The Women's Podcast

This month on The Women’s Podcast Book Club, Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle are discussing Heart the Lover by American author Lily King. The story follows ‘Jordan’, a bright, ambitious college student who finds herself caught up in a complicated love triangle, with best friends and fellow students Sam and Yash. Decades later, Jordan is living the life she dreamed of, and the vulnerable days of her youth seem comfortably behind her. But when a surprise visit and unexpected news brings the past crashing into the present, Jordan returns to a world she left behind and is forced to confront the decisions and deceptions of her younger self. The next book club pick is A Beautiful Loan by Mary Costello. The group will be discussing it in April. Lily King writing about the teenage love that "changed her life" in Vogue: https://www.vogue.com/article/lily-king-teenage-love-essay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the grand final of the Irish Times Debate will take place in Dublin, where teams will debate the motion: This house believes the United Nations has had its day. The debating competition was founded in 1960 and counts many distinguished alumni among the ranks of its participants and winners, including comedian Dara O’Briain and the late broadcaster Marian Finucane. In today’s episode, Róisín Ingle is joined by this year’s debate convenor and former winner Ciara McLoughlinn, plus Clíodhna McHugh, who won the individual speaker prize in 2024. Both work in the legal profession and say this debating experience was crucial in building their confidence and public speaking skills, before leaving university. But first Irish Times features writer Nadine O’Regan is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including Katie Taylor’s retirement announcement, the latest in the disappearance of US pensioner Nancy Guthrie and the backlash that followed a proposal to reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in Irish schools. She also shares her thoughts on the new Wuthering Heights movie, starring Margot Robbie and Jason Elordi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When America’s Next Top Model arrived on our screens in 2003, it was an instant hit with viewers around the world. The reality TV competition, hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, saw young aspiring models compete for the chance to win a lucrative modelling contract. Although the show ended almost a decade ago, it’s back on our screens in Netflix’s new documentary series, Inside America’s Next Top Model. The three-part show revisits the modelling competitions' most shocking moments and includes interviews with former contestants and judges that paint a picture of a toxic and harmful filming environment. In today’s episode, Irish Times contributor Rachel O’Dwyer and model and actress Amber Jean Rowan join Róisín Ingle to share their thoughts on the show and how the young women who took part were treated. Rowan also discusses her experience on The Model Agent, an Irish reality show which she took part in at just 15 years old. But first Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the newly released EP by U2, the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the ongoing search in Co Wicklow for missing Irish women JoJo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’re covering a topic that isn’t often spoken about, but is estimated to affect around one in four families: family estrangement. It’s a subject that writer and Irish Times contributor Laura Kennedy wrote about recently in her Substack, detailing the complicated grief she experienced following the death of her father late last year - a man she hadn’t seen in over a decade. In today’s episode, Kennedy joins Róisín Ingle to reflect on the strange, unsettling reality of losing a parent whose death changes almost nothing in her daily life. You can find her piece on family estrangement on Substack here https://lkennedy.substack.com/ But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including France’s ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ moment and a revealing confession made by an Olympic athlete at the winter games this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Action Aid Ireland published a new report highlighting the challenges that lone migrant parents, mainly women, experience when they leave state accommodation. Many face discrimination, unaffordable rents and inadequate supports, leaving them effectively trapped between direct provision and homelessness. In today’s episode, Deborah Oniah and Owodunni Mustapha (Ola) - two Nigerian women who have made the move from direct provision into secure housing - share their experience of finding accommodation as single parents in the middle of a housing crisis. We also hear from Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland, who explains what recommendations have come from the report and why for lone migrant parents, the barriers to securing housing are often multiplied. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the latest tranche of Epstein files released last Friday and a new Netflix documentary which questions the guilt of the UK’s “most prolific child killer” Lucy Letby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Sunday 1st February is St Brigid’s Day and to celebrate the occasion we’re learning all about Brigid - the woman, the myth, the legend - from author and writer Kim Curran. Curran has just published her new book Brigid - a reimagining of Ireland’s most beloved saint - in which she details the life of Brigid, the miracles she made and the women she saved. It’s the story of a trailblazer who carved her own path, rebelled against the status quo and could never be caged by men, by gods, or even by history itself. So if you’ve ever wondered who the real Brigid was, what’s the story behind the cross and what inspired her to live as she did, then this is the episode for you. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the tragic death of a homeless woman in Dublin city centre this month and why more women in Ireland are having babies in their 40s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month on The Women’s Podcast Book Club, Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle are discussing Flesh by David Szalay. The book follows the life of István - an emotionally detached Hungarian man - as he moves from adolescence into adulthood. As the years pass, István moves from the army to the circles of London’s elite. His competing impulses for love, intimacy, status and wealth win him unimaginable riches, until they threaten to undo him completely. The next book club pick is Heart the Lover by American author Lily King. The group will be discussing it in March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, their origins actually stretch back to the mid 1980s. Back then, scientists were searching for an alternative treatment for diabetes, one that could replace insulin. Few could have imagined that this research would go on to reshape the treatment of obesity and later evolve into one of the best-selling drugs in the world. In her new book Off the Scales, journalist and author Aimee Donnellan traces the history of Ozempic, telling the story of the people behind its development. Among them is a young, ambitious woman from Macedonia whose research helped pave the way for the creation of the drug. In today’s episode, Donnellan talks to Róisín Ingle about the seismic impact GLP-1s have had on society and the body positivity movement. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the Beckham family feud and one woman’s fourteen-year-fight to get her former partner prosecuted for domestic violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late December, merchants and shopkeepers in Iran took to the streets to protest against the dire economic situation in the country. Since then, thousands more Iranians have joined the protests, snowballing it into a much bigger movement which is now calling for the end of the Islamic regime. The authorities have responded to the demonstrations with gunfire, tear gas and thousands of arrests. According to human rights agencies, more than 2000 people have been killed so far in the uprising, with some reports suggesting the death toll could be as high as 12,000. These protests follow on from the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom Movement which saw thousands demonstrate following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. To understand what is happening on the ground in Iran, and what this latest unrest means for its people and women in particular, Róisín Ingle is joined by two Iranian academics, Mayha Ostovar and Yasaman Ranjbaran. Ostovar is a lecturer at NUI Galway, while Ranjbaran is completing a PHD in ecology and evolution in Padua, Italy. Together, they speak about their hope for a free and peaceful Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past thirty years in Ireland, the lives of women have changed unrecognisably. Unparalleled advances in legislation have allowed for divorce, abortion and marriage equality. The economy has gone from boom to bust and to boom again, with more women entering the workplace. But for all the progress, there is still an underrepresentation of women in politics and positions of power, and there’s also a worrying rise in violence against women. This transformation of Irish society and its impact on women is documented by Irish social researcher and author Íde B. O'Carroll in her new book Thirty Years of Change Through Women's Eyes: Ireland, 1993-2023. In today’s episode, the US-based writer tells Róisín Ingle about the women she spoke to for the book and their perspectives on a changing Ireland. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the outcome of a harassment case taken by the wife of French President Brigitte Macron and calls to ban AI “nudification” apps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prima Facie, the award-winning one-woman play written by Australian playwright Suzie Miller, is coming to the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin later this month. It follows the story of Tessa Ensler, a highly successful criminal defence lawyer who specialises in sexual assault cases. When Ensler (played by Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer) is sexually assaulted by a colleague, she suddenly finds herself on the other side of the justice system and learns that the law was not written for victims - and that she is the one on trial. In today’s episode, Miller joins Róisín Ingle to discuss the play’s global success, the real-world impact it has had on the court system, and why the story has resonated with so many. She also talks about her background growing up as a working-class girl in Australia, where her love of writing came from and about working with Lena Dunham on upcoming projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 was the year Ireland elected its third female President, but only three women were appointed Ministers in the new Cabinet. Down one on the previous government. It was the year the hit Netflix show Adolescence had everyone talking about the dangers of the 'manosphere' and toxic masculinity and Australia introduced the world’s first social media ban for children. The year also saw the engagement of pop queen Taylor Swift to her boyfriend Travis Kelce and the relocation of American comedian Rosie O’Donnell and her family to Ireland. Dublin City Council took steps to protect the Molly Malone statue from being groped by tourists and a row over ‘skorts’ caused ructions within the GAA. To look back on this pivotal year and how it impacted the lives of women in Ireland and around the world, Roisin Ingle is joined by Irish Times features writer Nadine O’Regan, opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell and social affairs correspondent Kitty Holland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re looking for a gift for the book lover in your life, The Women’s Podcast Book Club has you covered. In today’s episode Niamh Towey, Bernice Harrison, Róisín Ingle and Ann Ingle are discussing what books they’ll be giving as gifts this Christmas and the ones they’d like to receive. Their recommendations include a biography for art lovers, a self-help book about setting “healthy boundaries” and a 2020 novel which has just been made into a film starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Whether it's a gift for family, friends or even for yourself, we hope there's something for everyone here. But first, Irish Times podcast producer Suzanne Brennan is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the introduction of a social media ban in Australia for anyone under 16 and a new taxi service coming to Dublin which allows customers to choose a female driver. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month on The Women’s Podcast Book Club, Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle are discussing Thirst Trap, the debut novel from Belfast writer Gráinne O’Hare. The book tells the story of Harley, Róise, and Maggie, three friends in their late twenties who are living together in a run-down house in Belfast, navigating all that life can throw at them - tricky relationships, heartbreaks and grief. As they approach thirty, the trio must confront past losses and decide whether their friendship can withstand the changes ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, a group of women in The Irish Times got together to envisage a podcast that told stories about the female experience and provided a space for women to share their passions, projects and plights. From there, The Irish Times Women’s Podcast was born. Over the past ten years, the podcast has heard from political leaders, sexual abuse survivors, campaigners, comedians, health professionals, authors, academics, relationship experts and every(woman) in between. Earlier this week, to celebrate a decade of conversation, craic and captivating stories, The Women’s Podcast hosted a live event at the Peacock Theatre in Dublin. On the night, Róisín Ingle and Kathy Sheridan reflected on the most memorable moments from ten years of telling stories - from Waking the Feminists to Repealing the 8th - with contributions from some special guests in the audience. Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell was also there on the night to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week. Plus, poet and friend of the show Jan Brierton delivered a gorgeous poem called The Revolution will be Podcast. In today's episode, we're bringing you a selection of highlights from the nights festivities. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although it’s still November, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas over here on The Women’s Podcast. To kick off this year's festive season, we’ve asked three Irish business owners to share their Irish-made gift ideas. Joining Roisin Ingle in studio is illustrator Catherine Geaney, jewellery maker Maureen Lynch and Pat Kane, founder of reuzi, Ireland's one-stop shop for sustainably made, reusable goods. Each of them are showcasing their work at this year’s Gifted craft fair at the RDS, along with hundreds of other talented makers and producers. In today’s episode, they tell Ingle about what they’ll be bringing to this year's event and what other Irish sellers to look out for. Some of their gift recommendations include Bernie Murphy socks, Conscious Convert bedding and children's toys from The Wonky Wollens. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including Italy’s new femicide law, the introduction of women-only carriages on french trains and the inquest into the death of teenager Niamh McNally at University Hospital Limerick in 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, former senator and government minister Katherine Zappone joins Kathy Sheridan to discuss her new memoir Love in a Time of Politics. In this wide-ranging conversation, Zappone charts her journey through Irish politics, from a fresh-faced senator appointed by then taoiseach Enda Kenny, right through to her tenure as minister for children and youth affairs. She speaks about the campaigns she’s most proud of and the scandals she’d rather forget. The 71-year-old also reflects on her relationship with her beloved wife, Dr Ann Louise Gilligan who died in 2017 and the grief that followed her devastating loss. She tells Sheridan how she eventually found love again with her South African partner Jennifer and what the future now holds for the pair. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including Trump's unhinged behaviour aboard Air Force One and how and why the global skincare industry is targeting products towards children as young as four. Did you know The Irish Times Women’s Podcast is turning ten years old? To celebrate a decade of conversation, craic and captivating stories, we are hosting our ten year birthday bash at the Peacock Theatre in Dublin on Tuesday, December 2nd. For more information and to get tickets to the event, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a career spanning theatre, film and television, Irish actor Fiona Shaw has been a household name in Ireland for decades. The Cork native is known for her award-winning stage work, as well as her iconic roles in the Harry Potter films, Killing Eve, and Bad Sisters. Shaw’s latest project, Park Avenue, opened in Irish cinemas this week. Earlier this year, while in Dublin for the International Film Festival, she joined Kathy Sheridan in studio to talk about the film, in which she plays the glamorous and wealthy widow Kit. In this wide-ranging conversation, Shaw reflects on her early career and explains what led her to setting up a women’s group while working with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. She also tells Sheridan about her friendship with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, why she turned down a move to Hollywood in the 1990s, and how she met her Sri Lankan wife, Sonali Deraniyagala. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 24th October 1975, 90% of the women in Iceland went on strike. For the entire day, women refused to participate in waged work, domestic labour or childcare. Instead they took to the streets to protest, demanding fair employment, equal wages and the recognition of work done inside the home. To reflect on the impact of that historic day, the 50 years of progress since and the work still left to do, Róisín Ingle is joined by Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir, producer of the documentary film, The Day Iceland Stood Still. Later on, anti-domestic violence campaigner Patricia McLean joins Ingle to talk about her organisation Finding Our Voices, which is hosting a series of online talks with Irish authors about their books involving domestic abuse. It’s free and open to all, starting with Irish author Roddy Doyle on November 18th 2025. You can find more information on the talks here: https://findingourvoices.net/book-club But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the record number of women giving birth past the age of 45 and the dismal reviews coming in for Kim Kardashian’s new legal drama ‘Alls Fair’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since opening in 2024, Jane’s Place has become a sanctuary for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable women. The drop-in centre, located in the heart of Dublin city, is a space where those in need can access mental health support, addiction recovery services, and counselling, and even take part in yoga, art therapy, and mindfulness sessions. In today’s episode, co-ordinator of Jane’s Place, Susan Diffney, tells Róisín Ingle why a service like this was so badly needed and what invisible barriers women often face when trying to access help. We also hear from Christine, who is in recovery from addiction and visits Jane’s Place regularly. She explains how this female-focused support has been instrumental in her path to sobriety. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the release of Lily Allen’s tell-all album Westend Girl, and the death of Mary “May” McGee, who changed the course of Irish social history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.