Taran's Parallel Universe

A sudden, violent incident can derail your life, forcing you down an unforeseen path of despair and deep depression. What do you do when the world you knew collapses and leaves you struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder?
Paddy McDonnell’s journey to becoming a full-time, arena-selling comedian was anything but traditional, starting with a life-changing finger injury that forced him to confront his mental health and find a new purpose. In this hilarious and honest episode, Paddy shares unbelievable stories from his past as a carpenter, doorman, and black taxi driver, detailing how a viral lockdown video exploded his career, leading to sold-out shows and sharing a stage with comedy titans.
This week, Taran welcomes the brilliant Paddy McDonnell, a Northern Irish comedian who has sold out major venues like the Ulster Hall, The Waterfront Hall, and the SSE Arena [bio]. Known for his razor-sharp observations and turning everyday chaos into comedy gold, Paddy is one of Belfast's finest and most energetic acts.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
From carpentry to black taxi driving
Door job injury led to PTSD
Stand-up comedy saved Paddy’s life
Viral stag do story during lockdown
Life as a priest and Kevin Hart
GUEST DETAILS 
Paddy McDonnell is a professional Northern Irish comedian from West Belfast. He is celebrated for his razor-sharp observational comedy, often drawing from his experiences as a former taxi man, husband, and father. 
McDonnell quickly rose to supporting acts like Des Bishop and Ardal O’Hanlon, has produced five successful one-man shows including the 5-star reviewed Dagger, and has sold out major solo headline shows at Belfast venues such as the Ulster Hall and the SSE Arena
Connect with Paddy: 
https://www.instagram.com/paddythedagger
HOST INFORMATION
Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.
Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/
QUOTES
I always did feel like I wanted to entertain or be involved or up on a stage, but it was like, No, I need to do boxing. I need to do hurling. I needed to do football. And I need to be a proper male in West Belfast, you know - Paddy McDonnell 
The only advice I'm going to give you is just take every gig you can get and just but you have to wait the process." - Paddy McDonnell 
If you're doing this 10 years, it'll be 10 years or more before something kicks because that's the norm. It's like an apprenticeship. - Paddy McDonnell 
KEYWORDS: #IrishComedy #BelfastStandup #CareerChange #PodcastInterview #PTSDRecovery

How does a broadcaster find their voice after repeatedly changing direction and nearly giving up on education entirely?
This episode explores navigating early career uncertainty through persistence and serendipity. Repeating Leaving Cert leading to unexpected broadcasting opportunity. Solo travel building confidence and overcoming fear. Working across every radio role creating invaluable industry connections. Small career decisions creating unexpectedly transformative outcomes.
Aifric O'Connell is highly regarded Irish broadcaster and producer known for sharp instincts thoughtful storytelling and natural ability making large scale conversations feel deeply personal. Versatile career established her as familiar trusted voice on national airwaves moving seamlessly between lead presenting roles and high level production. 
Currently serves as producer for The 2 Johnnies playing vital role in powerhouse duo's output including chart topping podcast celebrated for honesty musical expertise and authentic rapport resonating across podcasts radio and Irish festival circuit.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Repeating Leaving Cert opened unexpected doors 
Granddad's funeral comment sparked broadcasting journey 
Solo Vietnam travel built courage confidence 
Working every radio role built connections 
Two Johnnies partnership turned out brilliantly
GUEST DETAILS 
Aifric O'Connell is highly regarded Irish broadcaster and producer known for sharp instincts thoughtful storytelling and natural ability making large scale conversations feel deeply personal. Built strong reputation as flagship presenter on RTÉ 2fm whilst equally recognised for creative influence behind scenes. Currently serves as producer for The 2 Johnnies playing vital role in powerhouse duo's chart topping podcast output celebrated for honesty musical expertise and authentic rapport resonating across podcasts radio and Irish festival circuit.
Connect with Aifric O’Connell: Instagram: @aifricoc
HOST INFORMATION
Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.
Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/
QUOTES
I worked in everything you can do in radio, because a lot of this industry as well is getting to know people and making connections. Our parents were right. Yeah, bring the CV in person. - Aifric O'Connell
My granddad died, and he was like one of my favourite people. And I remember they asked me to do like a prayer or whatever at his funeral, so I went and did the prayer, and somebody said to me afterwards, my friend's mom said to me, you've a really good voice. You should be on the radio. And I was like, fuck, I never thought about that before. - Aifric O'Connell
I basically sent my CV to RTE straight out of college. It turned out that they used to take on people during the summer for answering phones on liveline. So I did that job first, and then got asked afterwards to cover a maternity leave here and there." - Aifric O'Connell
KEYWORDS: #IrishBroadcaster #RadioCareer #SoloTravel #CareerJourney #BroadcastingIndustry

Broadcasting success demands ruthless selectivity and resilience in managing rejection, but industry veterans make their intentional choices appear effortless. 
Lottie Ryan joins the show to discuss the pivotal moments that shaped her career: the seven-minute radio segment that completely transformed her focus from television, the enduring regret of opportunities missed due to bad advice, and how motherhood empowered her to set firm boundaries, eliminating her tolerance for negativity and "energy vampires". This is an honest look at breaking free from professional limitations and standing firm on boundaries despite people-pleasing tendencies.
Lottie Ryan is one of Ireland's best-loved radio and TV personalities, with over 13 years of broadcasting experience at RTÉ 2FM. She is the Dancing with the Stars 2020 champion and has hosted successful podcasts, including the number one Irish parenting podcast Jen and Lottie Do Parenting (with Jennifer Zamparelli). She currently co-hosts the second season of her third podcast, No One Else Will Listen, alongside her sister.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Theatre childhood shaped performance career dreams 
Seven radio minutes changed television focus 
Motherhood eliminated tolerance for negativity completely 
Turning down television opportunity regret remains 
Standing up for yourself finally comfortable
GUEST DETAILS 
Lottie Ryan is a radio and TV personality with over 13 years of broadcasting experience at RTÉ 2FM. She is the Dancing with the Stars 2020 champion. She also co-hosted an episode of the show alongside Nicky Byrne. 
 Lottie currently hosts the second season of her third podcast, No One Else Will Listen, alongside her sister Bonnie. This follows her success co-hosting the number one Irish parenting podcast, Jen and Lottie Do Parenting with Jennifer Zamparelli, which topped Apple and Spotify charts.
Connect with Lottie Ryan:
www.instagram.com/lottieryan1/
HOST INFORMATION
Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.
Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/
QUOTES
I reluctantly agreed to a seven-minute radio slot on 2FM. I walked out and instantly went, "Oh shit, this is it. - Lottie Ryan
Once I had Wolf, I mean, I just didn't put up with bullshit anymore. It was like this whole other person was born. It was like you mess with me, you mess with my son. And I haven't got time for it. - Lottie Ryan
I think I'd be surprised at how much, how comfortable I've become standing up for myself, probably, and probably also how much I kind of want to do different things now. - Lottie Ryan
KEYWORDS: 
#IrishBroadcaster #MotherhoodJourney #CareerChoices #SettingBoundaries #RadioTVPersonality

Comedy careers rarely follow predictable paths yet somehow survive stolen bicycles and pandemic lockdowns. Success emerges from consistent weekly video creation meeting right place right time viral moments.
This episode explores viral comedy creation during lockdown. Self criticism necessary for quality performance. Turning down lucrative advertising opportunities for artistic integrity. Publishing absurdist countryside comedy with distinguished literary houses. Meeting life partners whilst pursuing creative dreams abroad.
Killian Sundermann is Dublin based comedian, writer and actor who became a prominent voice in modern Irish comedy. He rose to fame through viral sketches during pandemic amassing over half a million followers online. Best known for the satirical CountryFail series adapted into 2024 Faber published book.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Professional footballer dreams versus comedy reality
Stolen bikes trigger major life decisions
New York creating videos for celebrities
Turning down lucrative advertising opportunity integrity 
Publishing absurdist countryside book with Faber
GUEST DETAILS 
Killian Sundermann is Dublin based comedian writer and actor who became a prominent voice in modern Irish comedy rising through viral sketches during pandemic. He amassed over half a million followers online best known for satirical CountryFail series adapted into 2024 book published by Faber and Faber. Seasoned live performer regular at major festivals like Electric Picnic and Edinburgh Fringe with 2026 tour Killian Dollar Baby showcasing offbeat standup cultural observations and musical comedy drawing from Irish German heritage.
Connect Killian Sundermann:
https://www.instagram.com/killersundy/
HOST INFORMATION
Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.
Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/
QUOTES
I was making a video every single week during the pandemic. It's luck that a few of those went viral, but it's not luck that I was making them and putting them out there.  - Killian Sundermann
The fact that it's sort of steamrolled is nice, but I think I'd still just be doing it because it's just a lot of fun.  - Killian Sundermann
I'd say go to therapy at a younger age. That's probably some good advice. Don't spend so much time in your head. I think maybe the best way of doing that will be to talk to some sort of medical professional or something. Worry less. Do things more. - Killian Sundermann
KEYWORDS: #ViralComedy #IrishComedian #StandupJourney #CountryFail #ComedyWriting

The path to a creative, fulfilling career is rarely straight, often requiring immense vulnerability and a leap of faith into the unknown. We're all searching for that one thing that can ignite an obsession.
This episode dives into the unexpected moments and crucial decisions that shaped a life in comedy, from the impulse to post a video online to the shock of winning a first-ever stand-up gig. Taran and her guest discuss how being a young mother focused her creative path, the emotional difficulty of putting your art "out there" for public scrutiny, and the powerful drive that fuels an all-consuming career.
Joining Taran to dive into the multiverse is the hilarious and iconic Emma Doran, a Comedian, Author, and Podcaster, known for her sharp, "no-nonsense" Dublin wit.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Alternate careers: jewellery and production.
Starting comedy through accidental social media.
Why motherhood focused her comedy.
The first stand-up gig changed everything.
The obsession and timing of a comedy career.
GUEST DETAILS 
Emma Doran is one of Ireland’s most popular stand-up comedians and viral creators, who also co-hosts the hit comedy podcast Keep It Tight alongside Deirdre O’Kane. She is a breakout star of Amazon Prime’s LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland and a top-five best-selling author of the 2024 memoir Mad, Isn’t It?, with over 300,000 social media followers.
Connect Emma Doran:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emmadorancomedian/?hl=en
HOST INFORMATION
Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.
Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.
Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/
QUOTES
But it is good to remind yourself of what you from even two years ago would have thought about the thing that you're doing now, or whatever you feel like. - Emma Doran
I think as well, when you're coming up, that's you're playing to everyone, and nobody knows who you are, and nobody cares. So you have to, yeah, I was, it was much more, I think gags. - Emma Doran 
So, you know, it's no harm to try and, like, have your fingers in different pies and be open to different things and whatever. I still believe that.  Emma Doran
KEYWORDS: #IrishComedy #StandUpJourney #EmmaDoran #ParallelUniverse #CreativeLeap