Local Voices: Podcasts from Meath
Like everything else in the modern world, our media landscape is changing. One medium that has gained huge popularity in the last ten years is podcasts.
Podcasts are similar to radio shows that people can listen to on demand, on a range of different topics, and these days, you can find one on anything.
They are relatively simple to create; in their most minimal form, someone could record and edit a full podcast on their phone.
This allows creators to tailor content easily, enabling them to cover a wide range of content. With video conferencing platforms like Zoom, creators can conduct interviews relatively easily.
Traditionally, podcasts were recorded as audio-only productions, but in recent years, video podcasts have seen a huge rise in popularity, especially for sports.
In Ireland, the industry has been booming, both at the local and national levels, with many Irish podcasters gaining notoriety worldwide.
Some notable Irish podcasts that have done incredibly well over the last few years include:
The Blindboy Podcast
Although not the most popular podcast in Ireland, Blindboy has managed to secure 80 million listeners around the world, and he manages to retain a huge amount of weekly listeners.
He admitted that over the years, his podcast had become increasingly popular outside of Ireland, but he still speaks regularly about uniquely Irish subjects and enjoys discussing Irish history.
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Hosted by Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams, this weekly podcast currently sits at number three on Apple’s Top Charts in Ireland. The hosts discuss life, mental health, and relationships, all with a uniquely comedic tone.
Their name even comes from a true story, where Joanne’s therapist suddenly halted all contact with her.
Crime World Podcast
Through its dynamic host, Nicola Tallent, this podcast details the dark side of Irish society. Featuring in-depth discussions on true crime, this podcast looks at criminals, drugs and general crime in Ireland.
An extremely popular podcast, it currently sits at the top of Apple’s Top Podcast Charts in Ireland.
The 2 Johnnies Podcast
Hosted by popular comedy duo Johnny B and Johnny Smacks, this podcast focuses on comedic storytelling, with interviews from key Irish personalities.
The two lads often discuss aspects of Irish culture, including the GAA, dating, and they often look at relatable listener stories.
I’m Grand Mam
Hosted by Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby, where they speak about all things Irish life, with a focus on their own stories.
Including their experiences of growing up gay in Ireland, as well as their mothers' influences, is presented with an authentic and comedic tone.
At the local level, there are multiple podcasts in each county, with many ranging in popularity. This is also rapidly changing, and with the popularity of podcasts only rising, this list will grow further, and in Meath, this is no different.
Notable Meath Podcasts
Local Lens
This is a podcast series from Meath County Council, where they aim to raise awareness of services provided by the County Council.
There are multiple episodes and seasons which can be accessed through Meath County Council’s website.
Episodes range from sit-down interviews on economic development to interviews with the Chief Executive of the council.
This is an excellent series for people who are interested in getting in-depth knowledge of what is happening across the Royal County.
We Are Meath
A sports podcast focusing on Meath GAA, hosted by Davy Rispin and Micky Brennan. The podcast aims to promote all things GAA in the Royal County through audio streaming of games and specific weekly podcasts.
Episodes centre around interviews with key figures in Meath GAA, through match previews, analysis and look-aheads.
Talk A Good Game
Hosted by Fergal Lynch and Tom Gannon, this is Meath Chronicle’s sports podcast. Similar to We Are Meath, the lads divulge all things sports across the Royal County.
Both Fergal and Tom have a plethora of knowledge on all things sports in Meath, both being seasoned sports reporters with the Meath Chronicle.
Some would say these are early days for podcasting in Meath; more people are seeing the benefits of listening to podcasts. They offer freedom for creatives to make shows tailored to any subject, and at the local level, can include insights from a range of different experts.
The future is bright for podcasting across Ireland, and who knows what subject matters we may see explored over the next few years.
If you have a favourite local podcast you think we should check out, drop an email to Regan at: digitaljournalist@celticmediagroup.ie