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    Jungle Book. The essential survival guide for Gaelic footballers. Featuring Brian Mullins and an All Star cast

    enJune 18, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Challenges on the road and affordable solutionsLife on the road presents unexpected challenges, but affordable solutions like Mint Mobile's wireless plans can help ease the burden. Honesty and honor are crucial in reporting and resolving conflicts.

      Life on the road, as presented in Roundabout season 2, comes with its unexpected challenges, from being timed at rest stops to encountering past conflicts. Meanwhile, in a different context, Mint Mobile offers a solution to the rising costs of living with affordable wireless plans. Ryan Reynolds' humorous approach to advertising showcases the company's commitment to affordability. In the podcast, there's a discussion about an old conflict between two individuals, Dick and Fergal, which led to a heated moment captured on camera. The incident caused controversy, and the speaker was critical of Dick's actions. The aftermath of the incident led to a conversation about honesty and honor in media reporting. Overall, the podcast and Mint Mobile's offer highlight the importance of facing challenges head-on and finding solutions to everyday problems.

    • Unexpected kindness from formidable figuresFormidable figures can surprise us with their compassionate side, revealing the importance of looking beyond someone's exterior and recognizing their complexities and vulnerabilities.

      Even the strongest and most formidable figures can have a kind and compassionate side. Brian Mullins, a legendary Gaelic football player known for his physicality, surprised Joe by lifting him up against a wall during a chance encounter. Instead of causing harm, Brian expressed concern for Joe's wellbeing and encouraged him to seek help for his mental health issues. This unexpected act of kindness and understanding from a man known for his intimidating presence highlights the importance of looking beyond someone's exterior and recognizing their complexities and vulnerabilities.

    • Football team dynamicsUnconventional methods of motivation, like roughhousing between a manager and player, can lead to successful team dynamics and improved performance.

      Brian, a football team manager, had an unusual but intense relationship with one of his players, Joe. Unlike how he behaved with other team members, Brian would frequently grab and roughhouse with Joe during games, creating a unique bond between them. This relationship was not bullying in nature, but rather a lack of barriers or boundaries. Brian's actions were a way of motivating Joe and ensuring his focus during intense matches. The anecdotes shared illustrate the intensity and raw honesty of their connection. Despite the unconventional methods, the results on the field were successful, with the team performing exceptionally well. This unusual dynamic between Brian and Joe ultimately contributed to their team's success in the 1983 All-Ireland championship.

    • Leadership and loyaltyDuring challenging times, staying loyal to a manager and maintaining belief in their ability to lead can revitalize a struggling sports team.

      Loyalty and integrity are crucial in leadership, especially during challenging times for a sports team. The speaker expressed deep disappointment in their team's performance against a lower-ranked opponent and emphasized the importance of staying loyal to their manager, Colm O'Rourke, despite the team's struggles. They acknowledged that performance is related to pay and that managers have different strengths and weaknesses. However, they believed that a change in tactics or approach could have revitalized the team and boosted morale. The speaker used the examples of Donegal and Cork to illustrate the importance of maintaining belief and not letting a single loss derail the team's goals. Ultimately, they emphasized that a manager who knows the team and inspires faith is essential for a team's success.

    • Leadership in sportsPeople have varying perspectives on leadership in sports, from the importance of making the most of one's home to the role of managers and their performance.

      People have different perspectives and expectations when it comes to leadership, especially in sports. Michelle Norris, a podcast host, shared her excitement about attending the All-Ireland football game with her friends, expressing her pride in their team and her anticipation of their victory. She also emphasized the importance of making the most of one's home, whether physically present or not, through services like Airbnb. Meanwhile, the discussion touched on the topic of infant formula and the lack of innovation in the industry. The speakers questioned why companies don't use organic grass-fed whole milk, the latest breast milk science, or run their own clinical trials. They eventually founded ByHeart to create a better formula for formula-fed infants. The conversation then shifted to the role of managers in sports teams. The speaker expressed his admiration for Mickey Hart, Mayo's manager, despite some backlash from locals due to his outsider status. He acknowledged the contradiction in the modern GAA, where people demand high standards from paid managers but can be hypocritical towards local dairy farmers who manage teams. Ultimately, the speaker believed that one should judge managers based on their performance and commercial standards. Throughout the discussion, the importance of loyalty, expectations, and performance in leadership emerged as key themes.

    • GAA and Irish cultureThe GAA goes beyond sports, deeply rooted in Irish culture and identity. Criticism towards teams and managers is common when they're not successful, and the GAA represents community, tradition, and pride.

      The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) and its importance to communities in Ireland goes beyond just sports. The discussion highlights how deeply rooted the GAA is in Irish culture and identity. Peter Canavan's behavior towards Derry and its football team was seen as hypocritical and disrespectful by the speaker. The speaker emphasizes that when a team or its manager is doing well, it is easier for the community to accept them, but when they are not, there is criticism. The speaker's lack of interest in Gaelic football, coming from someone with a rich football background, was also a topic of surprise and confusion. The speaker also shares his experience of watching the English media's coverage of football and how it can influence fans' loyalties. Ultimately, the GAA is more than just a game; it's a symbol of community, tradition, and pride.

    • Innovation and adaptation in industriesThe infant formula industry could benefit from more natural and scientifically advanced methods, as demonstrated by the creation of Byheart, a company prioritizing these aspects.

      The importance of innovation and adaptation, as demonstrated by the discussion about making golf balls aerodynamic and the creation of Byheart, a better infant formula. The hosts also shared amusing anecdotes about rest stops and their personal experiences. However, the most intriguing part of the episode was the critique of the infant formula industry and the question of why companies don't use more natural and scientifically advanced methods in their products. The hosts posed several thought-provoking questions and offered a solution by introducing Byheart, a company that prioritizes these aspects. Overall, this episode showcased the value of questioning the status quo and striving for improvement.

    Recent Episodes from Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning

    Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Derry, from Death Row to Croke Park. Part 2

    Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Derry, from Death Row to Croke Park. Part 2

    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 sucked into Joe’s mind games .


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    From death row to Croke Park. Derry, Mayo and milking the cows in Killala Part 1.

    From death row to Croke Park. Derry, Mayo and milking the cows in Killala Part 1.

    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/ 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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    The Irish Elections: How the elites persuade sheep to vote for wolves.

    The Irish Elections: How the elites persuade sheep to vote for wolves.

    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. election, has the far right in Ireland done something similar? Is the country heading down the same road as Britain and the US?


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Jungle Book. The essential survival guide for Gaelic footballers. Featuring Brian Mullins and an All Star cast

    Jungle Book. The essential survival guide for Gaelic footballers. Featuring Brian Mullins and an All Star cast

    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 State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.


    For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Mickey Harte, football manager. Oh Lord it’s so Harte to be humble, Part 2

    Mickey Harte, football manager. Oh Lord it’s so Harte to be humble, Part 2

    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://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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com


    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



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    ‘Oh Lord, it’s so Harte to be humble.’ Part 1

    ‘Oh Lord, it’s so Harte to be humble.’ Part 1

    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 Production in association with SwanMcG.


    For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com


    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



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    The unbearable agony of Palestine. Part 2. With Gideon Levy

    The unbearable agony of Palestine. Part 2. With Gideon Levy

    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 Benjamin Netanyahu from office is not going to deliver the change many liberals believe.


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    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 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 Rafah, Israeli society doesn’t want to know. He explains why many in the country care more about the fate of animals than those suffering in Gaza. He also tells Joe and Dion about his own journey from one who believed all he was told in Israel about the Palestinians to a man who courageously tells the truth in a country that doesn’t want to hear it.


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Big Bad Bill. The greatest captain of them all. Captain Class Part 4.

    Big Bad Bill. The greatest captain of them all. Captain Class Part 4.

    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 of celebrity but as a captain he found a higher purpose for himself and his team.


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Are Leinster cursed or just losers? What causes great teams to become serial failures? Captain Class Part 3

    Are Leinster cursed or just losers? What causes great teams to become serial failures? Captain Class Part 3

    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 in common, the factor that drove them towards relentless success and why luck had nothing to do with it.


    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/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.