Dia dhuit agus fáilte!
Bitesize Irish Podcast (previously named Bitesize Irish Gaelic Podcast), is an Irish language podcast that provides resources, a sense of community, and Irish culture to learners of the language outside of the Gaeltacht, the Irish-speaking communities in Ireland. Eoin, the host and a native Irish speaker, hosts the show, which features guests nearly every episode. It’s a fantastic podcast for anyone wanting to gain an authentic understanding of Irish culture with a funny and genuine communicator.
Let’s explore what makes Eoin’s podcast successful! For reference, check out episode 15: “Ever Considered Moving to Ireland?”
This particular episode speaks to the show’s audience; listeners who are likely people living outside of Ireland and who desperately yearn for a connection to the Irish culture. Guest Brian Casey (Casathaigh), an American, has just moved with his family to Ireland on a three-year visa and shares his experiences on moving and learning the language. Eoin sources guests that may be known, such as Irish author Felicity Hayes-McCoy) to people who resemble the ideal listener, people like Casey, who are learning Irish without a sense of community to support them, and Eoin does the appropriate research to frame each episode around a topic of interest, in this case, moving to Ireland.
Eoin is tremendously kind in his interviews. Each podcast feels like sitting around a fireplace, drinking tea, and listening to friends talk about their journeys. Questions are often phrased in a personable, rather than up-front interview manner. For example, “That’s lovely. So, to go into something more practical, Janet’s question, I’ve heard from a lot of people who really have considered moving to Ireland. Put yourself in their shoes, Brian, what would your next steps and tips be for them if they want to live in Ireland?” The way Eoin frames questions is usually with some sort of positive or encouraging response that was previous said, then he provides context for the question, whether by tying it to something previously mentioned or to a question or theme, and then personalizes it by using the guest’s name and asking their opinion. Throughout the interview, Eoin is quiet, providing ample time for the guest to share their story, but you can often hear him making soft sounds of agreement, like “Hm” or “Yeah.”
In “Ever Considered Moving to Ireland,” listeners learn that you can only acquire a three year visa into Ireland after entering the country on your 90 day visa from your respective country. Working from home, as Brian and his wife do, will make the process much easier. If you have children, Brian’s son is ten, finding schools are easy, but learning Irish is a requirement. Repeatedly, Brian mentions how friendly and forthcoming Irish natives are and he hopes to stay “as long as Ireland will have [him].”
Eoin does such a thorough job of preparing questions listeners want to hear, the logistics of moving, the experience of learning the language, while also engaging in a genuine conversation that I don’t feel anything is lacking by the end of the episode. It’s fun to hear the small ways in which our cultures naturally differ; small talk, such as the weather, seems to have weight to a conversation in Ireland because Eoin cares enough about Brian’s perspective on the differences he’s experienced during the move. The weather, like most small talk, is not just a placeholder of forced politeness in a a conversation, but an opportunity to appreciate Brian’s story. Eoin is generous and grateful with all of his guests in a way that doesn’t make the episodes feel like interviews and it’s such a unique treat.
Go raibh mile maith agat agus slan go foil!
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