Welcome to the Pol-Soc Podcast website! Whether you’re a transition year student trying to get a flavour of what studying “Politics and Society” might be like, a current student looking for an accessible revision resource, or just a curious citizen, you are more than welcome to sample the podcast and other resources available throughout the site. If you want to get stuck in straight away, why not just dive into the first episode here. Android phone users can subscribe and listen on Stitcher, by clicking here. iPhone users can subscribe and listen on the iTunes podcast app here.

The site has grown significantly in recent years, with a whole host of additional materials, resources, blogs, and suggestions. I was delighted to have been included in the Irish Times’ “Lockdown Listens” for educational podcasts, and most recently been a contributor to RTÉ’s ‘Study Hub’ series about the teaching of Politics and Society since its inception in 2016. Listen here.

Why not check out my two Pol-Soc publications! Firstly a student booklet on Media for Politics & Society students!!! Secondly, the recently published student workbook on the Data-Based Question: “Dealing with Data“. Buying a copy of one or both would be a great way to support the site! There’s currently a special offer if you want to buy both together. Type in “BUNDLE” (ALL CAPS!) in the box at the digital checkout…

If you’re a student interested in studying the subject, but who doesn’t have access to it in your own school, why not come and STUDY WITH ME?

The podcast explores a wide range of ideas. Some episodes will focus on one of our 17 ‘Key Thinkers’, others will help us to get to grips with our national and supranational institutions, while some will examine the broader ‘strands’ that make up the course. Occasionally, I might throw in an episode about something that I just think is important for our future citizens to consider, such as Brexit, major political developments of the day, or even just an idea that I find particularly thought provoking and stimulating.

You’ll see a few key features return in most episodes. I’m looking forward to selecting items for the Quote of the Day and the Untangle the Terminology sections, but am particularly excited about the Students’ Strike Back section. I’m going to need your help with that section of the podcast!

Sometimes, though, it’ll just be me thinking out loud. I hope you’ll start thinking too! And if all this podcast does is to start a discussion between you and your best friend on the way home from school, or with your family over the dinner table, then I’ll consider it to have been a worthwhile exercise…

Most of my past materials are archived in the tabs above, but you can also access the past blogs and miscellaneous resources by clicking the News & Archive tab above.

I hope students (and maybe even teachers) will find the podcast and the supporting material of use. I’d love to hear any (constructive) feedback or requests you might have…!