My Weekend: Comedian Fred Cooke can't wait for Talk the Talk Podcast Festival in East Cork

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I grew up in the lush land of Meath. Spent my early summers in lovely Leitrim. Went to boarding school in Cavan surrounded by men for five years. Repeated my leaving cert back in the lush town of Kells. Became independent from my parents and went to college in the big smoke of Dublin. So I know loads of people before I even log on to my instagram account. Even lads from Cavan.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night? 

I just love Pub chats with 90s indie bands being played in the background. I’m mad for stories and seeing what’s going on in other people lives.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Well as a dad it’s almost impossible to get a lie in. Especially with my six month old crying in the cot beside me.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Most of my weekends are based around work. 

Professional stand up comedians are like taxi drivers, in that we get busy at the weekends.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I’d bring my wife to Chicago and book her I to the legendary Zanies Comedy Club because she’s hilarious.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries? 

I love going for a forrest walk. I’m mad to connect to the land for a man who can’t afford any land itself. Ballyseady Forrest walk is great. Or Lough Key in Roscommon.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

The Murphy’s Pubcast is my regular chat with my mates. 

I love it. It’s always a laugh and we’re not afraid to deal with any awkward topics.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I don’t know if this is a hobby, but at the moment I like to look at 80s music videos while looking at my Wikipedia to see where these people are now. I still can’t believe Guns n Roses outlived most other artists.

Entertain or be entertained? If it's the latter do you have a signature dish?

I love to entertain on stage. As a husband with two kids I’m under the age of 4, being on stage is the only time when people actually listen to me.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I loved Greenes restaurant and was quite sad to hear it’s closing (in it's currently form). In my drinking days, Gallagher’s was great for a fry up. It still is. Who am I fooling. Can’t wait to get back.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Probably driving home from a gig listening to Late Date on RTÉ Radio One.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

8am to get my son into play school for 9am. Sometimes he’s in for 9.15am as it's just so hard to leave the house when Peppa Pig is on a new adventure.

Anything else you are up to right now?

See I’m with my podcast buddies Gary and Tony for the Ballycotton Talk the Talk podcast festival this Saturday March 9th. Can’t wait!

MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST FESTIVAL

Two venues in Ballycotton will host the ‘Talk the Talk’ podcast festival from today, March 7 to Sunday March 10.

A host of well-known names performing live versions of their podcasts at the popular venues of Sea Church and The Blackbird.

The lineup includes well known artist and author Blindboy Boatclub, who will bring his eclectic ‘The Bindboy Podcast’ to Sea Church. 

Iconic Irish comedian, writer and actor Dave McSavage will also be at Sea Church with his podcast ‘That’s Why We’re not Together.’ 

Other highlights include ‘The Property Pod- how to start your Property Journey’ with mortgage advisor Margaret Barrett, Solicitor David Sweeney and Auctioneer Áine McLoughlin.

Meanwhile, the Blackbird will play host to The Murphy’s Pubcast with Tony Kiernan and Fred Cooke. The festival will also see a free workshop by renowned podcast company ACast and lots more entertainment at both venues.

General Manager of Sea Church John Kidney said: “We’re really excited about the arrival of some of the top names in the Irish podcasting scene giving their insights and expertise. 

It’s another feather in the cap for Ballycotton which continuously punches above its weight in terms of top quality entertainment at fantastic venues like Sea Church and the Blackbird. We’re hugely grateful to our partners Talk the Talk who have been very supportive in getting this event off the ground.

Sea Church is gearing up for a very busy season; following on from its huge success last year, Ballycotton FAT Fest of Folk and Traditional music will return for the May Bank Holiday weekend with another impressive line up of Irish and international artists including the brilliant Moya Brennan of Clannad, acclaimed trad band Altan, renowned fiddle player Tara Breen and the legendary John Spillane. For more information on all upcoming events at Sea Church, visit www.seachurch.ie