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

• #383 Should the Irish and British Flags Ever Fly Side by Side? Part 1

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Should the Irish and British flags ever fly side by side? The question arises following a controversial proposal from the Ulster Unionist Party, which suggested that both flags should be flown together in a symbolic gesture of shared identity and reconciliation. This proposal has sparked strong reactions, with some seeing it as a positive step toward unity and others viewing it as an insult to Irish identity.Niall discusses the historical context behind this debate, examining how the relationship between Ireland and Britain continues to shape opinions on national symbols. He also delves into the significance of flags as markers of cultural pride and political allegiance.Some callers think it's time to move forward and show a united front. Flying both flags side by side is a symbol of reconciliation and progress. We can’t keep living in the past, stuck in old grievances. If both communities are willing to respect each other’s traditions, it could help ease tensions and promote a sense of shared identity. It’s a way to acknowledge both cultures and foster a peaceful coexistence.While other callers feel it’s a betrayal of Irish heritage and identity. The Irish flag represents our independence and the sacrifices made to achieve it. Placing it beside the British flag would undermine everything our ancestors fought for. It’s disrespectful and dilutes the meaning of the tricolor. We shouldn’t be forced to display symbols of colonialism next to our national emblem.Niall concludes by reflecting on the passionate and deeply personal perspectives shared during the show. He acknowledges that symbols like flags carry different meanings for different people and that this debate reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing respect for tradition with the desire for progress and reconciliation.

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  23:13
• #383 Should the Irish and British Flags Ever Fly Side by Side? Part 2

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Should the Irish and British flags ever fly side by side? The question arises following a controversial proposal from the Ulster Unionist Party, which suggested that both flags should be flown together in a symbolic gesture of shared identity and reconciliation. This proposal has sparked strong reactions, with some seeing it as a positive step toward unity and others viewing it as an insult to Irish identity.Niall discusses the historical context behind this debate, examining how the relationship between Ireland and Britain continues to shape opinions on national symbols. He also delves into the significance of flags as markers of cultural pride and political allegiance.Some callers think it's time to move forward and show a united front. Flying both flags side by side is a symbol of reconciliation and progress. We can’t keep living in the past, stuck in old grievances. If both communities are willing to respect each other’s traditions, it could help ease tensions and promote a sense of shared identity. It’s a way to acknowledge both cultures and foster a peaceful coexistence.While other callers feel it’s a betrayal of Irish heritage and identity. The Irish flag represents our independence and the sacrifices made to achieve it. Placing it beside the British flag would undermine everything our ancestors fought for. It’s disrespectful and dilutes the meaning of the tricolor. We shouldn’t be forced to display symbols of colonialism next to our national emblem.Niall concludes by reflecting on the passionate and deeply personal perspectives shared during the show. He acknowledges that symbols like flags carry different meanings for different people and that this debate reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing respect for tradition with the desire for progress and reconciliation.

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  1:32:32
• #382 Dare to Care: When Standing By Isn't an Option

  In this episode, Niall asks the crucial question: Would you intervene if you saw someone being attacked? With violence on the rise and more people finding themselves as witnesses to troubling situations, it's a dilemma that challenges our sense of responsibility and personal safety.Some callers think that stepping in is the right thing to do. If someone is being attacked, it’s our duty as decent human beings to help out. We can’t just stand by and let violence happen in front of us. Whether it’s calling for help or physically intervening, doing nothing is simply not an option. Standing up for someone in need shows courage and compassion.While other callers feel it’s too risky to intervene directly. You never know if the attacker is armed or if you’ll end up getting hurt or even killed. It’s not cowardice—it’s self-preservation. The best thing to do is call the Gardaí and let professionals handle the situation. Intervening without training could escalate the situation and make things worse for everyone involved.Niall wraps up by acknowledging the complexity of the decision to intervene, emphasizing that while bravery is admirable, personal safety should never be compromised. He reflects on the importance of community awareness and encourages listeners to consider their own boundaries when faced with difficult choices.

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  1:31:11
• Katie Hopkins Unleashed: Banned, Bold, and Back on Stage

  In this lively and provocative episode, Niall Boylan sits down with the infamous Katie Hopkins, known for her fearless opinions and unfiltered commentary. Katie, often dubbed the most banned woman on the planet, opens up about life on the road, social media censorship, and how she has become one of the most controversial public figures of our time.Katie’s journey has been anything but smooth—she recounts how her current comedy tour took three years to put together after enduring multiple cancellations and public protests. Undeterred, she persevered through 48 venues canceling on her first tour and 27 more on her second. Now, she’s finally seeing success with almost every show sold out, except for a few remaining dates in Cork and Derry. She proudly shares:"We are now fully sold out on every single date apart from these two Irish ones."Katie discusses her tumultuous relationship with social media, reflecting on how she was banned from Twitter under the old regime, only to be reinstated by Elon Musk. Despite being banned from entire countries—including Australia and South Africa—she remains resilient, using every setback as fuel for her public persona."I'm still the most banned woman on the planet. I am banned from countries, banned from schools in Wales—though I promise, I'm not a danger to kids!"The conversation turns to Katie’s no-holds-barred take on modern politics and social issues. She criticizes politicians for wasting time squabbling over speaking rights while the public deals with crises like healthcare and housing shortages. Katie also doesn’t shy away from mocking herself, laughing at the irony of being labeled a hypocrite for criticizing people who name their kids after places, despite having a daughter named India.Niall and Katie also explore the online outrage culture that has plagued both of their careers, discussing how relentless online criticism can feel suffocating. Katie candidly reveals that during particularly dark times, she needed her husband to take her devices away just to get some peace of mind. She acknowledges the toll it can take, saying:"Sometimes it's not water off a duck's back—it's vile and horrible. But you have to remember who you really are."As the conversation lightens up, Katie shares her peculiar fondness for Conor McGregor, admitting:"I've always said I have like a height requirement, and I know that Conor must be under it, but he might make up for it widthwise."The episode wraps up with Katie reflecting on how attitudes toward her have changed over the years. While she was once reviled, she feels that the public is now more willing to hear her out, tired of being told what to think by the loudest voices. Katie's advice to others facing similar backlash? Know who you are, and never let the hate define you.Whether you love her or loathe her, Katie Hopkins remains a force to be reckoned with—bold, brash, and utterly unapologetic. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, outrage, and a dose of brutal honesty.

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  22:22
• #381 Snitchin’ for Riches: Would You Rat for a Reward?

  In this episode, Niall is asking: Would you report someone to the UK Revenue for not paying taxes if there was a financial reward? The UK government has announced a new plan to incentivize citizens to report tax evaders, aiming to recoup millions of pounds lost to tax dodging and evasion. While some see it as a necessary step to hold tax cheats accountable, others feel uncomfortable with the idea of neighbors snitching on each other for cash.Some callers think why should some people get away with not paying their fair share while the rest of us are working hard and paying taxes? If there’s a financial reward, that’s even better. It’s not being a snitch—it’s just holding people accountable. Of course I’d report them. Tax dodging affects all of us—less money for healthcare, education, and public services. If someone’s cheating the system, they deserve to be caught. A reward just makes it fair, considering how much damage they’re doing to the economy.While other callers feel they don’t believe in snitching on people just to get some cash. Everyone’s struggling these days, and sometimes people make mistakes or take shortcuts just to survive. It’s not my place to ruin someone’s life over a few quid. Encouraging people to spy on each other for money just feels wrong. It turns neighbours against each other and creates a toxic environment. The government should be finding these people themselves, not turning citizens into bounty hunters.Niall wraps up the show by reflecting on the moral complexities of incentivizing citizens to report tax evasion. He acknowledges the frustration of those who see tax dodgers as undermining public services but also understands the discomfort others feel about turning neighbors against one another. Niall leaves the listeners with the question of whether financial incentives justify crossing moral lines when it comes to reporting people to the authorities.

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