by Úna Harty
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.
Language
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Publishing Since
9/18/2024
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December 12, 2025
<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Support this podcast / buy me a coffee!</a></p><p>In this episode, I chat with Regina Sexton, Ireland’s leading food and culinary historian, all about the history of Irish food.</p><p>We chat about:</p><ul><li><p>Irish heritage dishes and the reason why we don’t seem to have as many as other nations</p></li><li><p>why our cuisine is perceived as bland</p></li><li><p>what we used to eat both pre- and post-famine</p></li><li><p>how the famine may have affected our eating habits and our relationship with food as a people</p></li><li><p>how, what and why we farmed</p></li><li><p>alcohol through the ages in Irish society</p></li><li><p>As well as some interesting tales about iconic Irish food brands such as Tayto and Jacob’s!</p></li></ul><p>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.</p><p>Follow this link in your browser: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link"><u>https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link</u></a></p>
December 5, 2025
<p>In this episode, Úna Harty interviews Gemma McSherry, a journalist, author and content creator from the North of Ireland. </p><p>They discuss Gemma's upbringing in a divided society, her experiences with fundamentalist religion, and the cultural phenomenon of 'coffee shop Christians.'</p><p>Gemma shares insights from her forthcoming book, which reflects on growing up in a conservative small town in the North. </p><p>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.</p><p>Gemma emphasises the importance of unapologetic self-expression and the need for solidarity in discussions about reunification.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>GEMMA MCSHERRY</p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">TikTok</a>: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GB</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram: </a>https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/</p><p><br></p><p>Let me know what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment!</p>
November 28, 2025
<p>In this episode, Úna speaks with Leon Diop, about his experiences of growing up in Tallaght as a mixed race. </p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>We discuss:</p><ul><li><p>Racism in Ireland</p></li><li><p>His relationship with his Senegalese father</p></li><li><p>Cultural and religious differences</p></li><li><p>How fear is the greatest motivator</p></li><li><p>Why we should be hopeful</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>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, <a href="https://www.littleisland.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Little Island</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/black_andirish/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Black and Irish</a> on social.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leon_diop_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Leon</a> on social.</p><p><br></p>
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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.
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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