Path to Power Podcast: Hosts, Episodes, Subscription & YouTube

If you’ve been following Irish politics, you’ve probably heard the name Path to Power pop up in your podcast feed — it’s the sharp weekly discussion show with journalist Matt Cooper and former minister Ivan Yates, and the latest episode (number 130) dives into the Clacton by-election with former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr.

Hosts: Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates ·
Format: Weekly political discussion ·
Latest Episode Topic: Clacton by-election with Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr ·
Subscription (Plus): €5.99/month, ad-free bonus episodes ·
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

Six key details about the show — one pattern: the podcast is built on a straightforward free‑to‑premium model that mirrors how modern political media monetises loyal audiences.

What is the latest episode of Path to Power?

Who are the hosts?

The show is hosted by Matt Cooper, a veteran Irish broadcaster, and Ivan Yates, a former minister and political commentator. According to the official Acast page, the podcast describes itself as a weekly discussion about political and current issues. Podchaser (podcast database) also credits both Cooper and Yates as hosts.

What topic was discussed?

The latest episode at the time of writing is episode 130, titled “Sex, Alcohol, and Irish Politics”, with a runtime of 1:00:39. It features former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Áine Kerr discussing the Clacton by‑election challenge to Nigel Farage from a comedy candidate. The episode page was updated on 11 July 2026, according to the Acast episode archive.

The pattern: each episode punches above its weight by tapping into Cooper’s and Yates’s networks, making the podcast a regular pit‑stop for anyone who wants insider analysis without the filter of a newsroom.

How to subscribe to Path to Power?

What are the free listening options?

Standard episodes are free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The show’s Acast feed confirms it is hosted on Acast, which syndicates the free feed to all major directories. No account is required to listen on YouTube, though downloading episodes may require a free account on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

How does Path to Power Plus work?

For listeners who want more, Path to Power Plus (PTP+) offers ad‑free listening and weekly bonus episodes. The premium plan is €5.99 per month (or £4.99 in the UK, per Apple Podcasts UK subscription page). Subscriptions are managed through SupportingCast (subscription platform) and can be paid with major credit cards, Apple Pay on iOS, or Google Pay on Android, according to the SupportingCast Terms (updated 9 September 2024).

The implication: Path to Power uses a familiar freemium model, but with a twist — the bonus content is closed behind a paywall, while the main episode remains free, giving the show a chance to convert casual listeners into paying subscribers.

Where to watch Path to Power on YouTube?

Is the full episode available?

Yes, full episodes of Path to Power are available on YouTube. The show’s channel posts the complete weekly discussion, often with the same audio as the podcast feed but with a static or simple video background. For example, episode 125 instructs viewers to “be sure to subscribe via Spotify and Apple” and points to SupportingCast for PTP+ access, per YouTube (episode 125 page).

Does the YouTube channel have clips?

The podcast’s Instagram account (@pathtopower.podcast (Instagram)) promotes video clips and episode highlights, though the full episodes remain on YouTube. The Instagram bio describes the show as “the brand new podcast with Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates.”

Why this matters: YouTube gives Path to Power a visual footprint that many Irish politics podcasts lack, making it easier to reach listeners who prefer watching over listening — and to cross‑promote the subscription service directly in the video description.

“Path to Power brings lively weekly discussion that sets the agenda.”

— Matt Cooper, show description (Acast)

“Path to Power, the brand new podcast with Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates.”

— Instagram bio, @pathtopower.podcast

For Irish politics watchers, the choice is clear: the free weekly episode is a solid listen, but the real value of Path to Power lies in its premium tier — €5.99 a month for ad‑free, bonus‑heavy content that rewards the most engaged listeners. If you’re already hooked on the free show, upgrading to Plus is a natural next step. If you’re just dipping in, the YouTube channel is a low‑commitment way to sample the banter before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

The FAQ answers the most common questions about the podcast, making it easy for new listeners to get started.

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