Talking Bollox Podcast

This week it's the one and only Roddy Collins. There's nobody quite like him in football and it was a pleasure to sit down and hear some of the stories from a long career in the game, a lifetime around Dublin city, and watching his younger brother, Steve, rise to the top of the boxing game and become world champion.

At last we finally managed to get the three Power brothers in the studio together, as Terence's brothers Gavin and Ger join us to talk about life growing up with Terry Flower. You'll have heard Terence's story before, from both him and his ma, but his brothers have their own perspective and we wanted to hear that. There's a lot of laughs and funny stories in this one, but on a more serious side the lads talk about how so many kids are written off by society because of their circumstances, but there can be hope for anyone.

As it's Valentine's week we decided to bring in a sex educator. Absolutely nothing is off limits in this episode! Jenny has made her name talking about sex with an honesty and openness we don't often hear in Irish society. and this week she's taking all of your questions. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

Darren Lalor maybe isn't as well known as some of our guests, but his story is no less fascinating or inspirational.

Darren grew up in Finglas and left school at 14. He went on to have a career managing many music acts, including Aslan. Later in life he was making a living as a taxi drive, and decided he wanted to train to become a barrister. It was a long, hard road that involved him studying at night while he sat in his car between fares, but he pulled it off. It's an incredible story of perseverance and never accepting it's too late to achieve great things.

This week it's just the two boys. It's been a while since we sat down with just the two of us, talked bollox and had a laugh - so this week we've got a lot of zingers, our quiz battle returns and we talk through a few topics listeners asked us to cover.

Pat Divilly is an expert on mental and physical wellness, with a wealth of insight into how we can improve our lives with simple steps. Pat is renowned for his books, seminars and workshops, and he came in to tell us his story about how struggles in his 20s set him on a new path in life, and share some of what he has learned on his journey.

This week we're joined by Irish comedy legend Ardal O'Hanlon. Ardal has some brilliant stories and tells us about going from life as a shy kid in County Monaghan, living in the shadow of The Troubles, to becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Irish comedy. We of course talk about being Father Dougal Maguire, but there's a lot more to this than just Father Ted.

This week we're joined by one of the hottest prospects in Irish boxing, WBA International Champion, Caoimhin Agyarko.

Caoimhin talks to us about growing up in Belfast, how he got into boxing, and how he has dealt with racist abuse throughout his life. He also tells us about when he was stabbed on a night out in Belfast a few years ago. It was an attack that very nearly cost him his life and changed his whole perspective on the world.

Jim Sheridan is a giant of Irish cinema, and one of our own. From Sheriff Street, Jim has made some of Ireland's most famous and powerful films, including 'In the Name of the Father' and 'My Left Foot'.

He's worked with some of the greats of cinema and he's been nominated for six Oscars. He tells us how a lad from Dublin 1 conquered the world, and about working with people like 50 Cent and Daniel Day Lewis. Jim is a living legend and it was an absolute pleasure and honour to have him come in for a chat and have the craic with us.

And then there's his perfect rendition of Snoop Dogg's "Murder was the case". No, really. Flawless.

At just 20 years of age Ross Tierney has achieved a lot, establishing himself as a star of the Bohs first team, playing for Ireland under-21s and earning himself a transfer to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

But what he has gone through off the pitch is on another level entirely. He suffered a deep personal tragedy when he lost his best friend to suicide, and faced one of the toughest situations imaginable for any new parent when his newborn son was born with serious complications. Ross tells us how it all took its toll on him and he then fell into his own serious struggle with his mental health, which led to him being hospitalised. But he told us how he now manages his battles, and wants to help others face into theirs

Ross is an incredible guy and it was an absolute pleasure to talk to him. This conversation is very tough but also deeply inspiring.

This episode discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please, talk to a friend or family member about what you’re going through, call into your GP or hospital, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 free from any phone in Ireland. You’re never alone. Support is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Help is always on hand. Don’t suffer in silence.