The Ireland Podcast

Jonathan Kemp joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss his extraordinary 4,200km Finding Peace of Mind Walk 2026 - a journey across the UK and Ireland in support of mental health awareness and recovery.Starting in the Shetland Islands on January 1st and finishing in Galway later this year, Jonathan shares the deeply personal experiences that led him to undertake the walk, including his lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, dyslexia, addiction, and suicidal ideation during COVID.Jonathan speaks openly about diagnosis, medication, recovery, neurodiversity, addiction, and the importance of seeking help. He also reflects on the physical and emotional realities of walking thousands of kilometres while raising funds and awareness for mental health charities across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.This is Leg 1, Part 1 of an ongoing series following Jonathan’s journey toward Galway.Relevant Linkshttps://www.gofundme.com/f/Jonathansupporting4mentalhealthcharitieshttps://linktr.ee/jonathankemplondon

Part 2 of conversation with Steve Mack of That Petrol Emotion.In this episode, Steve goes deep on what really makes a great record - not just what you hear, but the space between the notes. From the genius of the Stayin' Alive to the importance of restraint in music, this is a masterclass in listening differently.We also explore the evolution of That Petrol Emotion - how Brendan Kelly joined the band, the albums that defined their sound, and ultimately how the band began to come apart after years of getting close without breaking through to that next level. It’s an honest look at ambition, pressure, and the reality behind life in a band.Along the way, Steve shares stories about fans, legacy, and the unexpected ways music travels through generations - including the moment he discovered his biological father was connected to Dion and the Belmonts.This is a conversation about music, identity, and the ripple effect of songs that never really go away.Relevant Linkshttps://linktr.ee/smack206https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lEmb06zxltC0M1TMDfLXd?si=179a45e302864e50

A wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation with the lead singer of one of Ireland’s most seminal bands, looking back on origins, identity, and the winding path of a life in music. He reflects on early influences, the experience of being adopted, and the sense of instinct that shaped both his voice and his direction.There are vivid stories from Belfast - including the surreal reality of playing gigs while staying in the Europa Hotel, known as the most bombed hotel in Europe - alongside moments that capture both the humour and tension of the time. Throughout, he returns to a simple but firm belief: that the song always comes first.The conversation moves through the highs and the missteps - from early promise to periods where production and expectation began to overshadow the music itself. There’s an honest look at the excesses of 80s sound, and a clear philosophy that great songs should stand on their own, without being buried under layers of production.It’s also a story of rediscovery - of finding the groove again, reconnecting with what matters, and trusting instinct over noise. Along the way, he shares insights into creativity, influence, and the fine line between sound and substance, offering a candid perspective on what it really means to make music that lasts.Relevant Linkshttps://linktr.ee/smack206https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lEmb06zxltC0M1TMDfLXd?si=179a45e302864e50

In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, writer Graham Linehan joins for a wide-ranging, long-form conversation.The discussion covers a career in comedy, including the creation of Father Ted, along with how life and work have evolved in recent years. Broader cultural and societal topics are also explored, including the role of media and institutions, and the challenges of discussing difficult issues in today’s climate.This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation.The Ireland Podcast aims to create space for open, respectful dialogue and to present a range of perspectives, allowing listeners to make up their own minds.

Part 1 of a long-form conversation with Graham Linehan on The Ireland Podcast.The conversation moves quickly into the activism and controversies that have come to define Graham Linehan’s public life in recent years, before touching at points on his career - from Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd.The discussion covers public backlash, media narratives, free speech, Gaza, comedy, the early internet, and the personal and professional consequences of speaking out.A wide-ranging and, at times, unpredictable conversation on one of the most contested areas in public life.

In this long-form conversation, producer and musician Bill Laswell reflects on the making of Album, the 1986 record by Public Image Ltd.Laswell discusses how the project came together in New York, recording early tracks with legendary drummer Tony Williams, and later bringing in musicians including Ginger Baker, Steve Vai, Bernie Worrell, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.He describes the recording process, the use of first takes, and the production philosophy behind the album’s distinctive sound. The conversation also explores how the music was constructed, the role of improvisation in the studio, and how different musicians helped shape the final record.Laswell also addresses a long-circulating story that Miles Davis once appeared at the sessions. In the interview he explains that the visitor was actually Ornette Coleman, who briefly stopped by the studio but did not record. The anecdote has circulated in different forms over the years, and John Lydon also revisits the story in his memoir Anger Is an Energy: My Life Uncensored, where he reflects on the same period from his own perspective.The result is a detailed look at one of the most unusual recording sessions of the 1980s and the creative decisions that shaped the album.

Steve Vai returns for Part Two of this special conversation marking the 40th anniversary of Public Image Ltd’s Album. Because we don’t have a licence to play the record in the episode itself, listeners are encouraged to line up their own copy of Album and press play at the countdowns as Steve and Fender listen through the tracks in real time. Vai reflects on what he played, how the sessions unfolded from inside the control room, and why Album remains one of the most enjoyable and creatively free guest projects he ever jumped into - minimal direction, total space, and a sound that still feels unique forty years on. Along the way, he recalls dinner with John Lydon, being asked about joining PiL, and the gear he used at the time: Guitar: Charvel Custom (“The Green Meanie”)Amp: Carvin X100B (“ice pick” sharp tone)Delay: Roland SDE-3000 rack delaySetup: two SDE-3000s - one for mono delay, one used as chorus via chainingOverdrive: amp set with drive + a kick-in pedal for solosSitar: Choral sitar (electric)Play-along track cues and full notes are included below.00:40 - Track 1: FFF (countdown and play)06:15 - Track 2: Rise12:20 - Track 3: Fishing17:39 - Track 4: Round28:40 - Side Two begins - Bags (countdown and play)34:11 - Track 6: Home40:03 - Track 7: EaseThanks / credit:Shout-out and thanks to Ned Evett for connecting the conversation and for the Galway link-up. Honourable mention to drummer, Colin McMahon.

This episode forms part of a short series marking the 40th anniversary of Album by Public Image Ltd. Steve Vai’s contribution spans two episodes - this is Part 1.Steve Vai - Part 1In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Steve Vai talks about the musical influences and ideas that shaped him long before his career took form.The discussion centres on Frank Zappa - how Vai first encountered his music, the discipline of transcribing it in detail, and what working with Zappa taught him about composition, attention, and intent. From there, he reflects more broadly on improvisation and artistic evolution, drawing parallels with musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Jeff Beck.Vai also discusses the pressures of virtuosity and self-criticism, and how his relationship with the guitar has changed over time, touching on his early career years and the gradual shift from pure intensity towards melody, phrasing, and expression.

The concluding part of an interview with Jane O’Leary, her first since being honoured with the prestigious National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award.For more than 50 years, Jane O’Leary has been breaking new musical ground in Ireland. We catch up with her to learn more about her life and musical style.Conversation includes: setting up the Concorde Contemporary Music Group; punk music; the evolution of contemporary music since the the late 70s; composer Ed Bennett; Rick Beato; the simplification and lack of bridges of popular music today; Nick Cave; AI; composing with a pencil vs. composing with a mouse; receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Concert Hall; Triptych for string quartet and orchestra performed by the ConTempo Quartet and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland (NSOI), conducted by Kensho Watanabe; working with Kensho; Hans Zimmer and Interstellar; Jane’s upcoming orchestral fanfare for RTÉ Concert Orchestra to celebrate the centenary of the RTÉ; Gladiator Soundtrack featuring Lisa Gerrard; Paul Muldoon; breadcrumbs and other topics.Photo by Dara Mac DónaillLinkshttps://janesoleary.com/Additional Linkshttps://musicforgalway.ie/http://www.concorde.cmc.ie/http://theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/6b2f8545/203-jane-oleary-musician-part-1https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xwtb9A1rIER90qCAS6VHs?si=7b42b99a1e1943eb