GoLoud has announced the release of its new and original podcast series, Invisible Threads.
The eight-part series was the winner of the inaugural GoLoud Podship, a bursary worth €20,000 which invited submissions for an original podcast series.
The successful GoLoud Podship recipient received a €5,000 cash prize, as well as access to in-house studio facilities, production support and a heavyweight launch marketing campaign.
James O’Hagan from LGBT Ireland was awarded the GoLoud Podship after his podcast pitch for ‘Invisible Threads’ was selected by an expert judging panel. The GoLoud Podship attracted hundreds of applicants.
Of the winning series, the GoLoud judging panel said: “We knew from the outset that this had the potential to be a great podcast. James’ passion and determination to give a generation of people a voice was evident and what he has delivered is audio storytelling at its very best – raw, honest, heartfelt personal accounts that give us all cause for reflection on a very important part of our history”.
Invisible Threads, hosted by James O’Hagan tells the powerful stories of eight older members of the LGBTQ+ community as they open up about their experience living as a queer person in Ireland, with contributions from psychologist Dr Paul D’Alton.
From coming out prior to the decriminalisation of homosexuality, gender dysphoria and conversion therapy, Invisible Threads features raw, honest conversations with members of the community, including Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Eilish O’Carroll.
James O’Hagan donated the €5,000 prize money to LGBT Ireland to help further the charity’s work in support of older members of the community. The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ coincides with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This month also marks the 6th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum.
Kiela Brodigan, GoLoud Director said: “The annual GoLoud Podship was developed to identify and provide a platform for original podcast content – stories and conversations that may not otherwise be heard. We’ve been blown away by the response, the talent and creativity that’s out there is something to behold.
“Our GoLoud Podship winner ‘Invisible Threads’ is a story that needs to be told and listeners to the GoLoud app will connect immediately with the empathy and passion that James has woven through this series. This is just the beginning of GoLoud’s ambition when it comes to creating and supporting original podcast content for the GoLoud app”.
Commenting on the series, Darren Cleary, GoLoud Managing Editor said: “The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ marks the beginning of an exciting new journey for us. Over the coming months we’ll be developing a suite of new digital programmes and podcasts across a number of genres under the GoLoud Originals banner. These series’ will underpin our clear commitment to producing genre defining, habit forming, innovative digital properties and podcasts.”
GoLoud Podship recipient and host of ‘Invisible Threads’, James O’Hagan said: “GoLoud’s enthusiasm for the concept and commitment to both me and the series was clear from the very beginning. The support and guidance I received throughout the process has helped me produce something truly remarkable. I can’t begin to express how proud I am of Invisible Thread and of the 8 amazing people who were brave enough to share their stories with me.”
Applications for the GoLoud Podship 2021 will open on 31st May.
Invisible Threads, a GoLoud Original Podcast launches today, May 17th and is available now on the GoLoud app and on goloudnow.com. […]

Full regulatory clearance has been given to Bauer Media Audio for its acquisition of Communicorp Group.
The approval follow’s Bauer’s purchase of Communicorp earlier this year and extends its business operations to eight countries.
It is anticipated that the acquisition will complete on May 31st, 2021.
Paul Keenan, President of Audio told RadioToday: “We are excited to be one step closer to entering Ireland. This is a fantastic addition to Bauer Media Audio, and we see great opportunities to further develop the business while continuing to play an important cultural role in Ireland with trusted news, talented presenters offered within well-known brands.”
Approval from Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has confirmed that following an initial media merger examination, the proposed acquisition of Communicorp Group by Bauer Media Audio Holdings GmbH can proceed as it is not contrary to the public interest in protecting the plurality of media in the state.
This completes all phases of required regulatory approval and follows approvals from The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. […]

Beat 102 103 has created a special two-part documentary on Long Covid featuring presenter Michelle Heffernan.
On 2 January 2021, Michelle was diagnosed with Covid-19 and like many others, she believed it would be over within a few weeks; instead, she endured months of debilitating fatigue.
In response to the ignorance and unfamiliarity with this condition, Michelle and Beat now present “It’s Not a Cold-It’s Long Covid” examining Long Covid, its effects, and the distressingly poor response patients have endured.
“I had a tough time recovering,” says Michelle, “but that is nothing compared with the stories I have heard, the lives I have seen obliterated.
People are bed-ridden; people have lost jobs, friends, or relationships. There are approximately 2,000 people in a Long Covid Ireland Facebook group and most of them are reporting that that that’ve been ignored, dismissed or gaslit.
I want to raise awareness on this issue and ask what we can all do, to lessen the number of usually healthy people from becoming disabled and disenfranchised due to Long Covid.”
Speaking ahead of the broadcast CEO of Beat 102 103 Gabrielle Cummins says: “Long Covid is new to all of us; it’s affecting our audience to varying degrees so we want to try our best to provide information that could help our listeners to better deal with this new type of illness.
“As a market leading station, it’s important that we raise awareness around how debilitating Long Covid can be but we also want to highlight solutions that will help people come out the other side of this horrible sickness & feel more positive about their future.
“As we’ve seen previously with Michelle’s other documentaries produced for Beat, she delves deep into the heart of the issue and shows great empathy with her subject matter so I’ve no doubt this latest series from her, will be as engaging as all the others have been, for Beat’s audience.”
“It’s Not a Cold-It’s Long Covid” Part 1 & Part 2 will air on May 16th and May 23rd respectively on Beat from 10am. It will be available for playback thereafter on soundcloud.com/beat102103 […]