This episode has something for everyone. Dara kicks off with an acknowledgement of the show’s 4th birthday before breaking down his fandom of Tottenham Hotspur in the wake of their recent Europa League triumph – the trophy monkey is finally off the collective backs of long-suffering Spurs fans. Thanks be to the Gods of Football!
The brilliant The Poetry’s Dead Podcast just featured a poem of Dara’s which gives him the opportunity to sing the praises of that show and its lovely presenters, Ryan Duggins and Leon Dunne. Making poetry accessible and fun, their openhearted advocacy is as infectious as it is unpretentious.
Something raised by the lads prompts Dara to think about where he locates the strength of authenticity and what that feels like. He is surprised to identify a correlation to his experience of depression.
Another questionable wellness article raises at least one of Dara’s eyebrows. Why is so much airtime given to people with so little to say? And does Dara secretly wish he was one of those people?
Finally the episode comes to a close with a brief appraisal of cold and warm men. Guess what? Dara’s favourite actor from childhood is exceptionally warm!
The Poetry’s Dead Podcast (featuring Dara’s poem ‘Time’) – https://thepoetrysdeadpodcast.buzzsprout.com/2322959/episodes/17256354-talking-gargoyles-partying-in-world-war-2-berlin-and-being-inspired-by-young-poets
Guardian interview with Melissa Febos – https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/ng-interactive/2025/jun/03/melissa-febos-memoir-celibacy
Terry Real on male lonleliness and vulnerability – https://www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/modern-love-1000/why-boys-and-men-are-floundering-according-to-relationship-therapist-terry-real-528752
Jim Hamilton’s excellent interview with Keith Earls – https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/the-big-jim-show/2025/03/07/keith-earls