Patrick Geoghegan on Talking History turning 20!
Oct 1, 2026 · 8m
Summary
Professor Patrick Gagan joins The Hard Shoulder to mark the 20th anniversary of Newstalk’s "Talking History." He recounts the show’s origins from a Trinity College course and discusses its evolution into a live panel format. Gagan reflects on memorable episodes, notable guests like Mary Beard, and the shift from radio to a major podcast audience.
Topics discussed
Government of Ireland: Building Ireland ad
Introduction: 20th anniversary of Talking History
Origins: From Trinity course to live radio show
Philosophy: Covering any topic from ancient to modern
Memorable moments: Best and worst shows
Notable guests: Mary Beard, Richard Evans, and others
Outside broadcasts and being recognized by voice
The rise of podcasts and changing audience habits
Personal growth: Life changes over 20 years
Latest episode: The history of The Irish Times
Outro: The Hard Shoulder promotion
Listen ad-free on Castria