Free State is a podcast for the curious that stimulates, provokes, challenges and entertains, while never taking itself too seriously. Free State covers topics from sport to politics, love to loss, the human condition and how to fix the world, with guests from across the planet including Nigerian princes, former Prime Ministers, ex convicts, footballers, boxers and extraordinary people from every walk of life. Free State is presented by Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning. Brolly is a barrister, an ...
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Love God. Love others. Change the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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True stories, told live - from the Free State Story Slam in Lawrence, Kansas.
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The official home for audio programming from Cowboys Ride for Free, SB Nation's community for fans of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. #GoPokes
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Poisonous Patriotism: Lords, Anthems & broken lives
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The Tánaiste Micheál Martin condemned the booing of God Save The King by Irish fans before Ireland played England on Saturday. The Daily Mail called for England manager Lee Carsley to be sacked before the game because he said he wouldn’t sing the anthem. On Free State today, Joe and Dion wonder why this plastic patriotism is indulged and why real p…
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What is more rewarding? Winning or glory? If you are Donald Trump or the modern GAA coach then nothing matters except winning. But can we as Trump said, get tired of winning? Is the story of the coalman’s son, Tommy Loughran, the moment when people had enough? On Free State today, Joe and Dion talk about the decision to give a marking job on Tommy …
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From Elon to Enoch: The entrepreneurs of hate
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Enoch Burke is in jail again. He is unwavering in his beliefs but is he a pawn in other people’s games? On Free State, Dion and Joe look at foot soldiers like Enoch Burke and what they are doing for their beliefs. Brazil has banned X as they attempt to protect their country. Elon Musk insists free speech is the cornerstone of democracy but is free …
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Will they ever get tired of walking backwards? Kicking the Brits out, Part 2
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On August 31, 1994, the Provisional IRA announced that “there will be a complete cessation of military operations. All our units have been instructed accordingly”. It was a statement that brought joy, tears and relief to so many in Northern Ireland who had endured violence. So much that would follow came from the ceasefire and the delicate negotiat…
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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 a…
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Keep a light at the window. The rise and fall of Douglas Beattie
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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…
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Tommy guns, car chases & All Irelands. The life and times of a great Irish man.
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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…
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Drinking with Loyalists, Part 2. Conor McGregor is not at war. While he sails his yacht in the Med, it’s your kids who go to prison.
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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 communi…
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Drinking with Loyalists, Part 1. Ulster (and Coolock) says No
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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 r…
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The surprising truth about Pat Spillane, part 2
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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 w…
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The surprising truth about Pat Spillane, part 1
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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 inf…
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Celebrating Sam with the Orangemen: Part 2
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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 muc…
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Cups, cops and complainers. Celebrating Sam with the Orangemen
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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 sanc…
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The Boys from the County Armagh. Some Orangemen have culture.
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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. …
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The GAA is more important than money. For everything else there’s Mastercard.
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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 …
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Big hair, bowler hats & bonfires. Can Orangemen survive the modern world?
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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 th…
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Crosshairs and Crossbars: Trump’s Close Call & Southgate’s England Misfire
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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 crossroad…
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Never say never again part 2. What we talk about when we don’t talk about Joe Biden
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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 …
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Never say never again, part 1. The fall of the House of Paisley (and Harte)
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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 Northe…
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And then there were four, part 2. The football factory - how science is replacing humans with robots.
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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…
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And then there were four, Part 1: The last days of the Dublin empire.
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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. The…
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Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Derry, from Death Row to Croke Park. Part 2
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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 Al…
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From death row to Croke Park. Derry, Mayo and milking the cows in Killala Part 1.
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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 …
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The Irish Elections: How the elites persuade sheep to vote for wolves.
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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…
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Jungle Book. The essential survival guide for Gaelic footballers. Featuring Brian Mullins and an All Star cast
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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 e…
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Mickey Harte, football manager. Oh Lord it’s so Harte to be humble, Part 2
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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 …
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‘Oh Lord, it’s so Harte to be humble.’ Part 1
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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 …
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The unbearable agony of Palestine. Part 2. With Gideon Levy
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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…
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The unbearable agony of Palestine. Part 1. With Gideon Levy
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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 Israel…
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Big Bad Bill. The greatest captain of them all. Captain Class Part 4.
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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.…
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Are Leinster cursed or just losers? What causes great teams to become serial failures? Captain Class Part 3
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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…
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The Roy Keane Conundrum - The Captain Class Part 2
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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 did…
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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 i…
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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 f…
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Superman. An American football story. Joe Klecko, quarter back killer
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Joe Klecko always had mayhem on his mind. Klecko, the legendary defensive linemen for the New York Jets, is regarded as the strongest man in the history of American Football. When Joe Klecko was inducted into the Hall of Fame, he invited Joe Brolly to Cleveland to be part of the event. On Free State today, Joe Klecko talks to Joe about his life on …
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Roger Casement’s executioner described him as ‘the bravest man it fell to my unhappy lot to execute’. In part 2 of a special Free State on Casement, his biographer Roland Philipps explains the doomed and heroic final act of Casement’s life when he was driven by an obsessive desire for Irish freedom. He talks to Dion and Joe about the love affair wh…
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Roger Casement And The Temple Of Doom Part 1
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When Roger Casement was hanged in Pentonville Prison in 1916, he died an Irish hero and a traitor to the British Empire. On Banna Strand in 2016, President Higgins described Casement as “not just a great Irish patriot, he was also one of the great humanitarians of the early 20th century”. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the many lives of …
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What drives Jim McGuinness? Why does he inspire such devotion and how does he command such loyalty? On Free State, Joe explains his own complicated relationship with Jim McGuinness. In a world where GAA managers are conformist and conservative, McGuinness is a man apart. Is this why he was able to dismantle Derry? And Joe reveals what he was shouti…
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Anyone For the Last Few Choc Ices? The Life and Turbulent Times of Christy Moore. Part 3
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Christy Moore has been a giant in Irish life. In the final part of the Free State special he talks to Joe and Dion about the songs and the people who have guided him along the way. He plays the songs whose success surprised him and he talks about the ones that were censored. What word led the BBC to ban ‘St Brendan’s Voyage’? How did a review of ‘T…
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They Never Came Home. The Life and Turbulent Times of Christy Moore. Part 2
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When the Stardust Families were on their own, Christy Moore stood with them. On Part 2 of the Free State Special, Christy Moore remembers the dark days of the tragedy in 1981. When Christy found himself in court in 1985 charged with contempt because of one line in his song about the fire ‘They Never Came Home’, the Stardust Families stood with him.…
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Don’t Forget your shovel if you want to go to Tulsk. The life and turbulent times of Christy Moore. Part 1
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Christy Moore has been the voice of the nation for more than fifty years. Christy has been on the side of the underdog, called out the establishment and has never taken a backward step. In the first part of a Free State special, Christy Moore joins Dion and Joe to reflect on his extraordinary life. Christy recalls his own parents’ time in politics,…
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When it comes to a united Ireland, economists might know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Except they’re not even sure of the price. On Free State, Dion and Joe consider the report which said a united Ireland could cost €20 million a year for 20 years and look at all it didn’t say. Are these numbers being used to scare voters in th…
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United Ireland or Bust? Till debt do us part.
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Ireland’s new Taoiseach Simon Harris says he belongs to a generation more familiar with Berlin and Paris than Belfast or Derry. To the Irish citizens of Belfast and Derry, it may have been a surprise but not a shock to hear the Taoiseach speak of them as if they were a strange and distant people. Or maybe they’ll be relieved he didn’t say Londonder…
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Jurgen Klopp, Mickey Harte and the real glory in the GAA
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The power of the GAA is best seen when the people who are its lifeblood support a cause. The sense of a community united for the greater good is what makes the GAA different and special. On Free State, Joe and Dion talk about how the GAA makes a difference and why it contrasts with the one-way street of fandom in the Premier League. Joe explains th…
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The GAA & The Wall Of Love. Birth, life, death, funeral expenses & why an English statistics professor was “blown away”
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The Late Late Show special on the GAA demonstrated what makes the association special. The people and the communities are where the real glory is found in the GAA, not in the fleeting fame of All-Irelands A UK academic currently studying the GAA spoke of how the association ‘blew his mind’. On Free State today, Joe talks to Dion about how it felt t…
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They were “young, dumb and full of c**”. The ambitious young men who became traders in the city of London would have been drug dealers if they grew up where Gary Stevenson grew up. And the drug dealers would have been traders if they’d gone to the same public schools as the people he worked with in Canary Wharf. On Free State today Gary Stevenson t…
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Trading My Soul: The Man Who Blew Up the Financial System
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Gary Stevenson was once the most profitable trader in the world for one of the planet’s biggest banks. He was a working class boy from east London who grew up in the shadow of Canary Wharf. He then went to work in the skyscrapers that had loomed over him and promised him escape. Gary made a fortune. But as he made that fortune, he realised that the…
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MIGA: Simon Harris, Making Ireland Great Again
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Simon Harris has risen without trace. Who is he and what he stands for are questions that have rarely been asked. Harris has been described as ‘the white Obama’. He was called the TikTok Taoiseach and hailed as a great communicator. But behind the empty phrases, something is happening in Ireland which needs real leadership. On Free State, Joe and D…
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Politicians, pundits & parakeets. Leo Varadkar and his anticlimactic rise & fall
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Leo Varadkar’s resignation was described as a ‘political earthquake’. Some said the political world had been turned upside down. But beyond the parlour games of the political class, does it matter at all? On Free State, Joe and Dion ask what has Varadkar achieved? Did he lead a government or a pr agency. What does the giddiness surrounding his depa…
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‘Davy Tweed, bloody mother fucking asshole.’ Part 2
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Davy Tweed knew exactly how to control those he abused. He did it in a million different ways, big and small. In Part 2 of her interview on Free State, Amanda Brown recalls how Tweed would dehumanise and humiliate her along with the rest of her family. She tells Dion and Joe how she was isolated and how every one of his victims believed they were u…
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