Deadly Outfits, Dodgy Trends & The Career vs. Family Dilemma: Rebecca Handley on Fashion, Social Media & Millennial Life
“It’s not a question of if I want kids, but what’s the right career to support me having a family.” – Rebecca HandleyIs the fashion world really as glamorous as it looks on Instagram? Or is it a constant juggle between keeping up appearances, staying on-trend, and figuring out if your career fits the kind of life you want?In this stylish and insightful episode of Was Your Ma on Telly hosts Kelly and Amilia sit down with Dublin-born fashion buyer and content creator Rebecca Handley. We explore Rebecca's journey in the high-pressure fashion industry, the influence of social media on fashion, her experiences growing up in Dublin and navigating societal expectations around marriage and success. The show also tackles the sensitive topic of societal expectations regarding having children and offers a refreshing perspective on modern womanhood.Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have it all ‘figured out’If you’re torn between the career you love and the future you wantIf social media makes you question your style, your path, or your paceIf you're craving an honest, funny, and real conversation about fashion, identity, and modern womanhoodYou’ll Also Walk Away With:Practical fashion tips (including capsule wardrobe gold)Insight into the world of fashion buyingThe truth about being a content creator in 2025A nostalgic trip down memory lane, with millennial flashbacks to 90s fashion (some iconic, some we'd rather forget)An honest look at what it’s really like for millennial women facing the big question: career or family — or is there a way to have both?Rebecca offers valuable fashion tips, including the importance of a capsule wardrobe, and shares humorous, nostalgic fashion memories. The conversation also dives into the influence of social media on fashion, the complexities of balancing a demanding career with the possibility of starting a family, and the pressures women face regarding parenthood.With honest discussions on the insider realities of both fashion buying and content creation, this episode is a delightful mix of humor, relatability, and valuable insights. Tune in to discover more about Rebecca’s chic fashion advice and her personal take on life’s balancing act. Follow Rebecca at @Rebecca_Handley on Instagram for more fashion inspiration.00:00 Welcome to the Madness! Meet Rebecca Handley01:04 Shopping Sprees & Style Hacks – Rebecca’s Best Fashion Tips03:09 Teenage Fashion Memories and How a Dublin Girl Made It in Fashion Buying14:05 Dodgy Trends We All Regret – Teenage Fashion Disasters20:15 Instagram vs Reality – How Social Media Shapes What We Wear28:57 Exploring Vintage Fashion29:45 Celebrity Style Influences32:00 What’s in, What’s Out – Fashion Trends You Need to Know35:47 Capsule Wardrobe 101 – How to Look Deadly with Less41:53 Career vs. Family – Can You Have It All?53:53 Advice to Our Younger Selves (That We’d Probably Ignore Anyway!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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55:35
Adolescence: We Need to Talk About Boys – Part Two
Episode 26: Adolescence: We Need to Talk About Boys – Part TwoIn Episode 26 of Was Your Ma on Telly, the double act wrap up their discussion of the controversial show Adolescence, delving into topics such as gender roles, stereotypes, and Kelly’s candid recount of her past experiences with toxic male behavior, prompting her to question whether she has become a "man-hater." They explore modern parenting, the challenges of projecting gender expectations onto children, and the importance of fostering healthy communication in relationships.The episode also addresses serious issues like American school shootings, male violence, Irish cases such as the Ana Kriegal case, and discussions surrounding Incels, the Manosphere, and the 4B Movement. With a particular focus on the complexities of these online communities, the hosts stress the importance of parents staying ahead of the curve. They examine the history of violence against women and emphasize the need for tougher consequences for harmful behaviors, all while sharing their own plans for raising balanced children.Follow us on @wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:09:36
Adolescence: We Need to Talk About Boys – Part One
Episode 25: Adolescence: We Need to Talk About Boys – Part One In this gripping episode of Was Your Ma on Telly, Kelly and Amilia dive deep into the trending Netflix series Adolescence, featuring Stephen Graham, which is taking the world by storm. The show follows a young boy who’s arrested on suspicion of the brutal murder of a girl, sparking a powerful exploration of toxic male beliefs towards women, red pill society, incels, and a modern look at teenage culture.The duo reflects on the darker side of male rage, social media’s influence, and the pressures young boys face today. Drawing from their own experiences growing up around teenage boys (some of which are not-so-pleasant memories), they discuss their concerns for the future of the next generation of men and their hopes. A fascinating dynamic unfolds as Ami, raising young men, and Kelly, raising a daughter, share their different perspectives on the show and its broader implications. Are their outlooks on the issues surrounding adolescence and masculinity different ?In this episode, expect candid chats about Andrew Tate, TikTok trends that pit boy and girl parents against each other, Conor McGregor, and more. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the complexities of adolescence, male identity, and the world we’re shaping for the next generation.Follow us on Instagtam @Wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:02:38
Shake Your Lucky Charms, It’s St. Paddy’s Time!
Episode 24: Shake Your Lucky Charms, It’s St. Paddy’s Time!In this special St. Patrick's Day episode, we dive into what it means to be Irish today, with plenty of Dublin humor, rich history, and a deep reflection on the changes sweeping across the country. Join Kelly and Amilia as they share personal stories about growing up Irish, raising kids in a modern Ireland, and navigating the diversity and transformation around them.The episode touches on everything from the iconic Dublin accent to the resurgence of Celtic pride. We chat about the cultural evolution since the Celtic Tiger era, the shifts in Irish identity, and what it means for the next generation. Expect some playful banter about Rock Shandy (is it more Irish than Club or Fanta?) and the quirks of Dublin’s city center, where even sushi is now part of the landscape.Ami reminisces about her edible nickname in the '90s (because of her hair!), and we explore the highs and lows of Irish culture, like the outlawed curly hair in the '90s and the mixed feelings surrounding the Irish language. We also celebrate Irish icons such as Michael D. Higgins and Sinéad O'Connor, and discuss whether Linda Martin will be the next president of Ireland.What makes Ami and Kelly proud of being Irish? They delve into their favorite Irish songs and reflect on how Ireland’s changing face is shaping its culture and future.And, of course, no Irish conversation would be complete without a nod to the legendary Molly Malone statue protest!Tune in to hear all this and more as we celebrate what it means to be Irish in 2025 – with a side of laughs, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and plenty of insights into how we keep our Celtic spirit alive.Follow us on Instagram @wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:04:30
Lost Collectible Treasures with Evokes Sinead Dalton
Episode 23: Lost Collectible Treasures with Evokes Sinead Dalton This week on the podcast, we’re diving into a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Sinead Dalton, a renowned journalist with Evoke Ireland. If you're a millennial, you won't want to miss this one! Evoke is Ireland's premier platform for women, reaching over 1.1 million readers each month with the latest news, showbiz, and celebrity gossip. Sinead has made a name for herself with her unique features, often exploring nostalgic throwbacks that hit right in the feels—making her the perfect guest for today’s discussion about our favorite childhood collectibles.In the '90s and early 2000s, Ireland was swept up in the global trend of collectible items—from toys and trading cards to those memorable cereal box giveaways. Whether it was Pez dispensers, Pogs, McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, or Beanie Babies, these items were part of what made our childhoods unforgettable. And in today’s interview episode, we’re diving deep into the culture of these collectibles, exploring how they shaped our memories, and reflecting on the pop culture that surrounded them.Sinead, who has spent nearly 15 years in the media industry, knows exactly what it's like to grow up in a time where every piece of memorabilia seemed to hold a special place. From her bubble jacket and Adidas rip-offs to her encyclopedic knowledge of 90s and 00s music, Sinead is a true pop culture aficionado. Her career has spanned producing shows like Midday and The Elaine Show, as well as stepping out of her comfort zone with DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland. Now at Evoke, she brings her quirky ideas and infectious passion for all things nostalgic to the table.So get ready for some major flashbacks, as we chat with Sinead about the collectibles that defined a generation. Prepare for a fun, lighthearted dive into the past!Join us for more over on Instagram @WasyourmaontellyEvoke Ireland : https://evoke.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Irish actor Amilia Keating and reality TV star Kelly Donegan as they embark on a heartfelt journey through their millennial past, now seen through the transformative lens of motherhood. Coming from the heart of Dublin, Ireland, these childhood friends from West Dublin never imagined their lives would lead them from their humble beginnings to the spotlight. Amilia, best known for her role as Katy O’Brien in the beloved Irish soap Fair City, and Kelly, who rose to fame on the scandalous Irish reality show Tallafornia, share their unique perspectives as they reconnect in their 30s. After drifting apart after school, fate has reunited them, and they now navigate the ups and downs of raising young children in Ireland, while reflecting on how far they've come from their mischievous youth. In this candid podcast, Amilia and Kelly dive deep into the complexities of motherhood—exploring themes of identity loss, shifting self-esteem, mental health struggles, and those intrusive thoughts we often keep to ourselves. They aim to shine a light on the raw, unfiltered realities of parenting in Ireland, as well as the moments we’re not “supposed” to talk about, all while staying true to their Irish roots—no-nonsense, straight-talking, and full of heart. Tune in for an engaging blend of nostalgia, honesty, and laughter, as Amilia and Kelly explore their Irish pasts, their Dublin roots, and the lessons they hope to impart to their children in Ireland and beyond.As they reminisce about their mischievous childhood adventures in Dublin, Ireland, they also reflect on how their pasts shaped their present. Together, they tackle the tough conversations they’ll eventually have with their own kids about their time on Irish television, all while trying to figure out how to explain their youthful escapades in a way that resonates with the next generation. Disclaimer: They weren’t always the best behaved! Find us on Instagram @Wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland