Shrapnel - Fragments of the Past, Present and Future in Northern Ireland

In this episode recorded in-person on the Shankill on 15 March 2025 the lads hosted a special Fragments off-shot of the normal Shrapnel pod. They chat to researcher Iain Turner who was in Belfast to deliver a lecture about the complex history of the UVF in East Belfast, exploring the motivations behind joining paramilitary organisations, the contradictions of violence and identity, and the current political stalemate in Northern Ir...

In this special episode of the Shrapnel Podcast, hosts Sam McIlwaine Graeme Hanna engage with Timo, a German political enthusiast, to discuss the current state of German politics in the wake of the recent election, focusing on the rise of the AFD party and its implications for society. They explore the complexities of coalition-building, the influence of history on modern politics, and the role of populism in addressing societal is...

In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to Martin Doyle, the books editor of the Irish Times and author of 'Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Homeplace.' The conversation delves into the personal and communal impacts of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, exploring themes of grief, memory, and the importance of storytelling. Doyle shares his unique polyphonic approach to narrating the experiences of those affected by the conflict, emphasis...

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 l...

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 a...

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 inc...

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 i...

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...

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 perspe...

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 under...

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 ...

In this episode of the Shrapnel Podcast, Sam chats with Lauren Kerr, a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (in 2022) and the first openly gay candidate for East Belfast. The conversation explores themes of identity, the intersection of unionism and loyalism, LGBTQ+ representation in politics, the challenges faced by women in political spaces, and the growth of women's football. Lauren shares her insights on the importance of visibi...

In this episode Sam and Gareth engage in a profound conversation with journalist Leona O'Neill about her new co-edited book, Breaking Trauma in the Newsroom. The discussion delves into the mental health challenges faced by journalists, particularly those covering traumatic events. Leona shares personal stories and insights from her experiences and those of her colleagues, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll of reportin...

In this enlightening conversation, Professor Olwen Purdue (Queen's University Belfast) discusses the significance of public history and the importance of amplifying the voices of ordinary people in Northern Ireland. The dialogue explores the complexities of historical narratives, the role of oral history in understanding everyday life, and the challenges of ensuring representation in public history. Olwen emphasises the need for co...

In this episode Gareth and Sam chat to E.S. Haggan (pseudonym), a former RUC officer who shares his experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Haggan discusses his early career, the complexities of policing in a divided community, and the challenges he faced from both sides of the sectarian divide. He also delves into the mental health struggles that arose from his experiences, including CPTSD, and the coping mechanisms h...

In this episode Gareth and Sam are joined by Robert Gibson. Robert discuss the tragic events of Bloody Friday, July 21, 1972, which resulted in the death of his father Jackie, a bus driver, and the impact of this day on his family. The conversation delves into Robert's memories of his father, the day of the tragedy, the aftermath of loss, and reflections on the cycle of violence and revenge that followed. The discussion emphasises ...

This is the one which started it all!

The Shrapnel Podcast aims to explore the complexities of loyalism and unionism in Northern Ireland, providing a platform for voices often unheard in mainstream media. The hosts, Gareth Mulvenna and Sam McIlwaine, discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, the importance of addressing trauma, and the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural narratives. They emphasise the significanc...

In this episode, Sam and Gareth chat with political commentator Sarah Creighton, discussing the pressing issues surrounding the cost of living crisis in the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland. They explore the impact of austerity measures, the pandemic's exacerbation of housing issues, and the growing desperation among the populace due to rising costs. The conversation shifts to the need for government intervention and policy cha...

In this episode Gareth and Sam are joined by Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Lagan Valley, Robbie Butler. The lads delve into the complexities of political sentiment in Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on recent polling data and its implications for public discourse. They discuss the role of social media in amplifying divisive narratives, the personal attacks that often accompany political debate, and the challenges faced by l...