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The Good Listener Podcast

John Hadden
IRA
The Troubles
Northern Ireland
INLA
Dublin Monaghan Bombings
RUC
Hunger Strike
British Army
Good Friday Agreement
Belfast
Prison Conditions
UVF
Bloody Sunday
Psychological Trauma
Northern Ireland Conflict
SAS
Political Prisoners
UDA
Martin Mcguinness
Ballygally Bus Attack

An interview podcast

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes129Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & CultureTrue Crime

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Artwork for The Good Listener Podcast

Latest Episodes

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In this clip from our upcoming episode, historian and author, Dr. Gareth Mulvenna talks about some of the myths and half-truths that surround the Shankill Butchers, a group of UVF members who terrorized Belfast's catholic community ... more

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Retired Garda (Irish police) John O' Brien joins us once again, this time to discuss his career as a police officer during the most dangerous times in recent Irish history.

He tells us about his posting in "the south" along the bor... more

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Christopher “Pinta” McKnight grew up in Derry’s Bogside as this city erupted in violence and as a 15 year old boy he lied about his age and joined the Provisional IRA. Chris talks to us about his life in the IRA which included movin... more

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Stuart Griffiths is an ex-british paratrooper who was stationed in Belfast and East Tyrone during the late 80s/early 90s. His book “Pigs Disco” explores the sub-culture of hard dr*g use in his regiment including LSD and other substa... more

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Recent Guests

Stu Griffiths
Ex-paratrooper and author of Pigs Disco
Former British Army, Parachute Regiment
Episode: FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Paul Wilson
Subject of the episode; discusses his father's death and the Kenova investigation
Episode: Son Of Stakeknife Victim Speaks Out | Paul Wilson On Father's PIRA M*rder & His Search For Answers
Eamon McAuley
Author and former boxer sharing his story about growing up in Ardoyne during the Troubles
Episode: FIGHTING TO FIND PEACE | Eamon McAuley's Story - Growing Up In Ardoyne During The Troubles
Ali Watkins
Author and journalist specializing in Irish American history
Author of 'This Next One's For You'
Episode: The IRA's Secret American Army | How Irish America Armed The Provos & How The FBI/ATF Took Them Down
Ciaran Shiels
Solicitor representing the families of the Bloody Sunday victims
Madden & Finucane
Episode: WILL BLOODY SUNDAY'S "SOLDIER F" BE CONVICTED ? | Human Rights Lawyer Lays Out The Case
Chris Mullin
Author of 'Error of Judgment' and former Member of Parliament
Episode: BRITAIN'S BIGGEST MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE ? | The Story Of The Birmingham 6 | Chris Mullin
Joe Lynsky
A former monk turned IRA officer, involved in a notorious murder case during The Troubles.
IRA
Episode: MEETING "THE DISAPPEARED" - Irish Priest Gives (Last?) Confession To M*rdered IRA Man, Joe Lynsky
Martin McGuinness
Former IRA member and politician, significant figure during the Troubles in Northern Ireland
Sinn Féin
Episode: MARTIN McGUINNESS & The DERRY IRA | Jon Trigg (Author of "Death In Derry") | The Troubles
Patrick Crinnion
An MI6 spy embedded within the Garda, involved in significant intelligence operations during the Troubles.
Episode: Mi6 SPY In Garda Special Branch | Patrick Crinnion & How Mi6 nearly Brought Down The Irish Govt.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 120 ratings
  • Factual and non biased

    John has an incredible rapport with those on both sides of the conflict and isn’t afraid to ask important questions that the world needs to hear. By far the most intriguing and interesting podcast I subscribe to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tigeretic154
    United Kingdom22 days ago
  • Paddy

    Brilliant listening

    Coming from the south midlands, the war / Troubles were of little consequence

    Unfortunately our collective governments were pretty feeble

    All talk little action

    Love what he said about Smuggling Did that border run a few times mostly machinery

    Drove a combine harvester across the day that Owen Carron was elected after Bobby Sands Murder by old Maggie

    Went to Nz in the mid seventies and met a lot of lads from that part of the country

    Sad that it had to happen

    It would ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PaddysNo2
    Australia2 months ago
  • Good guests poor host

    I’ve only recently started to listen to the podcast and the quality of guests is great. A wide range from all sides but the podcast host needs to do a little more research, his historical knowledge is very poor. In one instance with with an ira b*** maker he didn’t know the relevance of the 12th July. I’m sorry John you seem like a lovely man but please learn a bit more history there’s been a few instances I just expect a bit more knowledge.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    PIrish90
    Irelanda year ago
  • Great

    A great series of podcasts, 5 stars

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dw9600
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Hidden Gem

    A great podcast if you’re interested in The Troubles! Lots of interviews with a range of people involved, each one given plenty of time to express themselves and explain their stories fully!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    canceloksend
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise balanced, long-form interviews with a mix of perspectives.
Some feedback notes host knowledge could be stronger on certain historical details.
Guests are consistently strong and engaging, with deep dives into sensitive topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Q: What role did reconciliation conversations play later in your career, and how do you feel about revisiting the past?
Reconciliation work has been complex and sometimes unsettling; I've found value in dialogue but also guard myself against being defined by past events, aiming instead to move forward through creative expression.
FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Q: How has your perspective on PTSD evolved since leaving the military and becoming an author and musician?
PTSD is a persistent, evolving issue; writing and music help me organize and heal, while acknowledging the ongoing struggle and the need for honest conversations about mental health.
FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Q: How did the Joyrider incident shape your feelings about the actions you took?
It caused moral injury; I questioned whether taking a life in that moment was right, recognizing that a line had been crossed in my sense of self and duty.
FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Q: What was the most challenging moment on patrol in West Belfast, and how did you cope with it?
The constant threat from booby traps and snipers created a nervous energy; coping involved discipline, humor, and mental preparation, with a later emphasis on seeking healthier ways to process trauma.
FEAR & LOATHING IN TROUBLES-BELFAST | LSD, Riots & Solidering in The IRA's Backyard | Stu Griffiths
Q: What did the Pigs Disco nights represent to you at the time, and how did LSD amplify what was happening there?
They were a fragile mix of bravado and vulnerability, where alcohol and sex collided with fear and peer pressure; LSD intensified the mood and exposed how much control was slipping into a chaotic, dangerous atmosphere.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Good Listener Podcast

What is The Good Listener Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This interview-focused series consistently centers on conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Troubles, and related historical and political events. Episodes blend first-hand narratives from former combatants, journalists, legal experts, and researchers with deep dives into controversial investigations, state actions, and peace processes. Listeners are likely drawn to rigorous storytelling, archival detail, and nuanced perspectives that examine violence, memory, accountability, and reconciliation. A standout aspect is the breadth of guest backgrounds—from former soldiers and prisoners to legal advocates and historians—delivering long-form conversations that encourage empathy while challenging simple narratives.

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How many listeners does The Good Listener Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Good Listener Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Good Listener Podcast:

1. The Troubles Podcast
2. The BelTel
3. Crime World
4. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning
5. Give My Head Podcast

How many episodes of The Good Listener Podcast are there?

The Good Listener Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 129 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Good Listener Podcast?

Recent guests on The Good Listener Podcast include:

1. Stu Griffiths
2. Paul Wilson
3. Eamon McAuley
4. Ali Watkins
5. Ciaran Shiels
6. Chris Mullin
7. Joe Lynsky
8. Martin McGuinness

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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