About Shrapnel - Fragments of the Past, Present and Future in Northern Ireland
The Shrapnel Podcast is a Northern Ireland-based show created and hosted by Sam McIlwaine, Gareth Mulvenna and Graeme Hanna. It focuses on exploring the region’s complex past, particularly the legacy of the Troubles and its societal impacts. The podcast features in-depth conversations and interviews with voices often overlooked by mainstream media. Guests include historians, activists, former political prisoners, and community advocates, offering diverse perspectives on Northern Ireland’s history and ongoing challenges.
The podcast has released over 40 episodes since its launch in August 2022, and it covers topics such as personal accounts of the Troubles, the role of music and culture during the conflict, and transitional justice.
Expect politics, culture, history, football and mental health among other topics!
Graham Walker - Ties That Bind? Scotland, Northern Ireland, Britishness and Unionism
In this conversation, Gareth and Graeme chat to Prof. Graham Walker who discusses his early influences and interest in Ulster politics, particularly in relation to the Troubles. He reflects on the literature that shaped his understanding of the conflict, emphasising the lack of representation of the Unionist perspective. The discussion also explores the cultural impact of football and sectarianism in Scotland, the political dynamics between Northern Ireland and Scotland, and the ongoing challenges of sectarianism in the context of the Old Firm rivalry. Walker highlights the complexities of identity and the historical context that continues to influence contemporary Scottish society. This conversation delves into the complexities of football culture, particularly focusing on the Rangers fan base and its relationship with Scottish and British identity. The discussion highlights the diverse political allegiances among Rangers supporters, the evolving nature of unionism, and the challenges faced by loyalist communities in Scotland. It also touches on the cultural disconnect experienced by younger generations and the historical ties between Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the sectarian past of Liverpool.
Chapters
00:00 Early Influences and Political Awakening
03:02 The Role of Literature in Understanding the Troubles05:58 Cultural Reflections: Football and Sectarianism09:05 The Impact of the Troubles on Scottish Identity12:09 Political Dynamics in Northern Ireland and Scotland14:56 The Old Firm Rivalry and Sectarianism Today17:50 The Future of Sectarianism in Scottish Football33:44 Complexities of Football and National Identity35:58 The Political Landscape of Rangers Fans39:40 Diverse Political Allegiances Among Rangers Supporters42:53 Unionism: Strengths and Weaknesses45:51 Cultural Identity and the Case for the Union50:03 The State of Loyalism in Scotland53:12 Changing Dynamics of Scottish Society56:04 Cultural Cringe and Historical Disconnect01:00:06 Ulster Scots and Cultural Connections
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17 Mar 2025
Shrapnel - Fragments St Patrick's Day Special with Iain Turner of Balaclava Street
In this episode recorded in-person on the Shankill on 15 March 2025 the lads hosted a special Fragments off-shot of the normal Shrapnel pod. They chat to researcher Iain Turner who was in Belfast to deliver a lecture about the complex history of the UVF in East Belfast, exploring the motivations behind joining paramilitary organisations, the contradictions of violence and identity, and the current political stalemate in Northern Ireland. They also discuss the cultural significance of St. Patrick's Day and the evolving perceptions of Irish identity within loyalist communities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Chat05:00 Exploring the UVF's History in East Belfast09:46 Motivations Behind Joining Paramilitary Organizations14:55 Contradictions in Violence and Identity19:53 The UVF's Legacy and Current Status25:09 Political Stalemate and Future of Northern Ireland29:54 Cultural Identity and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
9 Mar 2025
Germany: Post-Election Analysis from Our Man in Hamburg
In this special episode of the Shrapnel Podcast, hosts Sam McIlwaine Graeme Hanna engage with Timo, a German political enthusiast, to discuss the current state of German politics in the wake of the recent election, focusing on the rise of the AFD party and its implications for society. They explore the complexities of coalition-building, the influence of history on modern politics, and the role of populism in addressing societal issues. The conversation also touches on the intersection of football culture and political identity in Germany, highlighting how these themes resonate across Europe.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Shrapnel Podcast01:09 Overview of German Politics03:31 The Rise of the AFD Party11:09 The AFD's Impact on German Society18:08 The Role of History in Modern Politics24:24 Populism and Crisis Management30:21 The Influence of Social Media and Billionaires36:27 Football as a Reflection of Society42:13 Identity and Politics in East Germany48:34 The Future of Germany and Its Politics
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
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