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

In this episode, Niall examines the complexities of forgiveness and blame in relationships, asking, If your partner cheated, would you forgive them, or is betrayal always unforgivable? Inspired by Dee Devlin’s public support of Conor McGregor after his High Court verdict, the discussion also questions whether it’s fair to blame "the other woman" in such situations. Some callers commend Dee for her...

In this episode, Meet The Candidates, with the general election just two days away, we invited a diverse group of candidates to share their visions and make their case for your vote. From Independents to party leaders, hear from those seeking to represent constituencies across Ireland. 1. Linda De Courcy Independent Ireland 2. Peadar Tóibín Td Leader Of Aontú 3. Peter Dooley Independent Dublin Bay...

In this episode, Niall dives into the public reaction to Conor McGregor’s latest legal troubles. A High Court jury recently awarded €248,603 in damages to a woman who claimed she was assaulted by McGregor in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegations, asserting that their encounter was consensual, but the case has sparked intense debate about his behavior and reputation. Some callers...

On today’s show, Niall spoke with several candidates running in the upcoming election. According to The Irish Times, support for Fine Gael has plummeted just days before the general election. The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll reveals that Fine Gael’s share of the vote has dropped by six points in less than two weeks, following a campaign marked by missteps. The party now trails bot...

In this episode, Niall tackles a divisive question: was a woman right to involve the Garda after noticing an elderly man sitting in a park and watching children? The debate stems from a listener’s email, sharing his conflicted feelings about his wife's decision and the assumptions behind it. The email describes how the woman, feeling uneasy about the man’s presence, reported him to the authorities...

In this powerful episode, Niall addresses a difficult question: Would You Report Your Own Child for Selling Drugs? The discussion arises from a recent story of a mother’s agonizing decision to alert the Gardaí about her son's significant cannabis stash. Senior counsel Tom Creed calls for leniency, highlighting the young man’s efforts to reform, while Judge Dara Hayes commends the mother’s crucial...

In this episode, Niall addresses the divisive question of whether a compulsory national DNA database should be established. Drawing on recent reports and expert opinions, he presents both sides of the argument surrounding this potential database. Referring to a report from the oversight body for the DNA database, led by Judge Catherine A Murphy, Niall emphasizes the database’s importance to the cr...

In this episode, Niall addresses a sensitive and complex topic that raises questions about the boundaries of love, care, and vulnerability. A mother reached out, expressing concerns about her teenage daughter’s situation. The mother describes her daughter, nearly 18, who lives with moderate to severe autism. Her daughter’s condition includes unique challenges, such as intermittent meltdowns and un...

In this episode, Niall examines a divisive issue: whether society is overly lenient with prisoners. The discussion stems from a report in The Journal about Minister Simon Harris's plans to introduce training programs for individuals convicted of minor crimes, with the goal of reducing re-offending and aiding their reintegration into society upon release. As callers share their views, contrasting o...

In this episode, Niall addresses a challenging and controversial question: Should people have the right to know if a sex offender lives in their neighborhood? This topic comes from a listener’s email and raises important points about the Gardaí’s role in sharing information about sex offenders in Ireland, especially when there’s a potential risk to the public. Niall explains the legal scope for th...

In this gripping episode, Niall tackles the controversial question: Should animal cruelty lead to prison sentences? Prompted by a recent court case, he explores the shocking story of a family found guilty of severe animal neglect under Ireland’s Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013. Three members of the Reilly family — Michael (27), Martin Snr (43), and Katherine (71) — received combined sent...

Niall is joined by Erika Lust, a trailblazer in the world of ethical adult cinema, who is on a mission to revolutionize how we perceive sex on screen. Known for creating films that respect agency and realism, Erika isn’t just focused on breaking stereotypes—she's out to prove that adult cinema can be both artistic and commercially successful. "Sex sells," she explains, "but it doesn’t have to sell...

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...