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

In this episode, Niall tackles a deeply controversial question: Should people have the right to end their own lives? With the UK preparing for a possible vote on assisted suicide before Christmas, and similar discussions emerging in Ireland, the debate over "assisted dying" is intensifying. Supporters argue it offers dignity and relief for terminally ill patients, while opponents warn of potential...

In this episode of the Niall Boylan podcast, Richard and Fred Fairbrass of Right Said Fred reflect on their journey from global pop icons to politically outspoken figures. Known for their massive '90s hit "I'm Too Sexy," the brothers reminisce about their unexpected rise to stardom and how their music has transcended generations—thanks in part to artists like Drake, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, who...

In this episode, Niall is asking, has the State crossed the line offering free contraception to under-17s? The debate stems from the news that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is pushing to expand free contraception to 16-year-olds as part of Budget 2025. Currently, free contraception is available for women aged 17-35, but extending it to under-16s has sparked concerns about mixed messages from th...

In this episode, Niall asks, "Is it selfish to leave your partner for the chance of parenthood?" The discussion is sparked by an emotional email from a listener who faces a heartbreaking decision. After ten years with his wife and a tragic miscarriage, the listener is grappling with the fact that they cannot have biological children together. His wife has come to terms with this reality, even sugg...

In this episode, Niall Boylan speaks with Chris Elston, also known as "Billboard Chris," about his mission to challenge the growing use of puberty blockers and gender transition procedures in children. Chris, who left his career as a financial advisor to pursue full-time activism, describes his work as a personal crusade to protect children from irreversible medical decisions. "I’m a dad of two gi...

In this episode, Niall discusses the emotional dilemma of whether the truth about a secret child should always be revealed, no matter the consequences. The conversation stems from an email sent in by a listener in her mid-30s, who recently discovered the identity of her biological father through a DNA website. Her father, now in his 80s and a well-known businessman, has no idea she exists. The lis...

In this episode, Niall asks the big question: With Roderic O’Gorman and the rest of the government showing no regrets about the recent surge in migration, who’s got your vote? Many feel that Sinn Féin wouldn’t have done much differently, while the independents seem to lack enough influence. As the next election looms, Niall explores who the public is turning to and why. Callers express growing fru...

In this episode, Niall asks a controversial question: Should Ireland serve lunch to asylum seekers arriving without passports, or should it send them back immediately? The debate stems from a recent case at Shannon Airport where two Chinese nationals were found without proper documentation after disembarking a Ryanair flight from Spain. The two men were found hiding in the toilets and later claime...

In this episode, Niall discusses a deeply emotional and complex question: Should you stand by a partner during a mental health crisis, or is there a point where it's okay to walk away? The conversation stems from an email sent by a listener named Katie, whose husband, Liam, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago. Katie describes how his mental health struggles have drastically changed t...

In this episode, Niall explores whether parents should be held legally responsible for crimes committed by their under-18 children. With teenage crime on the rise, some believe parents should face legal consequences for failing to guide or discipline their children, while others argue that even the best parents can’t always control the actions of their kids. Is it fair to hold parents accountable,...

In this episode, Niall dives into the controversy surrounding the playing of the UK's national anthem, "God Save The King," at the Aviva Stadium. Many Irish fans responded by booing, raising the question of whether it is time for Ireland to move past historical grievances or if this reaction reflects the continued significance of the nation's past with British rule. Should playing the anthem be se...

In this episode, Niall explores the concern of having a dog, specifically a staffy, around a newborn baby. A listener, who is due to give birth in two months, has written in about her frustration with her husband’s refusal to rehome their dog. She believes it’s too risky to have the dog around their baby. Is she being unreasonable, or is her concern valid? Some callers agree with the mother-to-be,...

In this episode, Niall tackles the sensitive issue of whether there should be compensation for all victims of physical abuse in Irish schools before corporal punishment was criminalised. With a new report highlighting the extent of sexual abuse by religious orders in schools and ongoing calls for redress, Niall asks whether victims of physical abuse deserve similar recognition and compensation for...

In this episode, Niall explores the question, "Does Our Government Hate The Irish Culture?" sparked by the controversy surrounding the SPHE schoolbook used in this year’s curriculum. Critics argue that the book, which seemingly portrays traditional Irish families negatively, is part of a broader attempt to undermine Irish culture. The discussion highlights concerns from TDs, parents, and teachers...

In this podcast, Niall interviews Niamh Uí Bhriain about a controversial SPHE (Social, Personal, and Health Education) book being used in Irish schools. The conversation revolves around accusations that the book mocks traditional Irish culture, portraying an Irish family as backward, insular, and narrow-minded compared to more modern, diverse families depicted as progressive and inclusive. This po...

In today’s episode, Niall dives into the proposed UK laws banning smoking in outdoor spaces and asks, should Ireland follow suit? He speaks with Adrian Cummins from the Restaurant Association and Paul Tryvaud of Tryvaud’s Restaurant in Killarney to explore how this potential ban could impact the hospitality industry. The UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is considering tougher outdoor smokin...

In this episode, Niall explores the debate around whether the Irish language should be compulsory for all students, regardless of their nationality. The discussion was sparked by the Taoiseach's comments suggesting that fewer students are choosing Irish for the Leaving Certificate because many come from families around the world and may not be in a position to take mandatory Irish classes. Should...

In this episode, Niall asks the question: Is it time to ban drinking alcohol on planes and in airports? This debate has been sparked by recent comments from Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, who called for alcohol limits to tackle a rise in disorderly and violent behavior during flights. O'Leary suggests restricting passengers to two drinks per journey to help manage the issue, citing in...

In this episode, Niall asks the pressing question: Who should be responsible for keeping children off social media? With the Health Minister proposing to challenge social media companies to limit access for under-16s, the debate continues over whether this responsibility should fall on the government, tech companies, or parents. Some callers argue that it’s primarily the parents' responsibility. T...

In this episode, Niall asks the complex question surrounding freedom of speech, especially in light of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's arrest and the increasing scrutiny on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) by governments. With accusations that Telegram facilitates criminal activities due to its commitment to user privacy and encryption, the debate arises: Should there be any restrictions on speech,...

In this episode, Niall asks the crucial question: Would you intervene if you saw someone being attacked? With the increasing reports of violence, it's a situation more people may find themselves in, and the responses are divided. Some callers believe it's essential to step in and help. They argue that as human beings, we have a responsibility to protect one another and stop violence when we see it...

In this episode, Niall asks whether it's time to scrap school uniforms, as many parents express frustration over the rising costs of back-to-school expenses. The debate centers on whether uniforms are an unnecessary financial burden or a valuable tool for promoting equality among students. Some callers believe that school uniforms are outdated and too expensive, arguing that allowing kids to wear...

In this episode, Niall asks whether personal protection items, such as pepper spray, should be made legal in Ireland, especially as concerns grow over street safety, particularly for women. Senator Keogan's recent proposal has sparked debate: should individuals have the right to carry such items for self-defense? Some callers argue against legalizing personal protection items, fearing that they co...

In this episode of the Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by Peadar Tóibín, leader of the Aontú party, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Irish care system, particularly its failings in protecting the country's most vulnerable children. The conversation begins with a deep dive into alarming findings from Freedom of Information documents, revealing the state's struggling child care syste...

In this episode, Niall explores the pressing issues of immigration and housing in Ireland, asking listeners how they would solve these intertwined crises. While it's easy to point out the problems, Niall challenges listeners to propose real solutions. Some callers suggest that stricter immigration controls are necessary to alleviate the pressure on housing and social services. They believe that by...