Talking Derry Girls

The Big Light
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Talking Derry Girls

Fancy a bit of craic?! Jeanie, Marie-Louise and Pauline love the Channel 4 sit-com, Derry Girls, based in their home city. We thought it would be fun to rewatch the series, and chat about each episode in detail. You don’t have to be from Derry or even a girl. Being a Derry Girl is a state of mind. Come on in!

  1. 05/08/2024

    Episode 106 - Derry Rocks the Boat

    Episode 106 - Derry Rocks the Boat We are a world record breaking City !  And we did it with style - courtesy of Micky Doherty, diplomacy - courtesy of the Nobel Institute and a total lack of grace - courtesy of the Talking Derry Girls. The Mayor and her chosen charities were in attendance, bravo to Foyle Hospice and The Ryan McBride Foundation for all their important and valued work.  The representatives of the Norwegian Nobel Institute were in town and were able to witness the Legacy of John Hume’s Peace Prize first hand…Did former SDLP leader Mark Durkan really sit them amongst a crowd of Derry Wans on Shipquay Street? What did they make of Rock the Boat and could Micky Doherty be in line for a Nobel Prize? Pauline celebrates her big Birthday, Marie-louise introduces her eldest daughter to the perils of Rock the Boat and Jeanie discovers that she and Mark Durkan introduced same sex marriage to Derry by both marrying the same person…this is Derry …all together “…Rock the Boat, Don’t Rock the Boat…’’!! NOTES:  Rock the Boat (Derry world record) -  https://www.derryjournal.com/news/people/we-did-it-derry-smashes-guinness-world-record-for-rock-the-boat-4616653 Mayor’s Charities - ROCK THE BOAT CHALLENGE - for Mayor Patrica Logue’s charities (Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation).  https://foylehospice.com/rock-the-boat/ Foyle Hospice -  https://foylehospice.com/ Ryan McBride Foundation -  https://mcbride5foundation.com/ Mayor Patricia Logue swimming challenge -  https://www.derrystrabane.com/news/mayor-takes-the-plunge-in-aid-of-local-charities Mark Durkan -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Durkan Norwegian Nobel Institute  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Nobel_Institute https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olav_Nj%C3%B8lstad John Hume’s medals -  https://www.visitderry.com/blog/read/2022/12/john-humes-peace-prizes-bequeathed-to-derry-on-public-display-in-guildhall-b327 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63900189 Derry Girls Exhibition -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66088882 Referendums and Good Friday Agreement -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61968177 TDGs Ep 42 Finale - Good Friday Agreement  TDGs Ep 100 chat with Lisa McGee about that Finale Episode.

    45 min

  2. 05/01/2024

    Ep 105 - Original Derry Girl Louise Gallagher on creating Blue Lights

    WARNING DOES CONTAIN SOME MILD SPOILERS FOR EP 3 BLUE LIGHTS.  The Derry Girls - Blue Lights connections are well and truly there if you dig deep. The TDGs are joined by Derry Girl Louise Gallagher who had the original idea for Blue Lights. She also has a feature film under her belt:  ‘A Bump along the Way’ and an award winning short film ‘Rough’. As well as having her own production company, Louise works for Hat Trick (who made Derry Girls) developing new NI drama and comedy writing talent. Without giving away any major spoilers we talk about Blue Lights, Derry Girls, kissing slurping noises in films and whether you go up, down or over the town!  Notes:  Louise Gallagher -  https://www.gallagherfilms.co.uk/about A Bump Along the Way -  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9198724/ Tess McGowan -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10235159/ Bronagh Gallagher -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0302345/ The Commitment in Derry Girls -  https://www.bronaghgallagher.com/ TIFF - https://www.tiff.net/ Rough (award winning short film IFTA) -  https://www.roughfilm.com/ KIN -  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13444408/ Derek Thompson aka Robin Graham -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0860054/ Summary of Blue Lights Ep 3 - Love Knows  https://www.whattowatch.com/features/blue-lights-season-2-episode-3-recap-love-knows Black Mountain -  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/divis-and-the-black-mountain Bronagh Taggart (writer of Ep 3 Blue Lights and also in Derry Girls) -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0846499/ Jonathan Harden aka Jonty -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2325042/ Madam last discovery -  https://www.facebook.com/p/Madams-Last-Discovery-100086459482698/?paipv=0&eav=AfZN6xJuZzpC3oeyQEQPjjUWs96uLkUYJX3zkgcegN73fCPsDWjbxfO6hlR6uX42f-4&_rdr Dea Matrona Band (who feature in Blue Lights Ep6) https://deamatrona.co.uk/ WAVE (Trauma Counselling) -  https://wavetraumacentre.org.uk/ Colin Davidson NI artist Silent Testimony -  https://irishartscenter.org/event/colin-davidson-silent-testimony https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp134355/colin-davidson Dearbháile McKinney aka Aisling and wee Aunt Sarah in Reunion Episode -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9130037/ Hannah McClean aka Jen Robinson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6007345/ The Land of Saints and Sinners - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15782690/ (Starring Liam Neeson and few actors from Blue Lights and Derry Girls)  Hat Trick - https://www.hattrick.co.uk/ Roma Downey -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_Downey A Bump Along the Way -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bump-Along-Way-Bronagh-Gallagher/dp/B083ZR497K Rough -  https://www.roughfilm.com/film Jazz Festival -https://cityofderryjazzfestival.com/ ROCK THE BOAT CHALLENGE - for Mayor Patrica Logue’s charities (Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation).  https://foylehospice.com/rock-the-boat/ EP 3 - Jeanie’s dog Duke and the army  EP 81 and 82 Shirt Tales part 1&2 Factory Girls mouthwashers

    48 min

  3. 04/24/2024

    Episode 104 - You say avocado, we say mushy peas.

    The Blue Lights obsession continues. WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR EP 2 BLUE LIGHTS.  Never record a podcast on an empty stomach! The Talking Derry Girls sausage roll fondness returns, what even is a capsicum and chilli jam? It's a long way from avocado on toast we were reared. Maybe the girls need to re-evaluate their breakfast menu options as they discuss the possibility of running their own B & B in Derry City centre. Maybe they'd be better buying the Blue Lights pub -The Loyal - currently for sale in Belfast. POA (Price on Application)...what is it with POA? Do you want us to buy the place or not…? Coach parties welcome. Breakfast not included - POA! NOTES:  Blue Lights - Ep2 Iceberg  https://www.whattowatch.com/features/blue-lights-season-2-episode-2-recap-iceberg Lundy -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Lundy Ferry Clever - https://ferryclever.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/ferryclever/reel/C5-2icuI3cs/ UV Arts (creators of the Derry Girls mural) -  https://www.facebook.com/uvartscic/?locale=en_GB IFTA - https://www.ifta.ie/ Richard Dormer aka Gerry Cliff -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233807/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UODdDnCihQ4 Curran (half way between Belfast and Derry) -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curran,_County_Londonderry Ponderosa (the highest pub in Ireland) -  https://theponderosabar.com/ The Loyal Pub for sale -  https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/blue-lights-bar-featured-in-hit-bbc-series-up-for-sale/a1505450129.html Frank Blake aka Shane Bradley -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8984706/ Kenneth Brannagh -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000110/ 1987 Public Enemy -  https://variety.com/1994/legit/reviews/public-enemy-1200439459/ Late 80s Look Back in Anger -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Look_Back_in_Anger_(1989_film) Hope Street -  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14354984/ Tara Lynne O’Neil joining BBC’s Hope Street as an inspector -  https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/hope-street-series-four-filming-starts Claire Allan writer - The Affair -  https://www.claireallan.com/ Desmond Eastwood aka Murray Canning -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5708540/ Martin McCann aka Stevie Neil -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564901/ Lambeg Drum -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambeg_drum Battle of the Somme (Thiepval) -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiepval_Memorial Hamilton Flute Band -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-36671190 Rock the Boat (The world attempt 4th May 1130) Mayor’s charities - Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation get registered -  https://foylehospice.com/rock-the-boat/  or email  noelmcmonagle@foylehospice.com  for more details. Mayor Patricia Logue’s charities -  https://www.derrystrabane.com/about-council/mayor/mayor-s-charity Stephen Lawrence Inquiry -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68877983 The Met Police has agreed, dormant inquiry to be reopened. Latest news on Bloody Sunday -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68854561 EP 57 - Porn star Martinis featured in this TDGs episode about the Legenderry Food Festival and the Derry Girls foodie tour  EP 101 - Episode featuring Rock the Boat

    44 min

  4. 04/17/2024

    Episode 103 - The Blue Lights are Flashing.

    Declan Lawn talks Series 2 of everyone's favourite cop show. Spoiler alert, you may want to watch Episode 1 of the new series before listening as the girls do discuss it . All other eps are safe as co writer/ co creator Declan has promised to return once the whole series has aired…there are so many questions yet to ask. Series 2 launches in Australia on Thursday 18th April, American audiences will have to wait another 6 weeks, date as yet tbc. With lots of questions the Girls couldn't ask - spoilers - they still managed to put the thumbscrews on Declan to discuss how much URST will be in series 2 and if any of it becomes RST (that's unresolved sexual tension for anyone who hasn't heard Episode 67 where the girls talk to him about Series 1) Not sure if the topics are connected but there is also a lively discussion about the contents of Stevie’s lunchbox. All the big questions are answered here … Notes: IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO WATCH EP 1 OF BLUE LIGHTS BEFORE LISTENING.  Blue Lights - Ep1 Series 3; This too shall pass  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14466018/ Blue Lights series two promises 'absolute chaos' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68770877 https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/15/blue-lights-series-two-review-last-years-breakout-police-hit-is-as-beautifully-tense-as-ever URST - unresolved sexual tension  https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=urst RST - resolved sexual tension!  Seamus O’Hara aka Lee Thompson -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5339108/ Frank Blake aka Constable Shane Bradley -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8984706/ President Bill Clinton’s speech in Derry  https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/events/peace/docs/pres2.htm Rev Ian Paisley -  https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/12/the-rev-ian-paisley Historic cases in Northern Ireland -  https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/case-studies/northern-irelands-past.html Culture Cafe (Marie-Louise’s programme) BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle/Sounds - guest this week was Eoin O’Callaghan who created the music for Blue Lights -  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001y9yb Catherine Grimes - music supervisor  https://www.what-song.com/music-supervisor/catherine-grimes Louise Gallagher -  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5644255/ Soak - Derry song writer -  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/02/soak-bridie-monds-watson Ferry Clever -  https://ferryclever.co.uk/ Stephen Walker -  https://www.stephenwalker.uk/ Historic cases in Northern Ireland -  https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/case-studies/northern-irelands-past.html WAVE -  https://wavetraumacentre.org.uk/ We discussed Series 1 Blue Lights in Eps 66 and 67 of TDGs. Declan Lawn was our guest in Ep 67.

    37 min

  5. 04/10/2024

    Ep 102 - Education. Education. Education.

    The Talking Derry Girls are in a book! And not just any old book but an academic one about teaching history in America. Of course it’s not just us - Derry Girls and The Cranberries are in there too, in the same chapter. Pauline and Jeanie muse on this fact, and wonder if academic stalking is OK in the name of research. And if they could now, like Lisa McGee get an honorary degree! Maybe a lecture tour across the states. Pauline talks to Dr Starlynn Nance - Professor of Education at the university of Central Missouri. Starlynn became an instant fan of Derry Girls and could see the potential in using the TV programme to teach hard history!  NOTES:  Dr Starlynn Nance’s book - Hollywood or History - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hollywood-History-Starlynn-R-Nance-ebook/dp/B0B21T6T3W An inquiry-based strategy for using television shows to teach issue-centred curriculum. It was published in 2022. https://www.ucmo.edu/academics/programs/majors/coe/educational-foundations-and-literacy/educational-foundations/secondary-education-bse-social-studies/index.php University of Central Missouri https://www.ucmo.edu/ Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Radden_Keefe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_Nothing_(book) An inquiry-based strategy for using television shows to teach issue-centred curriculum. It was published in 2022. Zombie by The Cranberries - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ejga4kJUts Lyra McKee - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyra_McKee Easter Rising 1916 - https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/articles/what-was-the-easter-rising Episodes of Talking Derry Girls about Blue Lights  Ep66 and Ep67

    55 min

  6. 04/03/2024

    Episode 101: Record Breaking - Rock the Boat

    Are you sitting comfortably? Then we probably shouldn't invite you to Derry on Saturday 4th May where you can sit on a very steep street with, hopefully, several thousand others in a bid to win a Guinness World Record. The Talking Derry Girls will be there supporting the Mayor of Derry's official charities - The Ryan McBride Foundation and Foyle Hospice. Details of how you can register and take part in Rock the Boat are in the notes (it’s an inclusive event so arrangements are in place for everyone to take part - you have no excuse!) Sitting on your backside on a city street rocking with several thousand strangers sounds like a winner to us. No, this is not a late April Fool, though the girls have a few words on that subject too.  Spring is in the air so no better time to put your feet up with a box set . Louisa Harland is currently blowing our minds in Disney's “Renegade Nell” while Nicola Coughlan is extraordinary as the lead in Channel 4’s new comedy “Big Mood” They’re both a long way from Derry Girls. Superstars both. Altogether now “Rock the Boat, don’t Rock the Boat Baby …” See you there! NOTES  Whistle through the Shamrocks - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whistle-through-the-shamrocks/id1590115609 Foyle hospice website - https://foylehospice.com/rock-the-boat/ Big Mood - Nicola Coughlan https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26765082/ Big Mood interview - https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/nicola-coughlan-camilla-whitehill-big-mood-big-rt-interview/ Whistle through the Shamrocks - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whistle-through-the-shamrocks/id1590115609 Renegade Nell - Louisa Harland https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5308665/ https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/highwaywoman-susan-higges/ Sally Wainwright - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906550/ Beyond Paradise - Dylan Llewellyn https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21161156/ Big Boys - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13683866/ Craig Parkinson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0971135/ Foyle hospice website - https://foylehospice.com/rock-the-boat/ Mayor Patricia Logue - https://www.derrystrabane.com/about-council/mayor/mayor-s-biography Mayor’s charities and learning to swim - https://www.derrystrabane.com/news/mayor-takes-the-plunge-in-aid-of-local-charities Jazz Festival weekend - https://cityofderryjazzfestival.com/  Record breaking number of Santa’s in Derry (2007) but it has since been broken by India (2014) https://www.derrydaily.net/2014/12/28/indian-town-smashes-derrys-world-record-santas-gathering/ Brides on the Peace Bridge - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2315959/Race-aisle-750-brides-cross-Derry-bridge-beat-world-record.html

    53 min

  7. 03/13/2024

    Episode 100 - One hundred reasons why we love Lisa McGee and why it's still all her fault!

    The Talking Derry Girls are amazed to have reached their milestone episode and there's only one person to blame. Here to defend herself is Derry Girls creator and writer Lisa McGee. They talk about that multiple award winning finale episode and there are many, many questions and answers.  Just how funny is Liam Neeson? Who put in the call to Chelsea Clinton and did David Ireland really channel Kevin McAleer in his Uncle Colm audition tape? Lisa has tales of location filming in her beloved Derry, burning a car under Craigavon bridge and how Orla, and her dance routine, was the perfect opening for the grand finale. Who knows what the future holds for the TDGs? but Lisa needs extras for her new show and maybe there is a Literary Monkeys party that needs planning. Congratulations and Celebrations all round. NOTES:  How to get to Heaven from Belfast -  https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/derry-girls-lisa-mcgee-how-to-get-to-heaven-from-belfast-channel-4-1235700966/ Derry Girls Experience -  https://www.visitderry.com/things-to-do/the-derry-girls-experience-p844151  https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB Derry Girls series 3 wins an Emmy -  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67483358# Previous episodes mentioned in this episode  Ep 42 - Season 3: Finale: The Agreement Ep 80 - How to get to heaven from Belfast (chat with Lisa about her new TV programme) Ep 13 - Talking Derry Girls with Lisa McGee Ep 14 - It’s Lisa McGee (Oh yes it is)  Ep 97 - David Ireland episode  Ep 36 - Series 3: Episode 1 - The Night Before… (the one with Uncle Colm and Liam Neeson

    33 min

  8. 03/06/2024

    Episode 99 - Ninety Nine Lead Balloons - From U.S. to Us

    One recording away from the big 100 and the TDGs are still in different timezones. Not sure what the lead balloons are in this week's episode…the definition of a lead balloon is -”something that you say or show to people that they do not like…something which fails miserably and is utterly unsuccessful” So it most definitely isn’t anything to do with Lisa McGee and her continued award winning successes. This week accepting the Christopher Ewart Biggs award for promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland. Pauline hosts a Factory Girls event, when she isn’t hunting Brad Pitt, Marie-Louise talks Holywood glamour and how it became connected to one of Derry’s impoverished communities and Jeanie has her underwear swabbed for explosives…Bombshells aplenty…poteen anyone? NOTES: Friends of the Factories -  https://www.friendsofthefactories.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheFactories Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council learning to swim https://www.derrystrabane.com/news/mayor-takes-the-plunge-in-aid-of-local-charities Maeve McLaughlin - Manager Bloody Sunday Trust  https://museumoffreederry.org/bloody-sunday-trust/ Madeline McCully Storyteller -   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWY83rDJDy0 William Deery -  http://springtowncamp.com/willie-deery/280.html William Deery’s play Factory Girls and Rock and Roll  https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/shows/factory-girls-and-rock-n-roll-2/ Springtown Camp  http://www.springtowncamp.com/ Springtown Camp march -   https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-49197625 MEMORIAL 2019 WILLIE CAMPAIGNED FOR IT FOR 60 YEARS.  Marie-Louise’s Radio Documentary - Jane Russell and the Springtown Mother.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05n1hwn Jane Russell Obituary by Mark Cousins -  https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/mar/01/jane-russell-obituary Jane Russell in conversation with Mark Cousins (May 1999)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gx4k6qR6_M Osceola Island Trail -  https://tndaytrips.com/osceola-island-your-next-hidden-gem-adventure-in-tennessee/ Brad Pitt and fly fishing in East Tennessee (Pauline wasn’t making it up)  https://tnhomeandfarm.com/travel/east-tennessee-lakes-rivers-perfect-fly-fishing/ Lisa’s latest award -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Ewart-Biggs_Memorial_Prize Some past winners:  Robert Kee - Ireland a television History (1980)   https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/anniversaries/december/ireland-television-history Lost Lives - The stories of the men, women and children who died as a result of the Northern Ireland troubles:  https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/issues/violence/mckittrick.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Lives Brian Friel for his play Translations -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translations_(play) Frank McGuinness -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observe_the_Sons_of_Ulster_Marching_Towards_the_Somme Julieann Campbell - book; On Bloody Sunday  https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jan/30/on-bloody-sunday-by-julieann-campbell-review-the-most-powerful-account-of-a-brutal-day Poteen -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poit%C3%ADn Talking Derry Girls episodes referred to:  Ep 52 and Ep55 - chat with Madam Mayor Sandra Duffy  Ep 31 - Derry Ghost Stories (stories and chat with Madeline McCully)  Ep 89 - ‘Stolen’ with Margo Harkin  Ep61 - Pick me up - International Womens Day (2023)  Ep 62 - Shirt Tales part 1 Ep 81 - Shirt Tales part 2 Ep 82 - Shirt Tales part 3  Ep 42 - Season 3 finale - The Good Friday Agreement (Lisa won her latest award for this episode of Derry Girls)

    43 min
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4.9
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130 Ratings

About

Fancy a bit of craic?! Jeanie, Marie-Louise and Pauline love the Channel 4 sit-com, Derry Girls, based in their home city. We thought it would be fun to rewatch the series, and chat about each episode in detail. You don’t have to be from Derry or even a girl. Being a Derry Girl is a state of mind. Come on in!

Information

  • Creator
    The Big Light
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Big Light
  • Show Website
    Talking Derry Girls

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