Best Of Belfast: Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast

With over 600 events every year including live music, discos, art exhibits, comedy sketches, open mic storytelling nights and much much more, The Black Box is without a doubt the creative heartbeat of our city.   We sat down with co-director Rachael Campbell-Palmer to talk about the importance of art, how to break through creative blocks and how she went from pulling pints in The Black Box to the...

“So Miss Northern Ireland actually has brains?” That’s the question children’s ICU nurse Katharine Walker has been asked on more than one occasion.   Smashing stereotypes and trying to change the narrative around beauty pageants, Katharine decided to pursue the Miss N.I title while studying to become a nurse at uni.   Now with only a few weeks left with the crown on her head, we chat about what sh...

You may know Mark Dowds as an early investor in Uber, the Chief Operating Officer of Trov, and one the of key people behind the Ormeau Baths coworking space in Belfast.   But he describes himself as “just a guy from Northern Ireland,” a dedicated husband, father, ultra-marathoner, keen cyclist and “possibly the worst pupil the all-boys school Inst has ever seen.”   In today’s show, we talk about w...

Today we’re joined by two incredibly talented young musicians - Johnny James and Rebekah Fitch.   After meeting on Instagram the two have gone on to perform and record together, with their latest single dropping last week.   In this unfiltered conversation, we chat about how they got into music, the challenges of the creative process and their new song Hiding .   Check it out.   // To see a 'treas...

Brendan is a photographer, Shane works for Belfast Buildings Trust - both are passionate about people, history and telling stories that matter.   Successful Belfast is their challenge to our city to encourage us to think about it in a different way and become more proud of where we live.   On today’s show, we chat about identity, heritage, civic pride, mental health and what a Successful Belfast l...

Willie Jack describes himself as a barman, street cleaner and bouncer - but he’s also the owner of The Harp Bar, The Dark Horse, The Duke Of York, The New Orpheus and whiskey museum The Friend At Hand.   His passion for artwork and live music has transformed his slice of the Cathedral Quarter into the most Instagrammed part of Belfast and the heart of nightlife in our city.   In today’s show, Will...

Karishma Kusurkar left India when she was 6 years old to live in Belfast. It was 1996, she had the army as neighbours and the building wobbled on a windy day… The rest is her story to tell.   In today’s episode, we chat about what it looks like for a creative to ‘do’ business in 2019, the importance of following your curiosity and how we can design better, more richer lives for us and the people a...

Gareth Quinn may be the co-founder of Digital DNA and Kairos - two very successful tech businesses from Northern Ireland - but he claims his road to success was unplanned and somewhat unexpected.   In this episode, we track his incredible story from childhood to the present day and hear how developing genuine relationships were the keys to unlocking the doors to success.   Check it out.   // To se...

W hat happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?   The answer is Barbara and JP Whearty, the couple behind Cafe Cuan, a new experimental space on Cromac street that’s redefining local cafe culture.   In this episode, we chat about their story, what it’s like to juggle such a massive project while being 8 months pregnant and why creating spaces that matter is so important for the...

In the start-up world, there’s a lot of pressure to act like you’ve got it all together, but in today’s episode, Andrew and Jason from GoFyt peel back the layers and reveal how authenticity and being yourself in business can actually be a secret weapon.   They got very real and honest in our chat, sharing some absolute gold along the way and I know you’re going to really get a lot from today’s con...

After quitting her marketing job in Australia, Danni Simpson bought a one-way ticket to Europe to pursue a career as an artist.   Working on a number of murals in the city while living above the Harp Bar led Danni to move to Northern Ireland full-time.   In this episode we chat all about the importance of backing yourself, diving into the deep end of what you’re passionate about and the importance...

John McGregor grew up in Short Strand in Belfast during the 1950s and was kicked out of school at age 14. Through a series of twist and turns, this event led John to a widely successful career in almost every industry imaginable.   In this episode, we handed the mic over to John and just let him talk about his life, how Belfast has changed across a lifetime and what advice he would give to anyone...

Jack Hamilton is a 6th generational farmer with a twist. After the family farm faced financial difficulties, the Hamilton Family took the potato industry by surprise and founded Mash Direct.   What started as a mash-potato delivery service via van has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s most well-loved companies and one that sells a pack of vegetables every second.   Mash Direct may be a family r...

Rachel Snowden is a speciality coffee pro who has been working in Cafes around Northern Ireland since she was 17.   After getting a degree in psychology and working in the corporate world, Rachel decided to return to her roots and her passion: making coffee. Since then she has entered into several coffee competitions, managed several cafes and has even found the time to dream and scheme about open...

Absolute wildcard episode for you all today. In a bizarre twist of events we had the chance to sit down with Tofe Evans, an endurance athlete, public speaker and author from Australia.   My friend (and accountant) Martin Gilchrist got in touch with Tofe during a Facebook Live session, found out he was in Scotland and invited Tofe to come and see Northern Ireland while he was ‘in the neighborhood’....

Kevin Young spends his days peeling back the false beliefs and limiting mindsets each of us have. Whether it’s something from our past, pain we experience in the present or a national negativity etched into our psyche, Kevin is extremely interested - and talented - at challenging the voices in our heads with reason and truth.   Check it out.   // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to...

We asked the people of Belfast. 

Not all superheroes wear capes, in fact, some wear a suit and tie… Ross Moffett may sell cars by day, but at night he’s busy promoting and managing local bands to drive the local Northern Irish music scene through his venture Pop Up Original.      After seeing the shortcomings in the local music industry, Ross set out on a mission to help musicians from Northern Ireland make it, make money and get...

Fuelled by a passion for the outdoors and a genuine fascination with scent, Michael Morris went on to start The Bearded Candle Makers, a business that sells hand-crafted candles with exceptional scents.   In this week’s show, we caught up with Michael to chat about the wonderful world of scent, how smell is closely connected to our memory and why more and more fellas are buying candles.   This int...

A few years ago Aoife Doherty ditched a career in law to pursue her dream of working in fashion. After studying and working abroad for a few years she came home to Derry and founded her own company Sass & Halo.   Sass & Halo creates incredible decorative headwear for festivals, weddings and much more. From their workshop in Derry Craft Village, Aoife and her team have been able to create bespoke p...

// To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to Rebekah and Jon (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/rebekah-johanson-lines-and-current   Best Of Belfast is Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast. We've shared 100+ hour-long conversations with incredible people from Northern Ireland.   To find out more, or join 'The Producers Club' please visit https://bestofbe...

What began as a St. Georges Market Start-Up has brewed into a global brand that serves award-winning tea in over 12 different countries.   Discover the history of tea in Belfast, what Suki means in ancient Japanese and the final decision on whether you put your milk in first, or last...   // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to Oscar (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbel...

Meet Jude Henderson…The woman from Comber who packed in her Corporate job to pursue her dream and passion.   Jude now works for OutsideIn , a street-wear brand that bridges the gap between society and homelessness through their unique wear on share one model.   In this interview, we caught up with Jude to chat about the transition from a comfy steady job to start-up life, how to keep moving slowly...

…The photographer who became a silversmith before founding a creative charity and opening a shop in George Best City Airport.   Our interview with Linzi Rooney was as diverse as her experience and passions.   Tune in for a fun, energetic conversation about creativity, making money as an artist, life in the departures lounge and the importance of supporting quality, local goods.   Linzi's Insta: ht...

Meet Bill Wolsey, the Belfast-born man who has built a hospitality empire with some of the most noteworthy and memorable establishments in the UK.      In this honest, casual conversation, Bill shares the lessons he’s learnt along the way, how Beannchor balances creativity with profitability and how he juggles a large portfolio while prioritising family.   // To see a 'treasure trove' of all thing...