The Distance Dilemma podcast

#Comedy #Imran Malik Mahir & Shaun Finn #Imran Malik Mahir #Shaun Finn

38:16

Many of us are entering the new year with a similar goal — to build community and connect more with others. To kick off season five, Priya Parker shares ideas on how to be the host with the most. An expert on building connection, Priya is the author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Whether it's a book club, wedding, birthday or niche-and-obscurely themed party, Priya and Chris talk about how to create meaningful and fun experiences for all of your guests — including yourself. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts . For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey here ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Having been close friends for almost 10 year, Imran and Shaun face the dilemma of now living in different countries. In 2024, Imran and his partner moved to Switzerland, while Shaun and his partner moved into their own house. The Distance Dilemma is a podcast for anyone else who faces the challenge of keeping a friendship alive while living in different countries.

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The Distance Dilemma explicit

updated 6 днів тому

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21 епізодів

#Comedy #Imran Malik Mahir & Shaun Finn #Imran Malik Mahir #Shaun Finn

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1
Sweet Dreams 53:14

6 днів тому53:14

53:14

In this episode, we’re looking back—chatting pure shite in the best way—half sense, half nonsense, all heart, with Shaun reflecting on his time over in Thun, Switzerland visiting Imran. It’s been a minute since the trip, but the memories are still fresh—so we’re diving into some highlights, some odd detours, and the usual dose of chaos. No script, no plan—just a rambling catch-up the way only we know how. We get into our worst nightmares (literally), with Imran revisiting a terrifying sleep paralysis episode that still haunts him, and Shaun bringing the heat with his topic of the week: how long did we both spend with our partners before finally moving in together—and what it’s been like since. Spoiler: we’re both big fans of the domestic life. Come for the laughs, stay for the oversharing—you know how it goes.…

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Our First Live Podcast 1:05:16

13 днів тому1:05:16

1:05:16

In this episode, we’re live for the first time—chatting pure shite in the best way—half sense, half nonsense, all heart, straight from Thun, Switzerland. Shaun made the trip over from Dublin for his first time in Thun, and what better way to mark the occasion than by answering your questions live on Instagram? No script, no plan—just the usual rambling with a live twist. There were tangents, dodgy takes, and plenty of laughs. A bit of nostalgia, a bit of chaos, and a lot of questionable opinions. As always—bit of craic, bit of madness, and hopefully a few moments that make you feel like you're third-wheeling a loud Irish ramble.…

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Summer Time As A Kid In Ireland 1:04:41

20 днів тому1:04:41

1:04:41

In this episode, we’re back chatting pure shite in the best way—half sense, half nonsense, all heart. We kick off with a bit about the Irish language—how we spent years dodging it in school, and now we weirdly want it back. Blame the nostalgia… or Duolingo bullying us with that owl. Then we get stuck into how mad tech has gotten since we were kids. One minute you’re rewinding DVDs from Xtra-Vision, next thing Imran’s using ChatGPT to become some sort of spice wizard in the kitchen. From there, it’s the big hitters: childhood cereals (the sugary, probably illegal ones), why Irish food products are actually elite, and whether Shaun will ever finish Dexter now that there’s not one, but two spin-offs. Don’t hold your breath. And Imran wraps things up with a lovely one—summer as a kid in Ireland. Ice pops, sunburn, water fights, and that magic feeling of doing absolutely nothing for three months. As always—bit of craic, bit of chaos, and hopefully a few laughs. Stick it on, and feel like you're third-wheeling a loud Irish ramble.…

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Perception 59:10

27 днів тому59:10

59:10

In this episode, Shaun and Imran are back chatting about everything and nothing, in the best way possible. You know the deal—some solid laughs, a few too many opinions, and probably something we’ll regret saying later. We kick things off talking about stand-up desks—are they actually good for you or just a fancy way to feel like you're doing something with your life while replying to emails you’re ignoring anyway? Somehow that leads us into a chat about people who are obsessed with counting their steps on smartwatches. No shade, but if your daily goal is 10,000 steps and you're pacing around the kitchen at 11:58pm to hit it... we need to talk. Then it’s the great headphone vs. earphone debate. Shaun reckons headphones make you look like you know what you're doing, even if you're just listening to ASMR soup videos. Imran is Team Earphones all the way—tiny, portable, and easy to lose in a hoodie pocket forever. We also get into a real one: shop assistants don’t care. At all. And we say that as two people who used to be shop assistants. Imran shares a few gems from his retail days that prove most complaints get filed under “mad stuff someone said and then walked out.” From there, we go full nostalgia talking about our Debs nights—peak chaos. Fake tans, sore feet, rented suits that never fit quite right. If you survived your Debs without a wardrobe malfunction or mild emotional breakdown, teach us your ways. We also ask the important question: where have all the white girl music nights gone? You know the ones—screaming "Mr. Brightside" with a pint in your hand, living your best emotional crisis. Secretly, lads loved them just as much as anyone else. Bring them back. Then we shout out our favourite gig venues in Dublin—the ones with dodgy acoustics but brilliant vibes, sticky floors, and that one bar staff who always gives you the look when you order something too fancy. And finally, Shaun gets deep with a chat about perception and self-perception—how we think we’re coming across vs. how we actually are. Spoiler: it’s not always matching up. It’s real, a bit reflective, and yeah… maybe just a tiny bit existential. Basically, it’s classic us—a bit all over the place, but always a good time. Stick it on and pretend you’re third-wheeling a very loud, very Irish catch-up.…

1
Things I Don't Miss About Ireland 1:01:07

5 weeks тому1:01:07

1:01:07

In this episode, Shaun and Imran are taking a stroll down memory lane—10 years of friendship, laughter, and a surprising number of questionable experiences. It’s a wholesome one, but don’t worry, the chaos still finds its way in. We kick things off celebrating some of our biggest friendship wins over the last decade. Somehow that leads to us talking about how much we both love cooking for people—whether it’s a full-on feast or just showing off that one dish we’ve nailed. If you’ve ever been to either of our houses, you’ve probably been fed way too much and handed a drink before you could even sit down. Then things get a bit cultural as we break down the mystery of tipping in Ireland—how it actually works (or doesn’t) and why it's completely different from the tipping minefield in America. Also, can we all agree that getting into a car that’s been baking in the sun is a form of modern torture? We go in on that shared hatred—and yes, we have solutions. We also take a minute to reflect on Imran’s journey in content creation—how far he’s come, what he’s learned, and the stuff he’s proud of (even if Imran still doesn’t fully understand TikTok). And finally, Imran brings this week’s topic to the table: Things he doesn’t miss about Ireland . It’s honest, it’s a bit spicy, and it might just trigger a national debate. Basically: this episode’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of laughs. Tune in—you’ll feel like you’re just hanging with two mates who’ve been through it all.…

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Reasons Why I Wouldn’t Leave Ireland 49:24

6 weeks тому49:24

49:24

In this episode, Shaun and Imran return with a conversation that ranges from the oddly personal to the surprisingly profound. What begins as a light discussion about chat show hosting quickly unravels into a whirlwind of childhood quirks, musical grievances, and a thoughtful reflection on national identity. We start by assessing Shaun’s potential as a talk show host—think less Graham Norton, more controlled chaos—before delving into the strange phases we went through growing up. Imran had a piercing stage, Shaun was deep in his Oasis era (a fact he now deeply regrets), and somehow we both made it out the other side. From there, we tackle the music genres that just don’t work for us. Imran takes aim at Westerns and country, while Shaun makes a solid case against rap. No one is safe, including our younger selves. The core of the episode, though, revolves around Shaun’s big question: “Reasons Why I Wouldn’t Leave Ireland.” What starts off sounding simple turns into a nuanced discussion about home, nostalgia, and why certain places stick with us—even when we think we want out. It’s thoughtful, a bit ridiculous, and hopefully the kind of chat that makes you laugh and think. Tune in.…

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Moments That Will Stick With You For Life 1:08:41

7 weeks тому1:08:41

1:08:41

In this episode, Shaun and Imran are back with what might just be the funniest and deepest one yet. No joke—we go from laughing about bananas to questioning the meaning of life within the same breath. We kick things off ranking our top favourite fruits (spoiler: Shaun's doesn't like citrus fruits), before somehow spiralling into a full-on hypothetical showdown—100 peak athletic men vs 1 silverback gorilla. The science is questionable, the debate is heated, and honestly, we might’ve invented a new sport. Then things get properly weird with Imran’s Reddit-fuelled theory about Finding Nemo that absolutely melted Shaun’s brain. If you thought it was just a cute Pixar flick, think again. But it’s not all nonsense—we get real talking about those moments in life that stick with you forever. The highs, the lows, and the ones that randomly hit you at 3am. Turns out, we’ve both been through it in different ways, and it makes for a proper good chat. So yeah—this one’s a mix of pure chaos, unexpected wisdom, and some top-tier belly laughs. You don’t wanna miss it.…

1
What Did You Do, When You Passed Your Driving Test? 58:57

8 weeks тому58:57

58:57

In this episode, Shaun and Imran are back at it with the usual madness—talking shite, going on tangents, and somehow managing to land on a few solid points along the way. We kick things off chatting about Sinners , the new film that properly caught us off guard. The direction is class—dark, sharp, and stylish—and Michael B. Jordan is absolutely unreal in it. Seriously, he knocks it out of the park. Didn’t expect to be that into it, but here we are. Then we get into the whole sober buzz. Shaun opens up about being off the drink and how that’s going. We dive into non-alcoholic beverages too—and look, we’re gonna be honest: we’re not really on board with them unless you’re using them as a stepping stone to cut back or get out of addiction. Otherwise? Bit pointless. Give us a sparkling water and move on. And finally, we get nostalgic about passing our driving tests. Imran went straight for a chicken fillet roll (as you do), and Shaun’s still buzzing to get his physical licence in his hand. Freedom’s never tasted so good. So if you’re up for movie chat, real talk, and the kind of stories that make you go, “Yeah, I’ve been there,” this one’s for you.…

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Things Only Irish People Know! 46:58

9 weeks тому46:58

46:58

In this episode, Shaun and Imran are back with the usual madness—plenty of laughs, random tangents, and some proper head-scratchers. We kick things off with Finn’s wild revelation that Will Poulter might actually be Sid from Toy Story —yeah, the mad little fella with the skull t-shirt. Is it true? Probably not. But once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Absolute chaos. From there, the chat turns to one of life’s big questions—should we grow our hair out? We get into the dodgy haircuts we’ve all had, the phases we’d rather forget, and Imran opens up about his truly tragic haircut history over the years. There’s also a bit about the sacred bond between an Irish lad and his barber—once you find your guy, that’s it, loyalty for life. And of course, we couldn’t do an episode without chatting about the stuff only Irish people really get. We’re talking the deli counter rituals (a chicken fillet roll is a love language), the Late Late Toy Show and how it basically raised us, and loads more bits that’ll have you nodding along going, “Yep, that’s so true.” So tune in for a bit of craic!…

1
Experiment 626: The Hawaiian Shirt Edition 57:55

10 weeks тому57:55

57:55

In this episode, Shaun and Imran take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we dive into the world of classic soap operas that filled our screens when we were kids. From the overly dramatic storylines to those cliffhanger endings that kept us hooked, we revisit the shows that shaped our after-school routines and family living room battles over the remote. We talk about the characters we loved, the ones we loved to hate, and those wild plot twists—evil twins, sudden amnesia, long-lost siblings—that made soap operas so addictive and, let’s face it, totally ridiculous in the best way possible. We also explore the little things that drive us—and our listeners—up the wall. That’s right, it’s time to air out our pet peeves! From people who talk during emotional scenes to characters who never seem to age, we discuss what made watching these shows both a pleasure and a pain. Tune in for plenty of laughs, guilty pleasures, and a deep dive into the wonderfully dramatic world of soap operas and our shared TV-watching quirks!…

1
How Do You Make Your Tea? 1:14:44

11 weeks тому1:14:44

1:14:44

In this episode, Shaun and Imran discuss many topics on the podcast! We dive into the art of making the perfect cup of tea—the right temperature, the ideal steeping time, and the subtle ingredients that can elevate this simple beverage into a masterpiece. From loose leaf to tea bags, we break down how small details can make all the difference in your tea experience. We also explore the superstitions that creep into our daily routines. Whether it's knocking on wood, avoiding walking under ladders, or the odd rituals we perform without even thinking, we take a look at why we hold onto these beliefs and whether they have any real impact on our lives. Then, we dive into some mind-bending conspiracy theories—this time, we’re talking about aliens and birds. Are birds really government surveillance drones? Is there something more to UFO sightings than meets the eye? We delve into the wild world of extraterrestrial encounters and question whether there's truth behind these outlandish theories. Another hot debate—what’s the best way to brew your tea? Some say you should always use boiling water, others insist on a more gentle approach. We weigh in on the best methods and see if there's a universal truth to brewing the perfect cup. And, of course, the topic of the week—what’s the weirdest superstition or conspiracy theory you’ve ever heard? We get into the strange beliefs, quirky habits, and bizarre theories that have stuck with us over the years. Tune in for plenty of laughs, deep discussions, and a fresh take on all things tea, superstitions, and alien theories!…

1
Is the Grass Always Greener? The Realities of Leaving Ireland 1:03:52

12 weeks тому1:03:52

1:03:52

In this episode, Shaun and Imran discuss many topics on the podcast! We dive into the positives and negatives of moving away from Ireland—the excitement, the challenges, and the unexpected surprises that come with it. From embracing new opportunities abroad to missing the comforts of home, we break down what it really means to leave the Emerald Isle behind. We also explore the classic Irish dilemma: Is the grass really greener elsewhere? Some people move for better career prospects, others for adventure, and some just to escape the rain. But does the reality of life abroad live up to the dream? Or do homesickness and culture shock hit harder than expected? Then, we take a look at the power of nostalgia. No matter how long you’ve been away, there are certain things about Ireland that just stick with you—whether it’s a proper cup of tea, the unique Irish humor, or the craic you just can’t find anywhere else. Are these small comforts enough to pull people back home? Another hot debate—does moving away change you? Some say it forces you to grow and adapt, while others argue it can make you feel like an outsider in both your new home and the place you left behind. We weigh in on whether the experience of emigrating makes you more independent or just leaves you longing for familiarity. And, of course, the topic of the week—what do our listeners think? We share real experiences from those who have made the move, the highs and lows they've faced, and whether they’d ever come back. Tune in for plenty of laughs, deep discussions, and a fresh take on all things emigration, identity, nostalgia, and the never-ending question—should you stay or should you go?…

1
Death Row Meal Deals 48:44

13 weeks тому48:44

48:44

In this episode, Shaun and Imran discuss many topics on the podcast! We dive into the world of holiday seasons—the chaos, the stress, and the expectations that come with them. From last-minute shopping madness to awkward family gatherings, we break down why the most "wonderful" time of the year can also be the most exhausting. We also discuss the phenomenon of the "Yup Bro"—you know the type. The guy who agrees with everything, offers zero original thoughts, and somehow still manages to dominate conversations. Is it just a lack of personality, or is there something deeper at play? Then, we take a look at the future of daytime TV. With streaming services taking over and attention spans getting shorter, does traditional daytime television even stand a chance? Are talk shows, soap operas, and midday game shows on their way out for good? Another hot debate—should you shower twice a day? Some say it's a must for hygiene, others argue it's excessive. We weigh in on whether a morning and night routine is necessary or just another societal pressure. And, of course, the topic of the week—what is your death row meal? If you had one last meal on this earth, what would it be? We get into the ultimate comfort foods, guilty pleasures, and dishes that hold a special place in our hearts. Tune in for plenty of laughs, deep discussions, and a fresh take on all things holiday stress, personality types, the fate of TV, shower habits, and, of course, the perfect final meal!…

1
Retail Nightmares, Overconfident Customers & The Mystery of Aura 39:35

14 weeks тому39:35

39:35

In this episode, Shaun and Imran take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the journey of the podcast so far! We dive into the world of retail nightmares, sharing some of the most painful memories from working in customer service. From overconfident shoppers who think they know more than the staff to the truly bizarre encounters that only seem to happen in retail, we unpack the chaos that comes with the job. We also explore the concept of aura—what exactly is it, and why does it define certain people, places, and experiences? Whether it’s an unexplainable presence, a unique energy, or just a vibe you can’t shake, we discuss what makes aura so fascinating. Plus, we take a step back to talk about our favorite places and characters that radiate aura. Is it a legendary film character, a historic landmark, or a place that just feels different? We break down the spaces and figures that leave a lasting impression. And, of course, we reflect on the journey of this podcast—where we started, how far we’ve come, and what’s next. It’s been an incredible ride, and we’re excited to keep going with you all. Tune in for plenty of laughs, deep discussions, and a fresh take on all things retail horror stories, aura, and our podcast adventure so far!…

1
We Hate Morbius and Madame Web! 39:08

15 weeks тому39:08

39:08

In this episode, Shaun and Imran take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the journey of the podcast so far! We dive into the world of musicals, discussing The Greatest Showman and what makes it such a standout. We also explore the magic of musicals in general—what is it about them that captures Finn's heart? Whether it’s the storytelling, the music, or the sheer spectacle, Finn shares his thoughts on why musicals hold such a special place in entertainment. Plus, we take a step back to talk about the impact of social media on how we experience content. Does it enhance the way we connect with stories, or does it change the way we engage with them? We’d love to hear your perspective! And, of course, we reflect on the journey of this podcast—where we started, how far we’ve come, and what’s next. It’s been an incredible ride, and we’re excited to keep going with you all. Tune in for plenty of laughs, deep discussions, and a fresh take on all things musicals, social media, and our podcast adventure so far!…

The Distance Dilemma

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The Charlie Cox Fan Club 38:21

16 weeks тому38:21

38:21

In this episode, Shaun and Imran take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the top 5 TV shows that left a lasting impression! From unforgettable plot twists to iconic characters, we discuss what makes these shows stand out. We also dive into the topic of Charlie Cox being a legend. Plus, we pose some questions to you, the viewers— Is it okay to watch a show on your phone? We share our thoughts and want to hear yours. And, of course, we go over the results of last week's polls, discussing your opinions and some surprising outcomes. Tune in for plenty of laughs, some TV nostalgia, and a fresh take on the latest poll results!…

The Distance Dilemma

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"Crocs", Please Sponsor Us! 39:44

18 weeks тому39:44

39:44

In this episode, Shaun and Imran take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about old FIFA games and the unforgettable moments they created! We also dive into the spirit of Valentine's Day, sharing our thoughts on the holiday and its meaning. Plus, we go over the results of last week's polls, discussing your opinions and some surprising outcomes. Tune in for plenty of laughs, nostalgic moments, and a fresh take on the latest poll results!…

The Distance Dilemma

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Don't Throw Your Cup At A Gig! 38:12

19 weeks тому38:12

38:12

In this episode, Shaun and Imran dive into some intriguing poll results! We discuss whether people enjoy going to the cinema or a gig solo, share our favourite Chinese takeaway orders, and debate the pros and cons of working from home versus the traditional 9-5 grind. Tune in for plenty of laughs, opinions, and maybe even some surprising insights!…

The Distance Dilemma

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Listening to your Distance Dilemmas 39:01

20 weeks тому39:01

39:01

In this episode, listeners sent in their own emails, voice notes and messages. Imran and Shaun discuss the different elements of long distance friendships and the struggles of being away from friends and family during birthdays, holidays and in times of emergency.

The Distance Dilemma

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Breaking News: Eating to Much Causes Man Boobs 35:56

21 weeks тому35:56

35:56

Shaun and Imran discuss last week's Instagram poll, while exploring other culinary delights, which leads to a break through on man-boobs. A certain CGI bear brings out an aggressive side to Shaun, while Imran reveals a horror film that scared him to his core. The Distance Dilemma invites its listeners to send in videos, voice notes or messages via Instagram DM's or email thedistancedilemmapod@gmail.com answering the question. 'What is the hardest part of your long distance relationship with a partner/friend/family member?'…

The Distance Dilemma

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Welcome to The Distance Dilemma 36:24

22 weeks тому36:24