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Podcasts have had a meteoric rise in popularity over the last number of years. I would dare to venture that’s because of their ability to allow the listener to multitask. We’re a busy people and like to get bang for our buck with regard to time.
Farmers in particular, potentially because of the solitary nature of their work, often have a soft spot for a podcasts. Driving the tractor or milking the cows, why not throw on a podcast? Here are some top podcast recommendations for all tastes.
These are the weekly podcasts that have stood the test of time, the ones you find yourself going back to, time and time again.
The 2 Johnnies
Look, almost everyone has heard of The 2 Johnnies Podcast. Recently hitting 200 episodes it’s been on the go awhile and constantly proves to be a poll-topping choice with listeners. Now exclusively available on Spotify, The 2 Johnnies along with their producer Maura Fay (formerly of this parish) and some of their favourite characters, will give you a laugh on even the dullest of days.
The THL Podcast
From Tommy Tiernan, Hector Ó hEochagáin and Laurita Blewitt, this fly on the wall style chat is another one that’s consistently popular with listeners. Unlike The 2 Johnnies, this podcast has very little structure. It’s like a chat over a pint with old friends. That’s the beauty of it, it could go anywhere, and with Tommy, Hector and Laurita at the helm, you won’t be short of a laugh anyway.
These series have a limited number of episodes exploring a certain topic and will have you listening to them one straight after the other.
The Witness: In His Own Words
This podcast is based on the book of the same name by crime journalist Nicola Tallant. Over 10 episodes it tells the true story of Joey O’Callaghan, who gets sucked into a life of crime and drugs after moving from Ballymun to Blanchardstown in Dublin. As the name suggests, the majority of this podcast is made up of Joey telling his story in his own words. Ultimately, Joey got out of a life of crime and a testimony from him helped convict two gangsters of murder.
Sweet Bobby
Sweet Bobby is the podcast series everyone is talking about of late. It’s a multi-part investigation in search of one of the world’s biggest catfishers - the practice of pretending to be someone you’re not, particularly online. Over six episodes investigative journalist Alexi Mostrous takes a look at how social media can be used as a tool of abuse and coercion. It starts with Kirat Assi becoming friends on social media with Bobby, who allegedly has a connection to her through friends and family. What follows is an unbelievable decade-long story of deception.
If you’re looking for a laugh, then look no further.
Wooden Overcoats
Here’s a podcast that’s a little different from the rest. Wooden Overcoats is actually a fictional podcast series. The sitcom is set in the village of Pliffing Vale. Rudyard Funn runs a funeral parlour alongside his family. They’re not the happiest bunch, but get the job done. One day, drama kicks up a notch when a new funeral parlour opens in town, naturally becoming their rival. Suffice to say, you’re in for a few laughs. With three series, it’s a good one to dip in and out of.
Wheel of Misfortune
Wheel of Misfortune is a BBC Sounds production, a new series of which has just started. The co-presenter is none other than Mullingar’s own Alison Spittle. Joined by fellow comedian Fern Brady, they share their funny and embarrassing moments with the world. Each episode has a theme and begins with Alison and Fern giving their tuppence worth on the topic and is followed up with some listeners’ stories. They are also joined by a guest who shares his or her stories associated with the theme.
Well, it is the new year after all, so health and wellbeing are in vogue.
The Two Norries Podcast
Now, The Two Norries takes a little bit of an alternative look at health and wellbeing, but a very interesting one all the same. Hosted by Timmy Long and James Leonard from north Cork city, it’s themed around crime, mental health, addiction and social and health issues. The podcast started after James really struck a chord with people during his appearance on the Tommy Tiernan Show, as he told of being a former heroin addict and now holding a master’s in criminology.
The Good Glow
Hosted by Georgie Crawford, if you’re looking to feel good and be inspired, then this is the one for you. Having put her life back together after being diagnosed with breast cancer, which changed her perspective on everything, Georgie felt there was a need for people to have more in-depth conversations about health, well-being and self-care. Enter The Good Glow. On this podcast Georgie interviews wellness advocates and inspirational people.
Podcasts are available across a range of platforms. Spotify and iTunes are two of the main ones. You can download these apps on your smartphone, but you must have an iPhone to access iTunes.
The Irish Farmers Journal’s plethora of podcasts are available across podcast platforms as well as on www.ifj.ie/podcast. These include The Irish Country Living Podcast, Farm Tech Talk – The Livestock Show, The Tillage Podcast and The Irish Farmers Journal Weekly Podcast.
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