How to be Irish

• Can we decolonise the Irish language through music? with singer-songwriter Amano Miura

  In this episode of How to be Irish, I sit down with Amano Miura—a multidisciplinary artist, songwriter, and sean-nós singer from Killarney, Co. Kerry. Born in Kyūshū, Japan, and raised in Ireland, Amano explores the thresholds where cultures divide or dissolve, weaving Irish and Japanese folk traditions with contemporary sounds across folk, pop, sean-nós, and spoken word. We dive into: Her journey into sean-nós singing and how she blends tradition with innovation. How Irish traditional music and Japanese traditional music compare and differ. The Irish language as an instrument in music and the future of Irish in pop culture. Cultural identity as a mixed-race Irish artist and navigating diversity in the arts. The inspiration behind her poem Kerry, Let’s Talk About Racism. Her groundbreaking work with Nós Nua to tackle imposter syndrome around the Irish language. The evolution of modern Irish music and where it’s headed next. Why is our role as Irish people the dream? Amano’s latest release, THREAD, is a collaboration with producer Kalabanx, featuring the single HEART with Liam Ó Maonlaí. She is currently in post-production on new solo alt/indie music, set for release in February 2025. Listen now for a powerful conversation on music, language, and identity in modern Ireland. Follow Amano: Instagram: @AmanoAnseo, her Website Follow How to be Irish Instagram: @howtobeirish. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate the podcast five stars and share it with a friend! That’s all for Season 1 of How to be Irish. Thank you for tuning in.  Irish music, sean-nós singing, Amano Miura, Amano Anseo, Irish language music, folk music Ireland, Irish-Japanese identity, Nós Nua workshop, Irish music industry, traditional Irish music, modern Irish artists, cultural fluidity, bilingual songwriting, imposter syndrome in language learning, Irish arts diversity, spoken word Ireland, Irish music podcast, learning sean-nós, future of Irish music, Gaeilge in pop culture

  --------  

  1:06:18
• How recession reshaped Ireland’s culinary identity, with food writer Sian Conway

  This week, I’m chatting with Sian Conway, an award-winning Dublin-based food writer, TikTok creator, and freelance content queen. Sian brings her unique perspective on Irish culture, modern food trends, and life as a neurodivergent creator to this conversation. We chat about: Navigating Irish identity and building an authentic online presence. The role of TikTok in self-expression, learning, and discovery in the digital age. How social media has transformed conversations around Irish culture and current affairs. Sian’s journey to freelance life and creating Meet Your Maker, her upcoming YouTube series. The evolution of modern Irish food culture: innovation, challenges, and the best food spots in Dublin. A candid discussion about her journey with anorexia, orthorexia, and the role veganism played. What it’s like to be a food writer with a history of eating disorders. Favourite Dublin food gems and what Ireland’s food scene needs next. What it truly means to be Irish in today’s world. If you’re curious about how Irish culture, food, and social media intersect—or if you want to hear from one of Ireland’s freshest creative voices—this episode offers insight, laughs, and plenty of inspiration. Follow or subscribe to How to be Irish for weekly episodes. Leave a review to help more people discover the podcast. Support the podcast on Patreon by donating the price of a coffee—just search How to be Irish. Social media links: How to be Irish on Instagram. Find Sian on Instagram, and TikTok. Slán go fóill, and I’ll chat to ye next week! ------- Irish food cultureTikTok food trendsmodern Irish identityfreelance content creation IrelandDublin food writerSian Conway food writerIrish food scene evolutionIrish culinary identitysocial media and Irish culturebest food spots in Dublin 2025Irish creators on TikTokneurodivergent content creatorIrish food and drink recommendationseating disorder recovery storyveganism to omnivore journeyfreelance life in IrelandMeet Your Maker YouTube seriesIrish influencers online presencenavigating Irish identityinnovations in Irish food scene

  --------  

  50:20
• Reeling in the Year: Ireland’s Top News Stories of 2024, with Reporter Sheila Naughton

  In this special end-of-year episode, I’m joined by RTÉ reporter and broadcaster Sheila Naughton as we reflect on Ireland’s most impactful news stories of 2024. From moments of pride like Cillian Murphy’s Oscar win to pivotal societal shifts such as the Stardust inquest and Ireland’s legal actions against the UK’s Legacy Act, this episode dives deep into the events that shaped Irish culture and society this year. Sheila brings her expert insights as we discuss justice and accountability, political changes, and the resilience of Irish people in the face of challenges. Whether it’s the constitutional referendums, gender-based violence protests, or Ireland’s victories at the Olympics, we explore the themes that defined 2024. We discuss: Justice and accountability: The Stardust fire inquest, abuse revelations in schools, and Ireland’s stance on the UK’s Legacy Act. Political shifts: Leo Varadkar’s resignation, Simon Harris becoming Taoiseach, and the surprising themes emerging from a year stacked with elections and votes. Cultural pride: Ireland’s Eurovision success, Cillian Murphy’s Oscar speech, and our athletes shining at the Olympics. Societal tensions: The Coolock protests, debates on gender-based violence, and a year of change for the Green Party. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year-end reflection! Did we miss any key stories or angles? Share your perspective in the comments or on Instagram. This marks the final episode of How to be Irish for 2024, as I take a break for the festive season. I’ll be back in early 2025 with a special interview featuring an Irish food and drink influencer. Plus, we’ll celebrate 100 days of How to be Irish on December 29th. Nollaig Shona daoibh agus Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise Daoibh! Follow How to be Irish on Instagram and YouTube. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help me bring more episodes to you in the new year. If you cannot contribute via Patreon, please share the podcast with a friend or in a group chat, and leave a five-star rating. Irish news 2024, Top Irish news stories 2024, Ireland news highlights, Major events in Ireland 2024, Biggest Irish news stories, Irish culture 2024, How to be Irish podcast, Stardust inquest Ireland, Legacy Act Ireland, Simon Harris Taoiseach 2024, Cillian Murphy Oscar win, Irish political changes 2024, Ireland constitutional referendum 2024, Ireland deposit return scheme, Impactful Irish news stories of 2024, Justice and accountability in Ireland 2024, Irish political shifts 2024, Gender-based violence protests Ireland, Top cultural moments in Ireland 2024, How did Ireland perform in the Olympics 2024?, Ireland Eurovision 2024 results, What shaped Irish society in 2024?, Ireland’s most talked-about news stories 2024, RTÉ news highlights of 2024, Reflecting on Ireland’s year in news, Cultural and political shifts in Ireland 2024, Ireland’s response to the Legacy Act 2024, Irish news in Dublin 2024, Ireland Wicklow news stories 2024, Local news Ireland 2024, Reeling in the year with Irish news, Top Irish events to remember in 2024, How Irish culture evolved in 2024, What it means to be Irish in 2024, Irish culture podcast, Top Irish podcasts 2024, How to be Irish with Sheila Naughton, Year-end podcast episodes Ireland

  --------  

  53:20
• Has modern life disconnected us from nature in Ireland? Rewilding our Irish identity with Soil Boy

  Why is Ireland’s biodiversity in such a dire state? Are we projecting an incorrect image of our green nation? What would happen if we re-introduced bears or wolves? Why should we stop hiking and start exploring? In this episode of How to be Irish, I sit down with Soil Boy to explore Ireland’s deep but often fraught connection to nature. From the biodiversity crisis to the cultural significance of hedgerows, we delve into how Ireland’s green image contrasts sharply with the reality of our low forest cover and declining native lands. Soil Boy’s journey as a nature educator and his work on the Feet on the Soil podcast have been guided by a love for the outdoors, cultivated in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Together, we discuss how Irish folklore, seasonal rituals, and a renewed connection to the land can help us address the environmental challenges we face today. If you’ve ever wondered why biodiversity matters, how to forage for elderberries, or what it means to truly be part of nature, this episode is for you. Bain taitneamh as! Topics covered The loss of native forestry: Why did Ireland’s native tree cover reduce to 1%? The truth behind Ireland’s "green" image: A reality check on biodiversity. How understanding Irish folklore can help us reconnect with the land. Foraging in Ireland: Elderberries, hazelnuts, and how to use foraged ingredients. Hedgerows: Their ecological and cultural importance, and their role in fighting climate change. Living with the seasons: How to align your life with nature. Ireland’s native species: badgers, pine martens, deer. The implications of introducing an apex predator back to Ireland: wolf, bear or lynx? How barefoot running became a means of exploring nature. Resources Follow Soil Boy on Instagram, and TikTok ,and listen to his podcast Feet on the Soil. Learn more about foraging in Ireland at Forager.ie. Try the Merlin Bird ID app for identifying birds in your area. Follow How to be Irish on Instagram. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help us bring more stories like this to life. Share this episode with a friend who loves nature or wants to reconnect with their Irish roots. What does it mean to be Irish? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Beir bua, Úna xx

  --------  

  57:19
• What does it mean to belong in Ireland? with Social Psychologist and Social Entrepreneur Mamobo Ogoro

  Belonging is a fundamental human need—but how does this concept play out in the context of Irish society? In this episode, I’m joined by social psychologist, social entrepreneur, and founder of⁠ Gorm Media⁠, Mamobo Ogoro, to explore the nuances of identity, cultural belonging, and diversity in modern Ireland. Mamobo shares insights from her research and work in intercultural consultancy, unpacking the linguistic and social dynamics that shape perceptions of inclusion and exclusion in Ireland today. We discuss: Why Ireland is a “peach culture” rather than a “coconut culture” (and what that means!) First impressions of Irish people from a migrant’s perspective How we can foster greater belonging and intercultural competence in a rapidly diversifying Ireland The role of language and discourse in creating (or breaking) connections in society Mamobo also talks about her groundbreaking work with Gorm Media, an award-winning social enterprise that uses creative media and intercultural training to advance belonging and unity across differences. If you’re curious about the intersection of psychology, cultural identity, and social entrepreneurship, this conversation is a must-listen. Where to Find Gorm Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Want More of Mamobo? Catch her hosting⁠ Younified⁠ on Newstalk, where she shines a light on diverse voices and stories that reflect the reality of life in Ireland today. Join the conversation How to be Irish is on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ for short clips from each episode. ⁠Become a patron⁠ of the podcast (donate €2 a month). Beir bua, Úna xx

  --------  

  49:30

More Society & Culture podcasts

Trending Society & Culture podcasts

About How to be Irish