The How Is He Podcast

The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 24)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 95 
Joining Podge & Popa in Ampifi Studios today is a man whose life has taken more turns than most of us could imagine. Thomas McCarthy was once one of Ireland’s most promising young boxers — winning multiple provincial titles and All-Irelands as a juvenile, with the world seemingly at his feet. 
But at just 18 years of age, his path changed. What started as dealing drugs soon spiralled into addiction, pulling him far away from the life he’d worked so hard to build. 
After hitting rock bottom, Thomas began what he now calls ‘the long way back’ — a journey of recovery, accountability, and rebuilding from the ground up. Today, he’s using his voice and his story to reach thousands on TikTok under the tag The Long Way Back, showing that change is possible no matter how far you’ve fallen. 
You might also recognise him from the hit TV show The Young Offenders — but the real story is the one you’re about to hear. 
This is a raw, honest conversation about talent, addiction, recovery, and redemption.

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 94 
Joining Podge & Pop in studio today is Eimear Ní Bhraonáin. Journalist and all-round media pro, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin is the bestselling author of The Dodger. She has years of experience across print, radio, and TV, is a familiar face on Ireland AM, and now runs a media consultancy while training teams all over the country!

The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 23)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 93 
Joining Podge & Popa in studio today is a true legend of Kilkenny hurling. Born in Urlingford, County Kilkenny, Aidan Fogarty ("Taggy") burst onto the inter-county scene at just twenty-one and went on to become a mainstay of one of the most dominant teams the game has ever seen. Making his senior championship debut in 2003, Aidan quickly cemented his place on the starting fifteen and enjoyed an incredible career, winning Eight All-Ireland medals, Eleven Leinster titles, and three National League medals and many more!! In senior championship games Aidan has a score tally of 10-41 on the field of play in 38 Championship games. 
Across his career appearances, he also represented Leinster with distinction, picking up three Railway Cup medals, and tasted success at club level with Emeralds. After announcing his retirement from inter-county hurling in 2014, Aidan continued to show his versatility by reaching a whole new audience when he appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2020. 
From championship battles to life after elite sport, this is a conversation packed with insight, stories, and experience.