Still I Rise Podcast

About Still I Rise Podcast

The Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling Podcast amplifies underrepresented voices through authentic conversations and personal stories. Each episode explores race, identity, culture, and allyship—challenging biases and fostering empathy. Perfect for educators, parents, and changemakers seeking practical insights and inspiring narratives that drive diversity, equity, and belonging. 🌍 Listen, learn, rise.

Publisher

Orla McKeating (she/her)

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2025

Latest episode

29 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Rebuilding, Representation and Finding What Matters

   In this deeply reflective episode of the Still I Rise Podcast, Orla returns to the studio to talk honestly about rebuilding after loss, the hidden grief we don’t always name, and how moments of crisis force us to re-evaluate what truly matters. From experiencing a house fire just before Christmas, to reflections on safety, community, parenting, legacy, and representation, this conversation explores resilience without romanticising it - and progress without demanding perfection. What You Will Learn: How loss can show up beyond death - including grief for homes, routines, and safety Why community and connection matter most in moments of crisis How experiences of trauma can shift our relationship with fear, legacy, and purpose Why progress in representation (like the autistic Barbie) doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful How to hold space for nuance, discomfort, and growth in conversations about inclusion Reflections on parenting, identity, and navigating change as children grow Who This Video Is For: Parents, educators, and caregivers navigating change, loss, or uncertainty Anyone reflecting on purpose, legacy, and what really matters People interested in inclusion, neurodiversity, and representation Those working with children and young people in education or community settings Anyone seeking thoughtful, honest conversations about resilience, grief, and progress About Still I Rise Stories: Still I Rise Stories delivers workshops, training, and storytelling designed to amplify diverse voices and promote inclusion. Our mission is to support individuals and communities in creating environments where every child feels valued, heard, and respected. Stay Connected: 🌐 www.stillirisestories.org 📬 Join our community mailing list 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to Still I Rise Stories wherever you get your podcasts 📱 Follow us on social platforms @stillirise.voices 👤 Follow Orla: @orlamckeating 🌈 For collaborations, workshops, or bookings, visit www.stillirisestories.org 📧 For podcast partnerships or speaking opportunities: stilliriseorla@gmail.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations, learning sessions, and resources

2. 

   11 Dec 2025

   What’s Still Missing in Children’s Books…

   Award-winning children’s author Sam Langley Swain discusses representation and inclusive publishing with Orla, highlighting the power of storytelling to create change in children's literature in this interview episode.

3. 

   21 Nov 2025

   Episode 15 Ian Eagleton - Storytelling, Resilience & Representation

   Children's author Ian Eagleton discusses his journey, the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in his books like *The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince*, and the need to protect diverse voices in children's publishing in an interview with Orla McKeating.

4. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Episode 14 - Tura Artura(1)

   Host Orla McKeating interviews actor Tura Arutura about Irish identity, belonging, and showing up with pride, exploring family, culture, and finding connection.

5. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Leon Diop - Episode 13(1)

   Leon Diop, co-author of Black and Irish, explores Black Irish identity, racism in Ireland, and the impact of Black culture in Irish life in a conversation with the host.

6. 

   10 Sept 2025

   Episode 12 - 🌸 Burnout, Motherhood & Resilience 🌸

   Host Orla McKeating shares her personal journey through burnout, motherhood, and perimenopause, offering insights into resilience and sustainable activism.

7. 

   27 Aug 2025

   Teaching, Racism & Risk: A Conversation with Baisat Alawiye from Minority Teachers Ireland

   Host [Host Name] interviews educator and activist Baisat Alawiye of Minority Teachers Ireland about racism, risk, and building an inclusive future in Irish education.

8. 

   13 Aug 2025

   Episode 10 - Jay Chambers: Poetry, Legacy, and Restorative Justice

   Host Orla interviews poet, dub artist, and musician Jay Chambers about how Black creatives use art for restorative justice and healing.

9. 

   30 Jul 2025

   Episode 9: Live Streamed Novena, Irresponsible Parenting & Spreadsheet Dopamine

   Host interviews ELLIOT about modern religious experiences, navigating identity as an immigrant, honest parenting discussions, and the surprising satisfaction of organized spreadsheets.

10. 

    11 Jul 2025

    Episode 6: Gerry Moran: Surviving Ireland’s Industrial Schools

    Gerry Moran recounts his experiences surviving Ireland's industrial school system, revealing the abuse and neglect he faced as a child and his journey toward healing, in this interview episode.

11. 

    23 Jun 2025

    Episode 6: Irish Black Heroes, Unpopular Opinion & Wakes (with Elliot)

    Host interviews ELLIOT about Irish Black heroes, shares unpopular opinions, and explores the traditions surrounding Irish wakes, offering a blend of historical insights and personal perspectives.

12. 

    4 Jun 2025

    Episode 6: Punchlines & Pride: Tommy McCarthy on Comedy, Culture & the Ring

    Comedian and boxer Tommy McCarthy discusses comedy, cultural identity, and boxing, sharing humorous and heartfelt stories about navigating life's challenges in this interview episode.

13. 

    21 May 2025

    Episode 5: Single-Parenting, Holidays and Business

    In this candid solo episode, We join Luke and Sean to reflect on the beautiful chaos of solo parenting while building a purpose-driven business—and our new Pope. From finance to strategic planning, emotional overwhelm to unexpected inspiration, this episode offers a raw and honest glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of balancing it all. I share the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’m learning along the way, reminding us that while the juggle is real, so is the joy, purpose, and power of rising—one story at a time.

14. 

    7 May 2025

    EPISODE 4: Gerry Lavz

15. 

    25 Apr 2025

    Episode 3: White Women, Segregated Education and Dating

16. 

    10 Apr 2025

    Still I Rise Episode 2 - Uju Asika

    Storytelling, Raising Boys & Survival of the Friendliest Orla has her first guest multi-award nominated blogger, Mother and acclaimed author of A World for Me and You, Bringing Up Race and Raising Boys Who Do Better Uju Asika. We talk about storytelling, the inspiration and impact of her work globally, the rise of toxic masculinity and how all of us have a responsibility to the next generation.

17. 

    26 Mar 2025

    Episode 1: Identity, Irishness & Storytelling – with Elliot

    Episode 1: Identity, Irishness & Storytelling – with Elliot In this heartfelt first episode, I’m joined by my amazing son, Elliot, for an unexpected and deeply real conversation. We explore our identity, what it means to be Irish, and the power of family and storytelling. Raw, honest, and beautifully surprising—this is a glimpse into our lives.

Who has been a guest on Still I Rise Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sam Langley Swain
• Ian Eagleton
• Tura Arutura
• Leon Diop
• Baisat Alawiye

Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

39

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Still I Rise Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.