The Ireland Podcast

Fender Jackson
  • 4.8 (15)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. 20h ago

    239. Ireland: The Outlier - Understanding Ireland’s Sympathy for Palestine

    Why is Ireland an outlier when it comes to public attitudes towards Israel and Palestine? Fender Jackson speaks with political scientists Dr Liam Kneafsey of Trinity College Dublin and Dr Miceal Canavan of Queen’s University Belfast about their new research examining why Irish public opinion differs so markedly from that of many other Western countries. Based on a nationally representative survey of 1,547 people in the Republic of Ireland, their research explores the role of Ireland’s history, memories of colonialism and oppression, support for Irish unity, political ideology, media consumption and attitudes towards Jewish and Muslim people. The conversation also asks a deeper question: is it history itself that shapes our attitudes - or the stories we tell ourselves about our history? The Ireland Podcast has no political or religious agenda. The purpose of this conversation is to examine the research, its findings and possible alternative explanations. Dr Miceal Canavan is a Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at Queens University Belfast. His research examines political attitudes and behaviour, including how history and identity shape the way people understand contemporary political conflicts. Alongside Liam Kneafsey, he is co-author of the 2026 study The Long Shadow of the Past: How Irish History Shapes Attitudes Towards the Israel–Palestine Conflict, based on a representative survey of 1,547 people in the Republic of Ireland.  Dr Liam Kneafsey is Assistant Professor in Political Science at Trinity College Dublin. His research interests include Irish politics, political behaviour, political psychology, political communication, conflict and peace. He is the co-author, with Miceal Canavan, of The Long Shadow of the Past, which investigates why Irish public opinion on Israel and Palestine differs so markedly from that found elsewhere in Western Europe.  Relevant Links https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=lkneafse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    239. Ireland: The Outlier - Understanding Ireland’s Sympathy for Palestine

  2. 3d ago

    238. Dr Richard Hogan: Parenting, Smartphones, Divorce & Modern Family Life

    How do we raise children in a world increasingly dominated by smartphones and social media? And what happens to family relationships when parents separate, siblings fall out, or boys struggle to understand what masculinity means? Dr Richard Hogan is a family psychotherapist, author, Irish Examiner columnist and media contributor. In this conversation with Fender Jackson, Richard discusses parenting teenagers in the smartphone age, setting boundaries around technology, keeping phones out of bedrooms, sleep, boys and masculinity, positive male role models, single parenting, divorce and co-parenting, and the complicated relationships we have with our siblings. Richard also reflects on growing up with dyslexia and separated parents, while a shared fascination with John Lennon leads to a discussion about childhood, creativity and the experiences that shape us. Among the questions explored: What does a healthy relationship with smartphones look like for teenagers?Should children be allowed phones in their bedrooms?How can parents reclaim boundaries once they've been lost?Are the ways we talk about masculinity helping or alienating boys?What do children actually need when their parents separate?Does divorce necessarily have to be traumatic?Why can sibling relationships be so difficult — and can they be repaired? Richard is the author of Parenting the Screenager and has a new book, Friends, Enemies and Lovers, due in January. The Ireland Podcast - Recording the island. If you know someone who might value this conversation, please feel free to pass it on. Relevant Links https://www.instagram.com/officialrichardhogan/ https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    238. Dr Richard Hogan: Parenting, Smartphones, Divorce & Modern Family Life

  3. Aug 27

    237. Gavin Friday: Art, Music, Bowie, U2 & Becoming Yourself

    Gavin Friday invites Fender Jackson to his home in Dublin for a wide-ranging conversation about music, art, performance and becoming yourself. From growing up as an outsider in 1960s and 70s Dublin and discovering David Bowie, to the formation of the Virgin Prunes, his friendship and creative work with U2, and a solo career that has continually crossed the boundaries between music, theatre, cabaret and visual art, Gavin reflects on the experiences that shaped him. The conversation explores creativity and instinct, the influence of Bowie, punk and cabaret, working with Gavin Bryars, the strange alchemy of live performance, the realities of taking a show on the road and the people behind the scenes who make it possible. Gavin also speaks candidly about childhood, Catholic Ireland, his relationship with his father, his mother's Alzheimer's disease, ageing, loss and why he has never been particularly interested in following the expected path. Recorded at Gavin Friday's home in Dublin at 11.26am on Tuesday 4th August 2026. Relevant Links https://www.gavinfriday.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    237. Gavin Friday: Art, Music, Bowie, U2 & Becoming Yourself

  4. Aug 23

    236. Alternative Ulster - Henry Cluney: Inside The Song

    Henry Cluney, founding member and guitarist of Stiff Little Fingers and currently with XSLF, joins Fender Jackson for a deep dive into “Alternative Ulster”. Together they listen through the recording and explore Henry's recollections of how the song was written, arranged and recorded - from its instantly recognisable guitar intro and droning open D string to the bass, drums, vocals and production. Henry recalls the beginnings of Stiff Little Fingers, working with Jake Burns, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon, manager Gordon Ogilvie, and the circumstances that led to “Alternative Ulster” being recorded. The conversation also goes beyond the song itself: punk in Belfast during the Troubles, Island Records, The Undertones, songwriting, the changing relationships within Stiff Little Fingers and Henry’s reflections on the band today. Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable. Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable. Relevant Links https://www.facebook.com/XSLFBELFASTNORTHENIRELAND/ Editor’s Note: During the conversation, Henry Cluney discusses his recollection of the writing of “Alternative Ulster” and Gordon Ogilvie’s contribution to the lyrics. The original 1978 Rough Trade release credits the song to “Fingers/Ogilvie”. Jake Burns has subsequently said publicly that he wrote the song largely himself, with Gordon Ogilvie contributing one line. These differing accounts are noted here for context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    236. Alternative Ulster - Henry Cluney: Inside The Song

  5. Aug 19

    235. Falling Slowly: Inside the Song

    Falling Slowly sounds simple. But underneath Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s Oscar-winning song are some beautiful musical choices. In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, musician and host Fender Jackson goes inside the song - listening to the original recording and using guitar and piano to explore why it works. We look at the opening chords, the suspended harmony, the melody and its relationship to the words, Glen and Markéta’s vocal harmonies, the unusual notes that create tension, and the way strings, bass and arrangement gradually transform the song. Along the way, Fender reflects on Glen Hansard’s life and music, Once, The Frames, Markéta Irglová and the extraordinary journey that took “Falling Slowly” from an intimate song to the Academy Awards. Falling Slowly - Inside the Song The Ireland Podcast — Episode 235 Recorded in Galway, Ireland. 🎧 The Ireland Podcast - Recording the island. Chapters — Glen Hansard's story — Once and Markéta Irglová — The opening chords — Why the suspended chord matters — The melody is remarkably simple — Glen and Markéta's vocal harmony — The strange note that shouldn't work — Strings and arrangement — How the song changes live — The Oscar — Remembering Glen Glen Hansard photograph: Conor Masterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    235. Falling Slowly: Inside the Song

  6. Aug 12

    234. Mary McAleese: President of Ireland

    Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process. In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close quarters. She discusses John Hume and Gerry Adams and the conversations that helped shape the peace process; David and Daphne Trimble; Ian Paisley; the Omagh bombing; and the relationships and encounters that took place away from public view. Mary also recalls Queen Elizabeth II and the extraordinary journey towards the Queen’s historic 2011 state visit to Ireland, including their shared interest in the ancient sporting traditions of hurling and shinty. The conversation ends in Irish, as Mary talks about her affection for Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and Oideas Gael - and shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers at Oideas Gael. Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026. Full episode on YouTube which includes subtitles for Irish section at the end. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    234. Mary McAleese: President of Ireland

  7. Aug 5

    233. Remembering Glen Hansard: Friends Share Stories After His Funeral

    Who was Glen Hansard away from the stage? Following Glen Hansard's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, this episode captures the thoughts and memories of friends, collaborators and fellow musicians on the day they gathered to say goodbye. Created as both a tribute and a historical record, these conversations preserve first-hand reflections while they were still fresh. Together, they form a mosaic of Glen Hansard's life - revealing not only the celebrated musician, but the generous, humble and deeply human person remembered by those who knew him best. Contributors include: • Victoria Mary Clarke • BP Fallon • Barry Donovan • Mick Cronin • George Morphy • and others. Interviewer: Fender Jackson Recorded: Tuesday 4 August 2026 Locations: St Patrick's Cathedral & The Lord Edward, Dublin Thumbnail photograph: Conor Masterson. Used with permission. With sincere condolences to Glen's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    233. Remembering Glen Hansard: Friends Share Stories After His Funeral

  8. Aug 3

    232. Remembering Glen Hansard: Voices from His Public Wake

    On Monday 3 August 2026, hundreds of people gathered at the Baroque Chapel, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard. Rather than recounting Glen's remarkable career, this episode documents something more immediate: the memories of the people who came to say goodbye. Friends, fellow musicians and admirers reflect on the man they knew, his generosity, his humility, his artistry and the lasting impact he had on their lives. Together, their stories paint a deeply personal portrait of one of Ireland's most beloved musicians. Interviewees include Michael Fayne, Vojta Cimpl, Athos Chambers, Loren, Barry Donovan, Lloyd Chambers, Ravinol (Ravi) Chambers and Conor Masterson, whose shot the cover photograph. Recorded at 3:41pm on Monday 3 August 2026, this episode preserves a unique moment in Irish cultural history as people gathered to honour Glen Hansard's life and legacy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    232. Remembering Glen Hansard: Voices from His Public Wake
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
15 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
    239
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Ireland Podcast (Produced by Salthill Media)
  • Show Website
    The Ireland Podcast

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