The Zero Bucks Given Podcast

The Zero Bucks Given Podcast | Elaine Mullally – Politics, Ireland’s Future & Her Vision for Change | Part 2

In Part 2 of our conversation with Elaine Mullally on The Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we move beyond Elaine’s early life and introduction to politics and take a much deeper look at her career, political journey, ambitions and vision for the future of Ireland.

This is a wide-ranging and open conversation about Irish politics, leadership and the current state of the country.
Elaine discusses the experiences that have shaped her throughout her career, the lessons she has learned from business, community involvement and politics, and what she believes needs to change if Ireland is to build a better future for the next generation.

We explore Elaine’s political ambitions and future plans, what she would like to achieve in public life and the kind of Ireland she believes we should be working towards.
The conversation also turns to some of the biggest challenges facing Ireland today.

Elaine gives her perspective on the direction the country is heading, the performance of Ireland’s political establishment, the pressures facing ordinary families and communities, and why she believes many people across the country are becoming increasingly frustrated with traditional politics.

We discuss Ireland’s cost of living, housing crisis, immigration and population growth, public services, infrastructure, small businesses, rural Ireland, government accountability and the future of Irish democracy.

What does Elaine believe Ireland could look like in ten or twenty years?
What would she change if given the opportunity?
And can independent politicians and new political movements genuinely challenge the established political system?

Elaine also speaks about the realities of entering politics, dealing with criticism, standing behind controversial opinions and why she believes ordinary people need to become more involved in deciding the future direction of the country.

Whether you agree with Elaine’s views or disagree with them, this episode offers an opportunity to hear her arguments in full, without soundbites, and understand the thinking behind her political positions.

Part 2 is a deeper conversation about politics, responsibility, Ireland’s future and Elaine Mullally’s vision for the country.
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In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of The Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we sit down with Elaine Mullally for an in-depth conversation about her life, her background and the journey that eventually brought her into the world of Irish politics.

Before becoming known for her political campaigning and outspoken views on the direction of Ireland, Elaine's story began in Portarlington, County Laois, where she grew up in St. Brigid's Square with her parents and five sisters. She has lived and worked in Laois throughout her life, building a career spanning business, community development and public service.

In Part 1, we go right back to the beginning.

Elaine talks about her early life in Portarlington, the experiences that shaped her, her education and career, and the path that led her to become a business owner and an active figure within her local community.

We explore Elaine's extensive business background, including establishing Clown Around Play Centre in Portarlington in 2008, as well as her previous work supporting start-up businesses through the Laois County Enterprise Board and helping establish a third-level education centre in the county.

The conversation then turns towards politics.

Elaine explains how her experiences as a business owner, mother and community activist began to influence her view of the Irish political system and ultimately pushed her towards becoming politically active.

In 2023, Elaine became a founder and the first chairperson of Independent Ireland, before later leaving the party and subsequently standing as an Independent candidate in County Laois in the 2024 General Election.

But how does someone go from running a business and working within their local community to entering national politics?

What happened along the way?

And what convinced Elaine that simply watching Irish politics from the sidelines was no longer enough?

Part 1 focuses on the person behind the political figure — her childhood, family influences, career, entrepreneurship, community involvement and the events that ultimately introduced her to political campaigning in Ireland.

Part 2 continues Elaine's story as we move deeper into her experiences in politics, campaigning and her views on some of the biggest issues facing Ireland today.
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In this episode of The Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Grealis, Midwest Radio Sports Editor and the voice behind one of the most passionate pieces of GAA commentary Ireland has ever heard.

Stephen takes us right back to the beginning — growing up in County Mayo, his early love of sport and broadcasting, and the journey that eventually led him into a career behind the microphone with Midwest Radio.

We hear about the highs, the setbacks, the opportunities and the years of work that brought Stephen all the way to Croke Park on July 26, 2026, where Mayo finally ended a 75-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup, defeating Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final.

Then came the moment that went around the world.

As the final seconds counted down, Stephen Grealis and Martin Carney delivered an emotional, unfiltered and unforgettable commentary on Midwest Radio that perfectly captured what the victory meant to generations of Mayo supporters. The clip quickly went viral, turning Stephen's call of Mayo's historic triumph into one of the defining sounds of the 2026 GAA season.

Stephen tells us what was going through his mind in those final moments, what happened immediately after the broadcast, the incredible reaction from Mayo supporters at home and abroad, and what it feels like to suddenly become part of Mayo GAA history.

But this episode is about much more than one viral clip.

It's the story of the years before the microphone, the career that led Stephen to that moment, his connection with Mayo, the reality of working in local sports broadcasting and the passion that makes Irish local radio so unique.

Whether you're a Mayo GAA supporter, GAA fan, sports journalist, aspiring commentator or simply someone who witnessed the incredible scenes when Mayo finally brought Sam Maguire home, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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In this episode of The Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we sit down with Kate Manning, an inspiring traveller who has explored all 7 continents and built a life full of adventure, courage and unforgettable stories.

Kate shares her incredible journey across the globe, from the moments that first sparked her love for travel to the life experiences that pushed her to take on such a massive voyage. From breathtaking landscapes to powerful personal lessons, Kate opens up about the highs, the challenges and the stories behind travelling the world.
This episode is packed with amazing travel stories, life lessons, adventure, motivation and real conversations about stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether you love travel, dream of seeing the world, or enjoy hearing inspiring stories from ordinary people doing extraordinary things, this episode is for you.

Listen now to hear Kate Manning’s journey across the 7 continents on The Zero Bucks Given Podcast.
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In this inspiring episode of the Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we sit down with renowned Irish meteorologist and weather broadcaster Cathal Nolan for a fascinating conversation about resilience, ambition, family, and following your dreams.

Cathal shares his remarkable life story, reflecting on his early years, the challenges he faced with illness, and the determination that helped him return to college and rebuild his future. He opens up about overcoming adversity, developing a passion for meteorology, and pursuing his dream career in weather forecasting and broadcasting.

We also explore Cathal's journey into the media industry, the science behind weather prediction, and what it's like to become one of Ireland's most recognised weather experts. Beyond his professional achievements, Cathal speaks movingly about his family and shares memorable stories about his father, a man he deeply admires and credits as a major influence on his life and values.

This episode is packed with powerful lessons on perseverance, education, personal growth, family, and achieving success despite setbacks.

If you're interested in weather forecasting, meteorology, Irish broadcasters, overcoming illness, personal development, resilience, inspirational life stories, career success, and family values, this episode is for you.
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