Jumping on the bandwagon to offer some AMA’s into this sub. Happy to answer any questions about podcasting in general or my specific one.

It’s a bit of a process researching, writing and editing a podcast and I had no idea how much PR you would need to put into it. The PR is easily half the battle. But I was lucky with my niche, there wasn’t many other pods about the troubles.

I’ve got around 2 million downloads which is quite good for a solo podcast with no backing from media organisations. To compare, the likes of Blindlboy has around 50 million downloads, so I’m a fair bit away from the bigger pods!

I have around 45 episode released at the moment and will be releasing a new season in January. The podcast is making money thanks to advertising and support from Patreon but I’m still juggling a full time job with it.

There is potential to go full time, but it takes a lot of time and work and I haven’t had a great work ethic lately, with my other job taking over a bit, but I am slowly getting back into it.

So yeah, Ama!

\*\*\*EDIT\*\*\* Some are asking for the podcast. It’s called The Troubles Podcast and you can get it everywhere.

Here’s the Spotify Link: [https://open.spotify.com/show/0jRyAztVfR4npzKUeuI3Ah?\_authfailed=1](https://open.spotify.com/show/0jRyAztVfR4npzKUeuI3Ah?_authfailed=1)

And the Apple Podcast Link: [https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-troubles-podcast/id1500971966](https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-troubles-podcast/id1500971966)

34 comments

  1. In 100 years , what do you think the political landscape will look like in Northern Ireland?
    Will it still be a part of the United Kingdom, will it be part of a New Ireland etc…

  2. What is the most harrowing podcast on the troubles you have recorded so far?

    Edit: Program to Podcast

  3. Have you ever had any of your content questioned by political entities ? As in has a party or person ever contacted you about a specific podcast you may have made on a topic related to them?

  5. Excellent podcast, well worth a listen.

    Do you get many accusations of bias from one side or the other? And any topic in particular where this was more prevalent?

  7. Tech question, did you do your own studio/sound setup or get outside help? (equipment/acoustic damping/editing etc).

    Some one-man-band podcasts sound like they were recorded in a bathroom over the phone. Yours sounds quite good.

  8. Editing in links to the pod feeds & your other socials is an idea, to capitalise on traffic from this AMA.

    My question is, what’s your recording and editing set up?

  11. From your study of that period, what do you think is the most misunderstood aspect by people, in Northern Ireland, in the south, or abroad?

  13. How did the British army end up killing so many civilians during the troubles? Aside from Ballymurphy and Bloody Sunday which account for 25 deaths I think, they killed another ~135 civilians

  14. Not a question – just a thanks! Brit living in Cork (married an Irish girl) and obviously was only exposed to British side of media growing up. I devoured the Irish History podcast and also your own in order to understand more than I did. Love your style and balanced approach. Got to say though a few times you’ve almost made me cry on my commute! Thanks again, can’t wait for the new season in January

  15. Hi there, big fan of the podcast. I’ve a few questions if you have the time to answer them.

    When is the new season?

    In regards to Robery Nairac, do you have any theories as to what his fate in the end was? I know you went over some in the podcast, but is there any you subscribe to? Also, what do you make of the Ministry of Denfence documents that linked Nairac to the killing of the Miami Showband?

    Thanks.

  16. Have you thought about doing an episode about the links between both sides and other international organisations? E.g. the IRA and the PLO etc.

    By the way, just want to give the patreon of the podcast a plug. Love the video updates on general troubles related news

  17. Who do you think did better out of the GFA? Unionists or Republicans?

    I suspect the Republicans calculated that a Catholic majority was inevitable and so the GFA would bring a united Ireland anyway.

  18. Just wanted to say I love the podcast. The content is really tough going sometimes – as the NI war is super grim. But you do a great job. Ive learned at lot. Thank you. Do you do any other Podcasts?

  19. You say in one comment that you’re not a journalist or don’t come from that background and then in another comment you show just how much effort and time you put into it, I’d say more than most journalists out there.

    I absolutely love your podcast and tell people to listen to it (when their level of English is good enough) because I get asked all the time to explain the situation in Northern Ireland. I come from Limerick so I didn’t really take much interest other than it was bit dodgy up that way. Now, I’m listening to your podcast and The Irish History Podcast to understand more but it’s so complicated.

    So, that’s my question, can you explain the situation in a concise manner?

  22. Just read the book “Say Nothing”, thought it was superb. Have you read it? Do you discuss the Price sisters on your show?

  23. How are you keeping Oisin?

    I had no idea about this podcast, I’ve always been obsessed with any and all stories from the troubles, delighted to have found it!

    First thing I did was go back to episode 1 and the levels on the audio were off. They seemed low and too quiet. I then went to a recent one and the recording is superb, really cool to see you figured it out over the 2 years!

    Have you ever considered placing the ads later into the audio? The reason I ask is that when I hit play on my phone or on a laptop for a podcast, if I’m instantly hit with an ad or 2, it can be off-putting.

    Q: Have you ever been in touch with Blindboy? I think you’d be a really great interview on his podcast, and it would be great advertising for yours. He loves small independent Irish podcasts, he’d have you on in a second.

  24. Maybe not a great question but it shocked me to learn about the Military Reaction Force only recently.. what are your thoughts on the MRF in Northern Ireland and their alleged organising of paramilitary bombings and do you think their role in the troubles is understated in mainstream discourse/ discussed enough?

  26. No questions, love your podcasts, listened to em all twice.. some of them 3 times.. honestly can’t fault it, your research, delivery and compassion tomthe stories are brilliant.

    Only issue, prob not your fault, the adds come on awfully loud..

  27. Not a question, but I was pointed to your podcast as a first generation American wondering more about his family’s struggles during this time. I love it and it is very well done.

  28. I remember listening to this during lockdown last year. Absolutely brilliant podcast! What inspired you to research/cover the troubles?

  29. I put it on my Spotify playlist. I had a quick listen for narrator quality. It’s very good. Only advice would be to use a little de-esser in the future. The narrator’s voice is excellent but I am sensitive to the sibilance. A de-esser would tame the sibilance without any other noticeable effect.

  31. Oisin!
    I’m from Whitecross.
    It’s a strange one but I want to thank you for the coverage of the Kingsmill Massacre. It was not an easy listen.
    Have you seen the Reavey Brothers movie? Will you have an episode on the Glenanne Gang?

    How do you clear the sadness from your brain when you’re done?

  33. i love your podcast!! for my leaving cert history project I chose the Guildford Four and I had given up on finding unbiased sources when I stumbled upon your podcast. its an understatment to say that you helped me with my project. thank you so much!!! love the pod!

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