Best Liam Heffernan Podcasts (2025)

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What is the Voting Rights Act? 44:10

Play Pause

6h ago44:10

44:10

This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy. So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it po…

1
Reflecting on Ireland's Qualification Campaign 33:15

13h ago33:15

33:15

Send us a text Irish Eyes Are Smiling Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies 12:52

4d ago12:52

12:52

In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distort…

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Who is Chief Seattle? 39:22

17h ago39:22

39:22

This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is n…

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Ireland's Squad for Portugal and Hungary 41:10

1d ago41:10

41:10

Send us a text Have we found the next Gary Doherty?! Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? 1:00:19

15d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth. Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why? What was so different about this park compared to others? What w…

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Interview with Newcastle Legend Liam O'Brien 1:08:44

3d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Send us a text Liam O'Brien played under Jack Charlton, Alex Fergusan, Kevin Keegan, Jim McLaughlin and several other legendary managers during a career which brought him across Bohs, Shamrock Rovers, Man United, Newcastle, Tranmere, the Republic of Ireland and more. Liam has just released a brilliant book about his career in the Ireland set-up and…

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BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults 11:53

18d ago11:53

11:53

In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides. What are yours? Email [email protected] with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier, …

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Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? 53:27

22d ago53:27

53:27

When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney? In …

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Irish Players Playing European Football 41:58

17d ago41:58

41:58

Send us a text Turns out the Europa Conference was a brilliant idea and we loved it all along. No more questions thank you. Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected]

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BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? 7:58

21d ago7:58

7:58

In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten. This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history. ... S…

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Who is Pocahontas? 41:48

17d ago41:48

41:48

The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University. We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a co…

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What's Next For Ireland? 51:25

18d ago51:25

51:25

Send us a text 1-0 loss to Portugal but a 1-0 win over Armenia. Are we seeing progress or is it just more of the same? Next week we're back to history... glorious and happy history Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected]

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BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? 12:28

1M ago12:28

12:28

This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? .…

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Who Are the Amish? 56:45

1M ago56:45

56:45

This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? .…

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Tony Goal? The Amazing Story of Tony Cascarino 1:09:21

25d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Send us a text Initially bought for a bag of of footballs and appeared 88 times for a country he believed he didn't qualify for... Ladies and Gentlmen this week we discuss the hardworking, mercurial, and at times deeply controversial Tony Cascarino. Beginning his career in the non-league, Cass worked his way to top clubs in England, Scotland and Fr…

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IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead 36:57

1M ago36:57

36:57

This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: Alyssa Roys…

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What Were the Latino Urban Riots? 52:35

1M ago52:35

52:35

This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic peop…

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What to Expect From the Upcoming Qualifiers 48:13

1M ago48:13

48:13

Send us a text Portugal away and Armenia at home... 6 points in the bag? A tonking on the way? Let us know what you think Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected]

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BONUS: Writing the Life of Dr. Drew 9:16

2M ago9:16

9:16

Dr. Charles Drew, a groundbreaking figure in the field of blood transfusion and a pioneer in medical history, deserves far more recognition than he typically receives. In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into his incredible life and legacy with Dr. Craig Miller, who recently authored a book on Dr. Drew, collaborating closely with his daughter Cha…

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IN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US Government Shutdown 12:59

2M ago12:59

12:59

This week, I'm going solo for an ad hoc episode discussing the US government shutdown, as the federal budget stalls in congress. Non-essential services are now frozen, as many Americans find themselves out of work until this situation is resolved. So what is it, why does it keep happening, and why is it continuing? All of this and more on another e…

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Who is Dr. Charles Drew? 49:27

1M ago49:27

49:27

This week, we are shining a light on someone who is often overlooked, and yet his contributions to medical science revolutionised patient care, not just in America but around the world. Yet, his life also highlights issues of race, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence amidst major systemic barriers. So on this episode, I want to know.. who is …

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The Boys interview Philip O'Rourke of Forgotten Football Clubs Fame 52:33

2M ago52:33

52:33

Send us a text This week we sit down with Philip O’Rourke, the man behind Forgotten Football Clubs. Philip’s project shines a light on the lost, disbanded, and overlooked teams of the beautiful game. We talk to him about his brand-new second book, Forgotten Football Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland: Gone But Never Forgotten. We look at the storie…

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BONUS: The Underwhelming Reality of Plymouth Rock 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the aftermath of the Mayflower's journey and the complex relationships that unfolded upon its arrival. Joining me is Peter Mancall, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the English colonists on Native American communities. We explore how the devastation from diseases brought by Europeans led t…

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IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

On this week's edition of In the Making: ● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent? ● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America, ● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and ● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack! All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Gue…

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What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule? 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds. So this week, we are going to curate our own t…

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Season Review 2007/2008 1:14:37

2M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Send us a text 6% of all Premier League footballers were Irish. 6%! Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend. Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, be…

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IN THE MAKING: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's UK Visit, Robert Redford, and the TikTok Deal 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

This week, we're talking about: the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what this tells us about America's gun control problem, Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, plus How the death of a celebrity can bring people together. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to …

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What is the Mayflower? 40:25

2M ago40:25

40:25

On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America. So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the…

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Where Do Ireland Go From Here? 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

Send us a text Okay... cards on the table. Maybe Conor has unwarranted optimism Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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BONUS: Should the US Treasury Be Independent from the President? 13:16

2M ago13:16

13:16

In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch. ... Spec…

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What is the History of California? 58:03

2M ago58:03

58:03

On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I…

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Roy Keane Storms Out of Saipan Part Two 50:16

2M ago50:16

50:16

Send us a text An apt repeat given the Saipan movie has been released in festivals... Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected]

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BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock. We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's p…

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IN THE MAKING: Is America Heading Towards a Trump Dictatorship? 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor. It’s alarming how…

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What is the US Treasury? 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy. Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finance…

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Are We Going to Win a World Cup? 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Send us a text Discussing the upcoming WC Qualifiers and why there is reason to be optimistic Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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BONUS: What Would You Do in a Gold Rush? 11:11

3M ago11:11

11:11

In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play. We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. Fr…

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Who is Harry Houdini? 46:31

3M ago46:31

46:31

Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one o…

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Roy Keane Storms Out of Saipan! Part One 44:21

3M ago44:21

44:21

Send us a text Join Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss the most tumultuous episode in Irish sport history - Roy Keane storming out of the Irish set up on the eve of the 2002 World Cup. Here we talk about dodgy training facilities, journalists swooping each other's stories, dressing downs from player to manager and oh so much more. It's all …

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BONUS: The Legacy of Emperor Norton 9:50

3M ago9:50

9:50

This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration. We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emp…

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What Was the California Gold Rush? 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever. They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their Ame…

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Players to Watch This Season in the Top Flight 1:03:46

3M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Send us a text Premiership isn't looking great folks... but Europe is a different matter Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected] Conor Heffernan & Jonathan Cooper

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BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes? 11:51

3M ago11:51

11:51

In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House. ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College L…

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Who is the Emperor of the United States of America? 46:33

3M ago46:33

46:33

On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties. Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, …

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Who to Watch in the Lower Leagues this Season? 55:48

3M ago55:48

55:48

Send us a text Championship, League One and League Two... proper football innit? Which Irish players, and proxy Irish teams, should we be checking out this year? Follows us on those socials boysweveseen on Instagram @boysweveseen on Twitter Or email us at [email protected]

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BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria 10:44

3M ago10:44

10:44

In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English. ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an exper…

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IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028? 11:31

3M ago11:31

11:31

The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years. Let us know in the comments what you think: Do you want Trump to run a…

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Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign? 45:55

4M ago45:55

45:55

This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign? ... Special guest f…