Hosted by Michelle Motherway, Brenda Shortt, Aisling Noone & Nicola Mc Carthy.
Beyond the Silks takes you behind the scenes of the thoroughbred world. Each episode explores not just the horses, but the people, passions, and challenges that shape the bloodstock and racing industry.
From sales rings and training yards to balancing family life and careers, our hosts open the conversation on the many hats women wear in this dynamic sport.
Whether you’re an industry insider, a lifelong horse lover, or simply curious about the lives lived beyond the silks, this podcast will inspire, inform, and entertain.
Munster Agricultural Society: 220 Years of Leadership & Legacy
🎙️ Beyond the Silks
Munster Agricultural Society – Legacy, Leadership & The Future of Agriculture
In this special episode of Beyond the Silks, Michelle Motherway and Nicola McCarthy sit down with key figures from the Munster Agricultural Society, one of Ireland’s oldest and most respected agricultural institutions, established in 1805.
We are joined by:
• Ger Murphy – President & Chairman
• Dan Kelleher – Social Secretary
• Ann O’Mahony – Secretary / Equine
Together, we explore:
🌾 The rich history and legacy of the Munster Agricultural Society
🌾 The importance and impact of the Cork Summer Show
🌾 Behind the scenes of the Munster Agricultural Ball
🌾 Supporting young handlers and future generations
🌾 The evolving role of agriculture and equine in modern Ireland
🔥 Plus our Quick Fire Round
This episode celebrates leadership, community spirit, and the dedication of those working tirelessly to support agriculture across Munster.
If you’re involved in farming, showing, equine, horticulture, or simply passionate about Irish agriculture — this one is not to be missed.
🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms
💜 It Costs Nothing To Be Kind
10 Jan 2026
Chairty Gala Information
In this short but sweet episode will give you some information about our Chairty Gala night that is taking place 17th of January in Garryvoe Hotel.
Come support these two amazing charities Fèileacàin & The Irish Cancer Society.
Proudly sponsored By InterchemEquine Ireland
7 Jan 2026
Suzanne Roberts
In this episode of Beyond the Silks we sit down with Suzanne Roberts,
A respected figure in the bloodstock and racing world
• Background & Journey
• Day -To -Day
• Future outlook on the equine industry
Proudly sponsored By InterchemEquine
#itcostsnothingtobekind
11 Dec 2025
Behind the Bid: Pip Tuthill of Sackville Donald”
In this episode of Beyond the Silks, we sit down with Pip Tuthill — a rising force within the world-renowned bloodstock agency Sackville Donald.
Pip shares her journey from early days in ponies and racing to carving her own path within the sales ring and bloodstock industry.She opens up about:
How she found her way into the sport
The mentors, opportunities, and challenges that shaped her career
Life at Sackville Donald and what goes into finding the right horse
Her passion for people, horses, and the energy of the sales grounds
This conversation is full of honesty, ambition, and heart — a brilliant reflection of a young woman building a standout career in a demanding but rewarding industry.
An inspiring listen for anyone who loves the bloodstock world or is looking to break into it.
#ItCostsNothingToBeKind
4 Dec 2025
“Breeding Bloodlines & Writing Songs — Stuart Thom of Galloway Stud”
In this episode of Beyond the Silks, we sit down with the brilliant and big-hearted Stuart Thom of Galloway Stud — a man whose passion for horses runs as deep as his passion for music.
Stuart shares his journey through the bloodstock world, the lessons learned along the way, and the dedication behind building Galloway Stud into the respected operation it is today. We talk family, foals, hard work, and the moments that shaped his career.
And in a very special twist, Stuart also reveals the story behind the original song he wrote especially for Beyond the Silks — a heartfelt tribute that captures the spirit of the women, men, and communities who keep this industry moving.
It’s an episode full of warmth, honesty, and creativity from one of the good guys of the game.
29 Nov 2025
“Jane Davis: Feeding Champions – The Red Mills Way”
Podbean Description – Jane Davis (Connolly’s Red Mills)
In this episode of Beyond the Silks, we sit down with Jane Davis of Connolly’s Red Mills, a woman whose passion, drive and authenticity have helped shape one of the most trusted names in equine nutrition.
Jane shares her journey into the industry, the people and experiences that inspired her along the way, and the values that sit at the heart of Red Mills. From innovation and performance to customer care and community, Jane gives an honest and engaging insight into life behind the brand.
A brilliant conversation with a brilliant woman — full of heart, industry knowledge and genuine love for the horses and the people who care for them.
Sponsored by Interchem Ireland
#ItCostsNothingToBeKind
26 Nov 2025
“Cold Mornings & Big Dreams: Ellie, Sam & Kinsey from Oakhurst & EMW Equine”
🎙️ PODCAST DESCRIPTION – Sam & Kinsey (Oakhurst Stud) + Ellie Whittaker (EMW Equine / Breeze-Up Consignor)
In this special episode of Beyond the Silks, we’re joined by three brilliant horse people who live and breathe the industry: Sam and Kinsey of Oakhurst Stud, and Ellie Whittaker — well known for EMW Equine and her fast-growing reputation as a breeze-up consignor.
Recorded on a cold, wet day at Tattersalls Newmarket — tucked into a spare stable between showings — this episode captures the real, unpolished life of working with horses. No studio lights, no perfect setup… just three committed professionals sharing their story in the heart of the sales atmosphere.
Sam brings calm, skilled horsemanship and years of hands-on experience essential to a successful stud. Kinsey provides the organisation, instinct and care that keep the Oakhurst operation steady through foaling, stallion work and the daily pressures of stud life. Ellie adds a dual perspective: her thoughtful rehabilitation work through EMW Equine, combined with her rising presence in the breeze-up world, preparing young horses with patience and purpose.
Together, they speak openly about long days, responsibility, teamwork, setbacks, small victories and the deep pride that comes with seeing horses thrive. It’s an honest, grounded and inspiring conversation that shows the industry exactly as it is — raw, real and full of heart.
A powerful episode with three people who truly love what they do.
#itcostsnothingtobekind
Sponsored by Interchem Ireland
21 Nov 2025
🎙️ Episode 7 – Podbean Title Episode 7: Furrows, Fillies and Friends – Three Women, One Plough & a Whole Lot of Heart
In Episode 7 of Beyond the Silks, we sit down with the brilliant trio behind Furrows, Fillies and Friends — three women brought together by horses, country life, community spirit and the pure craic of taking up horse ploughing.
From their first day stepping behind the plough to qualifying for the All-Ireland, they share the laughs, the learning curve, the people who helped them along the way, and the deep pride they have in keeping traditional skills alive.
This episode shines a light on friendship, courage, heritage, and the magic that happens when women back themselves and each other.
Sponsored by Interchem Ireland
Supporting excellence in equine health, including
• Precision Microbes
• Kentucky Performance Products
• Plus a full range of leading equine solutions
#ItCostsNothingToBeKind
#BeyondTheSilks
19 Nov 2025
✨ Breaking Boundaries with D.N.A Equine — Episode 6
This episode features the dynamic duo behind D.N.A Equine — Donna and her partner Nikki.
Together, they have built a respected breaking, pre-training and breeze-up operation on the Curragh, grounded in trust, consistency and a deep understanding of horsemanship.
Donna shares her journey through the industry, the day-to-day reality of running a high-standard yard, and the dedication needed to keep young horses progressing the right way.
Nikki offers insight into his own role within the operation and speaks openly about the pride he has in Donna — her work ethic, her talent, and the impact she has on every horse that comes through their gates.
From early mornings and tough lessons to proud milestones and the partnership at the heart of their success, this is an honest and uplifting conversation with two people who are truly breaking boundaries in the equine world.
⭐ Proudly supported by: Interchem Ireland – distributors of Precision Microbes & Kentucky Performance Products
17 Nov 2025
Episode 4 Nessa Joyce Woman In Racing Ireland
🎙️ Episode 4: Nessa Joyce – Women in Racing Ireland: Breaking Barriers & Building Community
Sponsored by Interchem Ireland
In this empowering episode of Beyond the Silks, Michelle, Brenda, Nicola, and Aisling sit down with Nessa Joyce, chairperson of Women in Racing Ireland, to discuss the movement that’s reshaping the Irish racing landscape.
From mentorship and networking to driving change across yards, offices, and boardrooms, Nessa shares her journey and vision for a more inclusive and supportive industry. The conversation touches on leadership, resilience, and the power of women lifting women — both in and beyond the saddle.
💬 Topics include:
The story behind Women in Racing Ireland
Nessa’s own path through the industry
Building confidence and community for future generations
How collaboration and conversation create real change
🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion that celebrates strength, solidarity, and the women shaping the future of Irish racing.
#BeyondTheSilks #WomenInRacingIreland #EquineIndustry #Podcast #InterchemIreland
14 Nov 2025
The Sheridan Way: Horsemanship, Hard Work & Heart” Episode 5
Welcome back to Beyond the Silks, hosted by Aisling, Nicola and Michelle
In Episode 5, we sit down with one of Ireland’s most respected foal consignors and breeders, Ita Sheridan of Sheridan House Stables.
From her family’s deep roots in bloodstock to building one of the country’s most trusted foal consignments, Ita shares her story with honesty, warmth, and a lifetime of hands-on horsemanship. We talk foal prep, hard-graft winters, sale-ring highs and lows, the value of teamwork, and what really matters when raising young stock the right way.
Ita’s passion for the land, the mares, and the next generation shines through in every word. It’s a conversation full of heart, humour, and real insight into the backbone of the breeding industry.
Proudly sponsored By Interchem Ireland
27 Oct 2025
Breaking the Gavel: Shirley Anderson Jolag, Tattersalls' Trailblazer
Beyond the Silks is proudly sponsored by Interchem Ireland, the trusted veterinary distributor of leading equine brands, including Precision Microbes, Audevard, Kentucky Performance Products, NoBACZ Healthcare, and more. Available exclusively through your local vet.
Welcome to Beyond the Silks, the podcast that celebrates the people, the horses, the heart of the equine industry. Host Michelle, together with Asheen, Brenda and Nicola, welcome special guest Shirley Anderson Jolag for to discuss her journey from pony-obsessed child to a record-making auctioneer at Tattersalls.
In this episode Shirley shares her background in polo and performing arts, the challenges she overcame to step into the rostrum, and the milestone of becoming the first woman to hold this role at a high level. Hear about her love for Cheltenham sales, the importance of kindness and hard work, practical advice for women entering the industry, and why horses remain her greatest comfort and motivation.
18 Oct 2025
Ep2: Forging Her Own Path — with Grace Binding
This week on Beyond the Silks, we’re joined by farrier Grace Binding — a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated trade. From unexpected beginnings as a shot girl in hot pants to mastering the forge and hammer, Grace shares how grit, humour, and hard work shaped her journey. We talk resilience, identity, and what it really takes to break stereotypes while shoeing horses and chasing dreams.
28 Sept 2025
Ep 1: Stories, Sales & Staying Current
In our very first episode, Michelle Motherway, Brenda Shortt, and Aisling Noone sit down for a lively chat about who we are, why we’ve started this podcast, and the stories that have shaped us along the way. From sneaking out of windows in our younger days to keeping up with the times today, no topic is off-limits.
With decades of experience (and plenty of laughs) between us, you’re in for a mix of insights, opinions, and behind-the-scenes tales. One of us is even gearing up to celebrate their 37th Goffs November Foal Sale—can you guess who?
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