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The Ireland Podcast
96. Dr. Niall Muldoon: Ombudsman For Children In Ireland
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Episode 96 has the Ombudsman for Children in Ireland Dr Niall Muldoon conversing with Fender Jackson. Niall has held this position since February 2015, and his work focuses on promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children in Ireland. This interview is the latest link in ‘Muldoon’s Chain’. This interview is the latest link in ‘Muldoon’s Chain’, a series initiated through a conversation with Paul Muldoon on The Ireland Podcast.
Conversation includes: interactions; Niall’s journey to his current role; interview tips; Chris Hadfield; the fixed maximum time of two terms (12 years); the genesis of the ombudsman for children’s office; what Niall’s day-to-day job is; the role of the office of the Children’s Ombudsman; the three sections of taking complaints, raising awareness of children’s rights and of the office and advising government on policy and legislation; the growing team; Chris Quinn; cross border work between both commissioners and their teams; advice to a members of family in a difficult situation; alcoholism and stopping drinking; reasons why people stay in domestic violent situations; Derek Ryan; benefits and challenges of the job; scoliosis; Minister Donnelly; housing; repetition of the same mistakes; sports coaching; compartmentalising; reaching one’s potential; Mike Tyson; kids’ concerns; the privilege of a politician who has the power to affect change for the people of Ireland; advice to Irish American billionaires; Grandpa Hanky’s Pancakes and other topics.
Face to face recording in The Ireland Podcast studio in Salthill, Galway at approximately 7pm on Thursday 25th July 2024.
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214. Fender Jackson: Arranging “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion
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212. Jonathan Kemp: Walking 4,200km for Mental Health - Leg 1
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211. Steve Mack 2: That Petrol Emotion - The Band That Influenced 1,000 Others
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210. Steve Mack 1: That Petrol Emotion to R.E.M. and Nirvana
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209. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist - Part 2
01:05:08|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.
208. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist - Part 1
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207. Bill Laswell - Producer
53:39|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.
206. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part Two
01:02:05|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.