Promenade: Recent Episodes
The Shift Podcast Network
Promenade is a collection of sixteen stories from around the world dealing with memory and the stories they trigger from the sound of the sea reminding you of an old romance, the smell of a perfume in Paris making you yearn for home or a bar of soap reminding you of a loved one - memories can be triggered by the oddest of things
One winter’s night, Kerry receives news about an old friend. Now, every Christmas Kerry reflects on this friendship and what could have been.
Written and performed by Kerry Graham. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
During a trip to Paris, Jennie is transfixed by dancers she’s watched on the Scene. Their movements and how they welcome each other in without any pause causes Jennie to reflect on the very origins of hospitality itself.
Written and performed by Jennie Moran. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
Alan is a musician and a neuroscientist. In this story Alan takes us on a journey of what music does to our brains and memories and just how important it is when it comes to remembering our lives.
Written and performed by Alan Harvey. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
Documenting a camping trip in Uluru in Alice Springs to see one of her favourite bands, Melanie deals with broken-down cars, aging rockers, the magic of the mountain and memories of her father - all in the name of seeing Midnight Oil.
Written and performed by Melanie Bakewell. Co-produced by Andy Gaffney and Melanie Bakewell.
Whenever Will now hears a gaggle of crows he thinks back to a time of looking over fields in Cork and just wishing that Han Solo would swoop down in the Falcon to take him on a great adventure. It was a fantasy then but as he grew up Will would try more than one way to realise those dreams.
Written and performed by Will Collins. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
It’s Christmas and Santa has brought a new Pokemon game. Lucy should be running down the stairs on this rainy Christmas morning. But for some reason she’s feeling incredibly sleepy and not for the first, nor the last, time.
Written and performed by Lucy James. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
David Daballen is Director of Field Operations for Save The Elephants. Here he shares one of his favourite stories about when his job got more than a little scary as he was bravely attempting to save an elephant from drowning.
Written and performed by David Daballen. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
https://www.savetheelephants.org/
Kirsten never really thought about cancer when, in her childhood, being subjected to the ubiquitous ads on Australian TV grimly detailing the country’s cancer mortality statistics. That is until she was diagnosed with a spinal tumour called a “giant cell tumour” while she was still only in her twenties. What followed was a lonely, frightening and confusing time in hospital. Until she met Sam.
Written and performed by Kirsten Moore. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
You can find Kirsten's Podcast here - https://tr.ee/TyT3ixiDdL and buy the book Gutter Glitter featuring the incredible stories after this tale here https://tr.ee/wcdH96ZD5d
Ola swears that she can smell chickenpox. Not only that, she insists that it happens to smell just like prawn cocktail crisps. However this superpower could well be a curse as it means that anyone eating that flavour of the snack in her company means she is thrust right back to having chickenpox as a child.
Written and performed by Ola Labib. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
One Christmas, Dave was given a gift of a walkman which, you would think for someone who grew up to be a music journalist, sounds like the kind of origin story seen in cinema. For Dave however, it wasn’t the toy he wanted and he has carried the guilt over his reaction ever since.
Written and performed by Dave Hanratty. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
In 1951, a twelve year-old Mary McCoy heard a test broadcast for a local radio station. This would be the beginning of a life-long love affair with radio and music that would span seventy years and see her share the stage with a certain king of rock and roll. Now at the age of 86, Mary looks back at a life of finding connection through radio.
Written and performed by Mary McCoy. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
Growing up, Louise felt she had two childhoods: one full of the usual Nineties staples of homework and Home & Away at 6.30, but also one spent “over home” with her grandparents. It would be the time spent there that would lead her on a changing relationship with faith but also form a deep connection to her grandmother.
Written and performed by Louise O’Neill. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
TW: This episode contains references to eating disorders.
One Christmas while working at Marks and Spencer, Richy heard a rumour of the ultimate staff discount leading him to gamble his family’s entire Christmas dinner on it being true. Even today, the sound of a checkout reminds Richy of that one special Christmas.
Written and performed by Richy Craven. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
In late 1966, a young Leslie worked with the iconic Vidal Sassoon as a barber and stylist. However, one client that year would put Leslie on a life-changing path towards cutting Paul McCartney’s hair, making headlines across the world and having an experience any Beatles fan would treasure forever.
Written and performed by Leslie Cavendish. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
2 - Michael
For some, oysters are a decadent delicacy rolled out for special occasions. As for Michael, well, they’re that too. But also they are his own personal Time Machine, featuring memories of romance in Paris and also a deep, life-long friendship.
Written and performed by Michael Pederson. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
A summer spent in Sri Lanka in the Eighties turns into a life changing-adventure for an eleven year-old Johanna - and one where she might just need a hero.
Written and performed by Johanna Halperin. Produced by Andy Gaffney.
When Kevin thinks of his youth he thinks back to this Grandmother’s house and more specifically the step on the stairs he would sit.
Written and Performed by Kevin Lehane
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music Used in this episode :
Stephen Keech - The Part Where They Love Each Other
On a beach in Spain Denise thinks back to her father, the waves on the beach and Pepe’s lighthouse.
Written and Performed by Denise Moreno
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music used in this episode:
Moments - Thoughts
Cast of Characters - Sandals and Sundowns
From Belfast to Japan and back again, Philip can trace a thread throughout his life following one piece of music.
Written and Performed by Philip Arneill
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Additional production on this episode by Brian from Grooves Ahead
Jennifer was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age which meant painful operations leaving her spending entire summers recovering on the sofa which meant passing the time with a whole load of movies she probably should not of been watching..
Written and Performed by Jennifer McShane
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode :
Stephen Keech - Watermark
Outside The sky - Two Become One
Messages and Portraits - Qusando Me’n Vo’
From Jamaica, to New York and then to Paris , Sutanya’s Grandmother’s fried chicken will live in her memory forever.
Written and Performed by Sutanya Dacres
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode :
Cast of Characters - Love & Truth
Cast of Characters - Tucked in tight
In Australia, Mike organises a Make The Best Potato Salad day in work with the ulterior motive of just eating some potato salad but also to remember a childhood favourite dish
Written and Performed by Mike Williams
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Additional production on this episode by Janne Jooris
Music in this episode :
Cast of Characters - Ent Her Step Luh Stool Howze
Stephen Keech - Remembering Well
Renderings - Hoagy’s Dream
On a walk In Scotland, Len remembers her grandfather and the little white lie he told her about princess roads.
Written and Performed by Len Pennie
Promenade is Produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Stephen Keech - The Part Where They Meet
In Paris, a perfume maker ponders what scents she would use to create the fragrance of her own life.
Written and Performed by Meabh McCurtin
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music used in this episode:
Stephen Keech - Watermark
Shimmer - Grace
In 1970’s Ireland, Philippa would watch Star Trek as an escape from the world and hope that maybe the future might look like what was on screen. This inspiration would help Philippa come to terms with herself as a trans woman when it felt like she was the only person in the world feeling like this.
Written and Performed by Philippa Ryder
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Reveille - Spacewalk
Anthony Catacoli - European Sunrise
During World War 2 Peter Pallai was hidden from the nazis when most of his family were taken into concentration camps. While the sounds of bombs and missiles will stay with him forever, it was music that became a life long companion to him and offered him hope of freedom.
Written and Performed by Peter Pallai
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Lost Ghosts - Words for a good man
Renderings - Last Remarks
A rooftop in New York offers Hannah some escape from her shift in the bar. She hits shuffle on her Ipod and finds a connection to her Grandmother.
Written and performed by Hannah Mamalis
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Cast of Characters - Tenderness of you
Cast of Characters - Lucky Me
Cast of Characters - Lull To Sleep
The 70’s brought an influx of Kung Fu movies to the states and for a young Marc this meant hot summer evenings pretending to fight his friends in the bronx and also, feeling like a badass.
Written and Performed by Marc Bernardin
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Stephen Keech - Remembering Well
When his father needed haircut, it meant a trip to Dublin and that meant bookshops. Now when Dave hears that hushed quiet muffled chat that happens only in bookshops it instantly brings him back to those days.
Written and performed by Dave Rudden
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Dresden, The Flamingo - Waffles
OneZero - Stratosphere
Dresden, The Flamingo - A Good Bake
Lost Ghosts - Words for a good man
Soundscape recorded in Charlie Byrnes , Galway
On a car ride a mother thinks back to a car ride with her own mother, a leather jacket, the songs on the radio and a wish to break free.
Written and performed by Sasha Hamrogue
Promenade is produced and curated by Andy Gaffney
Music in this episode:
Stephen Keech - The Part Where They Love Each Other
Stephen Keech - Occasion
Track 16 - A Place in time by Slow Skies
Written and performed by Karen Sheridan. Appeared originally on the album ‘Realign’ by Slow Skies. Appears courtesy of Karen Sheridan. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network.
Track 15 - Aoife
Aoife’s childhood was soundtracked by the mixtapes her parents made for each other. Now, those playlists will forever remind her of someone very special.
Written and performed by Aoife O’Connor. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: The Road We Used To Travel When We Were Kids - Komiku, Remembering Well - Stephen Keech, You Me And Rock ‘n’ Roll - Isaac Joel, To Be Human - Shimmer
Track 14 - Daniella
A gas heater on its last legs in Berlin sets the stage for Daniella to think about her life now and the trips of her childhood.
Written and performed by Daniella Reinking. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Schubert (Der Hirt auf dem Felsen) - Alavedra McColl, Levine
Track 13 - Lynn
When Lynn hears a dog barking, she can’t help thinking about all those odd lessons she’s learned about life along the way.
Written and performed by Lynn Ruth Miller. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Lonesome Picking - Cast of Characters
Track 12 - Ruairi
As a child a freakish stroke of bad luck would leave Ruairi with a condition that left him scared, angry and fearing blindness. However, he found a companion in the dark in those days, an album by The Cooper Temple Clause.
Written and performed by Ruairi Hickson. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Breakfast In Paris - Brent Wood, For You - Markus Huber, To Be Human - Shimmer, Been Training Dogs - The Cooper Temple Clause
Track 11 - Lauren
When Lauren hears the wicked witch of the west’s theme from ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ she isn't transported to a magical kingdom full of flying monkeys and yellow bricks but instead back to a school play and a breakthrough role as a tornado.
Written and performed by Lauren Lindsey White. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Walk That Dog - US Army Blues, An Old Fashioned Magic Show - Dresden, The Flamingo, History Of Knowledge - Acreage, All Other Things Considered - Dresden, The Flamingo.
Track 10 - Zainab
For Zainab a scented candle marked “Rain” would be the key for time traveling to wet days in Ireland, rainy seasons in Nigeria and the discovery that she is in fact a Pluviophile.
Written and performed by Zainab Boladale. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: A Nice Nap After A Day Of Play - Solitude
Track 9 - Andy
When Andy hears the drums and trumpets of the 20th Century Fox fanfare before a movie, thirty years of memories come flashing before his eyes - the good, the bad and the Star Wars.
Written and performed by Andy Gaffney. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Ambiant Wait - Komiku , Opening Presents - Borrtex, Tea With Grandma - Komiku, Moments - Luna
Track 8 - Dani
Memories of a loved one trigged by a bar of imperial leather soap as told by poet Dani Gill.
Written and performed by Dani Gill Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network.
End of Side A
Track 7 - Cathy and Dave
When Cathy and Dave think back to the birth of their first child all the usual feelings spring to mind but also, more surprisingly, the potential healing power of the humble Hobnob.
Written and performed by Cathy Cullen and Dave Corkery. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Sleepy Time - Dresden, The Flamingo
Track 6 - Rab
Storyteller Rab Fulton talks a walk through the woods of Galway and tells the tale of the days where his uncle would take him out on a boat in search of adventure, time travel and dinosaurs.
Written and performed by Rab Fulton. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Remembering Well - Stephen Keech
Track 5 - Laura-Blaise
The sound of a tin whistle might remind many of school Christmas concerts or a session in a trad bar but for Laura-Blaise it brings her back to act of childhood rebellion and a fight to bring rock to the world of the tin whistle.
Written and performed by Laura-Blaise McDowell. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Harpsi-Piano - mathgrant, The Moment Of Truth - Komiku, Sunset On The Beach - Komiku
Track 4 - Liset
Musician Liset Alea tells a story about a search for a perfume on the streets of Paris. A perfume that would remind her of her home in Cuba and be with her for the rest of her life in a way she never expected.
Written, performed and featuring music by Liset Alea. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network.
Track 3 - David
The smells and sounds of a swimming pool will always bring David back to a childhood swimming gala filled with drama, excitement, twists and, just maybe, a chance to win a trophy.
Written and performed by David Hawkins. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Childhood Scene - Komiku, Tension - Komiku, Wake Up Heroic Figure - Komiku.
Track 2 - Laura
For Laura the album ‘Is This It?’ by the Strokes will always remind her of a daring attempt to meet her rock heroes but more importantly of a friend as well.
Written and performed by Laura Carland. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Is this it? - The Strokes, Snow on the lower east side - Monarch Trio, Dreaming Of You - Komiku
Track 1 - Shivvy
The sound of the sea evokes many feelings for people from calmness to loneliness but for Shivvy the sound of the sea brings memories of teenage romance, internet chatrooms and a feeling of what could have been.
Written and performed by Shivvy Hickey. Promenade is curated and produced by Andy Gaffney for The Shift Podcast Network. Music in this episode: Two Become One - Outside the sky, Near You - Acreage, Sunset On The Beach - Komiku.