The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall speaks to Robert Colquhoun, Director of International Campaigns for 40 Days for Life. Together, they explore the controversial issue of buffer zones around abortion clinics and the implications for free speech and peaceful assembly. Robert shares the challenges pro-life activists face in the UK and Ireland with the advent of these zones, which he describes as “censorship zon...

In this episode, Niall takes a closer look at the Irish government’s handling of Covid-19, asking Did they get it right, or was it a series of missteps? As the country reflects on the response to the pandemic, some feel the government’s approach warrants more scrutiny. Some callers argue that the government’s response was poorly managed from start to finish. They feel the constant rule changes cre...

In this episode, Niall explores a sensitive question: When is the right time to start a new relationship after the death of a partner? A listener reached out, sharing that she’s fallen in love with a friend of her late husband only three months after his passing. Fearing judgment, she’s hesitant to tell anyone about her new relationship and wonders if it’s too soon to move on. Some callers feel th...

In this episode, Niall asks, Are the Gardai getting the job done? With the Minister promising increased funding for Garda resources, Niall explores public perspectives on the Gardai’s performance and where these resources should be allocated. Some callers believe the Gardai do a great job with the resources they have, sharing positive experiences in which officers were professional and responsive...

In this episode, Niall asks, Should you get paid leave from work for the death of a pet? Inspired by a new law in New York allowing workers paid time off for pet bereavement, the conversation explores whether pets should be recognized as family members deserving of bereavement leave or if this trend is going too far. Some callers think paid leave for pet loss is a great idea, arguing that pets are...

In this episode Niall is asking Should over 70s have to resit the driving test? A toddler was killed by a 91 year old driver unfit to drive. There has been a suggestion over 70s should In this episode, Niall explores the controversial question: Should people over 70 have to resit the driving test? The discussion follows a tragic incident where a toddler was killed by a 91-year-old driver deemed un...

In this episode, Niall asks, Should shouting at children be outlawed in Ireland, just like smacking? Psychologists have claimed that shouting is a form of emotional abuse that can be damaging to a child’s mental health and should be banned. The discussion focuses on whether shouting should be made illegal as a disciplinary tactic. Some callers strongly believe that shouting at children should be b...

In this episode, Niall asks, Would you vote for a convicted criminal in an election? The question arises following convicted criminal Gerry Hutch’s indication that he may run as a candidate in the upcoming General Election. The debate focuses on whether people with criminal records should be allowed to run for public office and if voters would consider supporting them. Some callers express that th...

In this episode, Niall asks, Should John be arrested for defying the Safe Zone Law? Regular caller John is protesting against abortion outside Cork University Hospital at 12 p.m., even though the new safe zone law, enacted this week, makes such protests illegal. The debate centers on whether John should be arrested for his actions or if he has the right to peacefully protest despite the law. Some...

In this episode, Niall Boylan sits down with Paul Tweed, one of the world's most respected and feared defamation lawyers, whose client list boasts names like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Harrison Ford, and many Irish politicians. Tweed, with over 35 years of legal experience, takes listeners through his incredible career, discussing everything from scraping his way into Queen’s University du...

In this episode, Niall asks a provocative question: Should every support given to refugees and asylum seekers also be available to Irish citizens? The discussion examines whether it’s wrong to say "look after the Irish first" and whether Irish people struggling with housing, medical care, and financial aid should be prioritized. Some callers firmly believe that Irish citizens should be looked afte...

In this episode, Niall examines a controversial question: Should a person receive a longer sentence if their crime is motivated by hate? As the Hate Crime Speech laws return to the Oireachtas today, Niall speaks with Ronan Mullen to explore whether hate-motivated crimes deserve harsher penalties. Callers, feel that increasing sentences based on motive crosses a line. They argue that crimes should...

In this milestone episode, Niall tackles the emotional and complex issue of home repossession, asking, Is repossessing homes a necessary evil? The conversation is driven by a heartbreaking email from a listener, Dolores, who shares her family’s struggle. Twelve years ago, she and her husband bought a home they could barely afford, determined to give their children a stable future. But when her hus...

In this episode, Niall asks, Are child-free pubs a good idea? The debate was sparked by a story from Kent, where a recently renovated village pub banned children under 14, causing both praise and backlash. The pub owners argue that adults deserve a space to relax without the worry of kids running around, while critics say the ban feels exclusionary and takes away family-friendly spaces. Some calle...

In this mind-expanding episode, Niall is joined by Rizwan Virk, an MIT-trained computer scientist, video game developer, entrepreneur, and author, who passionately advocates for Simulation Theory—the idea that our reality might be an artificial simulation, much like a highly advanced video game. With his deep understanding of technology and quantum physics, Riz presents a compelling case that chal...

In this episode, Niall asks, Is it hypocritical to care about cattle welfare while still eating meat? The discussion follows the outrage on social media after RTE's Prime Time revealed the harsh treatment of cattle during transport to abattoirs and abroad. With emotions running high, Niall explores whether our concern for animal welfare aligns with our dietary choices. Some callers argue that it i...

In this episode, Niall asks, Would you report a neighbor or friend committing welfare fraud, or is 'snitching' on cohabiting cheats crossing a line? The discussion centers on welfare fraud by single parents who claim to live alone while cohabiting, costing taxpayers millions every year. Should there be more spot checks, and would you personally report this type of fraud? Some callers argue that we...

In this episode, Niall questions Who should be responsible for teaching children about sex—parents or the government? With guest Jana Lunden, they explore whether Ireland’s education system has become a pipeline for ideology and moral degradation. Some callers strongly believe it’s the parents' responsibility to teach their children about sex. They argue that parents know their children best and s...

In this episode, Niall asks, Does Philip Schofield deserve a second chance? After the airing of his new TV show, many have voiced concerns that Schofield used it as a platform for sympathy, particularly considering his affair and the controversial relationship with an underage boy. The public remains divided on whether he deserves redemption. Some callers feel strongly that he does not. They argue...

In this episode, Niall asks, Should parents expect financial contributions from their 18-year-old kids once they start earning, or is it a parent’s duty to support them no matter what? The conversation began after a caller shared that he would never ask his son for money, even once he starts working, arguing that children are always their parents’ responsibility. Some callers think grown kids shou...

In this episode, Niall explores the growing trend of choosing a child-free life and asks, Is it a selfish decision, or simply a personal choice for happiness and freedom? The discussion is sparked by a listener whose daughter recently revealed she doesn't want to have children because they would "get in the way" of her life. The mother is disappointed and feels her daughter’s decision is selfish....

In this episode, Niall raises the question: Should Staffordshire Bull Terriers be banned? The discussion follows an alarming incident where a listener, a delivery driver, was attacked by two Staffordshire bull terriers over the weekend. The listener argues that these dogs should be added to the list of breeds banned under new dangerous dog laws. But is the breed itself the issue, or should we be l...

In this episode, Niall explores the question: Can financial issues justify walking away from a marriage? The discussion stems from an email sent by a listener who’s feeling trapped by his wife’s spending habits. Despite earning a good salary, he’s struggling to keep up with the costs of his wife’s lifestyle. Weekly hair appointments, gym memberships, frequent shopping trips, and regular outings wi...

In this episode, Niall dives into a conversation inspired by a listener’s email about whether men and women can truly be just friends. The listener, a married woman, explains her concern about her husband’s growing closeness to a female colleague at work. Their friendship has evolved beyond professional boundaries, with frequent phone calls, shared lunches, and even emotional support outside of wo...

In this episode, Niall asks the question: Is a 15-year age gap in a teenage relationship a sign of genuine love or potential manipulation? The discussion kicks off with a listener’s email expressing deep concern over her 17-year-old son dating a 32-year-old divorced woman with a child. She fears that her son, still in his Leaving Cert year, might be taken advantage of by someone much older, while...