Examining Irish society and culture to understand how our history, psychology, and politics have shaped what it means to be Irish today.
Join me as I host conversations with Irish people who are experts in different facets of Irish culture, including nature, language, healing, folklore, mythology, music, poetry, mental health, entrepreneurism, activism, identity, social issues and current affairs.
I also ask every guest what it means to be Irish. Their answers may surprise you.
What we used to eat, with Irish food historian Regina Sexton
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In this episode, I chat with Regina Sexton, Ireland’s leading food and culinary historian, all about the history of Irish food.
We chat about:
Irish heritage dishes and the reason why we don’t seem to have as many as other nations
why our cuisine is perceived as bland
what we used to eat both pre- and post-famine
how the famine may have affected our eating habits and our relationship with food as a people
how, what and why we farmed
alcohol through the ages in Irish society
As well as some interesting tales about iconic Irish food brands such as Tayto and Jacob’s!
Thank you for your support this season. Please help me out by donating the price of a coffee to help me cover the cost of the software and hardware I need to create this podcast.
Follow this link in your browser: https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link (https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
5 Dec 2025
What do we not understand about the North of Ireland / Northern Ireland? with content creator Gemma McSherry
In this episode, Úna Harty interviews Gemma McSherry, a journalist, author and content creator from the North of Ireland.
They discuss Gemma's upbringing in a divided society, her experiences with fundamentalist religion, and the cultural phenomenon of 'coffee shop Christians.'
Gemma shares insights from her forthcoming book, which reflects on growing up in a conservative small town in the North.
The conversation also touches on the complexities of Irish identity, the potential for a united Ireland, and the challenges faced by women in Irish society.
Gemma emphasises the importance of unapologetic self-expression and the need for solidarity in discussions about reunification.
This is essential listening for anyone looking to understand what it is like to be from a small town in the North of Ireland / Northern Ireland.
GEMMA MCSHERRY
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GB): https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GB
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/)https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/
Let me know what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment!
28 Nov 2025
Growing up mixed race in Ireland, with activist and author Leon Diop
In this episode, Úna speaks with Leon Diop, about his experiences of growing up in Tallaght as a mixed race.
We cover race, ethnicity, family dynamics and class in this emotional conversation where Leon shares the difficulties he faced during his childhood and teenage years, and how he turned his life around, all while grappling with his mixed race identity.
We discuss:
Racism in Ireland
His relationship with his Senegalese father
Cultural and religious differences
How fear is the greatest motivator
Why we should be hopeful
Find Leon’s book ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’ in all good bookstores in Ireland, including Books Upstairs and Dubray Books in Dublin. You can also order it directly from the publisher, Little Island (https://www.littleisland.ie/).
Follow Black and Irish (https://www.instagram.com/black_andirish/) on social.
Follow Leon (https://www.instagram.com/leon_diop_/) on social.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
22,595
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
34 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
69
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
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