The Women's Podcast

This May, 13 members of the Sea of Change choir will spend five days walking a Camino in Portugal. The choir, which is based in Dublin, is made up of cancer survivors and supporters. Formed in 2018, they have performed at venues across the country, at Electric Picnic, and have even featured on Britain’s Got Talent. Ahead of their departure early next month, two choir members, Terry Kinane and Miriam Payne, joined Róisín Ingle on the podcast to discuss their preparations for the 120km walk. Kinane, who will be leading the group of women on the walk, shares her Camino expertise, while Payne, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, explains what this achievement will mean to her.

But first, freelance journalist Kate Lynch is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the publication of the 1926 census, a new report detailing the barriers some women face in accessing free contraception, and why 91-year-old Leila Doolan walked from Shannon Airport to Leinster House this week.
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This month the book club is reading A Beautiful Loan by Mary Costello, as chosen by bookclubber Niamh Towey. The novel follows Anna Hughes, who , from the vantage of middle age, examines her life and the choices she made along the way. It's a story about obsessive love, memory, and self-discovery.

The next book club pick is London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe. The group will be discussing it in May.

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Bestselling author and podcaster Caroline Foran is back with her fourth book, Everything I Wish I’d Known about Anxiety. The book is for anyone struggling with anxiety who is unsure how or where to begin the healing process. Based on her own experience of overcoming debilitating anxiety, it blends storytelling with practical advice and offers a step-by-step roadmap to help quiet anxious thoughts and rediscover calm.

In this episode, Foran tells Róisín Ingle about the micro-changes that make a big difference, how ASMR has helped soothe her nervous system, and why self-compassion is so important. She also talks about the meaning behind her many tattoos and how motherhood - and the challenges it has brought - has shaped her.
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Author Louise O’Neill is back with her sixth novel, Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? It’s a gripping page‑turner about the dark side of the entertainment industry, focusing on child star twins Madeline and Chelsea, who grow up in the spotlight under the tight grip of their controlling mother, Erin. In today’s episode, O’Neill joins Róisín Ingle to discuss toxic celebrity culture, the treatment of women in the media and how these themes inspired the story. She also speaks about her own experiences of fame, why she believes in fate, and how life has gotten even better since turning 40.

But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the woman making history aboard the Artemis space mission and how an initiative in Northern Ireland is helping hairdressers spot signs of coercive control.
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What is it like learning to drive in your 50s? In today’s episode, we hear from journalist June Shannon who passed her driving test at the age of 54. For years, Shannon avoided driving due to anxiety, having failed a driving test in her late 20s. Living in Dublin and close to public transport, also meant she didn’t need to use a car. However, a move to Limerick a few years ago - where a car became essential - pushed Shannon to get lessons and try again. This time, she learned on an automatic car, which made the experience a lot less stressful. In today’s episode, she tells Róisín Ingle why it’s never too late to learn and that if she can do it, “anyone can”.

But first, Irish Times podcast producer Suzanne Brennan is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the arrest of Martina and Ammi Burke and the musical comeback we’ve all been waiting for: Celine Dion.
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