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Syndication

There’s too much pop culture to possibly keep track of. There are so many podcasts, apps, boxsets, books, and movies clamouring for your attention that it’s hard to know which are worth exploring. That’s where Pop Filter comes in.

The producer/editor behind the Inspireland Podcast, Wil McDermott, and Wil’s friend, Lorraine Harton, (and sometimes Dave from Inspireland), sit down every couple of weeks to discuss some of the latest popular culture.

In this episode Wil & Dave discuss their favourite Pop Culture from 2017. Enjoy.

 

Direct download: Pop_Filter_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16am EDT

Kliph Nesteroff joins me on the show to discuss his bestselling book The Comedians; Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels and the History of American Comedy. The Comedians chronicles the evolution of comedy from interval acts in burlesque shows, through its growth on radio and tv, to the glory days of Las Vegas and the comedy clubs, before finishing on the comedy of the new millenium.

The Comedians expertly blends deep research, anecdotes, and gossip to give us the definitive history of comedy and comedians but it also a social history of the US since the early 20th century. Kliph was a brilliant guest and his own origins are as fascinating as many of the people he chronicles.

During our conversation we discuss;

  • How Leo Tolstoy saved his grandparents from the gulags.
  • His first experience of live comedy.
  • His years as a stand-up comedian.
  • His love of counterculture.
  • The time he worked in a halfway house for heroin, crack, and meth heads.
  • Why Richard Pryor is so important to modern comedians.
  • Why comedy is full of white, middle-aged guys.
  • The types of personalities that are attracted to comedy (narcissistic personality disorder).

Kliph was a brilliant guest and it was great having him on the show. Enjoy, Dave.

For full episode notes, including a list of Kliph's recommendations visit the inspireland podcast blog.

Direct download: Inspireland_51_NesteroffBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:28am EDT

***THERE WILL BE SPOLIERS***

In episode #3 of Pop Filter I join Wil and Lorraine to discuss the first few episodes of Netflix's bleak but brilliant Black Mirror. Black Mirror was written by the always excellent Charlie Brooker and the current 6 episodes are the first installment of a 12 part season 3 commissioned by Netflix. 

Black Mirror paints a pessimistic picture of a dystopian,technology driven, near-future that will make you want to smash all your connected devices. Dave

Direct download: Episode_3_-_Black_Mirror_BOUNCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:10am EDT

In this episode of the podcast I was delighted to be joined in the studio by professional Irish poker player, Dara O'Kearney. Dara, or Doke as he's known in the poker world, gave a wide ranging and fascinating interview that's definitely one of my favourites to date. It's a long one but a good one! Enjoy, Dave.

Some of the areas we spoke about were:

  1. Dara's late entry and rapid ascension in the professional poker world.
  2. His experience as an ultra runner, including representing Ireland, and completing a 24 hour race.
  3. We chat about Dara's unlikely online friendship with David Bowie from the mid 1990s, a friendship initiated by Dara's online criticism of Bowie's online project.
  4. We chat about the psychology of endurance based high-performance.
  5. We discussed Dara's experience in dealing with his son's autism.

For full episode notes visit the inspireland podcast blog. Thanks, Dave

Direct download: InspirelandOKEARNEYBNC2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:30am EDT

In episode #2 of Pop Filter Wil and Lorraine discuss the first few episodes of HBO's Westworld. Westworld is based on a 1973 film of the same name that was written and directed by novelist, Michael Crichton.

Westworld blends the Western and Sci-Fi genres and has a stellar cast. The reviews for the show have been overwhelmingly positive with IndieWire saying that it is: “Ambitious to the edge of a cliff."

There will be SPOILERS! Enjoy. Dave

Direct download: Episode_2_Westworld.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:25am EDT

I've read books and think pieces about the internet but none have come close to describing the web's awesome yet terrifying power as well as Magic And Loss by Virginia Heffernan. Heffernan, who has been described as "...one of the mothers of the internet.", views the web as a massive work of art favouring speed, wit, and versatility.

Virginia's work sidesteps the cliches rife in analysis of online life (decreased attention spans, trolls, obsession with appearance, etc) by taking a highly original, and at times searingly personal, account of the web's rules, aesthertics, and values.

Some of the topics covered in our conversation were;

  1. The recent US election and the role social media may have played in it's outcome.
  2. The fact that the web is now a part of our humanity, an expression of it, rather than merely an addendum to it.
  3. How virtual reality may create a deeper desire for real-world experience.
  4. A lot of what we think os as new, isn't; self-portraits, memes, pithy wisdom, the use of symbols to express ideas etc.
  5. The hipster revolt.
  6. How hard it is keeping up with young people in whatsapp groups.
  7. Virginia tells us some of her favourite internet things and places.

It was great talking to Virginia and I hope to have her back on the show soon. You can check the full episode notes out at inspireland podcast. Enjoy the show, Dave

 

Direct download: InspirelandHEFFERNANBNC2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:57pm EDT

We break from the norm for this episode as Wil McDermott, editor of Inspireland Podcast, sits down with our mutual friend, Lorraine Harton to discuss something from popular culture. In this episode they discuss Netflix's Amanda Knox documentary. Enjoy. Dave

Direct download: Episode_1_Amanda_Knox_NEW_MUSIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:57am EDT

In episode #48 I was joined by Ireland's first lady of surfing, Easkey Britton. Surfing is so deep in Easkey's DNA that she was named after a famous wave off Ireland's west coast. More recently, Easkey has shifted her focus from competitive big wave surfing to using her training and research to help bring surfing to communities with no experience of the sport. If all this wasn't enough Easkey also writes, paints, and speaks.

During our conversation we discussed;

  1. The legendary story of Easkey's grandmother bringing the first surfboard to Ireland in the 1960s.
  2. Easkey's earliest memories of surfing and the start of her deep relationship with the sea.
  3. The ability of surfing to help people live in the moment.
  4. The introduction of surfing to a group of women in a remote part of Iran.
  5. How the environment and society are inextricably linked.
  6. The power of exposure to nature to improve our mental well being.

Easkey was a superb guest and I know you'll enjoy listening to her as much as I enjoyed speaking to her. Dave

For full episode notes please check out the Inspireland Podcast blog.

 

Direct download: Inspireland_BRITTON.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:04pm EDT

For episode #47 I was joined by the economist Dr Constantin Gurdgiev. When the Irish economy crashed and everybody was desperately searching for answers and solutions I often heard Constantin on the radio and was instantly attracted to his knowledge of economics and his ability to communicate complex ideas in simple ways.

When we met in June to record this episode I was delighted to find that his ability to explain economic ideas wasn't limited to the shorter bursts radio generally provides but easily transferred to the longer podcast format.

During the episode we discussed:

  1. What it was like to be a Russian in the US when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
  2. Why economics is as much art as science.
  3. The difference between micro and macroeconomics.
  4. Why attempts to speedily and drastically redistribute wealth fail, and what the alternative is.
  5. Why Ireland is good at attracting, but bad at keeping, human talent.
  6. The distinction between risk and probability.
  7. Constantin had difficulty recommending a good primer on economics but relented and suggested a few!

For full episode notes go to the inspireland podcast blog and click on the episode.

Thanks for listening. Dave

Direct download: Gurdgiev_Sample.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:55pm EDT

In episode #46 I was joined by journalist and author, James Bloodworth. James's book, The Myth Of Meritocracy, is a detailed investigation of the inequalities at the heart of how society works.  Bloodworth has found that if you're born poor you'll stay poor in spite of the widely-held belief that hard work and intelligence will see us rewarded with a better quality for ourselves and our family.

Topics covered during the conversation:

  1. What Meritocracy is and why it's a myth.
  2. Why political parties have embraced it as an ideal worth pursuing (or at least talking about pursuing).
  3. Why there is so little social mobility in society.
  4. The role of genetics in social mobility.
  5. The failure of education to address inequality of opportunity and income.
  6. What we can do to make society more egalitarian.

James was a brilliant guest and his book is an excellent, concise read. In a lot of ways The Myth Of Meritocracy confirms something you've probably always felt to be true but does it better than you ever could.

Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes, including links to where you can get James's book, please visit my blog at inspireland podcast.

Direct download: INSPIRELANDBLDWRTHBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:11am EDT

In episode #45 I was joined by the wonderfully sweary Sarah Knight to discuss the philosophy behind her bestselling book: The Life Changing Magic Of Not Giving A Fuck. This book's philosophy is more than a gimmick and helps us identify the things in our lives that bring us joy while simultaneously teaching us to give less fucks about the things/people/ideas that we don't really give a fuck about.

During my chat with Sarah we discussed;

  1. The inspiration for the book and what it had to do with a tidy sock drawer.
  2. The NotSorry method of giving less fucks.
  3. How honesty and politeness are key to successfully giving less fucks.
  4. The three types of people who don't give a fuck; children, assholes, and the enlightened.
  5. The 4 categories of fuck giving; Things, Work, People, and Family.
  6. The danger of 'the likeability vortex.'
  7. How giving less fucks really has the power to positively change your life.

This episode was one of the most fun we've done to date and I'm sure you'll enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed chatting. Enjoy the fucking show. Dave

For full episode notes go to www.inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: InspirelandKNIGHTBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:39am EDT

For episode #44 I was joined by Dr Philip Nitschke of Exit International. In 1996, Nitschke became the first doctor to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection to a terminally ill patient. For the short period that euthanasia was legal in Australia Nitschke oversaw 4 voluntary suicides.

Philip recently ran a show at Edinburgh called Dicing with Dr Death that attracted a lot of media attention. Philip made for a thought provoking and informative guest and his argument that euthanasia should be available to those that want it is difficult to counter.

Our episode covered the following topics;

  1. The difference between euthanasia and suicide.
  2. The short-lived availability of euthanasia in Australia.
  3. The personal impact of helping people die.
  4. What countries/regions allow euthanasia.
  5. The goal of Exit International.
  6. The online and real world harassment of Exit’s volunteers.
  7. The mechanics of taking your own life.
  8. The Peaceful Pill.
  9. The future of euthanasia legislation.

Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes please visit inspireland podcast.

Direct download: InspirelandNITSCHKEBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:01am EDT

In episode #43 I was joined by Amanda Fielding, founder and director of the Beckley Foundation. The Beckley Foundation are currently involved in pioneering research into the effect of psychedelics on the brain and their possible use in treatment for mental conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety etc.

Amanda was a charming and engaging guest with a real passion for drug-policy reform and the exploration of the potential of psychoactive substances.

Below is a list of some of the questions I asked Amanda.

  1. Who are Beckley and what do they do?
  2. What are the potential benefits of taking psychedelics?
  3. Why was research into LSD etc. been out of fashion for so long?
  4. How can psychoactives help treat depression, anxiety, etc.?
  5. What is the difference between therapeutic and recreational use?
  6. What are the possible negative side-effects of taking these substances?

Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes visit inspireland podcast blog.

Direct download: InspirelandFIELDINGBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:16am EDT

In this episode it was my pleasure to be joined by photographer Michael Boran. We met in Dublin's Kevin Kavanagh gallery to look at, and discuss, Michael's latest solo exhibition, Through The Undergrowth. I was worried that talking about photographs might prove to be as difficult as bicycling about philosophy but luckily for all of us Michael is as good at painting images with words as he is at capturing them with his camera.

This episode is divided into two parts. In the first section myself and Michael walk the main gallery floor discussing some of the photos in his exhibition; their genesis, technique, execution, editing etc. In the second part we sit down to discuss Michael's career and work in more general terms, from his early experiences in an amateur camera club to his current list of advice to himself! Enjoy the episode. Dave.

For full episode notes visit: inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: InspireBoranENHANCE.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

In Ep#41 I was joined by biosocial criminologist, Brian Boutwell PhD. Brian works as an associate professor at St Louis University in the US and his passion for his subject is contagious. Boutwell's writing on the often overlooked role of heritability as a driver for behaviour is thought-provoking and fascinating.

Brian's current research into the biosocial impact of race differences on behaviour is likely to provoke as vociferous a reaction as his recent assertion that it's parents, not parenting, that shape who we become. The episode is fast paced, packed full of brilliant ideas and science, and caused me to reassess the way I've looked at much of social life for the last 20 years!

My conversation with Brian included the following topics;

  1. A definition of criminology and biosocial criminology.
  2. A brief discussion of the effectiveness of prisons as institutions of reformation and/or punishment.
  3. How our parents imprint very little on our personality that continues into adulthood.
  4. The strange feeling of predetermination that comes with acceptance of Brian's view of the power of heritability.
  5. I try to nail Brian down on the percentages of nature vs nurture. It turns out it's not as simple as it sounds but he gives it a damn good go!
  6. Brian explains that much of modern research into human behaviour is deeply flawed due to it's failure to account for inherited traits.
  7. Brian explains the importance of twins in studies of criminal behaviour.
  8. Brian recommends a load of good books, podcast, and films/tv.

Brian was an excellent guest who I'm already planning on having back on the show soon. Our conversation raised almost as many questions for me as it answered, an experience I'm sure you'll share upon listening.

Enjoy the episode, Dave.

For full episode notes, including all Brian's recommendations, visit the inspirelandpodcast https://inspirelandpodcast.com/ blog.

Direct download: Inspireland_BOUTWELLBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:43am EDT

In this short episode I was joined by psychologist and author, Maria Konnikova. Maria was born in Russia but moved to the US with her family when she was 4 years old.  Maria studied psychology and creative writing in Harvard where she was lucky enough to be tutored by Steven Pinker before completing her PhD in psychology at Columbia.

Maria has written for a host of titles including Scientific America, The New Yorker, the Paris Review, and Big Think, as well as having a stint as a producer on The Charlie Rose Show.  Maria's first book Mastermind: How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes was a NYT bestseller and has been translated into 18 languages. Maria's latest book, The Confidence Game, is a psychological exploration of The Grifter (con artist) and The Mark (victim).

Our conversation included the following topics;

  1. What first got Maria interested in the con.
  2. A brief bio of The Great Imposter.
  3. The impact of technology on the con.
  4. Why we all fall for the lure of the con.
  5. Maria explains why fiction writers are often the best psychologists.
  6. The traits of the conman/woman.
  7. Maria tells us her favourite con movie and book.

For full episode notes, as well as link mentioned in the interview, please visit the inspirelandpodcast blog.

Enjoy the show, Dave.

 

Direct download: Inspireland_KONNIKOVABNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08am EDT

In episode 39 I was joined in the studio by adventurous Irish geography teacher Fearghal O'Nuallain. Fearghal trained as a chef in several exclusive restaurants before waking up hungover one morning to the serendipitous discovery that he had emptied his bank account to buy a touring bike and camping equipment.

Fearghal's experience on this bike inspired him to become the first Irishman to circumnavigate the world by bike between 2008-2010. Since then he has walked across Rwanda, hitched, biked, and tramped across Transylvania and the Balkan peninsula, before recently travelling the Bolivian high plains, a journey that was documented in soon to be released documentary, Altiplano.

Fearghal has the wild eyes and zen like physical presence I've come to recognise in adventurers and combat sportspeople. His love of adventure isn't limited to his travels but permeates all aspects of his life including his current career as a geography teacher in the tough south east London suburb of Abbey Wood.

My conversation with Fearghal included;

  1. His assertion that life can teach us far more than books.
  2. The importance of learning by experience, even if means learning things the hard way.
  3. Fearghal's experience as a student in Blackrock College, one of Ireland's most exclusive secondary schools.
  4. The contrast between Blackrock College and St Paul's, where he now works.
  5. How his adventures started accidentally, and almost stopped immediately, when he bought that bike in Melbourne, Australia.
  6. Ferghal's use of the joy of expectation of future adventures to temper his occasional depression.
  7. Fearghal's belief that endurance for Western adventurers is a hobby compared to the struggles faced by many.
  8. His description of the time he was attacked by 3 men with knives.
  9. What HTFU means.

Fearghal was an absolute gent and it was my pleasure to spend to a few rushed hours with him. Enjoy the episode. Dave

 

For full episode notes go to inspirelandpodcast.com

 

Direct download: INSPIRELAND_ONuallainBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34pm EDT

In this episode I was joined by pilates instructor, health blogger, and self confessed science geek, Annie Kirwan. Annie has a degree in biological science and a masters in molecular immunology. This science background, together with her experience of high level sports, led Annie to Platinum Pilates where she now counts the great Brian O'Driscoll among her students.

Annie writes an excellent blog that focuses on improving movement, diet, lifestyle and future health with an emphasis on small, achievable changes. 

During my chat with Annie we discussed:

  1. What molecular immunology is.
  2. The difference between team sports and fitness classes.
  3. The history, different types, and benefits of pilates.
  4. Why we lose movement as we get older.
  5. The benefits of improving your diet.
  6. Giving up sugar.
  7. Why small lifestyle changes stick and big ones don't.
  8. The connection between physical and mental wellbeing.

Annie was an excellent guest and exudes the calm, easy, confidence of someone who is reaching their goals in work and life. Annie also persuaded me to give up sugar and gave me hope that some day I may be able to touch my toes! Enjoy the episode. Dave

 

For full episode notes, including links to Annie's Platinum Pilates blog, and links to the books etc that Annie mentions during the interview, head over to the Inspireland Podcast blog.

Direct download: InspirelandKIRWANBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:21am EDT

In Episode #37 I was joined by John Seabrook, author of The Song Machine: Inside the hit factory. John is a writer for the excellent The New Yorker where he writes about "... the intersection between commerce and creativity in the fields of technology, design, and music."

The Song Machine is brilliantly researched and Seabrook takes us on a journey from the heady days of record breaking album sales right up to the current era of Spotify and the artist as performer, not creator, of hit songs. Performers aside, there are two constants as we journey through the hit factory; songwriters, and producers. The role of both has evolved dramatically to give us the type of hyper-produced pop music that currently dominates the charts.

As John himself puts it: "... modern pop [produces] industrial-strength products, made for malls, stadiums, airports, casinos, gyms and the Super Bowl halftime show. The music reminded me a little of the bubble-gum pop of my preteen years, but it was vodka-flavored and laced with MDMA."

During our conversation we discussed:

  1. The chronology of the hit factory.
  2. Why performers don't admit that they don't write their own songs.
  3. How exclusively playing the top 20 songs can make a radio station's listenership explode.
  4. Why we like a song more the more often we hear it.
  5. The pop cycle of Pure Pop, The Doldrums, and The Extremes.
  6. Why so many female pop performers come from troubled backgrounds.

I came to John's book as someone who hasn't engaged with pop music for almost 20 years. One of the achievements of The Song Machine is that Seabrook manages to dissect the pop industry without judging it, an objective stance that seemed to rub off on me. My youtube playlist is now full of Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, Adele, and Ke$ha and while this is slightly embarrassing for a 39 year old man I've also just discovered Kendrick Lamar, something that wouldn't have happened had I not read the book. 

Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes please visit the inspireland podcast blog.

Direct download: InspirelandSEABROOKBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:54am EDT

In this episode I was joined by filmmaker, teacher, and personal friend Frank Berry. Frank's latest award winning feature film, I Used To Live Here, is an examination of the phenomenon of suicide clusters told entirely using a cast and crew from an area affected by one such cluster.

Our conversation included;

  1. Why Frank chose to shoot the film using non-actors from the area the film is set.
  2. The advantages/disadvantages of collaborative projects.
  3. The ethical concerns of shooting in disadvantaged areas.
  4. The phenomenon of suicide clusters.
  5. How Frank's last 2 films have changed Frank's approach to teaching.

Frank was a thoughtful, sincere, and inspiring guest.

Visit inspirelandpodcast for the full episode notes. Enjoy. Dave

Direct download: INSPIRELANDBerryBOUNCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:18am EDT

In episode #35 I was joined by US historian and cultural critic, Thaddeus Russell. Thaddeus is best known for his brilliantly titled book: A Renegade History Of The United States. 

Michael Simmons of LA weekly described Renegade History as; "...the story of our country told by the fuck-ups, prostitutes, gangsters, drunks, minstrels, and looters. His fascinating book reminds us that while the truth may hurt, it's rarely dull."

Thad currently teaches at Occidental College in LA and had previously taught at Columbia, the New School for Social Research, and Eugene Lang and Bernard colleges. Thad was fired from Bernard in 2010 for teaching a version of history that some deemed; "...improper, frightening, and dangerous." If that's not the greatest advert for a history class ever I don't know what it.

During the episode Thad tells me about his unique experience of growing up with Socialist parents as a white kid in black areas. Thad gives us his take on the micro aggression controversy currently sweeping US campuses. We also discuss how democracy is bad for a society that wants to have fun, how weekends off work were created, the best way to get the attention of your students, and why even though Donald Trump may have abhorrent world views his style of oratory is worth defending.

Thad doesn't give a warts and all version of history, he gives us a version of history that's all about the warts.

Enjoy the show, Dave

Further episode notes can be found at the inspireland blog.

Direct download: InspirelandRSSLbounce.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:28am EDT

In this episode I was joined by adventurer, author, and speaker Alastair Humphreys. Alastair has gone on several massive adventures but is at pains to point out that he is as lazy and cautious as the rest of us. Alastair was named a National Geographic Adventurer Of The Year in 2012 for his microadventure movement. Microadventures are a cheap, local, excuse-proof way of making adventures attainable for those of us who are too busy, poor, or timid to attempt something bigger.

Alastair was an excellent guest and I'm pretty sure I have the dubious honour of being the first interviewer who got him to swear at them!

Topics covered by my conversation with Alastair include:

  1. The importance, and difficulty,of breaking our routine.
  2. Alastair explains what got him to begin his first big adventure, a 46,000 mile bicycle ride!
  3. The joy of the microadventure.
  4. Breaking the elitism of adventuring.
  5. The importance of staying childlike.
  6. Alastair explains that writing is harder than walking across a desert.

For full episode notes, as well as a list of the many books etc that get a mention in the interview go to the inspireland podcast blog. Thanks for listening. Dave

Direct download: InspirelandHUMPHREYSBOUNCE2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:14am EDT

In this episode I was joined from Fort Worth, Texas, by Justin "The Big Pygmy" Wren. Justin is a professional MMA fighter but his principal fight is for the rights of the 'forgotten' Mbuti Pygmy slaves in eastern Congo. Still only 27, Justin has packed a lot into his life so far. He has gone from the highs of 2 all-American wrestling titles and a place in The Ultimate Fighter house to the lows of addiction and suicidal ideation. Justin's faith has played a large part in his recovery from addiction and an even larger part in the events that found him heading to the Congo on 3 weeks notice in 2011.

Justin was an inspirational, sincere, and humble guest. Justin has found the best way to ease his own troubles is to focus on the troubles of others. Wren's immediate plans are to fight for Bellator MMA and return to the Congo between fights to visit his beloved Pygmy family.

Our conversation covered the following topics;

  1. Why wrestlers transition to MMA so successfully.
  2. How a serious injury sent Justin into an increasingly unmanageable addiction to painkillers.
  3. Justin describes the vision he had prior to his first visit to the Congo.
  4. Justin details the plight of the slave Pygmies and the 'evil' violence they experience at the hands of others.
  5. Justin gives a brief History Of The Congo 101.
  6. Justin describes his first trips to the Congo and his decision to help by setting up Fight For The Forgotten, getting the help of a local university, buying land, and drilling wells.
  7. Justin tells us how he managed to reduce the struggle of the Pygmies without further alienating them from other local groups.
  8. Justin tells us his plans for the future, Congo-related and personal.

For full episode notes please visit the INSPIRELAND blog. Thanks. Dave

Direct download: InspirelandWRENBOUNCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38pm EDT

In this episode I was joined by Jamie Bartlett, author of The Dark Net: Inside the digital underworld. The Dark Net explores the vast and hidden network of sites that engines like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can't access. It's a world where people can be anyone they want and largely do anything they want. It's a world occupied by bitcoin, self-harmers, illegal drugs and cyber (and all too real) terrorism.

Jamie was an excellent guest and thankfully his book is far from alarmist. Jamie met many of the people involved in the birth and growth of the most infamous corners of the dark web. Jamie tells the story of his journey through the dark web, and the story of those he met along the way, in a balanced and informative way. We meet trolls, a man convicted of possession of child porn, those tasked with policing online paedophilia, self-harmers, and a familiar camgirl (Vex Ashley).

Our conversation included the following topics:

  1. What motivates the online trolls.
  2. What The Onion Router (TOR) is and how it works.
  3. Jim Bell's essay "Assassination politics."
  4. The desensitising nature of the internet.
  5. What bitcoin is and how it works.
  6. Pro-anorexia and Pro-suicide forums.
  7. Jamie's belief that parents should go to the sites he mentions in his book to better understand how they work.

For full episode notes go to inspirelandpodcast. Enjoy the episode. Dave

Direct download: InspirelandBartlettBOUNCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:56am EDT

In this episode I was joined by the creator of online video hit Everything Is A Remix, Kirby Ferguson. Kirby's first series was described by The Guardian as: "...occasionally feeling like a PowerPoint presentation by the world's most coked-up history professor." While Kirby's documentary style is satisfyingly fast paced his conversational style is deliberate and demonstrative.

Kirby's current series, This Is Not A Conspiracy Theory, explores the ideas, events, and human quirks that contribute to the modern political landscape. Kirby's process is as intriguing as his videos and in the second half of the interview I explore his unique approach to his work.

Our discussion included but was not limited to:

  • The important difference between work and practice.
  • The difference between a conspiracy and a conspiracy theory.
  • How the internet can help convince us that we're right.
  • The human desire to see meaning in patterns.
  • How Copy-Transform-Combine is the core of the creative process.
  • Kirby explains the benefits of releasing his work episodically.

Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes please visit inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: InspirelandFERGUSONBNC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:22am EDT

What is the purpose of your life? This is the question that Dr Joe Marshalla found himself asking after a near death experience. Dr Joe uses his unique blend of philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and physics to communicate his philosophy of life to the world. This philosophy is best expressed in his thought provoking book, Repeatlessness: An owner's manual for the human mind

During our conversation we discussed:

  • The impact of GMO chemicals on the ecology of his home in Hawaii.
  • What all religions have in common.
  • How we can live meaningful, authentic lives.
  • How parents can create a team ethic with their kids.

For full episode notes visit inspirelandpodcast.com.

Thanks for listening, Dave.

Direct download: INSPIRELANDMarshallahBNC2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:34am EDT

In episode 28 I was joined by gregarious geneticist Aoife McLysaght. Aoife works in the Molecular Evolution Lab in Trinity College, Dublin. Aoife is currently engaged in a European Research Council funded search for genes that cause diseases. Sadly for me Aoife debunked my favourite genetic myth when she told me that you can't have a healthier child by exercising immediately prior to conceiving!

Our conversation covered the following topics:

  1. Where Aoife's love of science came from.
  2. Why Aoife chose to focus on genetics.
  3. Why the traits of recessive genes don't disappear.
  4. Why it's my Mother's fault I'm going bald.
  5. The ethical problems with patenting genes.
  6. The importance of public engagement to understanding of science.
  7. Why one of Aoife's student left to join the circus.

For full episode notes go to my blog at inspirelandpodcast. Enjoy the show. Dave

 

Direct download: InspirelandMCLYSAGHTbouncemono.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34am EDT

In episode 28 I was joined by cam-girl and porn actress Vex Ashley. I came across Vex when I read an article about her and her work in Esquire magazine. In the article Vex spoke so intelligently and frankly about her career and her place within the porn/sexwork industry that I knew I had to have her on the show. Vex was charming, insightful, thoughtful, and funny and if you have any negative preconceptions about people who work in this industry prepare to have them destroyed.

During my conversation with Vex we discussed:

  • Vex's art school background and the influence this has on the pornography she makes.
  • How Vex first got involved as a cam girl and her surprise at the people she encountered during this work.
  • Vex's decision to make the distinctive style of porn that she makes.
  • Vex's site, Four Chambers, is crowdfunded via Patreon and we spoke about how this works.
  • Whether or not on-screen sex is as enjoyable as off-screen sex.

We covered loads more topics during the podcast but that's a flavour. For full episode notes, including links to Vex's site etc, please visit the inspireland website.

Thanks for listening, Dave.

Direct download: InspirelandVEXBounce2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT

In inbetweenisode 27.5 I was joined by Bikram yoga teacher, Grainne Martin. We met in Grainne's studio in Fairview, Dublin shortly after a class has finished and spoke as the room slowly cooled. Grainne has been practicing Bikram since 2003 and in 2006 she made the decision to travel to Los Angeles to do the formal teacher training. Grainne taught in the US, New Zealand, and Australia before returning to Dublin in 2007. Grainne opened her studio in 2009.

During our conversation we spoke about:

  1. The difference between Bikram and Hot Yoga.
  2. Why Bikram is so difficult at first.
  3. What motivated Grainne to make the move from student to teacher.
  4. The physical and mental benefits of Bikram.
  5. Bikram as a possible treatment for depression.
  6. I asked Grainne are her classes full of models and vegans!
  7. We discuss the accusations against the founder of Bikram.

For full episode notes visit the inspirelandpodcast blog. Enjoy the episode. Dave

 

Direct download: InspirelandMARTINBNCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:43pm EDT

In this episode I was joined on the phone from LA by New York Times bestselling author, Ashley Merryman. Merryman, along with her co-author Po Bronson, have written two award winning popular science books; NurtureShock: New Thinking About Parenting, and Top Dog: The Science Of Winning & Losing. Both books are a brilliant blend of storytelling and accessible science but during the episode we focus on her most recent book, Top Dog.

Some of the topics covered in our conversation were:

  1. Merryman's experience as a young attorney and speechwriter with the Clinton administration.
  2. How the co-authoring process works.
  3. The difference between seeing competition as a challenge or a threat.
  4. Why women are less likely to engage in competition but slightly more likely to succeed when they do.
  5. Home field advantage.
  6. The difference between playing to win and playing not to lose.
  7. Does competition improve skills or effort?

Ashley was a really enjoyable guest, with a great sense of humour and an obvious love for the work that she does. At some stage in the future Ashley will be back on the show to discuss NurtureShock, her book that changed the American narrative on parenting.

All the books etc mentioned in the episode can be found in the detailed episode notes at inspirelandpodcast.com.

Enjoy the episode. Dave

 

Direct download: MERRYMANBNCE2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am EDT

In episode 26 it was my pleasure to sit down with Ruairi McKiernan. Ruairi is a social innovator, leader, writer, speaker, and member of Ireland's Council of State.

During our conversation we discussed the following topics;

  • What it was like growing up near the Northern Irish border in the 1980s.
  • The benefits of trying to live a fearless life.
  • Ruairi's involvement with creating Ireland's biggest youth website, SpunOut.
  • Burnout and disillusion.
  • Meditatiopn and mindfulness.
  • The benefits of travelling, both at home and abroad.
  • Hitch-hiking and relying on the kindness of strangers.
  • Leadership and vision.
  • Ruairi reluctantly mentions that he hopes to finish a book soon!

There were loads of thing mentioned by Ruairi throughout the podcast, all of which will be included in the episode notes over at inspirelandpodcast.com.

Enjoy the episode, Dave.

Direct download: McKiernan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:27am EDT

In this episode I was delighted to be joined on the phone by Dr Andrew Hill. Andrew is, among other things, a lecturer at UCLA and the head of neuroscience at nootropic producer truBrain.

So. Neuroscience. What do most of us know about the way our brains operate?, very little. It was great to have Andrew on the pod to help explain how our brains function, what they need to function best, and whether or not consciousness exists!

Our conversation covered, but was not limited to, the following topics;

  • The difference between the brain and the mind.
  • What neuroscience can tell us about our personalities.
  • In the next decade we may see computers that are as powerful as the human brain.
  • The role of neuroplasticity in learning.
  • Andrew explains that it takes 5 weeks to break old habits or create new ones.
  • How we can optimise our chances of turning new cells into neurons by keeping our brains active.
  • Andrew explains his belief that what we now call ADHD was an ancient evolutionary necessity for group survival.
  • Andrew talks about his personal experience of biohacking, meditation, neural feedback experimentation, and nootropics.

Enjoy the episode and tell your friends. Dave

For more details about Dr Hill, as well as all the episode notes, visit inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: Inspireland_HILL_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:25am EDT

In this episode I was joined on the phone by author and documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki. Jarecki began as a director of stage plays before moving to the moving image and his last 2 feature length documentaries, Why We Fight and The House I live In, both won the Grand Joury Prize for documentary at Sundance.

When I hung up the phone from Eugene I sat back in my chair feeling overwhelmed, Jarecki is a force of nature when he speaks about the subjects that inspire him. I was struck by his compassion, empathy, anger, and relentless optimism. That's the beauty of Jarecki's work, for all their quiet rage there's a palpable sense that things could and should be better.

Our conversation covered plenty of ground as always, including:

  1. Eugene telling a great story about Paul Robeson.
  2. Eugene's description of the birth of The War on Drugs including it's historical racial motivation.
  3. Eugene points out that Nixon's take on addiction was more understanding than the version of himself he portrayed at election time.
  4. Eugene describes what the Prison Industrial Complex is and how it erodes the integrity of the democratic process.
  5. Wealth inequality in America.
  6. What we can do to influence our political system.

Eugene was a superb and persuasive guest and I hope you enjoy listening to him as much I enjoyed speaking to him. Dave

For full episode notes check out the blog at inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: Inspireland_JARECKI_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59am EDT

For episode 23 I was joined on the phone by the always excellent Oliver Burkeman. Burkeman is an award winning columnist and author writing about the self-help culture, social psychology, philosophy, and the negative path to happiness.

During the episode we discuss:

  • The pitfalls of modern positive thinking.
  • How the Stoics can help us face the toughest parts of our lives.
  • The benefits of embracing insecurity and vulnerability.
  • How to reduce our fear of death, even slightly!

As well as his excellent column in the Guardian, Oliver has written 2 books, the latest of which, The Antidote: Happiness For People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking, explores society's obsession with positivity and how this obsession might actually make us less happy.

For links to all the stuff mentioned in the interview, as well as all the episode notes for this convesation, please visit inspirelandpodcast.com.

Enjoy. Dave

Direct download: Inspireland_BURKEMAN_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:45am EDT

The episode where the gang, joined by guests Dave O' Connor & Cliona Mannion, discuss:

  1. Their attempts to achieve nirvana through daily meditation,
  2. Their mixed efforts at some Shim-Sham jazz dancing, and
  3. Their (almost) live attempts at some street art.

Enjoy.

Category:general -- posted at: 1:29pm EDT

In this episode it was my great pleasure to be joined by Jon Ronson. Jon has worked as a columnist for TimeOut and the Guardian, has made lots of excellent tv and radio, has written multiple bestselling books, and co-wrote the movie Frank.

We met in Dublin's elegant Merrion Hotel to discuss Jon's latest book; So You've Been Publicly Shamed, and I was delighted to discover that Jon is as curious, entertaining, and warm in person as he comes across in his books.

Shamed explores the recent renaissance of public shaming. If the internet thinks you've abused a position of privilege watch your back because we're coming to destroy you. And it is us doing the destroying, not some malignant, distant, 'they.' Social media has given us the power and it's gone to our heads. We are the angry mob with tweet shaped pitchforks. Just think of Justine Sacco.

In Shamed we are guided throught the absurd by Ronson's trademark humour, compassion, and empathy. Empathy is important because, as Jon discusses in our conversation, we are all only one ill-advised tweet from being the next target.

This episode is shorter than usual as Jon was on a whirlwind promotional tour but luckily I managed to get one of Jon's last interviews before he returns to New York where he's currently based. Enjoy the episode. Dave

For all the episode notes, visit the blog at inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: ronson_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:45pm EDT

In this episode I was joined on the phone by recovering skinhead Frank Meeink. During his teens Frank was one of the most notorious and violent skinheads on the east coast of the US. Frank's story is one of the broken American family, inner city life, addiction, abandonment, racism, violence and ultimately, thankfully, redemption.

While Frank was in jail he became friends with a couple of black kids by playing sports with them in the prison yard. It was these friendships that first caused Frank to question some of his long held sectarian beliefs. Having left the Skinhead movement (a violent exit of course) Frank descended into addiction at the same time as he ascended into public speaking for America's Anti Defamation League.

 

Frank's work with the ADL exposed him to a world, and parts of himself, that he barely knew existed but Frank's recovery from his Neo-Nazi past and addictions was attritional rather than dramatic.  As Frank says himself; "There were no burning bushes."

 

Frank has since dedicated his life to the promotion of harmony rather than hate.  Frank founded the Harmony Through Hockey programme and currently works with Life After Hate.  Links to these sites, as well as all the other episode notes, can be found at inspirelandpodcast.com.

 

 Enjoy the episode. Dave

 

Direct download: Inspireland_Meeink_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51pm EDT

In this episode I was joined in my kitchen by Glaswegian illustrator Steve Doogan. Steve was one of 9 children born into an Irish catholic family in Glasgow. Why did Steve get into art? because he was the best in his class at drawing horses!  

Steve was thrown out of college at 17, a decision he totally agrees with, and didn't return to education for about 10 years at which time he enrolled in the Glasgow School of Art.  It was during his time at Glasgow that Steve's career as an illustrator started to take shape, a shape recently rewarded by an appearance on the mainstage at OFFSET.

Steve is thoughtful, intelligent, self-effacing, and funny but his story is not without melancholy, a melancholy which he has used to drive his most important creative breakthroughs.

During our conversation myself and Steve discussed;

  1. His early introduction into Buddhism and meditation.
  2. The artistic pranks he pulled in his final year in college and since.
  3. His 10 month trip around the world.
  4. The advantages and disadvantages of a signature style.
  5. Managing family, work, and creativity.

Steve was a generous guest and I should have kept the tape rolling because we spoke for 1 1/2 hours after the interview.  One of my friends who heard Steve speak at OFFSET said that at the end of his presentation the whole audience wanted to be his friend.  I'm sure you're gonna feel the same.

Enjoy the show. Dave.

For full episode notes, links to Steve's work, and all previous episodes visit the inspireland website.

Direct download: Doogan_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:50am EDT

In this episode I was joined by Irish based photographer Dragana Jurisic.  Dragana's life as a photographer began the day her family's building burned to the gound as war began in former Yugoslavia.  I met Dragana at the end of a long day of shooting for her latest project My Own Unknown.  Dragana is articulate, thoughtful, talented, and funny and has the fearless eyes of someone who has seen more of life than most.

Topics covered in the interview include:

  • Pre-war life in Yugoslavia.
  • Finding normalcy amid chaos.
  • Dragana's move from psychologist to full-time photographer.
  • The ethics of photographing poverty (her Seeing Things project).
  • How Dragana and her brother were entered in the census as Eskimos!
  • Dragana's return to Yugoslavia in search of a place that wasn't there any more.
  • The role of the muse in the life of an artist.

For all the episode notes, including links to Dragana's website, instagram etc, go to

www.inspirelandpodcast.com

Enjoy the episode, Dave

Direct download: Jurisic_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

In this episode it was my sincere pleasure to be joined by Andy Puddicombe.  Andy is a former Buddhist monk and has a degree in circus arts but is best know as the co-founder, and voice, of the headspace meditation website and app.

Andy recently spoke at the Web Summit in Dublin, has contributed frequently to BBC radio and tv, and his TED talk: "All it takes is 10 mindful minutes" has over 4.5 million views.

I've been chasing Andy for some time and spoke to him on the phone from London.  He couldn't have been more helpful, sincere, generous, and informative.  Andy is a great ambassador for meditation and mindfulness and his decision to come down from the mountain and take it to the masses in his simple, direct, and unassuming style is something many are grateful for.

Below is a summary of some of the things we spoke about:

  1. The series of tragedies Andy experienced in his late teens.
  2. His decision to leave college and join a Buddhist monastery in Northern India.
  3. The loneliness of monastic life.
  4. Meditations ability to introduce us to ourselves.
  5. The importance of teachers in the Buddhist tradition.
  6. Andy's decision to swap the robes for civvies.
  7. The thinking behind headspace the app.
  8. The practical benefits of meditation in everyday life.

Enjoy the episode,

Dave.

To find out more, including links to stuff mentioned in the show please visit:

www.inspirelandpodcast.com

 

Direct download: Puddicombe_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:31am EDT

The episode where the gang, joined by special guest Dave O' Connor, discuss their attempts to learn a language in 30 days, their experience of a full moon night-swim (contains nudity), and how they got on in a sensory deprivation tank.  Enjoy.

Direct download: 30DaysChallenge2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57am EDT

In this episode I was joined by futurist Katie Aquino.  What's a futurist?  I'm glad you asked.  A futurist is someone who explores and predicts the possibilities and probabilities of the technological future.  Phew!  Futurists are like weather forecasters except tech is the weather.

Aquino, AKA Miss Metaverse, has a background in video production but describes her first introduction to futurists as akin to finding her tribe.  Since discovering her tribe Katie has no doubt increased its size through her irresistable combination of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Katie was one of my most fun guests to date and the interview could easily have been twice as long but I'll hopefully have her back at some stage in the future to cover some of the topics we didn't get around to discussing.

We spoke about loads in the interview, below are some of the headlines;

  1. How to avoid drowning in the sea of new tech and information.
  2. The future of health, beauty, ageing, and transhumanism.
  3. Katie explains what The Internet Of Things is.
  4. The potential of 3D printing.
  5. The rationale behind setting up a colony on Mars.
  6. Katie is a techno-optimist but isn't without concerns for the future.

For futher information, including episode notes and links to Katie's site, check out my blog at www.inspirelandpodcast.com.  

Thanks for listening,

Dave

Direct download: InspirelandAquino_mixdown.L.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36am EDT

In this episode I was joined by award winning female dating expert Hayley Quinn.  Hayley describes her teenage self as "...too shy, too fat, too poor, and too brainy."  The difficulties she faced in her formative years, including having disabled parents, inform Hayley's unique brand of non-predatory, empathetic, practical, and accessible dating advice.

Hayley studied English and Psychotherapy at UCL and it was during her time as a student that she was first introduced to the world of Pick-Up Artists (PUAs).  Hayley's college boyfriend messaged her from a Las Vegas PUA conference to inform her that the previous night he had taken part in an orgy!  Their relationship ended but Hayley's fascinating journey to a career in the dating industry began.

Other topics covered in the episode include;

  1. Being a woman in a male dominated business.
  2. The impact of porn on modern dating and relationships.
  3. The disadvantages of getting too good at getting dates.
  4. How technology has changed the way we meet each other.
  5. Hayley tells us how to maintain intimacy in long-term relationships.
  6. How to text people we are attracted to.

For full episode notes as well as links to Hayley's site and youtube channel check out inspirelandpodcast.com.

Enjoy the episode,

Dave

 

Direct download: InspirelandHayley_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:13am EDT

The 30 Day Challenge Club is an attempt by myself and a few friends to do some of the things that we often talk about doing but never get done.  The idea is threefold but open to change.  The basic concept is that every 30 Days we;

  1. Do the same thing every day (run, learn a language, eat only clean food).
  2. Share an experience with other members of the Club (urban exploration, midnight swimming, rock climbing).
  3. Take a risk (get a tattoo, fix a broken relationship, leave home without our phones!).

The general idea is that we do something for the mind, body, and spirit each 30 days.  It’s kind of a bucket list but a fuck-it list more be a more accurate description. Some months we will all do the same things, other months members will prescribe challenges for other group members.

At the end of each month we will record a short(ish) podcast outlining our experiences.  This is the first of these podcasts, hope you enjoy.

Dave

 

Direct download: 30Days1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:28pm EDT

In this episode I was joined by the charming, intelligent, and fiercely honest Louise O' Neill. Louise is an author and feminist who is currently best known for her prizewinning book 'Only Ever Yours' which is a terrifying examination of the pressure on girls to conform to society's expectations of beauty.

The interview is a whopper at almost 1 1/2 hrs and we covered a load of topics, including:

  1. What made Louise finish 'Only Ever Yours' having failed at several previous writing attempts.
  2. Louise's 10 year battle with anorexia and bulimia.
  3. Modern feminism

Louise says in the interview that she expresses herself better in writing than in person but she was a brilliantly warm and engaging conversationalist.  Louise won't hear this interview (she never reads or listens to her interviews) but you'll be glad that you did.

Episode notes, links, and further details can be found at www.inspirelandpodcast.com.

Thanks for listening and tell your friends,

Dave

Direct download: louise_-_192kbs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:38am EDT

In this episode we talk to Andrew Keen.  Keen started life as an internet entrepreneur  but is best known for his books that critique the impact the internet has on our culture, politics, and society.

Keen has written 3 books on the subject of the internet;

  1. The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet Is Killing Our Culture
  2. Digital Vertigo: How Today's Online Social Revolution Is Dividing, Diminishing, And Disorienting Us
  3. The Internet Is Not The Answer

Many of the criticisms that are currently directed at the internet were first voiced by Keen and given that he is very much an internet insider, working out of Silicon Valley, his warnings must be heeded.

Keen is a vehement critic of what he calls 'Digital Narcissism' and in particular the 'Selfie Culture' which accompanies the hypervisibilty promoted by sites such as facebook.  He also rails against the impact this connectiveness has on essential parts of the human experience that are rapidly becoming neglected, things like privacy and solitude.

Keen is a contrarian, encouraging us to check the depth of the water before we jump off the cliff.  What's most encouraging about his work is the fact that his manifesto isn't just a list of what's wrong with our attitutes towards the net and our use of it.  He also offers direction for how best to use this technology to improve society in the future.

Keen believes that the digital revolution we are experiencing is every bit as monumental as the industrial revolution in the impact it is having on how we operate in the world.  He argues that the internet has grown up now and that it's time it started behaving more responsibly.

Enjoy the episode, more details as well as links to Keen's website etc. can be found by visiting www.inspirelandpodcast.com.

Dave

 

Direct download: Andrew_Kean_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:47am EDT

In this episode of the podcast we are joined by urban explorer Brad Garrett.  Brad is an LA native and qualified and worked as an archaelogist before discovering urban exploration or Urbex as it's more commonly known.

When Brad turned 16 and got his driving licence he took the opposite direction to many of his friends by exploring the Mojave desert while they sought the excitement of downtown LA.  His shunning of cities thankfully didn't stick because it is Brad's work as an ethnographer of London's Urbex community that first caught my attention.

During his time with the London Consolidation Crew Brad found himself exploring areas off limits to the public.  He went as high as the top of the London Shard as it neared completion and as low as Winston Churchill's WWII bunker in London's underground.

Brad has never lost the childlike state of curiosity and still views NO TRESPASSING signs as a challenge rather than a deterrent.  This activity led to Brad's being arrested and charged with what he calls 'thought crimes' as well as having his front door put in by the London Transport Police.

Brad is currently working at the University of Southampton.

Enjoy the show

For more info on Brad, including links, videos, and more info on his book check out

www.inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: inspireland_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14pm EDT

In this episode I spoke to John Perkins, Economic Hitman.  I have been chasing John since I first started the podcast and was delighted to have him for 40 mins.

During the show we discuss John's childhood, his heroes as a student of Economics, and his subsequent vetting by the NSA prior to his becoming an Economic Hit Man.  During his time as an EHM John was charged with burdening third world countries with massive debt which they would inevitably default on.  Once they defaulted the countries were pillaged of their resources for the benefits of the few.  On the occasions that John failed to convince a leader to take up his offer of 'aid' the traditional Hitmen were never far behind.

Having spent 7 years as an EHM John had a series of awakenings that have since led him all over the globe.  It is John's mission to expose predatory capitalism as a failure and attempt to create a more sustainable and just world.  John has lectured all over the world, and has founded several non-profit organisations, including DreamChange.

John is currently working on his next book but if you want to read him now check out his 3 best known works so far:

  1. Confessions of An Economic Hitman
  2. The Secret History of the American Empire
  3. Hoodwinked.

John also appears prominently in several documentaries, most notably Zeitgeist: Addemdum.

Enjoy the show, leave a rating on iTunes, follow me on Twitter @InspirePod,

Dave.

Check out all my other episodes at www.inspirelandpodcast.com

Direct download: EconomicHitman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:59am EDT

Firstly, apologies for the sound at the start of this recording.  It was my first attempt at recording outdoors and the wind noise is pretty strong at the start.

Secondly, I recorded this in June but am only releasing now so the talk of good weather seems a long way away.

Thirdly, it was my first attempt at this style of podcast and includes a bit more about myself than I've released to date. The srticle it's based on is brilliant and I'll put it up in my episode notes.

Dave

Direct download: 5regrets.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:38pm EDT

In this episode of the Inspireland podcast we are joined by filmmaker and wanderer Mark Cousins.

Mark is passionately in love with his chosen art, filmmaking, and this love radiates from his voice when he discusses his subject.  Mark first came to my attention during my time as a student when his idiosyncratic style of film reviewing was often used by one of my lecturers prior to film screenings.  

Mark has also written extensively about film and his book on documentary, Imagining Reality, is the go-to text on the topic.

Most recently Mark has dedicated his time to making wildly creative film essays.  These essays challenged my idea of what film is but their originality and sincerity stayed with me for days after viewing.

One of the most refreshing thigs about Mark's work in film is his ability to passionately support certain types of film without needing to denegrate others.

All links to Mark's work can be found by visiting my blog http://inspirelandpodcast.com/

You can follow Mark on twitter @markcousinsfilm

Direct download: Cousins_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:14pm EDT

In this episode of the Inspireland podcast we speak to investigative journalist T Christian Miller.  Miller is an old school investigative journalist working in the very new school ProPublica.

Miller recently wrote the brilliant essay Firestone and the Warlord and was involved in the Frontline documentary of the same name.

Interview topics:

  1. Miller's childhood and teens as the perpetual outsider
  2. Miller's route into journalism
  3. Miller's time as a war correspondent
  4. Firestone's relationship with Liberian warlord Charles Taylor
  5. The need for transparency in modern journalism

Further episode notes, including links to the original article and Frontline documentary, can be found at Inspireland's website by clicking here.

Direct download: Episode_10_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:40pm EDT

E2 Maggie 'Ex Call-Girl' McNeill

In our second episode we talk to Maggie 'Ex Call-Girl' McNeill. Maggie has been a librarian, stripper, call-girl, madam, and housewife.  She is now best known for her blog The Honest Courtesan where she discusses the issues surrounding sex work.  Her blog has led to guest lectures on the topic as well as multiple media appearances and her work has been published in theWashington Post.  She is also the author of Ladies Of The Night, a book of creative fiction based around her experiences as a prostitute.  She currently lives in the Southern US but did most of her sex work in New Orleans.  Maggie is very active on twitter as an advocate of sex worker's rights and opposes the mainstream media of all sex workers as 'broken dolls.'  Maggie made a wonderful, charming, interviewee and I'm sure you'll find what she has to say thought provoking.  Enjoy.

Direct download: inspireland2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:22am EDT

E1 Owen 'Rowdy' Roddy

In this our first episode we talk to Owen 'Rowdy' Roddy. Owen is a recently retired pro MMA fighter, and is currently involved in building his career as head coach in Primal MMA, Dublin, Ireland. Owen talks about his introduction to the sport, his career as an amateur and a pro, the difference between team and individual sports, the explosion in popularity of MMA, and where he hopes his life will take him over the next few years as both a coach and a man. Trust me, it's great stuff.

Direct download: inspireland1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:42am EDT

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