General Spec

Dr Tara speaks about her career as a clinical physiology and the path it took to get to it. Growing up in Kerry and the issues seen by different generations and the role of social media providing a different challenge. We speak on what issues are seen in Irish public healthcare to face and how Tara switches off. Subscribe and share to a friend!

Shauna is an Irish professional boxer who has a world title in her immediate vision. Listen to Shauna speak about the influence of her brothers when first picking up a pair of gloves and the battles against Katie Taylor. We speak about the difficulties and challenges that face pro boxers also. Shauna is very clear on your future goals and you can follow her on instagram : Shauna_okeeffe_boxer

Jason Hackett aka Prime Mutton has taken the internet by storm with his great content of finding good Guinness. Listen to how watching others try it during lockdown drove Jason to drink and the adventures he has had along the way. Jason is a person of many interests and we delve into those such as Man City and being a world class Bridge card player. Have a listen and to share to a friend!

Hear about the man behind the Long Acre and the reason for the name itself. Maurice has packed a lot into his 29 years, being adopted as a baby to retuning to his home county and setting up a farm and social media following behind it. Maurice is passionate about his interests and isn’t afraid to say what he truly thinks which has garnished both good and bad feedback online. Hear Maurice speak about the issues of farming in Ireland and his hopes for the future. Maurice was a gentleman to deal with and has greatly supported this podcast since which is massively appreciated. Give the Long Acre a follow on instagram, you may not agree with everything but be willing to have your opinions challenged and Maurice is using his voice to do that.

Kerryman Tomás has recently returned home from a cycle across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the UAE. This isn’t the first such trip and nor will it be the last, take a listen to the fascinating stories of life on the open road and the massively positive experiences found by Tomás. It hasn’t all been easy, we speak about the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Hear what Tomás is at now at home, and a possible return to Gaelic football and all. Genuinely one of the nicest pods to record. Take a listen, follow Tomás on socials (anbotharfada) and send to a friend.

Hamish who hails from Prestwick (near Glasgow) has recently moved to the other side of the world Australia and even more recently has started up a YouTube page called “Celtic AM” a Celtic FC related channel which can be found on YouTube, the content and style Hamish brings is excellent so give that a sub! Hamish has also released a book on Ange Postecoglou “Never Stop” which can be found of course on Amazon. We speak more than just Oz and Celtic, did you know about Elvis Presley’s trip to Prestwick? If not this is surely worth a listen alone!

James Weir, recently retired from professional football at the young age of 28 talks us through growing up in Preston and the move from his hometown club to Man United at 13. James progressed through the youth ranks and made his Premier League debut against Arsenal at Old Trafford. James talks about the man who gave him that debut, Louis Van Gaal and what occurred after. James speaks about his transfers to Europe and the decision to call it a day and pursue a new career. James can be found on instagram as @jamesweirtravel, the handle should give you an idea about that new business! A proper gentleman and as a United fan this was a very proud moment for me!

Season 4 kicks off with comedian Rob Morgan (robbiemorgz). Rob is currently Stateside but talks us through his life in Essex the differing jobs he had including a postman and the reasons that didn’t work out! Rob is a big West Ham fan but also of footballs from circa 2002 which plays a part in his “cheat code” comedy. A very funny man and as his bio says “some dry weird stuff”. Give Rob a follow on all social medias. Subscribe to the podcast too sure!

Listen to the story of a trip to the Czech Republic had a marked change on David’s life. What is the reason behind #MakingBigBank and how he manages to keep all the plates spinning, day job, social media including podcast “The Wood From The Trees” alongside a young family. David is good and direct so he says exactly what he thinks and gives his opinion on the current main stream media and role of advertisers with people on social media. I have been chasing David for a while so I’m delighted he came on!

This one a bit special! Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly is an internet sensation, with almost 220k followers on Instagram alone. Hear about how a chance encounter with a hardy buck got him involved in the show back in the day. Hear him speak passionately about the live shows with the likes of Garron Noone and plans for the future. Of course we speak on Mayo football! It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the Mayo man, a heart attack at 28 is just one thing he has had to deal with. Stephen is a very busy man and I really appreciate him taking the time for this. Follow 3bucksleft, and listen to deadhedgehogs podcast but only after you subscribe and give 5 stars to General Spec! Enjoy and share to a friend.

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to one of Manchester’s hardest working men in media, Joe McGrath! I was delighted when he agreed to do the episode as you will hear all the different pies he is currently fingering at the moment, The Sloppy Joes podcast, The Wingmen YouTube channel, a show on BBC Radio Manchester and the location of this recording, The Red Lion Withington where Joe hosts a quiz each Wednesday. He speak about United, his Irish heritage, favourite takeaway in Manchester which tastes an unexpected and saucy turn! I hope you get a laugh as much as I did in recording. If you do share to a friend and subscribe!

Duncan McNamara, has written his first book about an adventure of walking the Camino De Santiago and how some covid spring cleaning nearly a decade later drove him to document his experience in his book “Walk This Way”. We also speak about his new sporting activities which are keeping him busy along with giving his two cents on the UK in general. The book can be found on Amazon “Walk This Way”.

Leigh is a long way from Tuam County Galway based in the UAE and the route he has taken to signing his first professional football contract at the age of 33. We speak about growing up, playing junior football in Galway. Dealing with setbacks and wanting to see more of the world which involved moving to London and then to Dubai. Leigh is a busy man, fitting in coaching, training, playing and working. He speaks about some of the Premier League footballers he has met who he know calls friends. Leigh talks about his hopes for the future and where he’d like to see himself.

“A wonderfully well crafted comedian with a great old school style of storytelling” is how Tommy Tiernan has described Bernard. But, did you know he has won two all Irelands? How soaking wet clothes didn’t stop him making the first steps into something we never wants to leave. Bernard talks about his upbringing in Kerry, being in a school class of craic and playing football for his local club, Skellig Rangers. He is a comedian who has hundreds of millions of views, what inspires the idea of his characters and situations? Also, the teeth?! It was an absolute pleasure talking to Bernard, give him a follow on his socials as you will be guaranteed a laugh!

Gary is a GAA coach and PT with over 28k Instagram followers. A former county minor who shares why he didn’t make senior has built a strong online following with easy to follow instructions that any club player can apply both young snd old. We speak about his tough challenge against Dublin the underdogs tv series and the positive experiences which don’t come on the pitch in that game! Share to a Gaelic football liking friend and give Gary a follow too @gaz_gaelic_guide.

Singer, songwriter and Williamstown neighbour, Hubert Murray, joins the pod to talk about growing up in a house of music and mix tapes, and the influence of his family on his musical journey. A conversation with his father, led Hubert to fly the nest and follow his love for music. Hubert later moved to London for work and with that came a change in his music taste, being immersed into the blue grass and folk scene. Hear Hubert talk about how he found the move back to Ireland and the inspirations of his music and lyrics. Hubert works in healthcare and we speak about how he has managed to keep both plates spinning. Hubert is my oldest childhood friend so it was a great walk down memory lane! At the start and end of this episode you will hear Hubert’s soon to be released new style song “Everything is Not as it Seems”. Hope you enjoy, and if you do why not check out Hubert’s music on Spotify and YouTube, and while you are at it, give the podcast a follow and 5 stars!

I had the absolute pleasure of having Irish Times Sports Journalist Malachy Clerkin join the pod for episode 7. Malachy talks about how a mistake on his college CAO form led him to the job he loves. We talked about growing up in Monaghan Town during an era of influential sports stars like Maradona and McGuigan. Malachy also talks about his own time as right back for his local soccer club, the big move to Dublin for college and the competition win that got him into the Sunday Tribune. Malachy is one of Ireland’s finest sports writers, and we get into how he learned to engage the reader telling stories from a different angle. We also discuss the books he has written, and chatting to his mates at Second Captains. Hope you enjoy it, please subscribe to the podcast and share about.

Malachy speaks about the European Rugby Cup Final, does it bode badly for the Irish team going into the World Cup? Thoughts on the new All Ireland football series, and why are so many not bothered? And finally who is Malachy tipping for Sam. The Full Episode with Malachy is out Thursday 1st June. Please share and subscribe to the pod!

Award winning journalist and good mate Liam joins the pod to talk about his career to date and hopes for the future. Liam speaks about how early family influences shaped him and his passion for social injustice. Listen to Liam speak passionately about tragic stories he has covered like Stephen Smith and the work done during covid and how they affected him. Liam speaks fondly of his Irish links, which grew when we lived together in “The Palace” of Chorlton. Liam tells the story of how he is known as the “midget vaccine guy” both in the UK and around the world. We get into how he approaches coming face to face with the leaders of the government and how this changed with experience. Liam is not only a talented journalist but a wonderful speaker, this was really fun to record and I hope you enjoy it. If you do please share it about!

Will from Generation Rent speaks about private renting in the UK and the common issues faced by renters. Making the news this week is the Renters Reform Bill, Will speaks about the benefits that this will bring. We get into what pressures can be put on the government, those who are forever renters and are happy to be. Find out if landlords are leaving the market and turning to Airbnb. Generation Rent (https://www.generationrent.org/) offer practical advice and are active on social media. #VentYourRent