What’s the Story? Podcast

Actress Ruth Codd joins Danny & Mero to chat about wheelchair basketball, horse riding, cooking three-day Christmas dinners, and the joys of trying to navigate a world that still isn’t built with disabled people in mind.

Ruth gets properly candid about her two amputations, accessibility on film sets, travelling in a wheelchair, influencers and festival frustrations, and why she’s finally stopped being afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.

We talk a bit about The Traitors, Ruth's TV experience and there's a lot of talk about doughnuts. 

The lads chat summer gigs, the rise of Irish pop phenomenon CMAT, concert etiquette, and why some people seem determined to spend half a show queuing for pints instead of watching the band.

Then the conversation drifts towards the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — and whether either of them can muster much enthusiasm for it. From memories of USA '94 and Roberto Baggio, to modern football politics, FIFA, ticket prices, and the influence of figures like Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump, it's a wide-ranging discussion on how sport feels very different in 2026.

Along the way there ar...

The Enhanced Games, a bizarre cocktail of performance-enhancing drugs, elite sport, billionaire backed bullshit, and techno-utopian nonsense, landed in Las Vegas recently and delivered... well, not a whole lot.

To talk about the spectacle we’re joined by Bruce Wardrop, Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science at South East Technological University and specialist in performance physiology. Bruce helps us unpack what the Games actually were, the science behind doping in elite sport, and the very real health risks tied to chasing marginal gains at any cost.

We also get into the billionaire backing behind the ev...

This episode blurb was written by Chat GPT because Danny had no sleep and wasn't able to. Thanks. 

No guest this week just Danny & Graham going full old-man-yells-at-cloud mode. 😅

From Trump grifts and culture wars to Bertie doorstep disasters, World Cup ticket madness, wrestling docs, The Boys, Eurovision burnout and why Pico Lopes making the World Cup is actually class… this one is pure rambles, rants and random tangents.

This week we chat to rockstar Richie Malone. 

Like a lot of kids growing up, Richie idolised his favourite band, but unlike most Richie actually joined them!

For the last 10 years, he’s been carrying the torch for Status Quo’s legendary rock and iconic sound, stepping into the role left by his hero Rick Parfitt and bringing his own energy to stages around the world.

We talk about the surreal moment he got the call to join the band, what it’s really like on the road as a musician, how people reacted...

Hilary McGann is back! And so is the chaos of the global news cycle... well, that never really went away did it?

We catch up with Hil on all we can cram into an hour - from life as a new mum and the return of her Booked In podcast to the deepening instability in U.S. and Israeli politics, this episode covers a lot of ground.

We dig into Trump, polarisation in politics and society, media pressure, religion in the corridors of power, and why so much of the world right now feels like...

This week we welcomed People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Richard Boyd Barrett back to WTSpod. 

We spoke about returning to public life after cancer treatment, the reality of going through Ireland’s public health system, and why better access to cancer care still matters. We also get into the Cherrywood arena controversy, public spending priorities, Ireland’s neutrality, Trump, and the growing impact of toxic online culture on real-world violence.

This week we're joined by Alex Brock and Niamh Foley — two humanitarians who have worked in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, and Iran. 

Niamh joins us from Kyiv, where air-raid sirens, power cuts, and sub-zero winters are part of daily life. But, thanks to amazing human resiliance, so are packed cafés, opera nights, and almond lattes.

Alex shares his experience of having recently returned to Ireland. We talk about what living through a war actually feels like and the emotional toll it takes... not just on those there, but on the families watc...

Just us this week as we catch up on the pearl-clutching over Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl and rant about billionaires being generally awful people. 

We're back! And so is Donnycarney's greatest export - Philip O'Connor. 

Reporting from the arse-end of the Alps at the Winter Olympics, Phil gives us food for thought on the biathlon (skiing and shooting, because of course), Olympic logistics, Irish identity abroad, journalism, fatherhood, music, America's decline, and why standing up (even in Dublin Airport duty-free) still matters.

It's weird, wild, and wonderful. What else would you expect? 

We haven’t gone away, you know…

We may be part-timers these days, but we were never going to let this Christmas tradition quietly fall by the wayside.

In true WTS Christmas fashion, we’re joined by Botswanan icon and New York Times favourite Gary Mackle, alongside his sidekick — best-selling author, award-winning journalist, TV writer, comedy genius, man of the people, etc. etc. — Paul Howard.

Get comfortable, we have a two-hour magical mystery tour that winds and weaves from silly to serious, satire to scandal, with a special Christmas recipe you’ll absolutely want to try...

Disability rights activist Bernard Mulvany joins us to talk access, action, and accountability. From broken lifts to broken promises, he lays out how a system still locks people out — and how Access for All Ireland is pulling campaigners together into one loud voice. We get into the collapse of the “Green Paper,” what real consultation should mean, the brutal rise in poverty among disabled people, and why the Justice for Harvey march must be a turning point, not a one-off.

Bernard also speaks honestly about burnout in activism, the strength of lived experience (including that of his daught...

This week the lads bring it on down while chatting about what some might say were the best concerts in Croke Park history. 

Friend of the show, Elaine Burke is back!

Elaine is the host of For Tech's Sake Podcast and is a regular national media journalist and commentator on all things science and technology.

This week she helps us dive into AI hype, deepfakes, online culture and the fragile state of modern media. 

Summer holidays are over, and we're back for our latest batch of episodes! 

This week we're joined by comedian, impressionist, and broadcaster Al Foran. 

We chat with Al about what he has been up to recently, including trips to Washington D.C. and Saudi Arabia, the greatest Irish sportspeople of all time, will this year be better for Man Utd, and going behind the curtain on Netflix's new show WWE Unreal. 

*We're working on fixing Mero's audio and will have it sorted soon! 

Writer and wrestling analyst Brandon Thurston joins us to break down the ongoing legal saga surrounding Vince McMahon.

From shocking allegations and NDAs to shareholder lawsuits and potential fallout for WWE. This is arguably the biggest story to ever hit the world of wrestling, and its impact has changed the business forever. 

On this episode, Brandon brings us through:
— The Janel Grant lawsuit and McMahon's resignation
— John Laurinaitis flipping sides
— The Ring Boy case
— WWE’s reputation, locker room silence, and the “cult” of Vince
— What comes next, and why arbitration could...

This week we're joined by two-time Paralympian Colin Judge. 

Colin represents Ireland at Table Tennis and has set his sights on a third Paralympic Games in LA 2028. 

Colin talked about his approach to the sport and the issues with classification in disability sport, coming up against his hero at the Paris games and, overcoming setbacks. 

Colleen Dulle is associate editor of America Magazine and host of the Inside the Vatican Podcast. She also contributes to ABC News in the US. Her book, "Struck Down Not Destroyed — Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter," will be released later this summer. 

With the white smoke cleared, Colleen joins us live from Rome to chat about the new Pope, conclave drama, the Church’s power struggles, and why she’s still hanging on to her faith — despite seeing all the chaos of the church up close.

We also chat about her upcoming book, Vatican fin...

Philip O’Connor is back — and still allergic to bullsh*t.

From trans rights in sport to media responsibility, fascism creeping into society, and what Sweden gets right (and wrong), this is one of those episodes when we sit back and enjoy the ride Phil takes us on!

We're back from a few weeks off to discuss Danny becoming a Da, the Pope passing away, and the madness of Papal history. We also catch up on League of Ireland football and what desserts the lads are scoffing after this episode. 

Dublin, drink, and debauchery 🍻
Historian and host of the amazing Three Castles Burning, Donal Fallon is back for a great chat about the story of the Irish pub and Dublin’s early houses.

We also chat about Dev, the Monto’s wild past of guns and sex for sale, and, as always, Donal shares some great nuggets from Irish history. 

This week the lads have a quick catch up as Danny recovers from the plague and braces himself for fatherhood. 

Mero is obsessed with M&S sweet treats and is baffled by the bowl of shamrock circus act in Washington. 

Movie buff and TV guru Brian Lloyd is back to chat about the recent Oscars and if the Academy Awards actually mean anything to the average movie fan. 

We chat a little bit about nepobabies, must see TV, John Cena is a bad guy, and lots more. 

WTSpod is available in all your podcasty places and we're on Instagram @WTSpod. 

Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Aoife Moore is back— talking truths, trolls, and trends in media.

After a stint with the BBC, she’s taken the leap into freelance journalism, swapping the newsroom for her passion for investigative documentaries.

In this chat, Aoife talks about the big decision to go solo, her love for storytelling, and why she’ll never miss Twitter. Plus, the story behind her number-one bestseller, the wild world of Irish dating apps, and how journalism (and the country) is in a bit of a state. 

John Ludden's back! We last spoke to John two years ago. Now, the relentless author behind Walking Down Warwick Road, and countless other football stories, joins us to chat about his latest book exploring Man United’s iconic 60s era – from the Busby Babes to European glory.

⚽ On the episode:

John tells us why his United books are flooding the charts.

Behind the scenes: Researching football history and forgotten stories.

Thoughts on United’s future under Ruben Amorim.

Remembering the golden days of Denis Law, the tragedy and triumph behind Mu...

We're back! 

After a quiet January and short winter hibernation, WTSpod has returned. This week, our guest is journalist and broadcaster Dion Fanning. 

Dion is one half of the Free State podcast alongside Joe Brolly. He will be familiar to many from his work with Ireland Unfiltered, The Currency, Sunday Independent, and lots more. 

The annual WTS Christmas Special with Paul Howard and Gary Mackle is back – live from Paul's kitchen. 

This year the lads grill Mero over his affiliation to football hooligans. 

Gary has a new adult store partnership. 

Paul shares a special Christmas recipe. 

And Danny buys presents in a petrol station. 

Thanks for listening in 2024, a very Happy Christmas and we hope 2025 is your best one yet. x 

This week we're joined by retired Irish Army Captain, Senator Tom Clonan.

Tom is a fully Independent Senator - with no links to any political party. He is seeking re-election in the upcoming Seanad election, hoping to continue holding the government accountable. 

Tom has been a tireless campaigner for the Rights of others - as an Army Whistleblower on Gender-Based Violence and as a Parent campaigning for the rights of Disabled Children, Adults, and the Elderly.  Tom is a strong advocate for Irish Military Neutrality.

In this episode, we talk about Tom’s firs...

This Week We dive into the murky world of fame and power with podcaster and media contributor Cassie Delaney, uncovering Sean 'Diddy' Combs' controversies and crimes — from white parties to freak-offs, abuse allegations, and much more.

✨ Plus:

🌍 It’s internet chaos and we all love it.

🎧 Don’t miss this one! Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

This week, Hilary McGann returns to chat with us about the 2024 US Presidential Election results, surprises, fallout, and more! 

This week, we caught up with the amazing Elaine Burke — tech journalist, host with the brilliant For Tech Sake podcast, and regular contributor to national media.

In this episode, we get into:

🚗 Adventures in Autonomous Cars: Elaine tells us what it's like to ride in a driverless taxi and how it could change the future of travel.

🤖 Robots Among Us: From medical marvels with Robotics to stock-taking bots in supermarkets, we explore how automation is changing everyday life.

🧠 AI: Beyond the Buzz: We separate fact from fiction in the world of artificial...

This week we sat down with the multi-talented Ross Browne —comedian, actor, writer, radio host, and even wrestler. Ross tells us about starting in stand-up comedy and wrestling adventures, being part of the amazing Young Offenders, and finding his love for radio. 

In this episode, we dive into:

🤼‍♂️ Wrestling Antics: Ross shares unbelievable tales from his days in professional wrestling, including keeping kayfabe and some wild backstage stories.

🎤 Comedy Journey: We explore how Ross transitioned into stand-up comedy, his inspirations, and his most memorable performances.

🎬 Behind the Scenes of The Young Offenders: An insi...

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

♿ This week we're joined by Paralympic Champion Mark Rohan! 🏅

From embracing life in sunny Portugal to sharing insights on the challenges within para-cycling 🚴, Mark opens up about his journey, the impact of athlete classifications in disability sports, why Ireland is getting it wrong, and supporting emerging talents 🌱.

Plus, hear the remarkable story of a Palestinian cyclist who, having lost his leg after being shot by an Israeli sniper, overcame in...

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

This week we're talking Paris 2024 Olympics with journalist Philip O'Connor who joins us after two weeks in the French capital. 

🎙️✈️ We talk about the highs and lows of the games, from unforgettable victories to the controversies that captured the world's attention. 🏅🔥

What sparks the culture wars at an international event like the Olympics?

How do athletes and fans navigate the complex web of polarizing issues?

Philip shares...

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

🎙️ New Episode: US Election Drama with Hilary McGann! 🇺🇸

We chat with journalist Hilary McGann (News By Hil) about the latest US Presidential Election twists:

Get the inside scoop on one of the most unpredictable elections in history! 🗳️✨

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

This week we're joined by Dr Colm Kearns from DCU to discuss his work with Tackling Online Hate in Football (TOHIF) which explores social media abuse, particularly in football. 

Colm tells us about his research alongside colleagues in TOHIF and some of the fascinating details behind football fans darker online posts. 

To learn more about TOHIF and the research they are doing, you can visit tohif.com  

Al...

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod

A week for the lads to catch up and right wrongs but mostly wrong rights. 

👃Mero has the sniffles 

😷 Danny's done with Covid 

🎸 20 years since Oxegen 

🛫 WTF is rawdogging and why are lads bragging?

🦷 Ireland Men's National Team  has a new Dentist / Manager 

🇳🇱 Cheering on the Netherlands 🤦‍♂️(and now Spain)

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

This week our ol' pal Fergal Devitt - otherwise known as WWE Superstar Finn Bálor - is back on the podcast to catch us up on all that's been happening since we last spoke. 

Celebrating his 10th year with WWE, Finn talks to us about the highs and lows of his decade with the company - including his current run as a World Tag Team Champion alongside his former stu...

In 2015 Danny & Mero spent an afternoon chatting to the great Mícheál O'Muircheartaigh. Following the sad news of Mícheál's passing, we are republishing this episode from way back when. 

Mícheál is, was, and always be a true great of broadcasting. He'll be remembered fondly and missed deeply. 

Shine On, Mícheál O'Muircheartaigh

Subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Instagram and X (Twitter) where you'll find us - @WTSpod 

Our guest for this episode is the brilliant Jane Casey who is sharing some of the weird and wonderful tidbits that make Ireland such an interesting place. 

From secret tombs to origin stories and much more, Jane has been shedding light on some of Dublin and Ireland's lesser known history. You can follow Jane on Instagram and Tik Tok by searching for @janecasey.ie