Nicky sits down with comedian, actor, and author Ardal O’Hanlon for a thoughtful and often hilarious conversation about fame, fear, and forging your own path. Best known as the beloved Father Dougal, Ardal reflects on the surreal rise of Father Ted , the weight of overnight success, and how it shaped his creative choices ever since. He opens up about his stand-up roots, writing novels, staying grounded in the face of stardom, and why laughter remains his guiding light. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 38
Nicky sits down with 80s teen pop icon Tiffany for an open and moving conversation about music, fame, and identity. Tiffany reflects on skyrocketing to global stardom at just fifteen with “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the challenges of growing up in the public eye, and how she fought to be taken seriously as an artist. She shares her battles with burnout, self-discovery, and the moment she found her voice again, both literally and creatively. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in as...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 37
Nicky sits down with Chris Kirkpatrick, founding member of *NSYNC, for a wide-ranging chat about the rise and lasting impact of one of the biggest boybands in history. Chris opens up about how *NSYNC was built from scratch, the early rivalry with Backstreet Boys, and the unexpected twists that shaped his career. He shares personal stories about working with Lou Pearlman, navigating the whirlwind of global fame, and coping with life when the stadium tours stopped. From boyband battles to reunions...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 36
Nicky sits down with Ryan Hennessy, the unmistakable voice of Picture This, for a refreshingly honest and raw conversation about creativity, mental health, and the moments that shaped him. Ryan opens up about turning journal entries into chart-topping hits, navigating sudden fame, and the emotional cost of vulnerability in the spotlight. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Five, Bri...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 35
Nicky sits down with pop phenomenon Daniel Bedingfield for a wide-ranging chat about music, fame, and reinvention. Daniel opens up about the whirlwind success of “Gotta Get Thru This,” the pressures of chart-topping fame, and why he chose to step away from the spotlight at the height of his career. He talks candidly about finding purpose through faith, working with musical legends, and why vulnerability is his greatest strength. From major label battles to wild spiritual journeys, this is a fasc...
May 29, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 34
Nicky sits down with the full original lineup of Five for a raw and emotional reunion packed with honesty, humour, and healing. Sean, Abz, Ritchie, Scott, and Jay reflect on the chaos of their early days, their battles with fame, and the fallout that split them apart. From coke cans thrown on Top of the Pops to feuds with other boybands (including Westlife), no topic is off limits. The band opens up about fame at 19, burnout, lost identity, what it took to finally get back in the same room and w...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 33
Nicky sits down with music legend Johnny Logan for a raw and heartfelt conversation about the man behind the Eurovision anthems. Johnny opens up about the pressure of early success, the pain of being misunderstood, and how he rebuilt his confidence after the spotlight faded. From the family tragedies that shaped him to the creative fire that still burns, Johnny reflects on fame, failure, and finally learning to value his own voice. He talks candidly about the making of You Raise Me Up , the stig...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 32
Nicky sits down with Ben Adams, the voice behind A1, for a chat about music, growth, and the unexpected paths life can take. Ben shares stories from his early days as a choirboy to topping the charts with A1, writing the ballads that still resonate with fans around the world. He opens up about navigating fame at a young age, the creative joy of writing music that lasts, and how moving to Norway brought a whole new rhythm to his life. From Brit Awards & Eurovision to building a family, Ben re...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 31
Nicky sits down with the remarkable 101-year-old Charlie O’Leary, former Ireland kitman, referee, and football storyteller for a truly unforgettable chat that spans over a century. From growing up in Dublin in the 1920s to standing beside legends like Jack Charlton and Paul McGrath, Charlie shares a treasure trove of memories with warmth, humour, and heart. He opens up about what Ireland was really like before the war, how street leagues began, and his incredible journey from the terraces to the...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 30
Nicky sits down with Ireland's legendary goalkeeper Shay Given for a powerful conversation about life on and off the pitch. From growing up in Donegal to standing between the posts in World Cups and European Championships, Shay opens up about loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bond with his late mother. He reflects on his Premier League career with Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Manchester City, the moment he nearly died after a horrific on-pitch injury, and the truth about what really happened ...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 29
Nicky sits down with 98 Degrees founding member Jeff Timmons for a no-holds-barred chat about the grind behind the glory. Jeff opens up about the early days chasing dreams in LA, working nightclub security and landing a U.S. Navy commercial before fame hit. He talks about starting 98 Degrees from scratch, the challenges of breaking America, and finding his confidence among giants like Backstreet and NSYNC. From Motown dreams to reinventing himself as a producer and performer, Jeff shares the rea...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 28
Nicky sits down with Irish boxing icon Steve Collins for a gripping conversation about grit, belief, and beating the odds. From his working-class roots in Dublin to outwitting Chris Eubank in the ring, Steve shares how discipline, mind games, and family pride helped him rise to world champion. With raw honesty, he reflects on pain, purpose, and what it truly means to fight for more than just titles. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 27
Nicky sits down with chart-topping Irish artist Cian Ducrot for a powerful and moving chat about music, identity, and resilience. From growing up in Passage West to winning a Grammy and touring the world, Cian opens up about bullying, family estrangement, and the deep personal loss that shaped his songwriting. With stories of manifesting and forging his own path in music, Cian shares what it really takes to defy expectations and turn pain into purpose. This episode contains discussions on sensit...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 26
This is where it all began. Recorded during lockdown and now released on the five-year anniversary of that moment in history, this conversation with Piers Morgan was the very first podcast Nicky ever recorded - and for reasons you'll hear in his intro, it’s only being shared now. In this wide-ranging and unfiltered chat, Piers opens up about his Irish roots, growing up above a pub, and his love of Guinness and Arsenal. He talks candidly about walking away from CNN, his fallout with Meghan & ...
Mar 27, 2025•58 min•Ep. 25
Nicky catches up with Harvey, the So Solid Crew star and TV personality, for an unfiltered conversation about life in the limelight and the struggles behind the scenes. Harvey opens up about his early football dreams, navigating gang violence, and the powerful influence of his parents. He reflects on the chaotic highs of So Solid Crew’s fame, including their infamous Brit Awards clash with Westlife, and how he rebuilt his life after surviving a near-fatal stabbing. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by ...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 24
This episode includes a lighthearted chat about health and wellness products. While this is not a paid promotion, our guest, Colleen, is sharing her personal experiences and opinions. Any claims made about health benefits are based on her views and should not be taken as medical advice. If you're considering supplements or lifestyle changes, it's always best to do your own research and consult with a qualified healthcare professional. This week on NBHQ, Nicky sits down with Coleen Rooney for an ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 23
Nicky sits down with Sébastien Izambard, the French singer and founding member of Il Divo, for a deeply personal and revealing conversation. Sébastien reflects on the incredible journey of Il Divo, from their chart-topping success to duetting with icons like Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. He opens up about his early struggles, his unexpected path into music, and the tragic loss of bandmate Carlos Marín. In a rare and candid interview, Sébastien shares how grief, resilience, and fatherhood hav...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 22
Nicky sits down with Jill Scott, England’s Euro-winning Lioness and presenter of hit podcast The Overlap , for an inspiring chat. Jill reflects on her journey from kicking a ball in Sunderland to lifting the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley and becoming a national icon. She opens up about the sacrifices, the highs of international success, and the lessons learned from years at the top of her game. Away from football, Jill shares what it was like to trade the pitch for the jungle on I’m A Celebrity , ...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 21
Nicky sits down with Jay McGuiness for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of boyband fame and life beyond it. Jay reflects on The Wanted’s meteoric rise, the chaos behind the scenes, and the moment he knew it was over. He opens up about stepping back into the spotlight on Strictly Come Dancing , his unexpected love for musical theatre, and navigating a career outside the boyband bubble. Jay also speaks about the heartbreaking loss of his bandmate Tom Parker, the impact it had on the ...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 20
Nicky sits down with Sinitta for a no-holds-barred chat about her whirlwind career, from 80s pop stardom to her lifelong friendship with Simon Cowell. She reflects on her journey from theatre to chart-topping hits, her early days working with Louis Walsh, and how So Macho became a defining anthem. Sinitta also opens up about her time on The X Factor , her thoughts on the music industry today, and the highs and lows of fame. Packed with untold stories, star-studded moments, and behind-the-scenes ...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 19
Nicky sits down with Ronan Keating for an open and revealing conversation about his life in music. Ronan reflects on his rise to fame with Boyzone, the highs and tensions of working with Louis Walsh, and the deep bond he shared with Stephen Gately. He opens up about the pressures of fame, the impact of loss, and how he forged a solo career that made him one of Ireland’s most successful artists. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out ...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 18
Nicky sits down with Steve Garrigan, the voice of Kodaline. Steve reflects on his journey from a shy kid in Swords to writing global hits, amassing over a billion streams, and collaborating with artists like Kygo and Westlife. He opens up about battling anxiety, how music became his greatest therapy, and the defining moments that shaped both his career and his life. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 17
Nicky sits down with Scott Robinson of Five for an honest and reflective conversation about the highs and lows of boyband stardom. Scott shares stories from the chaotic rise of Five, the lessons learned from their breakup, and his journey to finding purpose through family, radio, and music. From wild hotel fire tales to the bonds that keep Five's legacy alive, this episode is packed with humour, heart, and Scott's unique perspective on fame and reinvention. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz En...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 16
Nicky sits down with Tom Davis, the towering comedian and actor known for King Gary , Wonka , and Paddington . Tom opens up about his journey from scaffolding and laboring to starring alongside Hollywood greats, the lessons he learned from rejection, and how resilience shaped his success. From wild wrestling memories to reflections on his Irish heritage and imposter syndrome, this is a story of chasing big dreams. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Ni...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 15
Nicky sits down with Samantha Mumba, the Irish pop sensation whose talent catapulted her onto the global stage in the early 00's. Samantha opens up about the whirlwind of topping charts as a teenager, her transition to Hollywood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From the early days in Drumcondra to her creative reinvention, this episode is an inspiring look at resilience, reinvention, and staying grounded through it all. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in associati...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 14
Nicky sits down with Paul McGrath, the iconic Irish footballer celebrated as "God" by Aston Villa fans, for an unforgettable conversation. Paul shares candid stories from Euro ’88, Italia ’90, and USA ’94, reflecting on the highs of his career, the camaraderie in the Irish squad, and the challenges he faced off the pitch. From his unforgettable encounters with football legends to life in Wexford and his work supporting brain injury awareness, this episode shines a light on the extraordinary jour...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 13
Join Nicky for a festive special of the ' Nicky Byrne HQ' podcast as Nicky answers fan questions with his first-ever podcast AMA and takes a nostalgic look back at his top 10 favourite moments from the show so far. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Gary Barlow, Michael Flatley, Jo O'Meara, Chris Kamara, Louis Walsh, NSync's Joey Fatone, Bertie Ahern &a...
Dec 26, 2024•40 min•Ep. 12
Nicky sits down with bestselling author Cecelia Ahern, who is now published in nearly fifty countries and has sold over 25 million copies of her novels worldwide for an inspiring chat about her journey from a young writer with a dream to a global literary phenomenon. Cecelia shares stories about her writing process, family influences, and the moments that shaped her career. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Liste...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 11
Nicky sits down with Tony Mortimer, the heart and soul of East 17, for an unforgettable chat where Tony shares the emotional story behind writing “Stay Another Day,” reflects on his Irish roots and upbringing, and opens up about navigating the highs and challenges of 90s pop stardom. Plus Nicky asks.... is the door closed on an East 17 reunion? Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG. Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Br...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 10
Nicky sits down with Bertie Ahern, his father-in-law and Ireland’s former Taoiseach, for a candid and insightful chat about history, politics, and family. Bertie opens up about the untold stories behind the Good Friday Agreement, his Republican roots, and the moments that defined his leadership. From navigating peace talks to his GAA days and growing up in Drumcondra, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most pivotal figures. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced ...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 9
