Talking Bollox Podcast

John Kavanagh is known for becoming one of the most successful coaches in the MMA game - but his story was already a fascinating one long before he reached the UFC.

John tells us about how he started a back alley gym in Dublin when almost nobody knew what MMA was and through years of hard graft turned that into an an international success story.

And he tells us about how he turned a moment of adversity and pain into a new beginning, and why the lessons he learned from his own struggle can help anyone to transform their life. His outlook on life, from how we learn through our mistakes to how we can all chase excellence, is inspiring and one we can all take lessons from.

Iain Ward goes by the online name King of Chemo, and he has set himself the mission of breaking the world record for the most amount of money ever raised for charity by running a marathon. In just a few weeks he has racked up tens of thousands of followers trying to help him achieve his goal.

Iain was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at the age of 30 but his attitude to his illness, and life in general, is incredibly uplifting and inspiring. This one was much more about the laughs than sadness and it was a pleasure to have Iain share his story with us.

In a year of surreal moments for Talking Bollox, this is up there at the very top. We were joined in the studio by Coolio, the platinum selling, Grammy winning rapper who has created some of the most famous songs in hip hop history.

We talked about his life growing up in Compton and he tells us about some extreme moments of violence he witnessed. We also go back to his early days in the music game, and then of course the massive global success he enjoyed with hits like "Gangsta's Paradise", and the legacy he enjoys today. And we talked about his love for Ireland, and why he likes to visit so often.

Also joining us in the studio was Coolio's longtime collaborator and producer, DJ Wino, who was able to bring his own insight into the incredible stories, from the early days on the streets of LA, to the days of Grammy wins and platinum records.

It's the two boys this week, enjoying a nice relaxed chat ahead of the live show in Vicar Street on Sunday. We talk about what it's like going to festivals and concerts sober, if going on a date is leading someone on, the many uses of the words bollocks, and our ridiculous demands backstage at live shows.,

Ciaran is a singer/songwriter from Dublin's north inner city and a man whose music speaks about where he, and we, came from. He joined us to talk about life growing up in the area, his musical inspirations, what inspires him to make his music, and he has a very questionable zinger.

There was plenty more in this episode too, including the biggest viral moment of the week - Terence's very public, and very embarrassing, fall. But as we learned, it isn't an isolated incident.

Lynsey Bennett is our guest this week. She was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017 and endured three and a half years of hell while undergoing chemo

She fills us in about life now after the most challenging 18 months, she updates us on how she has managed to keep her cancer stable using holistic treatments and gives us the results of her most recent trip to Germany.

Lynsey is a very courages woman who has had to battle a lot over the last few years but she is now looking to move forward with her life and live in the present. She also spoke about how flirting on social media has evolved over the years, gave some relationship advice and talked a whole load more bollox.

This is one of the most incredible stories we've heard yet, and the first time we have taken a deep dive into the world of problem gambling.

Tony stole €1.75m from his employer to fund a gambling habit that got so out of control he lost of €10m in total, including almost half a million in just 12 hours.

This is a great insight into the grip gambling can take on people and how addicts can live a double life with what can be a totally secret addiction.

Eddie Mullins is the Governor of Mountjoy Prison. He came in to us to give us an insight into life in Irish prisons, from the perspective of the prisoners and the prison guards. His views on life, punishment, and rehabilitation are fascinating and it was a pleasure to sit down and get an incredible look into a world that almost everyone has an opinion on, but very few know.

Anna came in to us this week to tell us about her career on stage from Canada to the UK and back home again, to help us with some very tough zingers, and offer some valuable advice on dealing with stage fright ahead of our live show - including some of her own experiences of what it's lime to have a disaster on stage, and just keep going with it. And Anna was also able to bring a little more knowledge to our long running debate on the seagulls of Dublin.

We did an Ask Us Anything this week where we took your questions, and they're a mixed bag. We covered everything from choosing between if you would give up crisps or sweets for life, to our biggest influences in life, the growing pressure of social media to show wealth (whether its real or imagined) and misconceptions around ADHD. This one was a lot of fun and also threw us a few curveballs to really think about. Plus we have some big news about the next live show!