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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308 Episodes
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Troy Parrott has transformed the mood of the nation. On Free State today we ask why the player and the Ireland team have had the impact they had?What is it about a game like football, even at a time when it is scarred by money and greed, that brings people together in a profound way?Dion looks at Troy Parrott and wonders about Ireland’s need for a saviour. Parrott was tipped for greatness from a young age but has taken a different route. Yet, he has captured the heart of the country because of more than just his talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Thanks a million, big fella.’ Charlie Haughey’s words to Ben Dunne summed up how Ireland worked for many.But who was Ben Dunne and what were the compulsions that drove him?On Free State today Matt Cooper talks about his gripping new book Dynasty about the Dunnes family.It looks at how Ben Dunne Senior built an empire and how Ben Jr never recovered from the kidnapping.He talks to us about the scene in Florida where, after taking a mountain of cocaine in a hotel with parrots roaming the lobby, Ben Dunne had a breakdown. He was hog tied and taken out of the hotel and it became an event which would eventually provide a glimpse into how Ireland works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1What is the difference between nostalgia and lamenting the loss of something special?Have we become a society that places too much emphasis on propriety at the expense of the unpredictability that makes life worth living.As Joe and Dion reflect on Monday Clubs they’ve belonged from Mayo to Kilburn, they look at the lives of the great hellraisers.They lament too the decline of sports coverage on RTE. Joe shares a story about a day with Pat Gilroy when he knew the writing was on the wall at RTE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for a billion dollars.On Free State today we ask what is driving this campaign against the BBC?Many studies have concluded that there is a pro Israeli bias at the BBC, but the report that led to the resignation of the director general alleged the opposite. Why has that led to such upheaval when so many say the opposite.Is this the real driver for this coup against members of the establishment and is there ever any point in giving in to the forces that include Trump, the Israeli government and, er, Kemi Badenoch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Iain Dale knows he is walking on perilous terrain.Dale is one of Britain’s best known broadcasters and podcasters but his new book is about Ireland, specifically Irish Taoisigh.On Free State today Iain Dale has an animated conversation about what has gone wrong in England and the dangers of nationalism. Yet he argues that he doesn’t believe Nigel Farage is an extremist. Dale has recruited some of Ireland’s foremost writers to write about the holders of the Taoiseach’s office. But he talks about how his own fascination with Ireland began and why he believes it is part of history that Britain needs to reckon with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In numbers not seen for half a century, New Yorkers went out and voted for Zohran Mamdani as their new mayor.Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor. He came to America at the age of seven and he has created a sense of the possible that was once at the heart of the American condition.On Free State today we ask how did Zohran Mamdani do it? How did he overcome the campaign of demonisation that branded him a dangerous antisemite? He was called a ‘communist lunatic’ by Donald Trump, who threatened to revoke his citizenship.But Mamdani delivered a message of change but one of substance. Joe and Dion also look at the constant emails discussing Joe’s compassionate stance on DJ Carey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Halloween night, a fire broke out an IPAS centre in Drogheda. Four children, including a 20-day-old baby, were among those rescued from the top floor of the building. The next morning the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the attack and said that fireworks had been thrown into the building. There were no fireworks, CCTV footage showed a figure setting fire to the staircase. Police believe it was arson and the nature of the attack may justify attempted murder charges.On Free State today, we ask if this will be a turning point in the demonisation of asylum seekers or is Ireland heading down the same road as other countries?Dion and Joe disagree about the direction the country is going. They look at Simon Harris’s comments about immigration and ask what responsibility politicians have in a febrile atmosphere to lead rather than to stoke fears? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the day of the All Ireland football final in 1978, Anne Marie Allen believed she was beginning the life she dreamed of.She was 15 years old and wanted to be a chef. When two visitors came to her house promising a catering course and a job, it seemed like too good to be true.It was. For the next seven years she entered into the secretive world of Opus Dei. On Free State today Anne Marie Allen tells her extraordinary story. She talks about how she entered into a world of servitude and domestic slavery.From the age of 16, she had to do mortifications which meant wearing a barbed wire chain around her leg for two hours every day. She explains how the mental anguish of what she endured stayed with her for a long time and she talks about the courage of her father in standing up to Opus Dei.But it is her own courage that is the most astonishing thing of all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
DJ Carey’s sentencing hearing was postponed until Friday. In July, Carey had pleaded guilty to defrauding 13 people.On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the rise and fall of hurling’s first superstar.They examine the drive and determination that took DJ to the top and the restlessness that was always part of his personality as well.Joe talks about his own dealing with DJ and wonders if there is room in the world today for compassion and mercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When the shadow Home Secretary Robert Jenrick visited Handsworth in Birmingham he complained about ‘not seeing another white face’.Many were angered by his comments, but what do they tell us about how the mainstream has absorbed extremist postions?On Free State today we consider how racism has become respectable.What is happening in the U.K. and the US is taking hold here, with the demonisation of the other, a story as old as time, but given fresh energy through social media. Dion looks at the career of Robert Jenrick and what his own journey in politics tells us about the move to the right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Winston Churchill wanted someone to deal with the problems in Ireland, he turned to his old friend Sir Hugh Tudor.Tudor went to Ireland unable to grasp the complexity of the situation. He was described as “a man of no balance, knowledge or judgment and therefore a deplorable selection for his present post”.On Free State today we talk to Linden MacIntyre about his new book on Hugh Tudor. Tudor was sent to Ireland as a “police adviser” and ended up controlling the RIC and the Black and Tans.We look at how this man of no balance, knowledge or judgment allowed violence and murder to become a central part of his policing and how his time in Ireland altered the course of history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Birmingham City Council announced that they would ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the football match against Aston Villa next month, Keir Starmer was quick to react.Not as quick as Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage, but Starmer was soon promising that he would be doing everything in his power to overturn the ban.On Free State today we look at the truth about Maccabi Tel Aviv. What is it about this club that seems to attract a certain type of football fan? What it it about Maccabi Tel Aviv that has led Tommy Robinson to say he will be supporting them in Birmingham next month? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The great Michael Lewis is one of our favourite ever guests on Free State.On an October morning at the end of a long book tour, he asked us to talk about anything at all, not just his latest book. In this timeless piece he talks about life, love, loss, and the pain of losing his daughter Dixie in a car crash.(Originally aired in two parts - October 31st/November 2nd 2023) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2012, while swimming in the Galapagos Islands, Delphine Kelly suffered an aortic aneurysm and drowned.On Free State today, Julia Kelly talks about her extraordinary memoir Still which is a conversation to her mother, built around the cold and austere language of the post mortem.She talks about her troubled relationship with her father the Fine Gael politician John Kelly who died when she was 21 and how to repair relationships after death.Julia explains too how, during the book’s most difficult stage, she used microdosing to sharpen her focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Donald Trump right for once? Is this the deal to end all deals? And could anyone else have pulled it off?On Free State today, Donald Trump’s role as the last American emperor is examined.Is his Gaza peace deal an example of how his ego and self interest drive people to achieve things normal politicians couldn’t? Is this his great legacy or will it fall apart because like so many things in Trump world, it isn’t built to last? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ian Paisley Jr says he might be open to persuasive arguments over a United Ireland. The DUP says it is not interested in engaging or being persuaded on ‘the so called merits’ of a United Ireland.On Free State today, we ask what does this tell us about the worthy concept of reconciliation and is it now effectively a unionist veto on a United Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is there any point to the presidential election anymore? Maria Steen who failed to get on the ballot has called for the presidential election to be cancelled and run again following Jim Gavin’s withdrawal.On Free State today, we ask why Maria thinks democracy has failed? Joe and Dion disagree on her chances of getting elected if she’d been a candidate. But she isn’t, so does it matter?Dion explains using a football analogy he’s pretty sure neither Joe nor Maria Steen will understand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What was Jim Gavin thinking? What was going through his head when he decided he would like to be Fianna Fail’s candidate for president.On Free State today Joe talks about the conversations he has had with Jim Gavin and why he was a good man, going for the wrong role with the wrong people. Joe and Dion look at what brought Gavin down and why the campaign was doomed even before the weekend revelations. And Dion reveals the secret of Catherine Connolly’s success at keepy uppies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In January 2025, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist, running for mayor of New York had an eight per cent chance of winning the race. Today, he has an 83 per cent chance and Donald Trump calls him a “100 per cent communist lunatic.The story of how Mamdani has defied not only the odds but the establishment is a story of how many are rejecting the media narratives.Mamdani spoke out against the genocide in Gaza, people said he could not win in a city like New York. He was demonised by the Murdoch media and the people of the city were told to be afraid.Instead they have embraced his message, including saying he would order the NYPD to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he arrived in the city.On Free State today, Ted Hamm, author of a new book on Mamdani, explains how it has been done and the lengths the establishment went to stop him. In the weeks before the election he looks at what could derail his candidacy and what it means for politics around the world.Ted’s book can be ordered here - https://orbooks.com/catalog/run-zohran-run/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where did Catherine Connolly’s belief in social justice come from? If she is elected president, how will she use the presidency to advance those beliefs?On a Free State special, Catherine Connolly talks to Dion and Joe about the truth about her presidential bid.She explains why her comments about Hamas only reflected the reality of life for people in Gaza and why the media search for sensationalism is undermining the democratic process.She talks about her belief in a different more substantial role for Ireland in the world and what she really felt as she applauded Volodymyr Zelensky in the Dáil. 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,