest, a competition that has been part of the city’s Irish-American culture for more than 70 years.Paddy welcomes this year’s Parade Queen Claire Cahill, along with court member Elizabeth Laffey and former court member Megan Cahill. The guests share their experiences participating in the contest, from the multi-round judging process to the excitement of being named to the court. Claire, a recent law school graduate from Elmhurst with roots in County Cork, discusses her journey to becoming Queen, while Elizabeth reflects on the honor of representing Chicago’s Irish community and the friendships formed along the way. The conversation also highlights the important role of Chicago Plumbers Local 130, who have organized the parade and Queen Contest for decades, as well as the many events the Queen and her court attend throughout the year. As always, the show celebrates Irish heritage, community, and tradition in Chicago.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers 

This week on The Houli’s Hooley, Paddy and Billy throw open the studio doors and welcome back their old co-host Clay O’Brien after a two-year disappearance that may or may not have involved monks in Tibet. The chemistry is immediate and unhinged in all the right ways. Paddy checks in one year nicotine-free, rocking a freshly cultivated beard and a Yellowstone Cole Hauser inspired Western jacket that feels slightly aggressive for suburban Chicago. Clay shares his escape from daily corporate life and the relief of not having to wear the “professional mask” anymore, as the boys riff on office culture, HR landmines, and the quiet rebellion of staying authentic. From there it’s classic Hooley chaos: youth baseball politics, background checks, hair transplant scheming, and a serious investigative segment on Valiant Thor, the alleged alien who supposedly lived at the Pentagon in the 1950s. Toss in social media algorithm paranoia and St. Patrick’s Day avoidance strategies, and you’ve got a perfect storm of middle-age mischief. It’s aliens, aging, authenticity, and absolutely zero self-awareness.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Bros. Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers.

This week on Hibernian Radio host Paddy Houlihan welcomes back Father Ryan Brady, pastor of St. Christina Parish in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood and chaplain to the Chicago Fire Department, for a powerful conversation on faith, leadership, and renewal on Chicago’s South Side. Fr. Brady discusses serving 2,500 parish families and 5,000 active CFD members while celebrating a remarkable 27 percent increase in Mass attendance at St. Christina, the largest growth in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He shares why young people are returning to the Church and why presenting Catholicism boldly and authentically matters in today’s culture. The episode also features Fr. Brady’s unforgettable recent meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, his reflections on artificial intelligence and authentic human connection, and his excitement about being named Grand Marshal of the 2026 South Side Irish Parade during St. Christina’s 100th anniversary year. A candid and inspiring discussion about saying yes to God’s call.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week the Houli bros. tackle corporate chaos with their usual mix of honesty and humor. Billy survives a nationwide layoff that cuts 500 jobs in the beverage industry, and the four day waiting game nearly does him in. The brothers unpack survivor’s guilt, the sting of watching longtime colleagues get let go, and the awkward reality of keeping your job while others don’t. They zoom out to bigger trends like post COVID overhiring, market corrections, and the rise of non alcoholic beverages reshaping the business. Naturally, the mood swings. From colonoscopy commitments and Lenten sacrifices to reflecting on celebrity deaths like Robert Duvall, the conversation weaves through middle age, mortality, and faith. They also wrestle with the strange cultural moment where names like Jeffrey Epstein become casual punchlines among teenagers, and what that means for parents trying to keep up. It is equal parts group therapy and comedy hour, with a reminder to check on your friends, stay adaptable at work, and maybe book that doctor appointment you have been putting off.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, hosts Mike and Paddy Houlihan sit down with Brendan O’Brien to honor the life and legacy of his father, Boz O’Brien, longtime owner of Reilly’s Daughter and a cornerstone of the South Side Irish community. Brendan reflects on growing up in the bar, working alongside Boz from childhood through adulthood, and eventually stepping into a leadership role himself. He shares stories of his father’s deep commitment to the neighborhood, from founding the annual St. Patrick’s Day Soda Bread Contest to welcoming generations of regulars, politicians, and families through the doors of Reilly’s Daughter. The conversation balances humor and heartbreak. Brendan speaks candidly about Boz’s sudden passing, the overwhelming support at his wake and funeral, and the sacrifices that come with running a neighborhood pub. From poinsettias for half the South Side at Christmas to long nights and cherished family moments, Boz’s life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and community. Looking ahead, Brendan will continue to carry the torch. Reilly’s Daughter will celebrate its 50th anniversary this June, and the traditions Boz built will continue in his honor. This episode is a tribute to family, resilience, and the kind of publican who turns a bar into a home for an entire neighborhood.

Sponsored By: Foxes Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on The Houli’s Hooley Radio Hour, Paddy and Bill Houlihan spiral joyfully through jackpots, job anxiety, thrift-store treasures, and the eternal mystery of modern romance. It starts with lottery fever and those suspicious “Congratulations, you won!” emails that briefly convince Bill he’s retiring by Tuesday, before reality arrives with considerably fewer zeros. From there, Paddy dives into a very real parental panic about college costs, AI swallowing whole careers, and whether chasing an artistic dream still makes sense in a world run by algorithms and student loans. Naturally, the lads refuse to stay serious for long. Bill recounts thrift-store adventures and social awkwardness, they roast a forgettable Super Bowl and cling to the annual fantasy that Chicago sports are “about to turn the corner,” and they size up troubling news in the beer world, including layoffs at Heineken and what shifting drinking habits might mean heading into St. Patrick’s Day season. The hour closes, as all great Hooley conversations do, with Valentine’s Day reflections, dating-app absurdities, and the quiet hope that love might still be out there… hiding somewhere between a winning lottery ticket and a half-price thrift-store vase. Loose, lively, and just a little unhinged, it’s classic Hooley banter full of laughs, worries, and brotherly charm.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan welcomes back veteran law enforcement professional John Paul “JP” Rowe for a powerful and often humorous conversation about a lifetime in service. JP traces his career from following his father into the Dalton Police Department, to years as an officer in Evanston, and ultimately to his post-9/11 role as a Federal Air Marshal. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories from the street, reflections on elite federal training, and candid insight into how law enforcement and officer morale have changed over the decades. Balancing humor with heartfelt perspective, JP reflects on the personal cost of the job, lifesaving moments in the line of duty, family sacrifices, and the enduring brotherhood shared by those who wear the badge. The episode closes with lighter memories, Irish traditions, and warm St. Patrick’s Day spirit. A great episode!!

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park & Mokena), Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on The Houli’s Hooley Radio Hour, brothers Paddy and Bill Houlihan riff on Groundhog Day, Super Bowl predictions, patron saints, and a memorable trip to the Chicago Magic Lounge, mixing quick laughs with thoughtful reflection. Amid gambling pool stories and holiday humor, the conversation turns heartfelt as they remember longtime friends and listeners who recently passed, reminding us of the importance of faith, family, and counting our blessings. Paddy’s draw of St. Luke as the family’s patron saint for the year sparks a lively and funny dive into the saints connected to magicians, gamblers, and everyday life, while a candid talk about social media algorithms and modern anxiety brings the hour back to gratitude and perspective. Equal parts insanity, humor, heart, and holy mischief, it’s classic Houli’s Hooley where laughter, faith, and family always share the same table.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park & Mokena), Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers.

This week’s Hibernian Radio Hour features a “from the vault” episode from March 2021 with retired Chicago Police Department Sergeant and Watch Commander Mike Ryan of the 22nd District. Host Mike Houlihan sits down with Ryan live from the Cork & Kerry Irish Pub to hear stories from his 28-year career, from patrolman to Special Operations to watch commander. Ryan reflects on policing in his own neighborhood, sharing vivid accounts of gang activity, car thefts, and a haunting triple homicide, as well as the camaraderie, challenges, and moral complexities of life on the force. He also discusses the current climate for law enforcement and his transition to a post-retirement role at McCormick Place. Packed with humor, war stories, and heartfelt respect for Chicago’s Irish first responders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the life of a lifelong cop. Quick reminder to please join us for our monthly Movie Hooley at Chicago Gaelic Park. On Sunday, February 15th at 7:00 pm, Hibernian Media proudly presents a special screening of the film Emerald City, a hilarious film about a hard partying crew of Irish construction workers living in New York that reach the end of a line. Come early, grab a pint, and support independent Irish-American storytelling.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena & Orland Park), Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers