Born Optimistic

What if you had been born 500 years ago? Would you feel the same emotions? Junior Brother confronts you with these thoughts. There are few examples of an artist weaving a world as complete as Junior Brother.

An amazing tale of how insurance sales and Guns & Roses led to a career steeped in the truth and honesty of Americana. That's Gavin's dog Danko in the photo named after a member of The Band, one of his biggest inspirations.

Our 50th show and who better man to share it with than David Gray! Some jaw-dropping moments in this incredibly personal and revealing interview.

This troubadour has written over a thousand songs that he's been keeping from us all. He delivers a very fresh, open and honest account of how music has helped him keep depression at bay. Fascinating.

A sharp mind with a real sense of purpose, David is instantly likeable. He's full of passion about the power of music and he shares what formed that.

Former Toasted Heretic frontman and now author, Julian shares some great stories as he prepares for the release of his novel 'Connect' on May 3rd.

A chance meeting at the funeral of the great Martin Thomas brought this interview about. Mike sang a wonderful song and I asked him if he wrote it. I didn't realise he was lead singer of band I loved as a teen!

A big believer in 'The Secret' and the laws of attraction. Aoife is very focused on her aims but completely relaxed with it. Couple that with an amazing voice and great lyrics and you have one of the most exciting new acts ever.

A fresh and thoughtful voice. A man of many aliases who makes music without a grand plan. Latest album 'When You Get Caught Between The Moon and Dublin City' is a concept album par excellence.

A deep thinker with a humble exterior, Matt has done great things already with his songs. A refreshing reminder of what songs can be used for, from politics to healing.

The tale of two people who met at a Lady Gaga gig and formed their dream band together years later.

This woman is such an inspiration. She thrills whether talking about her blind father, cravings, her writings or Leonard Cohen. A fine example of how to live.

Martha in reflective mode just before she took the stage for Dublin's Tradfest in St. Patrick's Cathedral. A wide range of topics covered from divorce to family to success and when to keep going.

From dodging bullets in WWII to recording folk songs in the Appalachians with Alan Lomax to losing her voice for thirty years, Shirley Collins regales with amazing tales.

If you have trouble sleeping then take Anna's advice and get everything out of your system during day-time hours.

You have to hear this amazing band from Dublin. Killer lyrics, harmonies and tunes. Muireann, Ailbhe, Cara and Molly talk optimism, songwriting and teamwork.

A unique voice that burst into our lives attached to a political rocket, Jack O'Rourke is a singer-songwriter for keeps. He combines music with a career as a teacher which opened up a world of fascinating insights.

A reminder that appearances can deceive. Singer Ailbhe Reddy's videos depict a wholly serious person but in person she's full of laughs. Check out her track 'Coffee'. Wow.

The Pale are the last guests of 2017 as they pop in to celebrate the 25th birthday of their 'Here's One We Made Earlier' album. Riveting insights and details of Shane's idyllic childhood.

There are few people on this planet as caring, thoughtful and intelligent at this man. Luxuriate in this hour in his company and listen to his new album 'Gathering'.