Fiosracht & Foghlaim is a Hibernia College podcast about curiosity, learning and the conversations that shape how we understand education, people and the world around us.
Hosted by Fíona McArdle, the series brings together educators, researchers, leaders, advocates and people with powerful lived experiences to explore the ideas and stories that don’t always find their way into formal educational spaces.
From inclusion, identity and belonging to leadership, wellbeing, childhood, creativity and social justice, each episode creates space for open, thoughtful and sometimes challenging conversations. Guests share their expertise, experiences and the lessons they have learned along the way - offering new perspectives on what it means to teach, learn, lead and belong.
At its heart, Fiosracht & Foghlaim is about staying curious: asking better questions, listening to different voices and recognising that some of our most important learning happens through conversation.
Because education is about more than what we teach - it’s about what we notice, what we question, and what we learn from one another.
7: From Dublin to Nashville - Homebird: Aoife Scott's Story
In Episode 7, 'From Dublin to Nashville: Homebird — Aoife Scott’s Story', host Fíona McArdle is joined by Irish singer and songwriter Aoife Scott to explore her musical journey, her connection to Ireland and the experiences that have shaped her story. Aoife Scott is one of the most distinctive voices in Irish folk. Her debut album Carry the Day produced All Along the Wild Atlantic Way, which went to number one in Ireland and won Song of the Year at the Irish Folk Music Awards. Her second album Homebird, recorded in Nashville and Dublin with 12-time Grammy winner Ron Block, topped the iTunes Ireland chart and won her Female Vocalist of the Year at the ALSR Celtic Music Awards. She has been named Best Irish Folk Act at the Irish Post Music Awards, is a regular on The Late Late Show, and has played festivals across four continents. A fluent Irish speaker, she is a regular presenter on RTÉ Radio 1 and curates the sold-out Women of Note at TradFest, winner of Live Performance of the Year at the Ireland Tonight Radio Awards. In September 2026 she sang Amhrán na bhFiann at Croke Park with her cousin Róisín O for Katie Taylor's farewell fight. Part of the Black family, she carries the tradition forward while sounding like nobody but herself.
26 Oct 2026
6: Under the Hawthorn Tree: The Famine Story That Raised a Generation
Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland’s best-loved authors, whose stories have captivated readers around the world. Raised in Dublin, with much of her childhood spent overlooking the sea in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Marita brings a deep passion for Irish history to her writing.
Her debut novel, Under the Hawthorn Tree, was published in 1990 and became an immediate bestseller. Inspired by the discovery of a Famine grave containing the remains of three children beneath a hawthorn tree, it tells a powerful story of survival, courage and family.
The award-winning novel became the first in her acclaimed Children of the Famine trilogy, followed by Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home. Following the O’Driscoll family through famine, emigration and the struggle to build a better future, these much-loved books continue to introduce generations of readers to Ireland’s past in classrooms and homes across the world.
12 Oct 2026
5: Beyond the Label: Autism, Advocacy and Owning Your Story
In 'Beyond the Label: Autism, Advocacy and Owning Your Story', host Fiona McArdle is joined by Dr Maggie Greene for an important conversation about autism, advocacy, identity and the power of owning your own story.
28 Sept 2026
4: Notice, Listen, Act: Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
In 'Notice, Listen, Act: Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility', host Fiona McArdle is joined by Eileen Finnegan for an important conversation about safeguarding and the role we all play in creating safe, supportive environments for children and young people.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including suicide, self-harm, addiction and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
14 Sept 2026
3: Changing the Game: From the Classroom to Croke Park with Hannah Tyrrell
In 'Changing the Game: From the Classroom to Croke Park with Hannah Tyrrell', host Fiona McArdle chats with Hannah about her journey from the classroom to elite sport, balancing education and ambition, and the impact of both on her career.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including suicide, self-harm, addiction and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
31 Aug 2026
2: Céad Míle Fáilte—but Make It Meaningful
In Episode 2, "Céad Míle Fáilte—but Make It Meaningful," host @ Fiona McArdle is joined by @ Sara Hakim for an insightful conversation on what it truly means to create welcoming, inclusive learning environments.
Together, they explore how educators can move beyond good intentions to build genuine belonging in the classroom, ensuring every learner feels seen, valued and supported.
Whether you're a teacher, school leader or passionate about inclusive education, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections you can take into your own practice.
13 Aug 2026
1: Once Upon a Classroom, The Magic Between the Pages
In our very first episode, "Once Upon a Classroom, The Magic Between the Pages," host @ Fiona McArdle is joined by @ Emma Farragher for an inspiring conversation on the power of stories, reading and literacy in the classroom, and the lasting impact they have on young learners.
Whether you're a teacher, educator or simply passionate about learning, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
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