Athlone host set to relaunch podcast after three-year gap

Three years since its final recording, The Clockwork Junkie podcast will return on Monday, June 1.

Athlone's Mark McCormack initially launched the podcast in 2020 and the host has decided to take his seat behind the microphone once again and return to what he describes as his "labour of love".

During the first phase of The Clockwork Junkie podcast which came to an end in 2023, McCormack, from College Park, recorded close to 300 episodes.

By the time the final episode aired, the host admitted that he was "exhausted" having dedicated three years of his life to the podcast.

At its peak, The Clockwork Junkie podcast had over seven million downloads across all audio platforms and over 70,000 Instagram followers.

"It was a constant in my life at the time and I was always focused on looking towards the next episode for the podcast. The Clockwork Junkie had become popular but I wanted to make sure that I was providing listeners with content that was relevant. When the energy levels begin to dip that can impact the content you are producing and at the time I felt I had said all that needed to be heard," Mark said.Now refreshed and "energised", the host is looking forward to what is to come for The Clockwork Junkie podcast.

"This time around my aim is to create content that resonates with listeners. There will be both solo and guest episodes, but the content will focus on storytelling, reflections on modern day life and deeper conversations on wider issues," Mark added.

Mark has recorded the first four episodes of the podcast, the first of which, entitled, 'Want Less' will be released to listeners on Monday, June 1. Episodes two, called 'They Know' will be released on Wednesday, June 3, while the third episode, 'The Banshee' will be aired on Friday, June 5.

Following the relaunch week, The Clockwork Junkie episodes will then be released on a weekly bases starting on Monday, June 8.

Reflecting on the relaunch episode 'Want Less', Mark said the content focuses on the "distractions and habits" that "shape people's lives".

"Life is moving at a fast pace all around us. We need to take a breath and realise what we have in our lives is what matters most," Mark added.

Now a "more confident" host than when he first sat behind a microphone in 2020, Mark said no topic is offbounds as he turns the volume up on his podcast.

"Yes, the content may sound unscripted and unpolished, but that is the way it should be. However, there will be a balance between structured content and conversation flow. I am speaking to the listeners in a manner which I believe will resonate most and that is the key, I feel, to the Clockwork Junkie podcast," Mark said.

While many podcasts focus on particular issues "in a saturated market", Mark said there will be "no niche" associated with The Clockwork Junkie's return.

"I have yet to meet a person who has just one particular interest in their lives and I am hoping in the coming podcast episodes to reflect that. Different genres appeal to listeners and be it a solo or guest episode my aim will be to target a cross-section of the community," Mark said.

While unsure initially if the appetite was there from the public for a return of the Clockwork Junkie podcast, Mark has received positive feedback since he confirmed its return.

"Would people actually care if I brought the podcast back? That was my initial fear, but thankfully there seems to be support for the podcast's return.

“I feel really energised about what is to come. I have unfinished business with The Clockwork Junkie podcast and I hope the listeners will be excited about what lies ahead," Mark stated.

The Clockwork Junkie podcast will be available to listeners on numerous audio platforms including Spotify, Apple and Amazon.