The joy of Paudcast
With a little help from dad Brian, 11-year-old Pádraig O’Callaghan launched his positivity video series ‘Paudcast’ at the start of lockdown. Its joyful content, cheeky style, and lovable presenter has since won hearts around the world. Siobhán Breatnach meets the dynamic duo behind the internet hit that’s challenging people’s perception of disability. What was the inspiration for Paudcast?
Brian: Initially the videos were a way of keeping Pádraig entertained during the first lockdown last year. Pádraig’s first videos were product promotional videos for my business EcoStraws. ie. The response to these review videos was phenomenal but I felt the need to move away from the salesy type videos, for fear of incurring any criticism. We are very involved with Down Syndrome Limerick and also Special Olympics Ireland, and the fact that their positive mental health mantra is so prevalent encouraged us into doing a Monday Motivational piece, and so The Paudcast was born.
Why do you think the series has struck such a chord with people?
Brian: His videos have always received an amazing reaction, albeit family and friends initially. In the past six months however, the reach and the reaction has grown exponentially. It sounds like an old cliché but we have received comments and messages of support from literally around the world, from New Zealand and Australia across to America and Canada. The generosity of people never ceases to amaze me and if anything, it reiterates the need for some positivity. People are crying out for something positive that they can relate to and identify with. If people can take some joy, or motivation, and determination to give it one last push to overcome this pandemic, then it can only be a good thing and
we are delighted to be able to help.
What’s been the best thing about Paudcast?
Pádraig: Well, I love making people happy, and keeping them motivated. And I love reading all the nice comments people write on my social media pages, it is very kind of people. I love spending time with my Dad too, we have lots of fun recording the videos and I get to do some really cool stuff. I got to go in an ambulance and drive a train, and I also address the Special Olympics World Forum, chaired by
Tim Shriver. He is JFK’s nephew and his mum founded the Special Olympics. Oh, and I won Limerick Person of the Month last month.
What makes Limerick such a great place to visit?
Brian: All stakeholders in Limerick, led by Limerick City & County Council, have done remarkably well in reestablishing Limerick as a gateway city to the Wild Atlantic Way. It is the sporting capital of Ireland and now boasts two amazing universities. The city has so much going for it, the history, the culture, the industry, the hospitality, the sport, the education but most importantly, the warm welcoming people. Geographically speaking, Limerick is perfect. It is one of the most prosperous cities in Europe and one we can justifiably be proud of.
Where are your favourite places to travel in
Ireland as a family?
Brian: We love to head off along the Wild Atlantic Way when we can. The scenery and tranquillity is just mesmerising, from the hills of Kerry to my favourite beach in the world – Keem Strand on Achill Island. Unfortunately, Pádraig doesn’t share that idealistic notion with me and much prefers to be active at Dublin Zoo or Fota Resort or the Model Train Museum.
Pádraig: Ya, driving all day is boring, I love to stop and get ice cream. There’s an ice-cream shop called Spoonies, in Lahinch, which I love.
Where are the best staycation spots for children and young people?
Brian: We are spoilt for choice here in Limerick just now with the amazing hospitality offering available. It’s funny, when travel was restricted, we were nearly forced into rediscovering what was available on our doorstep, and Limerick has so much to offer. Accommodation-wise, I challenge anybody to come up with a more suitable staycation spot than Woodland’s House Hotel in Adare. It has everything – Mary’s Organic Garden, the Pet Farm, the Fairy Trail, the two-kilometre walk, the amazing pool and spa facilities, the gym, and now after recent investment, the new Treehouse offering.
What’s next for Pádraig and Paudcast?
Brian: Some agents have been in touch with different commercial offers, but I fear that will take the fun out of it, so we have graciously turned them down thus far. I always said, as long as Pádraig enjoyed making the Paudcast, then it didn’t matter how many viewers it received, I would facilitate it. To date, it has been an amazing adventure, and he is loving every minute of it. As long as he is happy to, I would like to continue spreading the overriding message of inclusion and challenging people’s perception of disability.
Pádraig: We would love to continue inspiring people with messages of hope and encouragement, and help as many causes and charities as we can along the way.
Follow Pádraig on all social media channels and website at Paudcast.ie