The Women's Podcast
Society & Culture
About
The Women's Podcast, hosted by Róisín Ingle & Kathy Sheridan. Producers: Róisín Ingle and Suzanne Brennan.By women, for everyone.Produced in association with Kildare Village. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- The decline in marriage rates, Met Gala moments, Jan Brierton
Jan Brierton talks about her poetry, recent tour, and intergenerational friendships. Jennifer O’Connell joins to discuss the decline in marriage rates in Ireland. The hosts also share their favorite looks from the Met Gala.
- Free travel for domestic abuse victims / Women of Iran
This episode of The Women's Podcast covers a new government initiative for free travel for domestic abuse victims and a discussion with Iranian activists Mahya Ostovar and Nasim Soleimanian about the experiences of Iranians and their hopes…
- The women of the 1926 census / Walking the Camino
This episode features a discussion on the 1926 census, access to contraception, and Leila Doolan’s walk for advocacy. Additionally, members of the Dublin-based Sea of Change choir share their preparations for a 120km Camino walk in Portuga…
- The Book Club: A Beautiful Loan by Mary Costello
In this episode of The Women's Podcast, the book club discusses Mary Costello's novel A Beautiful Loan, which explores themes of obsessive love and self-discovery. The group also announces that their next selection will be London Falling b…
- Caroline Foran on anxiety, self-compassion and ASMR
Author and podcaster Caroline Foran discusses her book, Everything I Wish I’d Known about Anxiety, exploring personal experiences, self-compassion, and the role of ASMR. She also reflects on motherhood and the meanings behind her tattoos w…
- Women in space / Louise O’Neill on fame, fate and turning 40
Author Louise O’Neill discusses her latest novel, celebrity culture, and life after 40 in conversation with Róisín Ingle. Jennifer O’Connell also provides updates on the Artemis space mission and an initiative regarding coercive control aw…
- Martina and Ammi Burke arrest / Learning to drive later in life
In this episode, journalist June Shannon shares her experience of learning to drive at 54, and producer Suzanne Brennan discusses news updates including the arrest of Martina and Ammi Burke and Celine Dion's return.
- Northern Ireland’s alarming femicide rate / Exposing a global ‘rape academy’
The episode covers the conviction in the Natalie McNally murder trial and Northern Ireland's femicide rate, followed by a discussion on an investigation into an underground network of men who abuse and share sexual content of their partner…
- Fact to fiction: Jen Bray and Tanya Sweeney on becoming novelists
Journalists Jen Bray and Tanya Sweeney join host Róisín Ingle to discuss their transition from reporting facts to writing fiction, including the inspiration and publication process for their debut novels. The episode also covers news stori…
- Joanne McNally on midlife, monogamy and making history at the 3Arena
Comedian Joanne McNally joins Róisín Ingle to discuss her history-making 3Arena shows, fame, dating, and motherhood. The episode also covers news regarding Ireland’s female prison and a recent article by Daryl Hannah.
- The digital war on women (and how to fight back)
In this live episode of The Women's Podcast, host Róisín Ingle and guests discuss how bias and misogyny are embedded in digital technology, including AI tools and deepfakes. The panel explores ways to build safer online platforms and featu…
- The Book Club: Heart the Lover by Lily King
Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle discuss the novel 'Heart the Lover' by Lily King on The Women’s Podcast. The episode also looks ahead to the book club's next selection, 'A Beautiful Loan' by Mary Costello.
- Is Wuthering Heights any good? / The Irish Times Debate
Róisín Ingle speaks with Irish Times Debate participants about the competition's history and impact on their professional lives. Additionally, Nadine O'Regan discusses major news stories, including Katie Taylor's retirement and the Wutheri…
- U2’s new feminist EP / Inside America’s Next Top Model
This episode of The Women's Podcast examines the new documentary series Inside America’s Next Top Model and its portrayal of the show's toxic environment. The discussion also covers recent news stories, including a new U2 EP, the arrest of…
- The Epstein files / Grieving an estranged parent
Journalist Laura Kennedy discusses the experience of grieving an estranged parent with host Róisín Ingle. The episode also features Jennifer O’Connell covering recent news stories, including events in France and an Olympic athlete's confes…
- Is Lucy Letby innocent? / The challenges facing lone migrant parents
This episode of The Women's Podcast examines the challenges lone migrant parents face when transitioning from state accommodation to secure housing. The program also reviews recent news, including the release of new Epstein files and a doc…
- Motherhood over 40 / Who was Brigid?
In this episode, Jennifer O'Connell discusses recent news, including the rise in women having babies in their 40s. Author Kim Curran joins to discuss her book about Brigid, exploring the historical and mythological legacy of Ireland's sain…
- The Book Club: Flesh by David Szalay
In this episode of The Women’s Podcast, Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle discuss the novel Flesh by David Szalay. The book centers on an emotionally detached Hungarian man named István as he navigates life from ad…
- Beckham family feud / The inside story of Ozempic
Journalist Aimee Donnellan discusses the history and impact of Ozempic with Róisín Ingle. Additionally, Jennifer O'Connell joins the show to discuss the Beckham family feud and a domestic violence legal case.
- The women against Iran’s regime
Róisín Ingle discusses the ongoing protests in Iran against the Islamic regime with academics Mayha Ostovar and Yasaman Ranjbaran. They examine the movement's evolution, the human rights situation, and their hopes for a free and peaceful f…
- AI 'nudification' technology / How Ireland has changed for women
This episode features Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell discussing current events, including the impact of AI nudification apps. Additionally, author Íde B. O'Carroll joins Róisín Ingle to discuss the shift in women's lives in…
- Suzie Miller: Prima Facie
Australian playwright Suzie Miller joins Róisín Ingle to discuss her award-winning play, Prima Facie. They explore the play's themes regarding the justice system, its global impact, and Miller's own background and career.
- Domestic Violence, Molly Malone’s breasts, Skortgate & Catherine Connolly: The Women’s Podcast reviews 2025
Roisin Ingle, Nadine O’Regan, Jennifer O’Connell, and Kitty Holland review the major events and social issues of 2025, including Irish politics, pop culture, and moments affecting women.
- The Book Club: Christmas gift recommendations
In this episode of The Women's Podcast, the team shares book recommendations for Christmas gifts, covering biographies, self-help, and novels. Additionally, producer Suzanne Brennan discusses current news, including a social media ban for…
- The Book Club: Thirst Trap by Gráinne O’Hare
In this episode of The Women's Podcast, the book club discusses Gráinne O'Hare's debut novel, Thirst Trap. The discussion focuses on the book's narrative surrounding three friends living in Belfast as they approach their thirties.
- Celebrating 10 years of The Women’s Podcast - Highlights from The Peacock Theatre
Róisín Ingle and Kathy Sheridan share highlights from a live event at the Peacock Theatre celebrating the tenth anniversary of The Women’s Podcast. The episode features reflections on key stories and includes a poem by Jan Brierton and dis…
- Should there be women-only carriages on trains? / Christmas gift ideas
This episode discusses international news including Italy's femicide law and women-only train carriages. Additionally, guests share Irish-made Christmas gift recommendations for the upcoming festive season.
- ‘Quiet Piggy’ / Katherine Zappone on life, love and politics
Former minister Katherine Zappone discusses her memoir, political career, and personal life with Kathy Sheridan. The episode also features Jennifer O’Connell on current events, including the skincare industry's marketing to children and re…
- Fiona Shaw on fame, feminism and falling in love
Irish actor Fiona Shaw discusses her extensive career in theatre and screen, including her roles in Harry Potter and Killing Eve, with host Kathy Sheridan. She also reflects on her personal life, her views on feminism, and her connection t…
- Kim Kardashian’s acting debut / The day Iceland’s women went on strike
In this episode, host Róisín Ingle discusses the 1975 Icelandic women's strike with producer Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir. Also featured are discussions on domestic violence advocacy with Patricia McLean and recent news regarding childbirth d…
- Lily Allen’s new album / How Jane’s Place helps women
This episode explores the impact of Dublin's Jane’s Place drop-in center for vulnerable women through interviews with coordinator Susan Diffney and a service user. The discussion also covers the latest news, including Lily Allen’s album We…
- Naoise Dolan and Veronica O’Kane / Virginia Giuffre’s memoir
Naoise Dolan and Dr. Veronica O’Keane discuss their recent detention in an Israeli prison after participating in a Gaza flotilla. Additionally, Jennifer O’Connell joins to review news regarding a domestic violence register and the memoir o…
- Menolicious: Mariella Frostrup & Belles Berry / Should all women be on HRT?
Mariella Frostrup and Belles Berry discuss their cookbook, Menolicious, which focuses on recipes for the menopause. The episode also features Jennifer O’Connell discussing recent news stories, including research on HRT and presidential pol…
- Gaza Flotilla / The Walsh Sisters / A Want in Her
Miriam McNally discusses the detention of her daughter, Naoise Dolan, following the interception of an aid flotilla. Additionally, Myrid Carten talks about her documentary on addiction, and Marian Keyes and Stefanie Preissner discuss their…
- Bláthnaid Raleigh / Women standing up to racism
In this episode, Bláthnaid Raleigh discusses her memoir Aftermath, detailing the impact of her assault and the legal process that followed. Additionally, Jennifer O’Connell joins the show to discuss women standing up to racism and research…
- Maria Steen’s handbag / Love your vulva / Mallika Taneja
This episode features a discussion on news headlines, including Maria Steen's handbag, followed by an interview with theatre artist Mallika Taneja about her show 'Be Careful'. Additionally, pharmacist Laura Dowling discusses her new book,…
- Restorative Justice/ The Walsh Sisters
Dr. Marie Keenan, Janet O’Brien, and Sophia Murphy discuss the role and impact of restorative justice for crime victims. This episode also features Jennifer O’Connell on Holly Cairns, moderate drinking, and the television adaptation of The…
- Leslie Dowdall & Flo McSweeney / Maria Steen for President?
Musicians Leslie Dowdall and Flo McSweeney discuss their 1980s music careers and their new collaboration, Natural Women. Additionally, journalist Jennifer O'Connell reviews news stories regarding UK cervical screening and Maria Steen's pre…
- Rosie O’Donnell at Electric Picnic / Earthquake in Afghanistan / The Traitors
In this live episode, Rosie O’Donnell discusses her career, her move to Ireland, and various personal topics with Róisín Ingle at Electric Picnic. Additionally, Jennifer O’Connell joins to discuss the week's news, including the recent eart…
- Taylor’s big announcement / Wild Words with Jan Brierton
Róisín Ingle previews a live episode featuring Rosie O'Donnell at the Wild Words festival with Jan Brierton. Additionally, Niamh Browne joins to discuss weekly headlines including Taylor Swift, Serena Williams, and CAO offers.
- Sally Rooney’s support for Palestine Action / Hungary's poisonous women
Journalist Hope Reese discusses the history of a group of women in 20th-century Hungary who committed a series of murders using arsenic. The episode also covers news including the 2025 Rose of Tralee, Sally Rooney’s support for Palestine A…
- Childfree by choice at 77: Helen Taylor reflects on a life without children
Host Róisín Ingle speaks with 77-year-old writer and academic Helen Taylor about her life as a woman who is childfree by choice. They discuss the motivation for her decision, her search for meaning, and perspectives on the later stages of…
- Orla Donoghue: Busting the stigma of single parenthood
Orla Donoghue discusses her experience as a single parent, including the challenges of isolation and the motivation behind creating Solas Coaching to support others. She talks to Róisín Ingle about navigating solo parenthood and the import…
- Book Club: The Marriage Vendetta by Caroline Madden
The team discusses The Marriage Vendetta by debut author Caroline Madden, a novel about a woman tasked by her therapist to perform vengeful acts against her husband. They engage with listeners for feedback on the book through email and soc…
- Sleep Divorce: Why sleeping separately might be good for your relationship
In this episode, Jennifer Adams discusses the benefits of sleeping in separate rooms, drawing from her book 'Sleep Divorce'. The episode also includes a discussion on current events with journalist Niamh Browne, covering topics such as the…
- Why women should be lifting weights (especially as we age)
Fitness coach Elaine Gillespie joins Róisín Ingle to discuss the benefits of strength training for women, covering topics from postpartum fitness to exercise during perimenopause. Additionally, Jennifer O'Connell discusses recent news stor…
- Anne Marie Allen on her lost years inside Opus Dei
Anne Marie Allen joins Kathy Sheridan to discuss her memoir, 'Serve', and her experience as an unpaid assistant numerary in Opus Dei. The episode also features Jennifer O'Connell discussing maternity care reviews, Rachel Reeves, and midlif…
- In Plain Sight: Noelle Brown and Camille O’Sullivan
Noelle Brown and Camille O’Sullivan discuss their theatre performance, In Plain Sight, which examines the history of Ireland’s mother and baby homes. Additionally, Jennifer O’Connell reviews major news stories of the week.
- Deepfakes and AI Girlfriends: How artificial intelligence is putting women at risk
Laura Bates joins Róisín Ingle to discuss her book, The New Age of Sexism, focusing on how AI technologies like deepfakes and AI girlfriends pose risks to women. Niamh Towey also reviews recent news including domestic violence reports, the…
- The Book Club Live: Summer Reads with Marian Keyes
Róisín Ingle, Bernice Harrison, and Ann Ingle host a live Book Club episode featuring author Marian Keyes with summer 2025 reading recommendations. Prior to the book discussion, Jennifer O’Connell joins to review current news stories, incl…