The Women's Podcast

This month on The Women’s Podcast book club, we’ve been reading The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. It’s the second book from the former First Lady, which promises the reader ‘practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s uncertain world’. It seemed like the perfect book to start the new year with, but didl it live up to our book clubbers expectations? Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín and Ann Ingle share their thoughts in the latest episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re familiar with the world of online dating apps, you’ve likely come across profiles with phrases such as ‘swipe right for kinky’, ‘just looking for fun’ or ‘NO DRAMA’ written in their bios. Scrolling through profile after profile, you’ll see the same stock phrases again and again, but what do they actually mean? According to Aileen Barratt, who runs the @TinderTranslators Instagram page, these go-to phrases show not just a lack of imagination on the writer’s behalf, but are very often laced in misogyny and offer a unique insight into the person writing them. In this episode, Aileen joins Róisín Ingle to talk about the highs and lows of modern dating, who to avoid when swiping and how the success of her Instagram page led to the release of her new book Tinder Translator: An A-Z of Modern Misogyny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Menopause Summit is taking place in the Mansion House in Dublin on March 23rd. This “masterclass” in menopause will feature a keynote address from television presenter Davina McCall and will host a wide array of experts who will be debunking myths and taboos and providing inclusive fact based information. In this episode, Kathy Sheridan is joined by the summit’s founder Sinead McNamara, who explains how her own experience with perimenopause inspired her to create the event. We also hear from Sallyanne Brady, founder of The Irish Menopause and Dr Caoimhe Hartley who runs the Menopause Health Clinic in Dublin. Both women will also be speaking at the summit next month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the coming weeks, the Government is expected to pass the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill 2022. However, the proposed redress scheme has faced enormous scrutiny due to its narrow eligibility requirements, which exclude around 40% of survivors. In this episode, human rights lawyer Maeve O’Rourke speaks to Róisín Ingle about the flaws within the scheme, while Noelle Brown who was born into Bessborough mother and baby home, explains how it’s yet another slap in the face for survivors.For more information see http://clannproject.org/redress_scheme/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bad Bridget is the new book from historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. It tells the unheard stories of Irish girls and women who emigrated to North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The book which follows the successful podcast series of the same name, is a culmination of over five years worth of research into the lives of these women who travelled across the Atlantic and didn’t quite find the American dream. The pair’s extensive research into police, court and prison records uncovers the types of criminal activity in which Irish women were involved, including drunkenness, sex work and murder. In this episode, Farrell and McCormick speak to Róisín Ingle about the Bad Bridget podcast series and the Irish women that history chose to forget. This episode was originally published in February 2021. The Bad Bridget book is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feminist author, Mona Eltahaway, joins host, Róisín Ingle, to discuss her fascinating journey through the menopause. The dynamic disruptor of the patriarchy is railing against the societal norms traditionally associated with this clandestine transition, and demanding more people are educated on its impacts (and the importance of moisturising your vulva)  before having to deal with them. The Egyptian-American writer also gives her reaction to the uprising led by women in Iran, as well as Jacinda Ardern’s resignation as New Zealand prime minister. With any subscription you'll get unlimited access to the very best in unique quality journalism from The Irish Times. Subscribe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aimee Brown is the first known person in Ireland to be given a ministerial license for legal cannabis to treat the chronic pain she endures as a result of endometriosis. But her battle to get to this point is the most maddening and incredible story. Endometriosis is a whole-body disease but is often characterised in relation to the menstrual cycle. Typical symptoms include painful periods, painful sex, urination and bowel movements but can encompass a wide range of symptoms from chronic fatigue to nausea. 30 year-old Aimee was first hospitalised with symptoms at the age of eight, three years before she started her period. Medical gaslighting underscores her struggle to get treatment for the condition, which affects one in ten women and people assigned female at birth. In this episode, host Róisín Ingle is also joined by medical scientist and advocate Kathleen King, who explains the condition and the unnecessary suffering of women due to lack of awareness surrounding it. With any subscripti

Journalist, beauty editor and author Sali Hughes joins us on the podcast to talk about her new book, Everything is Washable. Having run away from home at the age of 14, she had to do a lot of growing up very early and very fast. Now, she's keen to share everything she's learned about life, domesticity, relationships and everything in between. From espousing the benefits of always having WD40 nearby, to choosing clothes to talking to your kids about porn, this book is an essential companion. Sali Hughes speaks to podcast host, Róisín Ingle, about why she wanted to write the book, why white wine is the devil and why Irish and Welsh women are are so similar when it comes to botox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode we’re talking all about the joys and benefits of hanging out. Whether it’s with your friends, strangers or acquaintances, there is a lot to be gained from the simple act of spending time together. In her new book Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time, Sheila Liming highlights these benefits and reflects on her own experiences of hanging out, from parties, to conferences, to hanging out on reality TV. She also shares her five simple guidelines that will help you make hanging out a priority this new year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022: It was the year that Russia launched their attack on Ukraine, the women of Iran and Afghanistan continued their fight for freedom and the entire country mourned the death of 24-year old Aisling Murphy in Tullamore. The Irish women’s football team won their place in the upcoming World Cup, Roe V Wade was overturned and the Wagatha Christy trial finally made it to court. To review the very best and worst bits of the last twelve months, Róisín Ingle is joined by Irish Times columnist Jennifer O’Connell, journalist Alison O’Connor and Iranian academic Mahya Ostovar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The build up to Christmas can leave many of us feeling frazzled and fried. What should really be a time of festive cheer and fun, often turns into a whirlwind of frantic shopping, decorating, cleaning and cooking. So what is the best way to navigate the shite before Christmas? Róisín Ingle talks to psychologist Allison Keating and comedian Deirdre O’Kane to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final three episodes of Harry and Meghan’s tell-all documentary series on Netflix have finally been released. With new revelations about the couple’s life together and shocking accusations against the British press and the ‘institution’, the series has remained top of the most-watched list over the last seven days. To dissect the royal drama and the many twists and turns along the way, Róisín Ingle is joined by Irish Times columnist Jennifer O’Connell and broadcaster and host of The Bellissimo Files podcast, Sarina Bellissimo.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To help you out with the books you’re going to buy as gifts this Christmas, we’ve asked our book clubbers Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Ann and Róisín Ingle to tell us about the books they’ve loved reading this year. Later on, author Maggie O’Farrell talks to us about her ninth novel, A Marriage Portrait, which is set in Renaissance Italy and inspired by the real and tragic tale of Lucrezia di Cosimo de’Medici. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having a thoughtful, sustainable and more mindful Christmas does not have to be a buzzkill. With that in mind, this episode is full of tips for a more joyful and less wasteful festive season, that doesn’t banish the fun. Irish Times contributor and author of the Game Changers column Catherine Cleary came on to talk to us about some sustainable gift ideas, while author of soon-to-be-published book The Money Mentor Santis O’Garro gives us ideas for how to spend less this month including No Spend days out with the family. It’s not about being a Grinch, more about being thoughtful about the excessive splurging that can sometimes come with this time of year. So have yourselves a conscious little Christmas with The Women’s Podcast why don’t you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the courageous shows of defiance against the misogynistic Islamic Republic in Iran and the rights of women and girls continuing to be eroded by the Taliban in Afghanistan, two women discuss the devastating, unjust situation in their countries. Mahya Ostovar, a lecturer at University of Galway left Iran ten years ago and Mahbooba Faiz, arrived in Ireland a few months ago from Afghanistan with her husband and young son. They spoke to Roisin Ingle about the wave of protest against the Islamic Republic in Iran since the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the ‘morality police’ and about the harsh Taliban regime in Afghanistan where women and girls are fighting for the right to an education and are now banned from parks, swimming pools and gyms. The women called for more support from the international community and solidarity from men and women everywhere in this feminist struggle for universal human rights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a chance meeting in 1992 which brought Ennis women Colette Reddington and Mary Fitzgerald together. When their paths crossed, both were seeking shelter for victims of domestic abuse, but were struggling to find local services. After realising there were no refuges available, not only in their hometown of Ennis, but in the entire county of Clare, the women decided to take action. Now, their incredible thirty year journey helping those fleeing abusive homes, is the subject of a new book Light On The Horizon, which details the establishment of Clare Haven refuge services and the charity Haven Horizons. In this episode, Róisín Ingle is joined by co-founder Colette and by Madeline McAleer, who is director of research, training and development. They speak about the humble beginnings of the refuge, the expansion in services over the years and why education is key to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When her career stalled during the Covid lockdown, actor and writer Roise Holt moved back to her parents house in Somerset and began creating comedy videos from her old bedroom. The videos skewering British politicians went viral propelling her into newfound stardom as a parody MP. In this episode, Rosie talks to Róisín Ingle about the success of her satirical videos and why they resonated so well with her fans. They also talk about her new comedy show ‘The Woman’s Hour’ and the ever-entertaining state of British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan died this week, at the age of 48. Over the years, Vicky has joined us on a number of occasions as a guest on the podcast, sharing her story and her journey through treatment. Today we celebrate the life of an extraordinary Limerick woman who fought for justice for so many. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teresa Deevy may not be a familiar name to most people, but it should be. Born in 1894, the Waterford woman, who was deaf from the age of nineteen, was a successful dramatist and playwright. In the 1930s, six of her plays were performed on stage in the Abbey Theatre and her reputation as a brilliant and talented writer had critics referring to her as next Sean O'Casey and the ‘Irish Chekhov’. That was until, Ernest Blythe became artistic director of the Abbey in 1941 and declared his vision for the theatre to be incompatible with Deevy’s work, putting an abrupt end to her growing career. The story of this forgotten playwright will be told in a new RTE documentary, created by performance artist Amanda Coogan. In this episode, Coogan speaks to Róisín Ingle about Deevy's life and legacy and why she should be celebrated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Aimée Foley emerged from the Central Criminal Courts of Justice with a smile on her face. The 21 year-old had been fighting to get her father’s prison sentence increased, after he had received just five years for raping and sexually abusing her as a child. Following an appeal by the DPP, Michael O’Donoghue of Colmanstown, Ballinasloe, Co Galway had his jail term almost doubled, meaning he will be in prison for the next nine years. In this episode Aimée explains how the sexual abuse began when she was just 12 years-old and often took place during access visits to her father’s home. It lasted for five years. She tells Róisín Ingle about the reason she waived her right to anonymity and why Ireland’s sentencing laws need to be changed to avoid retraumatising victims all over again.  Please be warned that this episode does contain descriptions of serious sexual assault and might not be suitable for all listeners. For further support please see https://www.rapecrisishelp.ie/ Hosted on Aca