How does a broadcaster find their voice after repeatedly changing direction and nearly giving up on education entirely?

This episode explores navigating early career uncertainty through persistence and serendipity. Repeating Leaving Cert leading to unexpected broadcasting opportunity. Solo travel building confidence and overcoming fear. Working across every radio role creating invaluable industry connections. Small career decisions creating unexpectedly transformative outcomes.

Aifric O'Connell is highly regarded Irish broadcaster and producer known for sharp instincts thoughtful storytelling and natural ability making large scale conversations feel deeply personal. Versatile career established her as familiar trusted voice on national airwaves moving seamlessly between lead presenting roles and high level production.

Currently serves as producer for The 2 Johnnies playing vital role in powerhouse duo's output including chart topping podcast celebrated for honesty musical expertise and authentic rapport resonating across podcasts radio and Irish festival circuit.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Repeating Leaving Cert opened unexpected doors
Granddad's funeral comment sparked broadcasting journey
Solo Vietnam travel built courage confidence
Working every radio role built connections
Two Johnnies partnership turned out brilliantly

GUEST DETAILS

Aifric O'Connell is highly regarded Irish broadcaster and producer known for sharp instincts thoughtful storytelling and natural ability making large scale conversations feel deeply personal. Built strong reputation as flagship presenter on RTÉ 2fm whilst equally recognised for creative influence behind scenes. Currently serves as producer for The 2 Johnnies playing vital role in powerhouse duo's chart topping podcast output celebrated for honesty musical expertise and authentic rapport resonating across podcasts radio and Irish festival circuit.

Connect with Aifric O’Connell: Instagram: @aifricoc

HOST INFORMATION

Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.

Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.

Taran’s Contact Details

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/

QUOTES

I worked in everything you can do in radio, because a lot of this industry as well is getting to know people and making connections. Our parents were right. Yeah, bring the CV in person. - Aifric O'Connell

My granddad died, and he was like one of my favourite people. And I remember they asked me to do like a prayer or whatever at his funeral, so I went and did the prayer, and somebody said to me afterwards, my friend's mom said to me, you've a really good voice. You should be on the radio. And I was like, fuck, I never thought about that before. - Aifric O'Connell

I basically sent my CV to RTE straight out of college. It turned out that they used to take on people during the summer for answering phones on liveline. So I did that job first, and then got asked afterwards to cover a maternity leave here and there." - Aifric O'Connell

KEYWORDS: #IrishBroadcaster #RadioCareer #SoloTravel #CareerJourney #BroadcastingIndustry