Kevin McGahern: I'm very late to the self-improvement game

The father-of-two regularly reminds himself of his good fortune, with his favourite quote being one from Joan Rivers: Know when you’re lucky

Kevin McGahern: I used to lay awake worrying about stuff, but since I’ve had kids, I can fall asleep like flipping a switch

When asked about something no one knows about him, Irish comedian Kevin McGahern says, “I do a podcast with Justine Stafford called The Lovely Show. I know that doesn’t really work as an answer, but I needed to get that plug in somewhere.”

A plug is a plug.

The podcast started in June and is branded as “the podcast the world deserves right now”.

Each episode catches up with the two hosts and the goings-on in the world through a comedy lens.

McGahern’s career has been non-stop. From hosting the likes of RTÉ’s Republic of Telly and Clear History, taking part in Dancing with the Stars, playing Sim Card in the Hardy Bucks, and his stand-up comedy, he’s ticked off a lot of boxes.

The father-of-two regularly reminds himself of this good fortune, with his favourite quote being one from Joan Rivers: Know when you’re lucky.

“This is really important and I need to constantly remind myself of this quote. This job is a privilege and if you’re getting any work at all, you need to appreciate it. Nobody likes a whinger.”

How do you keep fit?

I go to the gym most mornings. I’m very late to the self-improvement game. I wish I had done it sooner, but I had zero interest in it in my 20s.

Do you have a morning routine?

First, I make porridge for the kids. Then, I drop my daughter [Wallis] off at playschool. After that, I go to the gym. I come home. Then, I have a proper breakfast —hash browns, eggs, and coffee — and chat with my wife.

What is one thing you do every day?

Sing in the car. I love it. You can be as loud as you want. It’s a little soundproof booth on wheels. Turn it up and scream like a banshee. Try it. You’ll feel better.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I never eat biscuits. Never. Unless I see a massive one, like a huge one the size of a pizza or a special-occasion biscuit at a food fair or something. Then, I’ll definitely take a chunk of that.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I love awful horror sequels: Nightmare on Elm Street, Child’s Play, and Halloween. Horror sequels are mostly awful, but I need to watch them all. I also crave the sense of bloated completion one only achieves after consuming a pizza box filled with fried food.

What keeps you awake at night?

I used to lay awake worrying about stuff, but since I’ve had kids, I can fall asleep like flipping a switch. My brain knows the value of sleep now and has no time for worrying about nonsense.

How do you relax?

There are three films I love that always relax me: Heat, The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I’ve watched them all a thousand times. If I’m stressed and have the house to myself, I’ll stick one of them on, sit back, and smile like a panda on Xanax for the rest of the night.

What’s your dream meal?

Tacos and Margharitas. If I were getting the electric chair, that’d be my death row meal. The best part is that I wouldn’t be around for the gastronomic repercussions the next day.

Who are your sporting heroes?

I’ve always loved movies and had zero interest in sport, so Rocky, I suppose.

What is your favourite smell?

Chorizo cooking on a hot pan. An old book. Turf. The walls of an old church. Rabbits.

When did you last cry?

The birth of my son [Jessie].

What is the best health advice you’ve ever been given?

Nothing comes to mind, I’m afraid.

What traits do you least like in others?

Cruelty to animals, children, or waiters.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Crippling insecurity.

Do you pray?

No.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

My children. When I walk in the door, they react like a ’90s sitcom audience when their favourite character walks in. I love it.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Martin Shortt, Maud Gonne, Groucho Marx, the RZA, John Waters and maybe someone like Danny Dyer, just to balance things out.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

I suppose I behave like most people: I recycle, I take public transport, and I feel really, really guilty when I don’t fully clean the melted cheese off the pizza box before putting it in the recycling bin.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Fibbers, Parnell Street, Dublin.

• Kevin McGahern’s show ‘Shy Talker’ runs in Clonmel on September 26, Longford on September 27, and Dun Laoghaire on September 28. ‘The Lovely Show’ is available on all podcast platforms.