Now We’re Talking is a six-part podcast series exploring the life and work of Michael J. Murphy, produced by Derry’s Nerve Centre in partnership with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
The series was made by a group of participants who worked directly with Murphy’s archive at PRONI over three weeks, guided by producer Alan Meban. Along the way they spoke with local historians Una Walsh and Kevin Murphy, and with PRONI’s archival team — building a portrait of the man through the material he left behind.
Listen to the Series
Listen to all six episodes on RSS.com →
Watch a video about the making of the podcast on YouTube →
The Episodes
Episode 1 — An Introduction to Michael J. Murphy
Personal reflections and insights into Murphy’s life in South Armagh, including the influence of Slieve Gullion on his work. The episode sets the scene for everything that follows.
Episode 2 — A Visit to the Archive
Participants step inside PRONI to explore the scale of Murphy’s collection — over 60 boxes of material — and hear how archivists approached cataloguing such an extensive body of work.
Episode 3 — Men On The Wall
A close look at one of Murphy’s plays — its themes, language and reception — asking how it stands up today and what it reveals about border life in South Armagh.
Episode 4 — Pisthogues!
Into the superstitions and folk beliefs Murphy collected, including the story of the Goat Men of South Armagh — exploring how these traditions survive in local memory today.
Episode 5 — A Man Ahead Of His Time
The often-overlooked contribution of Murphy’s wife Alice is brought to the fore. The episode considers Murphy’s portrayal of women — an area where his work was notably progressive for its era.
Episode 6 — Michael J. Murphy’s Legacy
A reflection on Murphy’s influence, his innovative use of language, and the importance of preserving his work through archives like PRONI. The series closes with a look at what his legacy means for South Armagh today.
Now We’re Talking is supported by the Archives Revealed grant programme, a funding partnership between the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Archives.