From Broadcast to Podcast: Reflections on 100 Years of Irish Radio with David Puttnam, Noreen Minihan, Gerald O'Brien and Ann Bell
Welcome to From Broadcast to Podcast: Reflections on 100 years of Irish Radio, a special series from the SHSS Podcast
This episode features interviews with Oscar-winning producer and educator David Puttnam, retired GP and violinist Ann Bell, historian Gerald O’Brien and former principal and community leader Mrs Noreen Minihan. They explore how radio shaped Irish life, culture and conversation.
David Puttnam discusses his journalist father’s influence, radio’s role in music and trust in journalism, and the risks of social media and AI to the ‘common square’. AnnBell recalls music-rich radio homes and programmes including Gay Byrne’s radio show and Lyric FM. Gerald O’Brien describes early wireless sets, licensing, radio drama and major news moments. Noreen Minihan remembers radio soaps, community connection and Kennedy’s assassination, and advises students to use media wisely and get involved locally.
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Radio Memories Montage
02:00 Meet the Guests
02:43 David Puttnam on News
03:53 Radio at Home Stories
06:03 Elvis Moment Changed Everything
07:06 Trust Journalism Democracy
09:07 Social Media and AI Warnings
13:36 Radio Future and the Brain
17:19 Comedy Shows and LA Radio
19:20 Introducing Ann Bell
19:55 Radiogram and Take the Floor
22:37 Gay Byrne and Social Change
24:51 From Classics to Pop
26:28 Favourite Presenters
27:59 TV Takes Over
29:03 Radio Habits Today
29:38 Songs That Stick
30:25 News That Shook
31:20 Gerald O’Brien Joins
32:29 Wireless Licences Era
35:49 Golden Age Programmes
38:55 Radio Drama Magic
40:22 Big News Memories
42:34 Radio Still Matters
45:13 Noreen Minihan Remembers
47:48 Community On Air
51:17 Kennedy Shockwaves
54:18 Media Wisdom Today
57:20 Get Involved Message
59:02 Conclusion
Interviewers: Grace de Long, Kate O'Donovan, Erin Cahalane, Ava Good, Raylica da Costa Santos and Sena Zama
Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSSEquipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.Post processing by Darragh Dineen Flux Learning Ltd.
3 Feb 2026
S07E07 Sophie Bell, National Irish Debating Team
In this edition of the SHSS podcast, Sophie Bell, a 6th year student and member of the Irish National Debating Team, shares her journey into debating.
Sophie describes her progression from school competitions to participating in the prestigious World Schools Debating Championship, including her experiences in Panama and upcoming competition in Nairobi. She details the differences in debating styles, the training schedule, the makeup of her team, and the influence of her coaches. Sophie offers insights into the personal benefits of debating, such as increased self-confidence and better communication skills, and provides advice for those interested in starting debates.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the SHSS Podcast
00:27 Sophie's Journey into Debating
01:22 Debating Styles and Competitions02:00 Experiences in Panama
05:00 Team Dynamics and Training
07:36 Future Competitions and Advice
08:59 Personal Growth through Debating
Interviewers: Emily Bell and Lily Boddington, TY students
Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS
Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.
Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.
Recording Date: 21/01/2026
30 Jan 2026
S07E06: Emily Bell and Lily Boddington
SHSS Podcast: The BT Young Scientist Experience
Transition Year hosts Andrea Whelton and Sadhbh Coomey sit down with students Emily Bell and Lily Boddington to discuss their recent competition entry at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin.
In this episode, we cover:
• 🧠 The Science of Memory: The students explain their project, which investigated the connection between scent and memory retention.
• 🔬 Trip to Dublin: From the lively atmosphere of 550 student groups to the "swag" collection of free pens and socks, Emily and Lily share what the exhibition floor was really like.
• 💡 Advice for Future Scientists: The team offers encouragement to current third years, urging them to "just go for it" and enter the competition next year.
Hosts: Andrea Whelton & Sadhbh Coomey
Guests: Emily Bell & Lily Boddington
Recording Date: 15/01/2026
Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS
Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.
Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.
Who has been a guest on SHSS Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Anne-Marie Sheehan
Seán Óg O' hAilpín
Evie Weller
Grace Osborne
Sian Cook
Reach and audience
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Spotify
3.9 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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