In this powerful episode of The Parting Glass, we are joined by retired PSNI Detective Sergeant James Brannigan, one of Ireland’s most respected homicide investigators. James reflects on his policing career, his instinct for questioning the official story, and the experiences that shaped his approach to justice.

The conversation centres on the murder of 21 year old Katie Simpson, whose death was initially treated as suicide. James explains how he identified overlooked red flags, challenged internal resistance, and helped expose the truth that ultimately led to a murder trial.

James also discusses coercive control, how it operates long before physical violence occurs, and why it is so frequently misunderstood by investigators. He shares insight into his work with The Katie Trust https://thekatietrust.com a cross border charity he founded to support families who believe their loved one’s death was suspicious or inadequately investigated. The Trust provides independent reviews by experienced investigators and advocates for transparency, accountability, and dignity for bereaved families. This episode is a compelling and compassionate look at investigative failure, institutional blind spots, and the courage required to pursue truth when the official version does not add up.

If this episode brings up difficult feelings or if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or coercive control, help is available.

Republic of Ireland

• Women’s Aid 24 Hour National Freephone Helpline
• 1800 341 900
• Free, confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including coercive control
• https://www.womensaid.ie [womensaid.ie]

• Samaritans Ireland
• 116 123
• 24 7 emotional support for anyone struggling or in distress
• https://www.samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland/

Northern Ireland

• 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
• 0808 802 1414
• Free, confidential support for women and men affected by domestic or sexual abuse
• https://www.dsahelpline.org

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"People approach me for photos.I'll never get used to it" Ciaran Moran

From the heart of Dublin’s inner city to stages he once only dreamed of, Ciarán Moran opens up in this gripping episode about the reality behind the rise.

It’s not just about the music it’s about the journey. The graft, the setbacks, the self-doubt and the resilience it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.

A raw talent with a story to match, Ciarán shares how his environment shaped his sound, his hunger, and his honesty as a songwriter.

Talks pressure, staying grounded, and backing yourself when it matters most.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Parting Glass, we’re joined by comedian and internet sensation Simon Hennessy and things take a turn.

Simon chats about life on the comedy circuit, creating viral characters, and the brutal reality of taking a show to the Fringe Festival. Think tiny audiences, endless flyering, questionable accommodation, and the emotional rollercoaster of performing your soul to six people, two of whom are also comedians.

He opens up about the pressure of constantly being funny online, creative burnout, and the weird gap between internet success and real life gigs. We talk stand up, sketch comedy, and what it is actually like trying to turn jokes into a career without completely losing your mind.

Then the truth comes out.

Simon reveals his dark side. Beneath the lovable comedian exterior lurks a massive bully, a man who has learned to weaponise intimidation, sarcasm and pure social pressure to force innocent passers by into attending his Fringe shows. A master of psychological warfare. A menace with flyers. A comic who refuses to take no thanks for an answer.

It is a hilarious and honest chat about grafting, self promotion, imposter syndrome, and the lengths performers go to just to get bums on seats, with plenty of laughs and questionable ethics along the way.

Comedy, chaos, bullying for good, and the Fringe Festival as you have never heard it before.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paralympian Colin Judge joins The Parting Glass for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. Born with one arm and no legs, Colin defied every expectation to become a European Champion, six-time Irish National Champion, and a two-time Paralympian. He talks reclassification setbacks, rebuilding from rock bottom, the pride of wearing the green jersey, and the fire driving him toward LA 2028. It’s raw, honest, funny, and full of unstoppable Irish grit.

If you need motivation, this is the episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Parting Glass, we sit down with actor, comedian, writer and proud Dublin inner‑city native Joe McGucken. Raised in the Dunne Street flats in Summerhill, Joe has built a career out of sharp storytelling, surreal humour, and the kind of Dublin wit you can’t fake.

We chat about the runaway success of Darren & Joe’s Free Gaff, the RTÉ Player’s most‑watched original series, Joe’s heartfelt short film Hometime, and his collaborations with longtime creative partner Darren Conway. Joe opens up about fatherhood, the joys and disasters of growing up in 90s Dublin,and his love of The Parting Glass song .This conversation is as warm, funny and honest as Joe Stick around for rapid‑fire questions, some cracking Dublin stories, and plenty of laughs.

Website / Podcast Hub: theboldpodcast.podbean.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Parting Glass, I sit down with Nikki Hayes, a beloved Irish radio personality, to explore her journey through fame, personal struggles, and eventual recovery. Nikki shares candidly about her early love for radio, the challenges of living with addiction, and the impact of her personal life on her career. After facing homelessness and legal troubles, Nikki's story takes a hopeful turn as she enters treatment and begins to rebuild her life, reconnecting with her daughter and returning to the radio industry. This raw and inspiring conversation highlights resilience, the power of community support, and the ongoing journey of recovery.

If you have been affected, you can contact Tiglin in Dublin via Tiglin at the Lighthouse (Pearse Street, Dublin 2) on 085 287 6863, or access public support through HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 for free, confidential advice and referral to local addiction services.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Gibbs : Freaks, Festivals & Finding the Beat

This week I sit down with a true legend of Irish dance music , Al Gibbs. From his early days spinning kids’ discos in Ballybrack to sharing stages with Carl Cox and writing Maniac 2000, Al’s journey is packed with rhythm, resilience, and rave history.

We talk about the evolution of DJing, the golden days of Dublin’s club scene, staying grounded through the crash, and what it’s like to host Freaks on Friday the iconic FM104 show that’s been lighting up Irish weekends for nearly 20 years.

It’s a nostalgic, honest, and inspiring chat with a man who's never lost the buzz for what he does.

👉 Catch Freaks on Friday every Friday from 7–10pm on FM104

👉 Freaks with Al Gibbs airs Saturdays from 9–11pm

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