Sports Stars Aren’t Special" is the podcast that proves even the biggest names in sports are just like the rest of us - human. Hosts Claire Craig and Keith Russell sit down with top athletes to uncover the real stories behind the headlines. Forget the fame and glory, this show dives into the struggles, doubts, and everyday moments that make these sports stars relatable. Honest, raw, and often surprising, each episode explores what happens when the spotlight fades and real life kicks in.
Jack Shannon Cole sustained a spinal cord injury instead of letting it define him, he rebuilt himself through sport, advocacy, and community
Today’s guest is someone whose story is not only inspiring but also full of perspective.
At just 15, Jack Shannon sustained a spinal cord injury that changed the course of his life, but instead of letting it define him, he rebuilt himself through sport, advocacy, and community.
Jack has represented Ireland in wheelchair rugby, works as Advocacy and Peer Officer with Spinal Injuries Ireland, and is helping businesses become more accessible through his upcoming consultancy.
He’s living proof that the right mindset and a good laugh can take you anywhere.
20 Aug 2025
Irish Racing Driver Conor Grant joins Claire and Keith
Conor began karting at age 10 and is now one of the few Irish drivers breaking into the U.S. open-wheel racing ladder, having made his F4 debut in November 2024.
Aiming for USF2000 in 2026
He’s currently building investment partnerships to fund a full 2026 season in USF2000, the second step on the official Road to Indy series—just two tiers below IndyCar.
No Academy, No Backing—Just Belief
Unlike many of his rivals, Conor isn’t backed by a major team or development academy. He’s managing sponsorship, branding, and progress himself.
Ambassador for Modern Motorsport
Conor’s story defies the stereotype of motorsport as a closed-off world. He’s proving it’s possible to build a racing career with grit, smart thinking, and transparency.
For more details about this podcast and the hosts Claire and Keith visit the Sports Stars Aren’t Special website here (portsstarsarentspecial.com)
30 Jul 2025
Triathlete and engineer Mary O’Donnell joins the guys in this episode
Mary is one of Ireland’s rising stars in triathlon. Her journey began at grassroots level with Blackwater Triathlon Club, where she was named “Rookie of the Year” in 2021. Mary shares her love for triathlon and why she embraces the phrase 'just do it'.
For more details about this podcast and the hosts Claire and Keith visit the Sports Stars Aren’t Special website here (portsstarsarentspecial.com)
25 Jun 2025
Grand National winning jockey Paddy O'Hanlon chats to Claire and Keith
Jockey Paddy O'Hanlon discusses his Grand National win and his career as a qualified pilot in an interview with Claire and Keith.
11 Jun 2025
Footballer & HYROX Competitor Abbie Brophy joins Claire and Keith
Footballer and HYROX athlete Abbie Brophy discusses balancing elite sports, mental health challenges, and building resilience in this interview with Claire and Keith.
25 Apr 2025
Daire Gorman is a massive Liverpool fan with an incredibly inspiring story
Daire's passion for Liverpool FC runs deep. His dream came true when he met manager Jürgen Klopp and the entire first-team squad—an unforgettable day that captured hearts across the world.
Daire has a rare form of dwarfism, which makes some everyday things more challenging—but never limits his passion, especially when it comes to sport.
Through his energy, humour, and love of football, Daire naturally inspires people to see ability over disability. His story shows how sport connects and uplifts.
The video of Daire visiting Anfield and sharing hugs, smiles, and chats with Liverpool players went viral for its warmth and authenticity.
His mum, Shelley, is his biggest supporter and a key part of his story. Their bond and shared journey make their presence on the podcast truly special.
Whether chatting with Premier League stars or being featured in media stories, Daire’s confidence and sense of humour always shine through.
He Lives with a Rare Condition and se’s an advocate without even trying. He’s Gone Viral for All the Right Reasons and family is everything to hm.
Don’t t forget to like and subscribe to the podcast and turn on those notifications to get notified when a new episode is released.
Sports Stars Aren’t nt Special are on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
3 Mar 2025
Former weightlifter Thammy Nguyen shares her incredibly inspiring story
In this episode former weightlifter Thammy Nguyen chats to Claire and Keith about moving to Ireland and how it felt when her mother and brother eventually followed Thammy and her dad to Ireland. Thammy shares an exclusive secret tip she used when weightlifting and why she retired. We also learn what Thammy has been doing since retiring.
Dont forget to like and subscribe to the podcast and turn on those notifications to get notified when a new episode is released.
Sports Stars Arent Special are on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
29 Jan 2025
Ice Dancer Shane Firus joins Claire and Keith
In this episode ice dancer Shane Firus chats all things figure skating, explains exactly what ice dancing is, tells us what it was like swapping representing Canada for Ireland and Claire gives Shane the low down on spice bags.
Dont forget to like and subscribe to the podcast and turn on those notifications to get notified when a new episode is released.
Sports Stars Arent Special are on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
19 Dec 2023
Olympic boxer and celtic light heavy weight title holder Emmet Brennan
In this episode Claire and Keith had the pleasure of speaking to Boxer, Olympian and celtic light heavy weight title holder…. Emmet Brennan
Emmet is a two-time Irish champion who gave up boxing at one point, then quit his job to pursue his Olympic dream. In March 2019 he needed a top six finish at the Olympic Qualifiers in London to qualify and, after winning his first bout, the tournament was postponed because of Covid-19. At the final Olympic qualifier in Paris he was a beaten quarterfinalist but then came through a bruising box-off against Sweden’s Liridon Nuha to clinch his spot in Tokyo.
Very open about his mental health- after being on a 12 week drinking binge in New York to come back he gave up drinking and set his sights on a pro boxing career.
For more details about this podcast and the hosts Claire and Keith visit the Sports Stars Aren’t Special website here (portsstarsarentspecial.com)
31 Oct 2023
Multi-talented ex professional squash player and current writer and comedian Orla Doherty tells us about her incredible life story
Hosts Clare Craig and Keith Russell chat to ex professional squash player Orla Doherty about her incredible life story. So many twists and turns in this episode we didn’t know what was around the next corner. Orla is now a writer and comedian, was diagnosed with bipolar, worked for some incredible schools, was a private investigator and much more. Orla also tells us about her new memoir called A Fish that Learnt to Swim.
Orla is on Instagram @orladohertywriter (https://www.instagram.com/orladohertywriter/) and @we_are_chatterboxx (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_chatterboxx/)
For more details about this podcast and the hosts Claire and Keith visit the Sports Stars Aren’t Special website here (portsstarsarentspecial.com)
5 Oct 2023
Ex professional footballer Mark O'Brien chats about his incredibly inspiring story
Hosts Clare Craig and Keith Russell chat to ex professional footballer about his career starting out at Cherry Orchard in Dublin to when he moved to Derby County and then ultimately forced to retire from football at an early age at Newport County due to heart problems.
They also chat to Mark about his book A Game Of Two Hearts which documents his incredibly inspiring journey. You can purchase Marks book from Amazon here (https://amzn.eu/d/1WXQBaz)
For more details about this podcast and the hosts Claire and Keith visit the Sports Stars Aren’t Special website here (portsstarsarentspecial.com)
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
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