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Artwork for The week that really was

The week that really was

John McGuirk, Sarah Ryan
Ireland
Sinn Féin
Coolock
Fine Gael
Fianna Fáil
Crotty Case
Irish Government Spending
Natasha O'brien
Olympic Opening Ceremony
Irish Media
European Elections
Kamala Harris
Joe Biden
Irish Government
Single-Sex Schools
Public Services
Ukrainian Refugees
Health Service
Education System
Javier Milei

The Week That Really Was" offers a different and distinctive take on the events of the week of a kind that you won't find anywhere else in Ireland. It is presented by Gript Media Editor John McGuirk, and Barrister at Law and Media Personality, Sarah Ryan.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes172Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for The week that really was

Latest Episodes

John and Sarah start this week with analysis of the Government's immigration bill: Step forward, or too little too late? Also: Heated debate over that ICE shooting in America, analysis of Sinead Gibney's plan to nationalise X, and Mary McAleese's war... more

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John and Sarah open 2026 with a detailed discussion on how Climate policy drives the enormous cost of living in Ireland and Europe; and how Europe is the only place on earth where Governments seek to make things more expensive. Also: Musk's AI porn, ... more

YouTube

With John still away, Sarah is joined by Keith Redmond (aka Mr. Sarah) to reflect on the turmoil of 2025 and the challenges facing Irish politicians in 2026:

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Sarah returns for the final podcast of 2025, as she and John tuck into the Micheál Martin controversy, the rise of Candace Owens, and why society seems to pathologise normal male sexuality:

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Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Path to PowerMatt Cooper
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The David McWilliams PodcastDavid McWilliams & John Davis
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Callan's KicksRTÉ Radio 1

Recent Guests

Cormac Lucey
Gript Media and Sunday Times columnist
Gript Media, Sunday Times
Episode: Climate, Drones, and migration
Laoise de Brún
Barrister, human rights campaigner, and founder of the Women's Coalition on Immigration
Women's Coalition on Immigration
Episode: Abandoned by the left
Laura Perrins
Writer and former barrister at law, contributor to Gript Media
Gript Media
Episode: Disunited Kingdom
Karl Rove
Former senior advisor to President George W. Bush
Episode: Trump v Harris: Karl Rove predicts the election

Hosts

John McGuirk
Editor of Gript Media and popular host known for his critical take on Irish politics and social issues.
Sarah Ryan
Barrister at Law and Media Personality, recognized for her engaging discussions on women's rights and immigration issues.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 150 ratings
  • Best Irish podcast for news and insider info, great connection between hosts!

    John and Sarah are fantastic hosts, supplying each week a witty, insightful and refreshing take on the weeks current events. One of my every Friday evening listens!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    briocheperdu
    France5 months ago
  • One sided garbage

    A total waste of time.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Awozab
    United States6 months ago
  • Ozempic + Ozempic = Vacuity

    Ballybay meets Fianna Fáil fail. Don’t linger for enlightenment 🤡

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nuacht6
    Ireland7 months ago
  • Media Drained!!

    You’ve both done media training, you need to get your money back!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nuacht6
    Irelanda year ago
  • Audible Atrocity

    It don’t get any better

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nuacht6
    Ireland2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some criticism exists regarding perceived biases in coverage or dissatisfaction with the political perspectives presented.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and often humorous take on current events, making it a favored choice for those looking for alternative perspectives in news.
Overall, the interaction between the hosts is recognized as engaging and thought-provoking, contributing to a loyal listener base.

Chart Rankings

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

YouTube
#47
Ireland/Popular Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#232
Ireland/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Martin Nolan Country
Q: What is DPP versus Loving?
DPP versus Loving is a case that set a precedent stating individuals cannot receive custodial sentences for possession of child pornography if it's their first offense and they are not distributing it.
Trump v Harris: Karl Rove predicts the election
Q: What's the importance of voter turnout in key states like Pennsylvania?
Rove emphasizes that the winner in Pennsylvania will become a favorite, focusing on turnout and shifts in suburban voting.
Trump v Harris: Karl Rove predicts the election
Q: Do you think the polling reflects actual voter sentiment?
Rove believes polling might be reflective of 2020 divisions, but it truly is too close to call, and surprises could arise.
Trump v Harris: Karl Rove predicts the election
Q: Who's going to win and why?
Karl Rove expresses uncertainty, stating he's never seen a race like this and emphasizes the close and fluctuating nature of the competition.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The week that really was

What is The week that really was about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on a variety of current events, especially political issues affecting Ireland. Episodes often feature discussions that critique government policies, examine immigration, and explore the implications of recent political changes. The hosts highlight the impact of national and international events on everyday life, providing listeners with insights that challenge mainstream narratives. With a unique blend of humor and analysis, the discussions encourage listeners to consider alternative perspectives, making it particularly appealing for those interested in Irish politics and social issues.

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To see how many followers or subscribers The week that really was has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The week that really was?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The week that really was:

1. Path to Power
2. Gript Media Podcasts
3. Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan
4. The David McWilliams Podcast
5. Callan's Kicks

How many episodes of The week that really was are there?

The week that really was launched 3 years ago and published 172 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 week that really was?

Recent guests on The week that really was include:

1. Cormac Lucey
2. Laoise de Brún
3. Laura Perrins
4. Karl Rove

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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