The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

• #394 When His Mum Runs the Show: Monster Mother In-Law

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Are some grandparents too involved—or are new parents just being ungrateful?The topic stems from a heartfelt email sent in by a first-time mum who says her mother-in-law is turning her life upside down. From daily unannounced visits to constant criticism of her parenting, she feels like she’s being pushed aside in her own home. To make matters worse, her husband refuses to intervene, insisting his mother is "just trying to help."The debate quickly ignites as listeners weigh in.Some callers believe new parents are too sensitive these days. They argue that grandparents should be seen as a blessing, especially when they’re willing to help out. For them, the mother-in-law’s input is simply old-fashioned wisdom, not interference.But others strongly disagree. They say boundaries are essential—especially when unsolicited advice turns into full-blown control. These callers argue that the mother-in-law is clearly overstepping and the husband needs to prioritise his wife and child over keeping mammy happy.The episode reveals just how divisive family dynamics can be when parenting meets tradition, and why setting limits—especially with in-laws—isn't always so straightforward.

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• #393 Sanctuary or Struggle: Religion’s Role in Mental Health

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Is religion helping or harming mental health? Can faith be a lifeline—or a source of guilt and repression?Religion has, for centuries, been a source of comfort, purpose, and moral grounding for billions of people around the world. For many, it offers a sense of belonging, a guide through life’s darkest moments, and a way to make sense of suffering. It can provide structure, community, and hope—especially when someone is struggling mentally or emotionally.But for others, religion can be the very thing that causes or worsens their suffering. Strict doctrines, teachings about sin and punishment, or the fear of eternal damnation can weigh heavily on a person’s mind. Some say that religious guilt, pressure to conform, and fear of judgment have led to anxiety, depression, and shame. For them, the institution that’s meant to heal can feel like a source of harm.Some callers believe religion provides people with a sense of hope and stability. In times of mental struggle, it can offer meaning and comfort that therapy or medication alone can’t always provide. Faith gives people strength. For many, religion builds community and gives people something to believe in beyond themselves. That sense of purpose can be vital for mental health, especially during hard times.While other callers feel religion can be incredibly damaging to mental health if it’s rooted in fear or shame. Constant guilt, judgment, and pressure to be ‘perfect’ can break a person mentally, not help them. When religion is used to control rather than support, it becomes toxic. People can end up suppressing who they really are, living with fear instead of freedom. That’s not healing—that’s harm.

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• #392 Only Male and Female – Is Ireland Ready to Decide?

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Should Ireland officially recognise only two genders—male and female? The conversation is sparked by recent international developments: The U.S. has moved away from recognising genders beyond male and female, and the UK Supreme Court recently ruled that a woman is someone born biologically female. Should Ireland now follow suit and take a stand on what some are calling “gender ideology gone too far”?Some callers believe Ireland should stand firm and legally recognise only two genders—male and female. They argue this is based on biology and science, not opinion. One caller said, “This isn’t about hate—it’s about facts. There are two biological sexes, and we’ve allowed ideology to override reality for too long.” Others added that confusing young people with multiple gender identities only leads to more psychological harm than good.While other callers argue that gender identity is more nuanced than biological sex. “Some people don’t fit neatly into male or female,” one caller said. “They exist, and they deserve legal and social recognition.” Others felt that acknowledging people’s identities doesn’t harm anyone and that inclusion should be a basic value in a modern Ireland.Niall closes the show by saying he personally agrees that there are only two genders—male and female. While he respects everyone’s right to live how they choose, he believes the State should base legal recognition on biological sex, not subjective identity. “This isn’t about denying anyone their dignity,” he says, “but at some point, we have to draw a line between inclusion and confusion.”

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• Jordan Dargan: From Last-Minute Call-Up to Lord Sugar’s Final Five

  In this engaging and refreshingly honest interview, Niall is joined by The Apprentice UK breakout star Jordan Dargan, the only Irish contestant in this year’s series, who made it all the way to the final five—despite not even being part of the original lineup. Jordan shares the behind-the-scenes reality of life on one of Britain’s biggest business shows, what really went down in the boardroom, and how one text from Lord Sugar might just change everything.Jordan’s story is one of bold risks and self-made success. He opens up about the last-minute twist that got him onto the show:“I was a reserve… I could have done everything and not even got on.”But when the call came, he was on the first flight to London—and determined to make an impact. Despite early challenges navigating the louder personalities, Jordan admits he held back at first, believing that if he didn’t say anything controversial, he couldn’t be edited poorly. But he quickly learned the show doesn’t reward quiet strategy:“At the beginning, I was only saying things that I felt were necessary… and that's just not how the process works.”As the tasks intensified, Jordan found his stride. But one controversial final challenge—a gender-fluid fashion project—tested his instincts. He reveals he wanted to go a different direction but struggled under pressure:“I said I just don't think men wearing skirts is gonna sell… in hindsight, I should have stuck to my guns.”His honesty in discussing the clash between business sense and performative values is something listeners will find refreshingly grounded.Yet his most powerful moment came during a product pitch when he vulnerably shared details of a difficult childhood, connecting with buyers on a personal level. What viewers didn’t fully see was the impact that had off-camera:“I opened up about that… and one of the buyers said he was sober for ten years and really resonated with it… there were real moments in it.”From being grilled over using brand logos without permission on his business website to being praised for his self-taught skills in 3D design, Jordan offers an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of the process. And while he didn’t win, Lord Sugar saw enough in him to hand over something rarely offered—a personal phone number.“It’s funny how quickly your life can change… just a year ago, I was delivering fruit and veg around Castleknock—now I’m delivering one-liners in the boardroom.”Jordan reflects on how the exposure has transformed his business, brought in clients, and even made him a role model to younger viewers:“What makes it all worth it is when kids come up to you saying they want to be a businessman because they saw you on The Apprentice.”He also talks about what viewers didn’t see—the daily 20-minute wake-up calls, repeated takes for every scene, and how editing can shape public perception of each candidate. He even reveals who he thought should’ve made the final, and why he believes more Irish people should step up and apply:“We need representation over there. We need to get an Irish man to get his first win.”This episode offers a rare glimpse into the real Apprentice experience through the eyes of one of its most grounded and driven contestants. Whether you followed the series or not, Jordan’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and rising to the occasion when the odds are stacked against you.

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• #391 Lights, Camera, Censorship? Should Filming Gardai Be Banned?

  In this episode, Niall asks a timely and controversial question: Should it be illegal to film Gardaí while they’re on duty? The debate stems from growing calls within the Gardaí for restrictions on the public streaming or recording officers in the line of duty, especially during arrests or public disturbances.Supporters of the proposed restrictions argue that filming Gardaí without context can endanger officers, escalate already tense situations, and expose them to online abuse. They believe that if someone has a legitimate concern about police conduct, it should be handled through official channels—not social media.However, others say the right to film Gardaí is vital for public accountability. With the rise in high-profile incidents involving law enforcement, being able to record interactions serves as a crucial check and balance. For these callers, transparency and the ability to document what happens in public spaces should not be curtailed.Some callers argue that it’s about time filming Gardaí was restricted. Officers deserve to do their jobs without being harassed or put on display online. They believe the constant presence of phones creates fear, makes Gardaí hesitant to act, and opens the door to online mobs targeting individuals for simply doing their job.While other callers insist the public must retain the right to film Gardaí, especially when it involves use of force or questionable actions. They see mobile footage as a form of protection—for both citizens and officers—and a vital tool for transparency and justice.Niall wraps up by noting how the conversation reflected a deep divide between public accountability and Garda privacy. He acknowledges both the concerns of officers on the ground and the need for transparency in modern policing. As trust in institutions evolves, he asks: is filming a necessary watchdog—or a dangerous distraction?

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