The Off Your Head Podcast Paul McArdle

Oh it is so good to be back and what a way to kick off Season 2!
Episode 1: On the Podcast, we welcome Newcastle man and rising star, Stephen Rafferty. Stephen talks about growing up and how his love for music came about. We learn how a lead role in a play gave him the kick start he needed. Stephen talks about starting off in the entertainment business (which I personally know, isn’t easy). He talks about taking the jump and heading away abroad to experience the party life but also to help him with his singing and song writing. Would the trip away play a massive part in his life? Did his experiences lead to great material? Let’s find out. Get the pods on and have a great listen to one amazing guy.

Episode 23: On the Podcast we welcome Tyrone Tiktoker, Cathair Curran (otherwise known as Kegs). Kegs talks about family life and growing up in Loughmacrory. With the perfect childhood and post primary, he could not wait to hit the city and university life in Belfast. Leaving home and gaining independence in a big city was perfect for a social butterfly like Kegs. He talks about securing his first job and getting paid as a student. He had hit the jackpot but was he happy and how did it fair out? Where did the next stage of his life take him? How did he survive life in the fast lane and living out of a suitcase? If you’re up for the crazy life of travelling, get the pods on and listen to this man’s interesting story.

Episode 22: On the Podcast we welcome Manchester born, Danielle Smyth. Danni talks about growing up in Manchester and how well she was brought up. Like anyone growing up, she was taught the difference between right & wrong, but she began to prefer taking the wrong option. She talks about turning her back on the people who loved her and this is where the problems began. She fell in love with a man who physically and mentally abused her. Drugs were also a massive part of her story. She transitioned from a gateway drug of Marijuana to hard drugs, and finally heroin. Have a lovely listen to this amazing story from an amazing woman who, just for today, is in recovery.

Episode 21: On the Podcast we welcome Downpatrick Make-up Artist, Shauna Taggart. Shauna talks about growing up and how she dreamed of working on tv from an early age. She talks about going to uni and how becoming a make-up artist was the last thing on her mind. Getting a job in tv is not easy and it takes time and patience. It all paid off when jobs started coming in. As a freelancer, moving from city to city is not easy, especially in London, the city that never sleeps. Was she happy all the time? Did she need to pack up and head home to recharge? Let’s find out. Get the AirPods on and enjoy this fantastic story.

Episode 20: On the Podcast we welcome Annsborough man, Ruairi Croskery. Ruairi talks about his love of football and playing for Castlewellan from the tender age of 5. He gives an insight into the influence and encouragement of his dad and the impact this had on his future. His career took off and he moved up the ranks at local football clubs. Then, a memorable day arrived and he was invited to his boyhood club. He left home at the tender age of 14 to put on the famous red jersey. Surely that was it? Life sorted, playing for the biggest club in the world? But was it? Thousands of kids go to the big clubs. How many make it and how many are forgotten? What happens next when you are rejected and your dream is over?? Stick on the AirPods and find out!

Episode 19: On the Podcast we welcome Newcastle music man, Finbarr Keaveney. Bringing Finbarr on to talk about his career was an absolute joy. Finbarr takes it back to the beginning - where he was born, growing up and where the love for music came from. Did his love for music just happen or did someone have a massive impact on his future career? Moving through the years with music changes and different bands,  Finbarr always wanted to try different genres. In doing so it took him time and research to succeed. Success did happen with the well established Sinatra Sunday. Going from a 7 piece live band to a one man show, was this success? Get the  AirPods on and listen to this great conversation.