14 episodes

In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.
Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.
Following the publication of Nicola Tallant’s best-selling book The Witness, The Witness: In His Own Words is an ambitious and powerful documentary podcast series produced by the team behind The Stand with Eamon Dunphy. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Witness: In His Own Words Yellow Path Productions

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 109 Ratings

In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.
Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.
Following the publication of Nicola Tallant’s best-selling book The Witness, The Witness: In His Own Words is an ambitious and powerful documentary podcast series produced by the team behind The Stand with Eamon Dunphy. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Introducing 'The Witness: In His Own Words'

    Introducing 'The Witness: In His Own Words'

    In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.
    Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 2 min
    01: The Milkman

    01: The Milkman

    Dublin, 1997. An unexpected visitor calls to the door, and twelve-year old Joseph O'Callaghan gets himself a job on the milk round.
    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.
    The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 28 min
    02: The Night Shift

    02: The Night Shift

    Joey's delight at securing his first job quickly turns to fear, as Brian's true intentions are revealed.
    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.
    'The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 22 min
    03: The Cottage

    03: The Cottage

    Joey is drawn into the heart of Brian's criminal operation, with terrible personal consequences.
    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.
    The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 29 min
    04: The Big Time

    04: The Big Time

    After a brush with the law, Brian and Joey meet with one of the most notorious criminals in the city.
    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.
    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 22 min
    05: The Break

    05: The Break

    A violent new gang emerges, and Joey stands up to Brian.
    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.
    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
109 Ratings

109 Ratings

GalwayGurl ,

Gut wrenching, but inspiring

Wow! This podcast is one of the most emotional I have ever listened to. I am so happy Joey has come out the other side. Praying this evil stays in prison.
Todd O’Laughlin is a very good friend of mine and he is a very sincere caring man. His letter brought me to tears. I thought I cried enough listening to Joey’s story, but then came Todd’s letter!

T.J.Myers ,

Excellent Job

Very well done, a harrowing and heartbreaking tale.
I happen to be a retired NYPD Detective from the Bronx, and have seen so many many young peoples lives shattered by drug gangs and life on the streets.
I am so happy Joe was able to survive this ordeal, and hopefully encourage and help others to find some peace, and redemption.
Good luck to you and your family in everything you do Joe.
And thanks to this podcast and your author and publisher for getting your story out.

ddaylynn ,

Hard to understand

As an American it was hard to pierce through his Irish dialect-I’m sure a full understanding of his words would have made this a 5 star podcast for me.

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