00:00 – The Chaos Behind the Camera
What really happens when content creation goes wrong — from lost footage to bad audio and broken mics. The painful side of the grind that no one sees.
03:22 – Welcome to The Pear Pod
Meet Paul & John from Is It Worth It? — the duo turning everyday meals into viral content. Find out how their journey began.
06:05 – From Holidays to Honest Reviews
How Paul’s love for filming memories on lads’ trips evolved into one of Ireland’s most authentic review channels.
09:48 – Building a Brand on Brutal Honesty
Why “Is It Worth It?” refuses to fake positivity — and how being too honest cost Paul some friendships.
12:37 – The Pressure of Being Recognised
What happens when restaurants realise a reviewer has walked in? Bigger portions, fresher food, and the psychology behind it all.
15:28 – “Not You!” – The Pizza Shop Confrontation
Paul shares the story of the viral moment when a Dublin pizza owner told him, “I don’t want your review.” The shocking reality behind that clip.
18:15 – Authenticity vs. Influence
Can small creators stay honest when money enters the picture? The team reveals how they’ve resisted paid reviews and stayed independent.
22:41 – When Integrity Costs You Work
Paul talks about turning down easy cash and why taking the high road might mean slower growth — but lasting respect.
26:50 – Dublin’s Hidden Food Gems
The best dishes and restaurants in the city you need to try — including Michelin-level meals that won’t break the bank.
30:10 – The Struggles of Reviewing Restaurants
What really happens when you film in a busy restaurant? The intimidation, fake friendliness, and staged “empty” reviews explained.
34:52 – Overpriced or Overhyped?
Paul and the host debate luxury dining — from disappointing €200 steak dinners to why cheaper meals sometimes taste better.
39:05 – The Salt Bae Experience
Behind the scenes of reviewing London’s most infamous restaurant — and the shocking £630 steak story.
42:33 – Going Global (Without Selling Out)
The dream of taking Is It Worth It? international — from London to LA — and the challenge of growing while staying true to their roots.
47:15 – The YouTube vs. TikTok Dilemma
Why content that explodes on social media doesn’t always succeed on YouTube — and how the duo plans to master both.
50:10 – The Search for the Right Sponsor
Paul reveals the brands they’ve turned down and what kind of partnership would actually make sense for their audience.
54:40 – Real Impact: When Reviews Change Lives
The powerful stories of local takeaways going viral — and how one review had queues wrapping around the block.
57:22 – The Future of Honest Food Reviews
How fake reviews dominate the scene — and how you can spot creators who aren’t telling the truth.
01:02:15 – What Food Wins the Internet?
Discover the secret: it’s not pizza. Paul breaks down which dishes perform best online and why Irish audiences are obsessed with spice bags.
01:07:45 – Hate Comments & Humour
The host opens up about the “Make podcasts cheaper” trolls — and how creators stay sane online.
01:10:12 – The Travel Dream: Chalk & Cheese
Paul’s second channel idea — how a travel job led him to create a platform for honest experiences across Ireland and beyond.
01:14:40 – Why They Quit the 9-to-5
From business degrees to bold decisions — Paul and John prove that following your passion can actually pay off.
01:18:00 – Closing Thoughts: Doing What You Love
A genuine conversation about purpose, patience, and why doing what feels right is always worth it.
