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04 May 2022
EP 6- STANLEY NELSON (documentary film maker)
00:27:16
For this episode I spoke to oscar nominated documentary director and producer Stanley Nelson. We spoke about his latest award-winning documentary Attica, based on the 1971 prisoner rebellion at the upstate New York prison which lasted five days and resulted in 43 deaths, both guards and inmates.
I also asked Stanley about his own journey thru documentary making and how it began, which of his documentaries he would recommend the most, the evolution of documentary film throughout the years and much more..
0.00 Intro, oscars 3.10 Stanley’s own start in doc making 6.30 Funding, commission for docs 7.43 Director vs producer 9.39 Initial interest in Attic as a subject 12.05 Stanley’s docs previous to Attica and Stanley’s favorite of his own work 16.41 Changes in docs over the years 21.26 Advice to young doc makers 23.20 Thoughts on “entertainment documentaries” 25.24 Docs made by others in the last few years that Stanley liked
EP. 7- IAN SMITH, the story of Atilis Gym, defying lockdown orders and running for congress
00:49:42
For this episode I spoke to Ian Smith, co-owner of the Atilis Gym in New Jersey.. Ian and his gym gained nationwide prominence in 2020 when he and his co-owner made the decision to re-open their business during the government imposed shutdown.
Ian spoke to me about his life previous to the gym-shutdown drama, his thought process as covid hit the US, the decision to re-open and remain open during lockdown, the escalation of actions taken by the State to discourage and close them down, the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting back to normal business and Ian’s ongoing run for Congress.
Intro, opening gym pre-covid 01:58
Was Ian a “politically interested” person pre-covid. 08:38
First hearing about covid in US, initial thoughts 14:00
First shutdown order and first thoughts of re-opening against govt orders 17:48
Reopening during shutdown.. escalation of govt measures (fines, changed locks, business revocation) 19:43
Getting business license back (WIN) 25:18
Moments of doubt ?? 26:56
Becoming influential on social media- Treatment by media outlets- Left vs Conservative media 30:17
Initial idea to run for congress 36:55
Explaining voting.. congressional districts 38:50
View on local/state politics previous to Ian running, did Ian vote in local elections? 40:04
FORMER FBI AGENT- Terrorism, Undercover in Skinhead gangs & more (MIKE GERMAN)
01:21:48
For this episode I spoke to former FBI counter-terrorism agent Mike German.
Mike told me about his time spent undercover posing as a weapons trafficker investigating white supremacist gangs in California, his insight into governments methods of terrorism prevention and it’s flaws, his thoughts on mass shootings and what does and doesn’t work in trying to stop them. I also asked about Mike’s parting of ways w/ the FBI after an unpleasant final 2 years as well as what happens to a person who gets put on the terrorist watch list be it justified or otherwise.
We covered a lot of ground in this conversation so please have a look at the episode description for chapter timestamps. As always if you enjoy the content please subscribe and leaving a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and please subscribe to the YouTube channel for full video episodes.
00:00- Welcome to GLP 01:30 intro 2:30 FBI in media, how Mike viewed FBI previous to joining 4:35 Mike becoming an FBI agents 6:10 History of racial discrimination within FBI 8:50 Training 10:50 Any choice in area of assignment or where stationed ? 12:38 Are agents “married to the job”? 14:00 Desk or in-field? 16:20 Assigned to undercover w/ White Supremacist group (CA) 18:45 How do the FBI get informants? 20:55 White Supremacist groups- cell structure 24:15 Types within W.S groups 27:40 How deep undercover? (Mike spent 14 months) 30:00 Had Mike heard of undercover agents getting cover blown? 32:10 White sup groups- attacks 32:17 MIKE’S BOOK- “Thinking like a Terrorist” (link in description) 34:25 FBI Arrests 37:25 Def. of terrorism, flaws in FBI’s investigation of terrorism, “lone-wolf” fallacy, mass shooters, Buffalo and NYC mass shootings 1:04:15- flaws in thinking surrounding the prediction/prevention of mass shootings and crime 1:10:15- what happens when a person is “flagged” and put on Terrorist Watch List” 1:15:15- leaving FBI
This is episode number 9. For this episode I spoke w/ professional Muay Thai fighter and gym owner Jake Peacock. Jake told me about his growing up in England as the son of a professional soccer player, his start in combat sports, setting up a gym in Canada, his decision to turn pro after just 3 amateur Thai fights and his career to date..
00:00 Start
01.20- intro and next fight announcement 3:28- growing up in England 3:46- Having a pro footballer as a father growing up 4:38- getting into combat sports 8:30- Advice on combat sports for kids 10:15- first contact w/ Muay Thai (14/15 years old) 13:10- Jake’s MMA fight (possible future MMA) 14:44- fighting in ko karate, first amateur Thai fights 17:10- FIRST PRO THAI FIGHT 21:47 Getting signed to Lion Fight and fighting during pandemic, fighting in Ireland 25:50- Opening a gym even before first pro fight, building fight team 31:00- Everyday life of a professional fighter 33:20- what can striking sports do to grow bigger, thoughts on (some) MMA fights 36:30- Jake’s shoutouts and sponsors
PARI ARYAFAR-INTERVIEW W/ A COMBAT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER & WRITER
00:56:39
For this episode I spoke w/ combat sports photographer, writer and good friend Pari Aryafar.. she spoke to me about her discovery of Muay Thai at Renzo Gracies gym in NYC, the origins of her photography skills, her love of capturing the human moments within combat sports, studying writing and becoming a sports writer for the prestigious ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP. We also spoke about her move to AMS, training at the famous KOPS gym, the differences in training between the US and Holland and much more https://www.instagram.com/pari.cherry_/ https://www.pari-cherry.com https://www.instagram.com/thegoodlistenerpodcast/ https://twitter.com/GLP_johnhadden
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 1:40 Pari’s start in writing, war photography as inspiration, photographing friends and teammates 8:40 Reasons for moving to AMS 9:50 First going to Renzo Gracie Muay Thai, Introduction to photography, 1st time photographing an MT tournament 15:20 Photos of human moments in Muay Thai 20:10 Help w/ mental health from Joe Sampieri of RGMT 23:02 Writing for FNF, working Glory Kickboxing event 25:00 Working w/ ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP, women in Muay Thai 29:05 Move to AMS, KOPS GYMS, training/sparring in Holland, sports prior to MT 40:25 Studying writing, writing about MT 44:55 Writing for ONE FC and future plans 50:35 Meting Iranian national team- first time w/ women on the team 53:20 Future plans II
24 Jun 2022
INTERVIEW w/ a FORMER WHITE SUPREMACIST LEADER (TONY MCALEER)- Life After Hate
01:29:15
For this episode I spoke w/ former white supremacist skinhead leader Tony McAleer. (TIMESTAMPS BELOW)
Tony told us about his upbringing and the traumas that contributed to his eventual joining of Canadian racist skinhead movement where he would progress to the role of leader. Tony spoke about the members that made up such groups, the disfunction that was pervasive within the movement, the effect that years of being in the movement had on his humanity and his eventual leaving of the group. Tony spoke also about his current work to deradicalize extremists and prevent others from falling into a life of hate.
00:00 INTRO… growing up, relationship w/ father, boarding school in England 11:50- first contact w/ skinheads at Canadian punk rock concert, “befriend the bully, become the bully” mentality, introduction to violence- addictive/intoxicating feeling from it 20:40 getting serious w/ involvement in skinhead/white sup groups, using technology to spread their message 30:50 using music as recruitment tool 32:30 Types within white sup groups 36:40 Which racial/ethnic groups were most hated by the white sup groups? 41:50 Tony’s parents on Tony’s activities at the time (having Hitler poster on bedroom wall while living w/ a father who had been bombed during WW2) 45:10 Recruiting members, how trauma effects us, positive shame/toxic shame 53:40 Tony’s thoughts on hate, rage 57:45 Tony’s leaving the white sup movement 1:03:10- the impact of “American History X” on Tony 1:04:57- “not something I wanted for my children”- how Tony’s children helped him leave 1:06:40- disengaging from the group, getting introduction to therapy 1:14:40- Book 1:15:10 Tony’s current work in de-radicalizing (Life After Hate) 1:21:00- Coming back the same Synagogue 30 years after committing hate-crime there
SO YOU WANT TO BE A FIGHTER- interview w/ Chris Algieri (World Champion Professional Boxer)- GLP
01:11:33
**TIMESTAMPS BELOW**
For this episode I spoke w/ former world champion kickboxer, world champion boxer, nutritionalist and author of two books, "The Fighter's Kitchen" and the recently released, "So You Want To Be A Fighter" (links for both below).
Chris told me about his growing up in combat sports and his first professional fight career as a kickboxer, we spoke about the transition to professional boxing and his path to the eventual world title winning fight against Ruslan Provodnikov where Chris was a 15/1 underdog and had his orbital bone broken in the very first round.
Chris spoke about the highs and lows of the fight game, the social sacrifices necessary to live a champion's life and gave an insightful look into the inner thoughts of a fighter during extreme adversity in the ring.
We discussed Chris' recent book, "So You Want To Be A Fighter" which details stories about the less glamourus side of being a professional fighter from Chris' own career and many others. Links for the book is below and it's available also on Audible which is where I got it. I'd highly recommend it for both fight fans and laypeople alike, very honest stories and a great read (or listen).
01:30 intro, getting into material arts/combat sports 7:03 First amateur KB fight 10:06 Thoughts on kids/teens cutting weight for wrestling 11:10 First thoughts of turning pro (KB) 13:42 Supporting himself financially during pro KB career 15:02 Transitioning from pro KB to pro Boxing 21:02 What level of control does Chris have over the day-to-day runnings of his fight camps?23:45 Study film? Tailor fight camp to particular opponents? 25:08 Coming up as a young pro boxer 26:27 PROVODNIKOV FIGHT (Lead up to Prov) 29:45 PROVODNIKOV FIGHT (15/1 underdog going in) 35:10 Aftermath/ recovering from damage taken in Provodnikov fight 37:10 How life changed after winning World Title 40:53 PACQUIAO FIGHT 47:18 Amir Khan fight 50:40 Becoming a nutritionalist 50:30 Sacrifices in social life necessary to become world champ - “World champions get used to letting people down” 52:41 Work as a nutritionalist 55:56 Thoughts on fighters going vegan for fight camps and “Game Changers” 58:40 Should you raise a child vegan 1:00:30- First book- The Fighter’s Kitchen 1:01:00 Chris’ new book- “SO YOU WANT TO BE A FIGHTER” (link in description) 1:05:30 Would you recommend boxing for kids? 1:06:40- Thoughts on trans-athletes in combat sports
EX-NYPD HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR (Mike Ahearne)- being taken hostage, most memorable jobs & more
01:11:29
For this episode I spoke w/ former NYPD Hostage Negotiator, Mike Ahearne.
Mike told me about his path to the role of hostage negotiator within the NYPD, the ins and outs of the job as well as the skills required in a good negotiator. He shared with us the story of his own experience getting taken hostage in a police station for over 4 hours in 2002, some of his most memorable negotiations and the stress that comes w/ such extreme moments.
***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 PREVIEW 00:48 intro, starting off in NYPD 6:28 Becoming a detective 9:37 MIKE GETS TAKEN HOSTAGE 35:12 Going home after being taken hostage 37:13 Joining the hostage negotiation team and training 40:48 Mike recalls negotiation 43:28 MIKE NEGOTIATES HOSTAGE SITUATION (hostage taker, his infant child and entire apartment dosed in gasoline) 56:18 Any jobs that didn’t go so well ? 57:28 Mike’s reflections on his 17 years as a negotiator, not “bringing the job home with you” 1:00:38 Retiring from the job, thoughts on current and previous mayors 1:06:30 Traits of a good hostage negotiator? 01:07:18 How much can/should a hostage negotiator BS a criminal ? (False promises etc) 1:09:20 Life after the job.. miss having an exciting job?
IVOR CUMMINS- C*vid lockdowns, censorship, masking & more | Good Listener Podcast
01:02:40
***TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
For this episode I was joined by Ivor Cummins, Irish Biochemical Engineer, Complex Problem Solving Specialist who has examined the studies and data surrounding c*v!d, effectiveness of lockdowns and masks and has been an outspoken critic of government overreach during the pandemic. @Ivor Cummins
He shared his thoughts on the efficacy of masks (or lack thereof), whether lockdowns were worthwhile, the detrimental effect of the lockdowns on children, the censoring of scientists who spoke out against the govt measures and what percentage of the public will no longer trust media and govt institutions after the c$v!d years.
00:00 Preview 1:50 Intro, Ivor’s background 5:30 Ivor’s trust levels in media regarding public health PRE- PANDEMIC 7:10 First hearing about C*VID… Diamond Princess ship 12:20 Initial thoughts when lockdowns were brought in (Ireland) 26:00 Did holding a heterodox opinion re: c*vid have any social costs for Ivor ? 29:30 What will be the result of the loss of faith in media/medical establishment by many members of the public ? 38:20 Lockdowns/masking KIDS 55:20 will the “lockdown” card be played by govts again ? 59:30 Origin theory ??
FALSELY CONVICTED FOR PARENT'S MURDER, 18 YEARS IN PRISON | Marty Tankleff (Exoneree)
01:19:54
For this ep. I spoke to exoneree Marty Tanleff. Marty woke up on the first day of his last high school year to find his mother murdered and father clinging to life. Two years later he found himself in prison having been setup for his parent's murders. After serving 18 years in prison he is now a lawyer and works to exonerate others who were once in his position. This is his story.
**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 PREVIEW 01:09 Growing up, background to murders, initial police investigation 11:49 Discovering parent’s murder scene, circumstances that led to the murders 25:09 INTERROGATION and false confession 31:29 Post-interrogation , THE TRIAL, flaws in justice system 44:44 GOING TO PRISON 50:22 Marty hires private investigator- starts his own investigation, Appeals 52:54 MARTY FINDS OUT THAT HE’S FREE 1:00:34 MARTY reflects on the effects of over 6,300 days in prison 1:07:14 WALKING BACK INTO PRISONS WHERE MARTY HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN HELD and work as a lawyer 1:10:39 How were Marty’s legal costs handled during exoneration process 1:11:54 - Adjusting to life after prison & violence in prison 1:13:34 Marty’s work as a lawyer II, Valentino Dixon case 1:16:43 What happened to the people who were responsible for Marty’s false conviction ?
LOSING BOTH LEGS IN IRAQ, BEING "BLOWN UP" | CHRIS LEVI- Iraq War veteran | Good Listener Podcast
02:33:18
*** TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
For this episode I spoke to Iraq War Veteran Chris Levi about his experiences while serving in the U.S military in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Chris' time in Iraq came to an end when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle, Chris narrowly avoided death and lost both legs above the knee as well as sustaining a bad arm/hand injury.
Chris told me about his time in a military high school, his army training and his tours of Afghanistan and Iraq. We spoke at length about the day Chris' life changed drastically and the immediate aftermath of the ambush as well as Chris' feelings towards the person(s) who may have detonated the explosion.
Chris' spoke about the process of learning to walk again with prosthetic limbs and life after the military.
00:00 Preview, growing up, Military High School 00:19:35- Joining the military 00:27:00- RANGER SCHOOL 00:31:20 “HAZING” in the military 00:34:15 - 9/11 00:38:51- First deployment abroad (Afghanistan) 00:45:25- First impression of Afghanistan 00:48:46- What did combat w/ the Afghans consist of? 1:01:47- How did the Afghanis tend to view the Taliban/US troops? 1:08:05- Average day/ daily routine 1:15:30- GETTING “BLOWN UP” (IRAQ) 1:33:00- MEDICAL AID POST-AMBUSH 1:41:30- post-traumatic growth and humor 1:44:20- LEARNING TO WALK AGAIN, PROSTHETIC LEGS 2:02:35- charity work 2:18:40 Adjusting to life after the army
For this episode I spoke to Rafael Mangual, the Nick Ohnell Fellow and head of research for the Policing and Public Safety Initiative at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal.
We spoke about his own growing up in NYC with an NYPD detective as father and how this informed his views on police and policing. We spoke about the various hypothesis in his recent book, Criminal Injustice : What the Push for Decarceration and Depolicing Gets Wrong
We spoke about some of the most surprising pieces of data surrounding crime/crime commison in the US, policing and who crime and particularly reductions in crime REALLY affects.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 06:10 Any surprises in Rafael’s research 8:35 What was the public’s perception of NYPD where Rafael grew up? 11:20 Tempted to become a cop?? 17:05 Any gripes with media coverage of crime stories/stats 23:40 Who does crime reduction benefit the most? 31:20 Fatherlessness/single parent households- what role does this play in crime commission 36:30 Any common misconceptions among the public in regards to crime/policing ? 39:40 Thoughts on current level of policy oversight/ no-knock warrants 45:30 Ma'khia Bryant shooting 49:50 NY’s recent change in concealed carry law 52:15 Summer of 2020- effect on public’s perception of police
BURIED UNDER TWIN TOWERS 9/11- Will Jimeno, 9/11 rescuer and rescued| Good Listener Podcast
01:14:23
** TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
For this episode I spoke to Will Jimeno, former Port Authority cop, who, on the morning of 9/11 was one of the first to arrive at Ground Zero after the two Towers I've been hit. Will and his fellow officers were subsequently buried underneath both buildings when they collapsed and spent 13 hours trapped underneath the rubble. He spoke to me about his thoughts and feelings at the various stages of the day. Will told me about how he was rescued and how he felt when the brave individuals discovered him and his captain. Will also told me about the PTSD that has been with him since and how he's dealt with it.
00:00 INTRO, being an immigrant 09:00 Joining Port Authority police 11:50 Morning of 9/11 17:20 GOING DOWN TO TWIN TOWERS & ARRIVING AT GROUND SERO (2nd plane hit while en route) 30:50 FIRST BUILDING COLLAPSES 36:59 SECOND BUILDING COLLAPSES 46:35 Being found & rescued 49:24 Going to hospital 55:15 Immediate aftermath for Will 58:35 PTSD post-9/11 1:03:50 Did Will feel the need to piece together 9/11 aferwards? 1:06:15 Thoughts on 9/11 “explosions-at-base-of-towers” conspiracy 1:09:00 Does Will return to ground zero? 1:10:50 Will’s wife, her role during and after 9/11
For this episode I spoke to Cam F. Awesome, former USA Olympic team member with over 400 fights as an amauter who travels across America speaking at High Schools, businesses, conferences etc
Cam spoke to me about his dealings with bullying and anxiety as a teen and how he lost weight and eventually joined a boxing gym where he learned the skills that took him through his 400 fights including National and International competitions.
Cam told me about his removal from the USA Olympic squad and how reacted to the loss of opportunity. He told me about his speaking career and his message for the youth of today.
00:00 Intro, long weight, getting into boxing 08:10 bullying, first experiences in boxing gym 15:30 Dealing w/ PRE-FIGHT NERVES 19:35 Making the US Olympic Team & GETTING SUSPENDED 28:00 Cam’s unique self-taught method, “ I sparred the DAY OF FIGHTS” 36:00 Lessons from boxing that translate over 43:00 CHANGING NAME 44:35 Public speaking career 1:00:55 Talking about RACE, the terms “BLACK” vs “AFRICAN-AMERICAN” 1:08:00 Message to the youth SPEAKING
"Separating Sports by S*X Doesn’t Make Sense", ATLANTIC ARTICLE- Chris Algieri REACTS | GLP
00:21:17
*** TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
Former World Champion Boxer, Nutritionalist and Performance Coach, CHRIS ALGIERI gives his take on the recent article in The Atlantic magazine titled "Separating Sports by Sex Doesn’t Make Sense".
00:00 Intro 02:23 Chris’ thoughts on the article, co-ed sports PRE-PUBURITY, testosterone, general differences in athletic performance 06:18 SOCIALIZATION ARGUMENT (made by article) 09:41 TESTOSTERONE 12:24 WEIGHT CLASS ARGUMENT (made by article) 15:21 Women’s boxing- 2 min rounds instead of 3 ???? 17:09 Fine thoughts and MORE STATS 20:29 Chris’ latest book
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Getting into Muay Thai, first fights 17:08 DAY OF THE ACCIDENT, WAKING UP IN HOSPITAL & immediate aftermath 32:13 Learning to walk on prosthetic legs 50:03 TRAINING AGAIN 55:38 Plans to fight again 58:33 Any other effects of having legs amputated 59:33 Modifications to home 1:00:53 Shoutouts and thank you’s
For this episode I spoke w/ John Esposito, NJ based Muay Thai fighter who lost his legs while conducting roadside work in December of 2021.
John spoke to me about his discovering of Muay Thai, his bouts against some of the best fighters in the tri-state area and the day that changed his life forever.
We spoke about his memories from the day itself as well as the immediate aftermath, the process of learning to walk again on prosthetic limbs, getting back into training and his plans to fight again in the future.
John's attitude towards his situation and his future is truly exceptional and inspiring. Hope you enjoy the episode
GERRY HUTCH TRIAL, REGENCY HOTEL ATTACK & STATE'S WITNESSES IN IRISH GANGLAND| Nicola Tallant| GLP
01:10:01
For this episode I spoke w/ Irish crime journalist and author, Nicola Tallant. She spoke to us about the upcoming trial of one of Ireland’s most infamous criminals, Gerry “The Monk” Hutch” and the shocking revelation that a Sinn Fein local councilor will be turning state’s witness against him.
Nicola spoke to me about the background of the Hutch/Kinahan feud and the notorious “Regency Hotel attack” for which Gerry Hutch stands accused of planning, the trial of Patrick Hutch and the history of criminals-turned-state-witness in Irish gangland.
Nicola also told me about her start in crime journalism around the time of Veronica Guerin’s murder and her work in chronicling the story of Ireland’s youngest ever witness protection program participants and his journey through the criminal underworld.
00:00 PREVIEW 01:10 Nicola’s bio, getting into journalism, remembering Veronica Guerin’s murder (1996) 5:00 Do crime journalist face danger/threats from the criminals they write about ? 10:40 Is it common for criminals to attempt to SQUASH A STORY?? 14:10 THE REGENCY HOTEL ATTACK- background, the day’s events 22:55 The infamous “man-in-drag” photo from the Regency Hotel attack & the trial of Patrick Hutch 30:40 Current state of Kinahan organized crime group 33:50 GERRY HUTCH’S TRIAL (Regency Hotel Attack)- Jonathan Dowdall turning state witness 47:00 History of “rats” turning state’s witness in Irish criminal world (John Giligan case, Limerick feud) 53:30 Rumors of Garda corruption involving Gerry Hutch 56:25 “The Witness, in his own words” book/podcast series, Joey’s story
NYC's IRISH FAMINE IMMIGRANTS, 1863 DRAFT RIOTS, GANGS OF NEW YORK and more| Peter Quinn, author
00:59:34
**** TIMESTAMPS*** For this episode I spoke with Irish-American author, Peter Quinn about his growing up in 50s/60s Bronx, his various books, Irish famine immigration, life as a writer, his thoughts on Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" and much more
***TIMESTAMPS*** 00:00 Preview, Peter’s background 07:27 Peter’s Irish heritage 10:27 Growing in 50s/60s Bronx 16:52 Irish immigration 24:36 “The Great Migration” of black people from Southern states to big cities 25:37 Discrimination faced by Irish immigrations to the US in 19th century 27:27 Peter’s novel on the 1863 Draft Riots 45:01 Gangs of New York movie 46:42 Reality of being a professional writer 47:58 John Morrissey (1831 – 1878), loose inspiration for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in Gangs of New York 50:37 Peter’s most recent book, his biography
"..HOLDING HIS 18 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER, both DOSED IN GASOLINE" | Ex-Hostage Negotiator| GLP CLIPS
00:08:44
(CLIP FROM PREV. EPISODE (#13)) Former NYPD Hostage Negotiator Mike Ahearne recounts his craziest call-out.
FULL EPISODE- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4nLy0tZYZI&t=1435s
10 Nov 2022
GUNRUNNING FOR IRA, PRISON, UK SPECIAL BRANCH & INFORMANTS | John Crawley, ex-Marine & IRA volunteer
01:57:59
For this episode I spoke with John Crawley (Ex-US Marine and IRA volunteer), author of the "The Yank: The True Story of a Former US Marine in the Irish Republican Army".
John spoke to me about his move to Ireland from the US as a teen, his time in the US Marine Corps, his joining the IRA and how the organization works from the inside.
I asked John about his gunrunning mission for the IRA involving the now infamous James "Whitey" Bulger, his time in prison, meeting with the CIA, his part in a plan to disrupt the London power grid using bombs, being under surveillance by British Intel, the question of "Freedom Fighter or Terrorist", his thoughts on sectarianism and much more.
Please be sure to purchase John's book if you find the episode interesting https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/the-yank/ https://www.amazon.com/Yank-Story-Former-Marine-Republican/dp/1612199844
***TIMESTAMPS*** 00:00 Intro, Moving to Ireland from the US, influences 09:10 Decision to join the IRA 12:00 Joining the US Marines 18:20 Joining IRA after Marines 22:30 IRA training & Operations, “types” within the IRA, Life in the IRA 40:40 Public support for IRA 46:10 GUN-RUNNING MISSION to the US 55:25 Caught w/ shipment of guns, arrested by Gardai (Irish police) 1:05:10 After 10 year prison sentence 1:09:25 Plot to disrupt power grid in London & surveillance from British Intel 1:18:55 PAID A VISIT BY THE CIA- offered John $$ to rat 1:24:23 Prison in England- treatment by guards 1:28:30 Thoughts on sectarianism 1:33:40 Early release from prison in England (2nd ceasefire) 1:40:10 Thoughts on Loyalist paramilitaries, collusion w/ British intelligence 1:43:15 FREEDOM FIGHTER OR TERRORIST 1:49:30 Any regrets or things John misses about the old life? 1:54:00 Final words and book signings 1:55:40 Can John return to the US ?? (Not back since 1984)
IRAQ WAR, PTSD & LIFE AFTER COMBAT- Donna Zephrine, Ex- Military Mechanic
01:27:29
For this episode I spoke to Donna Zephrine, a former military mechanic who completed two tours of Iraq. She told me about her road to the army, her tours of combat in the Middle East, dealing with the mental strain of combat and living on a military base, having a learning disability, PTSD among soldiers/veterans and much more.
00:00 Intro, basic training 07:15 Becoming a light-weight vehicle mechanic, 9/11 14:30 Initial invasion of Iraq (2003), first impressions, daily life 29:00 Shoot-outs and death of squad leader 36:00 Life on base, contacting home, drug use/‘self medicating” among soldiers 48:35 Did soldiers feel that their work in Iraq was worthwhile/meaningful 53:00 PTSD and traumatic incidents, being a woman in the military and having a learning disability 1:07:40 Dealing w/ PTSD post-military 1:11:35 Donna’s current work 1:17:00 Reintegrating into society after years in military
02 Jan 2023
IAN BAILEY INTERVIEW- Life as m*rder suspect, theories, Garda corruption, NETFLIX and more
00:50:13
For this episode I spoke to Ian Bailey. Ian moved to West Cork (Ireland) years before the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, an incident which later became subject of a 3 part Netflix series
Ian spoke to me about his memories from the time of the murder and the subsequent years of his life as Gardai pursued him as their prime suspect, his own theories regarding the killing, his reaction to the Netflix documentary and Audible series
**APOLOGIES FOR ANY BAD-QUALITY AUDIO CAUSED BY POOR INTERNET CONNECTION**
00:00 Preview 00:35 Intro and move to West Cork 7:11 First hearing about the murder 12:35 How well did Ian know Sophie (murder victim) ?? 16:20 Finding out that he was the police’s (Gardai) prime suspect & treatment by Gardai 21:20 Members of the community claiming that Ian confessed 26:10 Does Ian think that the Gardai genuinely thought that he committed the murder? 27:55 Local rumor/theory about Garda killing Sophie and the “missing gate” 31:05 Marie Farrell- the witness who changed her story 34:55 Ian’s reaction to audible series on the murder 37:20 Reaction to NETFLIX doc 42:35 Does Ian court attention from being a murder suspect?? 46:20 Which theory of Sophie’s death’s does Ian lean towards?
01 Feb 2023
PRISON 2 PRO- GROWING UP IN DARNDALE, GANGS, PRISON, TRIATHLONS and MENTORING THE YOUTH- GER REDMOND'S STORY
01:17:44
For this episode I spoke with Ger Redmond, Irish professional triathlete who has truly turned his life around in an extraordinary way. Ger shared his experiences growing up in one of Ireland’s roughest areas, having his pro soccer dreams dashed, having to raise his younger siblings following his father’s imprisonment, his progression through the ranks of a criminal gang and his eventual prison stint.
I asked Ger about his post-prison transformation into an elite athlete and a mentor for young male offenders at Oberstown juvenile detention center in Dublin.
Ger shared his thoughts on channeling trauma, dealing with repressed emotions, giving up the crutches of drink/drugs, what can be done to break the cycle of generational crime/imprisonment and much more..
*** TIMESTAMPS*** 00:54 Ger’s background, growing up in Darndale 09:54 Father’s conviction, moving back to Dublin, joining criminal gang 17:15 Living with the legacy of father’s crime 18:40 Progression through the ranks within criminal gang 24:30 Raising siblings with sister 28:40 PRISON TIME 34:35 Life after prison, getting into triathlon , Job w/ Oberstown (juvenile detention center) 54:35 Types of teens in Oberstown 1:03:45 Preventative measures 1:10:54 Plans for the future
MAN TO WOMAN TRANSEXUAL- BUCK ANGEL | MEDICALLY TRANSITIONING, TRANS ACTIVISTS and more..
01:08:01
For this episode I spoke with Buck Angel, a male to female transexual who has lived 30 years as a woman and 30 years as a man. Buck spoke to me about his childhood growing up feelings like he was in the wrong body, the decision to "cross-over" despite there being little-to-no conversation around the topic at the time and the medical process including surgery and testosterone treatment.
Buck shared his thoughts on trans-prisoners, some of the more extreme trans-activists, de-transitioners and much more..
00:00 Growing up with feelings of wanting to be a boy, Influences 08:05 Is it better to be born transsexual/transgender today or when Buck grew up? 14:10 Decision to transition medically 17:25 Beginning of medical transition 21:00 “ this is where I butt heads w/ trans community” 28:15 Life as a woman vs life as a man 35:10 Testosterone- Weight lifting 37:55 Testosterone- Seeing your own face change 49:10 TRANS-PRISONERS 57:45 Social contagions affecting girls more than boys.. 1:04:15 Seeing the trans-issue being used as a political tool 1:06:50 Final thoughts
CASE VS. MTK/DANIEL KINAHAN, MONEY LAUNDERING, 2009 GUANTANAMO BAY CASE| Eric Montalvo interview
00:43:01
Eric Montalvo is US based attorney who is currently in the process of taking legal action against the now closed boxing promotion company MTK (previously home to Tyson Fury, Darren Till and Carl Frampton) which is controlled by Dublin cartel boss Daniel Kinahan, who Eric alleges, used MTK to wash money coming from the proceeds of crime.
Eris tells us about the background of the case, how MTK has changed tactics during the proceedings, his plans to personally question individuals from MTK, how the DOJ reward for info on the Kinahan helps his case and the future of the case.
Eric also spoke about his 2009 case involving Guantanamo Bay and torture by US govt.
00:30 Eric’s background 02:35 MTK/DANIEL KINIHAN CASE 14:32 US DEPT. OF JUSTICE goes after KINAHAN CARTEL 19:40 Current standing of case against MTK 26:15 WILL ERIC TRY TO QUESTION DANIEL KINAHAN PERSONALLY ?? 29:30 Future of the case 31:00 Eric’s 2009 Guantanamo Bay Case
EX-TEEN NYC DRUGLORD COSS MARTE | MAKING MILLIONS, PRISON & CON BODY GYM
00:50:32
00:45 Growing up, environment 09:25 COSS STARTS HIS OWN DRUG-DEALING OPERATION 13:35 STICK-UP MEN & RIVAL DEALERS 16:15 Adjustments made to operation & dealing w/ cops 18:15 Coss’ dealer try to steal 19:35 FEDS PHONE TAP 20:55 Amount of $$$$ being made 22:45 FEDS PHONE TAP II 24:45 HOW TO SPOT AN UNDERCOVER FED 25:35 Getting caught 34:15 PRISON 37:35 PRISON GUARDS 38:45 PRISON II & Setting up CON-BODY
For this episode I spoke with Coss Marte, owner of Con Body, an NYC gym employing ex-convicts as trainers.
Coss told me about his growing up in the drug-invested Lower East Side of NYC during the late 80s and 90s, how he became involved in drug dealing from a young age and his progression up the ladder to the point of making $2million a year from his own drugs-delivery service.
Coss tells about dealing with DEA, stick-up men, wire-taps, betrayal from within his team and how he eventually ended up doing a long prison stretch, where he turned his health and life around.
HIGH SPEED PURSUITS, POLICING, MENTAL HEALTH & PTSD| BEN PEARSON'S STORY
01:12:59
00:00 Preview 00:40 Growing up in Bradford, Bradford Riots 09:25 Joining police 11:10 DAILY REALITY OF A TRAFFIC COP 17:30 Feeling of engaging in a high-speed pursuit 20:30 QUITTING POLICE DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH 35:40 Hollywood/TV on police & policing in the US 44:20 GUNS- should more cops be armed ? 49:55 CORRUPTION WITHIN THE POLICE ?? 58:35 DO COPS TAKE JUSTICE INTO THEIR OWN HANDS?? 1:04:00 Have camera phones changed the police’s job? 1:05:30 More pressure to hide mental health struggles while being on reality tv
For this episode I spoke to ex-road cop and star of channel 4's 'Police Interceptor" Ben Pearson.
Ben spent 19 years chasing criminals, dealing with traffic fatalities and risking his life in the English city of Bradford. He would later leave the job due to mental health reasons having struggled with how to deal with the stress and trauma of the job.
We spoke about how he and other cops tried to cope with the pressure by drinking and bottling up emotions and how they felt unable to express any mental instability due to their work environment. Ben shared his internal struggles and his eventual mental break-down as well as his need to hide these feelings while on television.
Ben is also an author and has a YouTube channel dealing with mental health and policing topics.
FREEING THE INNOCENT | You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You're Innocent - Justin Brooks
01:04:31
***TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
For this episode I spoke to Justin Brooks, criminal defense lawyer, law professor, and the Founding Director of the California Innocence Project and recent author of “You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You're Innocent”. ( https://www.amazon.com/Might-Prison-Though-Youre-Innocent/dp/0520386833)
The book and our interview focuses on Justin’s work which is the exoneration of falsely-convicted prisoners for crimes up to and including murder.
We spoke about the various ways in which false-convictions can come about due to dishonesty, incompetence and/or errors from police, prosecutors and judges. Justin shares stories from his most prolific and shocking cases including false- r!pe allegations and decades wrongly spent in jail.
Justin told me about problems with cross-racial identification, how difficult it is to over-turn a conviction, the damaging effect that prison has on the falsely convicted and the role that race plays in American trials.
00:00 Intro 01:40 HOW DO FALSE CONVICTIONS COME ABOUT?? 09:40 How Innocence Project chooses it’s clients 12:30 Brian Banks case (Justin’s most well known case, false r@pe case) 15:30 Marty Tankleff case (False confession case) 19:10 Prisoners lying about being innocent ?? 21:00 Are most false convictions due to incompetence or dishonesty? 22:01 RACE 27:05 Should you NEVER speak to cops during interrogation ?? 29:35 Repercussions for police/prosecutors/judges who act dishonestly ?? 38:10 How difficult is to get an appeal going ? 45:10 Success rate 46:30 Detrimental effect of prison on falsely convicted inmates ? 52:10 Breaking the bad news to a prisoner you can’t get freed 55:25 DEATH PENALTY 59:35 How good is US justice system compared to others?
WORLD'S LONGEST SNIPER K1LL, 23 Years in the Army & Chronic PTSD | Craig Harrison's Story
00:58:17
My guest for this week's episode was Craig Harrison, ex-british Army Sniper and holder of the world record for longest sniper k!ll.
Craig spoke to me about his 23 years in the military, his initial tours of Bosnia and Kosovo where he witnessed unspeakable atrocities which would scar him for life and his time as a sniper in the Middle East.
Craig shared the story of his record breaking shot, the cold, hard reality of a sniper's job and what made Craig good at his job. We spoke about his chronic PTSD, being forced to leave the Army and his feelings of bitterness towards the military for their lack of support following his departure.
** If you enjoy this episode or any others please leave a 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts as it helps the show out greatly. Thank you!! **
00:00 INTRO 00:47 Upbringing and joining military 7:37 First tours of combat 10:17 Becoming a SNIPER 17:37 First time taking a life 23:17 Ever look at targets as real people ? Thoughts on UK presence in the Middle East 27:07 Missons as a sniper 29:47 WORLD’S LONGEST SNIPER K!LL 35:47 PTSD symptoms showing up 40:25 “I F*CKING HATE the sentence “MAN UP”” 45:47 Being forced to leave the army 51:07 Should Govt. be allowed to draft ? 52:27 Life post-Army 54:27 Thoughts on mercenary work
AMERICA'S SCHOOL SH**T!NGS, GUN RIGHTS, US MARINES and more | Conor aka COUNTERPOINTS
01:31:29
***TIMESTAMPS BELOW***
For this episode I spoke to Conor, aka COUNTERPOINTS a former US Marine and Police Officer who is now a political streamer on Youtube.
Conor told me about his Marine training and the effect of it’s brutal training on his mind, we spoke about hsi time stationed in Iraq and his years as a Police Officer. Conor spoke to me about America’s relationship with guns, the laws around gun ownership, whether an armed citizenry could defeat a rogue government and if guns succeed in keeping their owner’s safe. We also spoke about the uniquely American trend of tragic school shootings, what Conor feels are behind them, what can be done to prevent future bloodshed and much more..
00:00 Preview 00:43 Intro 11:43 Marines instilling the desire to “k*ll” into their soldiers 15:25 Which movies get Marine boot-camp right?? 19:20 Being stationed in Iraq 28:43 Becoming a cop after military 35:43 Biggest misconceptions about cops 39:43 GUNS- 2nd Amendant 43:13 would an armed citizenry be able to defend themselves against a tyrannical government 49:43 Would USA go to war over an assault rifle ban 55:03 Does home gun ownership end up actually help ? 59:25 WHY DOES AMERICA HAVE SCHOOL SH**T!NGS?? 1:16:43 ULVADE VS. TENNESSEE SCHOOL SH**T!NG POLICE RESPONSE 1:25:15 Las Vegas mass shooting
09 May 2023
FREED from DEATH ROW- Herman Lindsey, Florida's 23rd Death Row Exoneree
00:57:09
My guest for this episode was Florida's 23rd death row exoneree, Herman Lindsey.
Herman was falsely convicted for the murder of a pawn shop employee during a robbery in 1994 in a trial which has since been recognized as one of Florida's worst murder convictions given the lack of evidence placing Mr Lindsey at the scene.
Herman told me about how he felt when he realized that the state was trying to convict him of a murder that he was not involved in and his thoughts as he was convicted and that he had been sentenced to the death penalty.
We spoke about life in prison, how he went about appealing the conviction and the effects that his incarceration had on his life post-prison.
00:00 Herman’s background 04:13 The night of 1994 M*RDER that Herman was convicted of 09:25 Finding out that he was being CHARGED WITH MURDER 11:18 TRIAL 23:00 Did race play a factor in the trial/conviction 28:33 Being found GUILTY 32:43 Getting conviction reversed 36:38 Reality of life on DEATH ROW 42:43 Getting free from death row 49:33 FINDING OUT THAT HE WAS CLEARED
CREATING FATHER TED, TWITTER MOBS & CANCELLATION | Graham Linehan, Comedy Writer
01:19:18
For this week’s episode I spoke to a legend of Irish comedy writing, writer and creator of “Father Ted”, Graham Lineman.
Graham told me about his schooling and how it impacted his writing of ‘Father Ted”, his feelings about comedians being afraid to touch certain topics and his cancellation in recent years due to his outspoken views on the trans ideology.
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00:00 Graham’s background and Father Ted 4:50 Catholicism’s decline in Ireland & effects of social media on society 17:10 Has Graham always been okay with holding beliefs that could get him in trouble ? & the “trans” issue 27:40 Would Graham use “preferred pronouns” if asked by an individual ? 32:20 People feel afraid to back-up celebs who are seen as being ‘anti-trans’ 42:40 How Graham’s life has been negatively affected by his opposition to certain aspects of the trans issue 46:50 Comedian being afraid to speak out or defend other comedians 51:10 Ireland 1:01:00 Free speech in comedy 1:09:25 Could Father Ted be made today ?
*** For any fans of Irish history/ War of Independence make sure to check out the brand new podcast "Rebel Tales" available now on all podcast platforms https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Pg62EqDLVXoV5o6OAPrq0?si=af397edcea4b404c )
26 May 2023
IS KETAMINE THERAPY LEGIT?? | Leah O'Donnell LCSW | PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY and more
00:55:35
For this episode I spoke with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Leah O'Donnell. Leah works in the field of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy as well as more conventional methods of therapy.
Leah told me about human ego; the role it plays in our lives, it's importance and how it can also hinder development. We spoke about the culture of men bottling up their emotions and not talking about their problems and where this comes from.
Leah shared her knowledge on ketamine therapy, how it's used and it's benefits for clients and much more.
00:00 Intro & path towards becoming a therapist 3:50 What is EGO ??? 11:50 Culture of hyper-productivity 16:20 Therapy: In-person vs. Zoom 17:35 Is therapy always to heal a trauma or “patch-up” an emotional wound ? 22:20 WHY DON’T MEN TALK?? 29:20 Are woman or men more emotional ?? 33:25 Does therapy sometimes tinder a person instead of help? 37:45 Ketamine & Psychoactive therapy
HOW THE I.R.A (VERY) NEARLY K*LLED MARGRET THATCHER| Rory Carroll, author of "There Will Be Fire"
00:26:47
This week I spoke with Rory Carroll, author of 'Killing Thatcher"/ "There Will Be Fire" which details the IRA's plot to assassinate Margret Thatcher and her cabinet using a bomb a Brighton hotel in 1984.... and came incredibly close
Rory spoke to me about the years of planning that went into the attack, the effect and closeness of the bomb itself, how far Thatcher was from dying that night and how it effected her going forward.
We spoke about the infamous "We only need to be lucky ONCE.." statement that the IRA put out the next day and the IRA's "England Dept." which was tasked with bringing the conflict to British shores.
00:00 Peter’s own background 02:50 The Troubles up until 1984 Brighton Bombing- context 05:10 Previous IRA attempts on live of political figures ?? 08:20 “The England Dept.” of the IRA & planning the bomb 17:10 Were British Intel expecting the attack to come?? 19:40 HOW CLOSE THEY ACTUALLY CAME 22:30 IRA STATEMENT the next day- “WE ONLY NEED TO BE LUCKY ONCE..”
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THE TROUBLES, IRA, SECRET PEACE TALKS & WHAT IS A TERRORIST ?? | Peter Taylor, author of “Operation Chiffon"
01:02:23
Peter Taylor has covered “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland since Bloody Sunday in 1972 and has written several books on the subject. His latest work is “Operation Chiffon” (link below) revels and details the back-channel communications that existed between the IRA and British intelligence and helped form a path towards eventual peace in Northern Ireland.
Peter and I spoke about the extent to which British Intel agencies operated in Northern Ireland and sometimes even the Republic, the recently deceased British spy within the IRA: Stakeknife and the investigation that just took place into British troubles-era handlers of informants.
We also discussed the elusive topic of how to actually define what a “terrorist” is, how they differ from freedom fighters if at all and the motivation for Peter's coverage of N.I.
00:00 Intro 5:20 Ramping up of British intelligence agencies role in Northern Ireland 16:20 Why the meetings between IRA and British intel were kept a secret 20:50 STAKEKNIFE (IRA’s biggest rat) 32:20 Any possible repercussions for Troubles-Era British intel handlers ? 36:40 Operations that cross the R.O.I/ N.I border 37:45 Garda (Irish law enforcement) Special Branch 42:15 IRA attacks on UK mainland- effect on peace talks 48:45 WHAT IS A TERRORIST?? 58:10 What drew Peter to covering “The Troubles”/Northern Ireland
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05 Jul 2023
IRELAND'S ORWELLIAN HATE SPEECH LAWS | Interview with Free Speech Ireland (Alexander Sheridan)
00:30:54
Ireland is currently in the process of passing into law the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022.
If passed Ireland will have some of the strictest hate speech laws in the world and it will be possible to prosecute citizens for simply possessing material that is interpreted as an incite to hate.
I spoke to Alexander Sheridan from Free Speech Ireland about the bill's contents, what citizens can be targeted for if passed, the vagueness/subjectivity of the various terms and protected catergories, Leo Varadkar's inability or unwillingness to state the govt's position on gender and much more
00:00 Intro 02:50 WHAT CAN YOU BE PUNISHED FOR UNDER PROPOSED LAWS? 7:55 Similar laws elsewhere in the world ?? 11:35 Vagueness of new legislation 14:00 GOVERNMENT’S STANCE ON GENDER?? 16:30 How close to passing are the proposed laws? 22:40 CAN THESE LAWS BE USED TO SHUT DOWN PROTESTS & TARGET JOKES? 30:00 Where to find Free Speech Ireland
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https://twitter.com/FreeSpeechIre
11 Jul 2023
EX- UNDERCOVER JIHADIST tells his story | EXTREMISM, TERRORISTS & DERADICALIZATION | MUBIN SHAIKH
00:46:26
Mubin Shaikh is a former extremist turned counterterrorism operative and expert, who, at the age of 18 encountered the Taliban in Pakistan after a life in Canada up until then. He spent years as an extremist became an undercover agent for the Canadian govt. after the events of 9/11 changed his perspective.
Mubin and I discussed his twists and turns in his life path and how he turned from someone campaigning against the west to working for the Canadian to help prevent a terror attack. He told me about the roots of the "Arab-terorrist" stereotype seen on countless movie screens, what exactly "jihad" is and what it isn't as well as how he goes about deradicalizing the young men who are in the position that he once was.
Please subscribe and leave a rating if you enjoy the show.. thank you very much.
00:00 Intro 06:50 Parent’s attitude towards western culture 11:00 Comment on grooming gangs in UK 11:50 The “Arab/Muslim Terrorist” stereotype 14:00 First contact with jihadists 20:50 What is “jihadism” ? 26:35 Common traits among extremist recruits 30:00 Becoming a spy for Canadian Govt. 38:50 De-radicailizing young men
MARTIAL ARTS EXPERT on JORDAN NEELY k*lling, ANDREW TATE'S take on street fighting & how to stay safe in the world | Matt Thornton, author of "The Gift of Violence"
00:51:26
Matt Thornton has been practicing and teaching martial arts around the USA and the world for decades and is the founder of the now world famous MMA gyms, Straight Blast Gym (SBG). We discussed the best ways for the average person to gain the practical skills nessceray to defend themselves and their loved ones, the biggest misconceptions floating around about what works and what doesn't and the ever-present industry of fake martial arts that offer their students nothing more than false confidence.
Matt gave his break down of a recent incident on the NYC subway in which a crazed homeless man named Jordan Neely was killed using a chokehold after violently threatening passengers and the arrest & charging of the man you stepped in. Matt also gave his take on the viral "BJJ is useless" clip from Andrew Tate and his opinions on Tate's street fighting advice.
Matt's recent book "The Gift of Violence:Practical Knowledge for Surviving and Thriving in a Dangerous World" is a brilliant and very insightful, highly recommended. BUY HERE : https://amzn.to/3rxGpxI
Please subscribe and leave a rating if you enjoy the show.. thank you very much.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Matt’s own background & BULLSH!T martial arts 11:00 Are we in history’s most peaceful time?? 14:05 Advice to the average person who wants to learn HOW TO DEFEND themselves 20:10 ANDREW TATE - “BJJ is useless” CLIP 25:18 Biggest misconceptions 28:54 Jordan Neely NYC subway incident 36:10 Self defense vs. stepping in for someone else 40:40 General advice to stay safe 44:45 KEEPING YOUR KIDS SAFE 48:40 SBG Gorilla- backstory
26 Jul 2023
POLICING NORTHERN IRELAND DURING "THE TROUBLES"| Life in the RUC, Being shot at by IRA & Loyalists and Attending his own m*rder scene | COLIN BREEN
01:17:08
Colin Breen was an RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary, the police force in Northern Ireland up until late 90s) Officer during the period of extreme violence and murder known as "The Troubles".
Colin shared with me his own experiences of investigating murders, bombings and trying to maintain order during such a tremulous time. He spoke about being shot at twice by Loyalists and 3 times by Republicans, the methods of counter surveillance officers had to employe and arriving to, what was supposed to be, his own murder scene.
Colin told me many harrowing stories of the traumas and trials faced by members of the RUC including being blown up, injured and shot at as well the uphill battle of investigating such a huge number of murders with a police force stretched so thin.
Please subscribe and leave a rating if you enjoy the show.. thank you very much.
00:00 Background & Northern Ireland during The Troubles 8:30 Catholic/Protestant ratio within the RUC 16:05 Republican or Loyalist targeted more by RUC 20:45 Any clashes with other agencies ? 22:45 Accusations of collusion between RUC & Loyalists 25:35 Rough handed methods in the RUC ?? 29:15 Typical day in policing The Troubles 36:30 booze/burnouts 46:25 SHOWING UP TO WHAT WAS TO BE IS OWN M*RDER SCENE 54:25 Run into people from work while off duty ? 58:00 Being shot at 5 times (3 by Republicans, 2 by Loyalists) 59:05 Any empathy for the goal of united Ireland ? 1:03:35 Current role of IRA/other papramilitiraies 1:06:25 Colin’s books
01 Aug 2023
MEETING THE IRA BOMBER WHO K*LLED HER FATHER| Jo Berry's story
00:51:38
Jo Berry was 27 when she tragically lost her father, Anthony Berry, in 1984 after the IRA detonated a bomb a Brighton hotel targeting Margret Thatcher and her cabinet.
Despite the grief and devastation that her father's murder inflicted on her, she quickly came to the realization that she was seeking to understand the people responsible for her father's death not seek revenge. This decision eventually led her to meeting face -to-face with the IRA member who planted the bomb, Patrick McGee after he was eventually caught, imprisoned and released.
This meeting and subsequent conversation between the two began a journey of healing and understanding for both which resulted eventually in the pair touring the world giving over 300 speeches together.
Please subscribe and leave a rating if you enjoy the show.. thank you very much.
00:00 INTRO, growing up with a politician 06:30 Life at the time of losing her father 8:55 Hearing the bad news 13:16 Attempts to meet with Patrick McGee 18:15 FACE-TO-FACE WITH PATRICK MCGEE (IRA bomber responsible for Brighton bomb) 27:05 Meeting again 36:40 Forming a friendship eventually 40:15 Will Jo ever be able to meet the others involved in the bomb??? 42:40 Speaking tours w/ Patrick McGee
18 Aug 2023
SECTARIAN MOBS, ANTI-CATHOLIC DISCRIMINATION & JOINING THE IRA | Seamus Kearney's story PART 1 of 2
00:49:32
Seamus Kearney is a former IRA volunteer who grew up in sectarian Belfast and came of age as the Troubles were building up.
He spoke to me about experiencing anti-catholic discrimination including having to change his first name while working his first job as well as seeing his area attacked by a sectarian mob after being abandoned by Army and RUC.
Seamus described his rise through the ranks in the IRA from the youth wing to being in an active service unit during one of Northern Ireland’s bloodiest decades.
PART 2 COMING SOON
00:00 Growing up in sectarian N.I 17:23 Seeing his area attacked by sectarian mobs 35:18 Bloody Sunday 1972 & joining the junior wing of the IRA
21 Aug 2023
H-BLOCK TORTURE, CLEARING HIS BROTHER'S NAME & EXPOSING STEAKNIFE'S UNIT| Seamus Kearney's story Part 2/2
01:25:03
Seamus continues his story at the point where he is caught and arrested by the RUC for a job gone-wrong. He tells us about the physical and mental torture inflicted by the prison guards in Long Kesh (H Blocks) and the lengths that Seamus and his colleagues went to during the "Blanket Protests" or 'Dirty Protests".
Seamus describes the inhumane methods employed by the guards to break the IRA prisoners and end their fight for political-prisoner status during his 10 year detainment in Long Kesh.
He shares the tragic story of how his brother, Michael, was falsely labeled an informant after being interrogated by the IRA internal security unit which included the now-infamous British agent Freddie Scappaticci, better know as "Steaknife". This began a decades long journey by Seamus to clear his brother's name and expose the British Intel handlers who he believes are responsible for planning and orchestrating his brother's stitch-up in order to protect their own informants within the Provos. Seamus reveals new uncovered internal IRA documents from that he says will expose the "dirty-war" methods of British Ministry of Defence.
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Getting caught and arrested 9:53 H-BLOCKS (LONG KESH) 20:00 Beatings and torture by guards & relationship with prison guards 30:13 BROTHER’S EXECUTION after being FALSELY-LABELLED an informant 52:43 Seamus’ writ served on the Ministry of Defence 1:18:50 Government report on H-Block abuse of prisoners
THE GLENANNE GANG, LOYALIST/BRITISH COLLUSION & Hunting For The Truth | Anne Cadwallader, author of "Lethal Allies"
01:08:40
Anne Cadwallader is a former journalist who covered The Troubles during some of it’s worst years and wrote one of the leading books on the proven collusion that occurred during The Troubles between British Govt/law enforcement and Loyalist paramilitaries.
Anne’s book and research focusing mainly on the period of 1972-1978 and group known as the Glenanne Gang, a loose collection of loyalist paramilitaries and, more worryingly, members of the RUC (police force in N.I at the time) who provided weapons, intel and more to help the group kill innocent Catholics who, almost exclusively, had no connection to the IRA.
We discussed the infamous loyalist murderer Robin Jackson, the RUC officer John Weir whose evidence shed light on the collusion and blind-eye-turning took place. Anne tell us about the Dublin/Monaghan b*mbs which killed 33 and injured scores more, the Miami Showband Massacre and the evidence that links the Glenanne Gang to these atrocities.
We spoke also about Operation Kenova, Operation Denton, the Legacy & Reconciliation Bill and their implications.
Please subscribe and leave a rating if you enjoy the show.. thank you very much.
00:00 Anne’s background 5:33 First hearing of collusion between British Govt. & Loyalist paramilitaries 9:33 RUC’s relationship with the Catholic and Protestant and the RUC’s history 13:53 Why the UDA (Ulster Defence Association) was not classed as a “terrorist group”? & who were the UFF (Ulster Freedom Fighters)? 16:03 Earliest examples of COLLUSION 18:13 THE GLENANE GANG 24:38 JOHN WEIR (RUC) & ROBIN JACKSON “The Jackal” 31:18 Robin Jackson’s work with the RUC & UDR 34:53 DUBLIN/MONAGHAN B*MBING & MIAMI SHOWBAND MASSACARE and collusion involved 40:33 Did John Weir’s superiors know ?? 43:43 John Boucher’s Operation Kenova & Denton and Legacy and Reconciliation Bill 57:53 Will British security/intel officers brought to trial or convicted? 1:02:38 Pat Finucane m*rder
FULL VIDEO EPISODES https://youtu.be/-_Fs3cVE54E?si=3kyrx-5PN61ON9cm
ANNE'S BOOK https://amzn.to/3YUQjWM
11 Sep 2023
THE GILLIGAN TAPES- Is Gilligan a psychopath?, Veronica Guerin M*RDER & Who is the REAL John Gilligan | Jason O' Toole, journalist & author
01:15:44
Jason O' Toole has sat down for 40 + hours of interviews with one of Ireland's most notorious criminals, drugs traffickerJohn Gilligan. The result was a gripping and facasinating book called "The Gilligan Tapes" and a 3 part documentary which is airing now. I spoke to Jason about how the their initial meeting came about in 2008 when he interviewed Gilligan in a maximum security prison and how this would eventually led to his most recent project. I asked Jason if he feels he knows Gilligan as a man after all this time, whether he's a psychopath or not, if he genuinely feels remorse for this past crimes and how honest Jason felt Gilligan was being with him. We discussed Gilligan's life-long gambling habit, his sense of humor about grave situations and if he may have a "Napoleon" complex about his short stature. Jason gives insight into Gilligan's opinions of Gardai, Martin Cahill, the members of his old crime gang and who Gilligan claims shot the journalist, Veronica Guerin.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro, how Jason met John Gilligan 9:53 Does Jason know John Giligan as a person 10:43 Gilligan’s use of humor- genuine or a front? 12:13 Does Gilligan have a “Napoleon Complex” ? 14:43 Gilligan’s relationship with MARTIN CAHILL “THE GENERAL” 17:33 Gilligan’s view of Gardai 20:53 Did Gilligan come across as an “underworld-figure” type in person? 23:30 Martin Cahill’s assassination 25:15 Gardai II 26:33 Gilligan’s peak as a multi-millionaire 30:37 WHO SHOT VERONICA GUERIN 36:43 Gilligan’s claim that Veronica Guerin shot herself in the leg 37:43 Is Gilligan BROKE & ADDICTED TO GAMBLING?? 44:53 Gilligan’s view on legalization of drugs 46:23 GILLIGAN’S NEAR-ASSASSINATION 47:33 How honest did Gilligan’s seem? 52:13 Any hidden motives for doing the book/doc ? 54:33 Does Gilligan believe he’s going to hell? 55:53 Is Gilligan a “NARCISSIST” or a “PSYCHOPATH” ?? 1:07:15 GOVERNMENT MINISTERS ATTACK THE DOCUMENTARY 1:10:33 Would Jason do this type of project again?
***PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW IF YOU ENJOY THE EPISODE***
JASON'S BOOK (Must read!!!) https://amzn.to/44LICTY
GOOD LISTENER PODCAST YOUTUBE PAGE https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodlistenerpodcast/featured
17 Sep 2023
THE IRISH PRIEST WHO ARMED THE IRA, Patrick Ryan | Gaddafi, Martin McGuinness & more| Interview w/ author Jennifer O'Leary
00:32:38
Patrick Ryan is the infamous former priest who sourced money, weapons and materials for the IRA during the troubles and even personally met with Libyan dictator Mummar Gaddafi to buy guns for the Republicans.
I spoke with author and journalist Jennifer O' Leary about her interviews with Patrick Ryan resulting in a book, "The Padre". Jennifer shares her insight in Patrick Ryan the man, whether he feels any regret about his actions and how the project came about.
We spoke about the moulding of Ryan by his family and area into an IRA sympathizer, his high-level of competency when it came to any of Patrick's endeavors and the extent to which Patrick Ryan aided the republican movement.
***PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW IF YOU ENJOY THE EPISODE***
***TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 Intro & how Jennifer met Patrick Ryan “The Padre” 3:35 Patrick’s family influences & his timer in East Africa as a missionary 10:15 The extent of Patrick Ryan’s work for the IRA (Gaddafi, b*mb timers, guns) 16:54 Spy work for Libyans intel services 19:40 Patrick Ryan’s mistrust of IRA command 21:45 Does Patrick Ryan differentiate between civilian and military targets for IRA B*MBS? 24:47 How did Patrick Ryan leave the movement? 29:14 Is Patrick Ryan still a Christian ?
STAKEKNIFE, THE IRA's NUTTING SQUAD & How the BRITISH RAN THE INTERNAL SECURITY UNIT| Interview with ex-IRA member & author Richard O' Rawe
01:18:00
Richard O' Rawe's new book "Stakeknife's Dirty War: The Inside Story of Scappaticci, the IRA's Nutting Squad and the British Spooks Who Ran the War" offers the most comprehensive and in-depth look into the life and crimes of Freddie Scappaticci, better known as agent "Stakenife".
I spoke to Richard about Scap's rise through the ranks in the IRA, how he once would have seemed the least-likely of republican men to be an informer and how the internal security unit aka "the nutting squad" was ran with Stakeknife at it's helm. Richard tells us about the putting-together of such a detailed book and the many rumors that surround Freddie Scappaticci.
Richard also shared his insight into what former-IRA men think about the accusations of informing leveled against Martin McGuinness, whether Scappaticci was the only spy in the ISU and if the upper-echelons of British govt knew about Stakeknife and his activities.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Putting together the book & who was Freddie Scappaticci 06:05 When Scappaticci and Ricky joined the IRA & Scappaticci’s rise through the ranks 09:45 Scappaticci once looked very unlikely to have been an informer/agent 11:05 Difference between an agent and an informer 12:50 WHO WERE “THE NUTTING SQUAD” ?? 18:05 Michael Kearney’s m*rder 19:40 WAS SCAP THE ONLY AGENT/INFORMER WITHIN THE NUTTING SQUAD? 22:05 British Intel sacrificing lesser-informers to protect a higher-up agent 25:20 HOW FAR UP DID KNOWLEDGE OF STAKENIFE GO ? 26:55 Was Steaknife the UK government’s highest-ranking informant? 35:15 Was Scap rich by the end? 37:50 Scap’s mental health and p*rn-habit? 50:10 How was Steaknife recruited by the British Govt ? 53:30 Torture by the ISU 55:00 Motivations for writing the book 1:08:55 IS SCAP REALLY DEAD? & thoughts on Operation Kenova
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03 Oct 2023
MIAMI SHOWBAND MASSACRE, LOYALIST/BRITISH SECURITY FORCE COLLUSION & SEARCHING FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE| Stephen Travers, Miami Showband Massacre Survivor
01:48:22
Stephen Travers was a young bass player, blissfully out-of-touch with the conflict erupting in Northern Ireland as he joined one of the country’s biggest showbands; The Miami. Shortly after joining Stephen’s life would be altered forever when the band became the victims of a bombing and then mass sh*oting by the UVF and members of the British security forces in 1975.
Stephen describes in detail how the events of the night unfolded, first appearing to be a routine UDR/British army checkpoint before hell broke loose and one of the most prolific sh*otings took place..
Stephen tells us about his thought process as he dealt with the trauma from the event over following months and years. He also began a multi-decade search for the truth about who planned the attack, the true intentions of the attackers, who was there on the night, the role that British security forces played and the roles of loyalist Robin Jackson and Capt. Robert Nairic played in the attack.
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***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 Intro, joining the Miami Showband 08:40 Stephen’s lack of awareness about the conflict in Northern Ireland 14:40 Lead up to July 31st 1975 19:25 THE NIGHT OF THE ATTACK 31:40 English officer arrives (“posh accent”) 39:00 UVF B*MB DETONATES PREMATURELY 47:00 How many gunmen were there ? 54:20 Thought on the Legacy & Reconciliation Bill (recorded before bill passed) 58:40 The weeks after the shooting 1:06:45 “I understand why I was shot” 1:07:50 Finding out who was behind the attack and who carried out the attack 1:14:30 WHO WAS THERE ON THE NIGHT (ROBIN JACKSON & ROBERT NAIRIC ?) 1:26:30 Would Stephen meet & speak with his would-be killers & NETFLIX DOC 1:39:40 Mentally accepting that there was British military involvement in his shooting
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15 Oct 2023
JOINING THE UVF, SECTARIAN BELFAST, IRA B*MBS & RUC AGENTS | Eddie Kinner, ex-UVF (Part 1)
00:53:52
Eddie Kinner is a loyalist and ex-UVF member who grew up in Belfast in the 60/70's, a time and place where sectarian tensions simmered and would eventually explode into rioting and violence. Eddie speaks to us about his growing up, attitudes among his fellow protestants at the time, seeing riots & houses burnt out by sectarian mobs, all as a boy/young teen unaware of the bigger picture that he was a part of.
He tells us the effects of a 1971 IRA b*mb in his area on his mentality as a young teen after helped to dig out dead bodies from the ruins of b*mbed out furniture shop and how his mind processed the horrific event at the time. We spoke about his joining the UVF(loyalist paramilitary group) in his mid-teens and the jobs he carried out for them including armed robberies on part-time security force members in order to steal firearms.
***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 Growing up in Shankill 7:40 Marching Season 11:00 Did it feel like Eddie was part of a majority growing up? 13:10 Did Eddie feel like other British people would have considered him “British” ? 15:30 Did it feel like the RUC (police) were on their side? 22:30 Rioting/Catholic houses being burnt out 30:30 IRA bomb in Eddie’s area (14 years old at the time) 33:10 Joining the “Tartan gang” and later joining the UVF 38:10 Thoughts on collusion (Mark Haddock, Dublin-Monaghan b*mbings, Robert Nairic) 50:25 UVF’s internal security unit
PART 2 COMING SOON (We speak about one of the most significant events in Eddie's life when he planted a b*mb at the age of 16 which k*lled an an innocent women and lead to Eddie spending years in the infamous Long Kesh, plus much more)
PLANTING B*MB AGED 16, LONG KESH & THE ROAD TO PEACE | Eddie Kinner, ex- UVF (Part 2)
00:49:48
We continue Eddie's story as he is 16 years old and about to plant a b*mb in a pub which would kill an innocent person and wound Eddie. Eddie describes his mindset at the time and his want for vengeance in retaliation for IRA killings.
Eddie tells us about the incident itself and the effect it had on his young life, his sentencing and the subsequent doubts that began to form in his mind about his motivations for joining the UVF and carrying out the attack.
We spoke about his 14 year stretch in Long Kesh in the company of his fellow loyalist prisoners and how he spent years working for peace upon his release, in stark contrast with his old extremist mentality.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5 STAR RATING IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW.. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 PLANTING B*MB at 16 years old 07:05 Eddie begins questioning his motivations 08:20 Sentenced for the b*mbing 10:55 Prison time, 14 (Long Kesh) 20:30 Any interactions with republican prisoners in Long Kesh? 22:10 Mindset change 28:15 Getting out of prison and getting involved in peace process 40:15 What would Eddie tell his teenage-self? 44:55 Thoughts on Legacy & Rec. Bill
FULL VIDEO EPISODES: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtciipyjckL-asTVYecsMQ
23 Oct 2023
EX NEO-N@ZI GOES TO AUSCHWITZ | Former White Supremacist Tony McAleer tells his story
00:51:40
Tony McAleer is a reformed, ex- neo-n*zi/white supremacist who now works to help people disengage from violent hate-groups like the one's that Tony used to set-up and run.
Tony shares his story of how a boy from a good family & catholic school ended up heavily involved in racist-skinhead gangs even taking up a leadership role and using his intelligence to recruit other young men. Tony talks to us about the need to feel loved left him open to manipulation and how the movement became his whole identity.
We spoke about Tony's visit to the Synagogue where he committed his first hate-crime and his recent documentary in which Tony, a former staunch holocaust-denier, spent 13 hours in total in the world's most infamous concentration/death camp.
Tony shares his insight into holocaust-denial talking points and the flaws in them that he failed to see bak when he was the one pushing them.
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*** TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 How Tony became a NEO-N*ZI 09:35 Did Tony genuinely hate minority groups during this time ? 11:10 When was Tony’s peak in terms of involvement with Neo-n*zi movement ? 14:05 Holocaust-denial 24:30 Tony visits the Synagogue where he committed his first hate-crime 27:20 Tony’s first doubts about the movement 33:55 Filming the documentary & GOING TO AUSCHWITZ 40:40 Thoughts on outlawing holocaust denial (like Austria)
"THE TROUBLES" IN MY HOME PLACE | MARTIN DOYLE, author of "Dirty Linen: The Troubles In My Home Place"
01:14:01
Martin Doyle’s new book “Dirty Linen: The Troubles in my Homeplace” details the events of the troubles in his local area and the wide reaching effects that the conflict had on everyone’s lives. In my personal opinion the book is one of the very finest works on the subject of troubles-era Northern Ireland and is a masterfully crafted collections of human stories in a non-partisan fashion.
We speak about how Martin’s area was terrorized by the infamous "Glennane Gang” and loyalist mass murderer Robin Jackson during the height of their carnage. Martin told me about the anti-catholic discrimination that he dealt in school and how everyday life would be altered by living in such tumultuous times.
Martin also spoke about the multi century history of religious clash in Ireland especially in the north where many planters had been settled and how this sewed the seed for future conflict and violence.
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***TIMESTAMPS*** 00:00 Background & “Dirty Linen” metaphor 07:25 “Being aware of history but not weaponizing it”, The RUC father& son 14:10 Ways that life was disrupted by the conflict 22:10 Miami Showband Massacre & Stephen Travers 25:00 Religion as a proxy for other divisions + History of catholic/protestant relations in the north 32:25 Anti-catholic discrimination in Martin’s school 42:05 ROBIN JACKSON & THE GLENANNE GANG terrorizing Martin’s area 49:10 1982 in Bainbridge town (b*mbed delivered by “Killing Rage” author Eamon Collins) 1:01:20 FREEDOM FIGHTER/TERRORIST distinction 1:08:30 Filling in contextual holes in memory about his childhood
06 Nov 2023
NICOLA TALLANT | CLASH OF THE DRUGS MOBS & PARAMILITARIES and THE RISE OF IRELAND'S COCAINE COWBOYS
01:02:14
Nicola Tallant is one of Ireland’s leading crime journalists and her newest book, “Cocaine Cowboys” presents a history of Ireland’s relationship with the drug as well as the gangland figures that have emerged since white powder hit Irish shores.
We spoke about the drug itself, how long it has taken to fully penetrate all layers of society and how it has spread to even the more rural edges of Ireland.
We spoke about the clashes between existing paramilitary/IRA groups and the drugs cartels and how the balance of power has shifted over the recent decades. Nicola tells us about the North Dublin Real-IRA feud with some of the countries biggest drug gangs and about how those in the drugs world are targeted by the IRA for a cut of their profits.
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***TIMESTAMPS****
00:00 Nicola’s book & Ireland’s relationship with cocaine 8:35 First shipments of cocaine into Ireland 14:35 Non-criminals getting involved with serious crime figures 20:50 Are we stuck in a cycle?? 26:15 Fentanyl in Ireland 29:50 IRA/PARAMILITARY CLASHES WITH THE DRUG WORLD 47:55 ARE THE KINIHANS DONE?? 56:55 GERRY HUTCH’S TRIAL
13 Nov 2023
INSIDE THE UVF, LOYALIST FEUDS & COLLUSION THEORIES | INTERVIEW W/ BALACLAVA STREET
01:45:26
"Balaclava Street" is a leading blog dedicated to exploring the history of the loyalist paramilitaries in Northern, particularly the UVF. Over the years Iain has gained unprecedented access to ex-UVF members for the book that he is in the process of writing about the loyalist paramilitary's history.
We spoke about the various loyalist paramilitary groups and the differences between them, who was most active, how the UVF men regarded the IRA & INLA and how the groups armed themselves during the violent period in Ireland's history.
Iain gave his take on accusations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and British security forces, theories surrounding the infamous Robin Jackson, the Miami Showband Massacre, Dublin/Monaghan b*mbings and Robert Nairic, the English solider who met his end after singing rebel songs on the table of a pub in South Armagh.
We spoke about how UVF members reacted to one of their members, prolific murderer Mark Haddock, being an RUC agent and also about the feuds that have taken place amongst the loyalists since the Good Friday Agreement.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 7:20 UVF, UDA, UFF 14:20 Who was more active ? UVF or UDA 19:30 Joining UVF or UDA 24:15 How did loyalist paramilitaries view the IRA & INLA ? 30:15 Where did loyalist paras source their guns & explosives ? 41:13 COLLUSION w/ British security forces 46:30 ROBIN JACKSON 1:04:30 John Weir 1:09:15 Capt. Robert Nairic & Miami Showband Massacre 1:21:03 Agents within the UVF/UDA (Mark Haddock, Brian Nelson, Ken Barrett) 1:24:00 Loyalist groups involved with dr*gs 1:35:43 Post-Good Friday Agreement feuds within loyalist groups
https://balaclavastreet.wordpress.com/
21 Nov 2023
LONDON UDA GUNRUNNING, TARGETING BRITISH MPs & OFFERS FROM SPECIAL BRANCH| Frank Portinari, ex-London UDA Commander
01:31:31
Frank Portinari is a former commander of the London UDA during the troubles and was eventually imporisoned after being caught buying firearms which were to used for the loyalist cause of keeping the 6 counties of Northern Ireland part of the UK.
Frank told us about his growing in working-class London in a largely Irish area and how he ended up as a Tottnem football holligan during the decades when large-scale fights between rival supporters were commonplace. Frank speaks about his various involvements with political groups including, at one stage, the National Front who are well known for anti-immigrant and often racist views.
Frank would eventually get drawn into the Northern-Ireland conflict as a response to IRA bombs in England and hearing IRA chants and songs in his own London streets. He joined and would quickly lead the London-UDA (Ulster Defence Association, a loyalist paramilitary group) during which time he targeted IRA members and sympathizers as well as plots to assassinate several British MPs including Ken Livingston.
Frank reveled how he had been propositioned by British Special Branch a number of times and spoke about collusion between loyalist paramilitaries including security forces passing photos of and information about IRA men.
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro, growing up in Camden 06:00 Football hooligan days 11:00 Getting involved w/ National Front 22:00 Leaving National Front 28:40 JOINING LONDON UDA 46:40 Plots to ASSASSINATE BRITISH MPS 58:15 Getting caught & prison time 1:09:40 Leaving the loyalist movement 1:12:55 BEING APPROACHED BY SPECIAL BRANCH & Hearing about Loyalist/British security forces COLLUSION 1:20:40 Leaving loyalist movement II
19 Nov 2023
IRELAND'S 1st ANTI-GAY SPREE KILLER : Yousef Palani | Josef Puska case, Larry Murphy & Ireland's Serial Killers | Sarah O' Conor, Irish Criminologist
01:17:46
Irish criminologist and co-host of the Real Lives Untold podcast, Sarah O' Conor speaks to us about the recent murders that shocked Ireland committed by Yousef Palani & Jozef Puska whose respective killings have now resulted in life sentences for the murderers.
Sarah also told us about Ireland's history of serial-killer types and particularly those who kill women. We spoke about the various evil murderers that have taken innocent lives in Ireland and those suspected of carrying out more brutal acts than the ones they were convicted of including infamous r*pist Larry Murphy who has been linked to serveral disappearances of women in the so called "vanishing triangle".
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro, Sarah’s background & Aishling Murphy/ Jozef Puska case I 14:25 Irish serial killers & definition of “serial killer” 26:25 LARRY MURPHY and possible links to the “vanishing triangle” 36:55 YOUSEF PALANI - background 47:45 PALANI’S SPREE BEGINS 1:00:15 Media’s coverage of the case 1:04:25 JOZEF PUSKA- background & Aishling Murphy
27 Nov 2023
FATHER TED, COMEDIC INFLUENCES & A LIFE IN COMEDY | Graham Linehan, author of "Tough Crowd"
00:58:21
Graham Linehan is the Irish comedy writer behind behind the legendary sitcom, Father Ted, as well as Black Books and the I.T Crowd.
Grahams recent autobiography, “Tough Crowd” takes the reader through Graham’s youth in Ireland, his co-writing of the show that is now embedded in Irish culture and provided laughs the world over.
We speak about Grahams influences as he ventured into the world of sitcom writing including Seinfeld and the Simpsons. He tells us the behind-the-scenes story of Teds creation; how it was originally meant to be filmed like the “The Office” and the process behind writing an episode.
Graham shares his thoughts on American humor vs. Irish/UK humor, woke and anti-woke standup comics, his own foray into standup comedy and much more.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro, twitter activists 10:12 Trans-males in sports (Recent Canadian amateur boxing example) 13:30 FATHER TED 30:50 American vs Irish/UK humor 35:00 Father Ted was originally to filmed like “The Office” 40:10 Graham’s standup comedy 42:15 Favorite stand-ups 44:10 “Woke” comedians & “Anti-woke” comedians
04 Dec 2023
CAUGHT IN IRA B*MB AGED 5, SCHOOLBUS PETROL-B*MBED & JOINING BRITISH ARMY| Glenn Bradley 1/2
00:55:46
Glenn Bradley was born 1967 in West Belfast and grew up in the loyalist Woodvale area. He is a former soldier, one-time politician and a made-good businessman. Today, Glenn is Chair of Veterans For Peace Ireland and a Board Member of the Belfast Charitable Society. He remains an unapologetic Irish peace processor.
I was eager pick Glenn's brain about what it was like to grow up surrounded by the violence of "the troubles" conflict that began when he was a small child and particularly about the years of his youth spent in the army before he became completely disillusioned with violence after experiencing it's futility firsthand.
Glenn told me about his childhood in a staunchly loyalist area of Belfast during one of Ireland's bloodiest times including when he was injured by a no-warning IRA bomb at the age of 5. We also spoke about a particularly horrific incident during the Bobby Sands riots when his schoolbus was petrol-bombed by a republican mob.
Glenn would eventually join the British Army, a time in his life that he has made sure not to let define him and I was fascinated to get his insight on the soldiering of N.I. I asked about the daily realities of being a soldier during this period, what it feels like to be in a shootout with paramilitaries and how The British Army viewed the IRA and Loyalists. Glenn also explained the mindset of a trained soldier in terms of how they were trained to view their enemies/opponents.
PART 2 COMING SOON ( We discussed more of Glenn's military days and how he would eventually become entirely disillusioned with violence.)
00:00 Intro & growing up in troubles-era Woodvale area 6:05 Injured by IRA bomb at 5 years old 13:25 How realistic was Irish reunification as a possibility in the minds of unionist people at the time? 17:45 View of the RUC in the area? 20:35 How did Glen view British soldiers in the streets? 22:55 GLEN’S SCHOOLBUS PETROL-B*MBED (day of Bobby Sands death) 26:16 How were loyalist paramilitaries viewed by the community in his area? 32:35 Joining British Army instead of Loyalist paramilitaries 43:00 Where was Glen 46:50 Shoot-outs with the IRA 50:15 How competent did British troops consider the IRA 53:35 Any clashes w/ Loyalists 55:10 Soldiers from mainland UK- how good of an understanding did they have of the conflict in N.I
09 Dec 2023
IRISHMAN IN BRITISH ARMY, Thoughts on COLLUSION & DISILLUSIONED BY VIOLENCE | Glenn Bradley 2/2
01:04:59
PART 2 OF 2
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Glenn Bradley was born 1967 in West Belfast and grew up in the loyalist Woodvale area. He is a former soldier, one-time politician and a made-good businessman. Today, Glenn is Chair of Veterans For Peace Ireland and a Board Member of the Belfast Charitable Society. He remains an unapologetic Irish peace processor.
In the second half of our interview I asked Glenn about how he as an Irishman was viewed/treated in the British army and Glenn recalls an incident when he was asked to leave a pub in England because he was Irish despite being a serving British soldier.
Glenn shared his thoughts on the degree to which collusion occurred between British security forces and why he is of the opinion that collusion could not have been as rife as it is often alleged to be.
The most important aspect of Glenn’s story however is his eventual turning away from violence as a form of conflict resolution and complete disillusionment with violent means. Glenn talked us through the internal process of becoming a peace advocate and his work towards a peaceful Northern Ireland.
Glenn describes his internal process of moving away from the mentality of military life and dealing with PTSD as a veteran of a bloody conflict.
***TIMSETAMPS***
00:00 Soldiers from mainland UK- how good of an understanding did they have of the conflict in N.I 8:30 Did the mainland UK soldiers consider N.I people to be British & how Irish soldiers were treated in the british 13:15 British Army collusion w/ loyalists ?? 19:00 When did Glen start to become disillusioned with violence (after his uncle’s horrific murder) 34:10 Being an independent thinker in the army 38:10 Life post-Army 44:00 PTSD 57:00 People’s reaction when Glenn tells them he’s a former soldier
18 Dec 2023
FALSE-R*PE ALLEGATION SENDS FUTURE NFL PLAYER TO PRISON | Brian Banks' Incredible Comeback
01:34:26
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Brian Banks is a former NFL whose life was altered forever when he was the victim of a false-r*pe allegation towards the end of his high school years.
We spoke about how he found out that he was being accused of such a horrific crime, the process of being arrested & charged and the legal games that were at play before his trial.
Brian told us about why he felt like he had to accept a plea bargain despite being completely innocent, the monotonous reality & dangers of prison life and how he remained sane in prison.
Brian’s story get even more bizarre post-prison when he was on parole and his false-accuser got in contact with him with the intention of striking up a friendship. Brian used this opportunity to gather video evidence that would later clear his name and get his football career back on track.
***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 Growing up & FALSE R*PE ALLEGATION 17:35 Arrested 30:45 Plee bargin 35:55 Sentenced 40:50 PRISON LIFE 54:15 Getting out of prison 1:01:15 PROVING HIS INNOCENCE: Secretly recording his accusers confession 1:22:45 Getting into the NFL 1:24:25 Did Brian’s false-accuser face any consequences & Brian’s compensation for his incarceration 1:29:05 Post NFL life
27 Dec 2023
BILLY HUTCHINSON | A LOYALIST LIFE - Hunted By British Army, UVF Days & Long Kesh
01:41:40
Billy Hutchinson is an ex-UVF member and Loyalist who saw the Troubles heat up and erupt as he was a teen in sectarian Northern Ireland.
Billy told us about his growing up in the Shankill area, a working class Protestant part of Belfast and his community felt uncared for by their government despite identifying as loyal Brits.
Billy, in an attempt to join the UVF, set up a youth loyalist group and was being hunted by the British army before he was 16 years of age.
Billy recounts a chilling incident when he was abducted by the british army, brought to a field where they performed a mock-execution and then brought him to a barracks where he was hung from the ceiling by his hands and savagely beaten.
We spoke about the double-murder he took part in which resulted in Billy spending 10 years in Long Kesh. Billy told me about prison life, post-prison work for peace and much more
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Growing up in the Shankill area pre-troubles 9:32 The terms “Loyalist” and “Unionist” 11:17 Earliest memory of sectarianism 16:52 The troubles kicking off 27:42 FURNITURE SHOP BOMB IN HIS AREA 36:47 Did they feel like The British govt care about them? 40:12 PARAMILITARY ACTIVITY AS A TEEN 52:42 LIFTED BY BRITISH ARMY & tortured 57:52 Did Billy’s parents know about his involvement ? 59:17 M*RDERS THAT SENT BILLY TO PRISON 1:02:07 “I justify everything I did in the troubles, to STAY SANE I have to” 1:07:52 Collusion with security forces ??? 1:13:52 CATCHING AN INFORMER WITHIN UVF 1:17:25 Did UVF have their own “nutting squad” like the IRA? 1:18:57 Ten Years in LONG KESH 1:34:52 DEATH THREATS & 1:37:17 Does N.I work as a state now? 1:39:07 Thoughts on Irish reunification
13 Feb 2024
TROUBLES-ERA RUC OFFICER TELLS HIS STORY | Bobby Sands RIOTS, Assassination Plots & more| Stephen White
01:41:25
Stephen White is former commanding officer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (police force at the time) during some of Northern Ireland’s most violent and volatile years.
Stephen tells us about his early years growing up in an environment where sectarian tension and violence was a constant. Stephen spent time in the Ulster Defense Regiment before he joined the RUC.
I asked Stephen about the daily reality of policing Northern Ireland’s streets during some of its most tumultuous years, thoughts on Irish reunification, facing rioters after Bobby Sand’s death, accusations of collusion, death threats and much more
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Growing up in N.I 10:22 Story from teen years about sectarian violence on catholic friend 12:42 Thoughts on Irish reunifaction 21:02 JOING ULSTER DEFENCE REGIMENT (UDR) 33:02 UDR clashes with loyalist paramilitaries 35:22 UDR/UVF dual memberships ?? 38:52 JOINING RUC (1978) 42:02 BOBBY SANDS RIOTS 47:32 John Weir conviction 53:20 Any officers under Stephen’s command investigated for COLLUSION ? 57:20 Rougher policing back then (70s-90s) 1:04:02 RUC “dirty war” use of loyalist paramilitaries as agents 1:14:02 Dealing with the trauma of the job 1:19:12 ASSASSINATION PLOTS AGAINST STEPHEN 1:26:32 Toughest area in N.I to be a cop during the troubles 1:30:12 Running into IRA men while off-duty
09 Jan 2024
LOCKED UP IN INDIA'S DEADLIEST PRISON | Nick Dunn's story- South Armagh, Afghanistan & India
02:00:19
Nick Dunn is a former British soldier and private security contractor who endured nearly half a decade in the Indian prison system after being unfairly convicted while carrying out anti-pirate work.
Nick spoke to me about his brief time patrolling South Armagh in post-conflict Northern Ireland and danger he faced in Afghanistan fighting against the tactics/methods of a guerrilla army.
Nick shares the harrowing story of how he and his team were unfairly convicted in an Indian court and 4 torturous years in the shocking conditions of Chennai prison.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Being a soldier in post-troubles Northern Ireland including South Armagh 14:45 Afghanistan deployment 19:40 Motivation to join the army 22:40 Did Nick view the people he was fighting against to be his “enemy”? & Thoughts on fighting against guerrilla warfare 42:20 Leaving army 44:55 Private security work & getting convicted 1:09:45 PRISON TIME 1:41:40 Back to England 1:51:10 Adjusting to life post-prison
17 Jan 2024
IRA RANSOM-KIDNAPPING GONE WRONG | Don Tidey's kidnap & rescue | Author Ronan McGreevy
00:41:18
For this episode I spoke with Ronan McGreevy, co-author of the recently released book "The Kidnapping", which focuses on the doomed ransom kidnapping attempt on businessman Don Tidey.
We discussed the IRA's various methods of fund-raising during the troubles and their history of ransom-kidnaps. Ronan told me about how Tidey was selected as the target, how the IRA Maze prison break feed into the kidnapping and the role that infamous agent Freddie Scappaticci "Stakeknife" played in Tidey's rescue.
00:00 Intro 2:13 IRA’s fundraising efforts during the conflict 9:15 Maze prison break 14:15 Recent Gerry Kelly libel case and Gerry Adams mention in the book 17:45 How and why was Don Tidey selected ? 20:10 THE KIDNAPPING 24:10 Deaths during rescue 27:20 The 4-man kidnap team 29:05 Freddie Scap. (STAKEKNIFE) involvement & garda/army’s ability to deal with the IRA 35:00 Any more ransom-kidnappings after Don Tidey’s ?
23 Jan 2024
(RE-UPLOAD) IAN BAILEY INTERVIEW- Life as m*rder suspect, theories, Garda corruption & NETFLIX DOC
00:50:13
(RE-UPLOAD, RECORDED LATE DEC 2022 & PUBLISHED IN JAN 2023)
The chief suspect for the still unsolved 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, Ian Bailey has died form a heart-attack. I spoke to Ian almost exactly a year ago in what was, I'm fairly sure, his second last long format interview and his last video long format interview. (Video version available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZqPD3yV1uA)
To this day Ian Bailey remains the only person who has asked me to interview him (although I was going to ask anyway) ________________________________________________________________________________________________
For this episode I spoke to Ian Bailey. Ian moved to West Cork (Ireland) years before the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, an incident which later became subject of a 3 part Netflix series
Ian spoke to me about his memories from the time of the murder and the subsequent years of his life as Gardai pursued him as their prime suspect, his own theories regarding the killing, his reaction to the Netflix documentary and Audible series
**APOLOGIES FOR ANY BAD-QUALITY AUDIO CAUSED BY POOR INTERNET CONNECTION**
00:00 Preview 00:35 Intro and move to West Cork 7:11 First hearing about the murder 12:35 How well did Ian know Sophie (murder victim) ?? 16:20 Finding out that he was the police’s (Gardai) prime suspect & treatment by Gardai 21:20 Members of the community claiming that Ian confessed 26:10 Does Ian think that the Gardai genuinely thought that he committed the murder? 27:55 Local rumor/theory about Garda killing Sophie and the “missing gate” 31:05 Marie Farrell- the witness who changed her story 34:55 Ian’s reaction to audible series on the murder 37:20 Reaction to NETFLIX doc 42:35 Does Ian court attention from being a murder suspect?? 46:20 Which theory of Sophie’s death’s does Ian lean towards?
29 Jan 2024
REMEMBERING BLOODY SUNDAY & "MY UNCLE JACKIE"| Julieann Campbell, author of "On Bloody Sunday"
00:50:30
Julieann Campbell's uncle John "Jackie" Duddy was 17 years old when he was shot dead while running away by British soldiers during Bloody Sunday 1972. Julieann's urge to find out whatever she could about the killing of the uncle that she never got to meet for her family would eventually led her to write an outstanding book called 'On Bloody Sunday".
I asked Julieann about impact that Bloody Sunday and her uncle's killing had on the family, the civil rights movement in N.I up until that point, the significance of the Battle of the Bogside and the Ballymurphy massacre which preceded the terrible events of January 30th 1972.
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00:00 Family connection to Bloody Sunday 07:05 Civil Rights movement 10:45 Battle of the Bogside & Ballymurphy massacre 18:05 BLOODY SUNDAY 33:15 Bloody Sunday as a recruiting tool for the IRA 34:55 Inquests/Inquiries into Bloody Sunday & SOLDIER F upcoming trial
05 Feb 2024
IRA ASSASSINATION IN CENTRAL PARK NYC | Irish War of Independence double-agent m*rdered | Author Mark Bulik
00:48:55
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On April 13th 1922 the war of independence era IRA committed their only murder on US soil when they took revenge on a traitor whose disloyalty had cost 6 members of his old unit their lives.
Author Mark Bulik, who has written the first book on the incident shares with us the story of 4 men from Sundays Well in Cork city and how one of them met their end at the hands of the other 3 outside Central Park in NYC.
Marks book details the incredible level of support that existed in New York for the Irish War of Independence, the gun running priests of NYC, the plot to get 500 tommy guns from America into Michael Collins’ hands and of course, how Patrick “Cruxy” O’ Connor paid the ultimate price for his treachery.
*** TIMESTAMPS*** 00:00 Introduction 6:15 Support for Irish War of Independence in New York 17:00 The story of “Cruxy” O’ Connor and the 3-man hit 27:15 Jimmy McGee & the 500 Tommy Guns 32:10 Poisoning attempts on O’Connor 41:25 Similar story involving the IRB 45:45 Was this the ONLY IRA attack on American soil?
FULL VIDEO EPSIODES: https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodlistenerpodcast/featured
19 Feb 2024
FRANK KITSON'S LEGACY IN N.I | The MRF, IRA DOUBLE-AGENTS (The "Freds") & Britain's DIRTY WAR IN IRELAND
01:20:42
David Burke, author of "Kitson’s Irish War: Mastermind of the Dirty War in Ireland" breaks down the work/influence of Brigader Frank Kitson and the infamous "Military Reaction Force" better known as the MRF, The British Army branch who were "there to act like the IRA".
David tell us about how Kiston developed the tactics that would used against the IRA in Belfast during his time in Kenya, Malaya & Oman . We speak about the MRF 'S origins, the unorthodox way they operated and the effective license-to-kill that they possessed. David tells us about the double-agents within the IRA working for the MRF known as "the Freds", the four square laundry intel gathering operation the MRF ran as well the brothels they operated.
We speak about the recent news that an MRF soldier (solider "F", not to be confused with Bloody Sunday solider F") will face trial for the murder of completely innocent father of 8, Patrick McVeigh.
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Kitson’s background 14:55 KITSON COMES TO N.I 20:30 THE MRF 22:40 Howard Smith 25:16 MRF, The “Freds” & Four Square laundry 37:20 Ballymurphy 42:00 MRF 44:45 PROPAGANDA 45:45 MRF 48:27 KINCORA SCANDAL, Albert Baker & The UDA 52:08 MRF and the fate of 2 of “the Freds” 54:15 MRF SOLIDER TRIAL for Pat McVeigh murder 57:45 William Black (MRF story) 1:00:55 PYS-OPS 1:04:20 RUC CORRUPTION 1:09:20 What came after the MRF (SRU, FRU) 1:13:30 Derek Willford’s relationship to Kitson 1:18:50 David’s new book
SHOT & BLINDED by BRITISH SOLDIER with a RUBBER-BULLET aged 10 | RICHARD MOORE'S STORY
00:56:05
Richard Moore grew up in Derry and as a young child experienced life in pre-troubles Northern Ireland before the eruption of a conflict that had been brewing for years.
Richard tells us about his memories of the British army as they first came to N.I following the Battle of the Bogside and how they were originally welcomed by the community and how the murders of Bloody Sunday marked a turning point in his relationship with the British army.
Richard speaks about the day he was shot in the eye at close range by a rubber bullet fired by a British soldier who Richard has since meet with and befriended.
He shares with us how his blinding has affected his life and the lives of those closest to him.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Richard’s background, growing up in Derry 10:30 How did young Richard view the army & the rioters? 14:25 BLOODY SUNDAY 28:10 THE DAY RICHARD LOST WAS BLINDED BY A RUBBER-BULLET 34:40 How did Richard’s family take the news 38:50 Any desire for revenge? 44:00 Ever used as political point-scoring ? 45:25 MEETING THE SOLDIER WHO BLINDED HIM
04 Mar 2024
THOMAS NEIDERMAYER KIDNAPPING/M*RDER | 1973 LONDON B*MBINGS, THE PRICE SISTERS & AN INNOCENT MAN'S TRAGIC DEATH
00:54:52
In this episode author David Blake Knox ("Facedown: The disappearance of Thomas Neidermayer") takes us through the tragic case of German man, Thomas Neidermayer, who was living in the north when he was kidnapped (and killed) by the IRA in an attempt to get Marian and Dolores Price moved to an Irish prison after their 1973 London b*mbing attack.
We speak about Neidermayer's background including how he narrowly avoided having to fight in the latter years of WW2 while a member of the (compulsory) Hitler Youth and how he moved to Ireland to run factory where Catholics and Protestants worked side by side.
David tells us about how the 1973 London b*mbings would lead to the IRA capturing Thomas Neidermayer as well as the story of Brian Keenan, the IRA quartermaster who worked with Muammar Gaddafi, Colombian FARC guerrillas and Spanish insurgent groups during his time and who once worked for Thomas Neidermayer years before the kidnap.
*** PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE GUESTS/TOPICS ETC TO thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com OR LEAVE A COMMENT***
00:00 Thomas & Ingeborg’s backgrounds 06:45 Brian Keenan 13:15 Thomas & wife move to N.I 17:15 1973 London B*mbing 23:20 THE KIDNAPPING 33:20 Fate of the Price sisters & finding Thomas Neidermayer’s body 43:55 Brian Keenan II 48:40 Aftermath
12 Mar 2024
"THE DISAPPEARED" in IRISH HISTORY - The Troubles, War of Independence and more | Padraig Og O' Ruairc
01:17:55
Padraig Og O' Ruaric, historian and author of "The Disappeared" speaks to us about his the forced disappearances the have taken place for political reasons in Ireland's often bloody history.
We speak about the different reasons for forced disappearances in Ireland's war of independence and civil war committed by both Irish guerrilla fighters and the British Army. Padraig tells us about the history of informers and spies within Ireland's conflicts and how the "good old IRA" would deal with them.
We also discussed the most high-profile cases of forced disappearances in the Northern Ireland conflict including Jean McConville, Capt Robert Nairac, the MRF agents known as "the Freds" and much more.
I would throughly recommend Padraig's book for anyone interested in Irish history, very well written and structured piece of work.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Padraig’s background, scope of the book 09:35 DIGGING UP A DISAPPEARED BRITISH SOLDIER 18:45 Why some victims are disappeared 26:35 Last person to die in the War of Independence (Hannah Carey) 28:30 British Army veterans targeted 35:00 THE TROUBLES (The “Freds”, Capt. Robert Nairic, Jean McConville, Kincora) 1:16:40 Padraig’s next book
BUY THE BOOK: https://www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/the-disappeared-forced-disappearances-in-ireland-1798-1998/
18 Mar 2024
OPERATION KENOVA | STAKEKNIFE, The IRA's Internal Security Unit & Boucher's Report| Ricky O' Rawe
00:54:14
Ex-IRA volunteer and author of the “Stakeknife's Dirty War", Richard O Rawe returns to the pod to share his analysis on the recently published and long awaited, Operation Kenova (interim report). This was an investigation into the FRU (force research unit) agent code named Stakeknife and the IRA’s internal security unit better known as the “nutting squad”.
Richard walks us through the biggest takeaways from the investigation, the goods & bads from the report and his expectations for the final report, due in 2/3 months which will go into specific cases.
For those who may have seen my interview with ex-IRA volunteer Seamus Kearney (Seamus’ younger brother Michael was m*rdered by Stakenifes unit after being falsely labeled an informant and Seamus firmly believes that he was set up by British security forces in order to cover for a real informant), I can reveal new information that has been verbally confirmed by the Kenova investigation team. (Interview w/ Seamus from August 2023 • EX-IRA MAN EXPOSES Ministry Of Defenc... )
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Recap on Stakenife/Scap 8:25 Stakeknife NOT NAMED in the report 13:25 Ricky’s expectations for the report 21:00 UPDATE ON SEAMUS KEARNEY PODCAST (Brother Michael m*rdered by Stakeknife’s unit) 27:05 Operational Failings section of the Kenova report 31:45 DID STAKEKNIFE SAVE LIVES? 36:40 “Falsehoods” addressed in Kenova report 40:15 Collusion section of Kenova report 44:55 Mi5 material reviewed by Kenova team 42:25 Final thoughts on Kenova report
SEND ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE GUESTS TO : thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
THE IRA-SPY THAT STAKEKNIFE K*LLED ?? | Frank Hegarty, Martin McGuinness & Gaddafi's Guns| Henry Hemmings, author
00:51:40
For this episode I spoke with author Henry Hemming about his most recent book “Four Shots in the Night”, an excellently written true-story of a British army agent within the IRA named Frank Hegarty.
Henry talks to us about the army unit that recruited and ran Hegarty, the now infamous FRU (force research unit) and their unique approach to running agents, how princess Diana was nearly blown up by the IRA and the role that Gaddafi played in arming the IRA.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 How did so many informants get recruited by The British security forces 9:55 Who were the FRU (Force Research Unit) 19:30 Willie Carlin & Denis Donaldson 24:45 Ian Hurst’s involvement 30:20 IRA NEARLY BLOW-UP PRINCESS DIANA 35:30 Spy-master’s dilemma 41:15 Gaddafi’s involvement 46:35 Plans for tv series or movie ??
BELFAST'S DARKEST TROUBLES-ERA SCANDAL | The Missing Boys, Kincora, MI5 & Cover-ups | Des Henderson
00:56:24
For this episode I spoke with filmmaker Des Henderson, about his recent, extremely powerful documentary "Lost Boys: Belfast's Missing Children" which focus on the disappearances of a number of boys in Northern Ireland during the troubles and explores the dark story of Kincora Boys Home.
Des tells us about the links that these disappearances may have had with a network of p*adphiles who were active in the area at the time and the known child-abusers who Mi5 were employing as agents.
DES' TWITTER: https://twitter.com/desfilmsstuff
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 09:15 Timeline of the disappearances 23:15 Cover-ups & Whistleblowers 33:10 Was KINCORA BOYS HOME being used as an MI5 47:50 Future plans 50:05 Alan Campbell
21 Apr 2024
EX-IRA B*MB-MAKER tells his story | B*mb-making, Long Kesh & Informers | Packy McMahon
01:13:37
Patrick “Packy” McMahon is a former provisional IRA bomb maker who was jailed after being caught in the act of manufacturing a 1,500 LB bomb.
Packy tells us about growing up as the conflict raged and how his life-long battle with British soldiers began.
We spoke about the in and outs of how the IRA manufactured its bombs/explosive devices from beginning to end, the materials used, how Packy avoided being blown up by his own work and the logistics of an IRA bombing operation.
Packy shared stories about his time in Long Kesh, how he got caught, Mi5 attempting to recruit him and much more
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy My a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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00:00 Intro 4:20 Joining junior-wing of the IRA 07:35 BECOMING A B*MB MAKER 16:05 What type of b*mbs did Packy make? 26:15 Ever get “bitten by his own work” ? 27:10 What separates good b*mb-maker from a bad one ? 28:45 Mi5 attempt to recruit Packy 31:15 MAKING A B*MB 37:10 Shooting at British solider w/ a sniper rifle 38:35 Would you have known the loyalists? 41:05 B*mb-making II 47:55 CAUGHT MAKING B*MB & ARRESTED due to INFORMANT 1:01:55 Getting out of Long Kesh & life after the IRA
ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE GUESTS, TOPICS, DIFFERENT FORMS OF CONTENT ETC ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.. any theme or force within the conflict you'd like me to explore, any important people from the time, authors I haven't spoke to etc PLEASE DROP A COMMENT ON SPOTIFY (I can't reply to comments left on Spotify but leave your email address and I can get back to you) OR SEND ME AN EMAIL (thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com) Thanks very much to everyone who has helped out so far!!!
09 Apr 2024
Why did SCAPPATICCI become an AGENT?? | EX-BRITISH INTEL MAN IAN HURST speaks out
00:16:51
*** PREVIEW CLIP*** (I usually don't do this but to fill the void this week here's a snippet from the full episode which will be available on YouTube this week and on podcast platforms next Monday)
In a clip from our upcoming 3 + hour interview, ex-FRU handler Ian Hurst (Martin Ingram) gives his take on how he thinks the infamous "Agent Stakeknife" was recruited by British security services..
He also shares his thoughts on the recently published Operation Kenova.
EX BRITISH SPY HANDLER speaks out| Stakeknife, Frank Hegarty & Operation Kenova | Ian Hurst ( Martin Ingram)
02:10:20
Ian Hurst, better known to some as “Martin Ingram” was a member of the Force Research Unit, an intel gathering and spy-handling British security forces group and spent time as a handler in Derry during which time he worked with Frank Hegarty.
Ian is best known for co-authoring the book ’Stakeknife” which exposed the exploits of one of the North’s most notorious informants, Freddie Scappittici aka Agent Stakeknife. Ina tells us about his time in the FRU, what goes into recruiting and running an agent, his thoughts on whether Martin McGuinness or Gerry Adam were informants, his many thoughts on the recently published Operation Kenova and much more.
Ian, at various stages in the episode, discusses agents Frank Hegarty, Willie Carlin, Brian Nelson and of course agent Stakeknife.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Was Martin McGuinness an informant?? 13:00 JOINING THE FORCE RESEARCH UNIT 43:15 Did FRU operate both sides of the border? 48:00 Was Ian ever shot at ? 53:00 Work as an FRU handler 57:30 Thoughts on Operation Kenova 1:28:40 HOW handlers met w/ informants/agents 1:39:20 Story about IRA man drove into the FRU offices 1:41:10 Did the IRA ever have info on IAN ?? (Ian potentially has his life saved by an IRA man’s wife) 1:46:30 Any FRU killed ? 1:49:20 HOW DID FRU RECRUIT AGENTS/INFORMERS ? 2:12:05 HOW WAS SCAP (STAKEKNIFE) RECRUITED ?? WAS HE A “WALK-IN”?? & More thoughts on Operation Kenova 2:32:55 When agents are suspected by IRA 2:36:40 ’Spy-masters dilemmas” (Frank Hegarty’s case) 2:46:50 Psychology of handling an agent 2:52:00 Killing Rage (book by Eamonn Collins) 2:59:55 More thoughts on Operation Kenova 3:09:15 Was Gerry Adams an informer?
28 Apr 2024
Ex-TEEN UDA FOOTSOLDIER tells his story | RUC Collusion, Sectarian Violence & Escaping the Conflict | Graham Cousins
00:48:16
Graham Cousins grew up protestant in East Belfast and spent his late-teen years and early 20s in the Ulster Defense Association better known as the UDA, a loyalist paramilitary group formed in the early 70s. He has since become close friends with ex-paramilitaries from the other side including my last guest, ex-b*mb-maker Packy McMahon (https://youtu.be/R5XJQrUCeMk?si=zCipaXh0uMIK6P0j)
Graham speaks to us about his mindset during the early 70s, his reasons for joining up, his thoughts on the UDA’s policy of targeting innocent Catholics and how he left the group.
Graham shared some interesting thoughts/insights into his mentality during the UDA days, the time that RUC officers let him “steal” their weapons, his memories of Ian Paisley, thoughts on a united Ireland and much more
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Patreon or Buy My a Coffee. Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 6:20 RUC COLLUSION w/ UDA 10:10 Why join UDA not UVF 15:05 How were catholic families intimidated out ? 16:55 How did graham feel about his UDA activities at the time? 18:00 Does Graham identify as British ? 21:45 Ian Paisley 27:15 How did he view the UVF ? 29:10 Any respect for the IRA ? 31:25 Would Graham have known the main hitmen in the UDA ? 35:45 Women in the UDA 37:50 Dual membership UDA/UDR 39:35 Living in England
05 May 2024
TROUBLES-ERA B*MB DISPOSAL EXPERT | Taking on Belfast's IRA B*MB-MAKERS | Steve Smith, British Army
01:09:27
My guest this week is ex-b*mb disposal man, Steve Smith. Steve worked as a EOD officer in Belfast during the early 80s and worked to rid the city of IRA & Loyalist b*mbs.
Steve gives us his insight into the various types of explosives used throughout the conflict, the differences between IRA & Loyalist b*mb-makers, how it feels to put on the b*mb-suit & approach an explosive device and the effects that such a job can have on one’s mental health.
Steve tells us about the unique challenges of b*mb-disposal in rural settings vs urban, the physical sensation of being caught in a b*mb blast and much more.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Putting on the “B*MB SUIT” 03:35 Training 10:00 Psychological aspect 14:20 The Hurt Locker (film) & mental toll of the job 17:00 FIRST EXPLOSIVES DISPOSALS 24:45 B*mb Disposal in RURAL AREAS 27:20 Robots 30:40 TOUGH JOB 35:10 Dealing with trauma from the job 37:25 IRA calling in car-b*mb 44:10 Loyalist b*mbs (better or worse b*mb-makers?) 46:13 TYPES of b*mbs throughout the conflict 55:10 Remote b*mbs & Mercury tilt 59:30 Light-activated explosives 1:00:30 Closest Steve has been to b*mb exploding 1:07:30 Cutting wires
12 May 2024
IRA HELICOPTER ESCAPE Mastermind & Portlaoise Jail Break| Brendan Hughes (Tyrone) IRA COMMANDER
01:50:51
Brendan Hughes (not to be confused with the deceased Brendan ‘The Dark” Hughes) shares his truly extraordinary life story, a life shaped by his membership of the East-Tyrone PIRA in the early days of the conflict in the North.
Brendan tells us about his time ambushing British soldiers in the countryside and robbing banks to fund raise for the IRA and his thoughts on having to take human life for his cause. Brendan shares the incredible story of how masterminded the second ever prison escape involving a helicopter on Halloween 1973 and how he himself ended up leading a 19 man jailbreak from Ireland’s most secure lock-up.
His tale later involves a split form the movement and a team of assassins being spent to NYC to take out Brendan, one of whom Brendan would later meet.
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
BUY THE BOOK: https://uplikeabird.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Growing up in Tyrone, first contact with sectarianism 07:20 Joining the IRA 13:10 Robbing banks 24:40 AMBUSHING BRITISH SOLDIERS 31:00 Becoming an intel officer 35:50 Lead-up to MOUNTJOY HELICOPTER ESCAPE 45:30 DAY OF THE ESCAPE 56:50 Getting caught & jailed 1:05:27 Planning the Portlaoise prison escape 1:14:20 DAY OF ESCAPE FROM PORTLAOISE 1:22:25 Immediately after escaping 1:36:25 Split from IRA (hit-team sent to NYC to get him) 1:42:40 Back to prison 1:44:25 Thoughts on united-Ireland
20 May 2024
1974 DUBLIN/MONAGHAN B*MBING | Robin Jackson, British Army Involvement & more| David Burke, Author
01:09:40
Author, lawyer and past guest of the show, David Burke reveals a previously unreleased statement from ex-Tara member and close-friend of Robin 'the jackal" Jackson, Charlie Simpson uncovering Jackson and the British Army's involvement in one of the trouble's most heinous attacks. We talk through the events of the tragic day, the logistics of the UVF operation and the political goings-on at the time of attack.
DAVID'S FREE E-BOOK (much more detail on the topic) https://coverthistory.ie/2024/05/04/returning-the-serve-the-jackal-collusion-mi5-and-the-dublin-and-monaghan-bombings-by-david-burke/
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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29 May 2024
TROUBLES-ERA PARA & SAS man tells his story | Belfast RIOTS, South Armagh & more | Harry McCallion
02:09:49
Harry McCallion is an ex-paratrooper and SAS solider who served in the north during some of the troubles’ most violent years. Harry tells us about the brutal training regime they underwent before deployment, his thoughts on the mistakes that the British army made, his views on the “Ballymurphy Massacre”, his emotional state while policing violent riots and the effects that the job had on his mental health at the time. Harry shares his insights on the uniques challenges of taking on a “guerrilla” army, rural vs urban warfare, his own personal relationship with violence/killing and much more..
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Joining the British Army (Paras) & becoming brutalized 12:45 Pre-deployment, does Harry consider N.I people to be British & do Irish people “live in the past” too much? 25:50 DEPLOYMENT TO NORTHERN IRELAND - Internment roundup 28:55 Thoughts on BALLYMURPHY MASSACRE & 2021 Inquiry 39:35 RIOTS - “absolutely terrifying” APPEAL 51:15 Harry’s relationship with KILLING & violence 57:35 Does Harry know how many people he has killed? 58:40 Fist-fight w/ an INLA member 59:55 Joining the SAS 1:05:00 Loyalist dual membership of UDR & UVF/UDA 1:07:30 Were UVF/UDA as competent as the PIRA ? 1:12:50 SOUTH ARMAGH & TYRONE IRA 1:19:00 Gerry Adams story 1:23:00 Fighting against guerrilla soldiers 1:29:00 Protecting intel sources within the IRA 1:33:55 GUERRILLA OR TERRORIST ?? 1:49:20 Rural or urban soldiering.. which was more difficult ? 1:52:00 The MRF 1:58:35 Harry’s latest book
03 Jun 2024
UK's INTEL WAR against the IRA | Derry IRA, Rural Units & Peace Talks | Thomas Leahy
00:59:38
For this episode I’m joined by author and lecturer, Thomas Leahy, whose book “The Intelligence War against the IRA” gives a through and detailed account of Britain’s attempts to disrupt and defeat the IRA by way of intel gathering.
We discuss the various methods of intel collection, what “intel” is and can be used for in this context, the various times of ceasefire during the conflict and the reasons for them.
Thomas details why the rural IRA brigades were tougher infiltrate, how technological change effected the British army and the reasons for the peace talks at various points in the conflict.
00:00 What is INTEL ?? 5:50 Structure of Thomas’ book 13:50 Derry IRA 18:55 Rural areas more difficult to affect in the Intel War 35:05 Technological changes thru-out the troubles 39:50 Tasking & co group 45:40 Misconceptions surrounding the subject
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
BUY THE BOOK: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/intelligence-war-against-the-ira/A34D7CEFB3118C4C2F9553F4D30D91ED
03 Jun 2024
INNOCENT MAN FRAMED for IRA M*RDER | How Kevin Barry Artt was falsely convicted & Escaped LONG KESH
00:50:52
Dan Lawton’s thrilling new book “The Hunted” explores the story of Kevin Barry Artt and how he was false-convicted of the IRA murder of deputy Maze prison governor, Albert Miles.
We speak about the so-called “confession factory” Castlereagh, Long Kesh’s Maze prison, the horrors of the “blanket”/“no-wash” protests and how Kevin Barry Artt took part in one of N.I’s biggest jailbreaks.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 CASTLEREAGH “The Confession Factory” 08:15 LONG KESH & The lead up to Albert Miles’ murder 18:45 The murder of Albert Miles 24:30 Maurice Gilvarry (IRA member & RUC Agent) 27:35 PRISON ESCAPE 39:05 Escape almost goes wrong 48:00 Film or TV series ??
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
Being IRISH in Birmingham during IRA ENGLAND B*mbing Campaign | Dr. Michael Flavin
01:05:13
My guest this week is Dr Michael Flavin, child to Irish parents who grew up in Birmingham, England during the IRA’s bombing campaign in England during the troubles.
Michael speaks to us about being a part of the Irish diaspora in England, anti-Irish discrimination at the time as well Michael’s writings on IRA leadership and INLA splits.
00:00 “NO BLACKS NO DOGS NO IRISH” sign- was it real?? 03:50 Michael’s parents move to England 07:05 Many other children of immigrants ? 08:50 BIRMINGHAM B*MBINGS impact on Michael’s life 20:20 Gerry Adams leadership writings 26:30 INLA splits 54:30 Do most English people consider Northern Irish people to be “British” ?
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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24 Jun 2024
BATTLING THE IRA & LOYALISTS IN TROUBLES-ERA BELFAST | SAS & DET. SURVEILLANCE OPERATOR Mick Hawkes
02:09:28
Mick Hawkes is an ex-SAS soldier and 14th intel company (the Det.) operator who worked against the IRA and Loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland as part of his military career.
Mick tells us about the daily ins and outs of carrying out surveillance on dangerous insurgents, the differences between republican and loyalist paramilitaries, how he helped to prevent a mortar attack on an RUC and much more.
(The first 30 mins or so are a little choppy due to wifi problems but completely fine after that.. apologies and thank you)
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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00:00 South Armagh 11:00 Any respect for the IRA ? 20:45 Any “off-base” activities 21:45 IRA men in the area 27:55 Between Mick’s 1980 South Armagh tour and returning to N.I in 1993- Joining SAS 33:00 THE DET 39:10 1993 Shankill fish shop b*mb 42:00 DET work II 1:04:00 Protestant paramilitary groups 1:08:30 The UDR (Ulster Defence regiment) & RUC 1:13:05 IRA informers 1:16:45 Face-to-face encounter w/ IRA man 1:26:48 Did Mick want to get into a “contact” with a terrorist ? 1:29:25 Foiling a mortar attack on RUC station 1:31:40 IRA in LONDON- Mick’s work with Mi5 1:44:20 Miss the “buzz’ from the job?? 1:55:35 Ex soldiers doing mercenary work 2:01:35 Are SAS the best ??
03 Jul 2024
CATHOLIC PRIEST on Capitol Hill Fighting For IRISH FREEDOM | Fr. Sean McManus
01:48:14
**Sorry for the late upload my good people.. feel free to follow on YouTube where I'm a bit more on top of things**
Fr Sean McManus hails from Co. Fermanagh but was sent, by his superiors in the Catholic, to America early in his career where he continued his fight for Irish freedom.
Fr McManus’ tells us about his early life, his older brother who was killed during the IRA’s border campaign, the death-threats he has received and the attempts by British forces to smear his reputation by implying his involvement with Gaddafi.
Fr McManus speaks about his refusal to stay silent regarding British occupation of Ireland despite attempts by his bosses in the church to get him to keep his head down as well as his work on Capitol Hill.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 05:25 Brothers death in border campaign 06:10 Tempted to join ? 08:00 Becoming a priest 26:20 Sean’s “3 types of Violence” 28:35 FR MC MANUS ARRESTED 53:40 Threats to Fr McManus’ life 1:27:30 Thoughts on Fr. Patrick Ryan 1:41:10 FBI FILE ON FR MCMANUS
PLEASE SEND ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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16 Jul 2024
EX-RUC SPECIAL BRANCH HANDLER Tells His Story | Informers, IRA & M*rder | William Matchett
01:59:14
William Matchett is an ex-RUC officer who spent years working in the secretive and murky world of informants and agents during his time in Special Branch while “the troubles” raged on.
William shares with us his motivations for joining the RUC during such dangerous times, the techniques they utilized to recruit informants, death threats he’s received over the years and his encounters with the notorious South Armagh unit of the IRA.
We discussed paramilitaries who have committed m*rders and terror attacks while simultaneously working as an RUC Special Branch agent, the subject of collusion between RUC and Loyalist paramilitaries as well as policing a post-Good Friday Agreement state.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Growing up, seeing Catholic family petrol-b*mbed out of their house 08:20 JOINING THE RUC- policing in South Armagh 22:50 Negative view of the RUC & Threats on William’s life 36:00 SPECIAL BRANCH 52:30 Martin McGartland, Ken Barret, Mark Haddock, William Stobie 1:16:00 MEETING WITH INFORMANTS 1:27:05 THE NUTTING SQUAD 1:30:45 UVF/UDA 1:35:55 RUC interrogation 1:44:25 Post-GFA Northern Ireland 1:52:40 What should the RUC done differently throughout the conflict
PLEASE EMAIL ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS (if you're reading this and were involved in paramilitary activity please give me a shout if you would like to tell your story, even anonymously to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com)
BUY THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Victory-Intelligence-that-beat/dp/1527202054
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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22 Jul 2024
IRA's K*LLING FIELDS - The Story Of The EAST TYRONE IRA | Jon Trigg, Ex-British Army & Author
01:48:13
Jonathan Trigg’s book “Death In The Fields” examines, in great detail, the infamous East-Tyrone IRA and how this rural group complied some of the republican’s biggest wins and conversely, their most devastating losses.
We examine the early days of the unit and how they were formed, the autonomy they enjoyed, the Jim Lynagh “A-Team” era and their deadly attacks, the Loughall ambush & how it effected the brigade plus the post-Loughall activities of the East Tyrone IRA including coming under attack from the Mid-Ulster UVF.
Jonathan is an ex-British soldier who himself was posted to East Tyrone in the early 90s and will be authoring more books on the subject of “the troubles”.
PLEASE EMAIL ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR GUESTS & EPISODE TOPICS (if you're reading this and were involved in paramilitary activity please give me a shout if you would like to tell your story, even anonymously to thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com)
BUY THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Fields-IRA-East-Tyrone/dp/1785374435
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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00:00 What made the East Tyrone IRA so effective ?? 14:50 Origins of East Tyrone IRA (Kevin Mallon, Brendan Hughes 29:20 THE A-TEAM era 49:40 LOUGHALL 1:02:35 Ballygawley Bus B*mbing & post-loughgall ambushes 1:15:00 UVF k*lling East Tyrone IRA members 1:22:40 LOUGHALL II 1:33:40 Future books
30 Jul 2024
Witnessing His Father's IRA M*rder | Alan Miles' Story, Son of H-Blocks Deputy Governor Albert Miles
00:55:43
In a recent episode I interviewed author Dan Lawton about his book focusing on the fallout from the murder of dept Governor, Albert Miles, of the infamous Maze Prison in November 1978 in which an innocent man was convicted. Alan Miles witnessed his father’s brutal murder as a young man at the hands of the IRA but almost immediately got to a place in his mind where he was not interested in revenge or retribution.
Alan tells us about his childhood growing up with a prison guard as a father, his father’s views on unionism & Ian Paisley, how he himself views the IRA men who m*rdered his father.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Growing up 05:00 Father’s worker in the prison service 15:00 The blanket and no-wash protests 17:03 Does Alan want “revenge” or want to meet his father’s killer(s) ? 26:03 Night of the m*rder 36:30 Did Alan believe that Kevin Barry Artt was the killer ? 51:15 Thoughts on current-day N.I
05 Aug 2024
SOUTH ARMAGH AGENT HANDLER | Recruiting & Running Informants In BANDIT COUNTRY| Ex-FRU Handler
02:34:26
Ex-FRU agent handler "Will Britten" (alias) actively ran and recruited agents in South Armagh, one of the most dangerous places to be a British soldier during the conflict, in the 80s and is the author of "The Deadly Game". We speak in depth about the recruitment methods of the FRU, how to successfully run an agent in such a dangerous area, the legacy of Robert Nairic and the story of how Dominic McGlinchey's INLA unit planned on setting a trap after discovering a "tout".
Due to security reasons he cannot appear on camera.. apologies for not having the usual experience.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
00:00 INLA find out about FRU source 16:20 Ideal type of agent-recruit 23:20 Ethics of running agents who murder 30:00 Robert Nairic 32:40 First arriving in N.I 41:00 Robert Nairic II 47:00 Thoughts on the IRA’s goal 54:00 South Armagh IRA & meeting Thomas Slab Murphy 1:07:50 Joining the FRU 1:14:50 Recruiting an agent 1:23:35 Motivation to become informants 1:32:25 Use of blackmail to recruit ? 1:37:45 Meeting up with a source 1:53:40 FRU Vehicles 1:59:00 What makes a good handler ? 2:10:45 What gets an FRU agent fired ? 2:15:50 Leaving N.I 2:22:00 Harry Breen & Bob Buchanan m*rders
12 Aug 2024
Policing The Troubles | East Tyrone, Belfast, Riots & Near-Death Experiences | Hilton McCabe, Ex-RUC
02:40:51
Hilton McCabe served in the RUC in both East Tyrone and Belfast during the second half of the conflict we know as “the troubles”.
Hilton tells us about policing rural East Tyrone and the horror of cleaning up body-parts after the one of the IRA’s most deadly roadside b*mb attacks, the Ballygawley Bus Ambush.
Hilton shares with us his stories of riots, threats to his life, his numerous brushes with death and how he and his colleagues dealt with the stress and trauma from the job.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/mountroyal
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Joining RUC, catholic/protestant membership 21:15 First posting- EAST TYRONE 35:00 Ballygawley Bus B*mb (8 British soldiers k*lled) 53:30 Writing “Mountroyal” 1:02:20 Post-LOUGHALL AMBUSH Call out 1:11:45 Killers, psychos & Abuse of power 1:17:00 INLA & IPLO feud 1:22:15 Differences between republicans and loyalist paramilitaries 1:23:25 IRA funerals 1:34:00 Rural vs Urban IRA brigades 1:35:10 RIOTS 1:43:10 Lucky to be alive- times Hilton almost died 2:02:40 MOUNTPOTTINGER 2:07:50 SOLDIERS 2:12:10 Threats on Hilton’s life 2:20:50 Ever been recognized off-duty ? 2:22:00 N.I’s first million pound dr*g seizure & post-GFA policing
21 Aug 2024
IRA's GREATEST JAILBREAKS | The Troubles, War Of Independence & more | James Durney, Author
00:52:57
My guest for this week is James Durney, historian and author of “Jailbreak” which details the various “great escapes” perpetrated by Irish Republican prisoners from 1865 onwards into the 1980s.
James tells us about the most daring and dangerous prison escapes, both successful and otherwise, of the troubles-era including the story of the Crumlin Kangaroos, the HMS Maidstone escape, the 1973 Mountjoy Helicopter escape and of course the H-Block breakdown which is still the biggest prison escape in British penal history.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Jailbreak 8:30 HMS Maidstone escape 14:30 Mountjoy Helicopter 1971 22:30 Portlaoise Max. Security Prison Escape 1973 28:10 M60 Gang Escape & Long Kesh Escape 1983 40:25 War of Independence & Civil War Escapes and more
02 Sep 2024
INLA BLANKETMAN Tells The Inside Story of "BLANKET" & "NO-WASH" Protest | John Nixon - Part 2
01:06:06
In part 2 of my interviews with ex-official IRA & INLA member, John Nixon. In this episode we discussed some of the INLA’s most prolific operations as well as some of the organizations most well known members including Seamus Costello and Dessie O’ Hare. (Part 1 - https://youtu.be/9YOpiW1jU6c?si=81DqiPlwIAz4HOHQ)
I asked John about second prison term in Long Kesh where he took part in the blanket protest and the no-wash protest in an attempt to win back POW status. John breaks down the escalating steps that led up to the no-wash protest and how these brutal years have effected John’s life forever. John tells us about the beatings and torture that prisoners were subjected to in Long Kesh and what atmosphere in the jail was like following one of the many assassinations of guards by republicans outside the prison walls.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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00:00 INLA Operations - Billy Wright 10:40 Different types in the INLA/IRSP 16:15 Séamus Costello 20:10 Dessie O Hare 29:00 SECOND Prison term 36:20 BLANKET PROTEST & Targeting Prison Guards 50:15 PTSD and Mental Trauma
10 Sep 2024
Mi6 SPY In Irish Dept. of Justice Offices- How High Up Did The Corruption Go ? | David Burke
00:51:03
****Q&A COMING SOON SO PLEASE SUBMIT ANY QUESTIONS YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED IN THE COMMENTS****
In a recent episode David Burke re-joined us to talk about the mysterious case of Garda Patrick Crinnion, a spy within the Garda Special Branch (Intel dept) who passed information to the British intel network.
The release of David's book on the subject has prompted the unearthing of new information linking former assistant secretary of the Dept. Of Justice Thomas Coyne to British intel according to a letter written by the afore mentioned Patrick Crinnion.
We discuss the possible implications of such high-level treachery by Irish government officials and the effects that this would have had on Irish politics as well as questions about the information's authenticity/reliability.
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
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BUY THE BOOK: https://www.mercierpress.ie/books/the-puppet-masters/
00:00 Patrick Crinnion’s letter (found in prison cell) 33:45 Thomas Coyne and subsequent officials with in the DOJ 38:35 Authenticity of new info
10 Sep 2024
Mi6 SPY In Garda Special Branch | Patrick Crinnion & How Mi6 nearly Brought Down The Irish Govt.
01:00:22
David Burke’s most recent book “Puppet Masters” shines a light on mysterious case of Patrick Crinnion, the garda (Irish police officer) who was passing information to Mi6 while he was in the Gardai’s secretive intel department.
David, joining me for the third time, tells us about the state of the Republican movement in the years prior to the outbreak of “the troubles”, the resources available to Gardai in terms of intel gathering, Crinnion’s disappearance and the impact that he had on Irish history.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Pre-troubles republican activity 06:00 1960’s- IRA activity & Garda intel branch 17:00 Patrick Crinnion
If you would like to help out the show please like, subscribe and share. I plan on doing bigger things with this show including walk through of areas, documentary-type videos and more.. if you would like to help fund these efforts please consider donating on Buy Me a Coffee. (link below) Thanks a million!!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast
BUY THE BOOK: https://www.mercierpress.ie/books/the-puppet-masters/
01 Oct 2024
PATROLLING BANDIT COUNTRY | South Armagh & Fermanagh IRA, Mortar Attacks & Mines | Ralph Brooker
01:54:14
Ralph Brooker served in the British army touring Fermanagh, Derry and the infamous South Armagh, better known as "Bandit Country".
Having spent the majority of his time in rural, border areas Ralph recounts the British army's constant attempts to counteract the IRA's ever evolving methods and tactics. Ralph speaks to us about being on the receiving end of IRA mortar attacks, explosive booby-traps & landmines and the day-today realities of fighting a guerrilla army.
Ralph told me about his views on the IRA and how they changed over the years as well as whether he now considers his old foes to be "freedom fighters"
(Q&A coming soon so please drop any questions in the comments or email me at thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com )
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00:00 GETTING MORTARED while in a HELICOPTER 12:20 High Profile IRA men 21:40 How Ralph viewed the IRA- Freedom Fighters ?? 44:40 Dealing w/ the Public 51:20 Clashes w/ UDR & RUC 1:02:50 Derry 1:07:50 Names in Stormont that Ralph remembers from COP (Close Observational) Days 1:23:05 Were the Loughall “A-Team” set up ? 1:25:15 IRA Booby-Traps 1:30:40 SOUTH ARMAGH 1:45:30 IRA’s 1:52:00 Final Thoughts
08 Oct 2024
INSIDE THE 1980 IRA/INLA HUNGER STRIKE | Long Kesh Prisoner & Hunger Striker, John Nixon
02:28:56
John Nixon, ex-Offical IRA and INLA member begins this episode at the start of his second prison term in Long Kesh during which he would volunteer for the IRA/INLA Hunger Strike of 1980, led by Brendan “The Dark” Hughes.
John speaks about the horrors and trauma of years in prison, beatings and torture from the guards and his account of the hunger strike that preceded the 1981 Hunger Strike, most known for Bobby Sands death.
I asked about the effect that 53 days without food has a man’s body and mind and how John has tried to moved past everything to life a normal life post prison
Please forgive us for any parts that might overlap or be repetitive, we recorded this part over several sittings as you can tell.
00:00 2nd Prison Sentence 12:45 Staying Sane in Prison 30:50 Would John Meet With an Ex-Prison Guard 36:45 Brendan Hughes 43:00 Hunger Strikes 57:42 1980 HUNGER STRIKE 1:04:42 Selecting Hunger Strikers 1:13:35 Stages of John’s Hunger Strike (53 days) 1:29:52 Hunger Strike ENDS 1:32:42 Prison after Hunger Strike 1:41:20 Release & Life after prison
(Q&A coming soon so please drop any questions in the comments or email me at thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com )
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14 Oct 2024
IRA B*MBS, BOOBY-TRAPS & LOYALIST LEADERS | Violence In 1990s Belfast | Rob Millington
01:25:39
Rob Millington, ex-british army trooper, spent 6 months in Belfast during the final decade of the conflict that gripped the lives of anyone in the 6 counties.
Rob talks to us almost getting caught in an IRA b*mb which was set up to blow up security forces responding to sh*oting, the impact that first seeing dead bodies had on him and aftermath of the 1993 Shankill Road b*mbing.
Rob shares his story about meeting Johnny Adair while on patrol and his attempts to extract information from British soldiers as well as the surprising reaction that Rob and his men would get while meeting high-level republican paramilitaries in the street.
00:00 Responding to a sh*oting in North Belfast and almost getting caught in b*mb blast 17:50 Getting to NI 34:45 1993 Shankill Road B*mbing 41:30 Meeting JOHNNY ADAIR 53:05 See Dead Bodies For The First Time 1:01:00 Shooting During Tour ? 1:04:25 Leaving NI
CLIP OF ROB : https://youtu.be/WbcVovb4Kgc?si=cQ9EEqdHSesxJf02
(Q&A coming soon so please drop any questions in the comments or email me at thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com )
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12 Nov 2024
NORTHERN IRELAND - "WHAT A BLOODY AWFUL COUNTRY" | How The Troubles Could Have Been Prevented
01:19:36
Kevin Meagher's book "What A Bloody Awful Country" examines the creation of the state we know as Northern Ireland and how the 100 plus years of existence as gone.
We discuss the reasons for partition in the first place, the sectarian violence during the state's early years, the anti-catholic discrimination built into Northern Ireland's governing system, the various forms of civil rights violations that Catholics had to endure and how violence erupted into what we call "the troubles".
TIMSTAMPS 0:00 Intro, ‘What A Bloody Awful Country’ 5:30 How Did Northern Ireland Come To Exist 12:30 Violence in Northern Ireland’s History 16:05 Key Factors Leading To The Outbreak of Violence 32:50 Ian Paisley 38:10 Kevin’s Irish History Counterfactual 50:50 Border Poll 56:40 Kevin’s Interest
(Q&A coming soon so please drop any questions in the comments or email me at thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.com )
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BUY THE BOOK: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/what-a-bloody-awful-country
24 Nov 2024
BANDIT COUNTRY & THE SOUTH ARMAGH IRA | Toby Harnden (Author Of "Bandit Country")
02:42:48
Toby Harnden is the author of one of the best-selling and well regarded books on the IRA and the troubles, “Bandit Country”. Toby’s book lifted the lid on the area where is was most dangerous to be a British soldier in during the conflict and the IRA brigade that made it that way. One of my most requested guests and an author that I’ve been dying to speak to, Toby and I spoke about their history, actions & legacy as well as the reasons why this small rural area was the thorn in the army’s side throughout the entire conflict.
We discussed the IRA’s guerrilla attacks on the British Army in South Armagh, the ’Slab” Murphy family, Gaddafi & Libyan arms shipments, the anti-helicopter sub-battle within the conflict, the deployment of the SAS, the infamous 90’s sniper teams and much more.
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00:00 Intro 16:20 Stats & Facts on The South Armagh IRA 21:45 Thomas “Slab” Murphy & the Murphy family 43:00 1970’s 1:03:50 Informers 1:07:50 Sectarian m*rders 1:10:00 THE SAS (1976) 1:15:14 WARRENPOINT 1:28:00 Glasdrumann scrapyard counter-ambush 1:33:30 Libya and Gaddafi 1:42:05 Richard Johnson & the American connection 1:50:45 Anti-Helicopter War 2:00:00 “SNIPER AT WORK” (1990’s) 2:22:25 1990’s actions
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