Here on The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show, we understand that our listeners live very busy lives and that between making breakfast for the family and dropping the kids off to school, getting the early morning gym session in, and running for the train to work, it’s not always possible to catch the full show.
So, we’ve decided to do a weekly ‘Best Of’ podcast that does exactly what it says on the tin! It’ll include all the greatest moments from the week’s show - the laughs, the interviews, the live music and of course, Gift Grub. So, that means when you have twenty minutes to yourself over the next week, you can sit down with a cuppa and catch up with Iano and all the craic.
From this week on, we will have an exclusive competition which is only available to those who listen to the podcast (you lucky thing). So hidden inside, Iano has a question relating to Queen B, with a very special prize for the lucky winner. YOU can get your hands on this rare and retro 'Lemonade' record (double 180g vinyl, digital album and lemonade film). All you have to do is send your answer to breakfast@todayfm.com before 6am, Monday, 9th of October. #unBEYlievable
Kicking things off we have the sweet voice of Josh Ritter, who called in on Monday morning, for the first time since 2013. Josh filled us in on what's been going on over those four years, told us what to expect at his upcoming Irish gigs, gave us an acoustic version of his catchy new song "Showboat", and modestly welcomed all the amazing messages from our listeners. But it was a superfan's call that really wowed us.
An airline boss earned himself and his company a collaboration with Gift Grub this week, as all the calamities were never going to dodge our radar. Michael O'Leary was in touch to work on a new project: "Ryanair - The Album"; a hilarious account of the shambles via songs we know and love. A MASSIVE reaction to it!
This week's Milestone Music Moment came from one of the most blissfully happy people we have ever spoken to - with a story of love, Joe Dolan, Rihanna, Navan and last, but not least, a pet lamb.
We also had viral sensation PJ Smith on the phone line ("PJ who?" I hear you mutter). PJ is the guy who jammed with Ed Sheeran at a gig stateside, wearing a green Ireland jersey and caressing the piano as if love was running short. He told Iano all about his journey; from being a big hit in an Irish band many moons ago, to designing stages and playing with Ed.
Finally, to finish off the week in style, we went to St.Mary's primary school in Ballygunner, Co.Waterford, to deliver a big, plump, juicy cheque for €10,000 to their school, and present a live show from one of their classrooms, as part of them winning our Keeling's competition.
We received an unbelievable welcome from everyone we met, from their hallways decked out in magnificent artwork, the parents, the teachers (who all got a mention at some stage on air), the amazing pupils, and not to forget, the "distinctively handsome" principal, Killian O'Reilly (his words, not ours).
We were treated to about three breakfasts EACH, a gallon of tea and coffee, a talent show, a couple of birthday cheers and some highly impressive help for Gift Grub, from all the fifth class pupils. Keano was very proud of ye.
An amazing group of people with an excellent sense of community spirit, making it one of our most memorable shows in a while.
So sit back, relax and have some "me time" as you listen to the podcast in full here:
To enjoy more of The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show, simply tune in every weekday morning from 7am #easypeasy
