#452 Would You Take Penalty Points For A Family Member?
In this gripping episode, Niall reads out a real email from a listener caught between loyalty and legality. The listener's brother—already sitting on 9 penalty points—was caught speeding again and is now begging him to take the fall by accepting the penalty points on his own licence.“He says he was only doing 135 km/h on the M1 and can’t afford to lose his licence with work being so far away,” the listener writes. “My wife says I’d be mad to take the points—he’s always speeding and has no respect for the limits.”Niall opens the lines to callers, and the country weighs in.Some say family comes first:“It’s only three points, and he said he’d cover the insurance cost—of course I’d help my brother,” says Kevin from Louth.Others warn against crossing the line:“It’s illegal, plain and simple,” argues Lisa in Cork. “You could both get into serious trouble, and for what? So he can keep speeding?”Callers debate the pros and cons:✅ Pros:Helping a loved one avoid losing their jobMaintaining family harmonyBrother promises to cover financial impact❌ Cons:It’s illegal and could result in criminal chargesHigher insurance premiums and personal riskEnabling reckless behaviourNiall guides the conversation with humour, insight, and fairness as the nation reflects on just how far they’d go for family—and where the line should be drawn.Would you take the points?Let me know if you'd like this shortened for Spotify or made more dramatic for promotional use!
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#451 Should Housing Be a constitutional Right?
In this episode, Niall dives into one of the most heated discussions in Ireland today: Should the Constitution be changed to guarantee every citizen the right to housing?Broadcasting live, Niall opens the lines to callers from across the country—and the opinions couldn't be more divided.Some callers strongly support the idea:“Housing should be a basic right, not a privilege,” says Mary from Galway. “People are living in tents while buildings lie empty. It’s time the government was held accountable.”Others warn of unintended consequences:“If you write this into the Constitution, you’re opening the floodgates,” argues Declan in Dublin. “It’ll lead to endless legal battles and strain public finances even more.”And some are torn:“I believe everyone deserves a home, but I’m not sure a constitutional change is the best way to fix a broken system,” admits Aoife from Cork.Through respectful debate, passionate views, and tough questions, Niall guides listeners through the legal, moral, and practical sides of a constitutional right to housing.Whether you’re firmly for it, completely against it, or just trying to make sense of it all—this episode is a must-listen.
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1:20:40
#449 Should Kids Be on Social Media?
In this episode, Niall dives into the heated debate over children's access to social media following the rollout of a new age verification system under Ireland’s Online Safety Code.He’s joined by Eric Nelligan, school teacher and spokesperson for the political party Aontú, to explore what this new code means in practice, how effective age checks might really be, and whether social media platforms can ever truly be safe for children.Later, Niall opens the phone lines and hears from the public, sparking a lively and divided conversation.Some callers argue that social media is toxic for kids, exposing them to harmful content like cyberbullying, eating disorders, and dangerous challenges. One caller says, “There’s no real benefit for kids being on these apps — it’s just a breeding ground for anxiety and peer pressure.”Others see it differently, highlighting that social media can help teens stay connected, learn new skills, and express themselves creatively. As one parent puts it, “My daughter learned photography and video editing through TikTok — she’s more confident because of it.”Tune in as Niall unpacks both sides of this complex issue — and asks: Do the risks outweigh the rewards when it comes to kids and social media?
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#450 Should Children Visit a Parent in Prison?
In this powerful and emotional episode, Niall shares an email from a listener named Tina, a mother of two young children whose husband has recently been sent to prison for several years. With the details of the case kept private, Tina asks for public input on a deeply personal question:Should she bring the children to visit their father in jail?Tina describes the difficult reality she's facing — a partner behind bars, children who miss their dad, and the guilt of having told them he’s working abroad to shield them from the truth. She worries that exposing them to the prison environment — with its grim surroundings, tense atmosphere, and strict security procedures — could do more harm than good.Niall opens the phone lines, and callers weigh in with heartfelt, conflicting views.Some argue in favour of prison visits:“Kids deserve to know the truth and have a relationship with both parents, even if one made a mistake.”“Shielding them now might cause more confusion and pain down the line when they find out the truth.”Others strongly disagree:“A prison is no place for a child — the trauma could be lasting.”“She’s doing the right thing by protecting them from a harsh and confusing environment.”As Niall moderates this emotionally charged discussion, listeners explore themes of honesty, loyalty, parenting under pressure, and the long-term impact on children when a parent is incarcerated.A must-listen episode for anyone navigating complicated family dynamics — or anyone who believes in the power of community to help guide difficult decisions
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1:06:09
#448 Has Chivalry Died Or Just Evolved?
In this lively and heartfelt episode of The Niall Boylan Show, Niall dives into a fiery question that struck a chord with listeners across the country: "Has chivalry died?"The debate was sparked by a listener’s powerful email, where he shared a shocking first date experience. After chatting for weeks with a woman he met on Tinder, they finally went out for a nice dinner—only for the night to end with a glass of wine thrown in his face when he asked to split the €200 bill.Was he in the wrong for suggesting it? Or has the meaning of chivalry changed in today’s dating world?To make sense of it all, Niall is joined by Sharon Kenny from TheMatchmaker.ie, who gives her expert insight into modern dating dynamics, the expectations men and women bring to the table, and whether the old rules still apply in 2025.Then, the phone lines light up as callers share their honest, passionate, and sometimes hilarious views:“He dodged a bullet—anyone who reacts like that over a bill is not relationship material.”“Chivalry isn’t dead, but it’s about respect—not footing every bill.”“If you ask a woman out, you should expect to pay. That’s how I was raised.”“Women want equality, and that means splitting the bill sometimes. Fair is fair.”“Throwing a drink? That’s insane. He should count himself lucky she showed her true colours early.”Whether you're old school or strictly modern, this episode is packed with real talk about dating, money, and manners.Listen now for expert advice, wild stories, and one of the most divisive debates we’ve had in a long time!
About The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)
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