Taran's Parallel Universe

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

Life's most defining moments often stem from decisions that feel small at the time, or from a resilience that must be cultivated from a young age to overcome a male-dominated world. It takes mental fortitude and an all-in commitment to transition from a grueling career like champion jockey to a public life as a television personality and politician.
This episode delves into the pivotal choices, heartbreaking sacrifices, and intense focus required to succeed across multiple, completely different fields. Discover how one moment on a reality TV show redefined a career trajectory and why trusting your own conviction is the key to achieving the unbelievable.
This journey is brought to you by the brilliant Nina Carberry, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Champion Jockey, and TV Personality, who shares the work ethic that defines her life.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Considering a career in sports massage/physio.
Dancing with the Stars opened new paths.
Building resilience from childhood farm life.
The life-changing decision to have a family.
Regret over turning down US scholarship
GUEST DETAILS 
Nina Carberry | MEP, Champion Jockey & TV Personality Nina Carberry is a legendary Irish sportswoman, politician, and television personality. Widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur riders in horse racing history, she secured seven Cheltenham Festival winners and a historic victory in the 2011 Irish Grand National before retiring in 2018. 
Since hanging up her silks, Nina has become a household name on screen, winning Dancing with the Stars in 2022 and serving as a coach on RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Family. In 2024, she successfully transitioned into politics, being elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Midlands–North-West constituency. 
She is also the author of the Rowan Tree Stables children’s book series and remains a prominent figure in Irish public life.
Connect with Nina Carberry:
website: https://ninacarberrymep.com
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 don't think I've ever been as fit in my whole life as Dancing with the Stars - Nina Carberry
Resilience happens from work go from when I was a kid, riding the pony, falling off and getting back up again. - Nina Carberry
The reality of it is being a sports person if you take time off, there's someone I was going to take your place or be fitter than you if you take time off - Nina Carberry
KEYWORDS: #ChampionJockey #IrishPolitics #LifeDecisions #CareerChange #BuildingResilience

Welcome to Taran's Parallel Universe, where we take one life, shake it slightly and see what could have happened instead! 
Join comedian Taran O'Sullivan with personality guests who share moments that changed everything; jobs they didn't take, people they didn't text back and tiny decisions that sent their life in a completely different direction. 
It's part comedy, part chaos and part ‘thank God that didn't happen’ !!! 
Jump into the multiverse with Taran’s Parallel Universe, every week from 19 Jan 2026.