The predominantly used Irish of today may simply include phrases like níl aon scamall sa spéir (there are no clouds in the sky), suas an staighre (upstairs), and the occasional slán (goodbye) or oíche mhaith (goodnight). However, the launch of the podcast How to Gael by television presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, radio host Louise Cantillon and broadcaster Síomha Ní Ruairc, has added an abundance of new words to many people’s Irish vocabulary. The podcast, which first aired in October, fills a gap in the market for a bilingual podcast with a casual conversational approach.
The word Gael, its distinction from Gaeilgeoir, and the shifting acceptance of those who speak Irish domestically, are topics addressed in their introductory episode. Every episode follows a similar blueprint, exploring various themes ranging from organising your fridge to the art of refusal. The conversation begins with a question from one host, triggering a dialogue revolving around the theme of the week.
The podcasters’ friendly camaraderie and quick wit, combined with a wealth of media expertise, creates an engaging experience. They openly discuss all topics, creating a candid atmosphere. Listening to them can be enlightening, without imposing any constraints on the range of their discourse.
The New York Times recently highlighted the intangible chemistry between the hosts, describing it as a key element for successful casual chat podcasts. The decisive question for any podcast like this one is the ability to entice the listener into forming a one-sided relationship with the presenters. Here, the trio excel, their humour and honesty complement the diversity in their views, adding an appealing vibrancy.
The narratives of James Kavanagh and William Murray paint idealistic scenes of high-end rural life, stirring feelings of envy. A captivating podcast from RTÉ titled The Real Carrie Jade delves into the deceptive world of habitual liar Samantha Cookes, providing riveting content that is difficult to switch off. An unusual occurrence saw numerous adolescent girls contract a peculiar ailment, as outlined in the Hysterical review. Another tale shares the experience of a woman who was deceived by a cunning fraudster in the story You Probably Think This Story Is About You.
The How to Gael podcast captivates listeners with an engaging blend of chemistry, flexible structure, and an educative aspect that borders on novelty. The hosts round off each episode with a gluais, a sort of glossary that highlights unique words or sometimes expressions for the audience. Surprisingly, listeners learn that “being on your ghogaide” means “to sit down”, and “áibhéil” stands for “exaggeration”. They also incorporate phrases such as “Sin é mo scéal, má tá bréag ann, bíodh” which translates to a casual admittance, “That’s my story, and if there’s a lie there, so be it”. This phrase is speculated to gather frequent use.
Contrasting the old phase of “mamaí sa chistin”, How to Gael provides evidence that the language still thrives vibrantly, rebuking any sceptics through the exclamatory statement: “tá an teanga beo beathach, a éisteoirí.” The language is lively and vital, listeners.