The Big Nose

THIS WEEK ON THE BIG NOSE PODCAST I WAS DELIGHTED TO BE JOINED BY AN OLD CLASS MATE OF MINE – GAVIN MAGUIRE.GAVIN IS RECENTLY RETURNED FROM TOKYO JAPAN WHERE HE WAS A KEY MEMBER OF TEAM IRELANDS PARALYMPIC COACHING SET UP.AS LONG AS I'VE KOWN GAVIN HE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH TABLE TENNIS, GETTING A SCHOOL YARD NICKNAME TO MATCH.GAVIN TAKES ME BACK TO WHERE THIS JOURNEY ALL BEGAN AND THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY.GAVIN IS VERY HONEST AND FRANK THROUGHOUT OUR CHAT, REFLECTING HOW THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED ISNT ALWAYS THE MOST SUPPORTED.DETERMINATION PAID OFF AND GAVIN EXPLANS WHY HE SET UP HIS OWN COMPANY AROUND HIS SPORT.THE MOVE FROM PLAYER TO COACH HAS SEEN GAVIN TAKE ON THE ROLE OF COACH WITH PARA ATHLETE COLIN JUDGE – GAVIN SPOKE TO ME ABOUT COLIN AND THEIR JOURNEY TOGETHER SO FAR.GAVIN WAS IN A UNIQUE POSITION, WHERE HE WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE GAMES ALONGSIDE HIS GIRLFRIEND, ELLEN KEANE – BOTH EVER THE PROFESSIONALS – HE SHARE WITH ME THE LENTS THE COUPLE WENT TO IN THEIR PREPARATION.I SPOKE TO GAVIN ABOUT THE JOYS OF TOKYO 2020 ON PERSONAL LEVEL. HE SHARE WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO WITNESS IN PERSON ELLEN WINNING GOLD IN THE POOL.

This week on the show I was delighted to have on the creator of the spectacular Instagram account "The Wild Atlantic Traveller" Mr. Kevin Dooher .Kevin is one of the top photographer along the Wild Atlantic Way, hence the Instagram account name "The Wild Atlantic Traveller"In the chat I wanted to learn where the passion for both going for a ramble and taking photographs came from.Like so much that we take into older life, Kevin explains the influence of growing up in the wild outdoors had on in the earlier years.I chatted to Kevin about the mechanics of getting the perfect images. Kevin explains to me how he goes about capturing the images that ultimately end up on his wonderful Instagram account. To every listener I suggest you check out his talents at "The Wild Atlantic Traveller"I explained to Kevin how, while on a little staycation back in August, I came across him during a trip to Muckross. The take away from that accidental encounter was the fact that he would go to places that I thought where impossible. I asked Kevin off the back of that, how dangerous things can get. After all it is the Wild Atlantic Way and its not always calm seas and clear blue sky. With the advancements in technology, I wanted to get Kevins take on the level of editing or manipulation that goes on in today's photography. He shares his thoughts on this area as well as his approach to it in the photographs he takes. Trying to stand out and create a place in the world for what he does is very difficult today in the area of photography. I asked Kevin how he creates a following on Instagram, where it could be said that everyone is a photographer to differing levels of ability. Kevin gives his insight to how "The Wild Atlantic Traveller" is a platform to share his talent for taking beautiful photographs but equally to having a real engagement with people who are genuinely interested.With harsh travel restrictions in place for seven of the past twelve month. We chatted about how Kevin has managed the challenge of the five kilometre limit. I thought it would be hard to be a traveller within such as small space but Kevin explains how its all about adapting your approach to things and sometimes rediscovering whats at home and appreciating it.With hope on the horizon, I asked Kevin what's next for "The Wild Atlantic Traveller" To find out that, well, you'll just have to tune in.Kevin speaks so passionately about what he does, but most strikingly about where he lives. If we could all look around us and take in what we have, the world would surly be a better place. Thanks to Kevin for coming on the show and being the final guest on season two. It was great to finish on a high. Season three will be back in May.Can I thank all those guest who gave over their time to come on the show, it has been a blast.Thanks to all those who have tune in and listenedI look forward to having you all back and perhaps doing some interview in person, when season 3 comes along in May

With all things technical failing on me this week, this was a chat that nearly didn't happen.But walking away from my Zoom chat with the singer song writer Megan O'Neill, I felt as if all was right with the world again. I first came across Megan, perhaps like many, when she appeared on my television screen after I decided to have another crazy Friday night in with The Late Late Show. Her performance of Jim Croces, 1973 classic, Time In A Bottle, left an indelible mark on my mind. It was in that moment as the last note was played on the piano, that I felt I had to learn more about this talented musician.So I chanced my arm, and this time it paid off! So This week on The Big Nose Podcast I am delighted to say I chatted to singer song writer and all round positive person Megan O'Neill.In this episode you will hear us talk about the past 12 months. Megan explains how, while her industry has been on its knees, that she has never been busier. Megan talks me through decisions she had to make and how she adapted to the impact of COVID 19 on her 2020 plans.Like all my guests, I like to get a sense of the person I'm talking with. I asked her about what it was like growing up in Kildare and how much of a role music played in those formative years. Megan shares the importance of her Mothers influence on her at this time and the exposure she got to some of the most well known woman in music at that time.I asked Megan weather she had a light bulb moment when she new that her interest was more than just a teenage phase and the potential to be a career path through music. Listeners will hear the story of the importance of the Irish Mammy, even when you are away in college at UCD and how the chance of a scholarship started a shift in the cosmos that perhaps was the first step along that un-returning road.For the past number of years Megan has been living away from Ireland. I put it to her that to be a successful Irish artist, it's important for your career to get away from Ireland. Megan shared her thoughts on this in a very open and honest fashion. Listeners will hear her story of taking the road less traveled at 21 and exposing herself to a life in Nashville. Megan goes on to explain how this was a whole life changing experience.With the release of her second album " Getting Comfortable With Uncertainty" and with it being the week of St Patrick I wanted to flesh out the meaning behind the very emotional song that is "Ireland". Listeners will be treated to a beautiful explanation by Megan and perhaps for those that are aboard now or have spend time living abroad will be able to feel it pull on your heart string as it perfectly encapsulates that feeling of being away from Ireland.There is so much more that Megan and I chatted about, from her performance on The Late Late Show, and not being able to party in Coppers afterwards to the challenges that she faced covering a song she felt so protective of. Megan was a breath of fresh air to chat to on a Friday evening. So generous with her time to me and so refreshingly open and honest in the questions I put to her.I would implore everyone to check out her music at megan-oneill.com where you can purchase her music. Megan is also across all major social media sites so check her out there. Whatever you do, just don't miss out on the opportunity to brighten up your day by exposing yourself to the rising star that is Megan O'Neill

This week on the show I was reunited with an old class mate of mine Jonathan Carr.Jonathan has since gone on to become a commercial airline pilot .Growing up on the north side of Dublins fair city, the influence of Dublin airports traffic was never too far away.However listener will be surprised to hear that flight was not always Jonathan's first career choice.Jonathan speaks to me about how a childhood interest was the first step along the path to a career in the skies. In our chat, I ask Jonathan about the process of securing a commercial airline pilots licence. Jonathan explains how achieving his licence was not straight forward and there was a little turbulence along the way. Jonathan explains how he needed to leave Ireland and take up his pursuit of flight across the pond in Canada. Jonathan was good enough to take me with him on a virtual shift. Jonathan spoke to me in details about what I may expect to come across on a routine flight. From an early morning rise to parking the plane up at the gate for the night. In our conversation he shares with me the good and the bad of the job. Be it living out of a suitcase while transporting a Real Madrid team across Europe or the unrivaled views he gets from his office at 32,000 feet. Having Jonathan on the show this week, it was an ideal opportunity for me to ask about some aviation myths that are commonly raised. From the potential to get sucked down an aircraft toilet to the effect of alcohol in our body at high altitude. Jonathan and I chatted about the future of commercial flight. What it might look like once we are all allowed board a plan again. I want to thank Jonathan for coming on the show, I wish him the very best into the future and hope soon that both he and I may be on a plane in some capacity. Tune in to hear all about a pilots life and what it takes to get a career in the sky.

This week on the show I was delighted to have on Naomi Hackett.Naomi is one of Ireland's top content creators on the online platform Onlyfans.You might be scratching your head, thinking that you've heard of that before, but you are not too sure what exactly it is.Well then, you are in for a treat. In my conversation with Naomi, she explains what exactly happens on Onlyfans.Naomi explains to me where she first came across the platform and how she has gone about becoming so successful on it.As a young woman living in Ireland during a pandemic, Naomi explains how it has been a lucrative adventure in a time where so many have seen their incomes fall. Listeners will hear Naomi speak very eloquently about how this platform has built her up as a person, how the platform has been catalyst for the empowerment of woman and an avenue for woman, in particular, to embrace a new level of self confidence.I ask Naomi about the draw backs of the platform too. To which there are a few. Tune in to find out about them and what exactly some people ask Naomi about once they have become a subscriber to her platform. I was interested to know what impact COVID 19 has had on the level of subscriptions she has seen. Those who listen in will be surprised what they find out.Away from the screen, spot lights and sex toys. I found out what Naomi likes to do in her spare time. If she can get any at all with the demand for her content. We spoke frankly about the impact on her family and friends when they learn about the content she is creating on Only Fans. As a young woman and very much the driving force behind her own success, Naomi explains the importance of managing different aspects of what is ultimately a modern online business. The need to use an accountants service to insure all finances are in order. While at the same time, the need to safeguard the content being created in a secure manner so that it is not leaked.Coming away from my eye opening chat with Naomi, I felt I had a better appreciation of what is involved in the online platform that is Onlyfans. There is definitely more to it than meets the eye. A lot of society in Ireland may still look upon it with prejudices but I would ask all those that tune in to come at it with an open mind and give it a chance.Thanks to Naomi for her time and input to this episode of The Big Nose podcast and I wish her every success into the future.

This week on the podcast I take centre stage.Always reluctant to do so, I've challenged myself to do something each day that frightens me and today is focusing on my own thoughts.With lent beginning in the past week I reflect on the week that was. Beginning by talking about my approach to the dreaded Valentines Day conversation that happens every year in our household. The merry dance a couple goes through each February as Valentines approaches.Listen in to hear me reminisce of my childhood memories of pancake Tuesday. Let me know how mine compare to yours. For in our home in Coolock, the art of pancake making was never perfected. Listen in as I explain my Mother's approach to pancake making and how it doesn't compare to the Nigela Lawson's approach by any stretch of the imagination. I ask you the question, did your pancake Tuesday have a sound track, because mine certainly did. Listen in to find out more.A podcast episode about Lent couldn't go by without a mention to the big man himself. In particular I talk about what it would have been like if Jesus had of been Irish going into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. It all would have been totally different. In breaking news, I explain how I've learned that Lent also lasts longer this year than the regulation 40 days. Surprise Surprise!!! I also talk about how I consider social media to be the new religion of the modern world. Its all about disciples. I've decided to talk about my struggle with weight loss over the past 12 months. Its more like weight gain. But fear not. I know where I went wrong and I explain my plan of action to overcome my weight gain. It's all to do with the solution I found on Instagram. It involves getting a dog. Talking of dogs, I reflect on what I imagine has been an unusual 12 months for dogs the length and breath of this island. A transformation in their usually mundane routine. For a portion of the podcast I go inside the mind of a 12 year old Irish Red Setter and imagine exactly what he must be thinking is going on around him. There's even talk of union formation.In the end I talk about returning to the promise land and the emergence of a new "fear". What is this fear you ask? Tune in to find out. I explain what I believe the real long COVID will be and suggest the scenario I believe will play out in bars and pubs once they open again.

This week on the show I got the opportunity to catch up with an old friend.When I say an old friend, I'm referencing the length of our friendship and not her age. She is none other than Grace McKibben Rooney, know to me as the person who once guessed my age to be 35 when I was indeed just 26.Grace is currently living in the Welsh town of Bangor. Never heard of it? Me either. Listen in to find out how Grace ended up there studying in its University.I spoke to Grace about the reality of studying away from home and asked if the attraction of the freedom it offers equates to its reality.We discuss student life, the social side, the facilities, the University and the make up of the student body.The chat exposed the surprising reach of the little known University.Grace explains how she wasn't the only Irish aboard, as often is the case.She reflects on the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly of being an outsider in a foreign University.Okay, there was county jersey nights and while you might take Grace to be a true blue...you wouldn't see her sporting a Dubs jersey in Coppers of a night out.I couldn't pass up the chance to mention the elephant in the room. We chatted Brexit! I wanted to know, what, if any impact it had on her life in Wales. How it was discussed between the student body as well as the fall out it created between Remainers and Leavers.Listen in to our chat about the level of uncertainty it still casts upon the University and the questions it raises for the future.Grace is ever the positive person and was a boost of energy to chat to once again. Her journey to date is reflective of so many students studying aboard and the insights she shares in the chat are great for all. I'd like to thank Grace for her time, her thoughts and I hope some day soon we can get together to wear our county jersey's while we consume some ice cold cider.

This week on the podcast I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat to Seany B of Dublin’s top barbers shop, Cut and Sew. During the week, Seany was good enough to set aside time for me from his busy schedule to let me nose into the story of his journey.What a journey it has been. From the outset, Seany speaks very openly about his younger years. How time spent in school was more about learning social skills rather than anything academic. Seany speaks about his time in London and the culture shock it was as a youngster.Listening to the podcast you will learn that cutting hair was never really on the cards. Dreams of playing for Manchester United and even talk of trials for Chelsea are muted by his own mother. When it came to it, Seany, like so many who found school not for them, secured a carpentry trade at 16 and pursued his apprenticeship. But this path wasn’t exactly straight forward. Listen in for more.I ask Seany about his transition from building sites to boutique salons. He tells me of the buzz he experienced from engaging with high end clients during his apprenticeship with Toni and Guy and how he would shampoo hairs or make coffee for the likes of Rosanna Davis, Dave Fanning or John Power. Tune in to hear all about this and of course the five brothers he used to hone his skills.In the second half of the podcast, our chat moves to Cut and Sew. Seany reflects on how it all began. Listen in to hear how with the help of his mother’s hallway mirror and a spare chair from the kitchen, he began sowing the seeds of what would grow into a successful business. Seany speaks about his learning along the road and how adapting to your surrounding is often the key to success.I ask Seany about how he has been so successful in growing the brand of Cut and Sew. Listen in to find out what could be considered to be an unexpected answer. Admitting, much of what he does is self-thought. Seany speaks about, that by surrounding himself with people with different skills sets he was able to achieve more than he could on his own.Cut and Sew has been grown into much more than a barbers shop. I speak to Seany about how Cut and Sew has been a game changer in its industry, using the power of social media platforms to drive awareness, making history with a documentary called “Not Just A Barbershop” and growing the business through a clothing line as well as using this educational platform to give back to the community.This week’s guest, Seany B, is a truly inspirational guy, first and foremost. A story of overcoming challenges to achieve a passion and a tale of sticking to your guns and not settling for less. Seany is all about doing his own thing the way he thinks it should be done. He stays true to himself and is happy to help out those who show like minded commitment.Tune in to hear a story that is filled with positive energy and unbridled commitment. Seany was a pleasure to chat to, very generous with his time and spoke very openly and frankly about his journey to date. I feel anyone who listens to his words could only walk away feeling the better of it.