Nicky Byrne HQ

Nicky Byrne HQ

byNicky Byrne

MusicSocietyCultureTVFilm

Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the world of pop and entertainment from the inside? Join Nicky Byrne, member of the 55+ million-selling group Westlife, as he takes you behind the scenes in his brand-new podcast, Nicky Byrne HQ. With a career spanning decades, Nicky has seen it all and has plenty of stories to share from his unique perspective as both a performer and presenter.Between TV shows, stadium tours, and countless flights, Nicky rarely gets the chance to sit down and truly connect with the fascinating people he meets. Now, from his state-of-the-art home HQ studio, he finally...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Episode 56
Chesney Hawkes - The One and Only
Nicky sits down with singer-songwriter Chesney Hawkes for a nostalgic and heartfelt chat about fame, family and second chances. From growing up in a rock ’n’ roll household to becoming a teenage sensation with The One and Only, Chesney recalls the whirlwind of success that changed his life overnight. He opens up about the highs of topping the charts, the struggles that followed, and the lessons learned along the way.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past...
Published: Oct 30, 2025Duration: 1h 5m 49s
Episode 55
NBHQ 1 Year Ask Me Anything
It’s been one incredible year of Nicky Byrne HQ and what a week for Westlife! To celebrate, Nicky answers your questions in a special Ask Me Anything edition. From the new Westlife single Chariot and the 25th anniversary world tour to family life, favourite songs, and podcast memories, Nicky shares stories, laughs, and a few surprises.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian Mc...
Published: Oct 23, 2025Duration: 33m 40s
Episode 54
Kellie Harrington - From Portland Row to Olympic gold
Nicky sits down with double Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington for an inspiring chat about life inside and outside the ring. From growing up in Dublin’s north inner city to becoming one of Ireland’s most loved athletes, Kellie shares the discipline, mindset and sheer determination that shaped her journey. She talks about fear, focus and fighting through doubt, the importance of community, and why she’s chosen happiness and authenticity over fame and fortune.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out ev...
Published: Oct 16, 2025Duration: 1h 15m 55s
Episode 53
Shayne Ward - The truth behind life after The X Factor
Nicky chats with singer and actor Shayne Ward about fame, identity and life after The X Factor. Shayne opens up about the whirlwind of overnight success, the pressure to stay on top and the journey to find himself again. He talks about stepping into acting, becoming a dad and why happiness means something very different now.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Five, Brian McFadden...
Published: Oct 9, 2025Duration: 2h 10m 22s
Episode 52
Peter Schmeichel - How did he become the Great Dane of Old Trafford?
Nicky sits down with legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel for a conversation between two former keepers about greatness, grit and glory. From his childhood in Copenhagen to lifting the Champions League with Manchester United, Peter reflects on the mindset that drove him to the very top. He opens up about his rows with Sir Alex Ferguson, the handball skills that shaped his style and the pressure of being the last line of defence at Old Trafford. Along the way he shares powerful life lessons on resilience, bravery and handling setbacks. This is not just a story for football fans but...
Published: Oct 2, 2025Duration: 2h 10m 21s
Episode 51
Dane Bowers - How did he find another level after Another Level?
Nicky sits down with 90s R&B star Dane Bowers for a candid conversation about fame, fallouts, and finding his way back. From Brit School beginnings to duetting with Jay-Z and topping the charts with Another Level, Dane relives the whirlwind of success and the tensions that pulled the band apart just as they were breaking America. He opens up about fights, regrets, and reality TV, as well as life today in Dubai and why performing still brings him joy.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions....
Published: Sep 25, 2025Duration: 1h 15m 36s
Episode 50
Michael Conlan - What he’s really fighting for
Nicky sits down with Irish boxing star Michael Conlan for an unflinching conversation about triumph, controversy, and resilience. From his unforgettable Olympic moment in Rio to the heartbreak of being seconds away from a world title, Michael opens up about the highs and lows of life in the ring. Disclosure: This episode contains product placement. Michael discusses his beer brand, Le Grá Premium Lager. This is not paid promotion.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past e...
Published: Sep 18, 2025Duration: 55m 6s
Episode 49
Alex Brooker - How The Last Leg turned his biggest fear into his superpower
Nicky sits down with comedian, presenter and The Last Leg star Alex Brooker. From his boy band obsessions and Soccer Aid adventures to dealing with grief and fatherhood, Alex shares how he learned to embrace his differences and use humour to connect with millions. A raw, funny and inspiring chat about resilience, representation and why laughter really is the best medicine.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Katie McCabe, Joss Stone, Tom Grennan...
Published: Sep 11, 2025Duration: 1h 29m 31s
Episode 48
Jacob Underwood - From Making the Band to making it back with O-Town
Nicky sits down with Jacob Underwood of O-Town for a candid conversation about fame, family, and second chances. Jacob looks back on his journey from San Diego surfer to reality-TV pioneer on Making the Band, the whirlwind of O-Town’s early success, and the global hit “All or Nothing” that almost went to Westlife. He shares stories of Clive Davis, Simon Cowell, and the highs and lows of being thrust into the spotlight, before reflecting on the band’s breakup, the years of searching for direction, and the joy of rebuilding O-Town stronger than ever.Nicky Byrne HQ...
Published: Sep 4, 2025Duration: 1h 3m 9s
Episode 47
Ryan Dusick - How did he breathe again after Maroon 5?
Nicky sits down with Ryan Dusick, founding drummer of Maroon 5, for a powerful conversation about success, loss, and redemption. Ryan reflects on the meteoric rise of the band he started with his high school friends, the Grammy wins, and the whirlwind of fame that came crashing down when injury forced him to walk away. He shares how he rebuilt his life as a clinical psychologist, author, and mental health advocate, and why his book Harder to Breathe has inspired so many. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.<...
Published: Aug 28, 2025Duration: 1h 18m 56s
Episode 46
Joss Stone - Finding her voice, her freedom, and her village
Nicky sits down with soul superstar Joss Stone for a wide-ranging conversation about life, music, and motherhood. From winning a BBC talent show at just 14 to becoming the youngest ever Brit Award winner, Joss reflects on the highs and lows of fame, the sting of public criticism, and how she learned resilience through it all. She opens up about life in Nashville, her decision to return home to England with her young family, and why community matters more than ever.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions....
Published: Aug 21, 2025Duration: 1h 15m 21s
Episode 45
Billy McGuinness - Aslan & How Do You Carry the Flame?
Nicky sits down with Aslan’s Billy McGuinness for a moving and memorable chat about life in one of Ireland’s most beloved bands. Billy opens up about the joy and chaos of life on the road, the deep friendship behind the music, and the heartbreak of losing frontman Christy Dignam. He reflects on the legacy Aslan built, the power of connection with their fans, and what it means to keep the flame alive. From breakthrough gigs to personal battles, Billy shares stories of love, loss, and the healing power of music.Nicky Byrne HQ is prod...
Published: Aug 14, 2025Duration: 1h 25m 16s
Episode 44
Katie McCabe - How She Led Ireland to the World Stage
Nicky sits down with Ireland captain Katie McCabe for a powerful and personal conversation about her journey from kicking ball on the streets of Tallaght to leading her country at the World Cup. Katie reflects on the pride and pressure of wearing the green jersey, the sacrifices that shaped her, and the legacy she's building with both club and country. From unforgettable goals to fearless leadership, she shares the moments that made her and what’s next for Irish women’s football.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.<...
Published: Aug 7, 2025Duration: 1h 5m 34s
Episode 43
James Bourne - From a three-month ultimatum to Busted pop stardom
Nicky sits down with Busted's James Bourne for a candid conversation about life in one of the biggest bands of the early 2000s. James opens up about his journey from West End child performer to pop stardom, the brutal three-month ultimatum from his father to get a record deal, and that pivotal meeting with Simon Cowell. He reveals the raw emotions behind Busted's shock split at their peak, the creative process behind hits like 'What I Go To School For' and 'Year 3000,' and how he bounced back through McFly collaborations and Son of Dork.Nicky...
Published: Jul 31, 2025Duration: 1h 16m 37s
Episode 42
Tom Grennan - From Self-Doubt to Stadium Stages
Nicky sits down with chart-topping artist Tom Grennan for an open and uplifting conversation about his journey from anxious teenager to arena headliner. Tom reflects on growing up with self-doubt, finding confidence through boxing and music, and the role faith has played in shaping his life. They chat about early setbacks, songwriting breakthroughs, and the excitement around his brand new album.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics that may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you...
Published: Jul 24, 2025Duration: 47m 55s
Episode 41
Martin Compston - Line of Duty, Soccer Aid, and Life Between Takes
Nicky sits down with actor Martin Compston for a lively, honest, and at times hilarious chat about his unique journey from the football pitch to the big screen. Martin shares how he swapped professional football for acting, the wild moments on Soccer Aid and in Hollywood, and why he’s proud to fly the Scottish flag wherever he goes. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Thursday. Listen to all past episodes with Five, Brian McFadden, Katie Price, Gary Barlow, Michael Fla...
Published: Jul 17, 2025Duration: 1h 25m 46s
Episode 40
Wayne McCullough - How Do You Keep Fighting After the Bell?
Nicky sits down with boxing legend Wayne McCullough for an inspiring and emotional conversation about triumph, tenacity, and the battles fought both in and out of the ring. From winning Olympic silver at 19 to becoming WBC World Champion in Japan, Wayne shares what it took to succeed on the world stage. He opens up about coping with personal loss, pressure, and later-life depression. They talk about training under the iconic Eddie Futch, his historic walk as Ireland’s flag bearer, and why Wayne never once hit the canvas in 37 pro fights. A story of grit, discipline, and finding purpose af...
Published: Jul 10, 2025Duration: 1h 21m 33s
Episode 39
Brad Fischetti - LFO, Summer Girls and Life After Loss
Nicky sits down with Brad Fischetti from LFO for an honest, moving, and often surprising conversation about life in one of America’s most beloved boybands. From the breakout success of Summer Girls and Girl on TV, to wild moments with Eminem, Clive Davis, and TRL, Brad shares what it was really like behind the fame. But the story takes an emotional turn, as he opens up about losing both his bandmates to cancer.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every Th...
Published: Jul 3, 2025Duration: 1h 23m 17s
Episode 38
Ardal O’Hanlon - Father Ted, Fame, and Forging Your Own Path
Nicky sits down with comedian, actor, and author Ardal O’Hanlon for a thoughtful and often hilarious conversation about fame, fear, and forging your own path. Best known as the beloved Father Dougal, Ardal reflects on the surreal rise of Father Ted, the weight of overnight success, and how it shaped his creative choices ever since. He opens up about his stand-up roots, writing novels, staying grounded in the face of stardom, and why laughter remains his guiding light. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG.Nicky Byrne HQ...
Published: Jun 26, 2025Duration: 1h 10m 36s
Episode 37
Tiffany - I Think We’re Alone Now, Fame at Fifteen & Finding Her Voice Again
Nicky sits down with 80s teen pop icon Tiffany for an open and moving conversation about music, fame, and identity. Tiffany reflects on skyrocketing to global stardom at just fifteen with “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the challenges of growing up in the public eye, and how she fought to be taken seriously as an artist. She shares her battles with burnout, self-discovery, and the moment she found her voice again, both literally and creatively.Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG.Nicky Byrne HQ is out every...
Published: Jun 19, 2025Duration: 1h 3m 17s