In Part 2 of this very special podcast, Mary McAleese opens up to her friend and host Mary Kennedy with honesty, warmth, and wit. From her complex relationship with the Catholic Church to intimate stories of family life in the west of Ireland, she reflects on her daughter’s wedding, her son coming out to her, knitting, her passion for shopping, and the joys and challenges of everyday living. With characteristic insight, she shares her hopes for the future of Belfast and reminds us all that life is too short not to live it fully. A powerful, personal, and often humorous conversation with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mary McAleese - Part 1
In part one this very special two part episode, Mary Kennedy chats to her co-host and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey through the formative years of a remarkable woman who would go on to become one of Ireland’s most respected voices. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she shares vivid memories of a childhood shaped by conflict — from a devastating car bomb attack on her father's pub to terrifying assaults on her family home, including a harrowing incident that forced them to leave everything behind.She recalls the fear etched into her younger sister’s face during one violent episode — and the protective instinct that saw the siblings stand up for each other in the face of danger. Bricks smashed through windows, bullets fired into their home, and friends drawn into the web of the IRA — all part of a reality few could imagine.Told she could never be a lawyer by a priest, she defied expectations and broke barriers. This episode also explores the love story that began when she met her husband, Martin, and the lifelong friendship they formed with rugby legend Moss Keane.She speaks candidly about her difficult years working in RTÉ, her deep admiration for John Hume, and what ultimately drove her to step into public life and run for President.Raw, honest, and unforgettable — this is a story of courage, conviction, and the quiet strength behind the public figure.Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Garda Commissioner Drew Harris
In this remarkable episode, Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy sit with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for a rare and powerful & deeply personal conversation. As he prepares to step down from his role, Drew reflects on a career shaped by profound personal tragedy, public service, his reaction to a no confidence vote in him and a steady commitment to leading with courage and conviction. From growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland to leading An Garda Síochána through complex reforms and challenges, his story is one of resilience, integrity, and unwavering duty. With moving candour, he shares how his father’s murder shaped his worldview, the philosophy that has guided his leadership, and the toll — and fulfilment — of a life lived in service.In this episode, we discuss:His childhood in Belfast and Lisburn and the early influence of his father’s policing career.The trauma of his father’s assassination by the IRA and the impact it had on his life and career.How he found the strength to stay in policing and lead without bitterness.His move from the PSNI to becoming the first Garda Commissioner from outside the force.The sweeping reforms he implemented across Garda Síochána, from technology to welfare.Building trust within communities and strengthening international policing cooperation.The rise of far-right extremism and public disorder — and how the force is responding.His reaction to the historic vote of no confidence and why he chose not to resign.What leadership under pressure really means, and what he hopes his legacy will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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An Taoiseach Micheál Martin
Is Micheál Martin running for president? He tells us more. Speaking rights, the opposition, Donald Trump, tariffs, dealing with world leaders, family life, personal loss and tragedy, the impact of grief, childhood and political influences, Conor McGregor and the GAA - including who will win this years All Irelands, all areas up for discussion with Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in this special episode.Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television& Media.Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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George McMahon
Fair City made him a household name, but George McMahon’s story goes far beyond Carrigstown—charting a path through the highs and challenges of an ever-evolving acting career in Ireland.From growing up in Clondalkin to stepping onto the set of Fair City as a teenager, the good humoured and charming George McMahon has spent most of his life in front of the camera. But his journey hasn’t been without its twists—navigating the unpredictable world of acting, embracing new creative challenges, and balancing life in the public eye.In this episode he chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about life and change including:Family life growing upHow it "wasn't always going to be acting"His parents ambitions for himGetting the acting break at 13Winning a BAFTA and the "Cigar" experienceAn education regret and his interest in lawHis shyness going into Fair City and his first ever scene"Blowing Up Mondo"On set disasterDealing with dark storylinesMondo and KiraPhotographic memoryMirroring real life in fictionThe process of filming an episode of Fair CityStage to screenHis relationship with the fansPeoples attitude to Fair City How he met his wife RachelRunning a stage school with RachelBeing three months into a new mortgage when the shut down of Fair City and their stage school happened with CovidHis two small children Frankie and KodyHow fatherhood has changed himWhat his children think about him being on TVThe insecurity of being an actor An actors wageClimbing EverestVisiting CalcuttaHis views on religion and spiritualityAn emotional experience "eventually I just started crying"The world todayA unique answer to the question "If you could change anything what would it be?"Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and MediaProudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations
A former President of Ireland, a broadcasting icon and an array of guests with an incredible story to tell.What more would you want?!!Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations is a compelling and humorous podcast hosted by Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy, two of Ireland’s most iconic voices. Each week, they sit down with a well-known Irish guest to explore the universal theme of change—something we all experience in life. With insight, warmth, and plenty of laughs, they uncover how their guests navigate transitions, challenges, and new beginnings, offering wisdom, resilience, and often, unexpected humor.From Irish history and culture to personal journeys of reinvention, Changing Timesconnects the past with the present in a way that resonates with Irish people at home and abroad. Whether you’re part of the Irish diaspora in America, the UK, or Canada, or simply passionate about Irish storytelling, politics, and cultural heritage, this podcast offers thought-provoking and entertaining discussions on Irish-American identity, the Irish in Britain, and the evolving Irish experience.As featured on The Late Late Show and Apple Podcasts Ireland, Changing Times is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ireland’s global influence, Irish traditions, and the personal stories behind life’s biggest changes.🎙️ New episodes available every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Subscribe now and join the conversation!Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland