Nicky Byrne HQ

Nicky sits down with Irish sprint star Rhasidat Adeleke for a powerful conversation about discipline, disappointment and self-belief. From breaking records to narrowly missing Olympic glory, Rhasidat opens up about injury, pressure and what keeps her moving forward. An inspiring insight into the mindset behind Ireland’s fastest woman. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in associati...

Nicky sits down with Kingfishr at a remarkable moment in their story. Just hours after finding out they had secured the Christmas #1 spot in Ireland with both their single Killeagh and debut album Halcyon , the band reflect on the whirlwind rise from college housemates to one of the most exciting acts in Irish music. They talk about meeting at university, finding their sound, life on the road, and...

In this special New Year's Day episode, Nicky takes a moment to thank everyone who has listened, shared and supported the podcast in 2025, looks ahead to the Westlife tour in 2026, and revisits one of our favourite conversations of the year. Recorded earlier in 2025, this classic chat with Coleen Rooney is warm, honest and full of laughs. Coleen reflects on her life and career, from her childhood...

In this special Christmas episode, we take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has listened, shared and supported the podcast in 2025, before revisiting one of the conversations that means the most to Nicky. Recorded during the early days of the show, this classic chat with Tony Mortimer is honest, funny and deeply moving. Tony reflects on his life and career with East 17, and opens up about...

Nicky sits down with Lee Brennan, lead singer of 90s hitmakers 911, for a conversation about ambition, identity and resilience. From growing up in Carlisle and chasing a dream with nothing but a letter to a radio station, Lee reflects on the whirlwind rise of 911, global success, and the pressures that came with boyband fame. He opens up about surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice as a child, the imp...

Nicky sits down with global classical superstar Katherine Jenkins for a warm and revealing conversation about music, motherhood and the moments that shaped her extraordinary career. From her early break as a young singer from Neath to becoming the world’s most successful classical crossover artist, Katherine reflects on the highs, the challenges and the personal losses that pushed her forward.&nbs...

Nicky sits down with Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE, the founder of parkrun, for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, community, and the power of small beginnings. From a difficult childhood in South Africa’s care system to injury and burnout in his forties, Paul shares how losing his ability to run led him to create a simple Saturday-morning time trial that would change millions of lives. Nick...

Nicky sits down with actor and Coronation Street favourite Samia Longchambon for a heartfelt chat about family, fame and finding balance. Celebrating 25 years as Maria Connor on Corrie, Samia shares memories from her early days on set, what it’s like growing up in Manchester with show-business parents, and the lessons she’s learned from decades on one of TV’s most-loved shows. She opens up about l...

Nicky catches up with athlete and BBC Gladiator Livi Sheldon, known to millions as “Diamond.” In this conversation, Livi opens up about growing up as a sporty kid who didn’t fit in, being bullied for her height, and how fitness helped her find confidence. She talks about her journey from personal training to bodybuilding, and the incredible moment she became a Gladiator. Livi also shares the reali...

A year of conversations, stories, and special moments. In this anniversary edition, Nicky looks back at some of the standout guests who dropped by the HQ over the past twelve months. From music legends to sporting icons and unforgettable personalities, this is a celebration of the moments that made the year. Featuring highlights from Martin Compston, Jill Scott, Gary Barlow, Coleen Rooney, Ronan K...

Nicky sits down with Irish footballer James McClean for a raw and revealing conversation about life, loyalty and life after football. From growing up in Derry to earning over 100 caps for Ireland, James reflects on the pride, pressure and passion that have defined his career. He opens up about the highs of representing his country, his honest views on the current Irish team and what needs to chang...

Nicky sits down with singer-songwriter Chesney Hawkes for a nostalgic and heartfelt chat about fame, family and second chances. From growing up in a rock ’n’ roll household to becoming a teenage sensation with The One and Only , Chesney recalls the whirlwind of success that changed his life overnight. He opens up about the highs of topping the charts, the struggles that followed, and the lessons l...

It’s been one incredible year of Nicky Byrne HQ and what a week for Westlife! To celebrate, Nicky answers your questions in a special Ask Me Anything edition. From the new Westlife single Chariot and the 25th anniversary world tour to family life, favourite songs, and podcast memories, Nicky shares stories, laughs, and a few surprises. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in associat...

Nicky sits down with double Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington for an inspiring chat about life inside and outside the ring. From growing up in Dublin’s north inner city to becoming one of Ireland’s most loved athletes, Kellie shares the discipline, mindset and sheer determination that shaped her journey. She talks about fear, focus and fighting through doubt, the importance of community, an...

Nicky chats with singer and actor Shayne Ward about fame, identity and life after The X Factor. Shayne opens up about the whirlwind of overnight success, the pressure to stay on top and the journey to find himself again. He talks about stepping into acting, becoming a dad and why happiness means something very different now. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with Sw...

Nicky sits down with legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel for a conversation between two former keepers about greatness, grit and glory. From his childhood in Copenhagen to lifting the Champions League with Manchester United, Peter reflects on the mindset that drove him to the very top. He opens up about his rows with Sir Alex Ferguson, the handball skills that shaped his style and the pressure o...

Nicky sits down with 90s R&B star Dane Bowers for a candid conversation about fame, fallouts, and finding his way back. From Brit School beginnings to duetting with Jay-Z and topping the charts with Another Level, Dane relives the whirlwind of success and the tensions that pulled the band apart just as they were breaking America. He opens up about fights, regrets, and reality TV, as well as li...

Nicky sits down with Irish boxing star Michael Conlan for an unflinching conversation about triumph, controversy, and resilience. From his unforgettable Olympic moment in Rio to the heartbreak of being seconds away from a world title, Michael opens up about the highs and lows of life in the ring. Disclosure: This episode contains product placement. Michael discusses his beer brand, Le Grá Premium...

Nicky sits down with comedian, presenter and The Last Leg star Alex Brooker. From his boy band obsessions and Soccer Aid adventures to dealing with grief and fatherhood, Alex shares how he learned to embrace his differences and use humour to connect with millions. A raw, funny and inspiring chat about resilience, representation and why laughter really is the best medicine. Nicky Byrne HQ is produc...

Nicky sits down with Jacob Underwood of O-Town for a candid conversation about fame, family, and second chances. Jacob looks back on his journey from San Diego surfer to reality-TV pioneer on Making the Band , the whirlwind of O-Town’s early success, and the global hit “All or Nothing” that almost went to Westlife. He shares stories of Clive Davis, Simon Cowell, and the highs and lows of being thr...

Nicky sits down with Ryan Dusick, founding drummer of Maroon 5, for a powerful conversation about success, loss, and redemption. Ryan reflects on the meteoric rise of the band he started with his high school friends, the Grammy wins, and the whirlwind of fame that came crashing down when injury forced him to walk away. He shares how he rebuilt his life as a clinical psychologist, author, and menta...

Nicky sits down with soul superstar Joss Stone for a wide-ranging conversation about life, music, and motherhood. From winning a BBC talent show at just 14 to becoming the youngest ever Brit Award winner, Joss reflects on the highs and lows of fame, the sting of public criticism, and how she learned resilience through it all. She opens up about life in Nashville, her decision to return home to Eng...

Nicky sits down with Aslan’s Billy McGuinness for a moving and memorable chat about life in one of Ireland’s most beloved bands. Billy opens up about the joy and chaos of life on the road, the deep friendship behind the music, and the heartbreak of losing frontman Christy Dignam. He reflects on the legacy Aslan built, the power of connection with their fans, and what it means to keep the flame ali...

Nicky sits down with Ireland captain Katie McCabe for a powerful and personal conversation about her journey from kicking ball on the streets of Tallaght to leading her country at the World Cup. Katie reflects on the pride and pressure of wearing the green jersey, the sacrifices that shaped her, and the legacy she's building with both club and country. From unforgettable goals to fearless leadersh...

Nicky sits down with Busted's James Bourne for a candid conversation about life in one of the biggest bands of the early 2000s. James opens up about his journey from West End child performer to pop stardom, the brutal three-month ultimatum from his father to get a record deal, and that pivotal meeting with Simon Cowell. He reveals the raw emotions behind Busted's shock split at their peak, the cre...