More than 30 years ago, Bill Clinton said he still believed in a town called Hope. At the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama said hope is making a comeback. Is this just a tagline for a bad movie or if Kamala Harris was elected would she make a difference in Gaza and in fixing structural inequality in the US? On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at the choice in the US presidential election and ask if it is a choice at all. They also ask if there is a chance of real change in Irela...
Aug 27, 2024•43 min•Ep. 128
When Doug Beattie sank a bayonet into Taliban fighter during a hellish fight for survival in Afghanistan, he could never escape his actions. Yet the trauma of killing also brought an empathy that was missing in other unionists leaders. On Free State today Dion and Joe look at the fall of Doug Beattie. Joe recalls his day with Beattie when he talked emotionally about how it feels to take a man’s life. They consider how a life marked by conflict at an early age, shaped a leader until he was undone...
Aug 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 127
Funerals matter in Ireland. They are an expression of community. On Free State today, Joe recalls the extraordinary life of Colm McCusker and why his funeral told so much about the man. Colm McCusker was 91 when he died and he didn’t waste a minute during a life packed with love and family, but also car chases, tommy guns and All-Irelands. Joe also prescribes a surprising cure for Dion’s boredom. This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% o...
Aug 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 126
As people are sentenced to years in prison for their part in the riots, what is the real purpose of the pogroms? There are those who will say it is a cry for attention from the dispossessed but what do those in control want? On Free State, Dion and Joe look at how countries are being destabilised by astroturf movements designed to seem like community-driven groups. They explore the funding of those like Tommy Robinson who encouraged riots while in a five star hotel in Ayia Napa. They ask why the...
Aug 15, 2024•55 min•Ep. 125
At their best, the Olympics represent all that is good about humanity. For Ireland the Olympics brought an outpouring of spontaneous joy and happiness, at least until the homecoming parade. But the hate and fear that is being weaponised across Ireland and Britain won’t be combated by two weeks in Paris. On Free State, Dion and Joe discuss the far right pogroms and what needs to be done to stop them. While communities have stood up for the marginalised, the Coolock Says No leaders are drinking wi...
Aug 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 124
For Pat Spillane, the golden years with Kerry were about a lot more than winning. The game for him was, in Danny Blanchflower’s words, about glory. It was also, sometimes, about holidays. On part two of his conversation with Joe, Pat recalls the brilliance of Mick O’Dwyer, how he motivated a team of geniuses and the lock-ins across the north that were a central part of Kerry’s challenge matches. This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% of...
Aug 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 123
This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% off and free shipping by using code freestate20 Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 06, 2024•39 min•Ep. 122
From Croke Park to the Olympics, the boys of Armagh have been making their mark. Like Daniel Wiffen, Joe is a former pupil of St Pat’s in Armagh and naturally he has his own accomplishments to add to the honours board. Including one few people felt they needed to know. Joe also explains why Armagh’s All Ireland is so important and considers how much credit Kieran McGeeney deserves for the triumph. This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% ...
Aug 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 121
Unforgettable things have happened here. These words were used to describe the history of West Cork but they also could be a fitting description of the history created in Croke Park by Armagh. But some people don’t see it that way. On Free State today, Joe and Dion ask why certain unionist politicians can’t lead. In Armagh a PSNI officer faces sanction for flying an Armagh flag from his patrol car. This was a joyous act which would be unremarked upon nearly anywhere else. Why are unionist leader...
Jul 30, 2024•47 min•Ep. 120
Is there hope for America and the world if Kamala Harris becomes president? Or is the deterioration in the US terminal? On this episode of Free State, Joe talks to Dion about the Joe Biden he knows, how he can never forgive him for what is happening in Gaza and why Biden resisted leaving for so long because he knows no other life outside politics. There is a now a chance that Donald Trump will be defeated but there are more important orangemen on Joe’s mind this week. Ahead of Sunday’s All-Irela...
Jul 25, 2024•49 min•Ep. 119
America has Donald Trump’s Republican convention; Ireland has the All-Ireland hurling final. America has Hulk Hogan; Ireland has Tony Kelly. On Free State, Dion and Joe discuss the cultural importance of the All-Ireland final. What is it that makes hurling compelling? Why is sport at its most powerful such an important unifying force? As Joe Biden departs, America is more divided than ever. On All-Ireland final day we are reminded of what connects us, it is a day when even Cork people are welcom...
Jul 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 118
As tricolours burned on the bonfires in the north before the Twelfth of July, the Irish far right stayed silent. What does that tell us about their allegiances? Why are there so many Israel flags flying in loyalist areas in the north? What does that tell us about their allegiances? On Free State, Dion and Joe look at what is next for unionism as their world shrinks. How much longer can they be defined by what they don’t like? And, after the GB News live coverage of the Twelfth, the boys wonder w...
Jul 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 117
Across Ireland, people celebrated when Spain beat England in the Euros final. Even Dion was happy, but a few were appalled at the carry on. On Free State today, Joe and Dion wonder why people are still policing celebrations and examine England’s failings, cultural and sporting. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has been called a crossroads for America. The reality is different. There may be no turning back for America. Joe and Dion discuss why Joe Biden can’t win the election. Those wh...
Jul 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 116
When Keir Starmer visited Northern Ireland, it was a moment when it was possible to believe that things will start moving again. Casement Park will be built, maybe in time for the Euros in 2028 and the childish stunts of the recent past might not be tolerated with Hilary Benn as Secretary of State. Joe talks about why it’s important to distinguish between a politician like Gregory Campbell and honourable unionists. Joe explains why the SDLP would run a candidate against Sinn Fein even if it mean...
Jul 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 115
In France, the far right have been rejected. In Britain, the Conservatives are gone. Keir Starmer visited the north this week and there is a new hope in Ireland that change is coming. But what about Derry? In Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the fall of the House of Paisley (and Mickey Harte). What do the election results tell us about Northern Ireland? And Joe explains why the election of one MP signals the end of the old destructive ways of doing politics. This episode of Free State is s...
Jul 09, 2024•42 min•Ep. 114
Sport is too important to fall into the hands of cultural vandals. The death of Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh was a reminder of the role sport plays in Irish life. Nothing elevates a community like sporting joy and community is central to all that is good in Irish life. On Free State, Joe and Dion look at how sport has been turned into a commodity. From Buenos Aires to Bellaghy, sport has had the joy removed. Who, apart from Mickey Harte, is to blame? This episode of Free State is sponsored by Mansca...
Jul 04, 2024•31 min•Ep. 113
What is wrong with Gaelic football? Joe insisted that Dion watch the All Ireland quarter finals last weekend and will he ever forgive him? On Free State, Joe reflects on the decline and fall of Dublin and explains what they need to do next. Joe and Dion also remember Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Joe recalls his days training with him in Dublin. They also ask a critical question in these troubled times: when were white shoes first worn in Mayo? This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped...
Jul 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 112
What is your greatest fear? How much do we all dread humiliation? Derry were humiliated three times in the championship but are still alive. They’ve been to the bottom. Now, the only way is up and they have nothing left to fear. On Free State today Joe and Dion look ahead to Derry’s game against Kerry and what may be another upset. Are Derry now All-Ireland contenders? Could Kerry be upset by another northern team. And Dion explains why, as a member of the Kerry diaspora, he doesn’t need to get ...
Jun 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 111
How much credit does Mickey Harte deserve for Derry’s win over Mayo? On Free State, Joe tells Dion how Derry pulled off what many felt was the shock of the season. Was it really a shock? Joe didn’t think so and neither did the local rat catcher in Mayo. Dion wonders if Mayo are like the Scottish football team but Joe explains why they’re more like England. And who are the snipers Mickey Harte is talking about? This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/...
Jun 25, 2024•37 min•Ep. 110
At the American Ambassador’s residence in Dublin last week, there was an extraordinary event. Many of the main architects of the peace process gathered to talk about how it was done and what the world can learn from it as the horrors of Gaza continue. Joe was among the invited audience and it reminded him of a time when politicians were serious. On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at the recent election results. What do they mean for Sinn Féin and the country? As Nigel Farage hijacks the U.K....
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 109
Will Joe be wearing a half and half scarf when Mayo play Derry? On Free State, Joe explains to Dion why he will be desperate for a Derry win when the two counties play. He remembers his many memorable encounters with the great Brian Mullins, one of which ended with Joe promising to seek professional help. He didn’t follow up on this promise. This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% off and free shipping by using code freestate20 Free Stat...
Jun 18, 2024•39 min•Ep. 108
As Derry fall apart under Mickey Harte, what are those closest to the squad saying? Who else - if anyone- is responsible for the fall in recent months? On Free State, it’s Mickey Harte week with a forensic analysis of where it went wrong at Derry and if anything can be done to save their summer. Dion also triggers Joe by mentioning a name that may upset him even more than Mickey Harte. A beautiful partnership hangs by a thread… This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://...
Jun 13, 2024•30 min•Ep. 107
Who will Mickey Harte blame next? Was it inevitable that it would fall apart at Derry? On Free State today, Joe and Dion talk about the fall and fall of Mickey Harte. Joe explains why Harte is an intruder in the county and how it went to pieces. They look at why the Derry County Board have betrayed the values of the GAA by bringing Harte in. But a county like Offaly with their rock ‘n’ roll U-20 hurlers have captured its essence. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Producti...
Jun 11, 2024•32 min•Ep. 106
Gideon Levy says he is an Israeli patriot. But he is a patriot in a land where truth is seen as treason. In Part 2 of his Free State interview, Gideon Levy provides a frightening insight into Israel today. As Israeli government censorship looks to silence the truth about Gaza, he tells Joe and Dion what happens to those who write honestly about the plight of the Palestinians. He talks about how in Tel Aviv recently, a woman on the street called him a traitor. And he explains why the removal of B...
Jun 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 105
When Gideon Levy was a teenager growing up in Israel he was devoted to the ‘nationalistic religious orgy’ in the country. Today, as a journalist working for Haaretz, he has been described as the ‘most hated man in Israel’. His fearless determination to record the suffering of the Palestinians has seen him banned from reporting in Gaza by the Israeli government since 2006. On a two part special, Gideon Levy joins Dion and Joe on Free State. He talks about how, even as the atrocities mount in Rafa...
Jun 04, 2024•35 min•Ep. 104
As a young man, he fled the racism of Louisiana. His father could take no more: violence or exile was the next step. He began what at first was an unpromising basketball career before becoming the most inspirational leader in the history of the NBA. On the final part of The Captain Class, Joe and Dion look at the extraordinary life of Bill Russell. Russell was the man who shaped the Boston Celtics even as he was being racially abused by his own fans. He had no interest in fame or the trappings o...
May 30, 2024•38 min•Ep. 103
When Leinster missed a drop goal in the final seconds of the European final were they just unlucky? Or were they, like Mayo, missing chances or losing three finals in a row because something fundamental was missing? On Free State today, Joe and Dion continue their exploration of the great teams and captains in sport. Is team spirit just an illusion glimpsed in victory or is there another reason why these team succeed and others experience relative failure? They look at what the great teams had i...
May 28, 2024•49 min•Ep. 102
Roy Keane drove Manchester United and Ireland on through the force of his personality. He was the most important player in Alex Ferguson’s side but was he a man apart or the invisible essence of the team? On Free State today, Joe and Dion debate Roy Keane and where he belongs in the captain class. They look at those who led a different way, who didn’t let heart attacks or jibes about being a water-carrier stop them leading. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in ...
May 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 101
What is it that unites the greatest teams in sport? What is the factor that ensures a team remains successful over a prolonged period? When the American journalist Sam Walker began to study the greatest teams in sport, he found a common denominator that shocked him. On Free State today, Joe and Dion discuss Walker’s book The Captain Class and the individuals who drove the greatest teams, even if, in one case, it resulted in his testicle being ripped out. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanni...
May 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 100
The Ulster final was a study in winning and losing. A perfect example of the question everyone in sport has wrestled with for generations: what makes one team win and another team lose? What makes one team confident as they reach the dying moments of a game while another becomes tense, tight and anxious? What separates Dublin from Mayo or Donegal from Armagh? What distinguishes Alex Ferguson from David Moyes? On Free State today, Dion and Joe look at the difference between winning and losing. Jo...
May 16, 2024•47 min•Ep. 99
