Podcast Episodes

The Godfather, the Garda commissioner & the McGahon dynasty. Another Free State Election Special

Episode 156

What does the selection of John McGahon as a general election candidate tell us about Fine Gael and their attitude to power? On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at the controversy, what it tells u…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

The Monk’s Manifesto, abolishing extradition and winning the egg and spoon race: A Free State Election Special

Episode 155

What are the election candidates’ favourite biscuit? Who is the best runner? Who can pour the best pint? Given the photo ops that have marked the election campaign so far these would seem to be the i…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Hello Again Mary Lou. Part 2.

Episode 154

What is Mary Lou McDonald’s vision for a United Ireland? On the second part of a Free State Special, Mary Lou McDonald talks about the Ireland she believes in and the 32 county country she imagines.

W…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Hello Mary Lou. A Free State Special with the leader of the opposition, Part 1 (no hamsters were harmed in the making of this podcast)

Episode 153

Mary Lou McDonald is promising change but will Sinn Fein be able to deliver? On the first Free State election special, Mary Lou McDonald joins Dion and Joe for a major podcast interview.

She talks to …

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Rick Perlstein on Donald Trump and the Dukes of MAGA. A Free State Saturday Special

Episode 152

When historian Rick Perlstein is asked what awaits America under Donald Trump’s second presidency, he quotes Clubber Lang in Rocky III - Pain.

On a Free State Special, Perlstein talks to Dion and Joe …

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Trump’ll fix it for you, and you and you…

Episode 151

How do you destroy democracy and will anyone notice if it happens in America? On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at how Donald Trump became US president again. Was it the economy, stupid, was it …

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

The Last US Election? Donald Trump & Project 2025

Episode 150

America gets ready to vote but what is really at stake? Kamala Harris doesn’t have a radical plan to tackle the inequality that plagues America. Donald Trump might have a radical plan, but it looks a…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

The Perilous Life of the Penis (and associated scandals)

Episode 149

What drives people to behave recklessly? What is it that motivates men to send dick pics without a thought to the consequences? On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the anatomy of scandals and h…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Sinn Féin set to lose seats as their part in the assassination of JFK revealed. And Mary Lou denies involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Episode 148

Are you happy with the Ireland you live in? Are you happy with the Ireland your children are going to grow up in? When the General Election is called, it won’t be a parlour game, but a chance to shap…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Free State Interviews: Dion talks to author Roddy Doyle

Episode 147

Roddy Doyle is the great chronicler of Dublin in our time. On the latest Free State special, he talks to Dion about working with Roy Keane, the housing crisis and an encounter in a toilet with Liam G…

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago