Claim OwnershipFree State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning
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Free State is a podcast for the curious that stimulates, provokes, challenges and entertains, while never taking itself too seriously. Free State covers topics from sport to politics, love to loss, the human condition and how to fix the world, with guests from across the planet including Nigerian princes, former Prime Ministers, ex convicts, footballers, boxers and extraordinary people from every walk of life.
Free State is presented by Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning. Brolly is a barrister, an original thinker with a fascinating backstory, who donated a kidney to a stranger and then led a crusade to transform organ donation on the island of Ireland, and Fanning is an award-winning interviewer and author.
They are not motivational gurus or life coaches. They will never try to sell you a penis scented candle. They are two people from very different worlds, with one core belief uniting them - this is not a high performance podcast.
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287 Episodes
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“He wasn’t the kind of person who ever greeted you,” Ireland’s former president Mary McAleese says of David Trimble, who was a law student at Queen’s University when Trimble was a lecturer.But on this day he did. He was seeking people out and telling them it was a “wonderful day”. The day was the Monday after Bloody Sunday and McAleese believed she knew why. “It wasn’t actually a reference to the day at all but a reference to the day before.”On Free State today, the real David Trimble is revealed by Stephen Walker, who has just published a biography of the man.How did Trimble move from the figure who was “nakedly sectarian” and celebrating Bloody Sunday to the man who did so much to deliver peace? What happened to him in, as McAleese told Walker, “the hot-red forge of life” to change how he viewed the world? And what lessons can be learned from him today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Dave Zirin flew home to America last week, as a precaution he wrote the telephone numbers of a lawyer and an Irish politician on his arm.He had been away for only a week but a week is a long time in an authoritarian state. While he had been gone, JD Vance had declared an article about Charlie Kirk’s death in The Nation, the magazine Dave works for, to be ‘soulless and evil’. Dave wondered again what kind of country he was coming back to.On Free State today, Dave Zirin explains why Ireland has been conned by the NFL game taking part in Croke Park this weekend. He laments that a venue so historic as allowed itself to be hijacked for a sportswashing exercise. He details why the NFL has no place in Ireland but why Kneecap give him hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1When Mary Lou McDonald announced a ‘game changing’ candidate many eyes looked to Joe Brolly. But was he ever in the running and would Dion have voted for him?On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at what Sinn Féin’s backing of Catherine Connolly means for the presidential campaign. They also wonder if Jim Gavin can redeem himself after farmgate and Joe reflects on Gavin’s words about Gaza.They also ask what does the Charlie Kirk memorial service tells us about America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when a man tries to take up hurling at 41?What does he learn about himself and Ireland’s relationship with its fabled national game.On Free State today, Second Captains co-host Ciaran Murphy tells us what he learned about Ireland when he joined his father’s old club in West Waterford.Are the obstacles to more people playing hurling all to do with the skills demanded or are there other reasons we need to examine? Do we pay lip service to this game and is hurling another cultural jewel that Ireland treats poorly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the age of 45, Leo Varadkar decided to resign as Taoiseach. Many people wondered why.In an extraordinarily frank interview on Free State today, Leo Varadkar talks about how finding peace in his personal life dulled his political ambition.He speaks about his failings as a politician and a man. He explains why he believes in a united Ireland but isn’t a nationalist.He criticises Keir Starmer’s embrace of nationalism in Britain and denies he was conned by Boris Johnson during their summit at the Wirral in 2019. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who was Charlie Kirk and what had he got to do with Ireland?On a heated episode of Free State, Dion and Joe argue about how to respond to the murder of Charlie Kirk. Is it right simply to commiserate or do the ideas he advanced need to be challenged? They look at the rise of Kirk and how the MAGA movement has reacted to his killing.Do people who disagree with everything he stood for need to observe a respectful silence or should they make their case now when it matters most? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Diarmuid Lyng led the life many believe is the dream.But it wasn’t his dream.On Free State today he talks about how there has to be another way. How there has to be a version of ourselves outside the consumer western narrative that occupies so much of our lives.He explains what he is hoping to achieve with Wild Irish Retreats. And why the answers are all around us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is it like to cover the Donald Trump White House?How should the media engage with the presidency in a time of crisis?On Free State today, Niall Stanage talks to Joe and Dion about his time in America speaking truth to power. He recalls his encounters with the Biden official John Kirby over Gaza. Has the deferential nature of the media in America led too many to take a step backwards? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson declared last week that Donald Trump had been an FBI informant working to take down Jeffrey Epstein. He subsequently said he might have got it wrong. In Britain Reform had their party conference with the BBC’s political editor gushing about the ‘insurgency vibe’.On Free State, Joe and Dion ask if the media knows how to handle the rise of figures who peddle nothing but misinformation.Joe and Dion disagree on why this is. As the Irish presidential election comes closer they wonder about the questions some candidates like Catherine Connolly face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland is a rural country. We believe that the values that sustain us are values that have been shaped by our struggle for land and our struggles on the land.But as the climate emergency reaches a point of no return, how damaging have these foundational myths about Ireland been?On Free State today John Gibbons talks about Ireland’s failure in tackling climate change.He explains why farming today is not what it was when we shaped our romantic view of it and why agribusiness has used national myths to advance one side of a culture war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Nigel Farage arrived in Washington this week, a US congressman Jamie Raskin spoke the truth about this snake oil salesman. In Britain the worst of Farage’s impulses are now indulged.On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at what the writer Tanjil Rashid has called ‘the age of deportation’.How have countries slipped closer to the authoritarian way of life and why is it being allowed to happen?They look at how Nigel Farage dominates the media and how the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer follows Farage agenda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does Jim Gavin want to be president? What does a man in the prime of his life with a record of success and achievement gain from going to the Aras?On Free State today Joe explains what makes his friend Jim Gavin tick. He explains his gift of leadership and how he serves his ego by giving power to others.Dion offers a reason that a Jim Gavin presidency would be important.They also look at the campaign to discredit Catherine Connolly and wonder what the grown ups have ever done for us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last Monday night, Newcastle United played Liverpool in a game which told the story of the Premier League.One club is owned by Saudi Arabia, the other belongs to an American multisports holding conglomerate.It was played at St James’ Park in front of 50,000 frothing Newcastle supporters who were enraged that their best player had gone on strike because he wants to play for Liverpool.This was a show staged in one of the great cities of industrial England for the benefit of television and with the supporters simply as extras.On Free State today, the great football historian David Goldblatt talks about how football explains so much of where England is today in society.He looks at how the kitsch of poppy commemorations became an opportunity to demonstrate militaristic credentials with Millwall playing a game in a camouflage kit.It has led to the demonisation of someone like James McClean. This Goldblatt says shows that these people, who are also raising flags across England today, are living in “fantasy land” when it comes to England’s history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s." In Donald Trump’s America you can render unto Donald Trump what is God’s as well.On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at the gangsterism that is taking over Britain and America and how the media fail to challenge it.Trump is intimidating and seizing power in America while Nigel Farage is being elevated by a media that knows what it’s doing.The consequences of this are obvious but still so many deny what is happening. Why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Northern Ireland,’ Margaret Thatcher said once, ‘is as British as Finchley’But what if Britain is as Northern Irish as Ballymena? On Free State today we look at what unites the right wing Tories and the unionist parties. Is it the racism? Is it the punching down on minorities? And what is it about the genocide in Gaza that they admire so much? In Britain Operation Raise the Colours is distracting people with arguments about flags. Where have we heard this before?But what does the Ulsterisation of Britain mean? Why are we being sucked into these wars that have no meaning when the really dangers are all around us? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
First there was the music. Keith Donald was always looking to escape. Music offered the first exit. Then came drink.Keith Donald was abused as a child by his headmistress. He found that jazz had the power to transform his existence.As a teenager he began to play music wherever he could. He played for a band on the Twelfth and toured the country with showbands.On Free State today Keith Donald talks about the music and the mayhem and how he found peace. He speaks about founding Moving Hearts and why even now music has the power to transform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does Michael Flatley want to be president? Why would anyone want him to be president?On Free State today, Joe and Dion reluctantly engaged with the Irish presidential debate.They look at Michael Flatley and Heather Humphreys as candidates and ask if the country can do better than this.Is Joe in listening mode? What are his own intentions? Dion tries to put Joe on the spot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Volodymyr Zelensky put on suit for his meeting with Donald Trump in the White House. During his row with Trump and JD Vance last February, a reporter asked him why he wasn’t wearing a suit.Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov turned up wearing a CCCP sweatshirt, an obvious challenge to Trump. A challenge he failed. Easy to bully Zelensky. Not Russia.This time Zelensky didn’t take any chances. But is there another way of handling Donald Trump’s malignant narcissism?On Free State today Joe and Dion look at the attacks on Trump by California governor Gavin Newsom and why they offer a template for opposition.While the media has tried to report on Trump as if he is a serious person who just could do with the occasional fact check, Newsom is mocking him. This may the only way to defeat a narcissist. And it may be a lesson for all those like Keir Starmer, Micheal Martin and Ursula von der Leyen who have bent the knee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Would you vote for an AI politician or Simon Harris? Or a robot or Donald Trump?Thomas R Weaver’s dystopian fiction Artificial Wisdom: A Novel imagines a world where by 2050 people are choosing between a human and an AI politician?On Free State we talk to him about the reality of AI and what science fiction can tell us about the world in 25 years’ time. People would never vote for AI to rule them we believe, but is that realistic? Is it any more preposterous than the idea of Donald Trump as president was ten years ago? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When you go out to get a pint of milk, do you bring your essential survival kit in case of attack from rampaging gangs or immediate societal breakdown? If not, why not?On Free State today, Joe and Dion are afraid and have recorded from their panic rooms. Maybe they have been watching too much Fox News.Last week the channel asked ‘What Happened to Dublin?’ and rolled out questionable statistics about rising crime in the city.We look at why these stories resonate. Why are so many people determined, not just to believe the worse, but to believe things that aren’t happening at all?But in this climate of fear, opportunists prowl. Men like Conor McGregor are hoping that if people feel lost, they will look for salvation where they have never looked before. On Free State today, Dion and Joe tell us why, actually everything is going to be ok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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I am nearly sure St Finbarrs from Cork have won both hurling and football and both in the same year as well in the 80's. Cuala definitely not the only one
Christ Brolly will you stop interrupting Niall ....let him speak ffs
Sadly the lads are running on fumes now ....what started off as a must listen podcast has become a giggle fest of enormous mediocrity...
Bhoys the pods are decreasing with every episode...You need to get in a few more activists , agitators ,actors,social commentators ... have you got Paul kimmages number his piece on the horse racing industry was fascinating...keep up the good fight
Dion please come back .... no doubt clifford is a wonderful player but the fanboy cameo from brolly would churn the toughest stomach... yea he scored 9 pts ( 3 2pointers) but he was quiet for large periods and missed a open goal ... challenge for clifford is multiple medals going forward and challenge for up and coming defenders is to rise to that standard....well done Kerry derserved winners but Donegal were atrocious....
a brilliant podcast Dion with Padraic ..a terrific insight into the foundation of the state and the history of the main parties..I'll definitely buy the book as it was a real eye opener with his insights on facism
Jesus Dion I'm struggling to keep touch with your podcast ....have the fcuk do you abide Brolly and his high pitched drivel....awful shite
Hi Joe I really like the show I do not always agree but that is healthy on the Gasa issue how can a nation like Israel who was treated so badly not show compassion to another nation My thoughts on mankind is if we gave everyone one million euro there will always be people who would want some or all of the others money because they think they don't need it as much as they do
Brilliant Dion excellent and insightful
Jesus dion i feel your frustrations... Is this a brolly interview or a sexton interview ffs take a break brolly and let your guests talk 🙈
a brilliant insightful podcast ,especially of a unionist leader who has been to hell and back , involved in wars that temporarily dehumanised him ,forced up close to kill or be killed ,yet doing his best to be a decent person despite the demons that constantly haunt him This podcast introduces us to such people in an understanding, non judgemental manner. Really brilliant stuff lads
If Your talking about Captains look no further than Billy "Cesar" Mc Neill 🍀, led 11 Lads from within 30miles of Celtic Park to Rule the World, Won leagues as a Player and a Manager.
I'd love brollys rose coloured glasses for a while, the high profile assaults by hurlers footballers, not to mention the cocaine usage nor the thuggish behaviour on the pitch coupled with attacks week on week of referees, hilarious brolly...
Jesus brolly will you allow dion finish a sentence ffs...
Very little content now sadly...
Just as well the Christmas break is upon us sadly this podcast which started of famously is now a parody of itself, still to the bitter end Joe must overpower everyone and every conversation, when you reduce Roddy Collins to a mute observer you are some waffler joe... Dreaful stereotypical tripe
Very enjoyable as always! What's the music at the end, please?
These podcasts should of course be on the school syllabus but then the public would see this society for what it is and the golden circle don't want that under any circumstances...
Absolutely brilliant lads best podcast by a mile... Gotta get you into vicar St...
Brilliant again lads... Hard to find fault with anything within this podcast,