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!
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Episodes
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
In this episode Gareth and Sam are joined by Paul Wilson, the son of Senator Paddy Wilson. Senator Wilson and his friend Irene Andrews were brutally murdered by the loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters in June 1973. They delve into the impact of sectarian violence, the challenges of political leadership, and the need for reconciliation in a society still grappling with its past. Paul Wilson reflects on the profound impact of violence and the loss, sharing personal experiences of grief, addiction, and the struggle for stability after the death of his father. The discussion highlights the importance of community, the challenges of moving to a new country, and the journey towards healing and understanding. Paul emphasises the need for respect and choice in breaking the cycle of hatred and sectarianism, ultimately advocating for a peaceful coexistence.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction06:40 The Legacy of Paddy Wilson07:37 Growing Up in North Belfast30:07 The Tragic Murder of Paddy Wilson37:25 Consequences of Violence and Sectarianism38:52 The Impact of Violence on Families41:10 Struggles with Grief and Addiction45:00 A New Life in England51:29 Finding Stability and Community57:47 Marriage and Family Life01:01:05 Reflections on the Past and Moving Forward01:07:31 The Importance of Choice and Freedom01:15:32 Breaking the Cycle of Hatred
Want to get early access to new episodes and articles from Shrapnel? Then head across to our Patreon and support us today!
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
In this conversation, Gareth Mulvenna and Sam McIlwaine chat to Imperial War Museum curator Craig Murray about the 2023 exhibition Living With the Troubles. They explore the complexities of exhibiting such a sensitive topic, the importance of including diverse voices, and the challenges of educating the English public about Northern Ireland's history. The discussion also touches on the role of sensory experiences in museums and the delicate balance between impactful storytelling and tastefulness in exhibitions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Troubles Exhibition03:11 Understanding the Complexity of The Troubles06:03 Voices from the Past: Gathering Testimonies09:09 Navigating Sensitivity in Historical Narratives12:14 The Role of Objects in Exhibitions15:11 The Impact of The Troubles on England18:08 Challenges in Teaching History20:50 The Power of Sensory Experiences in Museums24:04 Balancing Impact and Tastefulness in Exhibitions26:54 Future of the Exhibition and Its Reach29:58 Concluding Thoughts on Historical Narratives
Want to get early access to new episodes and articles from Shrapnel? Then head across to our Patreon and support us today!