The Simpler Life? with James & William
James Kavanagh and William Murray leave Dublin after 11 years to seek a simpler life in the Irish countryside. They buy a house in Kilkenny with an acre of mature garden, planning to plant, grow, raise chickens, and maybe ducks. The podcast follows their transition from city to country living, exploring whether it truly leads to a simpler life.
Episodes
Belfast Sinks & Window Dilemmas
Do James & William get a dual Belfast Sink? What about an electric or manual Velux window? WHO KNOWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wedding Bells & Summer Salads
An impromptu history lesson on Sudocrem, James talks the South of France and William ponders summer salads, soon to be available at the Currabinny Caravan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
LIVE! From Curracloe Beach
James and William report live from the beach, contemplate to mo or not to mo, Kyle Minogue's Netflix documentary and dreaming of holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gorgeous Local Walks, Food Festivaling & Two Michelin Dining
William discovers some gorgeous local walks and James takes his mistress to Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're Back! Is William A Secret Nudist?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy Birthday William!
This is basically an episode of This Is Your Life for William. Happy birthday, we love ya! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ice Cream, Wild Garlic & Packing Up The House
What's your fave ice cream? What would you make with wild garlic? Let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Opinionated: AI: Is It All Slop?
The row boats are here! This was probably too big of a topic to tackle on Opinionated tbh. Listen as we wade our way through a tech giant that seems like pandora's box right now. Stick around for Andrea Horan's take at the end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The End Is Nigh (hopefully)
James & William wait to be green-lit to start renovations, minerdles are discussed and Diana's off to the vet to investigate a mystery lump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Renovation Acceleration & Mitchelstown
The renovation is happeing ASAP (?!) need somewhere to live ahhhh. William contemplates on beautiful Mitchelstown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Corrandulla & Galway
The winner of our Three No Strings Attached Podcast Tour competition is the very entertaining Ciara Daly! We invaded her home for the day and had gorgeous chats about Corrandulla, some local food businesses and bits & bobs she loves about Galway. She also ensured we were sufficiently fed and watered - we love you Ciara! This episode was powered by Three 5G Home Broadband Hosted on Acast. See
Our Pond is Pregnant!
The frogs are spawning! Spring is springing! Kiwis are helping us slumber! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Puglia, Groupies & Wild Garlic
James is whisked off to freezing Italy for work, William sees The Streets and gathers up wild garlic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Westport & Ballina
William & James explore Mayo, how to win a visit from them to your house & the death of nightclubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Opinionated: Winter Olympics, Justin Bieber & Catherine Connolly VS The DUP
Welcome to our first bonus episode! We'll be releasing a quicky of a Sunday with hot takes on things from the world of pop culture & news. Think of it as a voicenote from us to tide you over till Wednesday xo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
St. Brigid & Erewhon
James minces around Beverly Hills (squandering the renovation savings) while WIlliam makes St. Brigid crosses. It's all go! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Getting Political & Being Late For Yoga
William and James get properly political and William puts his foot down: James needs to change his tone. All that and more: LIVE! from The Hoxton! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Quantity Surveying & Baby Showering
Shiz is getting REAL. Quantity surveying has begun. Babies are being showered. William & James are firmly in their mid 30s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Yellow Prada Coat Cold Case
The search for James' yellow Prada coat is back on! Grab your girls, grab your magnifying glass, grab your trench coat and get hunting! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy New Year!
A rundown of Christmas 2025, wishes for 2026 and the inaugural (hopefully annual) The Simpler Life? Awards. Feedback on categories welcome! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Christmas Day: Dos & Dont's
This is going to be very boring if you don't really care about Christmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Copenhagen & Friend Christmas
Next episode will be a festive one, so get your festive questions in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New York: Part Two: Upstate
A bit of chat about some recent sandwich heaven and a dive back into upstate New York - it's a long one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New York: Part One: Vintage & Eating
It's a long one! Put the vodka on! Part Two next week which is all about us chasing a Gilmore Girls fantasy upstate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
London Adventures & Club Sandwiches
William is in London, James is eating club sandwiches and sipping cocktails and Kev asks the age old question: to leave or not to leaf? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So Ready For Renovation Salvation
James & William discuss some of the things they will not miss when the house gets renovated, mean dads and their recent Savour Kilkenny food demo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WANTED: Minister for Aesthetics
GO OUT AND VOTE OR NOTHING CHANGES! Visit the Currabinny Caravan before it closes this weekend! Come see us at Savour this Sunday, 4:30pm on the Savour Stage! Anna's podcast HERE! K BYE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're Baaaaccckkk, Did You Miss Us? Cuz We Missed You
Season 3 has begun! And a clear horizon for the house renovation is in sight! Do you have a steamer? Do you love it? The hotel James was gushing about: https://www.instagram.com/hoteldupalais/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tea With Catherine Connolly
James & William welcome presidential candidate Catherine Connolly into their home to get to know her a bit better. Spoiler alert: they love her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chilling @ The Louis Vuitton Cafe
William is in a bad mood for this episode. Need an appliance fixed in the Sunny South East? Greg Murphy is your man (+353872779119). In Heathrow Airport and want to chill nicely? Spend a mere few extra pounds and have a flat white at the Louis Vuitton Cafe! It's all happening on this week's episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Flight 2222 To Toulouse
!! SPOILER ALERT RE TRAITORS !! Will WIlliam get off his coffee high horse? Is James coming down with something? His voice sounds like it. Apples, mushrooms and soup also discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Extra Hot Coffee (WHY?), South Devon & Electric Picnic
William wants answers! If you like an extra hot coffee, please tell us why. The boys discuss a trip to London & South Devon and James ponders the merits of doing live shows a bit tipsy. Here's the Instagram post from South Devon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elton The Hedgehog Is Back!
On a dusk dash to the polytunnel, Wiliam locked eyes with Elton, our rescued hedgehog, who we haven't seen since releasing him into our garden at the start of July. We are feeding him some cat food to help fatten him up for the big sleep. Stay tuned for updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exploring Donegal & Finding SJPs Gaff (& William's Hungover)
William has had too many margaritas (whoops) but motors on and does an ok job at talking. They discuss a recent trip to Donegal, finding Sarah Jessica Parker's house and James was at a wedding at Powerscort Hotel. This is the popcorn seasoning they put on the potatoes: FLAVACOL. Be caredful, it's wildly addictive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Bounty of Apples & Tomatoes
Do James & William invest in an apple press? Do you like tomato sandwiches? Did they survive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trays, Wonderful Trays
Have at least one tray in your house, it becomes indispensable. Lots going on in the Sunny South East over the next two weeks in relation to art and craft - get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Anatomy of a Sandwich
The Currabinny Caravan is open; what's served is discussed in detail (perhaps a boring amount of detail). Come see us LIVE! at All Together Now, this Saturday at 4pm, in The Kitchen Press at Theatre of Food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James' 36th Birthday, Currabinny Caravan Is Open (on Friday)!
Is it a cattle trailer or a sheep trailer? Currabinny Caravan located here: https://www.instagram.com/shankillcastle/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cahersiveen, Skellig Michael & The Lost Car Key
William James explore South Kerry and visit Skellig Michael for the first time. Started off great, ended in temporary disaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing: Elton The Hedgehog
Was William a disturbed teenager? Is he still disturbed? Will Elton the hedgehog become a permanent resident? Should James & William go to Easter Island? Is Cadbury Crunchie the best bar? Why is there so many questions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Currabinny Caravan: LOADING!
Does James have a future career as a QVC lady presenter? The Currabinny Caravan has a new location and William is experimenting on a menu! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Frank The Frog Dead?
The pond is thriving, but are frogs being murdered as a result? Has William pruned the tomato plants too aggressively? Do you have any WhatsApp rules? Let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
William & His Pet Snail
We have a bat in the garden who's taking care of the flies, James is off to Charli XCX and William would rather be at at home with a book and his pet snail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A William Of All trades
Getting lit at The Whistlin' Donkeys, a recent visit to Cabu Cabins and William's new job. It's all go! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Barcelona & The DART
William tells us of a wedding he went to in Barcelona & James fills us in on how he turned the iconic fabric of the DART into a blazer for the VIP Style Awards. At the end, you'll also hear an interview with Trinity College's Biodiversity Officer Collie Ennis on why everyone should have a wildlife pond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paris & An Unexpected Visitor
James discusses why he's in bits: Paris for the weekend with two giddy gays. Paris reccos: Printemps Haussmann (glam rooftop drinks & food, spectacular views) Hoxton Hotel (v nice, great area) Le Bistro Paul Bert (deslishhhh traditional french bistro food & great wine) Cheval Blanc (gorgeous hotel with stunning rooftop bar, gorgeous cocktails, great views - the staff have beautiful uniform
The Spooky Life...
James & William discuss fears, the power of digestion walks and final call for the live show in Dublin! ALL ABOARD! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
LIVE! From The Garden!
James & William are live from the garden! Can you hear the birds? The pond is filling and the tomatoes are planted! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donkey & Cart: Cruel Or Cool?
William & James discuss their easter plans, colour swatching and G-G-Galway shopping. The name of the butcher is Grogan & Brown, Loughboy, Kilkenny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trying To Dilate Our Vocabulary
They realise their vocabulary is worryingly limited, William is catering again and they ponder a shed/guesthouse for the garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy Birthday William!
William is panicking about getting older, they met a contractor (!!!) and welcome to the first Kev's Corner segment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You're Not A Man of God!
James meets an icon of cinema (Crispina!), the cold press juicing continues and they both ponder how best to cook porchetta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Flies & Moths & Ticks, Oh My!
We're juicing, exploring the wider Sunny South East & dealing with an invasion of flies this week. Buckle in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Root Canal, Cholesterol & Swinging
Homophobia, tooth pain and high cholesterol - it's all happening this week on The Simpler Life? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cocktail Hour
Falling in love with Ireland again, making cocktail hour happen and how a night in the Merrion can solve anything Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wild Garlic! Crocus! Spring!
James' norovirus lingers... but spring is here so there's that... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're Back!
We're back and we're going on tour! Come see us. Please xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Part Two: Q&A Finale
As a way to polish off season one, we decided to do a bumper Q&A sesh. See y'all soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Part One: Q&A Finale
As a way to polish off season one, we decided to do a bumper Q&A sesh. Part two out tomorrow! The Puglia project we mentioned: https://instagram.com/project_marts/?igsh=eG5qNzdmaXoyd2th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025 Ins & Outs
William & James discuss what they're dragging into 2025 and leaving in 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Christmas Gift Guide
The big Christmas gift guide bonanza! Bit late maybe. For the last min shoppers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Stormy Life
Storm Darragh rages through William & James' garden. The neighbours seem perplexed they don't have a generator... is this the country life the signed up for? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apples & Stationary
Are William & James Jacob Rees-Mogg stans?! Listen to hear about their visit to an apple orchard a stationary haul and the gearing up for their live show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Job, Who Dis? + Thomas The Garlic Dip Guide
William gets a new job, James goes to a 40th from heaven and you'll find a bonus episode of What Did You Eat This Week at the end! It's back from the dead! James chats to Thomas AKA Garlic Gip Guide about how important garlic dip is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hungover In Rome / Homegrown at Maxol Part Two
Rome things (written by William, demanded by James): Day 1:Pastificio GuerraTrieste pizza RomaDay 2:Panificio Bonci Love Speciality CroissantMercato Centrale Rimessa RoscioliDay 3:Marzapane Faro Coffee Speciality Pinsere pizzaTrecca Roma Museums:MaxxiMacro This episode is brought to you by Maxol, proudly supporting local Irish food and drink producers with its Homegrown a
Big Fat Italian Wedding / Homegrown at Maxol Part One
This podcast is brought to you by Maxol, proudly supporting local Irish food and drink producers with its Homegrown at Maxol programme. Pick up the 2024 winning Homegrown at Maxol produce in selected Maxol stores Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Voicemail Needed
William and James discuss voicemails, LGBTQ+ bits, their new feta-loving resident & if it's OK to hand out vegan chocolate to trick or treaters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Coming Out As Bi-County
William and James ponder where they TRULY live, while running through some gorgeous businesses and amenities in their greater area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK Road Trip
Full itinerary over on Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tipsy William
William & James are off on an adventure around the UK. Is William drunk on the job? Is James full of half-baked ideas? You decide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Organised Pantry, Organised Life?
William and James are realising structure and organisation is needed in both their work lives & pantry. Stay tuned for some septic tank pondering too. It's all go! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To Prune Or Not To Prune
William & James discuss dining tables, putting the garden to bed with Kevin and end with a bit of a Q&A sesh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Leek Is A Leek
William's back from Berlin where he didn't get the kebab he went searching for. James made stew & went viral. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Hen & A Rotavator
James discusses a two day Kilkenny hen in a beautiful manor, meanwhile William got to work rotating the soil for the outside beds. Parsnips en route hopefully! They also got up close and personal with Princess Diana's Revenge Dress in Newbridge Silverware. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
San Sebastián
We are very tired after over 24 hours of travelling so apologies for the moaning and complaining. It's not really who we are. A lot of things went wrong on this 'holiday' and we're a bit shook. Restaurants we liked in San Sebastián: Atari, Bar Sport, Bar Nestor, Bar Antonio, La vina, Borda Berri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nice Benches
I am typing this very drunk. Hope you like this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fantasy Bathroom
James discusses the countryside phenomenon of seeing groups of children making the 'honk your horn' gesture. William thinks James might be imagining this. Paint colours and bathroom dreams are discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bee Nest?
James is in a bit of heap post Electric Picnic, but the honey from their garden in the iced coffee is deffo helping. They are also joined by two VIPs at the end for a quick catch-up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Well, Well, Well...
William & James chat about their well health, how Diana is settling in & what they've grown in the polytunnel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Finding A Sign
William decides to go on a bender the night before the move - not wise. On the first day, they both feel so-called 'buyer's regret', but decide not to tell each-other. While wiping dust off the shelves, William finds an envelope containing something utterly bananas. A sign they both needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
