Nicky sits down with poet, writer and bestselling author Donna Ashworth for an in-depth chat about the words that find people in their hardest and happiest moments. Donna reflects on starting to write during lockdown, using poetry to steady herself, and the viral posts that helped her discover a new purpose. She opens up about grief, overthinking, neurodivergence, bravery, criticism and why simple words can sometimes reach people the deepest.

This episode also contains discussions on sensitive topics that may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised, please see the links to helplines and resources for support below.

International Mental Health Helplines: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Help for suicidal thoughts: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/

For suicide prevention and support in Ireland: www.pieta.ie

Mental health support, including depression, anxiety, and trauma: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with dancer, broadcaster and Strictly Come Dancing original Brendan Cole for an in-depth chat about the career, confidence and chaos behind life in the ballroom. Brendan reflects on growing up in New Zealand, leaving home with a one-way ticket and £1,000 in his pocket, and the drive that took him from building sites to the biggest dance floor on television. He opens up about winning the very first series of Strictly, the pressure of becoming one of the show’s biggest personalities, and what happened when that chapter finally came to an end.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon and Robbie Keane via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with beloved broadcaster Gaby Roslin for an in-depth chat about her life in television, radio and entertainment. Gaby reflects on dreaming of becoming a presenter from the age of three, her early days on Saturday morning TV, and the live moments that taught her to thrive when everything goes wrong. She opens up about working with Terry Wogan, the power of kindness, and why listening is still the most important skill in broadcasting. From The Big Breakfast and Children in Need to Magic Radio, Westlife’s earliest TV memories and her lifelong mission to spread joy, Gaby shares what it truly takes to connect with people and keep loving what you do.

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon and Robbie Keane via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with music icon Marlon Jackson for an in-depth chat about life inside one of the most famous families in entertainment. Marlon reflects on growing up in Gary, Indiana, the relentless rehearsals that shaped The Jackson 5, and the father who saw something in his children before they could see it themselves. He opens up about Michael, the memories behind the music, the family’s extraordinary legacy, and why a new generation is now discovering the magic of The Jackson 5 all over again. From childhood chores to global stages, moonwalk memories to the brand-new tour, Marlon shares what it truly means to be part of a family that changed pop culture forever. 

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon and Robbie Keane via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with Blue star Antony Costa for an in-depth chat about his journey from singing in pubs and clubs as a teenager to becoming part of one of the biggest boy bands of the 2000s. Antony opens up about the graft behind the early years, the healthy rivalry with Westlife, Blue’s huge success in Italy, and those pinch-me moments working with Elton John and Stevie Wonder. From All Rise and If You Come Back to I’m a Celebrity, Blood Brothers and life after Blue’s first chapter, Antony shares what it truly takes to keep going, keep performing and build a career beyond the boy band years.

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon and Robbie Keane via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with UFC star, boxer and proud Scouser Molly “Meatball” McCann for an in-depth chat about her journey from growing up in Liverpool to fighting on some of the biggest stages in the world. Molly opens up about her Irish roots, her family connection to Katie Taylor, the highs and hardships of life in MMA, and why she has now set her sights on boxing glory. From Madison Square Garden to Soccer Aid, world-title dreams to starting a family, Molly shares what it truly takes to keep fighting, keep believing and back yourself all the way. 

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey for an in-depth chat about his journey from becoming the fastest teenager in the world to finding a new audience as Nitro. Harry opens up about competing alongside Usain Bolt, overcoming serious injuries and learning to celebrate every achievement along the way. From the athletics track to Saturday night television, Harry shares how positivity, resilience and a love of performing helped him become one of Gladiators’ biggest stars. 

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.

Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with pop icon Debbie Gibson for an in-depth chat about her journey from teenage sensation to enduring entertainer. Debbie opens up about the pressures of finding fame at 16, her struggles with anxiety, and the extraordinary bond she shared with her mother and manager. From writing and producing record-breaking hits to Broadway and beyond, Debbie shares what it takes to keep creating, evolving and enjoying the journey nearly four decades later.

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky sits down with Simon Neil, frontman of Biffy Clyro, for an in-depth chat about music, football, friendship and the songs that stay with people. Simon reflects on growing up in Ayr, forming Biffy with childhood friends Ben and James, and building a career from noisy pub gigs to festival headline stages. He opens up about songwriting, Scottish identity, Celtic and Rangers, life on tour, and the unexpected journey of Many of Horror after it was covered on The X Factor. From Soccer Aid to stadium shows, Simon shares why music still feels like magic.

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a World Cup special, Nicky sits down with former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer for an in-depth chat about his journey from Birkenhead and pub football to the Premier League and the World Cup stage. Jason opens up about life at Liverpool, the famous Spice Boys era, sharing dressing rooms with huge characters, and the Ireland goal against the Netherlands that fans still talk about today. From Roy Keane stories to Italia ’90 memories, FA Cup moments and the emotional reality of life after football, Jason shares what it really means to give everything for the game.

Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack newsletter yet? Get exclusive stories, behind the scenes content and more at https://nickybyrne.substack.com/

Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Robbie Keane, Gary Barlow, Kellie Harrington, Peter Andre, Coleen Rooney, James McClean, Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Martin Compston, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern, East 17's Tony Mortimer, Cecelia Ahern, Paul McGrath, Samantha Mumba, Tom Davis, Five's Scott Robinson, Kodaline's Steve Garrigan, Ronan Keating, Sinitta, Jay McGuiness, Jill Scott, II Divo's Sébastien Izambard, MC Harvey, Piers Morgan, Cian Ducrot, Steve Collins, Ben Adams, Five, Chris Kirkpatrick, Tiffany, James Bourne, Ardal O'Hanlon via https://nickybyrnehq.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.