The Time Out Podcast

David Greene hails originally from Croveigh, just outside Dungloe, Co.Donegal but is now living and working in Brisbane Australia. In December past David was elected the president of the Irish Australian Chamber Of Commerce. A role dealing in supporting Irish people living down under. David's day job involves him being a senior political advisor for the Queensland minister for transport, a role which has seen David assisting in the response to Covid 19, and he was part of the decision process to close Queensland's borders to the rest of Australia in March 2020. David's a remarkable success story to me because he has faced several highly challenging health issues in his life but it doesn't stop him from carrying out his highly responsible work tasks. I caught up with him via phone on Monday January 18th to talk about all of the above and more. It's important to note that the Covid related figures mentioned during this interview are in relation to the figures released on the date of this podcast being recorded. I hope you enjoy the show!

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Jason Black's story is remarkable. Despite being bullied in his early teenage years and losing people close to him, he has gone on to achieve some of the most impressive feats imaginable. He is very modest in his successes and as you'll hear in my interview with him he's a great believer that we all can achieve great things if we don't stop ourselves in the process. Jason has summited the most challenging mountains in the world, Mount Everest 2013, K2 2018. He has set records on mountains in Africa and South America. He can be described as an global endurance athlete but this only tells part of his story. It doesn't define him. He aim is to empower people from sharing his experiences and I think you will be from just listening to him speak. I hope you enjoy our chat.

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Fr Pat Ward originally from Arranmore was ordained as a priest in 1988. Currently the parish priest in Kincasalagh, Fr Pat recently won an award 'Donegal Inspirational Hero'.  An award richly deserved as during the current covid 19 pandemic he has brought joy and hope to many.  Not just to those who would attend his masses during normal times but to the many new followers he gained via the webcam due to his loveable personality. Not only is he a popular priest, his skills with the ukulele are there for all to witness online too, the  intsrument beautifully accompanies him during manys a prayer. I interviewed Fr Pat yesterday and we talked about his award, the importance of faith, his special friendship with the late Fr Seamus Gallagher and much more including a christmas blessing for listeners.  Hope you enjoy it!

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Margo O'Donnell's story in country music has spanned over 55 years and counting. Her voice is one of those I'd describe as instantly recognizable. She has worked alongside the biggest names in music, the likes of Dolly Parton, her good friend, being a prime example. Her singing career started out in the mid 60's with local band, the keynotes; a group Margo has the highest of praise and respect for, which she elaborates on in our interview. I was glad to catch up with Margo again and chat about her life in Monaghan, the recent Late Late country special and lots more including some memories of another good friend of hers, the late Big Tom.  I hope you enjoy the interview. 

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For decades, Peter Dickson has announced many famous names across various different shows on British TV. So to hear him announce my podcast along with my own name is something really special. Peter kindly agreed to do this for me and I'm delighted that I'll be including Peter's introduction of my podcast on each podcast going forward. I hope you like the new music which goes along with the intro.

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The title of Peter Dickson's recently released book describes him well: 'Voice Over Man'. For decades he has worked across an endless array of shows on british tv mainly. In a long career which is still going strong he has worked alongside some of the great household names in tv and radio. Two late legends in Terry Wogan and Bruce Forsyth to name but a few. Peter is best known for his work on the very popular singing talent series, the X Factor.  Introducing contestants and guest stars onto the stage since the show's beginning in his own unique and enthusiastic style. Other shows he's worked on include The Price Is Right and Britains Got Talent.  I was so glad Peter agreed to an interview with me. His story is interesting and inspiring. He told me some funny stories too which I think you may enjoy!

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Elizabeth Keenan hails originally from Co.Longford but now lives in Co.Kildare. She works in marketing but also is a travel blogger and to date on Instagram she has nigh on twenty thousand people following her. She's travelled the world, 30 countries in all so far and she has her sights set on more travelling in the future. I caught up with her for a chat about some of her favourite places visited globally and some of her favourite places in Ireland. She also recommends several countries that would be good holiday destinations. I hope you enjoy our chat.

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Ireland has produced a lot of fine musicians down through the years, but when it comes to fiddle playing Charlie Arkins sits among the very finest. Taught by his late father, Charlie's first big break came in the mid 70's when along with the Cotton Mill Boys, he won Opportunity Knocks, a competition the band would go on to win multiple times. Charlie played in bands alongside the likes of John Hogan and Robert Mizzell but spent most time as a member of Jimmy Buckley'a band; nigh on 20 years. Charlie recently retired and is now enjoying life with his wife in their homeplace of Co. Westmeath. I caught up with him for a chat and to reflect on his great career playing both the fiddle and harmonica. Hope you enjoy the interview! 

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Alan McInally had to retire in his early thirties from his football career after sustaining an injury whilst at german giants Bayern Munich. Prior to this, Alan achieved success. In 1989/90 he won the Bundesliga title with Bayern. 4 years previous Alan along with another huge club in Celtic won the Scottish title as they just pipped Hearts to 1st spot on goal difference. Alan also represented Scotland at the 1990 World Cup. He currently works as a pundit on sky sports' Gillette soccer saturday and also works on their midweek shows. It was great to chat to Alan, such an interesting, funny man. We reviewed the weekend action in the premier league, looked at Celtic's current form in the SPL and touched on his own playing days and boy did he have some great stories to tell me. Hope you enjoy it!

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There are many unsung heros across various sports and for me John Gildea was one of them when we played inter county football for Donegal and his club Naomh Conaill. He was part of a talented county side unfortunate not to win silverware, falling just short in several Ulster final deciders against the likes of Derry and Armagh. In 2005, John was a key member of the Glenties side which won their first Donegal senior championship, having beaten St Eunans after a replay. I interviewed John yesterday over the phone and discussed the current pandemic, previewed the return of the national football league and spoke of his memories  as a player with both club and county.  Hope you enjoy it.

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