Tommy was joined by a host of different guests on the show.
Viewers have weighed in on last night’s Tommy Tiernan Show, with many commenting not only on his superb interview skills, but on the inspirational story of one of his guests James Leonard.
Last night's #TommyTiernanShow was brilliant. Three great guests. Tommy has a way about him that seems to really put people at ease and you can see the emotion on his face that we're all feeling at home. Pure magic.
— Vanessa (@vananna36) January 26, 2020
The Tommy Tiernan Show is an emotional rollercoaster of a TV Show. Brilliant viewing and Tommy is an intelligent, emotionally connected interviewer. Fantastic show. #TommyTiernanShow
— Gillobhoy ??? (@briangillo77) January 26, 2020
Joined by a host of different guests, Tommy spoke to the likes of Glen Hansard and Molly Bloom, with music coming from Irish post-punk band The Murder Capital.
However there was one segment of the show that particularly resonated with the audience, and that was Tommy’s chat with Cork man James Leonard.
Briefly introducing himself to the audience, James started off by saying that he had spent time in and out of prison for short sentences related to heroin use.
Later adding:
“I’m not doing too bad today and someone thought it would be a bit of craic if I came on and a had a word with you.”
James discussed his addiction in-depth, outlining that while he is happy and healthy today it was not always that way.
“What I have today I strived for and I thought it was unattainable for me. It was a fantasy that I thought I’d never accomplish.”
First introduced to heroin at only 21 years of age, James hit home the message that “there’s nothing glamorous about it, every day is a struggle”.
There has been an outpouring of public support for the interview since it aired last night, with reactions being exceedingly positive.
@JamesLeonard85 James watched you on The Tommy Tiernan Show last night. Thought you are an amazing guy & told your story so well. Continued Success.
Thanks for being so honest and showing others, that things can change if you want them to. @Tommedian #TommyTiernanShow pic.twitter.com/KWsf6Tu2Ep— Alan Hennessy ?️ Kompassmedia-Podcaster (@Kompassmedia) January 26, 2020
Last night on #TommyTiernanShow @JamesLeonard85 shone a light on what a recovery journey looks like, grounded in hope, trust, love, understanding, fellowship, supportive relationships, resilience, tenacity & hardwork. The powerful messages of support to him, are amazing. 1/2
— Cork Alliance Centre (@Cork_Alliance) January 26, 2020
incredible interview with @JamesLeonard85 on the#tommytiernanshow
Such a powerful reminder that there are beautiful people, full of potential, behind the face of the addicts often looked down on & judged so harshly & we all have the potential to change somebodies day or life
— Clare O Connor (@ClareICHH) January 26, 2020
Super proud of my husband James. His message was one of, strength, courage and HOPE. I feel blessed that we are on this journey together.
? "as long as your alive, there's always hope" ? WOW!#tommytiernanshow @Tommedian @JamesLeonard85 @Cork_Alliance pic.twitter.com/UgkNGF0Onn
— Gillian Butler (@Gillian_Cork) January 25, 2020
Genuinely one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. I’m in awe. And tears. #tommytiernanshow https://t.co/gkNoUxnrBN
— Niamh (@gealrasanaerx) January 25, 2020
As one viewer so aptly puts it:
“One of the most moving in a series of moving interviews by Tommy Tiernan”.
You can watch the James Leonard interview in full here.