The Ireland Podcast

Fender Jackson

The Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series hosted by Fender Jackson, creating space for unhurried conversations about Ireland, its people and its place in the world. Guests come from across public, cultural and everyday life - presidents and political figures, musicians, artists, writers, athletes, broadcasters, historians and people with remarkable stories to tell. The approach is simple: ask good questions, listen, and give people enough time to answer properly. There is no political or religious agenda. Different traditions, experiences and points of view are given room to be heard, with curiosity and careful questioning at the heart of each conversation. Fender Jackson grew up in Ulster and later lived in England and China before returning to Ireland and settling in Galway. That experience of leaving, looking back and eventually coming home informs much of the podcast's interest in identity, place, memory and belonging. Since launching in 2023, The Ireland Podcast has grown into an informal archive of conversations with people who have helped shape Ireland - alongside people whose lives reveal something about the island that might otherwise go unrecorded. Long-form conversations. Different perspectives. Recording the island. Produced by Salthill Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    259. After the Maze: PTSD, Death Threats & Becoming an Author

    In the third and final part of Fender’s conversation with William McKee, the former Maze Prison Governor reveals the personal cost of his career. William recalls overseeing the transfer of paramilitary prisoners from Crumlin Road Prison, receiving an award from Princess Anne and eventually leaving the Prison Service after years of pressure. He speaks candidly about three confirmed death threats, repeated house moves, PTSD, depression, the collapse of his marriage and the 66 counselling sessions that helped him begin rebuilding his life. William explains why his children gave him a reason to survive and how exercise continues to help him manage what he calls his “black cloud.” The conversation then turns to writing. William explains how his counselling notes became his autobiography, Governor: Inside the Maze, and how he enrolled in a six-week residential drug trial to complete it: “I turned myself into a prisoner to give myself the freedom to write my book.” William also discusses his move into fiction through Collusion Inside the Maze, Operation Unification and his new novel, Personal Reckoning. Fender shares his own connection to the prison system through the late Mike Moloney and the performances they helped stage with prisoners at Maghaberry during the 1990s. Recorded at William’s home in Carrickfergus. This episode contains discussion of PTSD, depression and suicide. Relevant Links https://www.williammckeebooks.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    259. After the Maze: PTSD, Death Threats & Becoming an Author

  2. 5d ago

    258. The Murder of Billy Wright: Collusion or Incompetence? | William McKee

    On 27 December 1997, Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright was murdered by three INLA prisoners inside the Maze Prison. William McKee was the governor in charge that morning. In Part Two of our conversation, William reconstructs the events surrounding the killing: the decision to house the LVF and INLA in the same H-block, smuggled weapons, a malfunctioning security camera, intelligence that was not shared, a misplaced visiting list, the disputed standing-down of an observation tower and prison vans parked differently from usual. William also addresses the question at the centre of the controversy: was the murder facilitated through collusion or through a chain of institutional failures and negligence - and where does that leave the governor who was in charge? The subsequent Billy Wright Inquiry found no evidence of state collusion. It did, however, identify serious failures and wrongful acts or omissions that facilitated the murder. This is Part Two of a three-part conversation with former Maze Prison Governor and author William McKee, recorded at his home near Carrickfergus. The views and recollections expressed are those of the guest. An appearance on The Ireland Podcast does not constitute endorsement. Content warning: This episode discusses murder, paramilitary violence and death threats. Relevant Links https://www.williammckeebooks.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    258. The Murder of Billy Wright: Collusion or Incompetence? | William McKee

  3. 6d ago

    257. Inside the Maze: Prisoners, Paramilitaries and Death Threats | William McKee

    William McKee spent decades working inside Northern Ireland’s prison system during some of its most violent and politically charged years. Recorded at his home near Carrickfergus, William talks about his early life, joining the Prison Service and entering a world where prisoners were organised along paramilitary lines. He recalls the pressures faced by prison officers, threats against his life and the difficult decisions involved in managing some of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous prisoners. This is the first of three conversations with William McKee. Part Two examines the murder of loyalist leader Billy Wright inside the Maze Prison, while Part Three explores William’s work as an author and the books he has written about his experiences. Recorded in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. Content note: This episode contains discussion of violence, paramilitary organisations and the Troubles. Relevant Links https://www.williammckeebooks.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    257. Inside the Maze: Prisoners, Paramilitaries and Death Threats | William McKee

  4. Nov 5

    256. Gearóidín Bhreathnach: Sean-nós, Song & Story

    Recorded at Oideas Gael in County Donegal, this conversation moves between English and Gaeilge as Gearóidín Bhreathnach talks about growing up surrounded by her father’s stories and her mother’s songs. She explains how sean-nós is learned through listening, how ornamentation and performance change with the singer and audience, and why the different regional styles matter. She also reflects on her awards, her work teaching and sharing Irish song, and the legacy she hopes to leave for her grandchildren. Gearóidín opens with “A Bhean Úd Thíos” and closes with “An Draighneán Donn” (“The Blackthorn Bush”), a song her mother taught her. Relevant Links https://www.oideasgael.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    256. Gearóidín Bhreathnach: Sean-nós, Song & Story

  5. Nov 2

    255. Bernard Fowler: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards | Part 4

    What happens when Bill Laswell sends you to London without telling you who you're going to meet - and you find yourself in Mick Jagger's living room? In the fourth and final part of his conversation with Fender Jackson on The Ireland Podcast, Bernard Fowler takes us inside his extraordinary decades with The Rolling Stones. Bernard recalls his first meeting with Mick Jagger, the unexpected appearance of Paul McCartney, and the events that led to his involvement with the band. He also reveals how Keith Richards initially resisted his arrival during the Steel Wheels sessions, famously telling Bernard, "I didn't want to like you." But this is much more than a collection of rock-and-roll anecdotes. As two musicians, Bernard and Fender explore what makes the Rolling Stones sound like the Rolling Stones - the loose, soulful backing vocals, the importance of feel over technical perfection, and why their music works precisely because it isn't polished to within an inch of its life. Bernard discusses Merry Clayton's extraordinary performance on Gimme Shelter, his approach to arranging vocal harmonies, and his work on Keith Richards' How Can I Stop, featuring Wayne Shorter on saxophone. The conversation also returns to John Lydon, Public Image Ltd and Steve Vai, before Bernard reflects on the recordings of which he is proudest - from Philip Glass's Changing Opinion to PiL's FFF. He also looks ahead to his forthcoming tango project. From Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to Philip Glass, Bill Laswell, Motörhead and Public Image Ltd, Bernard Fowler's career has taken him through some of the most remarkable recording sessions in modern music. This final instalment brings the four-part conversation to a close. The Ireland Podcast - Recording The Island Presented by Fender Jackson. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. Relevant Links https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4t0Xaku3wgseBkSZYOloxw?si=178765d80d6e4ec9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    255. Bernard Fowler: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards | Part 4

  6. Nov 1

    254. Bernard Fowler: Ronnie Wood, Kildare & A Very Irish Taxi Story | Part 3

    What happens when a Rolling Stones backing singer gets stranded in the Irish countryside? In Part 3 of his conversation with Fender Jackson, Bernard Fowler recounts an extraordinary adventure involving Ronnie Wood's home in County Kildare, an Irish taxi driver and a Garda who knows more than expected. Beyond the laughs, Bernard reflects on his musical education through Bill Laswell and Material, and how working with extraordinary musicians transformed his understanding of music. He also takes us inside his solo album Inside Out, including his reinterpretations of Rolling Stones songs and the deeply moving personal story behind his recording of Undercover of the Night. It's a conversation that moves from rock-and-roll comedy to musical experimentation and an unexpected moment of human connection. And there's more to come. In Part 4, Bernard reveals how he first met Mick Jagger, his early encounters with Keith Richards and his extraordinary decades with the Rolling Stones. The Ireland Podcast - Recording The Island Presented by Fender Jackson. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. Relevant Links https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4t0Xaku3wgseBkSZYOloxw?si=178765d80d6e4ec9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    254. Bernard Fowler: Ronnie Wood, Kildare & A Very Irish Taxi Story | Part 3

  7. Oct 27

    253. Bernard Fowler: John Lydon, Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne & PiL | Part 2

    How do you teach John Lydon to sing? And what happens when you impersonate Ozzy Osbourne so convincingly that people believe it's really him? In Part 2 of his conversation with Fender Jackson on The Ireland Podcast, Bernard Fowler takes us behind the scenes of some remarkable recording sessions. Public Image Ltd - Album (1986) Producer Bill Laswell asked Bernard to become John Lydon's vocal coach for PiL's Album. There was just one problem: Bernard had never coached a singer before. He recalls helping Lydon with phrasing, breathing and vocal technique, and explains why he considers John's performance on the record among his finest. Steve Vai, Ginger Baker and Tony Williams Bernard remembers walking into the studio and hearing Steve Vai record his extraordinary guitar solo on Ease. The experience moved him profoundly. He also recalls meeting Ginger Baker, hearing how Bill Laswell found him living on an olive farm in Italy, and receiving an invitation from jazz drumming legend Tony Williams to front a proposed rock band. Lemmy, Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper Bernard reveals how he doubled Lemmy's vocals on Motörhead's Orgasmatron, recreated Ozzy Osbourne's voice for a soundtrack recording, and performed an Ozzy-style vocal for an Alice Cooper project. His impersonation was apparently so convincing that some listeners believed Ozzy himself had recorded the duet. The conversation also explores vocal doubling, the art of singing and the musicianship behind some of rock's most distinctive recordings. And just as Bernard is about to reveal what happened to him on a memorable trip to Kildare, the story continues into Part 3. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don't miss the conclusion. The Ireland Podcast - Recording The Island. Hosted by Fender Jackson. www.theirelandpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    253. Bernard Fowler: John Lydon, Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne & PiL | Part 2

  8. Oct 22

    252. Bernard Fowler: Singing for Philip Glass - and Facing Paul Simon

    What happens when a young singer walks into a recording studio to work with Philip Glass, having never met the composer, heard the music or even seen the lyrics? In 1986, Bernard Fowler was invited to record Changing Opinion for Philip Glass's landmark album Songs from Liquid Days, with lyrics written by Paul Simon. Fowler recalls arriving at the studio terrified, repeating a rather colourful mantra to calm his nerves. After just a handful of takes, Glass appeared delighted with the performance. Then Paul Simon walked in. In this conversation with Fender Jackson on The Ireland Podcast, Fowler recalls Simon's reaction, how Philip Glass stood by his performance, and what happened after he left the studio not knowing whether his voice would make the finished record. The conversation also explores Fowler's early musical ambitions, his desire to cross genres, his performances with Philip Glass, and a memorable appearance at Lincoln Center. Fender shares his own connection to Songs from Liquid Days, including an extraordinary encounter with Laurie Anderson at her Meltdown Festival in London in 1997. This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation with Bernard Fowler. Coming next: Part 2: Public Image Ltd – recording Album and working with John Lydon, Bill Laswell and the musicians involved.Part 3: The Rolling Stones – Fowler's decades of performing and recording with the band. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast and turn on notifications so you don't miss the remaining conversations. The Ireland Podcast is an independent, long-form series hosted by Fender Jackson, recording conversations with people whose lives and experiences help tell the story of our times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    252. Bernard Fowler: Singing for Philip Glass - and Facing Paul Simon
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series hosted by Fender Jackson, creating space for unhurried conversations about Ireland, its people and its place in the world. Guests come from across public, cultural and everyday life - presidents and political figures, musicians, artists, writers, athletes, broadcasters, historians and people with remarkable stories to tell. The approach is simple: ask good questions, listen, and give people enough time to answer properly. There is no political or religious agenda. Different traditions, experiences and points of view are given room to be heard, with curiosity and careful questioning at the heart of each conversation. Fender Jackson grew up in Ulster and later lived in England and China before returning to Ireland and settling in Galway. That experience of leaving, looking back and eventually coming home informs much of the podcast's interest in identity, place, memory and belonging. Since launching in 2023, The Ireland Podcast has grown into an informal archive of conversations with people who have helped shape Ireland - alongside people whose lives reveal something about the island that might otherwise go unrecorded. Long-form conversations. Different perspectives. Recording the island. Produced by Salthill Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Fender Jackson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Ireland Podcast (Produced by Salthill Media)
  • Show Website
    The Ireland Podcast

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