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Big News Coming Soon Podcast

Big News Coming Soon with Alan Clarke


Latest episode

  • 4. Pete The Builder - From Ridges To Ridin

    02:23:16||Season 13, Ep. 4
    This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Peter Finn, better known as Pete the Builder, a familiar face from our TV screens over the years.Pete and I had a brilliant, relaxed chat about his early life, how he found his way into the television industry, and his experiences working in the construction sector.I really enjoyed this conversation, and I feel like we only scratched the surface on a lot of topics. Hopefully, we’ll have Pete back on the podcast soon to take a deeper dive into construction, the industry, and everything that comes with it.For now, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Pete the Builder.

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  • 3. Sean Fox - From Eircom to Internet Sensation

    59:37||Season 13, Ep. 3
    Sean Fox is a retired Eircom technician and lifelong farmer who has found an unexpected new audience on TikTok, thanks to his daughter Laura. Her wholesome videos capturing everyday life on the family farm have struck a chord with viewers around the world, who now tune in regularly to catch up with Sean and his wife, Gertie.In this episode, Sean reflects on his years working with Eircom, adjusting to retirement and the realities of farming in Ireland today. He shares stories from a life spent balancing work and the farm, and talks about the challenges, changes and characters he has encountered along the way.
  • 2. Tom Murphy - Always Be Curious

    01:28:03||Season 13, Ep. 2
    Tom Murphy is a proud, born and bred Castlebar man with an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and taking a chance when life doesn’t go to plan.Growing up on the Green in Castlebar, Tom had a simple ambition: to get a car, get out on the road and become a salesman. He achieved that goal and went on to build his career in sales, becoming incredibly loyal to one company and dedicating years of his working life to it.Then came the news he never expected. He was being let go.With no job and little choice but to sign on the dole, Tom found himself at a crossroads. Rather than allowing the setback to define him, he decided to back himself and go out on his own.That decision led to the creation of Pamex, which has grown into a hugely successful Irish business promoting, selling and distributing health, beauty and personal care products throughout Ireland.In this episode, Tom talks about growing up in Castlebar, his early days on the road, the lessons he learned in sales, the shock of losing his job and the determination it took to build a business from the ground up.It’s a story about loyalty, setbacks, hard work and having the courage to start again. And a reminder that sometimes the worst day in your career can become the beginning of something much bigger.
  • 1. Conor Sketches - Conor Moore

    01:20:10||Season 13, Ep. 1
    In this episode, we sit down with Conor Moore, better known online as Conor Sketches, to hear the story behind his incredible rise.From his early days working as a phone salesman to building a career in comedy and performing alongside some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment, Conor shares the highs, the setbacks, the risks and the moments that changed everything. We chat about life before the spotlight, backing yourself when the safe option is easier, the journey behind his success and some brilliant stories from along the way.A funny, honest and inspiring conversation about turning talent into a career and seeing just how far it can take you.
  • 7. Fr Mark Quinn - "I was battling the thought"

    01:48:58||Season 12, Ep. 7
    This week’s episode is a real roller coaster as I sit down with Father Mark Quinn, the parish priest of Tuam, County Galway.Mark and I grew up in the same village, but until this conversation, I had no idea about many of the struggles and challenges he faced throughout his life. I still remember reading in the local newspaper that he had become a parish priest, it genuinely surprised me, and it made me curious about the journey that brought him there.This is probably the longest episode of the season, and honestly, I could have sat and talked with Mark all day. His honesty, openness, and willingness to share his story made for a fascinating conversation, and I’m incredibly grateful to him for that.I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.
  • 6. Ronan Mitchell - It's All Authenticity

    01:08:23||Season 12, Ep. 6
    Ronan Mitchell, better known online as Mitch, is a content creator from County Galway who lives and breathes content creation. With an impressive background in radio, MCing, and TV presenting, he’s built a reputation as one of Ireland’s rising digital personalities.In this inspiring conversation, Ronan shares his journey from leaving the security of a comfortable day job to pursuing his passion full-time. We talk about the hard work, dedication, and focus it takes to build a career doing what you love, along with the lessons he’s learned along the way. This is an honest and motivating chat with a young man who’s proving that taking a leap of faith can pay off when you’re willing to put in the work.
  • 5. Paraic Horkan "I learned through doing"

    01:06:22||Season 12, Ep. 5
    This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Paraic Horkan, a qualified horticulturist and Director of Horkans Garden & Lifestyle Centre, who trained at the National Botanic Gardens.Paraic reflects on growing up in the west of Ireland, where he inherited an incredible work ethic that shaped both his life and career. Alongside his family, he went on to build and run four successful garden centres across Ireland.At the age of 40, Paraic set himself a bold goal: to retire at 60 and step away from the business completely. In this open, honest and inspiring conversation, he shares the mindset behind that decision, the challenges and sacrifices along the way, and whether he was ultimately able to achieve the life he had planned.