My 2023: Bressie – "The best film was Barbie. My senses didn’t know what the fuck was going on"

Hero of 2023?
Davin Godfrey. For those aware of the utter shit show that was the child and adolescent mental health services report in July, they will be mindful of how heartbreaking it was. So many young people and their families were failed by the state.

Davin was put on six different medications without a mental health diagnosis, which had a harrowing impact on his life. He waived his anonymity to tell his story, and it’s the bravest thing I have heard in a long time.

Villian of 2023?
Netanyahu. In time, he will be tried as a war criminal. I lived in Israel when I was 13 as my father was in the UN. Watching the horror play out has broken most of us. Watching the soullessness of our global leaders has also broken most of us.

Best personal moment?
Being accepted into Trinity to undertake my PhD. For years I have wanted to do one, but always ended up shitting the togs. Also, kayaking the length of the Shannon for youth mental health in July. The hardest thing I have ever done physically or mentally. The weather was brutal and fuck me that’s a big auld river.

Best Movie or TV Show?
Slow Horses on Apple. Gary Oldman’s finest hour in my opinion. TV shows for me are always built on the characters, and Jackson Lamb is gold. A mix of Rab C Nesbitt and Jason Bourne. Watch it . The best film was Barbie. My senses didn’t know what the fuck was going on

Best Record?
Kojaque’s Phantom Of The Afters. Just a brilliant piece of work. Full of character, wit, charm and musicality. The entire creative package surrounding the album was cohesive and sharp as fuck. An artist only getting better and better.

Best Book?
Dr Tony Bates’ Breaking The Heart Open. Tony has become my mentor. One of the most important contemporary voices in this country. He was working the halls of mental health institutions during their darkest times, while offering flickers of light to those in them.

His book hit me hard. It is rare to see a psychologist of his standing be so vulnerable, yet it gives us an insight into why he is so gifted at his job. Puts all the pop psychology bullshit shoved down our throats on TikTok into perspective. Read it.

Best thing online?
The Irish lad commentating on his own funeral from inside the coffin. No one, I repeat no one does funerals like the Irish, and this is the gold standard experience. I am not ashamed to say I very nearly urinated myself while watching that. Though I am getting older. Should probably check the prostate.

Hope for next year?
That wars fuck the fuck off and that this permacrisis we seem to be stuck in takes a break. We all deserve it.

What tickled your funny bone?
I enjoy Tadhg And Derry Fleming. The Irish father/son relationship is an odd one. Baton passed on from grandfather to father and those that came before. We can often be emotionally disconnected from our fathers which is sad really. It’s something I work hard on myself, though I am very close with my dad.

But historically in Ireland there has always been that distance when it comes to sharing feelings and emotions between father and son. I think the Flemings’ relationship is just a joy to watch and could teach us all a thing or two. They also kayaked the last leg of our Shannon adventure with us. Some craic.

• Bressie’s Where Is My Mind podcast tour kicks off at the National Opera House, Wexford on April 5. Tickets available at niallbreslin.com