The JoeIrish Podcast with Sherin Hughes

Joe Dowlin & Sherin Hughes

Joeirish chats with comedians on the circuit, internet influencers and what he considers working class heroes.

  1. Episode 23 | Al Gibbs

    1D AGO

    Episode 23 | Al Gibbs

    This week on the Joe Irish Podcast, Joe sits down with legendary Irish DJ and radio presenter Al Gibbs for a brilliantly chaotic, funny, and inspiring conversation. From pirate radio days to prime-time slots, from carrying crates of vinyl to playing alongside global dance icons, Al opens up about his journey through decades in the music industry. He shares behind-the-scenes radio stories, festival moments, Ibiza memories, and how a brutal hangover sparked the creation of his electrolyte drink brand, Electro Wave. The episode also dives into cancel culture, generational differences in comedy, balancing family life with a demanding career, DJing in the digital era, and what it really takes to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. Expect nostalgia, motivation, laugh-out-loud stories, and plenty of classic Joe & Al banter. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – Chaotic intro & calendar confusion 01:07 – Sleep struggles & hair transplant chat 02:07 – Remote working & escaping Ireland for a month 03:21 – Balancing gigs, radio & family life 04:54 – “Am I being kidnapped?” – arriving at the studio 07:11 – Cancel culture & comedy in 2025 10:21 – The Ibiza hangover that led to Electro Wave 12:22 – Creating an electrolyte drink from scratch 14:30 – Retail deals, festivals & scaling the brand 16:29 – DJ Academy & mentoring beginners 19:43 – Vinyl vs USB: how DJing has changed 21:36 – How live radio actually works behind the scenes 26:05 – Playing alongside Roger Sanchez 27:24 – Space Ibiza memories & dance music legacy 30:27 – Fame, guest lists & industry politics 35:05 – Winning Young Entrepreneur at 16 36:00 – Pirate radio beginnings 38:18 – Prime-time radio & longevity in broadcasting 40:03 – Finding your “radio voice” 44:02 – Festival season plans & Beyond The Pale

    1h 3m
  2. Episode 22 | Lynn Ruane

    FEB 18

    Episode 22 | Lynn Ruane

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Joe Irish Podcast, Joe and the crew sit down with Independent Senator Lynn Ruane for an unfiltered conversation about authenticity, addiction, violence, and the real meaning of community. Lynn opens up about staying true to herself in politics — from wearing runners into Leinster House to refusing to adopt a “politician persona.” The conversation moves into her groundbreaking work on drug policy reform, decriminalisation, and violence intervention strategies inspired by work in Newark and LA. From stories about growing up in Dublin communities to tackling intergenerational trauma and challenging “tough on crime” narratives, this episode blends humour, honesty, and hard truths. It’s a conversation about healing, prevention, and building safer communities from the inside out. Raw. Insightful. Necessary listening. ⏱️ Timecodes 00:00 – 02:30 Intro chaos, laughs & welcoming Lynn Ruane – why authenticity matters in politics. 02:30 – 06:30 Staying true to yourself in Leinster House – resisting the “politician uniform” and representing your community honestly. 06:30 – 11:30 Drug policy explained: Decriminalisation vs legalisation – why criminalising addiction doesn’t work. 11:30 – 14:30 The history of prohibition – America’s influence, racism, and how drug laws evolved. 14:30 – 18:00 Poverty, drug dealing & systemic drivers – Lynn’s early research into exit strategies for dealers. 18:00 – 21:00 Trips to Newark & New York – learning from violence intervention programmes in the US. 21:00 – 24:00 Perception vs reality of safety – understanding community fear and media narratives. 24:00 – 28:30 Growing up in Dublin communities – loyalty, friendship, and what “community” really means. 28:30 – 31:30 Can community events reduce violence? Reimagining prevention beyond policing. 31:30 – 36:00 Victim assistance & intergenerational trauma – why healing must be part of justice. 36:00 – 39:30 Reducing retaliation & stopping the rumour mill – lessons from US intervention models. 39:30 – 42:00 “Hard on crime” politics vs real solutions – what actually reduces violence? 42:00 – 45:30 Carb funding, pilot programmes & building real change in Irish communities. 45:30 – End Leadership, listening, and why real change starts inside the community.

    1h 12m
  3. Episode 21 | Dany Swanton and Jazzy

    FEB 11

    Episode 21 | Dany Swanton and Jazzy

    This week on The Joe Irish Podcast (Episode 21), Joe and Sheree sit down with viral TikTok creators Danny Swanton and Jazzy (Josh Norton) for a wild, unfiltered conversation. The lads break down how they built massive followings online, the chaos of TikTok fame, accents, alter egos, getting recognised in public, and trying to turn short-form content into long-term careers. From scabies horror stories and prison gigs to tattoo regrets, travel plans, comedy ambitions, and the reality of being “on” all the time — nothing is off limits. Expect brutal honesty, Dublin humour, absolute nonsense, and plenty of laughs. 🎙️ Guests: Danny Swanton & Jazzy (Josh Norton) 📱 Topics: TikTok fame, comedy, content creation, live shows, travel, tattoos, mental health, Irish humour Timecodes / Chapters 00:00 – Intro & hype Chaotic opening, podcast intro, welcoming Danny & Jazzy 01:00 – Stage names & online personas Why Jazzy became Jazzy, changing names for recognisability 03:00 – Accents, Dublin stereotypes & being judged online Posh accents, class assumptions, internet perception 05:00 – Egypt trip & tourist scams Travelling stories, getting scammed abroad 06:30 – Quitting jobs & early work struggles Day jobs, getting fired, landscaping, money mistakes 08:00 – TikTok lives & viral growth How Danny & Jazzy blew up, follower numbers, lives going viral 10:00 – Meeting comedians & media recognition Oliver Callan, radio, TV exposure 12:00 – Long-form content & YouTube plans Vlogging, cameras, trying to move beyond TikTok 13:30 – Live shows & learning limits on stage Crowds, saying the wrong thing, finding boundaries 15:00 – Scabies horror stories Boxing gyms, paranoia, absolute trauma 17:00 – Performing in Mountjoy Prison Prison gig stories, toughest crowds, dark humour 18:30 – “No jocks” story Forgetting underwear, borrowing jocks, podcast embarrassment 21:00 – Relationships & tattoos Getting names tattooed, bad decisions, internet dares 24:00 – Joke segment Pub jokes, poo jokes, grandad humour 27:30 – Family stories & growing up Parents, dropping out of college, living with siblings 29:30 – Jamaican & knock-knock jokes More chaos, accents, terrible jokes 32:00 – Travel deals & influencer holidays Free trips, party travel, influencer life 34:00 – Social awkwardness vs stage confidence Anxiety, being misunderstood, switching personalities 36:00 – Hate comments & public reactions Getting abuse in public, dealing with trolls 38:00 – Content vs stand-up comedy Why not everyone can make the jump 40:00 – What’s next for Danny & Jazzy Future plans, travel, vlogs, growth 42:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up Shoutouts, socials, closing the episode

    55 min
  4. Episode 20 | Black Paddy

    JAN 21

    Episode 20 | Black Paddy

    Welcome to Episode 20 of The Joe Irish Podcast! In this special episode, host Joe Irish sits down with the one and only Black Paddy (Fabio David) for an incredibly candid and hilarious conversation about life, comedy, immigration, and everything in between. Black Paddy, a Nigerian-Irish content creator with over 700,000 TikTok followers and half a million Facebook followers, opens up about his journey from arriving in Ireland at age 14 to becoming one of the country's most beloved social media personalities. The conversation covers his recent charity cycle around Ireland for Jigsaw mental health, navigating online trolls and controversy, and his transition from viral videos to stand-up comedy. This episode doesn't shy away from tough topics - racism, immigration debates, online bullying, and the reality of being a public figure in modern Ireland. But through it all, Black Paddy's infectious humour and genuine warmth shine through, along with some absolutely hilarious stories from his early days in Blanchardstown. Plus, get the exclusive announcement about Black Paddy's upcoming solo comedy show "How Did I End Up Here?" at The Laughter Lounge on March 12th! Follow Black Paddy on social media and grab your tickets when they go on sale! Timecodes 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:10 - The Origin of "Black Paddy" vs "Fabio David" 02:00 - Black Paddy's rap career origins 06:00 - Comedy vs social media content 07:37 - Cycling around Ireland for charity 11:34 - Getting stranded in the dark in Kerry 13:53 - The business of being an influencer 15:15 - Political protests and being caught in the middle 18:39 - Black Paddy's philosophy on racism 21:22 - Dealing with online hate and being "the poster boy for racism" 24:13 - The mental health impact of online bullying 26:18 - Learning to ignore trolls and negative energy 30:48 - TikTok going downhill 32:25 - Arriving in Ireland at age 14 33:17 - The accent shock and moving to Blanchardstown 35:11 - His father's death in Nigeria 36:14 - Feeling at home in Ireland 38:40 - First comedy gigs and finding the Irish sense of humor 41:23 - Plans to bring Irish audiences to Nigeria 44:08 - Egyptian family connections 48:56 - ANNOUNCEMENT: "How Did I End Up Here?" comedy show - March 12th at The Laughter Lounge 49:28 - Discipline differences between Nigeria and Ireland 51:03 - HILARIOUS STORY: The "This is not f*cking Nigeria" story 58:13 - Year of the Horse - prosperity ahead 59:24 - Call for podcast sponsors & episode wrap-up

    1 hr
  5. Episode 19 | Clueless

    JAN 14

    Episode 19 | Clueless

    Joe Irish kicks off the first episode of 2026 with a high-energy studio session alongside co-host Sherin and special guests Clueless – the fast-rising Irish rap duo from Wexford that’s been blowing up online. From a viral TikTok clip and just 35 followers to thousands overnight, Clueless break down how one catchy hook, raw lyrics, and DIY production sparked serious momentum. The lads talk friendship, freestyling for the craic, recording tracks at home, upcoming gigs, and their first big Dublin shows. Along the way, the conversation dives into Irish rap culture, creative freedom, social media virality, live performance nerves, industry advice, cancelled culture, inspirations like Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West, and what it really takes to build something from nothing. Unfiltered, funny, and full of belief — this episode is about backing yourself, staying consistent, and riding the wave when it comes. 🎧 New music dropping🎤 Live gigs booked🔥 2026 energy activated Timecodes / Chapters 00:00 – Chaos, intros & kicking off 202600:32 – Introducing Clueless: Wexford’s rising rap duo01:17 – Studio vibes, co-hosts & first guests of the year01:51 – The viral clip that stopped Joe scrolling02:27 – Comparisons, influences & Irish TikTok culture03:20 – “Ones to Watch” & first major Dublin gig03:57 – Growing up together & early freestyles05:01 – How the song actually came together06:07 – Lyrics, hooks & happy accidents07:10 – DIY beats, learning production & no formal training08:13 – First live shows, ticket sales & nerves09:18 – Advice on gigs, stage time & consistency09:43 – Big goals: EP, festivals & long-term vision10:37 – 2026 mindset, momentum & leaving baggage behind11:34 – Lyrics breakdown & viral caption confusion12:49 – Did they expect it to blow up?13:35 – From 35 followers to thousands14:38 – Family reactions & unexpected fans15:30 – Recording at home & releasing music fear16:08 – Musical influences & rap inspirations17:14 – Concerts, crowd energy & live performance18:13 – Dream collabs & Kanye talk19:40 – Industry talk, fame & accountability21:17 – Comedy, cancel culture & artistic freedom23:29 – Favourite lyrics & creative process25:02 – School, work & balancing real life26:24 – Day jobs, money & chasing music sustainably27:24 – Social media, visuals & DIY marketing28:51 – Preparing for shows & performance setup29:45 – Upcoming gigs & backstage plans30:21 – Sneak peek at unreleased music31:22 – New track reactions & feedback33:24 – Getting paid, early gigs & industry lessons35:06 – Irish rap scene & coming up locally36:36 – Tonight’s show & what’s next40:15 – New release dates & future projects41:09 – EP plans & recording going forward42:11 – Final thoughts, momentum & sign-off

    44 min
  6. Episode 18 | End of the year wrap up!

    12/17/2025

    Episode 18 | End of the year wrap up!

    Join us as we wrap up an incredible year with laughs, Christmas stories, and unforgettable podcast memories! From behind-the-scenes tales to festive family mishaps, this episode has it all. Special thanks to ACTIVE LAMS for supporting the show. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:18 - Looking Back at 2024 & Episode Lineup 03:45 - Behind the Scenes: The Lams Sponsorship Story 06:00 - Favourite Guest Moments & Highlights 09:12 - Jimmy's Halloween Story & Mary's Face Smash 11:10 - Guest Recap: Drug Dealer Stories & Funny Moments 13:05 - The "Follow Me" Hashtag Discovery 14:20 - Collab Drama & Black Party Video Stories 16:03 - Getting Back on Track 17:10 - Christmas Stories Begin 19:06 - Growing Up in Jobstown: Christmas Traditions 21:15 - The Drunk Driver Crash Stories (Heavy Content) 24:19 - Dad's Christmas Attic Fall & "Jingle Bells" 26:07 - Apple Pie Disaster: Eating Christmas Dessert Early 28:31 - Mam Dressing as Santa Until Age 25 31:04 - Annual Santa Party Tradition with the Family 34:05 - Christmas Away: Cruises & Canary Islands Stories 36:09 - House Party Memories & Singing Stories 37:14 - Kids & Christmas Pressure 39:08 - The Secondhand Playstation Story 40:06 - NOW Albums & Generational Differences 41:08 - Being Grateful vs Ungrateful at Christmas 43:01 - Eddie Murphy Ice Cream Joke Gone Wrong 44:07 - Finding Presents Early & Ruining Surprises 46:44 - The Grinch vs The Grouch Confusion 48:23 - The Missing Socks Mystery 49:33 - Socks on Hands in the Snow 51:20 - Kids Won't Share Clothes Today 52:07 - Ozzy's Chilli Disaster Story 55:03 - 2024 Wrap Up & 2025 Plans 56:25 - Future Guests: Eilish O'Carroll, Medicine Lady & More 57:20 - Monthly Phone-In/Text-In Format Idea 58:27 - Thank Yous & Christmas Wishes

    58 min
  7. Episode 17 | David Dowling

    12/10/2025

    Episode 17 | David Dowling

    In this episode of The JoeIrish Podcast, Joe and Sherin sit down with David Dowling — professor, mediator, lawyer, and proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.From growing up in Ballymun to building a successful life in California, David shares powerful insights on faith, conflict resolution, family, identity, and the choices that shape who we become.This episode is raw, hilarious, warm, and full of wisdom about communication, expectations, religion, and life’s unexpected turns. 00:00 – 00:26The chaos begins — Joe tries to figure out what episode number they’re actually on.Guest introduction: Who is David Dowling? 00:26 – 01:07How a Mormon professor ended up on an Irish podcast — and why Joe insists on calling him “his favourite.” 01:07 – 02:15David’s early years: growing up in Ballymun, moving to LA at 7, leaving school at 16, and taking the long route back to education. 02:15 – 03:04Joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 20 — and how his path led him to England, California, and a career in law and mediation. 03:04 – 04:05What a mediator actually does. The difference between court cases, conflict resolution, and why mediation can save years of stress. 04:05 – 07:01The big question: Why become a Mormon?David opens up about missionaries, personal beliefs, and the “Sliding Doors moment” that changed his life. 07:01 – 08:36The differing paths of two brothers growing up side-by-side. Childhood dreams, class systems, and how opportunity shifts depending on where you live. 08:36 – 10:13Moving to California as an illegal immigrant, marriage, restarting education at 28, and becoming a lawyer against all odds. 10:13 – 12:14Irish privilege in the US, funny run-ins with police, and how the Irish charm can get you out of (almost) anything. 12:14 – 14:31Life as a Mormon missionary — Italy, Paraguay, service projects, and the reality behind the white shirts and name tags. 14:31 – 17:07What missions really mean: structure, discipline, volunteering, and the difference between religious culture and Irish culture. 17:07 – 20:37Religion, family, and identity: how David balances his faith with Irish traditions, and how his family supports each other despite differences. 20:37 – 23:10Do Mormons believe non-Mormons go to hell? David gives a heartfelt explanation about judgement, mercy, and intentions. 23:10 – 27:03The Ten Commandments, morality, and how modern life turns simple expectations into complicated frustrations. 27:03 – 29:31Polygamy, splinter groups, and what Mormonism actually teaches vs. what reality shows portray. 29:31 – 32:33The dangers of resentment, how anger harms only you, and the communication habits that destroy relationships. 32:33 – 36:36Why unspoken expectations ruin families, couples, and friendships — and how to fix it with one simple skill. 36:36 – 39:05Teaching, travelling, working with law students, and balancing academic life in Malibu with Irish roots. 39:05 – 42:40California life: sunshine, surfing as PE, Disneyland, culture shocks, and how different the world can be from Ballymun. 42:40 – 45:36Growing up on food vouchers, remembering hard times in Ireland, and reflecting on modern poverty and homelessness. 45:36 – ENDA powerful close: faith, charity, community, and why helping others should always come before judgement.

    1h 6m
  8. Episode 16 | Jen Healy

    12/03/2025

    Episode 16 | Jen Healy

    In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the WORD Podcast, the hosts sit down with the incredible Jen Healy — spiritual mentor, manifestation coach, and former “Yin Yang Yoga Jen.”Jen opens up about her transformative healing journey, from early trauma and addiction recovery to becoming a guide who helps others manifest purpose, abundance, and emotional freedom.This episode is raw, real, emotional, and inspirational — a must-listen for anyone on a healing or spiritual journey. 🕒 Timecodes / Chapters00:00 – 00:01 — Opening BanterThe hosts kick off with jokes, chaos, and welcoming listeners back after a week off.00:01 – 00:03 — Introducing Guest Jen HealyWho she is, how she arrived, and the story behind her former brand “Yin Yang Yoga Jen.”00:03 – 00:05 — Reinventing Identity & Moving Beyond LabelsWhy Jen dropped the yoga-only identity and stepped into coaching, energy work, and personal development.00:05 – 00:07 — What Reiki Really IsEnergy transfer, levels of attunement, and what makes someone a Reiki master.00:07 – 00:09 — Jen’s First Experiences with HealingReceiving Reiki during incredibly dark years, trauma, emotional release, and the first feeling of safety.00:09 – 00:12 — Addiction, Anxiety & Entering Cocaine AnonymousHow addiction showed up, blackout drinking, and discovering spiritual awakening through CA.00:12 – 00:15 — Empaths, Intuition & FrequencyUnderstanding empath energy, audience energy, and intuition awakening.00:15 – 00:18 — Manifestation Explained SimplyBob Proctor, visualisation, the mind as energy, and why imagination is the key.00:18 – 00:21 — When Your Brain Blocks Your ManifestationWhy people can’t attract what they want and the tool Jen uses to break the pattern.00:21 – 00:24 — The Universe, Parallel Selves & Higher ConsciousnessHow Jen personally defines “the universe” and how it links to identity and purpose.00:24 – 00:27 — The Science of Energy & MushroomsDMT, consciousness, elements of the universe, and healing through psychedelics and microdosing.00:27 – 00:31 — Microdosing, Mental Health & Rewiring the BrainA raw discussion about mushrooms, emotional numbness, and reconnecting to joy.00:31 – 00:34 — Lifelong Healing & Ancestral WorkWhy healing never fully ends and what changes after the personal layer is cleared.00:34 – 00:41 — The Big Question: Are You Always “An Addict”?A powerful conversation on the identity of addiction and whether you can ever truly outgrow it.00:41 – 00:45 — Trauma, Generational Wounds & Learning to Feel LoveJen’s emotional breakthrough where she felt maternal love for the first time.00:45 – 00:50 — Shadow Work: The Part Nobody Talks AboutWhat shadow work is, why it's essential, and how it changes identity and behaviour.00:50 – 00:55 — Abuse in Healing SpacesA vulnerable reveal: predatory behaviour she experienced from a therapist during early recovery.00:55 – end — Closing Thoughts

    1h 14m

About

Joeirish chats with comedians on the circuit, internet influencers and what he considers working class heroes.

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