Cold World Podcast

When you think about Los Angeles you probably think about the sunshine, movie stars, Hollywood, the fancy cars and the glitz and glam. But there are many neighborhoods here plagued by social issues like gang violence, police brutality, unemployment and drug operations. Today I’m sharing details about my trip the well known ghettos of LA with Big Mike, the host of Hood Tours. We stopped off in Watts, Crenshaw and Compton to discuss the ongoing fued between the bloods and the crips, Nipsey Hussle’s murder and the iconic Hip Hop history in this city.

To honour the life of a previous guest and friend, I am republishing an interview I did back in 2020 with the late Axl Borges and his brother Josh. We talked about their journey to becoming qualified pilots, producing music, skating and drug cartels in their homeland, Mexico. Rest in Peace Axl.

9 Wellington Terrace in Cork city, Ireland, once served as cheap accommodation to those that found themselves in difficult living situations. Late night, drug fuelled parties were common at the house and it was during one of these parties that events turned chaotic. Cathal O’Brien and Kevin Ball were last seen at the house in April of 1994 before they disappeared. And just a few months later, Denis “Patch” O’Driscoll also vanished without a trace. Was this just a terrifying coincidence or was someone responsible for Cork’s missing men? Tune in today to hear me unpack the gruesome, eerie details of this case.

In June 2010 a lady in Oregon USA, was going through her late father’s belongings after he had just passed away. She found a journal. She was unaware that he even kept a journal, but one of the stories she read in it about the nearby Santiam Forest is truly the stuff of nightmares.

Almost 40 years ago Baby John was found washed up on White Strand beach in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. The crime was pinned on local woman, Joanne Hayse.

The case quickly became a national scandal, with intense media coverage and public outrage. Joanne Hayes was arrested and charged with the murder of the baby found near Cahersiveen. However, as the investigation continued, it became apparent that there were serious flaws in the case against her.

The case sparked a nationwide debate about the treatment of women in the criminal justice system, particularly those who were unmarried and pregnant.

The Kerry Babies case remains one of the most controversial and fascinating cases in Irish legal history, and it continues to be studied and debated by academics, journalists, and citizens alike.

In November 2004, the murder of Alistair Wilson happened on his own doorstep, in Scotland. To this day, the crime remains unsolved. Today I’m discussing the many unanswered questions surrounding this cold case. And I’m also talking a bit about the recent fatal stabbing that happened at a Starbucks in downtown Vancouver.

It’s been around 8 months since I last did a podcast. So this is just a quick reintroduction to the High Cost pod and a brief explanation as to where I’ve been. I’m also explaining my new direction for the show, delving deep into the world of True Crime.

After travelling to Mexico and California for a month, and neglecting his podcast obligations, Shane shares his thoughts on the trip and his plans going forward. He also tells the devastating story of how he lost his wedding ring.

You asked the questions on Instagram. Shane answers them on the podcast.

Earlier this year, Shane attempted a very demanding lent challenge. He cut out alcohol and fast food. He also attempted to do 100 push ups / 100 sit ups daily, drink 4 litres of water daily and read for 30 minutes everyday. Did it go as planned? Find out in this episode.

Shane describes the impact that quitting marijuana has had on his life. He speaks honestly about the mindset shift that’s occurred over the last 18 months.

Now that we’ve established why Shane had to quit smoking, this episode reveals details of how he eventually did it. The power of reading, journaling and meditation plays a key part in the process.

Shane outlines the reasons why he quit smoking marijuana after years of everyday use.

Taking a trip down memory lane. Today Shane breaks down how he went from a naive schoolboy in Cork to a smoked out budtender in Canada.

After a 12 week hiatus, Shane makes a return to explain where he’s been and what he’s been doing. Since it’s the first day of Lent, why not test ourselves with a new challenge?

Life can be so unfair. Condolences to the families of the 8 unfortunate victims who lost their life at the tragic Astroworld festival in Houston, TX. Today I’m sharing my thoughts and analysis on this ongoing case. On a brighter note, I’m telling the story of how I passed my driving test a few years ago. And the winner of the week deserves to be knighted by the Queen herself.

Sharing a personal story about stopping and thinking before you act. This is a story of growth, maturity and forgiveness. You may crave revenge from someone whose done you wrong, but ask yourself, is it really worth it?

It’s a murder mystery that has divided America, pitted armchair sleuths against seasoned detectives and turned a spotlight on how the media treats victims of crime. The case of 22-year-old tragic blogger Gabby Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie, who went missing weeks after returning home alone from their camper van road trip, has turned both into the internet sensations they dreamed of becoming - but at the ultimate price.

Telling a funny tale about British actor, Freddie Highmore. AKA Norman Bates. Also revealing this weeks winner and wanker of the week.

In my 3rd and final discussion about Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside I touch on issues surrounding homelessness, poverty and tent city. And with that comes a lot of crime, violence and theft. Also discussing the support systems available to those in need.

Part 2 focus’ specifically on Vancouver’s drug epidemic that has plagued the city for a number of years. Also discussing the impact of mental illness and addiction. Should all drugs be decriminalised? I didn’t think so at first, but I do now.

In this three part documentary podcast, I explore the complex social issues surrounding Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, or more specifically, East Hastings street. The area is known for high levels of open drug use, homelessness, poverty, crime, mental illness, and sex work. Over three episodes, I’ll be discussing these issues in detail and sharing stories from my own personal experience along the way. Episode 1 offers some context as to how things became so bad.

Former boxing IBO champion, Vancouver’s Tony Pep talks to me about the highs and lows of his boxing career and shares details of his fights against Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton.

My first ‘True Crime’ podcast goes into disturbing detail about one of the most vile serial killers the world has ever known, the Butcher of Rostov, Andrei Chikatilo.