Nicky Byrne HQ
Music
About
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
- Andreas Carlsson - The songwriter behind some of pop’s biggest hits
Nicky Byrne sits down with songwriter and producer Andreas Carlsson. They discuss Andreas's career, his work at Cheiron Studios, and the creation of hit songs for artists like Westlife, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC.
- Anna Haugh - MasterChef judge, Irish food and becoming one of the best
Nicky Byrne sits down with chef, restaurateur, and MasterChef judge Anna Haugh. They discuss her life in food, growing up in Tallaght, her journey in the kitchen, and becoming a respected Irish chef working in Britain. Anna also shares her…
- Aston Merrygold - JLS, fame and finding life beyond the band
On Nicky Byrne HQ, Aston Merrygold talks about his career with JLS, his experiences on The X Factor, and adapting to life after the band. He also shares insights into fatherhood and how his perspective on music has developed over time.
- Kym Marsh - How did she survive the pop machine and conquer the cobbles?
Nicky Byrne interviews Kym Marsh about her career journey from the band Hear'Say to her role on Coronation Street. They discuss her early career challenges, her transition into acting, and personal memories.
- Robbie Keane - Management, Mindset and Playing for Ireland
Nicky Byrne interviews former Irish football captain Robbie Keane about his career, from his time as a record-breaking striker to his transition into football management. The conversation covers his experiences on the world stage and the m…
- Rick Astley - The surreal second life of Never Gonna Give You Up
Nicky Byrne interviews Rick Astley about the history of "Never Gonna Give You Up," discussing his rise to fame and the song's resurgence as an internet phenomenon. Rick shares his perspective on his career and the impact of the Rickroll.
- Oti Mabuse - 2 Time Strictly Champion and Beyond
Nicky Byrne interviews two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion and Dancing With The Stars judge Oti Mabuse. They discuss her upbringing in South Africa, her career, and the discipline required to succeed.
- Yvonne Byrne - Mum’s The Word
Nicky Byrne interviews his mother, Yvonne Byrne, on the Nicky Byrne HQ podcast to discuss family life, values, and her experiences raising her children. They reflect on lessons learned and navigating life in the spotlight.
- December 10 - From Netflix Dream to Boy Band Reality
In this episode of Nicky Byrne HQ, members of the boy band December 10 discuss their formation on the Simon Cowell-produced Netflix series and their life after the show's launch.
- Ken Doherty - The Night Ireland Stopped for Snooker
Nicky Byrne interviews 1997 World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty about his career, including his victory at the Crucible and his early years in the sport. The episode covers the pressure of competition, his homecoming in Dublin, and the infl…
- Big Zuu - Cooking, Culture and THAT Soccer Aid Goal
Nicky Byrne interviews rapper, DJ, and presenter Big Zuu about his upbringing in West London, his career journey, and his experiences at Soccer Aid, including scoring a goal. The discussion covers themes of hard work, gratitude, and person…
- Jenny Greene - The story behind our 2FM years
Jenny Greene joins Nicky Byrne on Nicky Byrne HQ to discuss her career, upbringing, and their five years working together on RTÉ 2FM. They reflect on their radio partnership and the nature of creativity in broadcasting.
- Ian “H” Watkins - From Steps stardom to finding his own canvas
Nicky Byrne interviews Ian “H” Watkins about his experiences in the band Steps, dealing with fame and burnout, his transition into parenthood, and his return to art.
- Loren Allred - From The Greatest Showman to performing with Westlife
Singer Loren Allred joins Nicky Byrne to discuss her career, including her work on The Greatest Showman and performing with Westlife. She reflects on her journey, focusing on themes of patience and resilience.
- Peter Andre - From Mysterious Girl to What Matters Now
Nicky Byrne interviews Peter Andre on this episode of Nicky Byrne HQ. They discuss Andre's career from his breakout hit Mysterious Girl to his current life, covering topics including anxiety, confidence, fame, and fatherhood.
- Mark Goldbridge - The man behind The United Stand
Nicky Byrne interviews Mark Goldbridge about his career trajectory, from his office work in Dublin to creating the popular YouTube channel The United Stand. They discuss the impact of criticism, the pressure of his role, and the nature of…
- Rhasidat Adeleke - What it takes to be Ireland’s fastest woman
Nicky Byrne interviews sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke about her career, dealing with pressure and injury, and the mindset required to compete at an elite level. The episode explores her experiences with discipline, disappointment, and her journ…
- Kingfishr - How Killeagh became the song of the year
Nicky Byrne interviews the band Kingfishr about their rapid rise to success, including securing the Irish Christmas number one spot with their single Killeagh and album Halcyon. The band members discuss their origins as college housemates…
- NBHQ New Year's Day 2026 - Westlife News & Coleen Rooney
In this New Year's Day episode, Nicky Byrne reflects on the past year, discusses the 2026 Westlife tour, and shares a previous conversation with Coleen Rooney. Coleen discusses her career, family life, and her experience in the I'm a Celeb…
- NBHQ Christmas 2025 - Thank You & Tony Mortimer
In this Christmas episode, Nicky Byrne thanks listeners for their support throughout 2025 and shares a classic interview with Tony Mortimer. Mortimer reflects on his career with East 17 and discusses the story behind the song Stay Another…
- Lee Brennan - Somebody call 911
Nicky Byrne interviews Lee Brennan, lead singer of the 90s boyband 911, about his career and personal life. Brennan discusses the band's rise to fame, his experience surviving childhood cancer, and the mental health challenges he faced aft…
- Katherine Jenkins - How a Welsh singer conquered the classical world
Nicky Byrne speaks with classical singer Katherine Jenkins about her career, motherhood, and experiences throughout her life. The conversation covers her rise as a classical crossover artist and the influences that have shaped her path.
- Paul Sinton-Hewitt - How a broken runner built a movement
Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun, shares his journey of resilience and community building, detailing how losing his ability to run led to the creation of a global movement. The episode covers his difficult childhood, burnout, and the…
- Samia Longchambon - How 25 years on Coronation Street shaped her life
Samia Longchambon reflects on her 25-year journey as Maria Connor on Coronation Street, her upbringing with performer parents, and her experiences with anxiety, therapy, and mental health advocacy.
- Livi Sheldon - Gladiators, setbacks and standing tall
Athlete and BBC Gladiator Livi Sheldon, known as “Diamond,” shares her experiences of overcoming bullying due to her height and finding confidence through fitness. She discusses her transition from personal training to bodybuilding, becomi…
- The NBHQ Yearbook - Anniversary Edition
Nicky Byrne HQ releases its Anniversary Edition, 'The NBHQ Yearbook,' featuring highlights from conversations with guests such as Martin Compston, Jill Scott, Gary Barlow, and many others from its first year.
- James McClean - From football fields to the fight game
James McClean discusses his football career, including playing for Ireland and dealing with controversies, and his new pursuit of boxing. He shares insights on life, loyalty, and his motivations.
- Chesney Hawkes - The One and Only
Nicky Byrne interviews singer Chesney Hawkes about his experience with fame, family, and overcoming challenges after his teenage success with
- NBHQ 1 Year Ask Me Anything
Nicky Byrne marks the first anniversary of Nicky Byrne HQ and a successful week for Westlife with a special Ask Me Anything episode. He discusses the new Westlife single 'Chariot', their 25th-anniversary world tour, family life, favorite s…
- Kellie Harrington - From Portland Row to Olympic gold
Nicky Byrne interviews Olympic champion Kellie Harrington about her path to two gold medals, focusing on her discipline, mindset, and the importance of community. Kellie shares insights on overcoming doubt and prioritizing happiness and au…
- Shayne Ward - The truth behind life after The X Factor
Nicky Byrne speaks with Shayne Ward about the realities of fame after The X Factor, his transition into acting, and finding personal happiness.
- Peter Schmeichel - How did he become the Great Dane of Old Trafford?
Nicky Byrne sits down with Peter Schmeichel to discuss his career, from his childhood to lifting the Champions League with Manchester United. Schmeichel shares insights on his mindset, notable moments like his rows with Sir Alex Ferguson,…
- Dane Bowers - How did he find another level after Another Level?
Nicky Byrne talks with Dane Bowers about his journey from the 90s R&B scene, including his time with Another Level and duetting with Jay-Z. Dane shares insights on fame, band conflicts, reality TV experiences, and his current life performi…
- Michael Conlan - What he’s really fighting for
Nicky Byrne interviews Irish boxing star Michael Conlan about his career, including his Olympic success and near world title win. Conlan also discusses his beer brand, Le Grá Premium Lager.
- Alex Brooker - How The Last Leg turned his biggest fear into his superpower
Alex Brooker joins Nicky Byrne to discuss his journey on The Last Leg, how he turned his differences into a strength, and the role of humor in connecting with people. The conversation covers resilience, representation, and the power of lau…
- Jacob Underwood - From Making the Band to making it back with O-Town
Jacob Underwood of O-Town details his experiences on Making the Band, the group's rise to fame with hits like "All or Nothing," and their eventual comeback after facing personal and professional challenges.
- Ryan Dusick - How did he breathe again after Maroon 5?
Ryan Dusick, the founding drummer of Maroon 5, shares his experiences of the band's success, his forced departure due to injury, and his subsequent career as a clinical psychologist and author.
- Joss Stone - Finding her voice, her freedom, and her village
Nicky Byrne sits down with Joss Stone for a conversation covering her music career, the challenges of fame, and her decision to move back to England with her family.
- Billy McGuinness - Aslan & How Do You Carry the Flame?
Nicky Byrne interviews Aslan's Billy McGuinness about the joys and hardships of being in a beloved band, the deep friendships, and the enduring legacy of their music.
- Katie McCabe - How She Led Ireland to the World Stage
Nicky Byrne interviews Ireland captain Katie McCabe about her career path, the pressures and pride of representing her country, and her vision for the future of women's football in Ireland.
- James Bourne - From a three-month ultimatum to Busted pop stardom
Nicky Byrne talks with James Bourne about his career, from West End performer to pop star with Busted. Bourne discusses his father's ultimatum for a record deal, meeting Simon Cowell, Busted's breakup, and his later work.
- Tom Grennan - From Self-Doubt to Stadium Stages
Tom Grennan shares his personal journey with Nicky Byrne, detailing his rise from dealing with self-doubt to headlining stadiums. The conversation covers finding confidence through boxing and music, the influence of faith, and reflects on…
- Martin Compston - Line of Duty, Soccer Aid, and Life Between Takes
In this episode of Nicky Byrne HQ, host Nicky Byrne chats with actor Martin Compston about his career journey, from playing professional football to becoming an actor. Compston shares anecdotes from Soccer Aid and his experiences in Hollyw…
- Wayne McCullough - How Do You Keep Fighting After the Bell?
In this episode of Nicky Byrne HQ, boxing legend Wayne McCullough shares his experiences of triumph and tenacity, discussing his career highlights from Olympic silver to WBC World Champion. He also opens up about personal struggles, includ…
- Brad Fischetti - LFO, Summer Girls and Life After Loss
Brad Fischetti from LFO shares his experiences in the boyband, including the success of "Summer Girls" and "Girl on TV," encounters with celebrities, and the grief of losing bandmates to cancer.
- Ardal O’Hanlon - Father Ted, Fame, and Forging Your Own Path
Ardal O’Hanlon joins Nicky Byrne to discuss his experiences with fame, starting with the success of Father Ted. He also reflects on his stand-up career, writing novels, and the importance of laughter.
- Tiffany - I Think We’re Alone Now, Fame at Fifteen & Finding Her Voice Again
Nicky Byrne talks with 80s star Tiffany about her rapid rise to fame with 'I Think We’re Alone Now' at age fifteen. Tiffany shares insights into navigating public scrutiny, artistic challenges, and her journey to reclaim her creative voice.
- Chris Kirkpatrick - Building NSYNC, Surviving Fame & Starting Over
Nicky Byrne interviews NSYNC founding member Chris Kirkpatrick about the band's history, including its creation, fame, and rivalry with the Backstreet Boys. Chris also reflects on his career, Lou Pearlman, and life after the boyband era.
- Ryan Hennessy - Picture This, Vulnerability & Finding His Voice
Nicky Byrne speaks with Ryan Hennessy, the lead singer of Picture This, about his creative process, dealing with sudden fame, and the emotional impact of vulnerability. The conversation touches on how journal entries became hit songs and t…
- Daniel Bedingfield - Gotta Get Thru This, God, and Going Off the Grid
Nicky Byrne interviews Daniel Bedingfield about his early success with "Gotta Get Thru This," the challenges of fame, and his decision to step away from the music industry. Bedingfield also discusses finding purpose through faith and vulne…