What happens when a young singer walks into a recording studio to work with Philip Glass, having never met the composer, heard the music or even seen the lyrics?

In 1986, Bernard Fowler was invited to record Changing Opinion for Philip Glass's landmark album Songs from Liquid Days, with lyrics written by Paul Simon.

Fowler recalls arriving at the studio terrified, repeating a rather colourful mantra to calm his nerves. After just a handful of takes, Glass appeared delighted with the performance.

Then Paul Simon walked in.

In this conversation with Fender Jackson on The Ireland Podcast, Fowler recalls Simon's reaction, how Philip Glass stood by his performance, and what happened after he left the studio not knowing whether his voice would make the finished record.

The conversation also explores Fowler's early musical ambitions, his desire to cross genres, his performances with Philip Glass, and a memorable appearance at Lincoln Center.

Fender shares his own connection to Songs from Liquid Days, including an extraordinary encounter with Laurie Anderson at her Meltdown Festival in London in 1997.

This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation with Bernard Fowler.

Coming next:

• Part 2: Public Image Ltd – recording Album and working with John Lydon, Bill Laswell and the musicians involved.
• Part 3: The Rolling Stones – Fowler's decades of performing and recording with the band.

Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast and turn on notifications so you don't miss the remaining conversations.

The Ireland Podcast is an independent, long-form series hosted by Fender Jackson, recording conversations with people whose lives and experiences help tell the story of our times.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 292 days on the road, Jonathan Kemp reaches Galway, bringing his extraordinary Finding Peace of Mind Walk to an end.

On Sunday 18 October 2026, Fender Jackson joins his old friend for the final stretch along Galway's Long Walk towards the Spanish Arch, recording their conversation as Jonathan completes a journey that began in Shetland on New Year's Day.

It's an unscripted, sometimes funny and often moving conversation about what happens when an extraordinary adventure finally comes to an end.

Jonathan reflects on the physical and psychological challenges of spending more than nine months walking across Britain and Ireland, the people he's encountered, and the mental-health crisis that inspired him to undertake the journey.

He talks openly about living with bipolar II disorder, the importance of receiving appropriate treatment, and how walking has taught him to concentrate on one day at a time.

There are stories from the road, including an alarming encounter with cattle, thoughts about writing another book and even the possibility of a future adventure in Asia.

As they approach the finish line, an unexpected encounter with an image of Sinéad O'Connor prompts Jonathan to reflect on her life and his changing understanding of her struggles.

The conversation concludes with a personal moment between two friends who have known each other for 20 years.

Finding Peace of Mind

Jonathan's walk has been raising awareness and funds for four mental-health charities:

• Aware — Republic of Ireland
• AWARE NI — Northern Ireland
• SAMH — Scotland
• Mind — England and Wales

To learn more about Jonathan's journey, support the charities or access his free e-book:

https://linktr.ee/jonathankemplondon

Recorded on location in Galway, Ireland, on 18 October 2026.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of this extended conversation, former Irish Minister for Justice Alan Shatter continues his discussion with Fender Jackson about Israel, Gaza, antisemitism and Ireland's relationship with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The conversation explores Shatter's perspective on the war in Gaza, the distinction between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, and the increasingly polarised debate surrounding Israel and Palestine in Irish public life.

How should Ireland approach its relationship with Israel? What constitutes legitimate political criticism, and when does it cross into antisemitism? And how do history, identity and political loyalties shape the positions people take?

Shatter offers his arguments and interpretations in his own words, in a conversation that listeners may find challenging, thought-provoking or deeply contentious.

The Ireland Podcast is committed to recording a broad range of voices and perspectives across the island. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast.

The Ireland Podcast - Recording the island.

Also listen to:

Part 1 - Episode 247: Alan Shatter: October 7, Gaza & Israel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.