Morgan C Jones interviews Village editor Michael Smith about the magazine's history, modus operandi and ideology; and how it deals with whistleblowers and defamation law.

Michael talks to London-based barrister David Langwallner and Amsterdam-based writer Patrick Healy about the place of 'The Intellectual' in Irish life and politics, and elsewhere. From John Scottus via James Joyce to Sally Rooney.

The podcast explores the concept of intellectualism in Ireland, delving into historical, cultural, and political aspects. It discusses the role of public intellectuals, the influence of figures like James Joyce, and the challenges of fostering intellectual independence in contemporary society.

Takeaways

• Intellectualism in Ireland
• Role of Public Intellectuals

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Intellectualism in Ireland

Morgan C Jones interviews Village editor Michael Smith about Village magazine: its history, ideology, biggest stories and approach. A lot about whistleblowing!

William interviews Frank Connolly about Bus Éireann illegal-use-of-funds scandal; Tony Lowes about bogs' surprising carbon capacity; and Michael Smith about the content of the Nov-Dec 2025 Village magazine

Interculturalism more than multiculturalism: Róisín O Shea interviews Ola Kamebugdani (Juneteenth 2022)

Paul Hyde and corruption in the planning appeals board

Micheál Martin publicly denied the existence of material evidence that had already been disclosed by an EU official Ian Livingstone. He later accepted that his Department had misled him, apologised, and undertook to correct the record. He had his Chef de Cabinet record his apology and commitment. — yet failed to do so

Michael Smith, editor, explains the background and ethos of Village magazine in conversation with Morgan Jones. Later he explains the Leo the Leak story and interviews Chay Bowes.