The Women's Podcast

We were joined by almost 300 listeners, readers and Irish Times subscribers last Saturday night for our fourth Big Night In on Zoom. This one was with acclaimed singer and musician Lisa Hannigan. It was a magical night of conversation between podcast host Roisin Ingle and Hannigan who shared her thoughts on creativity in a pandemic and life in lockdown with her 14 month old child. This episode includes snippets of the songs she sang and a lengthy back and forth between the singer and the fans who gathered to hear her talk. Also on the podcast we mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day with findings from a survey showing how women and girls are managing periods in a pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's two years since 64.66 per cent of us voted to Repeal the 8th Amendment. Roisin Ingle reads her column looking back on that important day. Also on this episode, we hear from the author of a brilliant debut novel Exciting Times. Naoise Dolan spoke about her writing life and launching a book in Lockdown. And finally, Geraldine Quigley is a writer from a working class background who was helped by the Write Now scheme run by Penguin Random House. The scheme is open to people resident in the Republic of Ireland for the first time this year, and she came on the podcast to encourage writers from diverse backgrounds to apply, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane Casey is one of the most successful crime writers of recent times, blazing a trail in a genre that has been dominated recently by Irish women such as Liz Nugent and Tana French. Originally from Ireland she is based in London and married to a criminal barrister, which comes in handy for gruesome plotlines. Her latest novel starring her kickass detective Maeve Kerrigan is called The Cutting Place and it follows the murky goings on in one of London’s most elite gentlemen’s clubs. In the episode, host Roisin Ingle also reflects on the ways the pandemic is negatively affecting the lives of women according to a recent report from the Central Statistics Office. Finally, our next Big Night In on Zoom is with the wonderful singer Lisa Hannigan this Saturday May 23rd at 8pm. Listen to the podcast to find out how you can win a chance to join us there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's something in the air. A tiny bit of longed for freedom. The timeline for the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions has been released and we want to celebrate. Over the past few weeks and months we've been collecting stories from our guests and from listeners. We asked them one simple question: what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is lifted? The answers were funny, warm and sometimes surprising and we heard from a whole range of people from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald to journalist Alison O'Connor. What are you looking forward to most when we are finally given our freedom? We hope you enjoy this episode and it gives you plenty of inspiration for the days, weeks and months to come. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to our 400th episode! We never imagined when we started the podcast back in September 2015 that we'd still be here 400 episodes later telling women's stories and delving into the issues that are important to us. Over those nearly five years we've had many well known guests such as Margaret Atwood, Samantha Power, Marian Keyes and Caitlin Moran. In today's special ep we are joined by actor, writer and all-round joy bringer Amy Huberman. Amy (and more than 250 of our closest friends) came for the Zoom chats last Saturday night and told us about lockdown life with her kids (and BOD!), the fearlessness that comes with getting older and the "hot tools" every woman needs in a pandemic. Now that we're 400 we also thought it was about time we joined Instagram, so tune in to this episode to find out how following us on insta @itwomenspodcast could land you a gorgeous hamper of chocolate from our sponsors Green & Blacks. Thanks for staying with us these 400 episodes. And here's to the next 400! See acast.c

In this episode, Róisín Ingle was joined by MEP and former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald. In a recent article for The Irish Times, Fitzgerald wrote about the impact this pandemic is having on women and the need to document their stories for future generations. “Women are so rarely written about in these global events, much less so when their work is behind the scenes.” In this conversation, they reflect on the women who make up nearly 80% of the healthcare workers across Europe, the domestic violence pandemic and the EU response to the crisis. ‘When this is over, let us not forget the women’ by Frances Fitzgerald is available to read here: https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/coronavirus-when-this-is-over-let-us-not-forget-the-women-1.4239130 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, comedians Alison Spittle and Joanne McNally join Róisín Ingle to discuss the highs and lows of the London lockdown life. From living with housemates who refuse to socially distance, yearning for life back at home and waiting for the tsunami of single guys from all the lockdown divorces, this conversation with two of Ireland’s funniest comedians will hopefully bring a bit of joy to your day. We’ve also just announced our next guest for The Women’s Podcast Big Night In - it’s Amy Huberman! - so if you’d like to join us this Saturday May 9th, send us your voice note of what you can’t wait to do once lockdown is lifted to thewomenspodcast@irishtimes.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode, Róisín Ingle is joined by journalist Jenn Gannon and author Emer McLysaght for a discussion about Normal People, the Irish TV show that has everyone talking. It’s the small screen adaptation of Sally Rooney’s best selling novel, which was released just eighteen months ago. Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie McDonald directed the new series from Element Pictures, which was filmed last summer in Dublin and Sligo. It’s already been the topic of a heated discussion on Liveline (it’s the national broadcaster promoting "fornication" don’t you know) and has received rave reviews both at home and abroad. Jenn and Emer have binge watched the entire 12 part series and share their thoughts on how the show perfectly portrays teenage lust, angst and awkwardness. No spoilers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode, Róisín Ingle is joined by three of Ireland’s newest authors, Michelle Gallan (Big Girl, Small Town), Niamh Campbell (This Happy) and Rachel Donohue (Temple House Vanishing). 2020 will be a milestone year for each of these authors, as it marks the release of their debut novels. This conversation was recorded before the coronavirus outbreak, when all three women were able to come into studio and speak to Róisín about their new books and the inspiration behind them.Today is also Poetry Day Ireland. We pay tribute to Eavan Boland, leading Irish poet and champion of women's voices, who died on Monday. Nessa O’Mahony joined Róisín to take a look back on the poet’s life and read one of her most moving works, ‘The Pomegranate’. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the second of our ‘Big Night In’ zoom events, Róisín Ingle was joined by comedian and actor Deirdre O’Kane. In front of an audience of 250 podcast listeners, Deirdre spoke about lockdown life at home with her family in Dublin and about her new quarantine hobbies, which include painting pebbles and running into Ryan Tubridy on her daily walks along Dun Laoghaire pier. O'Kane also revealed how the installation of a “gin altar” in her kitchen has made the lockdown a bit more bearable. Check out @itwomenspodcast on twitter or facebook, for information on any upcoming live events. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with president and leader of Sinn Fein, Mary Lou McDonald. Earlier this month, McDonald received a positive diagnosis of Covid-19, after waiting sixteen days for her test results. She spoke openly and honestly about her experience with the illness and the immediate sense of connection she felt with everyone who has also contracted the virus. In this conversation, the party leader reveals what it’s like finally getting back to work, her hopes for post pandemic Ireland and what the future holds for Sinn Féin, on the sidelines of the historical agreement between Fine Gael and Fine Fáil. She also has some good Netflix recommendations in there too. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with entrepreneur, CEO and keynote speaker Margaret Heffernan. In her latest book ‘Uncharted: How to navigate the future’, Margaret explores the people and organisations who aren’t daunted by uncertainty. The timing of this book is remarkable given that we are in the midst of a global crisis nobody saw coming. In this conversation, Margaret reveals how the idea for the book came about, why creative thinking is a must have in times of crisis and what we, as a society, can learn from this pandemic when it’s over. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode is the live recording taken from the first ever Zoom event for The Women's Podcast. Last Saturday night, Marian Keyes joined Róisin Ingle and a whole host of podcast listeners on Zoom for a virtual get-together. In this conversation, Marian spoke about lockdown life, grocery shopping for her elderly mother, her new found obsession with cosmetics and how cooking "proper fancy dinners out of a book" helps take her mind off things. There's also some great listener questions at the end of the discussion. Check out @itwomenspodcast on twitter or facebook, for information on any upcoming live events. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with Shawna Scott from Sex Siopa about the recent increase in sex toy sales due to the Covid-19 lockdown. In their conversation, Shawna reveals the most in demand products, the best toys for beginners and why now, more than ever, is a great time to start experimenting. Róisín also caught up with our book club members, Niamh Towey, Bernice Harrison and Ann Ingle, who have some great recommendations to help us through this long period of lockdown. From old reliables, laugh out loud reads and a book guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing, hopefully you’ll find something to add to your lockdown reading list. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with Dr Catherine Motherway, a Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Intensive Care Physician at University Hospital Limerick. In this open and honest conversation, Catherine reveals what life is really like working on the frontline in ICU. She spoke to Roisin about dealing with the emotional toll of the outbreak, preparing memory books for the families of Covid-19 patients and how, when news of the pandemic first broke, she didn’t sleep properly for three weeks.Also, in this episode, Róisín spoke with Women’s Aid chief executive Sarah Benson about the rise in cases of domestic violence during the coronavirus outbreak. Domestic abuse survivor Bernie D’arcy also shared her story about the ongoing abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband before finally finding the courage to escape the situation with the help of Women’s Aid. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Syrian born journalist Razan Ibraheem spoke to Róisín Ingle about adjusting to this new life under lockdown and the importance of maintaining a routine each day. With the first case of coronavirus confirmed in Syria nearly three weeks ago, Razan discusses the disastrous impact the outbreak may have on her home country. Also, Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon joined Róisín from her home in London which she shares with her husband Roy and their two year old daughter Ruby. She spoke to Róisín about the power of gratitude, the joys of baking bread with her mum over Instagram and her brand new RTE chat show, ‘Ask Me Anything’ which like lots of things is "up in the air at the moment". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s episode is all about food, glorious food. Róisín Ingle caught up with food blogger Roz Purcell, to talk about her new fundraiser "Feasta: A Homecooking Collection of Recipes for the Mater and Mercy Hospitals". It's a gorgeous pdf cookbook available to download for €5, and it was specifically developed to help the frontline staff working to fight against Covid-19, with proceeds going to the Mater Hospital and the Mercy Hospital.Also, Irish Times restaurant critic Catherine Cleary spoke to Róisín about her brand new podcast, The Comfort Feed and shared the secret of how to recreate a Big Mac at home. Irish Times contributor Tanya Sweeney was also on the line to tell us how she’s getting on under lockdown in Stoneybatter with her fiancé and toddler: "The first few weeks felt like we were in a tumble dryer, we didn’t know what way was up".Link to Roz’s GoFundMe:https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-cooking-for-good?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet See acast.com/priva

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with Dr. Zoë Lynch, a young Irish doctor who has just returned home to Ireland having spent the last two years living and working in Australia. After hearing the HSE’s plea for medical professionals to “be on call for Ireland”, Zoë dropped everything and set about trying to get the next flight home. Zoë was instrumental in organising the flight which brought over ninety young Irish doctors back to Ireland to work in hospitals around the country. Also Irish Times beauty writer Laura Kennedy joined Róisín to discuss some much needed self care and beauty hacks. Speaking from her apartment in London, Laura revealed what life is like under lockdown in a city of nearly nine million people. She also had lots of tips for chipped shellacs, dodgy roots and unwanted fuzz. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke with Precious Matumba who lives in direct provision in Mosney. Precious arrived in Ireland from Zimbabwe in 2018 with her two children, who are now in second and third class. She spoke to Róisín about Lockdown Life and her fears for those in the direct provision system.Also, Róisín’s 10 year old twin daughters Joya and Priya shared their homeschooling experience so far: “Covid-19 is trying to make us sad, but we just turn it around and say, well we just get to spend more time with our families” Finally author and journalist Jen Hogan spoke to Róisín about homeschooling her seven children. It’s quite the challenge for Jen, who is also trying to juggle a busy work schedule, but she's managing it like a pro. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Róisín Ingle spoke to music legend Sinéad O’Connor, who is on lockdown at her home in Bray with members of her family including her sons and two grandchildren. Sinéad has just returned from the USA after her American tour was cancelled due to the pandemic. She spoke to Roisín from the cabin in her garden about corona beards, self isolation, her spiritual side and how music and Netflix are helping her in these strange times. Róisín also caught up with 82 year old Rosemary Smith. The former racing driver, Rosemary is taking social distancing in her stride, enjoying a glass of wine each evening in the garden with her neighbours. Also, Kathy Sheridan was on the line to tell us how she’s been getting on over the last week at home with her daughter in Kildare. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.