inspireland podcast

Talking to interesting people. Doing interesting things.

Pop Filter: Best of 2016 01/27/2017

Pop Filter: Best of 2016 There’s too much pop culture to possibly keep track of. There are so many podcasts, apps, boxsets, books, and movies clamouring for your attention that it’s hard to know which are worth exploring. That’s where Pop Filter comes in. The producer/editor behind the Inspireland Podcast, Wil McDermott, and Wil’s friend, Lorraine Harton, (and sometimes Dave from Inspireland), sit down every couple of weeks to discuss some of the latest popular culture. In this episode Wil & Dave discuss their favourite Pop Culture from 2017. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/5029523

E51 Kliph Nesteroff: History Of US Comedy 12/14/2016

E51 Kliph Nesteroff: History Of US Comedy Kliph Nesteroff joins me on the show to discuss his bestselling book The Comedians; Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels and the History of American Comedy. The Comedians chronicles the evolution of comedy from interval acts in burlesque shows, through its growth on radio and tv, to the glory days of Las Vegas and the comedy clubs, before finishing on the comedy of the new millenium. The Comedians expertly blends deep research, anecdotes, and gossip to give us the definitive history of comedy and comedians but it also a social history of the US since the early 20th century. Kliph was a brilliant guest and his own origins are as fascinating as many of the people he chronicles. During our conversation we discuss; How Leo Tolstoy saved his grandparents from the gulags. His first experience of live comedy. His years as a stand-up comedian. His love of counterculture. The time he worked in a halfway house for heroin, crack, and meth heads. Why Richard Pryor is so important to modern comedians. Why comedy is full of white, middle-aged guys. The types of personalities that are attracted to comedy (narcissistic personality disorder). Kliph was a brilliant guest and it was great having him on the show. Enjoy, Dave. For full episode notes, including a list of Kliph's recommendations visit the i. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4911642

POP FILTER: BLACK MIRROR 12/08/2016

POP FILTER: BLACK MIRROR ***THERE WILL BE SPOLIERS*** In episode #3 of Pop Filter I join Wil and Lorraine to discuss the first few episodes of Netflix's bleak but brilliant Black Mirror. Black Mirror was written by the always excellent Charlie Brooker and the current 6 episodes are the first installment of a 12 part season 3 commissioned by Netflix. Black Mirror paints a pessimistic picture of a dystopian,technology driven, near-future that will make you want to smash all your connected devices. Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4896834

E50 Dara O'Kearney: Poker Pro 11/29/2016

E50 Dara O'Kearney: Poker Pro In this episode of the podcast I was delighted to be joined in the studio by professional Irish poker player, Dara O'Kearney. Dara, or Doke as he's known in the poker world, gave a wide ranging and fascinating interview that's definitely one of my favourites to date. It's a long one but a good one! Enjoy, Dave. Some of the areas we spoke about were: Dara's late entry and rapid ascension in the professional poker world. His experience as an ultra runner, including representing Ireland, and completing a 24 hour race. We chat about Dara's unlikely online friendship with David Bowie from the mid 1990s, a friendship initiated by Dara's online criticism of Bowie's online project. We chat about the psychology of endurance based high-performance. We discussed Dara's experience in dealing with his son's autism. For full episode notes visit the . Thanks, Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4869690

POP FILTER: WESTWORLD 11/23/2016

POP FILTER: WESTWORLD In episode #2 of Pop Filter Wil and Lorraine discuss the first few episodes of HBO's Westworld. Westworld is based on a 1973 film of the same name that was written and directed by novelist, Michael Crichton. Westworld blends the Western and Sci-Fi genres and has a stellar cast. The reviews for the show have been overwhelmingly positive with IndieWire saying that it is: “Ambitious to the edge of a cliff." There will be SPOILERS! Enjoy. Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4856530

E49 Virginia Heffernan: The Internet As Art 11/15/2016

E49 Virginia Heffernan: The Internet As Art I've read books and think pieces about the internet but none have come close to describing the web's awesome yet terrifying power as well as Magic And Loss by Virginia Heffernan. Heffernan, who has been described as "...one of the mothers of the internet.", views the web as a massive work of art favouring speed, wit, and versatility. Virginia's work sidesteps the cliches rife in analysis of online life (decreased attention spans, trolls, obsession with appearance, etc) by taking a highly original, and at times searingly personal, account of the web's rules, aesthertics, and values. Some of the topics covered in our conversation were; The recent US election and the role social media may have played in it's outcome. The fact that the web is now a part of our humanity, an expression of it, rather than merely an addendum to it. How virtual reality may create a deeper desire for real-world experience. A lot of what we think os as new, isn't; self-portraits, memes, pithy wisdom, the use of symbols to express ideas etc. The hipster revolt. How hard it is keeping up with young people in whatsapp groups. Virginia tells us some of her favourite internet things and places. It was great talking to Virginia and I hope to have her back on the show soon. You can check the full episode notes out at . Enjoy the show, Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4834102

POP FILTER: AMANDA KNOX 10/28/2016

POP FILTER: AMANDA KNOX We break from the norm for this episode as Wil McDermott, editor of Inspireland Podcast, sits down with our mutual friend, Lorraine Harton to discuss something from popular culture. In this episode they discuss Netflix's Amanda Knox documentary. Enjoy. Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4782755

E48 Easkey Britton: Soulful Surfer 10/18/2016

E48 Easkey Britton: Soulful Surfer In episode #48 I was joined by Ireland's first lady of surfing, Easkey Britton. Surfing is so deep in Easkey's DNA that she was named after a famous wave off Ireland's west coast. More recently, Easkey has shifted her focus from competitive big wave surfing to using her training and research to help bring surfing to communities with no experience of the sport. If all this wasn't enough Easkey also writes, paints, and speaks. During our conversation we discussed; The legendary story of Easkey's grandmother bringing the first surfboard to Ireland in the 1960s. Easkey's earliest memories of surfing and the start of her deep relationship with the sea. The ability of surfing to help people live in the moment. The introduction of surfing to a group of women in a remote part of Iran. How the environment and society are inextricably linked. The power of exposure to nature to improve our mental well being. Easkey was a superb guest and I know you'll enjoy listening to her as much as I enjoyed speaking to her. Dave For full episode notes please check out the blog. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4753676

E47 Constantin Gurdgiev: Economics As Art 09/06/2016

E47 Constantin Gurdgiev: Economics As Art For episode #47 I was joined by the economist Dr Constantin Gurdgiev. When the Irish economy crashed and everybody was desperately searching for answers and solutions I often heard Constantin on the radio and was instantly attracted to his knowledge of economics and his ability to communicate complex ideas in simple ways. When we met in June to record this episode I was delighted to find that his ability to explain economic ideas wasn't limited to the shorter bursts radio generally provides but easily transferred to the longer podcast format. During the episode we discussed: What it was like to be a Russian in the US when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Why economics is as much art as science. The difference between micro and macroeconomics. Why attempts to speedily and drastically redistribute wealth fail, and what the alternative is. Why Ireland is good at attracting, but bad at keeping, human talent. The distinction between risk and probability. Constantin had difficulty recommending a good primer on economics but relented and suggested a few! For full episode notes go to the blog and click on the episode. Thanks for listening. Dave /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4646898

E46 James Bloodworth: Myth Of Meritocracy 06/28/2016

E46 James Bloodworth: Myth Of Meritocracy In episode #46 I was joined by journalist and author, James Bloodworth. James's book, The Myth Of Meritocracy, is a detailed investigation of the inequalities at the heart of how society works. Bloodworth has found that if you're born poor you'll stay poor in spite of the widely-held belief that hard work and intelligence will see us rewarded with a better quality for ourselves and our family. Topics covered during the conversation: What Meritocracy is and why it's a myth. Why political parties have embraced it as an ideal worth pursuing (or at least talking about pursuing). Why there is so little social mobility in society. The role of genetics in social mobility. The failure of education to address inequality of opportunity and income. What we can do to make society more egalitarian. James was a brilliant guest and his book is an excellent, concise read. In a lot of ways The Myth Of Meritocracy confirms something you've probably always felt to be true but does it better than you ever could. Enjoy the episode. Dave For full episode notes, including links to where you can get James's book, please visit my blog at . /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4475831

E45 Sarah Knight: Give Less Fucks 06/08/2016

E45 Sarah Knight: Give Less Fucks In episode #45 I was joined by the wonderfully sweary Sarah Knight to discuss the philosophy behind her bestselling book: The Life Changing Magic Of Not Giving A Fuck. This book's philosophy is more than a gimmick and helps us identify the things in our lives that bring us joy while simultaneously teaching us to give less fucks about the things/people/ideas that we don't really give a fuck about. During my chat with Sarah we discussed; The inspiration for the book and what it had to do with a tidy sock drawer. The NotSorry method of giving less fucks. How honesty and politeness are key to successfully giving less fucks. The three types of people who don't give a fuck; children, assholes, and the enlightened. The 4 categories of fuck giving; Things, Work, People, and Family. The danger of 'the likeability vortex.' How giving less fucks really has the power to positively change your life. This episode was one of the most fun we've done to date and I'm sure you'll enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed chatting. Enjoy the fucking show. Dave For full episode notes go to /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4427542

E44 Dr Philip Nitschke: Euthanasia 05/31/2016

E44 Dr Philip Nitschke: Euthanasia For episode #44 I was joined by Dr Philip Nitschke of Exit International. In 1996, Nitschke became the first doctor to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection to a terminally ill patient. For the short period that euthanasia was legal in Australia Nitschke oversaw 4 voluntary suicides. Philip recently ran a show at Edinburgh called Dicing with Dr Death that attracted a lot of media attention. Philip made for a thought provoking and informative guest and his argument that euthanasia should be available to those that want it is difficult to counter. Our episode covered the following topics; The difference between euthanasia and suicide. The short-lived availability of euthanasia in Australia. The personal impact of helping people die. What countries/regions allow euthanasia. The goal of Exit International. The online and real world harassment of Exit’s volunteers. The mechanics of taking your own life. The Peaceful Pill. The future of euthanasia legislation. Enjoy the episode. Dave For full episode notes please visit . /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4406631

E43 Amanda Fielding: Psychedelics 05/23/2016

E43 Amanda Fielding: Psychedelics In episode #43 I was joined by Amanda Fielding, founder and director of the Beckley Foundation. The Beckley Foundation are currently involved in pioneering research into the effect of psychedelics on the brain and their possible use in treatment for mental conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety etc. Amanda was a charming and engaging guest with a real passion for drug-policy reform and the exploration of the potential of psychoactive substances. Below is a list of some of the questions I asked Amanda. Who are Beckley and what do they do? What are the potential benefits of taking psychedelics? Why was research into LSD etc. been out of fashion for so long? How can psychoactives help treat depression, anxiety, etc.? What is the difference between therapeutic and recreational use? What are the possible negative side-effects of taking these substances? Enjoy the episode. Dave For full episode notes visit blog. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4388093

E42 Michael Boran: Photographer 05/18/2016

E42 Michael Boran: Photographer In this episode it was my pleasure to be joined by photographer Michael Boran. We met in Dublin's Kevin Kavanagh gallery to look at, and discuss, Michael's latest solo exhibition, Through The Undergrowth. I was worried that talking about photographs might prove to be as difficult as bicycling about philosophy but luckily for all of us Michael is as good at painting images with words as he is at capturing them with his camera. This episode is divided into two parts. In the first section myself and Michael walk the main gallery floor discussing some of the photos in his exhibition; their genesis, technique, execution, editing etc. In the second part we sit down to discuss Michael's career and work in more general terms, from his early experiences in an amateur camera club to his current list of advice to himself! Enjoy the episode. Dave. For full episode notes visit: /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4377905

E41 Brian Boutwell: Criminologist 03/22/2016

E41 Brian Boutwell: Criminologist In Ep#41 I was joined by biosocial criminologist, Brian Boutwell PhD. Brian works as an associate professor at St Louis University in the US and his passion for his subject is contagious. Boutwell's writing on the often overlooked role of heritability as a driver for behaviour is thought-provoking and fascinating. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4239318

E40 Maria Konnikova: The Psychology Of The Con 03/07/2016

E40 Maria Konnikova: The Psychology Of The Con In this short episode I was joined by psychologist and author, Maria Konnikova. Maria was born in Russia but moved to the US with her family when she was 4 years old. Maria studied psychology and creative writing in Harvard where she was lucky enough to be tutored by Steven Pinker before completing her PhD in psychology at Columbia. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4202486

E39 Fearghal O'Nuallain: Irish Adventurer 02/23/2016

E39 Fearghal O'Nuallain: Irish Adventurer In episode 39 I was joined in the studio by adventurous Irish geography teacher Fearghal O'Nuallain. Fearghal trained as a chef in several exclusive restaurants before waking up hungover one morning to the serendipitous discovery that he had emptied his bank account to buy a touring bike and camping equipment. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4167706

E38 Annie Kirwan: Pilates Preacher 02/08/2016

E38 Annie Kirwan: Pilates Preacher In this episode I was joined by pilates instructor, health blogger, and self confessed science geek, Annie Kirwan. Annie has a degree in biological science and a masters in molecular immunology. This science background, together with her experience of high level sports, led Annie to Platinum Pilates where she now counts the great Brian O'Driscoll among her students. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4134310

E37 John Seabrook: The Song Machine 01/19/2016

E37 John Seabrook: The Song Machine In Episode #37 I was joined by John Seabrook, author of The Song Machine: Inside the hit factory. John is a writer for the excellent The New Yorker where he writes about "... the intersection between commerce and creativity in the fields of technology, design, and music." /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4088184

E36 Frank Berry: Filmmaker 01/06/2016

E36 Frank Berry: Filmmaker In this episode I was joined by filmmaker, teacher, and personal friend Frank Berry. Frank's latest award winning feature film, I Used To Live Here, is an examination of the phenomenon of suicide clusters told entirely using a cast and crew from an area affected by one such cluster. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/4058795

E35 Thaddeus Russell: Renegade Historian 12/03/2015

E35 Thaddeus Russell: Renegade Historian In episode #35 I was joined by US historian and cultural critic, Thaddeus Russell. Thaddeus is best known for his brilliantly titled book: A Renegade History Of The United States. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3993345

E34 Alastair Humphreys: Living Adventurously 11/10/2015

E34 Alastair Humphreys: Living Adventurously In this episode I was joined by adventurer, author, and speaker Alastair Humphreys. Alastair has gone on several massive adventures but is at pains to point out that he is as lazy and cautious as the rest of us. Alastair was named a National Geographic Adventurer Of The Year in 2012 for his microadventure movement. Microadventures are a cheap, local, excuse-proof way of making adventures attainable for those of us who are too busy, poor, or timid to attempt something bigger. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3939810

E33 Justin Wren: The Big Pygmy 10/26/2015

E33 Justin Wren: The Big Pygmy In this episode I was joined from Fort Worth, Texas, by Justin "The Big Pygmy" Wren. Justin is a professional MMA fighter but his principal fight is for the rights of the 'forgotten' Mbuti Pygmy slaves in eastern Congo. Still only 27, Justin has packed a lot into his life so far. He has gone from the highs of 2 all-American wrestling titles and a place in The Ultimate Fighter house to the lows of addiction and suicidal ideation. Justin's faith has played a large part in his recovery from addiction and an even larger part in the events that found him heading to the Congo on 3 weeks notice in 2011. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3890140

E32 Jamie Bartlett: The Dark Net 10/12/2015

E32 Jamie Bartlett: The Dark Net In this episode I was joined by Jamie Bartlett, author of The Dark Net: Inside the digital underworld. The Dark Net explores the vast and hidden network of sites that engines like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can't access. It's a world where people can be anyone they want and largely do anything they want. It's a world occupied by bitcoin, self-harmers, illegal drugs and cyber (and all too real) terrorism. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3856735

E31 Kirby Ferguson: Remixing Conspiracies 09/30/2015

E31 Kirby Ferguson: Remixing Conspiracies In this episode I was joined by the creator of online video hit Everything Is A Remix, Kirby Ferguson. Kirby's first series was described by The Guardian as: "...occasionally feeling like a PowerPoint presentation by the world's most coked-up history professor." While Kirby's documentary style is satisfyingly fast paced his conversational style is deliberate and demonstrative. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3831916

E30 Dr Joe Marshalla: Repeatlessness 09/11/2015

E30 Dr Joe Marshalla: Repeatlessness What is the purpose of your life? This is the question that Dr Joe Marshalla found himself asking after a near death experience. Dr Joe uses his unique blend of philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and physics to communicate his philosophy of life to the world. This philosophy is best expressed in his thought provoking book, Repeatlessness: An owner's manual for the human mind. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3793330

E29 Aoife McLysaght: Geneticist 09/01/2015

E29 Aoife McLysaght: Geneticist In episode 28 I was joined by gregarious geneticist Aoife McLysaght. Aoife works in the Molecular Evolution Lab in Trinity College, Dublin. Aoife is currently engaged in a European Research Council funded search for genes that cause diseases. Sadly for me Aoife debunked my favourite genetic myth when she told me that you can't have a healthier child by exercising immediately prior to conceiving! /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3771922

E28 Vex Ashley on Making Porn 08/18/2015

E28 Vex Ashley on Making Porn In episode 28 I was joined by cam-girl and porn actress Vex Ashley. I came across Vex when I read an article about her and her work in Esquire magazine. In the article Vex spoke so intelligently and frankly about her career and her place within the porn/sexwork industry that I knew I had to have her on the show. Vex was charming, insightful, thoughtful, and funny and if you have any negative preconceptions about people who work in this industry prepare to have them destroyed. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3744547

E27.5 Grainne Martin: Bikram Yogi 08/10/2015

E27.5 Grainne Martin: Bikram Yogi In inbetweenisode 27.5 I was joined by Bikram yoga teacher, Grainne Martin. We met in Grainne's studio in Fairview, Dublin shortly after a class has finished and spoke as the room slowly cooled. Grainne has been practicing Bikram since 2003 and in 2006 she made the decision to travel to Los Angeles to do the formal teacher training. Grainne taught in the US, New Zealand, and Australia before returning to Dublin in 2007. Grainne opened her studio in 2009. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3726784

E27 Ashley Merryman: The Science Of Winning & Losing 08/05/2015

E27 Ashley Merryman: The Science Of Winning & Losing In this episode I was joined on the phone from LA by New York Times bestselling author, Ashley Merryman. Merryman, along with her co-author Po Bronson, have written two award winning popular science books; NurtureShock: New Thinking About Parenting, and Top Dog: The Science Of Winning & Losing. Both books are a brilliant blend of storytelling and accessible science but during the episode we focus on her most recent book, Top Dog. /episode/index/show/inspirelandpodcast/id/3717189

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