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

Should children be paid for helping around the house, or should chores simply be part of family life?
In this episode, Niall speaks to callers about whether pocket money should be linked to jobs such as tidying bedrooms, washing dishes, taking out the bins, hoovering or helping with the laundry. Some parents believe paying children for chores teaches responsibility, encourages a strong work ethic and helps them understand the value of money. It can also introduce young people to saving, budgeting and the idea that rewards usually come through effort.
Others argue that children are members of the household and should contribute without expecting to be paid every time they lift a finger. They believe ordinary chores teach independence, consideration and the importance of helping the family without constantly asking, “What do I get for it?”
Perhaps there is a middle ground. Everyday jobs such as making the bed or clearing the table could be expected, while larger tasks like washing the car, cutting the grass, cleaning windows or doing extra work could earn a few euro.
Do you pay your children for chores? Does it teach them the value of hard work, or does it create a generation that expects payment for every small contribution? Niall hears from parents, grandparents and callers with very different views on pocket money, household responsibilities and what children should be expected to do.

US President Donald Trump now appears almost certain to visit Ireland for at least two days in September, with preparations already under way for a major security operation. Trump is expected to arrive around 12 September and attend the Irish Open at his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where he hopes to watch Rory McIlroy compete. The visit is also expected to include engagements in Dublin and a possible meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, although the trip is not currently being treated as a formal State visit.
The political battle has already begun. Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has declared that Trump is “not welcome” in Dublin and says the red carpet should not be rolled out, while protests are expected from several political and activist groups. However, others argue that personal dislike of Trump should not be allowed to damage Ireland’s relationship with its largest trading and investment partner. American companies support hundreds of thousands of Irish jobs, while Ireland’s economic prosperity remains heavily dependent on foreign investment.
In this episode, Niall speaks to journalist John McGuirk from The Statement about the growing controversy. Should Ireland offer Donald Trump an official State welcome, regardless of political differences? Are Irish politicians entitled to declare that the democratically elected American President is not welcome? Could public hostility towards Trump risk damaging jobs, investment and Ireland’s vital relationship with the United States?
Do you welcome President Trump to Ireland, or should the Government tell him to stay away?

Don’t Call Me Darling with Niall and Karen Boylan is the podcast where a husband and wife give their honest, unfiltered opinions on the stories, relationship dilemmas and social issues that affect us all.
Nothing is off the table, and this week’s episode covers everything from hookers and paternity fraud to the far more important question of whether Niall and Karen would like to own a baby goat.
They also tackle some of the arguments and awkward questions that come up in almost every relationship. Should married couples sleep in separate bedrooms to avoid snoring and duvet stealing? Should couples share their phone passwords, or is everyone entitled to some privacy? Is it acceptable to return a present you secretly hate, and should you ever tell your partner that their outfit looks terrible?
Niall and Karen also debate whether surprise parties are actually cruel, whether backseat driving should be grounds for divorce, and whether couples should reveal their full sexual history or simply accept that the past is the past.
It is honest, intriguing, occasionally uncomfortable and full of laughs as Niall and Karen disagree, overshare and say the things most couples are probably thinking but would never dare say out loud.

BOYLAN & HOOK: NOT SUITABLE FOR BROADCAST
Niall Boylan and legendary broadcaster George Hook join forces once again for a lively, outspoken and unapologetic look at the biggest stories of the week. In this episode, they ask:
Is Climate Policy Just Another Excuse to Tax Us? Is Working for the State Like Winning the Lottery?
You Can Shove Your Tax Cuts Up Your Arse! Should Barney’s One Bite Cost Him His Life?
Are Criminal Solicitors Being Forced to Work for Free? and Will Electric Cars Really Stand the Test of Time? Expect strong opinions, sharp disagreements, humour and the kind of conversation that may not be suitable for broadcast.

In this episode, Niall talks to political commentator Nick Delehanty about whether employers should have the right to control what their staff post on social media.
Most people would accept that an employer can stop workers scrolling through Facebook, TikTok or X while they are being paid to work. But what happens when an employee posts something from a personal account, using their own phone and in their own time?
Workers have been disciplined and even dismissed over political opinions, controversial jokes and comments made outside the workplace. Adding “my views are my own” to a profile may offer little protection if an employer believes a post has damaged the company’s reputation or upset customers.
Employers argue that staff members are still associated with the company and that offensive or inflammatory posts can cause reputational and financial harm. Employees, however, may feel that their bosses should have no authority over their private lives or personal political opinions.
So, where should the line be drawn? Is protecting a company’s reputation more important than an employee’s freedom of expression, and should something posted at home be allowed to cost you your job?