Big News Coming Soon Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Castlebar native Fintan Phelan for a powerful and honest conversation about alcohol addiction, self-discovery, and life growing up in the west of Ireland.Raised in a culture where a good night out was often at the centre of social life, Fintan shares his personal journey with alcoholism, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Recently, he launched the Instagram page The Creative Sigma, where he combines his passion for golf with candid reflections on recovery and living alcohol-free.This is an incredibly open and insightful discussion, as Fintan speaks with honesty about his experiences, the work he has done on himself, and the perspective he has gained through recovery. A conversation filled with vulnerability, resilience, and hope that is sure to resonate with many listeners.

From Ballina, County Mayo, to the boardrooms of Europe, Suzanne Rowe’s journey is a powerful story of ambition, resilience, and backing yourself every step of the way.In this inspiring conversation, Suzanne reflects on leaving the west of Ireland at a young age to pursue opportunities in Dublin, continually pushing beyond her comfort zone and refusing to settle for less than she knew she was capable of achieving. Through determination, courage, and a willingness to embrace challenges, she built an impressive career that has led her to become Head of Sales for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys in Ireland.Today, Suzanne works with a global organisation spanning Italy, London, and Geneva, while proudly operating from the west of Ireland. Her story is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t require abandoning your roots, it requires believing in yourself, taking risks, and being prepared to grow.This is a conversation about leadership, ambition, confidence, and the opportunities that come when you dare to think bigger. Whether you’re starting your career, considering a new direction, or simply looking for inspiration, Suzanne’s story is one that will encourage you to dream boldly and back yourself wholeheartedly."You're never where you're not supposed to be"

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO FOR FREE ON PATREON - Pharmacist Mark Jordan joins us in studio to answer your questions. With the new sponsor on board I thought it was better to bring in a qualified professional to answer your questions and concerns in a balanced and responsible manner. Whilst I genuinely believed that I was being the "responsible podcaster" one person didn't appreciate my efforts very much and we explain why.Don't forget if you'd like to try any of the Pamex products you can use the code "calm" for 20% off the website but the code is only active for the next couple of weeks. Log on to https://www.pamexshop.ie/Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed it and if you'd like us to do this once per month.This episode is sponsored by Pamex/Zenflore Calm.