The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Niall Boylan
The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Niall Boylan is online, and nobody can hold him back. Subscribe to The Niall Boylan Show and access premium content by visiting https://niallboylan.com

  1. #442 U.S. Visa Approval, Free Speech or Fair Scrutiny?

    4 DAYS AGO

    #442 U.S. Visa Approval, Free Speech or Fair Scrutiny?

    Should your social media determine whether you can enter a country, get a job, or earn a promotion? In this episode, Niall tackles the controversy surrounding the US Embassy’s new "enhanced social media vetting" for J1 visa applicants, which requires students to make their social media accounts public and open to scrutiny. The policy has sparked outrage and confusion, especially among Irish students, some of whom feel they’re being silenced for speaking out on global issues. 📢 Tánaiste Simon Harris weighed in, saying students “should not be deprived of a J1 visa for expressing their views on horrific issues happening around the world.” But is this really new? As Niall points out: “From what I remember, even applying for an ESTA years ago involved questions about your online presence.” Callers to the show are split. “It makes sense in a post-9/11 world—countries need to protect themselves,” one listener argues. “This is about chilling free speech. If we’re afraid to post opinions online, we’ve already lost something important,” says another. The conversation broadens to civil liberties, including policies in the UK where civil servants are discouraged from using social media or criticising the sitting government. Is it reasonable to screen social media for security—or are we entering a dangerous space where dissent is punished? Listen in as Niall and callers unpack the balance between national security and personal expression

    54 min
  2. #441 Am I Wrong to Hate My Own Daughter?

    5 DAYS AGO

    #441 Am I Wrong to Hate My Own Daughter?

    In this deeply emotional and raw episode, Niall reads a heartbreaking email from a mother pushed to her limits. She’s 38, raising a 16-year-old daughter with special needs on her own, and confesses a truth that many parents may feel but are too afraid to say aloud: "Although I love her, I also hate her so much for ruining my life." The mother describes the breakdown of her marriage, the loss of her job, constant verbal and physical abuse from her daughter, and a deep sense of isolation. She's tried support groups, family help, and even dating, but nothing seems to offer lasting relief. Now, she’s considering putting her daughter into care—just to survive. Listeners call in with powerful stories and opinions, some standing in empathy and support, others expressing shock and concern. One caller shares: “I’ve been there, Niall. My son is 12 and has severe behavioural issues. I’ve screamed into my pillow more nights than I can count. This mother is brave for admitting what many of us are afraid to say.” Another says: “I was raised by a single mum with a disability and if she’d spoken about me like this, I’d be devastated. That girl needs love, not resentment.” Others offer practical thoughts: “I don’t think she hates her child, Niall. I think she hates the life she’s been forced into without proper support.” “Putting her daughter in care isn’t giving up—it might be the only safe choice for both of them.” Niall navigates the emotional weight of the conversation with compassion, asking the big question: Is this mother truly wrong to feel the way she does—or is society failing families like hers by not giving them real, long-term support?

    59 min
4.3
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

Niall Boylan is online, and nobody can hold him back. Subscribe to The Niall Boylan Show and access premium content by visiting https://niallboylan.com

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