1. When did you think about a career in broadcasting and what were your first steps into it?
I always wanted to work in radio and TV. There was something magical about it all and I knew from about the age of 13 that it was where I wanted to work. The tricky thing was making that happen. I did a degree in journalism and worked at various community and university radio stations. I also created my own podcast and spent years trying to develop my own style in both production and presenting. I took up a training course with the BBC around 2007 and never looked back. Getting that BBC pass was one of the proudest moments of my life.
2. Best gigs you've been to?
Witness Festivals for two summers in a row (Dublin) around 2000/2001. It was my first real festival experience and it blew me away. The atmosphere, the music, the carefree time of life; it changed my perspective on music forever. There was David Gray, Texas, Beck, Fun Loving Criminals, to name a few. Even now, it's making me smile from ear to ear. I also decided to get my eyebrow pierced at one of these after a few shandies. Not such a fun memory...
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
I would love to get married abroad. My partner and myself have been engaged for a couple of years now. When it happens, I hope I'm on a beach in the sun. If I had a choose musicians to be on the beach with us it would be Tina Turner and George Michael. Power ballads and nostalgic pop rock.
4. The record you would take to a desert island?
David Gray's White Ladder. This isn't necessarily my favourite of all time. But when I hear it, I am transported back in time to some incredible memories and people who are no longer with us.
5. And the book you would take to a desert island?
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I started and stopped reading it about 40 times over the past 10 years. Maybe then I would get the time to finish it.
6. Top three films?
Stand By Me, The Goonies and Aliens, because it scared the life out of me when I first watched it and I still love it now. In case you haven't noticed, I'm big on nostalgia.
7. Worst film you've seen?
Black Sheep. I don't like slagging off anyone's work, but it is just awful. I went to see it with my friend Claire and we laughed our way through it but not in a good way, as people were getting up and walking out.
8. Favourite authors?
Dan Brown. Don't laugh. His stuff is criticised by many, but do you know what? I love his books and I don't care who knows it.
9. Sport you most enjoy and your top team?
I am not big into sports. My dad bought me a hurley stick when I was a kid and I was deeply disappointed (poor dad). I do enjoy watching rugby. And I do like the Rugby World Cup.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
I've been lucky to travel a lot in the past. I loved Thailand and want to explore it more along with more of America.
11. Pet hates?
Loud eaters, people who don't know how to indicate and obnoxious people.
12. What's your favourite:
Dinner? Wraps or spag bol. I'm easily pleased.
Dessert? Pooh Bear ice cream all the way.
Drink? Bourbon and coke.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
Lou. We started university in England together and were put in the same halls of residence. We've been friends for so many years I don't think would function without her. Plus, we know too much about each other to not be friends now. Too dangerous.
14. Is there a God?
I would like to think there is some higher power and that there is a point to life. Religion is man-made. Faith is not. I think I've tiptoed around this question enough now...
Vinny Hurrell's When I Was 25 podcast, which centres around what advice you would give your 20-something self, and includes guests Heather Mills, Mark Feehily, Anton Du Beke and Kerry Katona, is available now on BBC Sounds.
The Vinny Hurrell Show is on Fridays, BBC Radio Ulster at 3pm, and also on BBC Sounds.
