Podcast

The Witness: In His Own Words

Documentary, Society & Culture, True Crime

In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.

Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.

Following the publication of Nicola Tallant’s best-selling book The Witness, The Witness: In His Own Words is an ambitious and powerful documentary podcast series produced by the team behind The Stand with Eamon Dunphy.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes
14
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
27 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
3 years ago

Episodes

14 episodes, from the first

Season 1

  1. Introducing 'The Witness: In His Own Words' Trailer

    Episode 1

    Show notes

    In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.

    Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min
  2. 01: The Milkman

    Episode 2

    Show notes

    Dublin, 1997. An unexpected visitor calls to the door, and twelve-year old Joseph O'Callaghan gets himself a job on the milk round.

    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  3. 02: The Night Shift

    Episode 3

    Show notes

    Joey's delight at securing his first job quickly turns to fear, as Brian's true intentions are revealed.

    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    'The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  4. 03: The Cottage

    Episode 4

    Show notes

    Joey is drawn into the heart of Brian's criminal operation, with terrible personal consequences.

    Please be aware that there are references throughout this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness: In His Own Words' is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. It is mixed by Brendan Jenkinson, with music by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  5. 04: The Big Time

    Episode 5

    Show notes

    After a brush with the law, Brian and Joey meet with one of the most notorious criminals in the city.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  6. 05: The Break

    Episode 6

    Show notes

    A violent new gang emerges, and Joey stands up to Brian.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  7. 06: The Gun

    Episode 7

    Show notes

    Joey witnesses something that shakes him to his core.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The sound editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  8. 07: The Lips

    Episode 8

    Show notes

    Brian is more violent and controlling than ever, and Joey resolves to find a way out.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  9. 08: The Trial

    Episode 9

    Show notes

    Joey gives evidence.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The Sound Editor is Brendan Jenkinson and music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  10. 09: The Secret Life

    Episode 10

    Show notes

    Struggling with the effects of everything he's gone through, Joey has to leave his family behind and make a new life for himself.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The sound editor is Brendan Jenkinson and the music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  11. 10: The Letters

    Episode 11

    Show notes

    Joey writes to the parole board, and receives a letter from an old friend.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The sound editor is Brendan Jenkinson and the music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  1. A Message From Joey

    Show notes

    Joey has something he would like to say to listeners.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min

Season 1

  1. A Mother's Story

    Episode 12

    Show notes

    Joey's mother, Mary, tells her side of the story.

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The sound editor is Brendan Jenkinson and the music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  2. 11: The Parole Board

    Episode 13

    Show notes

    Joey and his mother, Mary, prepare to meet the parole board for the first time..

    Please be aware that there are references in this podcast to violence, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you are negatively affected and need help or advice, please contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Freephone National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888 in Ireland, or call the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 in Ireland and the UK.

    The Witness: In His Own Words is produced by Ian Maleney and executive produced by Nicola Tallant and Jane Gogan. The sound editor is Brendan Jenkinson and the music is composed by Niamh Corcoran. ©Yellow Path Productions Ltd.

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min