Best Of Belfast: Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast
494 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsNorthern Ireland has a better story to tell — one that goes beyond bombs, bullets and a sunken ship.
You are part of this story.
With 300+ conversations featuring some of the incredible people who call this place home, our weekly show gives you the chance to get away from the clickbait and connect with the amazing things happening in Belfast.
Previous guests include NASA Scientists, Billion-Dollar CEOs, 91-year-old park-runners, Oscar-winning directors, Olympic Gold medalists, Bitcoin Auctioneers, Tim Burton's puppet-maker and a guy who built an aeroplane in his garage.
Well-known voices include Snow Patrol, Foy Vance, Julian Simmons, May McFettridge, Zoe Salmon, Andrew Trimble, The Dead Rabbit, Michael Deane, The Priests, Two Door Cinema Club, Oliver Jeffers, Pete Snodden, Colin Geddis, Mary Peters, Rebecca McKinney and May Blood — the millworker who became a peer in the House Of Lords.
Check it out!
https://bestofbelfast.org/
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Graham Robinson On Art, Virtual Productions & The End Of Hollywood
April 22, 2024 04:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBGraham Robinson is an Artist and Director with over 15 years of experience working with household names like Netflix, Universal Music Group, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa and the BBC. In this episode, we talk about: How the creative journey is made up of incremental steps rather than huge Hollywood moments Discovering his art form at a young age The role of the artist in society Balancing virtual worlds with the "real-world" Being led by intuition/calling rather than logic/reason Wha...
Graham Robinson on Virtual Production & The Future of Storytelling
April 22, 2024 04:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBGraham Robinson is an Artist and Director with over 15 years of experience working with household names like Netflix, Universal Music Group, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa and the BBC. In this episode, we talk about: How the creative journey is made up of incremental steps rather than huge Hollywood moments Discovering his art form at a young age The role of the artist in society Balancing virtual worlds with the "real-world" Being led by intuition/calling rather than logic/reason Wha...
Changing the world one beer at a time | Alan Mahon, Brewgooder
April 15, 2024 04:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBAlan Mahon is the Belfast-born Founder and CEO of Brewgooder, an impact beer brand, B Corp, and the fastest-growing independent UK beer brand of 2023. In this episode, we talk about: Meeting George Clooney & Leonardo Dicaprio Leaving his "three mums” behind to move to Scotland The tension between doing good and making money How getting a parasite in Nepal led to him starting his business The power of pub culture and its impact on relationships Using business as a vehicle to change the...
Marty Neill on Tiny Rooms, Video Games & “Figuring It Out”
April 08, 2024 04:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBMarty Neill is the founder of AirPOS. He’s also an ex-music journalist and avid retro gamer. In this episode, we talk about: Leaving school illegally at 15-years-old Building and selling video games as a kid on his Spectrum + 2 How all the best things in his life have come from “tiny rooms” Why you should never fall in love with your business Ideas being the “real currency” How COVID both destroyed and transformed his business Why your business will never love you back The huge oppo...
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir on Blackbirds, Boyhood & The Future of Media
April 01, 2024 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBMáirtín Ó Muilleoir is the publisher of the Andersonstown News in Belfast and the Irish Echo in New York. In this episode, we talk about: Why he has a blackbird on his business card How he was able to buy a business with no money The future of the newspaper industry Growing up in Andytown during the sixties Challenges facing the media sector The symbiotic relationship between Ireland/America Life lessons from a Buddhist Chaplain And dealing with the chaos of modern life Check it ou...
Patrick Treacy on Pioneering Aesthetic Medicine, Treating Michael Jackson & Witnessing History
March 25, 2024 05:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBPatrick Treacy is a pioneer in Aesthetic Medicine. Throughout his incredible career, he’s won countless awards, trained thousands of doctors and trail-blazed new protocols used around the world today. In this episode, we talk about: Smuggling cars across the German border to pay for med school Being arrested in Iraq under suspected espionage How being from Ireland quite literally saved his life His phone call with Nelson Mandela Treating Michael Jackson and the subsequent friendship th...
Meat Merchant Peter Hannan on Quality, Attention To Detail & “Chance Encounters”
March 18, 2024 05:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBPeter Hannan is a Meat Merchant who supplies 400+ restaurants throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, including some of the biggest names in the industry. In this episode, we talk about: How he started out in the meat business (Aka, butchering lambs for his mum's mate's freezer as a boy) Moving to America at 19-years-old to learn from the masters of his industry Becoming the highest-paid executive in Ireland by the age of 22 Setting up his own business The decision to focus on quality ...
Iain Percy on Olympic Success, Electric Ferries & Maritime Decarbonisation
March 11, 2024 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBIain Percy is the founder of Artemis Technologies and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. In this episode, we talk about: How he fell in love with the water His work with professional sailing teams around the world Building the world's first electric workboat and electric passenger ferry The pros/cons of bringing an Olympic mindset to business Limiting time vs limiting the scope of projects Why he decided to base the business in Belfast The necessity for green technology to make sense ...
Unlocking Toyota's Winning Formula | Alan Weir | Belfast Roots to Global Success
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBAlan Weir is a top leader at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK. In today's episode, we talk about: His first job in Belfast Zoo Amusement park as a kid Working in a seatbelt factory Leaving home Managing a team of 40 English men in his early-twenties (And the leadership lessons he learned as a result) The powerful culture Toyota have created Experiencing Japan for the first time How a car comes of the line every 86 seconds at his factory (And the business principles that make that poss...
Ross Lazaroo-Hood on Taking Risks, Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs & Living Forever
February 26, 2024 05:00 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBRoss Lazaroo-Hood is the CEO of Clearer Water: “a social-impact company” based in Larne. He's also the founder of Landmark Insurance Group and cofounder of the RUSA Foundation Charity. In today's episode, we talk about: Where his name comes from Growing up in an estate in Larne Getting the freedom of the city award in London How his start-up didn't make any money for 18 months Merging his business and personal identities together Why entrepreneurship is an amazing tool for improving ...
Snow Leopards, Snakes & Community Farms | Wildlife Conservationist Jonny Hanson
February 19, 2024 05:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBJonny Hanson is a conservationist, agriculturalist, and entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss: Spending his summer holidays working with wild animals. Pursuing a PhD in Snow Leopard Conservation. The shift in the conservation industry from a "Western" to a "local" approach. Living in both Malawi and Monaghan during his childhood. The impact this had on his personal identity. Establishing Northern Ireland's first community-owned farm. His forthcoming book and documentary. What he...
Beyond the Love Story with Relationship Coach Lisa McFarland
February 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBLisa McFarland is Northern Ireland’s leading relationship coach. In today’s episode, we talk about: Why there’s a taboo about getting help with your relationship (Versus hiring a PT, mechanic etc) The importance of talking to your male partner shoulder-to-shoulder Why 96% of her followers on Instagram are women A simple framework for checking in with your partner each week How our childhoods impact the way we give and receive love Co-dependency: what it is and how to break free from ...
Education Reimagined: Behind-The-Scenes At Holywood Steiner Private School | Peter Chambers
February 05, 2024 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBPeter Chambers is the Headteacher at Holywood Steiner School, an alternative to mainstream education that’s making a powerful impact on the lives of pupils and teachers alike. In today's episode, we talk about: How the school has doubled in budget, size and staff since 2020 Why most people aren't aware of alternative education in Northern Ireland The power of delaying "sitting at a desk” until 6-years-old Teaching kids how to cook three-course meals, woodworking and a second language W...
CONSUMER to CREATOR ft. Seth Godin
February 01, 2024 23:10 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBSeth Godin is the author of 21 best-selling books, including: The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, This Is Marketing and most recently, Song of Significance. In this episode, we talk about: How to shift from a consumer to a creator One decision you can make to free up 100+ hours each month Two magical questions that will unlock your business Why 1000 true fans is all you need (And why 5 might even be enough) "Shunning the non-believers" His experience running some of the most succe...
Adam Chambers on Supreme Confidence, Investing In Yourself & Building A Legacy
January 29, 2024 05:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBAdam Chambers is the founder and president of Nurse Recruitment Experts, an online business that has sourced and hired 10,000s of Nurses for health systems across the United States and Canada. In today’s episode, we talk about: Learning to salsa dance How playing Fifa led to his first entrepreneurial venture Starting a business from scratch with no funding or network Becoming a digital nomad An accidental taxi ride with a billion-dollar CEO The power of investing in yourself His mum ...
The Ache For Distant Places w/ Andrea Haughian
January 22, 2024 05:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBAndrea Haughian is Executive Vice President and Head of Americas at Invest NI, Northern Ireland’s Economic Development Agency. In today’s episode, we talk about: Why she’s proud of Lurgan Showing up to the “wrong interview” (and how it changed her life) The opportunities “being keen” opened up for her Aching for distant places How she ended up moving to San Francisco in the 90s The power of wanting something (and seeing it come about) Where she goes in NYC to get her Northern Irish f...
Aaron Dugan: Cocktail Bar Manager, The Merchant Hotel
January 15, 2024 05:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBAaron Dugan is the Bar Manager of The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel. In today’s episode, we talk about: His time working as a sake sommelier in Dubai Why our tastebuds have become more refined after COVID The world’s most expensive cocktail Stories behind The Merchant’s 17-drink cocktail menu The difference between a five-star bar experience and your local pub And why he loves working in hospitality. Check it out. https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/aaron-dugan-cocktail-bar-merch...
Andrew Irvine: City Centre Chaplaincy
January 08, 2024 05:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBAndrew Irvine in a former life led the redevelopment of Belfast St. George's Market, then spent 9 years as the Belfast City Centre Manager. In 2015 Andrew's career took change of direction when he was accepted for training as a Methodist Minister. Now ordained for 3 years, Andrew leads Belfast City Centre Chaplaincy, In this episode we talk about: The power of being available for people Getting lectured by a homeless man Why we should treat others like ourselves His vision for having 10...
Baroness May Blood: Integrated Education Fund
January 01, 2024 05:00 - 53 minutes - 50.1 MB[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired October 16th 2020] Baroness May Blood grew up in a working-class area of Belfast. In today’s episode, we talk all about what it was like growing up in Belfast in the ’40s, her time in the House Of Lords and why Integrated Education is essential to overcoming the pain of our past. // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to May (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/baroness-may-blood-ief Best Of Belfas...
Terry George: The Oscar-Winning Director From Belfast
December 25, 2023 05:00 - 56 minutes - 52.9 MB[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired on August 19th 2019] Terry George is an Oscar-winning film director from Belfast, Northern Ireland, known for movies like Hotel Rwanda, The Shore, In The Name Of The Father and much, much more. In this rare conversation, we talk about why he creates the films he does, what genocide has taught him about forgiveness and the best piece of directing advice he’s ever been given. // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to Terry (includin...
The Small Steps To Success w/ Ryan Donnelly
December 18, 2023 05:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBRyan Donnelly is the co-founder of Enzai, a start-up who’s mission is to enable a future where AI is harnessed to address humanity's most significant challenges In today’s episode, we talk about: An incredible four-year journey from being in a career he hated to running a start-up he loves The small, seemingly insignificant steps that have led to where he is today “Getting smacked in the face” by challenges early on in the entrepreneurial journey Why Belfast is the perfect place to laun...
“EVERYTHING You Know About Networking is WRONG!” — Kingsley Aikins
December 12, 2023 10:15 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBKingsley Aikins is one of the world’s leading experts on networking, relationship-building and diaspora engagement. In this episode, we caught up with Kingsley in his home for a rare conversation about: How the old way of networking is dead (And why it probably never worked in the first place) A surprising hack to turn cold calls into hot coffees Incredible tips and tricks to “wow” new relationships in the digital age Building a network from scratch in Australia when he knew no one Ho...
Headmaster Kyle McCallan on Leadership, “The 3 B’s” & Following Better Things
December 04, 2023 05:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBKyle McCallan is the Headmaster of Lurgan College. He’s also a former Irish International Cricketer with 2 World Cups and 226 caps. In today’s episode, we talk about: The difference between a manager and a leader “The 3B’s” that make up the ethos of his school What held him back as a professional athlete The role school plays in society “Following better things” His vision for the future of Lurgan And the kindest thing someone’s ever done for him Check it out! https://bestofbelfast...
Gemma Austin: A Peculiar Tea
November 27, 2023 05:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBGemma Austin is the Owner of A Peculiar Tea in Belfast and a Great British Menu contestant who has represented Northern Ireland three times. In today's episode we talk about: How “losing everything” set her on the path to success Battling anxiety and depression The ONE conversation that led to her becoming a chef Creating a value-based business that makes the world a better place Transforming the hospitality industry into one where people want to work again And the power of family and...
Martina Tierney on Seating Matters, Family Business & “The Stairway of My Life”
November 20, 2023 05:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBMartina Tierney is the founder of Seating Matters and author of “The Stairway of My Life.” In today’s episode, we talk about: Why the stairs in her house are so special Growing up as one of fourteen siblings How a farming background prepared her for entrepreneurship Becoming an Occupational Therapist Why regular 9-5 hours didn’t suit her The courage provided by her husband to “do her own thing” How a garden shed turned into an international business And the kindest thing someone’s e...
The Tierney Brothers on Cutting Turf, Family Legacy & Meeting Bob Proctor
November 13, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBJonathan, Ryan and Martin Tierney are brothers with heads for business, hearts for people and souls that long to the leave the world better than they found it. They're all directors at Seating Matters, a family business started by their mum that employs 60+ people and manufactures life-changing medical chairs for patients around the world. In this episode we talk about: Why they rarely sit at the same table Seeing Santa’s sleigh while laying concrete Cutting turf for pocket money The s...
Colin Gibson on Military Contracting, PTSD & The Power of Being Yourself
November 06, 2023 05:00 - 4 hours - 250 MBColin Gibson is an ex-soldier, military contractor, scuba-diver, and owner of Talon: a security training company based in Northern Ireland. He’s served in Iraq and Afghanistan, lived in Belize for 6+ years and has been on a rollercoaster journey of dealing with combat-induced PTSD and childhood trauma. In part one of this epic four-part special we talk about: The effects of growing up with an abusive father How violence dominated his early years Getting in trouble with the police The mo...
“Don’t Hug The Shore!” — Kevin Roland, MD of Teneo (Recorded September 2023)
October 30, 2023 10:23 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB(Recorded September 2023). Kevin Roland is a Managing Director in New York-based global CEO advisory firm Teneo. He was a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S. State Department, serving in front-line diplomatic roles in Northern Ireland (from 2009-2012), as well as Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Jordan, and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in Washington, D.C. Despite working around the world, Kevin and his family reside at their home in New Quay, County Clare, Ireland. In today’...
Brendan McGurgan on Scaling, Personal Transformation & Keeping Score of the Things That Matter
October 23, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBBrendan McGurgan is the co-founder of Simple Scaling: an organisation that helps ambitious business leaders to 10x their business through accelerator programs, best-selling books, acclaimed podcasts, and the upcoming ScaleX Summit. He’s also a certified Wim Hof Instructor and self-confessed sauna-junkie. In today's episode we talk about: - His first job picking apples as a boy in Armagh - Why he quit his retail gig over a coke - (And got hired elsewhere an hour later) - What led him to g...
Joseph Kennedy III on Famous Last Names, Figuring Stuff Out & Northern Ireland
October 16, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 48.8 MBJoseph Kennedy III currently serves as the Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. In today's episode we talk about: - Growing up in a family known for public service - How the assassination of his uncle (JFK) and granda (Bobby Kennedy) impacted his family - Moving to the Dominican Republic as a young man - Dealing with the expectations people have of him because of his last name - President Biden calling to offer him a job - His love and admiration for C.S. Lew...
Celebrity Defamation Lawyer Paul Tweed on AI, Supreme Confidence & Using Good Judgement
October 09, 2023 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBPaul Tweed is a media lawyer described as “the most powerful man in Hollywood.” He’s represented A-list celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Harrison Ford, Britney Spears, Liam Neeson and countless others — all while being based in Belfast. In today’s episode we talk about: How his working class background is a superpower in court The two most important traits a successful lawyer must have What defamation is (and why it’s different to being rude to someone) How artificial intelligien...
Diplomat Colin Leeman on Foreign Service, Travelling the World & Coming Out
October 02, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBColin Leeman is the British Consul General in Cape Town. Over the last twenty years in the British Foreign Service, he’s had postings to Iraq, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, the UAE, New Zealand — and now South Africa. In today’s episode we talk about: What a Consul General actually does/the perks of being a Foreign Diplomat Rescuing Emma Little-Pengelly MLA from a kidnapping Going from wanting to be a presbyterian minister to working for the British Government Coming out as gay (and what i...
George McGowan: Professional Parkour Athlete
September 25, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 45 MBGeorge McGowan, is a professional parkour athlete from Northern Ireland who’s widely known as the “springiest guy in the sport.” In today's episode we talk about: How he became a real-life Spiderman (Without killing himself in the process) Making it to the semi-finals of Britains Got Talent The weirdest thing he’s ever done for money Working for Warners Brothers to model video game characters And how we as humans can end up doing impossible things with our bodies Check it out! ...
Polymath Laurence Beattie on Grandparenting, Growing Up & Seeing Ghosts
September 18, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBLaurence Beattie is a recently retired jack-of-all-trades, including lab technician, forensic scientist, quality engineer, quality manager, plant manager, production manager, executive, business owner/managing director, mixologist, and full-time grandpa. He worked for 47 years after leaving school following his A-levels. He also enjoys motor racing, shooting, and angling when he gets the chance. In today's episode, we talk about: Things his WWII navy dad taught him The one question he...
Gospel Singer Roberta Clements on Alcoholism, Miracles & The Master’s Plan
September 11, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 79.8 MBRoberta Clements is a gospel singer from Belfast who has performed on thousands of stages around the world, including local pubs/clubs, high-security prisons, and U.S. military bases during the Vietnam War. She is also a recovering alcoholic. In today's episode, we discuss: The spiritual experiences that happened while she was still in the womb Singing on top of wooden school desks at four years old How she got into showbiz Discovering alcohol at 16 years old Surviving multiple su...
Leon McCarron on Adventure, Iraq & The Garden of Eden
September 04, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBLeon McCarron is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, and explorer from Northern Ireland. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia's Explorer of the Year. He is known for his long-distance expeditions and immersive multimedia storytelling. In the past decade, he has traveled over 50,000 km by human power and is currently based in Iraq. In today's episode, we talk about: Growing up on the North Coast How he ended up setting off on the...
The Priests: Fastest-Selling Classical Music Act of All Time (While also being full-time priests!)
August 28, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MB[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired on 13th November 2019] The Priests are the fastest-selling classical group of all time. They’re also full-time clergymen… In this week’s episode, we chat about what it was like to grow up together, what it’s like to juggle the priesthood alongside being world-famous musicians and how to keep our ego in check. // To see a 'treasure trove' of all things related to The Priests (including a photo) please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/the-...
Hotbox Sea Sauna, Benone Beach (My Favourite Place in Northern Ireland)
August 21, 2023 04:00 - 56 minutes - 45.8 MB[Rebroadcast: this episode first aired on 17th May 2021] Anna and Carl Isaksson are the founders of Hotbox: Northern Ireland’s first ever beach sauna experience. The idea is simple yet utterly genius: what if after a cold plunge in the sea you could cosy into a sauna to sweat it out with your nearest and dearest? In today's episode we talk about: Working for and kissing kings How a gal from NI ended up marrying a Swedish guy Why they set-up a mobile sauna busines...
Nadine Patterson: Stop-Motion Puppet-Maker for Tim Burton & Wes Anderson
August 14, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MB[Rebroadcast: this episode was first aired on 7th November 2019] Nadine Patterson is a puppet-maker from Northern Ireland. From making models as a child to working in the puppet hospital on a Tim Burton movie set, Nadine has one of the most interesting stories we’ve ever featured on the podcast. In this rare conversation, you’ll discover what goes on inside a puppet hospital, how difficult it is to work with such small objects and why she loves what she does for a living. // ...
Otto Jaffe & The History of the Jewish Community in Northern Ireland
August 07, 2023 04:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MB[Rebroadcast: This episode first aired 2nd November 2020] Sir Otto Jaffe was one of the leading entrepreneurs responsible for the boom of the Linen Industry here in Belfast in the 1800s. Through a lot of hard work and determination, the young German-born entrepreneur rose through the ranks of the family business and went on to become the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Twice. Yet by the end of his life, Sir Otto was forced out of Northern Ireland. Forever. But that’s not all. In the 100 years...
Private Investigator Ian D. Withers on Murder Charges, Child Recovery & Telling The Truth
July 31, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBIan D Withers is a retired Private Investigator and author. In today’s episode we talk about: Growing up in the aftermath of WW2 The role private investigators play in society Falling through the ceiling while trying to catch someone in the act of adultery How he got into PI work Building his own private investigator business from scratch Working for the Seychelle Government for eight years Why the MET hates him And how he ended up being the number one suspect in an internat...
Hospitality Legends: Ryan Jenkins, Owner of ROAM Restaurant
July 24, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBRyan Jenkins is a 30-year-old self-taught chef from West Belfast and the owner of ROAM: an award-winning restaurant in Belfast city centre. In today's episode we talk about: Stumbling into hospitality at 19-years-old How he went from peeling vegetables to owning an award-winning restaurant Where the name ROAM comes from Why he chose (and loves) his Callendar Street location What it was like to watch his dad winning an Oscar And advice he would give to himself if he was doing it ...
Joan Burney Keatings on Outrageous Serendipity, Leading With Your Gut & The Purpose Driven Life
July 17, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBJoan Burney Keatings is the Chief Executive of Cinemagic: an award-winning charity that provides young people around the world with opportunities to break into the film-industry. In today’s episode we talk about: How her parent’s entrepreneurial flair is being passed onto her kids Producing films in the Middle-East Bringing the muppets to Northern Ireland The outrageous events that led to her meeting Liam Neeson Times she listened to her gut rather than her head Working with maj...
John Christie: Hot Rod Racing World Champion
July 10, 2023 04:00 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MBJohn Christie is a Hot Rod Racing World Champion. In today's episode, we discuss: What Hot Rod is and what sets it apart from other motorsports Qualifying for the world championship with a broken arm Running a mechanic workshop while racing around the world Growing up learning from his dad, Ormond Christie (Who was also a world champion and mechanic) The rivalry between his dad and Davy Evans that shaped the sport Drawing the line between success and striving for more Check i...
Hospitality Legends: Michael Cosgrove, The Crown Bar
July 03, 2023 04:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBMichael Cosgrove is a bartender in The Crown Bar. In today’s episode we talk about: How he became a celebrity bartender The ghost that lives The Crown The cultural shift he’s noticed since COVID Why he’s stayed in the same job in the same pub for 36+ years And some of the chance encounters he’s had with punters Check it out! // https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/michael-cosgrove-bartender //
Abigail Parkinson on TikTok, Dealing With Rejection & The Power of Favour
June 26, 2023 04:00 - 39 minutes - 37.4 MBWelcome to Pub Chats & A Pint, a podcast series sponsored by Harp where we sit down with interesting local people in a Belfast pub. Today we are in The Orpheus Bar in the Cathedral Quarter and are joined by comedian, actor and social media star Abbie Parkinson. In this episode we talk about: The mad TikTok journey that led to her stardom Dreaming of becoming a world-famous actor from a young age Moving from Fermanagh to Chicago Dealing with the rejection involved in pursuing actin...
Hospitality Legends: James McGinn, MD of Hastings Hotels
June 19, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBJames McGinn is the Managing Director of Hastings Hotels. Over the last 27 years, he has been involved in presidential visits, hosting celebrities, starring in 31 episodes of reality TV, and working with charities like Belfast Homeless Shelter, Flax Trust, and Aware NI. In today's episode, we talk about: Growing up as one of 11 children in Killyclogher How he got into hospitality Being held up at gunpoint The importance of building a good team culture Hosting the MTV Awards Lock...
Pi Guy Marty Duggan on Broken Bones, Cuban Raves & Legendary Pizza
June 12, 2023 08:45 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBWelcome to Pub Chats & A Pint a podcast series sponsored by Harp where we sit down with interesting local people in a Belfast pub. Today we are in The Errigle Inn on the Ormeau Road and are joined by legendary pizza maker Marty Duggan who runs Pi Guy out of Trademarket in the City Centre. In today's episode we talk about: Broken bones Cuban raves Interning under legendary pizza makers His new bespoke, unbelievably expensive oven And why the dinner table is so important Check it...
Chris Lynch on Suicide, Identity Crisis In Sport & Whole Athlete Wellbeing
June 05, 2023 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBChris Lynch is the Head Wellbeing Manager of Australia's National Football Team. He has also worked in Olympic Cycling and Malaysian Rugby. In today's episode, we talk about: The early years of sports data (collecting sticker books and cards!) How the local GA players were like the Greek gods of his world when he was growing up Becoming a successful athlete on an inter-county level His own battles with depression and suicide How he learned to "stop bottling everything up" Why so...
William Thompson on Spy Kids, Cerebral Palsy and Meeting Louis C.K.
May 29, 2023 04:00 - 43 minutes - 42.6 MBWelcome to Pub Chats & A Pint, a podcast series sponsored by Harp Lager where we sit down in a local pub with someone interesting from Northern Ireland. Today we're in The Harp Bar in Cathedral Quarter and are joined by rising-star Comedian William Thompson. In this episode we talk about: Why his mum kept his cerebral palsy a secret from him How he landed his first comedy gig The philosophical undertones of Spy Kids Balancing local humour with an international audience High Scho...