In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to BBC presenter and documentary maker Jordan Dunbar about his BBC Sounds documentary 'Blood on the Dancefloor' which examined the life and legacy of Darren Bradshaw, a gay RUC officer who was murdered in a Belfast bar in 1997. The discussion explores the complexities of Darren's story, the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland and how the historical context of the Troubles framed lived experiences. Jordan shares his journey of uncovering Darren's narrative, the challenges faced by the gay community, and the importance of telling these often-overlooked stories. The conversation highlights the evolution of LGBTQ+ narratives in Northern Ireland and the ongoing efforts to commemorate and understand the past. This conversation delves into the complexities surrounding the murder of Darren and the subsequent societal and political ramifications. It explores the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the emotional toll on those involved in telling these stories. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of conflict and the importance of empathy in understanding diverse experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 01:01 The Story of Darren Bradshaw 04:21 Exploring the Gay Scene in Belfast 08:13 The Complexity of Darren's Legacy 12:30 The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Narratives 15:52 Challenges of Being Gay in Northern Ireland 19:02 Witnesses and the Aftermath of Darren's Murder 26:11 The Complexity of Investigating Darren's Murder 27:05 Political Fallout and the Peace Process 29:02 Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception 30:59 The Impact of Public Outing on Family 32:25 Dehumanisation in Media Reporting 35:16 The Struggles of the LGBTQ+ Community 37:10 Empathy and Understanding Through Conflict 39:05 Mental Health and Emotional Impact of Storytelling 41:47 Comparative Analysis of Global Conflicts 45:05 Future Projects and Storytelling Aspirations

WATCH the BBC Spotlight Documentary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xjx6

LISTEN to the BBC Sounds Documentary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0fdqs8p

In this episode Sam and Gareth chat with Billy Hutchinson, former UVF prisoner and former leader of the Progressive Unionist Party. The discussion covers a range of topics including the implications of Brexit on Northern Ireland, the need for unity within unionist parties, the challenges facing unionism today, and the intersection of social issues with political identity. Hutchinson emphasises the importance of addressing poverty and the necessity for a cohesive approach among political parties to tackle these pressing issues. The conversation also explores the complexities of loyalism and socialism, and how these ideologies can coexist in the current political landscape. Sam and Billy discuss the complex interplay between loyalty and socialism, emphasising the importance of community support and resilience. They highlight the systemic inequalities in education and the need for a unified approach to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the political climate's impact on youth radicalisation and the necessity for a review of the political process to ensure it serves the community effectively. The lads also address the sensitive topic of legacy and truth recovery, advocating for a careful and responsible approach to healing within the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Billy Hutchinson 01:36 Brexit and Its Impact on Northern Ireland 04:29 Unionist Unity and Political Dynamics 07:48 Challenges Facing Unionism 11:14 Social Issues and Unionism's Image Problem 14:14 The Intersection of Religion and Politics 18:07 Loyalism and Left-Wing Ideologies 30:12 Reconciling Loyalism and Socialism 33:05 The Intersection of Loyalty and Socialism 36:23 Community Resilience and Support 39:40 Education and Inequality 42:49 The Need for Systemic Change 48:32 Political Climate and Youth Radicalisation 54:00 Legacy, Truth Recovery, and Community Healing

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In this episode of the Gareth and Sam chat to Professor John Barry (Queen's University Belfast) to explore the complexities of loyalism in Northern Ireland. The conversation delves into the definitions of loyalism, the class dynamics within the community, and the cultural cringe experienced by loyalists. Barry emphasises the need for education and community engagement to foster a more expansive understanding of Britishness that incorporates elements of Irishness. The discussion also highlights generational shifts in loyalist identity and the importance of self-reflection and proactive change within the community. The lads explore the complexities of identity in Ireland, particularly focusing on the intersection of loyalism and Irishness. Barry emphasises the need for stronger female voices within loyalist politics and discusses the cultural expressions that can empower communities. The dialogue also addresses the challenges of envisioning a New Ireland, the importance of democratic discourse, and the rising far-right sentiments in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. He calls for a more inclusive and sensitive engagement with loyalist communities and highlights the necessity of addressing socio-economic issues like housing.

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In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to Beano Niblock, an ex-loyalist prisoner, poet, and playwright. They discuss Beano's journey in writing his new play, 'The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary,' and reflect on his past experiences, including his friendship with late PUP leader David Ervine and the impact of political events on their lives. The conversation delves into themes of loyalty, personal growth, and the complexities of life in prison, highlighting the importance of storytelling in understanding their shared history. In this conversation, the lads reflect on the legacy of David Ervine, discussing his achievements and the complexities of his character. The dialogue explores the importance of storytelling within the loyalist community, emphasising the need to preserve personal histories that are at risk of being lost. Challenges in sharing these narratives are highlighted, particularly the fear of public scrutiny. The conversation also delves into the political landscape of loyalism, addressing the stigma associated with past actions and the reluctance of individuals to engage in political discourse. Finally, the discussion touches on the upcoming play that aims to engage the community and bring these stories to the forefront.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beano Niblock and His Journey 03:02 The Evolution of Beano's Playwriting Career 06:00 Exploring the Themes of 'Reason to Believe' and 'Tartan' 09:08 The Impact of Political Events on Personal Choices 12:03 Meeting David Ervine: Early Connections 14:59 Life in Prison: Dynamics and Relationships 17:54 David Ervine's Influence and Character 20:58 Reflections on Friendship and Support 23:49 Legacy and Memories of David Ervine 29:10 Reflections on David Ervine's Legacy 34:23 The Importance of Storytelling in Loyalism 39:21 Challenges in Sharing Personal Histories 45:59 The Political Landscape of Loyalism 54:18 Upcoming Play and Community Engagement

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In this episode Gareth and Sam pay tribute to the late Baroness May Blood and discuss the importance of women's voices in politics, particularly from the Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist communities. They are joined by Danielle Roberts, who shares her insights on the barriers women face in political participation, the intersection of feminism and unionism, and the impact of ethno-nationalism on gender roles. The conversation also highlights the legacy of the Women's Coalition and strategies for increasing women's representation in politics.

Chapters

00:00 Tribute to Baroness May Blood 03:55 Introduction to Danielle Roberts and Her Work 04:25 Barriers to Women's Political Participation 10:34 Feminism and Unionism: A Personal Journey 18:22 The Impact of Ethno-Nationalism on Gender Roles 26:01 The Role of Women in the Peace Process 30:23 The Legacy of the Women's Coalition 35:07 Strategies for Increasing Women's Political Representation

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In this episode Gareth and Sam chat with Paul Donnelly, the lead tour guide at DC Tours, about the origins and evolution of the History of Terror tour in Belfast. Paul shares insights into the challenges faced in conflict tourism, including opposition from local authorities and the media, and discusses the importance of navigating sensitive spaces in a city still grappling with its past. He emphasises the need for a balanced perspective on the conflict and how the tours challenge visitors' perceptions. The conversation also touches on the cathartic experience of leading these tours and the emotional impact they have on both the guide and the participants. The lads discuss the complex community dynamics and historical conflicts in Belfast, particularly focusing on the events surrounding Bloody Friday and the emotional impact these events have on individuals and communities. They highlight the importance of understanding lesser-known incidents and their psychological effects on the local population. Additionally, Paul reflects on the evolution of tours in Belfast, adapting to changes brought about by the pandemic and the need for a more nuanced storytelling approach to convey the city's rich and often painful history.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Donnelly and DC Tours 01:32 The Birth of DC Tours and the History of Terror Tour 06:14 Challenges and Opposition in Conflict Tourism 11:03 Navigating Sensitive Spaces in Belfast 15:08 Ensuring a Balanced Perspective on the Conflict 20:05 Challenging Perceptions of the Conflict 22:16 The Cathartic Experience of Leading Tours 26:29 Community Dynamics and Conflicts in Belfast 33:13 Emotional Impact of Historical Events 39:55 Understanding the Lesser-Known Incidents 46:08 Adapting to Change: The Evolution of Tours

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In this live episode with our friends at the Echo Chamber pod, co-host Sam travelled down to Ballymun in Dublin to engage in conversation with Martin McMahon (co-host of Echo Chamber) about the complexities of loyalism and unionism in Northern Ireland. They explore cultural identities, the impact of the Good Friday Agreement, and the ongoing challenges faced by working-class communities. The discussion highlights the need for understanding and dialogue between different perspectives, emphasising the importance of addressing economic issues and the legacy of the past in shaping a united future for Ireland.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Shrapnel Podcast and Event Overview 02:54 Exploring Cultural Identities and Perspectives 08:02 The Good Friday Agreement and Its Legacy 16:00 Loyalism vs. Unionism: Understanding the Divide 24:39 Economic Arguments and Future Visions for Ireland

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In this episode of the Gareth and Sam discuss the rapidly changing political landscape in Northern Ireland, focusing on the upcoming potential elections and the implications for various political parties. They explore community sentiments, particularly within the loyalist community, and the importance of political representation. The conversation emphasises the need for constructive dialogue and advocacy to address the concerns of marginalised groups. The role of social media in shaping political discourse is also examined, alongside the challenges facing the unionist community. The hosts call for inclusivity in political conversations and highlight the importance of unity in navigating the future of Northern Ireland.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events 02:49 Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections 06:08 Community Sentiments and Political Representation 09:03 Loyalism and Political Engagement 11:53 Advocacy and Constructive Dialogue 14:55 The Role of Social Media in Political Discourse 17:50 Challenges Facing the Unionist Community 21:13 The Importance of Inclusivity in Political Conversations 24:08 Future Prospects and Political Stability 27:00 Conclusion and Call for Unity

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