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

Broadcasting success demands ruthless selectivity and resilience in managing rejection, but industry veterans make their intentional choices appear effortless.

Lottie Ryan joins the show to discuss the pivotal moments that shaped her career: the seven-minute radio segment that completely transformed her focus from television, the enduring regret of opportunities missed due to bad advice, and how motherhood empowered her to set firm boundaries, eliminating her tolerance for negativity and "energy vampires". This is an honest look at breaking free from professional limitations and standing firm on boundaries despite people-pleasing tendencies.

Lottie Ryan is one of Ireland's best-loved radio and TV personalities, with over 13 years of broadcasting experience at RTÉ 2FM. She is the Dancing with the Stars 2020 champion and has hosted successful podcasts, including the number one Irish parenting podcast Jen and Lottie Do Parenting (with Jennifer Zamparelli). She currently co-hosts the second season of her third podcast, No One Else Will Listen, alongside her sister.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Theatre childhood shaped performance career dreams
Seven radio minutes changed television focus
Motherhood eliminated tolerance for negativity completely
Turning down television opportunity regret remains
Standing up for yourself finally comfortable

GUEST DETAILS

Lottie Ryan is a radio and TV personality with over 13 years of broadcasting experience at RTÉ 2FM. She is the Dancing with the Stars 2020 champion. She also co-hosted an episode of the show alongside Nicky Byrne.
Lottie currently hosts the second season of her third podcast, No One Else Will Listen, alongside her sister Bonnie. This follows her success co-hosting the number one Irish parenting podcast, Jen and Lottie Do Parenting with Jennifer Zamparelli, which topped Apple and Spotify charts.

Connect with Lottie Ryan:

www.instagram.com/lottieryan1/

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 reluctantly agreed to a seven-minute radio slot on 2FM. I walked out and instantly went, "Oh shit, this is it. - Lottie Ryan
Once I had Wolf, I mean, I just didn't put up with bullshit anymore. It was like this whole other person was born. It was like you mess with me, you mess with my son. And I haven't got time for it. - Lottie Ryan
I think I'd be surprised at how much, how comfortable I've become standing up for myself, probably, and probably also how much I kind of want to do different things now. - Lottie Ryan

KEYWORDS:

#IrishBroadcaster #MotherhoodJourney #CareerChoices #SettingBoundaries #RadioTVPersonality

Comedy careers rarely follow predictable paths yet somehow survive stolen bicycles and pandemic lockdowns. Success emerges from consistent weekly video creation meeting right place right time viral moments.

This episode explores viral comedy creation during lockdown. Self criticism necessary for quality performance. Turning down lucrative advertising opportunities for artistic integrity. Publishing absurdist countryside comedy with distinguished literary houses. Meeting life partners whilst pursuing creative dreams abroad.

Killian Sundermann is Dublin based comedian, writer and actor who became a prominent voice in modern Irish comedy. He rose to fame through viral sketches during pandemic amassing over half a million followers online. Best known for the satirical CountryFail series adapted into 2024 Faber published book.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Professional footballer dreams versus comedy reality
Stolen bikes trigger major life decisions
New York creating videos for celebrities
Turning down lucrative advertising opportunity integrity
Publishing absurdist countryside book with Faber

GUEST DETAILS

Killian Sundermann is Dublin based comedian writer and actor who became a prominent voice in modern Irish comedy rising through viral sketches during pandemic. He amassed over half a million followers online best known for satirical CountryFail series adapted into 2024 book published by Faber and Faber. Seasoned live performer regular at major festivals like Electric Picnic and Edinburgh Fringe with 2026 tour Killian Dollar Baby showcasing offbeat standup cultural observations and musical comedy drawing from Irish German heritage.

Connect Killian Sundermann:

https://www.instagram.com/killersundy/

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 was making a video every single week during the pandemic. It's luck that a few of those went viral, but it's not luck that I was making them and putting them out there. - Killian Sundermann
The fact that it's sort of steamrolled is nice, but I think I'd still just be doing it because it's just a lot of fun. - Killian Sundermann
I'd say go to therapy at a younger age. That's probably some good advice. Don't spend so much time in your head. I think maybe the best way of doing that will be to talk to some sort of medical professional or something. Worry less. Do things more. - Killian Sundermann

KEYWORDS: #ViralComedy #IrishComedian #StandupJourney #CountryFail #ComedyWriting