The State of Us
Podcast Description
The State Of Us in a contemporary Irish podcast which which will be looking at modern society and culture in both Ireland and the rest of the world.Each week will feature a guest who has interesting ideas and things to say about society.Some will be controversial, some will be quite mad but they're always going to be interesting.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of topics centered on societal dynamics, cultural issues, and the impact of media narratives. Episodes may delve into controversial themes such as cancel culture, free speech, and shifts in gender politics, with examples like Graham Linehan's insights on the personal repercussions of advocacy and the changing landscape of comedy.
The State Of Us in a contemporary Irish podcast which which will be looking at modern society and culture in both Ireland and the rest of the world.
Each week will feature a guest who has interesting ideas and things to say about society.
Some will be controversial, some will be quite mad but they’re always going to be interesting.
Welcome to The State of Us – Episode 06: John Boyne
In this compelling episode of The State of Us, host Ian O’Doherty sits down with acclaimed Irish novelist John Boyne for a candid, moving, and, at times, darkly humorous conversation. Brought to you by Rivada Space Networks, this episode takes you beyond the headlines into the personal, literary, and societal undercurrents that have shaped one of Ireland’s best-known authors.
Timestamps / Topics Covered:
00:00 – Introduction | The State of Us & Rivada’s “outernet”
01:00 – John’s book tour, the “Elements” novella sequence, and tackling sexual abuse in literature
04:00 – Growing up in Irish schools: endemic abuse, generational silence, complicity, and trauma
12:00 – How Irish schools have changed & recognising positive progress for young people today
14:30 – Writing about the Holocaust: The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas—origins, empathy, challenges
18:30 – Impact, legacy, and enduring controversy of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
24:00 – Responding to criticism, online abuse, and navigating backlash as a writer
33:20 – “My Brother’s Name is Jessica”: Writing about transgender issues, allyship, and being targeted by social media mobs
41:00 – The culture wars, the privilege of victimhood, pronouns, and cancel culture
49:50 – Satire and catharsis: Writing “The Echo Chamber” as a response to contemporary online outrage
56:00 – Threats, author safety, and reflections on the Salman Rushdie attack
1:08:00 – John’s creative process, life, and what’s next
Key Discussion Points:
The Elements Novellas: John breaks down his daring four-part novella series, which confronts sexual abuse from different perspectives, and explains why fiction is crucial for empathy and understanding.
School Abuse Scandals: Hear powerful, candid accounts of how abuse in Irish schools shaped a generation and why silence persisted for so long.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: Learn where the novel’s inspiration came from, its unexpected global impact, and why John remains fiercely proud despite enduring waves of criticism.
Controversy & Social Media: John discusses being at the centre of online “pile-ons”, why he stands by his work on transgender issues, and the culture of outrage—plus, his approach to dealing with trolls and threats.
The Echo Chamber: Discover why satire was the only suitable response to Ireland’s digital culture wars—and why laughter heals.
Wisdom for Writers: John shares his writing routine, relationship with solitude, and advice for fellow creatives.
About John Boyne:
Author of over twenty novels, John Boyne is best known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, The Echo Chamber, and several acclaimed books for young readers. His work has been translated into more than 60 languages.
Connect with Us:
👉 Produced by Podcast Dublin: https://www.podcastdublin.ie/
👉 Stay tuned for more episodes—subscribe for interviews with thought leaders, artists, and innovators!
If you enjoyed this episode:
Like & Subscribe for weekly conversations
Explore our playlist for more candid discussions on the future of society, culture, and art.
#JohnBoyne #TheStateOfUs #Podcast #IrishWriters #BoyInTheStripedPajamas #CancelCulture #WritingLife
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.