Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 28

Wrong Coat Season update

I won’t complain about the weather this week. I’ll take the colder ending to it for the 25C we had on Wednesday. Although in the spirit of Wrong Coat Season I was totally over-dressed. The queue in Gregg’s was like that bit in Notting Hill when Hugh Grant walks through all four seasons in the one scene. The temperature plummeted again on Thursday mind, when I did wear the lighter clothes, so I looked silly then as well. You can’t win.

Late development: I’ve just bought a new coat, which is designed for better weather. I promise not to give it its own blog section, but I can’t promise there won’t be regular updates.

Welcome home Artemis 2

Talking about a team who must wear the right clothes, I stayed up to watch the Artemis 2 crew return to Earth on Friday night. I’ve totally bought into the mission. Everything about it was cool and I agree necessary. The team were a PR dream as well. They looked great. The picture of the mission for me is the one I’ve used for this piece. The moon has clearly been used for target practice suggesting we’ve had it easy.

It does look like we will see a team take a visit to the moon over the next couple of years and I do hope it is another opportunity for us to learn more about our planet and ourselves.

I also hope we will see opportunities for our children to get involved. It might be worth keeping an eye on the UK Space Agency’s website for developments in that area.

The friendly bit

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday and Monday, spent with friends who did us amazing spreads and were great company; even their cats. We’ve been very lucky to meet like-minded people at the time when our kids were very young and then to share our lives as we watched them grow up together. Friendships like that can seem seamless, quite frankly because they are.

Reading that back it reminded me of the lyrics to an Aerosmith Ballad from the 90s. As I’m in danger of becoming over-sentimental, I should say they can also be very annoying. That’s not true.

New music

Talking of friendships, new live music has always been my friend, but it’s been years since I’ve been to a new music showcase. However I had a rare Thursday window this week and popped to see one at our local band venue. Despite being at least 20 years older than most of the people there, it was brilliant. I saw three of the four bands and was impressed by all of them (Decorum, Slumber, Kontra, Give me your teeth); in particular Kontra who had everyone in the palm of their hand. I would describe them as palatably heavy. They threw in a Korn and a Muse cover, which might give you an idea of their influences. But all of the bands are worth a Google. Other search engines are available.

The filim bit

I was in two minds about doing the filim bit this week as I saw the movie Fuze and there will be little for anyone to gain by me doing a review. It wasn’t very good. With a few twists and turns, it’s about the discovery of an unexploded supposed WW2 bomb at a building site in Paddington, just outside central London and the army/police drama that unfolds around that. Simultaneously, a bank heist is taking place in the area (which is naturally evacuated) and the film works towards showing how both are connected. It has a relatively unknown cast. You might recognise Gugu Mbatha-Raw from Dr Who back in the day or Theo James from The Inbetweeners Movie. The film is far-fetched, disjointed and the conclusion completely implausible. The only positive thing I can say is that it is not boring. For that reason I give it two stars. You can wait until it comes out on TV, however and if there’s nothing else on, give it a whirl.

Do Good Well

I posted last month about a fundraiser for the London Irish Centre and as the half marathon Gary Dunne is undertaking is this weekend I’m posting a link to his page again. Please support him and the centre if you can.

Saturday was also World Parkinson’s Day. Check out the website for more information.

Goodbye and thanks

Thanks for reading. A slightly more modest length this week, but we keep going. Here is a link to my CV. If you have any projects you think I can support, get in touch for a chat.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

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Past posts

5 April

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 27

The week that was

If you’re reading this you’ve survived April Fool’s Day, the first week of losing an hour in bed and you’ve probably smudged your phone screen with chocolate having opened your first Easter Egg early. That’s ok. You’re among friends.

We’re posting on Sunday, so Happy Easter, particularly to my Christian friends and family. Enjoy your services and so far so good for the weather. I hope you get out for a few nice walks as well.

I had a three-day working week this week. I spent Thursday in Coventry, taking in a trip to the cathedral which I think is one of the most historically significant sites in the UK. We also went to Kenilworth Castle which I’d barely heard of but really enjoyed. I give it a section below.

I briefly mentioned in last week’s blog that I fell over doing Park run, and it’s a humdinger. Left ribs done in. I can’t grab enough breath to sneeze, or sleep on that side. It’s a right pain, ironically; and will most-likely linger for a few weeks. It really is one for people who don’t like me. You can enjoy a chuckle. Not you, Mam.

But let’s park the self-pity for now.

We have a winner

The winner of the half-year comp was Jonathan Bown. He is now the proud owner of a £20 book token (as he is UK based). The answer to the question (What was number one on 29 September 1976?) was of course Dancing Queen, by ABBA. If you haven’t heard of the song, it’s one of those weird avant-garde numbers that graced the charts very briefly and was never heard of again.

Up, up, and away

It was very exciting to see Nicola Fox, who grew up in our town doing the comms for the Artemis II mission which successfully launched during the week and is heading to t’other side of the moon as I write. I’m not a deep space person but I like close space stuff like this and always try and catch the International Space Station when it passes over. I once had the pleasure of meeting Tim Peake, so I have shaken the hand of someone who has done a spacewalk.

I hope the Artemis crew have a safe and successful mission and I’m looking forward to following along and seeing what the legacy is over the coming weeks and years. It will hopefully inspire some more local kids to consider a career in the space industry.

April Fools

There weren’t many April Fools jokes this year but one of the best was a fake picture of the Beatles in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin in 1964. I fell for it hook, line and sinker, and in my head was planning to go and find the spot, as it’s near my parents’ house. Then realising it was a hoax, I did feel like an idiot but thought, as long as I don’t tell anyone my credibility should remain intact.

Castles in the air

We went to Kenilworth Castle on Thursday, and it was great. I’d scarcely heard of it but I’m glad we took a punt on it. We were in Coventry anyway and it was in the right direction for heading home. There was lots to take pictures of and cool castle walls to climb which offered great views of the surrounding area.

It’s run by English Heritage, and it might be the poor relative to Warwick Castle, but it was packed with foreign tourists and that was no surprise. It’s also not that expensive, so check it out.

The filim bit

I went to see what must have been the first showing of ‘The Drama’ on Saturday and it was very good. It stars Zendaya (Emma) and Robert Pattinson (Charlie). Zendaya, you should remember from Spiderman. The third star really is the direction and editing. I haven’t seen other Kristoffer Borgli films but he ekes every drop of talent out of each of the actors in this, both lead and supporting.

The film is based around a bombshell that is dropped just days before Emma and Charlie get married, with the drama unfolding from there. I can’t say much more than that without giving too much away but I would say it’s worth the ticket price. We can debate the ending at another point but it’s a very good film. Go see it.

Do Good Well

I know cancer charities get more than their fair share of coverage, but it is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month which is a dedicated health awareness campaign that runs annually. It aims to break down the stigma and embarrassment that often prevents young men from checking themselves or seeking medical advice.

I hope, at 49 I’m in still in that ‘young men’ bracket but suffice to say if I did find a lump, I would act.

Do spread the key messages where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

That’s everything for now. Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who entered the competition.

You can view my CV online and as ever, do keep me in mind for any projects or campaigns you have that need a lead for comms and engagement.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 5

Five will make you get down now

I’ve reached post 5 and I need to be careful not to become a caricature of myself. I’ve rounded off each of the first four with thanks, but having reached this mini-milestone I wanted to bring that to the top. I really am grateful that you’ve stopped by. If I could ask one more thing, it would be if you could tell a few people about the blog and share the link so they might read it. If you do that, I promise not to go ahead with the miniature printed version I was going to bring out as a stocking-filler for Christmas.

What have you come as?

Happy Halloween. It’s great that it’s on a Friday this year, with no work the next day. Oh yes, work; I did some of that this week. First time I’ve dipped my toe into something non-comms related for over 20 years and what an experience. It’s also the first time I’ve been in the office five days in the one week since before the pandemic. I’ve had to resurrect shirts I haven’t worn since I was in my early forties; and I only have white trainer socks. I’ve looked like I’ve been dressing up for Halloween all week. I need to go shopping at the weekend. Everyone in the team is lovely though, especially the colleague who is training us (a reminder it’s a customer services role) and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Ultimately, I’m glad to do something where I’m helping people while I’m searching for the next career move. On that, one thing I’ve totally forgotten to do in the blog is share my LinkedIn profile so here it is.

Boss

My film recommendation this week comes with a nice side story. I went to see ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ and on the way out I met a lady who was a big fan of The Boss and by accident had attended the London premiere of the film, sitting just rows from the man himself and the other stars of the movie. Her daughter had bought the tickets for the screening not knowing it would also be the premiere, so what a result. She was still beaming and showed me a few pictures. She didn’t quite catch the movie in the detail she wanted to which is why she had come again. For those who are fans, she thought it was great. I thought it was worth 3.5 stars out of 5. However, I’m now on my second warning from Cineworld for talking to strangers so I’ll have to keep myself to myself for a while. I don’t want to be barred before I’ve seen the second half of Wicked.

Two casts in a pod

I know I don’t look old enough, but I moved to the UK 30 years ago last month. Someone I met on the very first day (at university Halls) was good friend Martyn Housley-Smith. Martyn is a talented and entrepreneurial teaching professional and has his own podcast which explores issues and topics surrounding education and learning. In the latest episode he chats to Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Lucy Shoolbred who among her many roles was a consultant on the Netflix series Adolescence. Such is the growing reputation of the podcast that Martyn has been able to secure guests of Lucy’s calibre. I’m chuffed for Martyn and what he has achieved and so not to scupper his efforts I’ve agreed not to discuss our nights down at the students’ union.

A second podcast recommendation is this week’s episode of A question of Science hosted by Professor Brian Cox who along with a panel of experts asks the question ‘Who owns space?’ I was actually in the audience for this one and if you listen carefully you can hear my distinctive clap. This is one of several episodes, all of which are worth a listen.

Do Good Well

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Prunella Scales this week. I’m a huge Fawlty Towers fan and although she was elderly, I think it’s still always poignant to find out when such iconic figures leave us. In her honour I’m sharing links to Dementia UK and Dementia Ireland. Do check them out and support if you can.

Bye until November

I can’t believe it’s November tomorrow. It comes as a surprise every year. And once Halloween is out of the way there’ll be no avoiding the ‘C’ word so brace yourselves.

Have a great week and stay safe on bonfire night.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 4

You can always go, Downton

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m proper posh. I’ve never watched Downton Abbey, but I went to see the film the other night, and I came out thinking, ‘Where have you been all my life?’ I would totally fit in there; my major stress being managing luxury. And I’d look great in the clobber. I think I heard an Irish accent among the cast. It should have been me. I’m going to talk a bit more like Pierce Brosnan for a while as part of the job seeking strategy so bear with me if I bump into you in Waitrose.

How can I help?

Some news on the job front. It looks like I’ve landed a customer services role at a council for the next three months (ink not quite dry). I’m not sure what the sensitivities are so I won’t expand on it for now. However, for those looking, I went to a job fair on Wednesday at a Job Centre Plus and had a good chat with the Royal Mail rep. It looks like there’s quite a bit of work going for delivery drivers including a bit of postie work so if you’re looking, consider it.

What a few months it’s been – the serious bit

Now that I’ll be starting work again, I’ve been reflecting on my emotional journey since I found out I was leaving my last job and here are my thoughts. I had five weeks’ notice to the end of my contract. That was five weeks where I had to deliver in the current role alongside pondering/worrying what will happen when I finish. However, when I finished, all the pressure of delivering in the role was lifted and I just had the one focus, finding a new job. I was walking around with half the weight on my shoulders gone. From that point I also had autonomy over my days, and although I had a job to do to find that next opportunity, I was my own boss. It remained vital to performance manage myself, but sod it, if it was 2.30 in the afternoon and 25 degrees outside, I also owed it to myself to go down to the local lido and make the most of it. I could then work that little bit later into the evening. I need to be employed and I know that, but I will leave this phase grateful for the chance to be ‘me’ a bit more. ‘However, as Dolly Parton sang, ‘Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living’. So onwards and upwards. (I know it’s been a hundred years since someone said that).

Setting a president

I didn’t want it to be overly obvious that I am Irish, but I think it was given away with the whole filim thing. Anyway, Ireland chooses a new president this week. The voter turnout will be interesting (In fact everything about proceedings will be interesting) and I am curious as to who wins. With two female candidates the forerunners, the likelihood is that the winner will be female. Our current President, Michael D Higgins (Google him now) will be a hard act to follow for a number of reasons, but whoever wins I wish them well.

Do Good Well

I had a tremendous response to the Big Issue picture I posted, so carrying on that vibe. The vendor I bought from didn’t want to be photographed which is fine but perhaps I should have asked before I suggested we did a video of the two of us singing ‘I’ve Got You Babe’. That would have been classic.

It’s Black History Month and if I was still working part of my day would have been promoting this so as we’re approaching the last week of the month I want to give it a quick plug.

Feedback and thanks

Next week’s post is likely to focus on the fact that the clocks have gone back an hour. Even though I know it’s coming, I won’t be able to believe it’s happening. However, if among the confusion you get a minute, do let me know your thoughts on the blog. You can contact me about this or anything at adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 3

Having the time of your life

Sorry I’m a bit late with this week’s blog. I had family (brother, sister and brother’s girlfriend) staying which took away some computer time; but I’m back online now reflecting on a great couple of days hanging out with them locally and in London. We went to see ABBA Voyage, and I don’t want to give too much away about the show, but our collective scores out of ten totalled 42 out of 50. We congratulated ourselves on the maths with that one. We made a day of it and took in the cable car over the Thames, walked around Canary Wharf and had lunch at The O2 Arena. It was quality time and helped me to further heal from them hogging the remote control when we were 12.

Sign on you crazy diamond

I had a call with my JSA (Job Seekers’ Allowance) buddy this week and it was ok but we’ve established that there’s little point in taking a couple of days work here and there because it throws everything out of sync, doesn’t really bring any extra cash to support me and the family and takes me away from finding that substantive role. I have a real desire to show willing though so it’s a bit frustrating. I’ll put last week’s two days in Watford down to experience and look with optimism around the corner. A good colleague was in touch and said, ‘”You just have to keep going,” and I will.

Ultra no more – release the date

Please note that I will now not be taking part in the Ultra Comedy event on 30 November. It sold out before I sold my quota of tickets and they have firm rules on that. I am disappointed but I’m planning to find an open mic slot elsewhere, so I’ll let you know the details when I have them. If it’s anything like last time I’ll be on at drinking up time when they’re trying to get everyone out, so don’t come early.

I know your name, but your face escapes me

I’m very good at remembering faces but don’t have a very memorable face myself so I often strike panic into people who haven’t seen me for a while when I come up and say hello. On my way back from Ultra Comedy training last week, I bumped into Kieron and Sue Concannon, parents of Luke who is the singer with folk/hip-hop/alternative duo Nizlopi. I’ve met Kieron several times at various gigs, but it’s been a while. After a few bars of me rattling through our lives together, it finally clicked and we had a good catch-up about how Luke and Nizlopi are doing. I’ve included some links above I hope you’ll check out their websites, their music and perhaps consider buying Nizolpi’s first album which has just been released on vinyl. Both Luke as a solo artiste and Nizlopi as a group have an amazing catalogue so do check them out. They did two triumphant gigs at The Water Rats last Sunday but alas, I couldn’t make them. However they are returning to London to play The Moth Club on 30 November.

I’ll go 50/50

I went to the first of what will be a couple of years of 50ths for me and all our school/university friends. It was a top night/occasion in a club in Brixton, and we met many people we hadn’t seen for ages. Some had read last week’s blog so there was a general disappointment that we are now all too old to donate poo for medical purposes. We’re all now seeking alternative side hustles. If being there taught me anything it was that I wasted an opportunity to get people together by not having a 40^th. I will remedy that next year when I turn 50 myself. It is very surreal to type that.

Do Good Well

I’ve not done anything for a good cause this week and to atone for walking past several Big Issue sellers without buying a copy, that’s my plea for this section. I shall buy the next one I come across. If you send me a picture of you and your big issue I’ll include it in next week’s post.

Three is a magic number

I’ve got to three blogs now. Whether I have 3 or 300 views I’ll carry on regardless. And this is a safe space. I’d love to hear your thoughts on anything be it about the blog or otherwise. It will all be taken in good spirits. Until next Friday, have a good week.

Adrian

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

07974669338