Irish with Mollie

Our conversation spans the world of languages and the world in each language. Sophia Smith Galer is an award-winning journalist and author best known for pioneering vertical-video reporting on platforms like TikTok. Recognised as one of British Vogue's 25 most influential women in the UK, she has amassed over 200 million views for her reporting on technology, language, and culture. Sophia is also one of just four peopleeverto have won University Challenge twice!We explore her recent book, How to Kill a Language, which is a hopeful, healing, humorous, insightful book which I highly recommend. Her research resonates so deeply with our own native tongue. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Grma as éisteacht! Thank you for listening! Beidh tú sásta gur éist tú :) You will be glad you did. Míle buíochas, a chara Sophia - Many thanks, Sophia :) Ba phleisiúr é - It was a pleasure :)

Múinteoir bródúil anseo! Proud teacher here! Ba phleisiúr é bheith ag caint le Caoimhín, mo chara agus mo dhalta - It was a pleasure to speak with Kevin, my friend and my student. Nach bhfuil tú tógtha leis? Aren't you impressed with him? Taispeánann sé cad atá indéanta le cleachtadh, paisean, bród, obair chrua agus grá don dúshlán! He shows what is possible with practice, passion, pride, hard work and love for the challenge!

Labhraíomar faoi ghnó, a bhácús, bainisteoireacht, cruthaitheacht, a thuras leis an nGaeilge, agus ceird fháilteachais. We spoke about business, his bakery, management, creativity, his journey with Irish and the art of hospitality.

Thaitin sé go mór mór liom, a chara :) Go raibh míle maith agat!

Feicfidh tú a bhácús in Athens, Georgia, SAM (USA) https://www.independentbaking.com/

Agus ar instagram: independentbakingco

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara Yuji - Thanks a million, friend Yuji :) Yuji Beleza is a viral Japanese-Irish social media influencer and language enthusiast and entertainer, known for approaching strangers on the street and surprising them by speaking their native languages. He has millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Tiktok and inspires people worldwide to connect with each other with smiles, and his incredible commitment to learning is encourging and uplifting :)

It was so special to chat with you and hear about your mission to connect with others through the care, joy, effort and consistency of learning other langauges. It's what the world needs!

Grateful to have you on the pod, and see your life-affirming videos online connecting with people through laughter, dancing and conversation @yuji_beleza

"The beauty of it is just so compelling" - Are we talking about the Irish language? Cathy Galvin's poetry? The west of Ireland? All of it.

"It was the lost inheritance of
something sublime: the force
of sea and wind; survival on the
margins"

Is failure wrong or bad? Or is it a journey of acceptance, celebration, fun, vulnerability and connection? Through Patrick's clown school, working in hospitals, being a teacher and a student, growing through challenges and finding his joy in play, drama, dance, navigating struggles, second chances, and awareness, this is a story of resilience, one of the most powerful skills we can have.

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara :)

Thank you, friend!

Bhain mé an-taitneamh as ár gcomhrá - I really enjoyed our conversation (I extracted shining out of it!)

https://clownschoolinternational.eu/

@patrickvandenboom

@clownschool_international

What a breath of fresh air. Martha is a tonic! I love her work ethic, her joyful spirit, her vision, community, the power of mindset, and her love of Leitrim. Bain taitneamh as! Extract shining out of it!

Grma, a chara Martha! Thank you, friend, Martha :)

Ba phleisiúr é caint leat - It was a pleasure to talk to you.

Follow her journey and get excellent book recommendations, too! Martha Gilheaney (@marthagiheaney)

In this episode, Stiofán Nutty and I talk about the challenges and triumphs of making Irish central to your life, raising children through Irish, the beauty and richness, wisdom and poetry of the language and how we can root ourselves in An Ghaeilge, making it central to our lives, regardless of previous experiences, study or lack of study!

This is the first episode on my podcast which is fully (or 99% in Irish!) Feedback welcome :)

Bainigí taitneamh as! Enjoy it!

Is iarr Thánaiste do Ghaeltacht an Oileáin Úir é Diarmaid Ó Maolagáin - Diarmaid Ó Maolagáin was the Vice-President of the "New Island" Gaeltacht in Tamworth, Ontario.“A small community is drawn here, to a small patch of land in a tiny Ontario town where Gaelic acts as a lifeline to their history, their culture and to the Emerald Isle itself. This is the Canadian Gaeltacht.”

— Susan Krashinsky, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

www.gaeilge.ca

D'fhoghlaim sé a chuid Ghaelainne i gCeanada chun ceangal a dhéanamh len' dhúchais - He learned his Irish in Canada to make a link with his heritage. Fuair sé pobal láidir Gaelach agus d'fhoghlaim sé as bheith páirteach le himeachtaí tumoideachas agus sa tighe tabharnaí ag labhairt le cainteoirí líofa - He found a strong Irish community and he learned being part of immersive activities and in the pub speaking with fluent speakers.  Nuair a ghlac sé ról an Tánaiste bhí sé mar chuspóir aige an Ghaelainn a spreagadh - When he took up the role of Vice-President it was a goal of his to spread the language, agus mar sin thar aon rud éile bhí fonn múinteoireachta air - and therefore above all the desire to teach was on him. Thosnaigh sé ag múineadh tríd an Ghaeltacht agus théis tamaill thosnaigh sé ag múineadh ar a shon fhéin - He started to teach through the Gaeltacht agus after a while, for himself.  Anois tá sé ag múineadh agus ag freastal ar scoil chun céim a fháil sa Cheol Ceilteach - Now he is teaching and attending school to get a degree in Celtic Music. Oibríonn sé fós leis an nGaeltacht chun imeachtaí a eagrú - He still works with the Gaeltacht to organise events. Cuireann sé gliondar ina chroí go bhfuil sé in ann tacaíocht a thabhairt do fhoghlaimeoirí agus gur féidir leis cairdeas a dhéanamh tríd an teanga - It puts delight on his heart to be able to give support to learners and make friends through the language, agus tá sé ag tnúth le coinneáil ar aghaidh ag foghlaim agus ag labhairt na Gaelainne - and he is looking forward to carrying on learning and speaking Irish!

Connect with Diarmaid here :) @gael_ceanadachGo raibh míle maith agat, a chara! Thanks a million, friend. Thaitin ár gcomhrá go mór liom - I really enjoyed our conversation!

So wonderful to start 2026 releasing this conversation about naturally healing your relationship with food. Sinéad Crowe is an Intuitive Eating Counsellor, Nutritional Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. She also has intensive training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Strategic Intervention, and Behavioural Family Therapy, alongside a Masters in Mindfulness-Based Interventions from UCD.

Our chat ranges from listening to our appetite, navigating the nuances of the food industry, our Irish relationship with famine vs feast, and mostly how to be good to ourselves and doing what feels good.

Having personally experienced binge eating for over 20 years and once enforced rigid food rules for her eldest children, Sinéad deeply understands the struggles many people face around food. Her own journey led her to raise her younger children as intuitive eaters, and this lived experience, combined with her professional expertise, allows her to support others with empathy, compassion, and practical guidance.

Find Sinéad's brilliantly effective, likeable and approachable work @intuitive.eating.ireland

If you need other support there are helplines like www.bodywhys.ie

Grá mór, a chara - Big love, friend! Bhí sé ar fheabhas caint leat - It was great to talk to you!

Kerry Irish aficionado, online sensation, brain rot connoisseur, and witty wizard, @an_maolchathach knows how to ride those trends while providing us with the most soothing, lyrical accent on the internet waves. This was an illuminating conversation with such a knowledgable young enthusiast who is celebrating our language and drawing in the giggles from far and wide. The richness of his accent and the great interest he has is inspiring. He creates memes and brain rot on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, making it inclusive and accessibe by adding subtitles. Brain rot is a slang term for the perceived mental decline from excessive, low-quality digital media consumption, especially short-form content, leading to reduced attention spans, cognitive fog, and difficulty with deeper focus, with Oxford naming it Word of the Year in 2024 to highlight digital overload's impact!

Find An Maolchathach for a good laugh and a lot of learning @an_maolchathach on Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube

@shaunwithafada is a bilingual content creator from Waterford. He learned his Irish in school - attending both an Irish speaking primary and secondary school. Shaun’s lifestyle content interweaves Irish and English together whilst showing us glimpses into his life! He showcases Irish as a language that is alive outside of the classroom, and shows that it’s more than just a school subject. Since creating his account in February of 2025, he has amassed thousands of followers and has been named in District Magazine and by the official Irish Government as one of the “Irish Language Content Creators to help Improve your Gaeilge”. He’s definitely one to watch! Inspiring, energetic, and now a Conradh na Gaeilge Gaeilge24 ambassador!

Míle buíochas as caint liom, a chara - A thousand gratitude for speaking to me, friend. Bhí sé ar fheabhas ar fad - It was wonderful altogether :)

Find Shaun on instagram and tiktok @shaunwithafada

Naoise and I talk wellness, the Irish language, nurturing our inner world and bringing that light to our communities. Naoise is a certified yoga teacher who brings techno, togetherness and technique to her practice and is developing her strengths through various exciting projects like Tabhair Aire - which means "Give care" or "Take care". Since recording, Naoise has also become an Image Magazine columnist! Her energy and eagerness to teach is truly beautiful. I was lucky enough to be invited to join in on one of her classes recently and it was a pleasure to stretch, breathe and laugh together. Her words weave in the Irish wisdom into everything she does. Gach rath ort, a chara - Every success on you, friend! I am so excited to see where else your passion will take you, and I'm thrilled to be collaborating with you in future magic :)

Find @YogaleNaoise and @TabhairAire.ie on instagram to find out more about events, workshops and opportunities to learn with Naoise.

Colm was born and raised in Clondalkin, Dublin, and attended Naíonra Chrónáin, Scoil Chrónáin & Coláiste Chillian. Colm's love for the language grew after spending time in East Timor, teaching English. East Timor is a multilingual country and experiencing that got him asking why we make such a song and dance about bilingualism in Ireland! When he came home he studied communications and worked with the Irish language newspapers Lá and Gaelscéal. He now works in the non-profit  sector. While he was working in journalism he started writing about myths we often hear about the Irish language, that it's a dead language, etc. He later developed that into a Mythbusting campaign with Conradh na Gaeilge which has included a TedX Talk and other public talks, articles in the Irish Times and Journal.ie, interviews on Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Life, Raidió Fáilte, RTÉ Radio 1 and BBC Radio and YouTube videos. He believes these myths have a real, negative effect on the Irish language and that is the main reason for the campaign. 

Deconstructing Myths about the Irish Language | Colm Ó Broin | TEDxBallyroanLibrary

Dr. Mamobo Ogoro is a Social Psychologist, Scholar, Broadcaster and multi-award winning social entrepreneur. Mamobo’s PhD research focused on migrant identity and how systems of inclusion and exclusion impact belonging for migrant communities. As a result, she founded, and acts as the CEO of GORM, an award winning social enterprise on a mission to unify across differences and advance belonging for marginalised communities through intercultural media and education. Mamobo is an avid conversationalist and sits as the youngest presenter on NewstalkFM , hosting the show ‘Younified’. Mamobo has been heralded for her work with GORM on countless occasions. In 2024 she was listed as the first Echoing Green Fellow in Ireland (Previous fellows include Michelle Obama and Van Jones), and most recently won “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” Award in the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office Award 2025. Mamobo spends most of her time working with organisations around the world, helping them develop intercultural leaders.

Bainigí taitneamh as an eipeasóid iontach seo - Enjoy this excellent episode!

Find Mamobo on instagram and

check out her project, Gorm:

@mamobo96

@gormmedia

“It’s starts with you”

“It’s a dial, not a lightswitch”

We talk about the power of positivity in integration and the spark that comes from within - of curiosity to change.

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara

Thanks a million, friend

Blue Niall (@blue_niall_) is a rapper, music producer, artist and designer from Dublin. His work has been featured by DUMMY Magazine, District Magazine, Nialler9, Polyester Magazine, Hot Press and RTÉ. Niall’s work uses Celtic Mythology to explore modern Ireland and point to a future for a country in flux. His new project Oisín is focused on the experience of a returning emigrant to Ireland, and involves a retelling of the legend of Tír na nÓg. The first single “New Celtic Flow”, was premiered on Dearfxch TV Youtube channel and featured Celaviedmai. He runs a fortnightly show called Athbheochan on Dublin Digital Radio and music fundraising events of the same name. Niall's memes are also a cutting commentary on modern-day Ireland, weaving culture, history, language and music with his signature humourous, clever, original style.

Bainigí taitneamh as an eipeasóid iontach seo - Enjoy this excellent episode! Grma, a chara - Thank you, friend!

Episode 32:

Daragh Fleming is a poet, writer, and mental health advocate from Cork, Ireland. With a background in psychology and linguistics, his work explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and resilience. He has published multiple poetry collections—including Notes For A Mid-Youth Crisis and Enigmatic—alongside fiction and non-fiction titles such as Lonely Boy. His writing has appeared in journals like Southword, Crannóg, and Paris Lit Up, and he’s received several accolades, including the From The Well Short Story Prize. A passionate mental health advocate, Daragh is the founder of the blog Thoughts Too Big, works with charities like A Lust For Life and See Change, and is a powerful TEDx speaker.

Exploring different media, Daragh continues to use creativity as a tool for connection and change.

Find Daragh on instagram:

@daraghfleming

We talk about the loss and recall of our sense of home, our connection with our language, and Daragh’s journey from pain to purpose.

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara

Thanks a million, friend

Brinsley takes us through whimsical, wild, weird stories and happenings around our island of Ireland. Thanks a million, Brinsley - it was an absolute pleasure to talk to you! Highly recommend Brinsley's book which you can find here linktr.ee/weirdireland or celebrate and support McNamara's work here buymeacoffee.com/weirdireland

Míle buíochas, a chara - A thousand gratitude, friend

Dane Buckley is the world’s only Irish, Indian, gay comedian… probably! An award-winning comedian and writer, he delivers his comedy effortlessly with cheeky charm and camp mischief.

Dane burst onto the comedy circuit in 2022, after a fulfilling career in charity work and social care, making a name for himself by winning Gong Shows and was a finalist in LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year (2022), British Comedian of the Year (2024) and BBC New Comedy Awards (2024).

Whether it’s stories of his early years – Irish mammies, Indian grannies, and rebel priests – or his career in social care – chasing pensioners through Paris or delivering a baby impromptu – audiences across the UK are enjoying Dane’s hilarious and heart-warming tales.

Dane has supported Deirdre Kane, My Therapist Ghosted Me, Tom Allen and Rosie Jones on Tour, has been featured on Comedy Central, BBC THREE and BBC ONE and is a regular on the club and festival circuit.

Dane co-hosts the podcast Welcome to Hell which debuted in the top 10 charts of both Apple and Spotify and has gained a loyal following. Together with Daniel Foxx, the Infernal Aunties judge outrageous confessions, celebrate the salacious and revel in a good old-fashioned gossip.

In this conversation, we touch on the pilgrimage it takes to get closer to the heart of Ireland, and what it means to be Irish, learn Irish and speak Irish. Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara! Thanks a million, friend! Ba phleisiúr ollmhór é! It was a huge pleasure :)

Find Dane's podcast and shows on instagram page:

@danecomedian

Aoife Lowden is a guide and facilitator of courses, ceremonies, and gatherings which aim to support in building relationship rooted in land-based ancestral wisdom.

Aoife works as a voice for the more-than-human world. Through story, song and healing ceremony, she weaves together ancestral wisdom and lived-mythology to bring forth an embodied experience of ancient druidic spirituality in the present moment today.

Weaving the old with the new - Aoife creates spaces rooted in wild & ancient wisdom, whilst allowing the space for our emerging culture to come through and evolve.

Aoife founded Leigheas Dé Danann where she weaves offerings inspired by the ancient lands of Éire and Alba, often in collaboration with her community.

Aoife's own journey began with being born into a sick society, born into a council estate on the foothills of the Dublin mountains - never too far from the land but also deeply disconnected and surrounded by depression, desolation, poverty, addiction - and as a result, and a very sick community. Through this environment like a flower through the crack in the concrete, she grew to become resilient and hyper-aware of the change needed in this world - being directly impacted by the very sick and traumatised culture we have all inherited.

Living in a Tír na nÓg dimension, on a pure mission, Aoife talks about repairing this world by being a guide, a catalyst for remembering who we are and how we all have this fire inside us.

Onóir ollmhór caint leat, a chara - Huge honour to talk to you, friend.

Go raibh míle maith agat - Thanks a million

Find Aoife on Instagram: @aoifededanann

and her website: www.leigheasdedanann.com

Míle buíochas, mo laoch! Many thanks, my hero.

Dian weaves together her experience and research from an illustrious career in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) & Transformative Coaching, an academic vocation focused on Classical Rhetoric, Applied Linguistics and Critical/Narrative Theory, and a lifelong passion for Irish Studies. Dian's Master of Philosophy degree at Trinity College, Dublin was in Anglo-Irish Literature in Cultural-Historical Contexts. Her PhD culminated in research on The Nation’s Other: The Construction of Irish National Identity in the Context of British Colonialism and Emigration. Dian has been an NVC trainer for 20 years, working with organisations such as Americorp, Cornell University, and the U.N. Development program. She co/wrote two popular NVC books, including Connecting across Differences and Urban Empathy: True Life Adventures of Compassion on the Streets of New York. She is also an award-winning writer, musician, and singer-songwriter who loves visual art and has a great talent for photography, drawing and print-making.The Irish language continues to surprise, inspire and delight Dian. Join Dian and her growing, visionary community at The Gaelic Effect where she explores

Language and how it impacts how we see and relate to the world

Beauty and draíocht (magic, wonder and awe)

Solace, inspiration and companionship) in these liminal, uncertain times

Hope for what’s possible: what we are truly capable of as human beings—at our best

Find The Gaelic Effect: How the Irish language can save the world, and the GaelStack here: https://diankillian.substack.com/

Enjoy the conversation! Beir bua! (Grab victory)

Breandán is an inspirational, rising TikTok star in the Gaeltok, who is ensuring that Gaeilge has its place on the global app. My favourite creator on Tiktok by far! He believes that the accessibility of TikTok and its high usage among our youth is key to the revitalisation of our beautiful language. He brings us right back to his school days in Athenry where he was immersed in the language in his youth and how that has had such a positive effect on his love for the language today. Breandán's energy is refreshing as he avidly believes that Irish should be spoken as a living, thriving language as opposed to getting caught up on "cruinneas" or rigid accuracy. This bilingual conversation includes acúpla focal (a couple of words) as they naturally weave through our conversation. This effortless shift between the languages is representative of Breandán's relaxed, innate approach to Irish. He speaks to me about his complicated relationship with An Caighdeán (The Standard) and how it was something he had to learn to navigate during his time in DCU studying Irish at university level. Breandán is a fun, practical advocate for Irish language but he is adamant that he is not a Garda na Gaeilge (language guard) and rather, a person who is speaking and living our language by choice. Breandán warmly reminds us, "remember - it doesn't have to be cruinn, it just has to be Irish!" Absolutely loved chatting to you, a chara! Míle buíochas! Many thanks! I encourage you all to check out Breandán on Tiktok @gaelscoilis

Aislinn and I talk about the genre of horror and its social purpose, cultural trauma that is hard to articulate, her work, her interests and the future of filmmaking in Irish. We explore the fun-loving outward face of the Irish and the inward heart which is thwarted with pain.

“A good story will always carry anyway - regardless of the language. It wasn’t a barrier to me that people would have to read subtitles”

Aislinn has just been nominated as an IFTA Rising Star! Comhghairdeas agus tuillte go maith agat! Congratulations and well-deserved.

Go raibh míle maith agat as an gcomhrá! Thanks a million for the conversation!

Find Aislinn on instagram: @thewirelessgirl

Go raibh míle, a Sheáin - Thanks a million, Seán. It was brilliant to explore these themes with you. We touch on the enlightening and awakening Gaeilge Revival in all things music, language, culture, and dúchas - a deep sense of respect and honour for heritage.

Seán Mulrooney’s shift into solo artistry represents a deeply personal evolution, blending his Irish psychedelic folk roots with universal themes of justice, empathy, and healing. Known as the frontman of Tau & the Drones of Praise, he now steps forward with his debut solo album, This Is My Prayer. Mulrooney’s artistic achievements include winning the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Lustrum Award with his sister, Dee Mulrooney (another podcast guest I was privileged to host), for their acclaimed performance of Growler.

This new chapter began with the release of "No Two Sides" in December 2023, a haunting track addressing the Palestinian genocide. The song resonated widely, reaching No. 7 on the iTunes charts and sparking a shift in Mulrooney’s creative direction. Alongside this, he founded Ómós Records in 2023, based in Ireland, with the label’s first release being This Is My Prayer, due out February 2025. Launching his album at Whelan's in one month! 15th February

The album emerged from a transformative period of solitude in early 2024 when Mulrooney, following a breakup, retreated to a cabin in Wicklow and wrote six songs in February. Exploring themes of love, heartache, and personal power, the album blends dense Irish folk elements with worldly and otherworldly influences, including a whimsical track about dolphins getting high on pufferfish tetrodotoxin. Recorded with longtime collaborator Earl Harvin of Tindersticks, This Is My Prayer is a spiritually charged, raw, and heartfelt embodiment of Mulrooney’s artistic growth. As he puts it, “If not now, when?”

Find Seán on instagram:

@seanmulrooneymusic

@tauandthedronesofpraise

https://www.omosrecords.com/

Tau & the Drones of Praisehttps://linktr.ee/tauandthedronesofpraise

Episode 24: Meet Ross - tour guide, culture and history content creator, podcaster This conversation will propel you into the new year with curiosity, inspiration and pride. Ross’s generous and upbeat attitude is a breath of fresh air. “One of the originals” as I call him, he brings aspects of Irish culture and history to his global audience, fuelling his feed with clever, quirky facts about our island’s culture, our language and our heritage. Ross has a huge interest in local history and shares it with passion and a palpable excitement which simultaneously informs and impresses us. Ross, your voice is an important one in our cultural revival.

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara! Thanks a million, friend! Bhain mé an-taitneamh as ár gcomhrá - I really enjoyed our conversation. Is laoch thú - You're a legend. Find Ross on instagram @talktoross

Episode 23: David Keoghan - Stone Lifter "It started off as just lifting a stone but now it has lifted a whole part of our culture! It's not just a stone, it's a story."

My esteemed guest, David Keoghan, is the proud Waterford man, a world-champion kettle bell athlete, rediscovering his pride and passion in the Irish language, and leading a revival of bringing back a whole culture of Celtic stone lifting. This is a fascinating story connected to Irish mythology, an ancient important ritual, such an integral part of Irish life which was practically deserted. David's message of"Fill ar do dhúchas"- Return to your heritage, is resonating with people who are becoming aware of this connection. It's back and it's alive! David is leading groups who are keen to connect with the land, the ancestry, sacred sites, and their Gaelic soul. David is also relearning the bodhrán and the banjo, and his inspiring energy will give you an ardú croí heart lift!

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara!Thanks a million, friend! Bhain mé an-taitneamh as ár gcomhrá - I really enjoyed our conversation. Is laoch thú- You're a legend. Find David on instagram @_indiana_stones_ Support David and the movement here: patreon.com/Irishstoneliftingandresearch

Abi and I touch on the hilarious, haunting and heartwarming aspects of growing a creative business online, and her chaotic but highly productive capacity to generate ideas and transform them into sellable art and viral videos, which works seamlessly thanks to her organised, efficient other half, Audrey.

There is an increased consciousness of buying Irish, and buying from small family-run businesses and Abi and Audrey are a wonderful example of a hard-working, values-driven, compatible partners who clearly care about what they do, as do their loyal and growing customer base.

We are not only enjoying Abi's artistic output, but she is also a rising comedic star, displaying some hard and painful truths about the Irish psyche, giving the simple advice:

"The best remedy comes from the harsh Irish mother to make you pull your pants up".

Their well-known Jesus Christ calendar, which was embroiled in a scurrilous scandal (!) is a comment on vernacular. We discuss the concept of blasphemy, and the unique relationship the Irish have with humour and laughter being a gift from God.

Absolutely loved chatting to you, a chara (friend).

Míle buíochas! Many thanks :)

I encourage you all to check out www.weirdwatercolours.com for beautiful quality, funny Christmas gifts :)

@weird_watercolours on Instagram

My guest this week, Caoimhín, is a talented musician, an Irish Language advocate, a creative storyteller and a gentle soul, as his name "Caoimhín" suggests. In this soothing episode, Caoimhín takes us from his childhood all the way into his adult life where the common denominator was, and still is, music. He is a gifted traditional musician and plays various instruments including the banjo, flute and fiddle. Caoimhín adores traditional Irish music and he claims he enjoyed it even when it wasn't as cool as it is today! Despite his love and respect for the music in its traditional form, he has been known to add a kick drum or a sub base to ancient Irish songs as seen in his latest single, Bímse féin ag iascaireacht. The complex layer of trance and dance which he adds to the music has allowed him to preserve Irish music while adding to it, which he believes is a beautiful way to modernise and have fun with traditional components of our music. Caoimhín is a Gaeilgeoir but highlights the importance of lifelong learning and even shares some innovative tips and tricks on how to practise and incorporate the language into everyday life. This episode is not to be missed - I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Caoimhín. Be sure to follow Caoimhín on Instagram at @caoimhinceol to keep up to date with his latest projects. Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara - Thank you, friend. Ba mhór an pléisiúr é - It was a great pleasure!

#20 Ryan Dixon - Lakota Name: Taṡuƞka Wakiƞyaƞ Watogla (Wild Thunder Horse) is an inspiring Native American Educator and Indigenous Language Activist who has been teaching and coaching the Dakota Language since 2012. He has co-founded C̣aƞṡayapi Waḳaƞyeża Owayawa Oti- Lower Sioux Headstart and Early Headstart and drives the language movement forward with his community projects, leadership teams, competitions and innovative educational development. We talk about language loss, the revitalisation projects underway, the current status of Lakota and Dakota, colonisation, decolonisation, and hope for the future. Find Ryan on instagram @tasunka.wakinyan to learn more

Eimear is Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She is a Storyteller and a Psychologist. She has a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and has a passion for storytelling. In this conversation we talk about the healing power of nature, Eimear's earth-based exploration, her growing community, thin places and thin times.

Eimear loves to weave in song and the harp into her stories. She particularly enjoys showing people the sacred sites of Ireland and telling the ancient tales right where they happened.

Eimear has private practice as a Counselling Psychologist and her interests in Druidry and psychology have led her to act as a Celebrant, helping people to design and enact meaningful rites of passage.

She is licensed to perform legal weddings in the Republic of Ireland and can also offer non legal ceremonies.

Eimear is also a Priestess dedicated to Danú in the Fellowship of Isis. She is an Arch Druidess in the Druid Clan of Dana and a member of the Noble Order of Tara.

Enjoy! Bain taitneamh as :)

Thanks a million, Eimear - Go raibh míle maith agat, a Eimear!

www.kilkennydruidry.com

www.druidry.org/

eimear_burke_druid on instagram

Kevin Whelan is one of Ireland's most widely published scholars, and a professor at the University of Notre Dame Dublin, having lectured at top universities all over the world and worked on over 20 books.

Kevin was also the historical advisor to the Irish Government on the Famine and the 1798 Rebellion.

His articulate and expansive reflections on the ecocidal agenda of the Irish Famine are illuminating and sobering. We discuss the project of imperalism and globalisation, and how Ireland was an early ethnocidal experiment, which has affected Ireland to such an extent we could have talked for days.

"We live with a degree of post traumatic disorder. And what kind of country is it that some people think it's totally fine to denigrate the national langauge, or even think that being monolingual is superior to being bilingual!?"

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara - Thanks a million, friend. It was such an honour to talk to you and learn from you, Kevin.

What a pleasure, what lark! Talking to Barbara Scully about becoming more ourselves, knowing the privilege of ageing, cultivating a habit of gratitude, and making decisions on our own attitude... uáu! I loved our conversation, a chara!

Barbara is an accomplished writer, columnist, and broadcaster, comedian, and BANLAOCH (female warrior). She is frequently published in the national press and magazines. Her first book, ‘Wise Up, Power, Wisdom and the Older Woman’ was published in summer 2022 and has been widely well-received. Marian Keyes described it as “a warm, accessible, personal account of what it is to be a woman - and the unexpected courage and freedom we get as we age”.

Barbara is a familiar voice on radio and TV, contributing to talk shows on both local and national radio (including RTE Radio One) and she is one half of the very popular So You Think You’re An Adult slot every week on the Moncrieff Show on Newstalk with Declan Buckley.

She is an experienced MC and public speaker and her popular talk, entitled “What If The Best Is Yet To Come” has been delivered to both corporate and public audiences.

In 2023 Barbara inadvertently dipped her toes into stand-up comedy. It went better than she expected and so she did it again at the Funny Women show in Whelans in May 2024. As a result she is now working on her own one woman show which she hopes to perform later this year.

Follow Barbara on Instagram @barbarascully111 and on X @barbarascully.

Wise Up is available from www.barbarascully.com and also on Amazon.

In this episode, I am joined by the fantastic Seva, an enthusiastic linguist with vast knowledge and expertise around indigenous languages. He is a language professor who grew up in a bilingual environment in the Soviet Union. He studied anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley and now teaches academic Spanish and Italian in a community college in Seattle. He is an academic who poses questions regarding the connection between language and identity, a concept that is challenged and questioned in both Ukraine and Ireland. This comparison makes for a fascinating conversation about the parallels that exist between the Irish language and the Ukrainian language. This thought-provoking, informative conversation addresses the war in Ukraine and the political unrest that is still happening back home for Vsevolod. He speaks concisely about the ongoing war and shines a light on the experiences of the colonised people. An episode not to be missed with this fountain of knowledge! Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara! Thank you, friend! D'fhoghlaim mé go leor uait. I learned a lot from you

Find Seva's lessons here: www.sevalanguages.com

This week's conversation was with the one and only, Órla McGovern. A lengthy introduction is needed for this multitalented individual. She is an imaginative storyteller, a gifted actress, a sharp playwright, a dedicated teacher, a poetic author, and an entertaining performer. Órla allows us into her world of imagination and reveals how the Arts allow her to express herself and find her truth. She is a creative, progressive person who delves into hot topics such as blackcurrant in Guinness, her draw towards bodies of water and taking on a voice during the act of telling a story. Not only do we meet Órla in this week's episode, but we also meet her hilarious separate entity named Mrs. Nelly Murphy, who has been known to be successful in storytelling competitions. Órla has written folktales for children and is the founder of Moth and Butterfly Stories, a monthly storytelling and improvisation night in Co. Galway, as well as an annual International storytelling festival. This episode is not to be missed - an endearing chat with an Irish legend. Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara - Thank you friend! Thaitin an comhrá go mór liom - I really enjoyed the conversation. Make sure to keep up to date with Órla's work on her Instagram @theorlamcgovern, her storytelling events @mothandbutterflystories, and her Facebook page, Moth and Butterfly. 

Episode 14: Leon Diop is a fantastic spokesperson who aims to increase awareness and educate people, celebrating and connecting Black and Mixed Race Irish people. Leon is the founder of the Black and Irish community, a movement which strives to highlight the struggles and successes of the Black and Mixed Race Irish community. The organisation raises the question of defining “Irishness”, which Leon does so beautifully. Leon is also an award-winning author who wrote the stunning Black and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes. Thankfully, there are more books on the way. Leon lives by the motto of “Is fiú agus is féidir” - It is worth it and you can do it. He encapsulates our ability to achieve our goals by choosing our own reality and believing in the power of the mind. Leon is no longer feeling “half and half” of anything, and is in fact 100% of everything!

When he is not advocating for a more inclusive, loving world, he is making TikTok content with his two gorgeous pugs or playing chess. Tá cúpla focal aige which he uses with pride and pleasure. He hopes to continue his Irish language journey, too! In this inspiring, moving episode, Leon speaks to us about his heart-driven work, unity in society, and dreams for the future, touching on how to strike a balance between work and rest. Be sure to follow Leon on Instagram @leon_diop_ to stay informed on his valuable work. Also check out his expansive, thriving community @black_andirish. Here is their website: https://blackandirish.com Beir bua, a chara - Grab victory, friend!

In this insightful episode, Conor Creighton speaks in great depth about his life as a creator, a meditation teacher, a spiritual guide, and other roles he has put his hand to!

We touch on the Irish psyche, loving ourselves and the path towards acceptance and authenticity.

Conor dissects the endless opportunities his life has presented due to a deeper connection with both himself and the world around him, through an abundance of meditative experience. During this warm chat, I refer to his profound book, “The Truth About Love” and he describes his alluring artistic process, which always leads to a bountiful learning journey. Conor is a natural born storyteller and depicts exactly why he believes there is a strong connection between meditation and good language learning. Buíochas mór ó chroí, a chara! A big thank you from my heart, friend! Is duine iontach, machnamhach, éirimiúil thú! You are a great, reflective, intelligent person. Thaitin an comhrá seo go mór liom - I really enjoyed this conversation.

Be sure to follow Conor on Instagram @conorcreighton to stay informed of his wonderful work! Here is his website: www.meditatingwithconor.com

We all deeply love Ireland... but we need to talk about it.

In this episode we talk about the salvation of art, connection with the land, grá for mná (love for women), finding meaning and direction, loving the eejit out of yourself, cringe, naff, and the inexhaustible desire to live.

Dee is an everyday Goddess. Her voice will transport you. Her relationship with and understanding of Ireland and Irishness will challenge, resonate, and inspire.

Growler is Dee Mulrooney’s alter-ego, performance piece. She is an 82-year-old drum banging, shamanic alchemist, who transmutes women’s pain through storytelling, song and spoken word. She has a tongue like a lash and a heart of gold. You can check out her daily shenanigens @growlerspeaks on Instagram.

Go raibh míle míle maith agat, a chara!

Is bean iontach thú - You are a wonderful woman.

Táim fíorshásta go bhfuil aithne agam ort - I am truly happy to know you :)

@deemulrooney

deirdre-mulrooney.com

Episode 11: Ruairi Glasheen is an award-winning percussionist, composer, filmmaker and educator based in London. Drawn by the limitless creativity and possibilities of being a percussionist, and indeed a love of drums and percussion from all around the world, Ruairi spreads his passion through diverse global projects including workshops, orchestras, filmmaking and collaborations, for which he has won many prestigious awards and accolades. Ruairi has led a truly illustrious career in music, released documentaries such as Hidden Drummers of Iran, and has developed courses online.

We talk about students' confidence shifting, the positive power of music, the story of the Bodhrán, enjoying the process, preserving our culture, and reifying Irishness.

Enjoy! Thank you for listening :)

Agus go raibh míle maith agat, a Ruairi! It was such a pleasure and a privilege to be in conversation with you!

Find Ruairi on instagram @ruairi_glasheen

and www.ruairiglasheen.net

Wicklow native, Jane Casey, is a content creator and journalist that has a passion for highlighting the forgotten stories of Ireland’s past.

Jane aims to ignite curiosity about our world and inspire an appreciation for the hidden beauty and rich histories we often overlook.

We talk about reframing success, the curiosity which unveils a story in every place, pursuing passion, and reconnecting with our incredible land.

Find Jane at @janecasey.ie

In this episode, Áine Tyrrell and I explore the path which presents itself to us, willing us forward despite fear, the poetry of the Irish language and how it affects our psyche, and the reconciliation we make with Irish history, oppression, and change.

"Áine Tyrrell is a force," says The Irish Times. A force of tenderness, ferocity, curiosity and intellect, all at the same time. It was a profound conversation with one of my favourite musicians.

Áine's unique perspective allows us reflect on the treasures of home, and the freedom which distance grants us. We talk about unleashing talents, and taking it step by step to a truer, freer way of being.

Áine has new music out soon. Check out her page for more!

Go raibh míle míle maith agat, a chara! Thanks a million, friend!

Agus míle buíochas do gach duine ag éisteacht linn - And a thousand gratitude to everyone listening to us!

@ainetyrrellmusic

www.ainetyrrell.com

Episode 8: Aoife Dunne - Comedian, Storyteller, Teacher, Poet Aoife’s acerbic and cathartic mix of humour, activism and poetry has garnered a global audience who enjoy and learn from her hilarious observations and deservedly furious rants. We talk about growing up in Catholic, Postcolonial Ireland, and being women - not exactly conducive to creating confidence, but nevertheless Aoife chanelling that Queen Maeve energy, and taking every tumble and triumph to write her own story. We talk about the Irish wit and spirit, and the women who have inspired her.

Bain taitneamh as! Enjoy!

Go raibh maith agat as éisteacht! Thank you for listening :)

You can find Aoife on instagram @english_and_aoife

Episode 7: Stephen Rule, known online as Doctor Cymraeg, is a Welsh teacher, writer and activist. his infectious love for Welsh and his dynamic approach to teaching is a dragon’s breath of fresh air. The fire he’s lighting in hearts and minds, and the inclusivity and accessibility he creates in order to drive his beloved Celtic language forward deeply resonates with my own mission and journey. Is inspioráid thú, a chara - You are an inspiration, dear friend! In this delightful episode, we talk about the power of language and personal identity, discovering linguistic connections between Irish and Welsh, overcoming imposter syndrome, the diversity of accents and dialects, the truth about fluency, preserving languages, the emotional connection, raising bilingual children, and creating resources for language learners. Diolch - Thank you - Go raibh maith agat! Here’s to supporting each other in our work and keeping our Celtic languages alive and thriving :)

You can find Stephen's books and materials on his website: www.doctorcymraeg.wales

Here is his Instagram with funny, meaningful, educational content: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_cymraeg?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D

This whole conversation is quote-able! I loved talking to you, Tura :)

Go raibh míle maith agat :)

Born in Zimbabwe, Tura moved to Ireland 31 years ago. His dance practice combines urban, traditional African, Irish music and dance. With dedicated study, Tura has in recent years become an accomplished Sean Nós (traditional Irish) dancer and Irish language and culture aficionado. The combination of these three traditions – African, urban street, and Irish, is a powerful and empowering reflection and celebration on diversity.

Primarily a dancer, choreographer and musician, Tura has expanded into production, music composition, journalism and screen-writing. As an activist and voice for the preservation of cultures, he is renowned for teaching urban dance, unlocking creativity and enabling diversity amongst young people. His dance, music, and movement company Artfrique has produced hundreds of performances, workshops and designed educational programs for nearly 30 years.

Find Tura on instagram @turaarutura

In this episode I talk to my student, Justina Victoria, the psychosexual expert for men, who is healing Ireland's sexual landscape one Irish man at a time. Her work focuses on connecting men to the depth of their purpose, power, truth and heart, and deepening pleasure and intimacy in the experience of love and sex. She understands that a compassionate mindset is key to change, and being that stable force in clients' lives results in transformative energy. Bain taitneamh as! Enjoy it! You're in for a ride!

Find Justina at www.justinavictoria.com

Instagram: the.justina.victoria

It was a pleasure and a privilege to talk to Conchobhar Ruadh (B.S.c Psychology), who is a hypnotherapist, meditation teacher, and advocate of the Irish language. His work explores decolonisation and our relationship to an Ghaeilge. Conor is also a Gaeilgeoir raising his child through Irish and currently in his first year of a shamanic apprenticeship.

We speak about the healing nature of relearning our native tongue, and the antidote that is to intergenerational trauma, including addiction, shame, and pain. Conchobhar ardently extols the benefits of raising children through Irish. We emphasise renouncing perfectionism and throwing off the shackles of judgement and underconfidence in order to reach your potential.

Bainigí taitneamh as! Enjoy it!

Míle buíochas, a Chonchobhair

So much gratitude, Conchobhar

Find Conchobhar @sli_na_ruadh on Instagram

What an energising and inspirational presence Davy is! He brings us through his journey from accountant to author, videographer and content creator, and his deep understanding of the events which led us to Modern Ireland. Davy elevates history in a dynamic way, delivered with style, curiosity and the joy of sharing knowledge.

We learn about Davy's favourite historical sites in Ireland, his writing and workshops, and his exciting upcoming projects. He is proof that you can change your life, and with focus and fearlessness, find freedom.

I know you're going to love this episode!

Go raibh míle, a Davy! Thanks a million, Davy!

Find Davy @davy_holden on Instagram

Múinteoir Chukwurah, teacher Peace, is a final year primary student teacher, sharing her journey in ‘Becoming the Teacher You and I Have Never Had’. She is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, inclusivity and representation. A trailblazer encouraging others to take up space. 

Our conversation touched on what it means to be Irish, the power of believing in yourself, and why Irish grammar needs dissection and dymystification!

Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara

Thanks a million, friend

Peace's instagram @muinteoirchukwurah

https://www.circl.org/future-leaders

@black_andirish

Grateful for Richard's insights into the joys and challenges of language learning. In this episode, we explore how beautifully fulfilling language learning is and how anyone can do it. As an advocate for indigenous and vulnerable languages, Richard describes their connection with our identity and the importance of preserving them.

Richard runs the Polyglot Conference. Check it out here: www.polyglotconference.com

Richard's website: www.speakingfluently.com

Instagram @speakingfluently