Best Phillips P. OBrien Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus: Portrait of Terence as a Family Man 25:16

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1d ago25:16

25:16

What is the cheapest and best way to end a live show? Playing Maniac 2000 of course and blowing the roof off the Bord Gáis, but that wasn't the only highlight of the show, and Terence brings in unwanted gifts to celebrate a great night. There's a revelation about the saying "as blind as a bat", confusion over the difference between a common househo…

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#233 - Abi Fellows 21:52

3d ago21:52

21:52

Literary agent Abi Fellows joins us this week to chat about her career in publishing, how she approaches queries and submission and a success story for one of her debut authors despite the current challenges in the industry. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: S…

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Episode 225 w/ Micky Bartlett and Willie Thompson 1:26:21

7d ago1:26:21

1:26:21

This week was a chaotic one and we blame Shane Todd for telling us to have Micky Bartlett and Willie Thompson on together. The boys sat down and took off running with debates about gills vs. wings, an explanation of the 12th of July for dummies and Adam Sandler impressions. Willie and Micky are part of a thriving comedy scene in the North and told …

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Bonus: Everyday Terror 24:49

9d ago24:49

24:49

The small parts of everyday life are occupying our minds, from how to do a wash, to how to make the perfect slice of toast and even the ever present fear that lives unseen inside us. Calvin argues for the advantages to defending your home from intruders while in the nip, to how the instinct for a shortcut is in the DNA. He's also (possibly) caught …

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#232 - Hazel McBride 25:50

10d ago25:50

25:50

Romantic fantasy author and TikTok creator Hazel McBride drops by to chat about her traditional debut, finding her agent through fan fiction and testing the waters of indie publishing. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon Listen to The Chosen…

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Episode 224 w/ Una Ennis 43:41

14d ago43:41

43:41

When Una Ennis' 7 year old son Archie was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes his muscles to weaken, her plea for help was shared all across social media. She told us how she first began to notice that Archie was struggling with basic things like jumping and climbing the stairs and how their family has coped since re…

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Bonus: Rats from the Flats 31:10

16d ago31:10

31:10

We begin with controversy and farce over late trains, leading to accusations of international sabotage. Terry argues Calvin can’t take a slagging and it almost goes completely out of hand as we have accusations of being a rat firing around the studio. We hear all about the Talking Bollox day out at an awards ceremony, from Terry arriving late due t…

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#231 - Faye Brann 33:33

17d ago33:33

33:33

Comedy and crime writer, Faye Brann is with us this week chatting about her second novel, the choice to become a hybrid author and the differences between independent publishing and traditional publishing. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon…

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Episode 223 w/ Doireann Garrihy 1:28:54

21d ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Doireann Garrihy was our guest this week and took us back to the start from her dad's flirting tactics that helped win over her mam, to her famous godfather. She also told us about her time studying drama, blowing up on Snapchat and more recently, her decision to walk away from a successful breakfast radio show on RTÉ. In between bleeps, Doireann t…

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Bonus TBX: The Quizmaster Strikes Back 47:34

22d ago47:34

47:34

We’re bringing you a very special extra episode this week, and giving you a peek behind the curtain at what goes on over on TBX. For the very first time, and just this once, we are bringing a TBX episode to everyone for free. Last month we ran a couple of quizzes on TBX, this episode was the second and the most chaotic. Things got out of hand and t…

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Dr. Tony Capra and Dr. Marina Sirota on the Mystery of Spontaneous Preterm Birth 40:09

22d ago40:09

40:09

Dr. Tony Capra and Dr. Marina Sirota, scientists from the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center (PRC) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), discuss their foundational finding that spontaneous, or unplanned, preterm birth is fundamentally different from indicated preterm birth.By March of Dimes

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Bonus: Eat, Pray, Fear 25:22

23d ago25:22

25:22

Would it be better to be feared or loved? Does it matter if you’re a podcast host at a live show, a football manager or a maniacal dictator? In a bout of curious historical trivia we get a brief chat about OJ Simpson and some fascinating and farcical insights into a little known element of 9/11. There’s questions about starting a business, pissing …

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#230 - Fiona Cummins 37:20

24d ago37:20

37:20

Bestselling crime thriller author, Fiona Cummins is with us this week chatting about wishing she could plot her novels, learning and then teaching with the Faber Academy and how big splashy deals don't always lead to a sustainable writing career. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 …

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Episode 222 w/ Killian Phillips 1:19:37

28d ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Just weeks after his debut for the Irish senior squad, Killian Phillips joined us in studio. He told us what it means for him to play for his country and how he always told his late granddad that he would represent Ireland one day. Killian's road to professional football wasn't always straightforward and he took us through his career from Sunday le…

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Bonus: Better Call Saul 25:15

30d ago25:15

25:15

We get unverified news that dogs are evolving in an environmentally conscious way, and seagulls are eating fancy ice creams. We hear about some very strange, and shameful, food eating habits this week. Calvin wants to know what the hierarchy is on the bus, between man, woman, child and pet. He also makes a few dog jokes, and dad jokes, that cross t…

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#229 - Faith Hogan 26:34

1M ago26:34

26:34

Contemporary fiction author, Faith Hogan joins us this week to chat about her career as novelist, her process and writing crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon Listen to The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes, Jamie…

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Episode 221 w/ Sabina Brennan Part 2 1:13:54

1M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

In this week's episode , Sabina Brennan returns to discuss the fascinating connection between neuroscience and manifesting as well as her new book, "The Neuroscience of Manifesting: The Magical Science of Getting the Life You Want" which explores how our thoughts can shape our reality. They all join forces to take on the myths surrounding the law o…

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Bonus: Trading Faces 26:31

1M ago26:31

26:31

Sometimes it can be hard to describe what an episode of Talking More Bollox is like. This one of those weeks. We go from Leitrim’s first traffic late (surprisingly late), to Calvin’s fear of the ruthless elderly women down the local, and on to confusion and hostility over the definition of a second cousin. We take up the challenge of creating carna…

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#228 - Juliet Pickering 41:57

1M ago41:57

41:57

Literary agent, Juliet Pickering returns to the podcast to chat about the things that have changed in publishing over the past few years as well as the latest stories and authors that she's looking out for! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazo…

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Episode 220 w/ Helen Hall 1:00:41

1M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

We've spoken so much on this podcast about our experiences with the Guards, but it's hard to know who to go to if you want to have your voice heard by someone who can make actual change. The Policing and Community Safety Authority sit down with the Commissioner and with senior gardaí on a regular basis to discuss how policing resources are being us…

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Bonus: Call That A Sausage? 30:15

1M ago30:15

30:15

We have a special bonus bonus for you all this week thanks to our pals at Tesco ,Can't Argue With That and things get hilariously heated as the boys get into their own arguments trying to settle yours. Is bean juice ketchup? What is the definition of a hot-dog? The 'big shop' vs 'the 'quick shop' debate and is a door 'on' when it's open or closed? …

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Bonus: Ghosts, Dinosaurs & Talbot Street 25:47

1M ago25:47

25:47

It’s a mad bundle of questions this week, and we can't take the blame for that. Calvin rages against Terry and toxic masculinity, and there’s the claim a famous stretch of Dublin doesn’t actually exist. We’re worrying about ghosts in the garden and giddy at the potential for a Talking Bollox haunting. We accept that Roy Keane wouldn’t tolerate Tere…

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#227 - Olivia Maidment 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Literary agent and Head of Books, Olivia Maidment joins us this week to chat about her career in publishing, her list of authors and the dos and don't of query letters! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of everyone else. 🙏 For audio listeners: Spotify Apple Amazon Listen to The Chosen Ones and Other …

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Episode 219 w/ Gerry Hussey Part 2 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

This week’s episode sees the return of one of Terry and Calvin’s favourite guests, the inspirational Gerry Hussey. Gerry is back to share his inspiring perspective on overcoming personal obstacles and pushing past self-doubt. From motivating himself out of depression to transforming challenges into triumphs, Gerry emphasizes the importance of choic…

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Dr. Diana Bianchi on Detecting Maternal Cancer with Cell-Free DNA 1:10:16

2M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Dr. Diana Bianchi, a former March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award winner, discusses the ability of prenatal testing to detect maternal cancer, her discovery of microchimerism, a potential prenatal therapeutic for Down syndrome, and whether the subjects in Vermeer's paintings were pregnant. This episode was recorded March 4, 2…

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Bonus: An Apology to Terence 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

One listener comes to us with a demand for an apology to Terence, and Eoin and Calvin are getting caught in the crossfire. There’s a chance at living a Groundhog Day, and Terry finds the perfect 24 hours to re-live. Calvin makes the case for the greatness of the octopus, but Terry has a problem with the lack of effort and commitment shown by the an…

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#226 - Tegan Phillips and Dan O'Brien 39:56

2M ago39:56

39:56

Romance author Tegan Philips and her editor Dan O'Brien join us this week to talk about Tegan's debut sports romance novel, writing about chronic illness, why ice hockey is so successful in the romance genre and the relationship of an author and their editor. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahead of ever…

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Episode 218 w/ Fiona Taaffe and Karinann Cosgrave 1:09:06

2M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Fiona Taaffe and her daughter Karinann Cosgrave joined us this week and opened up about how Fiona's struggle with drug addiction affected their family. Fiona never realised she had a problem with drugs, but Karinann told us how she knew what was happening in their home, waking up to parties, putting her own mother to bed and finding drugs in her po…

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TB Live at TU Dublin w/ The National Tertiary Office 49:46

2M ago49:46

49:46

In this special bonus episode of Talking Bollox, Terry and Calvin are coming to you live from TU Dublin – proudly sponsored by the National Tertiary Office. They’re diving into the transformative Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree Programme, a game-changing initiative that’s making higher education accessible and affordable for all. You don’t need points a…

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Bonus: An Official Apology To Leitrim 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

If Terry and Calvin think they can pull the Leitrim wool over the listener's ears, they were proven VERY wrong this week. Having both claimed to never having been to the fair county in last week's bonus, listeners were quick to point out these outrageous lies and a grovelling apology is duly issued. Calvin 'Sherlock' O'Brien blows Terry's mind by g…

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#225 - Eleanor Pilcher 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

Contemporary fiction writer and award winning book marketer, Eleanor Pilcher joins us this week to chat about the release of her debut novel, her decade of experience in publishing and tips for authors who are looking to get a little bit more exposure for their books. Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free and a week ahea…

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Episode 217 w/ Sam Millar Part 2 1:18:09

2M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

In the first half of this episode, we heard all about Sam’s upbringing in the north, joining the IRA, and his brutal treatment in the H Blocks. But that’s not the end of Sam’s story, after being released from prison he headed off to the US where he undertook one of the biggest thefts in US history - Robbing $7.4 million! Sam told us about his decis…

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Episode 217 w/ Sam Millar - Unusual Suspects 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

If you listened to Part 1 of our interview with Sam Millar, you know that we first heard his story from our producer Eoin, who was working on a documentary called Unusual Suspects. That series won Silver at the New York Festival Radio Awards and we think it's worth giving you all a chance to listen to it before the rest of the interview is out tomo…

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Episode 217 w/ Sam Millar Part 1 1:16:08

2M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

We went all the way to Belfast for this episode and nearly missed our train home because we couldn't stop talking to Sam. Sam Millar is a former member of the IRA, having joined when he was just 15 after Bloody Sunday and seeing the brutal murder of his best friend for being Catholic. Sam spent 8 years in the H Blocks on the blanket and no wash pro…

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#224 - Jaysea Lynn 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

Fantasy romance author and TikTok sensation Jaysea Lynn joins this episode to discuss her storytelling journey—from creating a series of comedy skits on TikTok to writing a prequel novel based on that series, nearly self-publishing, and ultimately becoming traditionally published! Support the show on Patreon! 💖 And get extended episodes, ad-free an…

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Episode 216 - Rescheduled 26:08

2M ago26:08

26:08

We've made a trip outside Dublin to record a podcast for the first time ever and it's gone very well. So well we weren't back in time to send it to you at the usual time. BUT fear not! To make up for it we bring you next week's bonus episode early so sit back and enjoy Calvin's game changing revelation about traffic lights. We hear their Spice Girl…

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Episode 28. Drones and Defensive War; Is Trump Pivoting To Help Ukraine 28:42

2M ago28:42

28:42

Hi All, Mykola and Phillips are back with the latest episode. We start with a detailed discussion of how the tactical war at the front has evolved, in particular with the growth of drones as a weapon of war. We discuss how this has hampered movement and logistics, and what that means for how Ukraine is fighting. We then discuss the geopolitical sit…

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Bonus: The Bee Team 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

Things get competitive as Terence announces he will never, and could never, lose a spelling bee – and is quickly forced into backing up his big talk. We end up in a sudden death spelling scenario, with deceptions, threats and ice cream. Calvin has been waving at gardai – or maybe it was the other way around – but either way Terry isn’t letting him …

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#223 - Heidi Swain 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Bestselling romantic fiction writer, Heidi Swain joins us this week to chat about her twentieth novel, how she landed her book deals before having an agent and how she tackles writing two novels a year. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes 🥳 Jamie, Melissa and Noa…

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Episode 215 w/ Tom O'Mahoney 1:11:36

3M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Comedian and self proclaimed 'culchie' Tom O'Mahoney joined us this week for a few laughs. We got distracted right off the bat by Tom's moustache and Terence's concern that his wet jacket was a result of a leak rather than the rain he'd been outside in. Tom told us about his experience in the world of posh Dub's, having both famously played one on …

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Remembering Anthony Burgess with Ben Forkner 21:11

3M ago21:11

21:11

In this episode, Anthony Burgess's friend and colleague Ben Forkner, who met Burgess at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1969 and went on to have a lasting friendship with him over the subsequent years. Here, Ben Forkner looks back on this friendship and shares a tape of Burgess reading the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins which he…

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Dr. Kimberly O’Brien on the Secret Life of Iron in Pregnancy 57:50

3M ago57:50

57:50

Leading micronutrient expert Dr. Kimberly O’Brien, a Professor of Human Nutrition at Cornell University and the 2025 recipient of the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award in Maternal-Fetal Nutrition, discusses what we know—and don't know—about iron requirements, metabolism, and use in pregnancy.By March of Dimes

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Bonus: Live and Dangerous 26:33

3M ago26:33

26:33

We have a special bonus episode for you this week, with a lot of it recorded from the stage in Vicar Street as we prepared to begin our live show on Sunday. There's a lot of chaos around us as we try to answer a few listener questions, from superstitions to trademarked catchphrases and an unfortunate fall. We then bring some unreleased classics fro…

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#222 - Simon Mason 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

Adult crime/thriller/mystery and children's author, Simon Mason is on the podcast chatting about his latest works as well as his experiences over three decades of writing and working within the publishing industry. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes 🥳 Jamie, Mel…

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Episode 214 w/ Mike Perez 1:09:08

3M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

This week, we sit down with Mike Perez, a Cuban cruiserweight boxer whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Mike reveals the harsh realities of his upbringing in Cuba, sharing heart-wrenching stories of survival and resilience. He takes us through his incredible journey from being bullied in the orphanage to embarking on a perilous escape …

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Bonus: The Mona Lisa Fella 25:17

3M ago25:17

25:17

Terry comes out swinging, demanding some competitive quizzing – but he may have bitten off more than he can chew, and is soon tripping over questions about German car manufacturers and the various colours of a popular sweet. We have a story about sticking to a bet at a funeral, and Calvin completely loses his composure over the game of golf. And he…

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#221 - Abigail Johnson 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

Contemporary fiction author, Abigail Johnson is here to chat about writing her first novel and the journey to publication. Abigail shares her experiences of writing courses and being short and long listed for several awards before finding her agent. 💖 Join the Patreon 🙏 Support the show and get access to the extended episodes and more! 📚 The Chosen…

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Episode 213 w/ Dermot Whelan 1:19:49

3M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Dermot Whelan, author of Busy and Wrecked, and formerly of Dermot & Dave joined us this week - And Calvin only called him Dave by accident once which is a win! Dermot explained how he went from being an altar boy to dreaming of being Indiana Jones, to where he is now. For years, Dermot suffered with anxiety and didn't understand it - But he didn't …

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Bonus: Reels on Wheels 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

The bizarre and fascinating world of mobile cinemas enters the Talking Bollox universe this week, as a listener’s questions sends us into a whole new world, and has us ringing around every culchie we know as we hunt down more info on this peculiar beast of Irish rural entertainment. We also ask what’s the best invention ever, and we ask if you can …

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#220 - Sarah Harman 23:53

3M ago23:53

23:53

Contemporary fiction writer, Sarah Harman is here to chat about her debut novel, which she describes as a satirical thriller. Sarah shares the details about the nine way auction the book ended up in the UK as well as another auction in the US and a bidding war for the TV rights which were eventually secured by the team behind Disney FX's 'The Bear'…