Episode With Richie Sadlier: Stephen Bradley
Just a few short days ago, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley celebrated an historic achievement for the club as he led his team to a fourth League of Ireland title in a row. But although he’s our first guest on Episode from the world of sport, today’s show is very much not about football.
Instead, it’s a love letter from a father to his son. Last year, Stephen and his wife Emma experienced something no parent wants to: they were told their then-eight-year-old son Josh has leukemia, which he continues to be treated for.
Stephen sat down with Richie in his office earlier this week to describe Josh’s incredible resilience and bravery in the face of debilitating treatment, the beautiful moment last season when Josh got to lift the League of Ireland trophy alongside the players just hours after leaving hospital, and how the public outpouring of support for his family has far outweighed the hurt caused when a group of Cork City fans openly jeered and mocked the Bradley’s situation earlier this season.
It’s at times a heart wrenching conversation, but it’s also filled with really beautiful moments, and we want to thank Stephen for being so open about such a difficult subject. Episode is brought to you by NOW and is a Second Captains production.
Click the player at the top of the page to play the show. To support the development of series like Episode and longer-form work like our recent international series, ‘Where Is George Gibney?, you can join the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras.
Last week on Episode, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns described the targeted abuse and threatening behaviour she's forced to deal with as a politician
The answer? Ensuring more women enter politics.
Listen back to the full chat below@NOW_Irelandhttps://t.co/CetIcfFQ2R pic.twitter.com/Gc8yUPze5M
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) November 6, 2023