Collective Whisper podcast

In this episode Simon K speaks to singer songwriter and musical artist Eleanor McEvoy. Simon & Eleanor speak about her beginnings in music,when success came and how she has evolved in the music industry. Eleanor also sings a beautiful song on the show. Eleanor McEvoy (born 22 January 1967) is one of Ireland's most accomplished contemporary singer/songwriters. McEvoy composed the song "Only A Woman's Heart", the title track of "A Woman's Heart", the best-selling Irish album in Irish history. In a world where the word star and the gift of talent are often devalued, McEvoy is neither an overnight success nor a four week wonder. A musician and songwriter of note, the real deal, possessing all of the qualities that go to make up the complete artist. Her career began at the age of four when she took piano lessons, taking up violin at the age of eight. Upon finishing school she attended Trinity College in Dublin where she studied music by day and worked in pit orchestras and music clubs by night. McEvoy graduated from Trinity and was accepted into the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland where she worked four years before finally taking the plunge to concentrate on her passion for songwriting. After a long hard slog, the girl who spent the year of 1988 busking in Union Square, New York had come a long way, a route that took her through the disciplines of classical music, Irish traditional music and contemporary music to a point where she finally found success in 1992. It happened when one of her songs "Only a Woman's Heart" inspired the title for, and appeared on, the "A Woman's Heart" anthology album. It has since gone on to become the best selling album in Irish history, staying in the Irish Top 10 for over a year. Since then McEvoy has gone on to become an artist and performer known throughout the world. Her critically-acclaimed canon of work spans six albums, several singles and appearances on numerous compilation albums and is today recognised as Ireland’s most successful female singer songwriter having enjoyed personal chart success and numerous cover versions of her songs. (Emmylou Harris, Mary Black, Phil Coulter, amongst others). Her song “All I Have” features in the HBO cult series “Six Feet Under” Her co-writing song credits have seen her published with fellow writers and performers such as Rodney Crowell, Lloyd Cole, Johnny Rivers, Brad Parker, Henry Priestman and Dave Rotheray. Web: www.eleanormcevoy.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUP-j9-iab4DOFzFxbHrHig Twitter: http://twitter.com/eleanormcevoy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eleanormcevoy Instagram: http://instagram.com/eleanormcevoy

In this episode Simon K speaks to Ian Bailey about his life as since being accused of murder in 1996. Ian Bailey is an English journalist and poet living in West Cork who was arrested twice and convicted in absentia in relation to the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier,on the 23rd of December 1996, but maintains his innocence. Ian Kenneth Bailey was born in Manchester, England. He worked variously as a freelance journalist, sometimes published under the name Eoin Bailey, and a fish farm worker and held a market stall selling pizzas and poems. He moved to Ireland in 1991 and lived with his partner, Jules Thomas, in Goleen from 1992 until their separation in 2021. In 2019 he was tried and convicted in a french court for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier and sentenced to 25 years in a french prison. The Irish government refuse to recognise the court proceedings and thus far have not granted the extradition. This year the Gardai will open this cold case for further review with Ian bailey offering to assist them in any way possible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MurderofSophieToscandu_Plantier

On this episode of the Collective Whisper podcast Simon speaks to author and motivational speaker Zoe Holohan. On 23 July 2018, in the seaside town of Mati in Greece, Zoe Holohan and her husband of four days were enjoying the beginning of their honeymoon. Then disaster struck. Unprecedented wildfires swept through the area, killing 102 people. Zoe and Brian fled their villa, chased by the flames, running for their lives. Ultimately Zoe was one of the few survivors from the area, having been miraculously rescued from the boot of a burning car just seconds from death. She suffered severe burns all over her face and body, and her beloved husband Brian lost his life before her eyes. In her book “As the smoke clears” Zoe reveals the emotional journey of grappling with the loss of her true love and partner, as well as her own incredible fight for survival, learning how to walk, talk and use her limbs again, and a future facing PTSD and a heavily scarred body. Simon and Zoe speak about the events of that day and how Zoe faces every day as a new challenge and tries to continue her work as a means to heal herself and help others, and also in the memory of her husband Brian. They also talk about her book “As the smoke clears” As the Smoke Clears is a deeply personal journey through a life-altering year which, at its heart, teaches us to seek hope, happiness, and sometimes even humour in the most tragic of circumstances, and to find comfort in the enduring kindness of our fellow human beings. Twitter: @HolohanZoe Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zoeho48/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-holohan-42646841/?originalSubdomain=ie Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/zoe.holohan Web https://www.zoeholohan.com/ #podcast #interview #zoeholohan #asthesmokeclears #greekwildfires #loss #grief #survivor #dublin #author

On this episode of the Collective Whisper podcast Simon speaks to keyboard player Tom Brislin from the band Kansas. They speak about his amazing career playing piano and keyboards with Kansas ,Meatloaf, Yes and Debbie Harry and many others. Tom Brislin has performed on tour and on recordings for several of the biggest names in classic rock, including Yes, Meat Loaf, and Debbie Harry of Blondie. In 2019 Tom joined the legendary Kansas as the group’s keyboardist/backing vocalist. In 2020 Kansas released the album The Absence of Presence on the InsideOut/Sony Music label. Tom contributed writing credits to 7 of the 9 tracks on the album. Prior to joining Kansas, Tom recorded and performed with The Sea Within. The progressive rock group features top musicians Roine Stolt (Flower Kings), Jonas Reingold (Steve Hackett Band), Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation), Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson), and Casey McPherson (Flying Colors). The group assembled in London in 2017 to record their debut album, which was released on June 22, 2018 on Sony/InsideOut Music. Tom was the keyboardist for 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes on their 2001 Symphonic Tour. The tour was documented on the concert DVD/Blu-Ray Yes Symphonic Live. Tom's connection to Yes has led to collaborations on stage and in studio with several notable artists, including Renaissance, Camel, Anderson/Stolt, Francis Dunnery, and The Syn. Tom has toured as pianist for multi-platinum-selling legend Meat Loaf and was featured on the albums/videos Storytellers and Couldn't Have Said it Better. He was touring keyboardist for legendary Blondie singer Debbie Harry in support of her solo album Necessary Evil, and served as the group's Musical Director. He is also a frequent performer with fellow New Jersey native Glen Burtnik (The Weeklings, Styx, The Orchestra). Tom wrote, performed, and produced the critically admired album Hurry Up and Smell the Roses in 2012. Released directly to fans through a successful crowdfunding campaign, the album features Tom's varied array of musical influences under the stylistic umbrella he calls "Cinematic Pop." Prior to his solo work, Tom was the songwriter, musical director, and producer of the band Spiraling. The group released four albums, two EPs, and toured the US in support of groups such as OK Go, They Might Be Giants, and Violent Femmes. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tombrislin/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tombrislinmusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombrislin Web: https://tombrislin.com/bio Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/59EyGk1DmxwJ6AsCR1KZou Kansas Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hl0xAkS2AIRAu23TVMBG1 #podcast #interview #tombrislin #kansas #keyboardplayer #musician #usa #supernaturaltvshow #meatloaf #debbieharry #yes #spiralling

On this episode Simon speaks to Michelle Caulfield and Susan Costello from the Galway rape crisis centre. They speak about the great work that the GRCC does in helping victims of rape and sexual abuse and how they help educate young and old in matters of consent and sexual awareness amongst their peers,friends and future sexual partners. Sexual consent is discussed as is the ever growing use of pornography on mobile devices and computers amongst kids in primary,secondary and third level education. We also hear about their fundraising efforts and how you can help. HELPLINE : 1800 355 355 The Galway Rape Crisis Centre was founded in 1984 by a group of women in the Galway community who were concerned about the lack of services for survivors of sexual abuse and rape. The response to sexual violence and abuse arose largely out of the feminist movement in the eighties, where women got together in groups and many disclosed their traumatic experiences. For fifteen years Galway Rape Crisis Centre was the only organisation in Galway providing such support services. Initially all services were run on a voluntary basis, until, in the late eighties, grants were secured from the Health Board funding a certain amount of paid hours. Organisational Change Starting in the late nineties, GRCC has undergone a process of organisational change. The Centre moved from the original collective structure to operating under the direction of a Board of Management. This was to comply with not alone best practice in the sector but also to comply with the charities regulations. In 2006, Galway Rape Crisis Centre incorporated the services of MASC at our own premises, and we now see male clients and employ male staff. The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) opened its doors in Galway in 2009. The SATU provides a multidisciplinary response to sexual assault and rape, bringing together the Gardai, medical staff, and GRCC Psychological Support Team. The SATU gives essential care and forensic support to people who have been the survivors of sexual assault and rape. GRCC provide a 24 hour, 365 day a year psychological support service for survivors of recent sexual assault and rape. Web:https://galwayrcc.ie/ facebook:https://www.facebook.com/GalwayRCC.org/ twitter: @GalwayRCC instagram:https://www.instagram.com/galwayrapecrisis/?hl=en Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/galway-rape-crisis-centre/?originalSubdomain=ie Tusla: https://www.tusla.ie/services/domestic-sexual-gender-based-violence/ Donations: https://www.idonate.ie/177_galway-rape-crisis-centre.html #podcast #interview #galwayrapecrisiscentre #grcc #rape #sexualabuse #sexualassault #sexualeducation #ireland #pornographytruths #consent

On this episode Simon speaks to former Navy,US secret service and Commander of the US Marshalls Lenny DePaul. Lenny speaks about his time in the Navy,in the US secret service guarding Ronald Reagan and his time as a Unites States Marshall.He also talks about working and consulting on hit show such as "Hunting Hitler","Manhunters" and various others. A native New Yorker, Commander DePaul was born and raised in Utica, New York. Commander DePaul joined the United States Navy, where he served honorably for a total of eight years, with five on active duty. Prior to his employment with the U.S. Marshals Service, Commander DePaul served 6 years with the United States Secret Service. During the Reagan Administration, he spent three years assigned to the White House, where he was responsible for protecting the President and the First Family. Lenny DePaul was promoted to the position of Chief Inspector (Commander) of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF) in February 2007. Since its inception, the Task Force has made more than 75,000 arrests. One of the original members of the RFTF when it was established in May 2002, Commander DePaul served both as the Deputy Commander and Supervisory Inspector with the Task Force prior to his promotion to Commander. Commander DePaul was directly responsible for hundreds of arrests, including several USMS "Major Case" fugitives. He also participated in the investigation of three USMS 15 Most Wanted fugitives, all of which resulted in arrest. Lenny DePaul was the lead in a hit series on the A&E network titled "Manhunters Fugitive Task Force" appearing in over 60 episode during their 3 seasons of filming. He was cast as a Deputy Commander in charge of Operations for a CBS show titled "Hunted" in March 2017. He also was involved in a History Channel show titled "Hunting Hitler" which ran for 3 seasons. IMdB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3797022/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lennydepaul?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennydepaul/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenny-depaul-7b643625/ History channel: https://tuamc.tv/canal-historia/ Web: https://odark30.com/

On this episode Simon K speaks to Irish singer/songwriter George Murphy George Murphy is an Irish singer songwriter who hails from the Dublin suburb of Beaumount. He exploded onto the Irish music scene after his memorable appearances on the Irish television show “You’re a Star”. Just out of secondary school at the age of 17 he very quickly took over the Irish music scene, signing to Sony Ireland for his debut album ‘Dreamed A Dream’ which went straight to No.1 in the Irish charts. The album eventually went on to gain triple Platinum status. George had made a big impact with insiders on the Irish Music scene, Phil Coulter was quoted as saying that George “Is the most exciting vocal find in Ireland”, The late Ronnie Drew was quoted saying “A voice beyond his years”, Peggy Seeger was quoted saying “A very honest approach to the songs, kept them true to their Origin” and Hotpress magazine described him at the time as “A serious contender”. George enjoyed a lot of success in the early part of his career playing a lot of top festivals and venues in Ireland. In 2006 George went on to release his 2nd album “So The story goes” and the title track got to No.7 in the Irish Singles Chart. That same year he played O2 in the Park and shared the stage with Brian McFadden who was making his debut as a solo artist after leaving Westlife. He decided to embark on a small tour in America where he released his 3rd album “The Ballad of Archie Thompson”, featuring folk legends John Sheahan and Barney McKenna of the Dubliners. For personal reasons George came back to Ireland in 2013, he had grown a little tired of the road and felt that he had lost some motivation. A dark time was to follow and as he said himself “It’s a tough life being on the road as an artist, it’s full of ups and downs, the highs are very high but the lows are very low”. Fortunately, it didn’t take George too long to get back on his feet, he started taking writing his own material more seriously and began playing small pubs, clubs and small music venues trying out some of his new material. In 2015 George signed a new management deal with 10 music Management and then went on to sign a new record deal with Trad Nua. When Finbar’s lad, Martin Furey, left the High Kings, they immediately turned to George Murphy to fill the void. Now after 18 months of audience and critical acclaim, and still only 29, George has decided to return to his roots, and with his own band, The Rising Sons, and will tour extensively in 2019/2020. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/georgemurphymusic/?hl=en Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4QqYJChcAFcHbimTWMnf7g Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/georgemurphyofficial Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeMurphyMusic The Rising sons: https://www.facebook.com/therisingsonsirl

On this episode Simon K speaks to actor Patrick Kilpatrick One of the finest screen/television character actors of his generation, playing against a spectrum of Hollywood's leading action heroes, Patrick Kilpatrick's entertainment career has spanned more than 170 films and television shows as lead actor, producer, screen writer, director, and global entertainment teacher- from "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise to "Dark Angel" with Jessica Alba, from the largest production in Public Broadcasting history to the Los Angeles Theater Center with John Goodman and Academy Award winning British director Tony Richardson in Shakespeare's "Anthony and Cleopatra". He has appeared in over 75 hit TV shows such as "24", "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and all "CSI". His action film villain appearances embrace a multitude of genres and an international Who's Who of directors, writers, production talent and leading men and women of the last quarter century. The Replacement Killers (1998 - director Antoine Fuqua) against Yun-Fat Chow, Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Caan in Eraser (1996 - Chuck Russell), Last Man Standing (1996 - Walter Hill), opposite Bruce Willis, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995- Geoff Murphy), opposite Steven Segal, The Presidio (1988) - Peter Hyams), opposite Sean Connery and Mark Harmon, two award-winning and highly rated original cable westerns opposite Tom Selleck, Last Stand at Saber River (1997- Elmore Leonard) and Crossfire Trail (2001), one western opposite Sam Elliot and Kate Capshaw HBO's Premiere Films adaptation of Louis L'Amour's The Quick and the Dead (1987), and the ever-popular action mainstay Death Warrant (1990) opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme, as "The Sandman". He has even done battle with the largest mammal on earth in Free Willy 3: The Rescue (1997). His further and recent work includes the film Parasomnia from director Bill Malone ("Fear.com", "House on Haunted Hill)", "Nip/Tuck", "Chuck", "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles", "Burn Notice", all NCIS franchises and the film "American Violence" with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World Stipe Miocic. Kilpatrick is president and CEO of Uncommon Dialogue Films, Inc. (UDF) (founded 2005) - a full service event/script, casting, film and media service company - idea inception to global return on investment realization. His producing/fund raising/film financing and production background has taken him from Fiji to the London Stock Exchange for the presentation of investment film slates. Until a military coup toppled the Fijian government he was briefly named founder of the University of Pacific Film and Theater program. He has taught acting, auditioning, directing, producing and film distribution, Men in the Movies, Star Trek and Stage Combat at the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater) and Hampton Sydney College in Virginia and at the Texas Theater Center in Dallas/Fort Worth. Kilpatrick has prepared full film school curriculum for the governments of Brazil and Nigeria while privately and group entertainment coaching in Los Angeles and via Skype. The Uncommon Dialogue Film Mentorship Program - under his directorship and chief instruction, utilizing his "Deliver the Goods" Curriculum - has coached countless students from beginners to active professionals in all phases of entertainment warrior status while guiding each to agency representation and self-production. He was invited by New York Film Academy Veterans Advancement Program to present a Master Class on Oct. 13, 2017. He has in the past partnered with Los Angeles Film Academy for his charitable event The Hollywood Celebrity Sporting Clays Invitational that raises money for wounded warriors and City of Hope Hospital. He is appearing in theaters, stores and Netflix in "American Violence" and "Assassin X", "Cops and Robbers" with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quentin Rampage Jackson, "Black Water" with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. Upcoming "Catalyst" and "Night Walk" filmed in Casablanca, Morocco- also as invited teacher in Marrakesh. Kilpatrick is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, winner of the People's Choice Award at the 2015 Action on Film Festival in Los Angeles (Best Picture "Assassin X") and the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Professional Achievement Award from his Alma Mater - The Gilbert School in Winsted, Connecticut. He was that school's graduate guest speaker spring 2017. As a voiceover performer he has appeared as the voice of Sailplane Grand Prix, the narrator of the Olympic IMAX movie, and as political VO for candidates Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) and Mayor of Miami/Governor candidate Florida's Phillip Levine (D). Website:https://www.patrickkilpatrick.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickkilpatrick/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImPatKilpatrick Twitter: @ImPatKilpatrick Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-kilpatrick-463954a/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453304/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm                   Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks about kids and our relationships with them, understanding them, loving them, raising them and how different our childhoods were to children's childhoods today. He talks about the tolerance we need to have for an ever-changing world and how our kids need our support in discovering who they are and want to be. Some people want kids, some people don't and some people have different approaches to raising their children in an ever challenging world of technology, social media, peer pressure and cyber bullying to name but a few. His special guests this week are his own children Kassandra 11, and David 8, who give us their opinions about childhood and answer some interesting questions. Join Simon,Kassandra and David for a really interesting podcast about kids and all their funny and amazing facts. https://www.factinate.com/things/28-facts-child-development/ https://www.ispcc.ie https://www.tusla.ie https://www.unicef.org https://www.humanium.org/en/childrens-rights/                   Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks to Andrew McGinley. Warning: This episode contains stories of children's deaths and may affect some listeners. (Helpline numbers below) Simon discusses the heartache of Andrew losing his 3 children and how he wants to continue their legacy and make sure they are not forgotten and he hopes  other people in similar situations can learn from this and get help. 24 Jan 2022 marked two years since his three beloved children, Conor, 9; Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3, were killed by their mother Deirdre Morley at their family home in Newcastle, Co Dublin. Mr McGinley feels he is no closer to understanding why his children died. Ms Morley was found not guilty of their murder by reason of insanity and was committed to the Central Mental Hospital.  Ms Morley, a highly trained paediatric and renal nurse, is currently in the care of the Central Mental Hospital. Both Mr McGinley and Ms Morley are now suing the HSE, the Governors of St Patrick’s Hospital, and a named person. The legal action is a bid to highlight the need for improvements in Ireland’s mental healthcare system, Mr McGinley said. Mr McGinley has been campaigning for changes in mental health care and for new amendments to mental health legislation so that supportive families of people who are mentally ill are involved in their care. He has been campaigning on the issue with Cork woman Una Butler whose two children, Zoe, 6, and Ella, 2, were killed by their father, her late husband, John Butler, before he killed himself in 2010 in Ballycotton. He said that three legacy projects he established in his children's names are what now drives him. Web: https://asdarraghdid.ie/ https://www.conorsclips.ie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVEYEDjsJFVKbm_VlyUooQ Twitter: @conorsclips https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/death/bereavement_counselling_and_support/bereavement_counselling_andsupport_services.html Family support:https://www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/family-support/ AdVIC Advocates for Victims of Homicide: http://www.advic.ie/ Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org             Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks about Ireland's rural drug scene and how it is changing Irish lives. Cocaine is the second most commonly used drug among students in Ireland, according to a new survey. In first place for recreational drug use with this cohort is cannabis, while cocaine is now thought to be more widely used today than ecstasy. According to Ireland’s drug crisis campaign, there has been a consistent increase in drug use in the Irish population since regular population surveying began in 2002, with males and young people being the most common users. He also speaks to Irish examiner journalist Ann Murphy about rural drug use in Ireland. Ann Murphy Ann Murphy is  an award-winning journalist and  a general news reporter with the Irish Examiner. Ann was previously crime reporter at The Echo (Cork), where she spent 19 years. In 2020 She was bestowed with a prestigious Justice Media Award from the Law Society of Ireland. Ms Murphy was the recipient of the award in the Print/online journalism (local) category, receiving recognition for her ‘Sex for rent’ investigation. Murphy graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Ireland. She has  written a book on drug smuggling in Ireland, published in 2008 called  Nothing to Declare : The Drug Smugglers' Deadly Trade Book: https://www.amazon.es/Nothing-Declare-Smugglers-5-Sep-2008-Paperback/dp/B013RPKFWC twitter: @CraftyReporter instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftyreporter/?hl=en   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-murphy-62ba784b/ Helpline Ireland:https://www.drugs.ie/phone Helpline international: https://atforum.com/related-websites/international-organizations/       Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks to Bill Edgar from Australia,who is the Coffin confessor. Bill tells Simon all about his life as a a street kid, being homeless, suffering abuse at the hands of family and teachers and how a spell in prison changed him. He talks about how he became a private investigator and eventually starting crashing funerals as the coffin confessor telling deceased people's secrets and confessions to shocked  families and so called loved ones.And how he wrote a book about it and now Hollywood is at the door and a movie deal is signed with Ryan Reynolds maybe playing his character. He also talks about how he helps people in debt who are being screwed over by big debt collection agencies and reputable companies. Listen for an interesting tale from an interesting man. Bill Edgar is the Coffin Confessor. He is paid to gatecrash funerals and speak for the dead He is a one-of-a-kind professional, a man on a mission to make good on these last requests on behalf of his soon-to-be-deceased clients. And this is the extraordinary story of how he became that man. Bill has been many things in this life: son of one of Australia’s most notorious gangsters, homeless street-kid, maximum-security prisoner, hard man, family man, car thief, professional punching bag, philosopher, inventor, private investigator, victim of horrific childhood sexual abuse and an activist fighting to bring down the institutions that let it happen. A survivor.   As a little boy, he learned the hard way that society is full of people who fall through the cracks – who die without their stories being told. Now his life’s work is to make sure his clients’ voices are heard, and their last wishes delivered: the small-town grandfather who needs his tastefully decorated sex dungeon destroyed before the kids find it. The woman who endured an abusive marriage for decades before finding freedom. The outlaw biker who is afraid of nothing . . . except telling the world he is in love with another man. The dad who desperately needs to track down his estranged daughter so he can find a way to say he's sorry, with one final gift. A private investigator turned professional ‘funeral-crasher’ is set to become the next big thing in Hollywood after landing a book deal, a reality television show and a movie contract with Paramount Pictures.                   Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks to Irish astrophysicist and potential future astronaut Cillian Murphy. They speak about his career as an astrophysicist and his ambition to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency. Cillian tells Simon about his travels and growing up in different countries. Cillian also talks about his love of sports and martial arts, training in the ESA and running analog and simulated missions to further space exploration. They also talk about what science means to people now, and how scientific theories can be challenged and how little we still know.   Cillian Murphy Dubliner Cillian Murphy is an Irish astrophysicist working towards becoming an astronaut with the European Space Agency. He graduated with an MSc in space science & technology in December 2016.He also holds a BSc in Physics with astronomy and space science. Cillian grew up bilingual in Mexico speaking English and Spanish. Today he also speaks Irish and German. He has been a committee member for several sports and social initiative organisations at university and in the workplace with focuses ranging from martial arts to basketball to green environmental policy promotion.  His career ambitions include; becoming an ESA astronaut, working at ESOC in mission control for future space missions, or working in astronomical research. Today, the 28-year-old lives and works in Budapest as a process engineer in a biofuels company. He has one main ambition in life: to become an astronaut and be one of the first Irish people to make it into space Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cillian-murphy-he-him-248466106 email: cillian.peter.murphy@gmail.com Austrian space forum: https://oewf.org/ Lunares space research: https://lunares.space/                 Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks about  St Patrick’s day and all its myths and legends. He looks at interesting facts about the man and the legend and gets to know the myth a little closer. He also talks to special guest Aindrias e Staic about his life, what he’s up to at the moment and looks back at some Irish tales including St Patrick himself. Together Simon & Aindrias discuss how Ireland sees St Patrick’s day and how it is perceived in other places including of course the USA. Have a listen to a fascinating insight into St Patrick and his life.   Aindrias de Staic Aindrias de Staic is an Irish fiddle player and one of a new generation of Irish storytellers. He performs in both the Irish language and in English. Well known for his vibrant style of fiddle performance and charismatic stage presence, Aindrias de Staic has enjoyed roles on London's West End (Woody Sez) and with Dublin's Abbey theatre (Jimmy's hall) but Aindrias is also a well known Irish language TV presenter (Tg4) & award winning story-teller. His work is heavily informed by his upbringing in the rural west of Ireland, particularly Mayo and Clare.Since completing a Masters (Hon's) at University Limerick, Aindrias has become one of a new generation of Irish story- tellers. He's chiefly interested in the combination of music & storytelling in Theatre, Film, TV, Digital media and   live Storytelling performance. His work as traditional artist, actor and Tv presenter in recent years has given a confident approach to reinvigorate aspects of Irish story-telling with music, character development and theatrical devices. Aindrias de Staic is well known for his work in the Traditional Arts locally and internationally. He has directed and produced a wide range of collaborative arts projects and events including Greek-Irish Music Project in Melbourne and various theatre and story-telling productions worldwide. In recent years he has returned to his craft as a fiddle player, and is known internationally for his lively, wild approach to bowing, double stops and heavy chords. His fiddle style is influenced by recordings his great grandmother Susan Sullivan from West Clare and also by his upbringing near the Mayo Gaelteacht.   Web: https://www.aindrias.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/aindestaic?lang=en Facebook: Aindrias de Staic - Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com › ... › Public figure › Musician IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3557478/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownsheanachai/ Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks about radio and what it means to us now and over the years. He talks about the history of radio,fun facts about radio,how it was used during  the war and how radio has changed over the years. He also talks about the top radio hits and some songs written about the radio. Also he talks to two special guests,Tracey Lee & Nails Mahoney.Two radio experts who tell us all about radio and their careers and how they are helping people today with their "On air coaching company and their Radio star competition to find new radio talent. Maybe you are the one? Join Simon for a thrill ride of interesting and informative talk as he gets to know....radio. TRACEY LEE Tracey is a Radio Presenter in UK, Ireland and Malta, beginning her career in 1987. She has hosted ratings winning National Radio Shows on Today FM in Ireland as well as XFM in Malta. Tracey is a Multi-Award Winning Audio Producer /  Radio & Advertising Production Manager for her work at South East Radio.  Winner National Radio Awards for Production, Voiceovers & Scriptwriting. Produced work for TV in Ireland, UK & Malta. Tracey now coaches Presenters Worldwide, lectures (CDETB), is a Voiceover Artist and speaker at events including the European Radio Show, Paris and International Radio Festival, Malta. Tracey created Radio Star; the only International radio talent search in 2016; now in its 3rd year. She also presented her weekly radio show; ‘Jazzin’ It Up’  on United DJs. (number 2 in MIXCLOUD Jazz charts).   NAILS MAHONEY Nails has worked in Radio & TV in Ireland, the UK and Canada hosting all day parts in major markets such as Dublin, Toronto and Vancouver.  (98FM, Atlantic252, 4FM, Today FM, RTE 2FM, Q102, Q107 Toronto, Z95 Vancouver, Jack FM Oxford). Nails had the most listened to radio show in Ireland and held the No. 1 spot for 8 years. His audio has also aired regularly on the BBC. Since 2007, OnAirCoach has coached over 3,000 presenters in Ireland, the UK, Europe, UAE, Canada, South Africa and Asia. Nails is an industry conference speaker for TedX, Next.Radio UK, European Radio Show Paris and International Radio Festival Malta, Voiceover Artist. He is the co-creator of Radio Star; The only International Radio Talent Search. He recently presented the ‘Afternoon Gold’ radio show every Sunday on RTE Gold and on United DJs with his ‘Bee Bop Gold’ show . On air coaching web: https://onaircoach.net Radio star: https://onaircoach.net/radiostar/ presenter magazine: https://onaircoach.net/presenter-magazine/ Podcast: https://onaircoach.net/presenter-training-podcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onaircoach/ Twitter: @onaircoach facebook:             Support us!

On  this weeks podcast  Simon talks to singer/songwriter John Turps Burke from Tuam. Simon & Turps discuss his career so far, gowing up in Tuam, and he tells us some interesting stories about his life in music, the good and the bad. John "Turps" Burke is an Irish guitarist, singer and songwriter. from Tuam. He was one of the founding members of The Sawdoctors, alongside Leo Moran and Davy Carton. He left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career. They had the best ever selling single in Ireland with the now classic "I USETA LOVER". Many other hits followed and Turps played a major role in these and the first two Sawdoctors albums "IF THIS IS ROCK AND ROLL IWANT MY OLD JOB BACK" and "ALL THE WAY FROM TUAM", singing lead vocals on his own songs, co-writing several others and contributing his crystal clear high harmonies and melodic mandolin/guitar/keyboard themes to the sound.   His own solo music  "ILLUMINATE" was completed in late 2000 and reflects the many sides of Turps' musical personality, and he has a new double album coming later this year. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jturps Soundcloud:   The Sawdoctors        Support us!

On this weeks episode Simon K speaks about expats. What makes one person an expat, and another a foreign worker or migrant?  Simon discusses this and talks about his own experience being an expat or immigrants in another country. Language barriers, cultural differences, comparisons to home and the "grass is always greener on the other side" are all discussed in this interesting episode. Also on the show he talks to guest Conor Ralph from Tuam,Co.Galway who has been living in Thailand,Korea and The United Arab Emirates over the last few years. He tells Simon about his experiences living and working in these countries, learning about their culture and the challenges faced for immigrants living in another country. Don't miss this riveting chat and be prepared to open your world about expats.           Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks to Sinead Dalton Sinead Dalton is a TV and media producer. Sinead was the assistant producer of The Elaine Show  on Virgin Media One. her work covered organising, producing, and editing vts. Research and booking guests and new panelists, as well as coming up with creative new ideas for the show. Over the last few years she produced and edited such pieces as ‘Elementary Elaine,’ ‘Talking Heads’ ‘Train with Elaine’ and an annual Halloween project- which had been filmed locally and in Salem, Massachusetts.  She previously worked with other media companies such as spirit fm and as a news anchor for 98FM and Spin103.8.  She has a 2.1 Masters in Journalism and media communication, which she received from Griffith College in 2014 and an honours degree in Theology and English Literature.She spent time abroad in Australia building her career working with St. Kilda News in Melbourne. Currently she is working as an assistant producer with Motive Television and is working on the programme DIY SOS: The big build which is shown on RTE. Link below for all info.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-dalton-2a679584/  Twitter:https://twitter.com/sineadx1988                 Support us!

On this weeks episode Simon K speaks about dogs. Dogs are and have been a big part of Simon's life over the years and here he talks about their fun facts, their amazing abilities, why we love them so much and how they changed his life and healed him in troubled times.Simon talks about his dog Ben and how they had a special bond and how he grieved for him when he died,and still does. He also talks about dogs in movies, tweets and some of their funny sides. Also on the show he talks to guest Julie Rose about her life with her dog Fleet who recently passed and what he meant to her and how his death has impacted her. We dedicated this show to Julie's dog Fleet,Simon's dog Ben and the millions of dogs we have loved and continue to love. Prepare to laugh, be sad,surprised and smile at the lives of dogs. "The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” – Charles De Gaulle     Support us!

On this episode Simon K speaks to former RAF Typhoon pilot Mike Sutton OBE. Deputy Director of Flight Ops at Draken Europe, Mike “Sooty” Sutton, is A former Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Sooty led the first squadron of #Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s into combat in the war against ISIS in 2015. An RAF fighter pilot for 18 years, he flew the Jaguar strike jet before becoming an instructor on the first RAF Typhoon multi-role attack squadron.The Wiltshire born pilot led 1 Squadron, a legendary squadron which fought with distinction during the First World War, Battle of Britain and the Falklands War. Taking command of the squadron represented the pinnacle of Mr Sutton's career as a fighter pilot. He flew Typhoon fighter jets at nearly twice the speed of sound in some of the most dangerous and fiercely contested airspace in the world. He also conducted a live scramble in response to a potential terrorist hijacking and served in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. During his time as a tactics instructor he conducted a live scramble in response to a potential terrorist hijacking and served on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. He left the RAF as a Wing Commander aged 39, and now flies commercially providing operational readiness training for the UK armed forces.  Taking command of the RAF's premier Typhoon squadron represented the pinnacle of Mike Sutton's career as fighter pilot. Until the day he was told he would be leading 1 (Fighter) Squadron into battle against a bloody and brutal enemy hellbent on establishing a permanent stronghold across Syria and Iraq and spreading terror across the free world. Their mission was to help stop them in their tracks. He was awarded the OBE in 2017. And currently has a book out called Typhoon. 'Typhoon' is the first ever inside account of Operation SHADER, the British participation in the war against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Read more here in our blog: Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sutton-obe-27b002150/ Buy the book:https://www.waterstones.com/book/typhoon/mike-sutton/9780241535998 Amazon.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Typhoon-Mike-Sutton/dp/0241535999/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=               Support us!