Something Different with John and Sarah

This week, we're asking for your support. You can do so by subscribing here: https://www.johnandsarah.ie/subscribeWe're doing so for several reasons, but mainly because in the face of ongoing threats to Irish media freedom, we want to grow our offering, reach more people, and get out on the road taking our message to Irish people who don't get to hear alternative views from the state-funded media.This week we discuss those threats to media freedom - but also Simon Harris's fake right turn, Micheál Martin's big conference, and the reverberations from the Russell Brand conviction.Thank you, as ever, for listening.00:00 The week’s agenda01:04 Why we need you to support the podcast06:39 The investigation of TIPP FM and Southeast Radio08:13 How Coimisiún na Meán compares with the BAI11:08 Impartiality and alternative media15:19 Fine Gael’s political identity18:21 Why welfare soundbites suck25:06 Dublin’s summit week31:21 School bomb scares, freezer attacks and cyber resilience36:36 Russell Brand: separating character from trial evidence43:09 Consent, historical allegations and reasonable doubt49:18 A complainant’s rights and a defendant’s robust defence51:02 Brand’s public persona, religion and political celebrity57:07 Why due process matters 58:37 How to support Something Different

www.johnandsarah.ieThis week: Ireland's Fertility Crisis finally hits the news, as Mary McAleese wages war on baptism. Also: Fine Gael are in crisis, say the papers. Trump is in crisis, say the voters. And Lawyers are not in crisis any more.00:00 The week’s headlines and a correction from last episode01:43 Ireland’s falling birth rate and its local consequences03:22 Culture, policy, and the causes of delayed parenthood08:30 How the pregnancy debate shapes attitudes to having children12:27 Child-benefit proposals and incentives for larger families18:11 Mary McAleese, baptism, and parental choice26:23 Religious liberty, circumcision, and Chesterton’s fence29:29 Fine Gael’s centre-right identity and the blocked motion32:47 Simon Harris, NGOs, and political triangulation37:00 Fine Gael’s shifting priorities and lack of a governing plan41:35 What the US midterms say about Trump and voter frustration53:16 The court challenge to legal-aid reforms01:01:00 Listener support and sign-off

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This week's episode discusses the case of Kirk Loco - prosecuted (and acquitted) for what appeared to be the offence of spotting a migrant crime. Also Aodhán O'Riordáin dances, FF and FG collapse, and Jen Lawrence gets a new face.

00:00 This week’s agenda: Kirk Loco, politics and Halloween

01:50 What Coco’s Law covers and why Loco was charged

03:32 Garda priorities, the tweet and the bus incident

06:31 Newtownmountkennedy and the context behind the post

08:46 The court hears passenger testimony and acquits Loco

10:04 Was the prosecution a political use of a vague law?

16:02 Drug-gang threats and the question of Garda resources

20:19 Who is accountable when government fails to act?

27:38 Aidan Reardon’s housing video

34:49 Opinion poll numbers and the rise of smaller parties

41:47 Cost-of-living frustration and a lack of political ideas

42:52 Jennifer Lawrence and the pressure to change your face

51:05 Patrick Stewart, Star Trek and the US midterms

55:51 Halloween sign-off and fireworks advice for dog owners

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This week: We talk about THAT ad, a story John broke on Wednesday. Also, the Tusla Scandal that should bring down the Government. The Triple Lock unlocked. Sinn Fein Charity woes. And Fine Gael at War.00:00 - Opening the week’s big stories and the “don’t hug your granny” backlash
02:49 - Why the consent ad used grandparents and why that annoyed so many people
04:54 - The “family A, family B” style of cultural signalling in the ad
07:58 - Why the campaign went viral and drew international disbelief
08:26 - Consent in family life versus state-funded messaging
09:52 - Why the hosts say the ad conflates hugging with sexual consent
11:09 - Sarah’s argument: the state should not dictate family conversations
13:18 - The Irishness, class tone, and age-based disrespect in the ad
14:27 - A separate taxpayer-funded trans video and the argument over mockery
16:45 - Why the hosts see the ad as part of a wider sneering attitude to older Irish men
21:09 - The Tusla case: a 14-year-old girl allegedly being sexually exploited
22:06 - Special care, staffing shortages, and why Tusla says it cannot place her
23:32 - The judge’s intervention and the failure of political urgency
25:41 - Why Sarah says priorities in the state have become badly distorted
28:22 - Why John says Tusla is not being overseen properly by the responsible minister
29:17 - The old expectation that ministers resign for major failures
30:59 - Why this case would once have been a national scandal
32:03 - The minimum standard the state should meet for children in care
35:37 - What the triple lock is and why the Dáil vote matters
36:42 - Sarah’s concerns about broken promises and government trust
38:04 - John’s case for letting elected governments make foreign policy decisions
41:32 - Neutrality, public sentiment, and why the issue is politically complicated
44:06 - Mission creep, referendum promises, and why voters distrust politicians
45:16 - Why John thinks the triple lock debate is partly theoretical for Ireland’s current military capacity

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Strikes shut down the country; Drug gangs burn children alive; Ministers are hospitalised, and the Dáil debates.... Non Binary Rights? In this episode we ask a simple question: Has the state lost control?

00:00 - Opening thanks

02:15 - Strike disruption at home, school, and court

04:47 - Why the public sector strike feels bigger than a pay dispute

10:35 - Free school books, lunches, and the politics of “cupcake” spending

18:39 - Why universal state schemes can waste money

23:18 - Waterford murder case and the horror of drug debt intimidation

30:08 - What the state should do about drug gangs and extortion

36:44 - Tatiana Stachiv and welfare fraud across borders

45:00 - Ruth Coppinger’s non-binary and intersex recognition bill

48:28 - The distinction between non-binary, intersex, and transgender

54:02 - Why they see gender recognition law as coercive

58:24 - Patrick O’Donovan in intensive care and political fallout

61:07 - Closing remarks and best wishes to listeners

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With John away following the death of his father, Sarah is joined by her husband Keith Redmond for a lively discussion of Ireland's miserable budget, the rising cost of employing people, the political capture of our institutions, and why The Guardian thinks exercise turns you right-wing.

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:42 Analysis of the Irish budget and its impact on cost of living

03:19 Discussion on minimum wage and its economic effects

09:00 The influence of government spending and taxes on inflation

17:13The political landscape and the march through institutions

29:56 The European Parliament's Trump statue controversy

50:00 Gender dysphoria treatments for minors and legal challenges

54:09 The Guardian article on exercise and political ideology

56:57 The anniversary of October 7th and its implications

01:00:12 Conclusion and final thoughts

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This week: Spiders Terrorise Malahide Woman; Emergency booklets from Helen McEntee; Tusla disaster courtesy of Norma Foley; and Garvaghy Road madness courtesy of... Sinn Fein? The Sports Journos go Feral; and an American Woman is killed twice, but lives.....

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap

00.20 Spider Season

04:21 Discussion of the 'Be Emergency Ready' Book

08:12 Government Spending and Waste

12:12 Case Study: Child Abuse and Tusla Failures

14:12 Political Responsibility and Ministerial Accountability

19:51 Systemic Failures in Irish Health and Care Systems

21:53 Community and Parades Disputes in Northern Ireland

29:59 The Role of Media and Public Opinion in Politics

36:01 The Politics of Community Relations and Parades

42:48 Historical Context of Northern Ireland Parades

49:57 The US Justice System and Death Penalty Cases

56:55 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

www.johnandsarah.ieThis week: Ireland's young people hate life in Ireland, objecting to housing shortages, joblessness, and lots more. We discuss in depth. Also: Ebun Joseph fixes your school; Nick Delehanty closes his business; Holly Cairns gets maternity leave for some reason, and have you heard about the Lesbians in America?00:00 - Episode intro and the week’s big topics02:07 - Why so many young people want to leave Ireland04:16 - Policy choices, housing, and the “liberal progressive society” argument07:47 - The emotional and social cost of young adults being stuck at home10:50 - Why the crisis is bigger than a mood and harder to fix politically14:33 - How collapsed nightlife feeds loneliness and weaker dating culture18:03 - The lockdown effect on teenage social development20:02 - What government could do now, from policing to city-centre culture22:23 - Why fewer risks and fewer nights out change how young people grow up24:51 - Why some people leave temporarily and still plan to come back26:55 - David Higgins and the “milestone recession”28:34 - Nick Delahanty’s business closure and the Irish Times reaction30:09 - The reality of starting and running a small business in Ireland36:02 - Labour’s miscarriage leave proposal and the cost to employers41:41 - Holly Cairns, maternity leave, and political virtue signalling45:32 - Exclusive: the Convention on Education agenda in Sligo47:35 - Who gets to define school culture54:32 - Sunny Hostin and the shocking murder trial anecdote59:03 - A wider point about imported culture-war insanity62:30 - Wrap-up and closing remarks

Sarah's Boob Article: https://www.johnandsarah.ie/p/sarah-ryan-feminists-are-making-tits

This week: The Scandalous Dublin Housing numbers and what to do about them. Also: Trump visits, Ed Sheeran gets cancelled, an athlete poops her pants, and lots of Sydney Sweeney chat.

00:00 - Intro

01:06 - Listener comment about economics versus wider social issues

02:56 - Why Trump’s Ireland visit landed as “non-eventful”

06:24 - Dublin housing list data and the scale of non-Irish applicants

10:32 - Should Irish citizens be prioritised on council housing lists?

15:05 - Opposition parties and the need for a radical housing message

18:21 - Tóibín, abortion, and the three-day waiting period

20:57 - The case for a cooling-off period before abortion

24:22 - Sydney Sweeney ad controversy and the “choice” argument

27:25 - Eroticism, explicit content, and why Sweeney stands out

32:32 - Athlete controversy after finishing while pooping

37:38 - Ed Sheeran, McLemore, and political litmus tests in music

40:42 - Why saying the slogan matters more than what people believe

46:54 - Michael Healy-Rae assaulted and the issue of political violence

52:02 - Dublin city centre disorder and public safety concerns

57:35 - Mary Lou McDonald’s makeover and closing reflections

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This week, Sinn Fein announced a major U-turn on immigration - but is it real? The AfD shocked Germany. Jack Chambers was compared to Margaret Thatcher. And Trump comes to Ireland on 9/11's 25th anniversary. It's a busy week!

00:00 Introduction

02:12 Germany's AFD victory

05:01 Irish Reactions to Germany's Election Results

07:15 Sinn Fein's Shift on Migration Policy

11:31 Irish Political Landscape today

16:43 Irish Government Approval Ratings and Public Sentiment

21:01 Leadership in Irish Politics and Future Leaders

24:57 Global Security Post-9/11 and Societal Changes

34:51 Economic Policies and Public Spending in Ireland

42:10 Reflections on 9/11 and Its Global Impact

55:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

www.johnandsarah.ieCheck out our poll, below!In this weeks episode: Boobs. Some men want to use theirs to breastfeed, and Sarah is disgusted. Advertisers want boobs back in fashion. And to round it off: Are Government making a tit of the economy?00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:52 Support and Future Plans for the Podcast03:57 Controversy Over Men Breastfeeding Conference06:49 The Sexualization of Breastfeeding and Cultural Shifts09:54 The Logic Behind Gender-Related Lactation15:02 Advertising Trends and Cultural Representation in Brands19:58 The Influence of Corporate and Political Culture24:53 Irish Government Spending and Policy Critique29:52 Economic Outlook and Recession Risks40:00 European Union's Regulation of AI and Internet Platforms50:08 Global Innovation, American Dominance, and Europe's Role

https://www.johnandsarah.ie/p/the-new-cso-immigration-figures-areThis week, the CSO released new numbers showcasing the extraordinary scale of Irish immigration over the past six years. We discuss how these impact every policy area, and how it might be solved.Also: More Lindsay Clancy, Fuel Prices rising, CAO chaos, and Dolly Parton RIP.(01:02) Sarah’s Greece story and meeting listeners in public(02:18) John’s CSO immigration figures and the housing crunch(03:28) Sarah on demographic change and public denial(05:36) Why pro-immigration arguments now feel harder to make(06:56) Infrastructure strain: roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity(08:00) Sarah on the “you’re racist” trap and resource limits(09:20) Legal immigration, work permits, and why they matter more than asylum numbers(11:14) Using immigration policy to shape the skills mix(12:33) The costs of reducing population and why realism matters(14:14) Young adults living at home and the hidden housing crisis(15:40) Delayed adulthood, later marriage, and the demographic spiral(16:19) “We’re not an economy” and the loss of national identity(19:21) Corporate tax dependence and the illusion of growth(22:57) Political PTSD from the crash and avoidance of hard choices(24:38) Why the next crisis may look different but come from the same problem(26:44) CAO points, Leaving Cert grade inflation, and students getting squeezed(29:56) Fairness, grade inflation, and how the points system actually works(34:50) Fuel tax rises, winter costs, and the politics of punishing drivers(36:16) Temporary taxes that never really go away(38:19) Heating costs, old people, and climate policy resentment(41:41) The Irish man arrested in France and the media blackout(45:31) Should hateful speech be a crime?(48:41) Class, media silence, and selective outrage over anti-Semitism(49:22) Lindsay Clancy, the protests, and why John changed his view(51:52) Sarah on the children as the real victims(53:22) Medication, postpartum psychosis, and accountability(56:11) The Deirdre Morley case and medical privacy failures(59:15) Candace Owens, “black widow,” and coded accusations(60:10) Dolly Parton’s death, generosity, and legacy(63:07) Self-deprecation, Irish identity, and closing remarks

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This week John and Sarah ask: Why can't we talk openly about traveller culture and how most people experience it? Also, GurrierGate latest, John Kelly's tweets, the UK migrant leaflet, and Lindsay Clancy drives American women mad.

00:00 Introduction

02:58 GurrierGate controversy

05:07 Ireland's crime issues and Traveller Culture

17:34 Proposed new laws and enforcement priorities

18:53 Revelation of John Kelly’s social media posts

29:15 UK migrant leaflet

42:02 The Lindsay Clancy case

54:37 Postpartum psychosis and cultural attitudes

58:46 Closing remarks and upcoming episodes

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As more lives are lost and Gardai seem powerless to intercept joy-riders, John and Sarah ask: Is Ireland lawless? Also, Ebun Joseph's war on the Irish Language, Alison Chawke's good fortune, Jason Arday's Death, and political inaction on Friedreich's Ataxia.00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:15 Holiday reflections and work-life balance

01:38 Ireland's youth crime and police challenges

02:30 Irish society's perception of crime and safety

04:02 Incidents involving young drivers and police response

09:28 Systemic issues in Irish criminal justice

17:04 Controversy over Ebun Joseph and Irish language debate

43:12 The tragic death of Jason Arday and societal neglect

52:40 Discussion on political priorities and societal reform

55:27 The importance of political courage and action

Sadly this week's podcast is delayed until Sunday because of Greek connectivity issues, but in Sarah's absence - she's off tradwifing - John provides some brief updates on the big issues of the day - HSE reticence on Friedreich's Ataxia; more accusations of Irish antisemitism, and of course, Tradwives and Jason Arday.

"It's our border, too" - this week John and Sarah discuss the invasion of Ceuta, and the consequences for Europe. Also: UK is to block the puberty of 270 kids, Noel Grealish went to right-wing Davos, and John cheated at The Sopranos.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Topics

02:09 The Invasion of Ceuta and Its Impact

04:30 Legal and Political Aspects of Migration

07:31 Law Changes and Border Control

11:20 Europe's Migration Policy and Merkel's Legacy

15:01 Ireland's Position and EU Relations

18:49 Irish Government and International Response

24:57 Controversies Over the Irish Government Jet

30:48 Cultural Issues: Ariana Grande

42:14 Celebrity Culture and Obesity

43:59 The Sopranos

45:55 UK Puberty Blockers Policy and Ethical Concerns

55:07 Long-term Consequences of Puberty Suppression

This week John and Sarah dive into Fine Gael's proposed 8 euro a week tax cut, and how the Government will claw it all back. Also: Fauci pleads the fifth, The IRA returns, German terrorism, Norwegian murders, and a massively expensive Metro.

00:00 Introduction to Ireland's Current Political and Security Climate

02:20 Irish Political Parties and Their Evolving Values

04:03 Security Threats: Terrorism and Bomb Plots in Ireland

07:04 Government Spending, Tax Cuts, and Public Priorities

10:14 Infrastructure Projects: Dublin Metro and Cost Overruns

14:52 Cultural Values, Immigration, and Societal Safety19:54 The Role of Media and Political Narratives

25:05 Case Study: Norway, Afghanistan, and Cultural Incompatibility

29:57 The Future of Irish Infrastructure and Public Spending

34:59 Security and Society: Lessons from Europe

40:02 The Role of Values in Political and Social Policy

45:12 Concluding Thoughts on Ireland's Societal and Political Future

This Week, John and Sarah dive in detail into the UCD R*pe case, how it was covered, and what the media didn't want to see. Also: A lively row about the Irish language; Why do women police women; and the latest on Sarah's crusade against Government's Legal Aid reform.

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:09 The Irish media's handling of the UCD rape case

06:03 Court facts versus media narratives

10:10 Media influence and political reactions

15:09 Irish language debate and cultural identity

20:02 Irish political figures and Irish language policies

25:02 Societal perceptions of gender and appearance

30:04 Irish government spending and fiscal policy

35:08 UK politics and Andy Burnham's leadership

40:01 The influence of political speeches and rhetoric

45:12 Reflections on political change and public trust

49:58 Legal system, judicial reforms, and public discourse

59:54 Private healthcare, maternity services, and policy impacts

01:05:04 Closing remarks and societal reflections

This week, Anne Widdecombe died, Ireland faced drought (per the media), the Chalk kids went to jail, Politicians went on holiday, and reading nearly died. Join John and Sarah as they talk it all out:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:56 Water restrictions and infrastructure issues in Ireland

04:19 The real causes of water shortages: infrastructure and population growth

07:01 Irish governance and the privatization debate

08:27 The state of Irish public services and government activity

12:40 The death of Anne Widdecombe and police response

17:15 Media narratives and police gaslighting in high-profile cases

22:36 The chalk siblings incident and societal reactions

36:54 The decline of reading and societal literacy levels

45:38 Climate news: Gulf Stream and climate change myths

49:28 Summer weather, media portrayal, and societal mood

50:45 Closing remarks and community engagement

This week, brutal news from Killarney prompts yet another conversation about immigration amongst everyone bar Irish politicians. Also: Nigel versus a Bin, Russia's Aluminum, and general chitchat.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:36 Discussion on Immigration and Crime in Ireland07:00 Cultural Differences and Safety Concerns for Women12:07 Ireland's Embrace of Third World Narratives14:56 Political Responses and Media Bias in Ireland24:52 The Silly Season and Irish Political Culture29:49 Nigel Farage, UK Politics, and Election Strategies34:53 Security Concerns for Politicians 40:03 Ireland-Russia Alumina Trade45:06 Ireland's Export Growth to Russia50:01 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

"Bouchaker is everything they told us never happens" says an angry John this week as he and Sarah dive into the verdict in that case. Also: Helen Ogbu's troubles, Pico Lopes as one of us, and Micheál Martin's ascension to global leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:50 Riyad Bushaker Trial and Verdict15:01 Helen Ogbu Controversy and Political Implications30:07 John's Pico Lopes boo-boo36:41 Reflections on Political Events42:10 The EU Presidency and Its Implications50:14 Fuel Tax Cuts and Political Strategy

In this week's episode, John and Sarah talk heatwave politics and the media's desperation for climate change panic. Also: Indoctrinating your kids via the leaving cert exams, egregious misinformation from the Irish Examiner, and why you should be on the side of lawyers this one time.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weather Discussion01:55 Climate Change and the Green Party's Stance05:51 Media's Role in Climate Change Narratives09:49 Data Centers and Their Environmental Impact13:46 Media Bias and Public Perception17:55 Political Debates and Media Dynamics21:55 Misinformation in Journalism25:52 Conclusion and Reflections on Media and Politics33:19 The Media Bubble and Debate Skills34:22 Political Ramifications of Scandals34:35 The Impact of Scandals on Unionism37:11 Public Perception and Accountability39:42 The Role of Education in Shaping Views40:29 Patriarchy in Education43:12 The Influence of Ideology in Schools46:39 Radicalization of Youth51:33 The Evolution of Political Views55:10 Legal Aid Reform and Its Implications

This week, John and Sarah tackle the Dáil's legislation abolishing the three-day cooling off period for abortions; the renewed campaign to call the national flag racist; Minister Patrick O'Donovan becoming the decider, and the continued fallout from one of the worst criminal cases in recent memory.00:00 Introduction and Overview02:13 Abortion Legislation Changes in Ireland17:55 Cultural Implications of Abortion Laws18:54 Discussion on the Irish Flag and National Identity30:34 The Role of Media in Politics33:44 The Consequences of Political Decisions37:04 Short-Term Thinking in Politics40:45 Public Trust and Media Regulation44:45 The Case of Baby Preston Davy

This week, John and Sarah walk through the horrific events in Belfast, and the media and establishment instinct to cover it all up. Import the culture, import the consequences?

Also: The Government's Maternity mess, the awfulness of men, John's faith in astrology, and happy birthday Helen McEntee!

00:00 Introduction to Current Events in Ireland

01:30 Reactions to Violence in Belfast

06:40 Cultural Implications of Immigration

12:46 Media's Role in Reporting Crime

18:41 Public Sentiment and Political Discontent

27:16 Changes in Maternity Healthcare in Ireland

34:23 The Debate on Private vs Public Education

39:49 Government Policies and Women's Healthcare

40:17 Social Media and Political Communication

45:41 Cultural Critique of Men in Media

51:30 The Double Standards in Gender Discussions

This week John and Sarah delve into high profile recent crime cases in the UK and Ireland - asking whether a culture of fear in the public sector results in outcomes like the Henry Nowak case or the relative silence in Ireland around Alex Coughlan. Also: Sinn Fein's poll slump, Bonnie Blue's sex stunt, RTE's continued troubles, and Enoch Burke's prison of conscience.

As they re-enter the podcasting world after a significant break, John and Sarah dive into the pressing issues and personal narratives that have unfolded during their hiatus. This inaugural episode of Unchained brings to light recent political events, including the surprising outcomes of by-elections, fuel protests, and John's resignation from Gript Media, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current landscape.