A Ballyshannon man has managed to beat off top Irish and international productions to top the iTunes charts with his new podcast.
Ruairí McKiernan helped co-founded the SpunOut.ie national youth charity in Ballyshannon back in 2004.
Now his Love and Courage podcast features one hour audio conversations with guests such as Professor Ivor Browne, Christy Moore, Sr. Stan, and Frances Black, people who Ruairí says have a lot to offer when it comes to inspiring different ways of looking at life.
The availability of smartphones means podcasts continue to grow in popularity as a media format. They are downloadable versions of existing radio shows, or independent productions such as Love and Courage. People can download them for free onto their smartphones or listen online through services such as iTunes or Soundcloud.
Within hours of launching, the Love and Courage podcast rocketed to the top of the iTunes charts, hitting the number one spot above shows from RTÉ and Newstalk, and international podcasts like This American Life, Serial and TED talks.
“I’ve been blown away by the response to be honest. I knew there was a big appetite out there for more meaningful conversations but this really confirms it. I’ve been contacted by people all over the world saying how much they’ve enjoyed the first batch of interviews that I’ve released. The podcast is particularly popular in Bolivia. I’ve no idea why Bolivia of all places.” he said.
Ruairí, who is part of the Keenaghan family from Bundoran, has been involved in establishing new social ventures for over fifteen years.
He co-founded the pioneering SpunOut.ie youth organisation back in 2004 alongside Laghey man Keith Corcoran and Anna Lally. He has also helped establish the Uplift campaign group which now boasts 170,000 members, and the A Lust For Life wellbeing movement. In 2012 he was appointed to the Council of State by President Michael D Higgins.
The Love and Courage podcast is a non-profit venture and is available for everyone to access for free. However there are production costs involved and Ruairí has benefitted from the growing trend towards crowdfunding and patronage for artists and innovators.
Already numerous people have contributed as once off donors or monthly patrons meaning the enterprise is a real community endeavour, something Ruairí is keen to build on.
“I’m considering Love and Courage gatherings, events and workshops and I’ve a few ideas for doing more work around video and documentary. There seems to be a real appetite for something different and I’m looking forward to seeing where this all goes” he says.
For those unfamiliar with how podcasts work, they are free and relatively easy and fast to learn. All that is needed is internet access, either on a phone or a computer or tablet.
“Podcasts can open up a whole new world to people of all ages” says Ruairí. “Whether you are interested in sport, music, science, comedy or literature, there is something for everyone. I’d definitely encourage people who haven’t tried them yet to give it a go. It’s like having access to the world’s best radio shows at times and places that suit you. For me I love listening when out for a walk or driving.”
iPhone and iPad users can find Love and Courage using the podcast App on their phone or on iTunes. Then just click subscribe and download or stream individual episodes. Other smartphone users can go to the Google Play App and download a podcast App such as Podcast Republic and search for Love and Courage there. Ruairí’s podcast is also available on Soundcloud and iTunes and more information is at www.loveandcourage.org
Tags: