Jonathan Kemp joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss his extraordinary 4,200km Finding Peace of Mind Walk 2026 - a journey across the UK and Ireland in support of mental health awareness and recovery.

Starting in the Shetland Islands on January 1st and finishing in Galway later this year, Jonathan shares the deeply personal experiences that led him to undertake the walk, including his lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, dyslexia, addiction, and suicidal ideation during COVID.

Jonathan speaks openly about diagnosis, medication, recovery, neurodiversity, addiction, and the importance of seeking help. He also reflects on the physical and emotional realities of walking thousands of kilometres while raising funds and awareness for mental health charities across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.

This is Leg 1, Part 1 of an ongoing series following Jonathan’s journey toward Galway.

Relevant Links

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Jonathansupporting4mentalhealthcharities

https://linktr.ee/jonathankemplondon

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Part 2 of conversation with Steve Mack of That Petrol Emotion.

In this episode, Steve goes deep on what really makes a great record - not just what you hear, but the space between the notes. From the genius of the Stayin' Alive to the importance of restraint in music, this is a masterclass in listening differently.

We also explore the evolution of That Petrol Emotion - how Brendan Kelly joined the band, the albums that defined their sound, and ultimately how the band began to come apart after years of getting close without breaking through to that next level. It’s an honest look at ambition, pressure, and the reality behind life in a band.

Along the way, Steve shares stories about fans, legacy, and the unexpected ways music travels through generations - including the moment he discovered his biological father was connected to Dion and the Belmonts.

This is a conversation about music, identity, and the ripple effect of songs that never really go away.

Relevant Links

https://linktr.ee/smack206

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lEmb06zxltC0M1TMDfLXd?si=179a45e302864e50

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation with the lead singer of one of Ireland’s most seminal bands, looking back on origins, identity, and the winding path of a life in music. He reflects on early influences, the experience of being adopted, and the sense of instinct that shaped both his voice and his direction.

There are vivid stories from Belfast - including the surreal reality of playing gigs while staying in the Europa Hotel, known as the most bombed hotel in Europe - alongside moments that capture both the humour and tension of the time. Throughout, he returns to a simple but firm belief: that the song always comes first.

The conversation moves through the highs and the missteps - from early promise to periods where production and expectation began to overshadow the music itself. There’s an honest look at the excesses of 80s sound, and a clear philosophy that great songs should stand on their own, without being buried under layers of production.

It’s also a story of rediscovery - of finding the groove again, reconnecting with what matters, and trusting instinct over noise. Along the way, he shares insights into creativity, influence, and the fine line between sound and substance, offering a candid perspective on what it really means to make music that lasts.

Relevant Links

https://linktr.ee/smack206

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lEmb06zxltC0M1TMDfLXd?si=179a45e302864e50

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.