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Fintan O’Toole

Author of 'We Don’t Know Ourselves' and a prominent public intellectual. He provides insights into the transformation of Irish society since the 1950s and the impact of its colonial past.

Top 3 podcasts with Fintan O’Toole

Ranked by the Snipd community
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19 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 56min

246. Ireland Transformed: From Banning Condoms to Exporting Viagra

Fintan O’Toole, a prominent public intellectual and author of 'We Don’t Know Ourselves,' joins the discussion to reflect on Ireland's remarkable evolution. He dives into the grim realities of Magdalene laundries and the Catholic Church's oppressive legacy. The conversation also explores the cultural shift from conservative values to modern liberal perspectives, including women’s rights and attitudes toward sexuality. O’Toole highlights how Ireland transformed into a tech and pharma powerhouse, questioning how its colonial past shapes the country's future.
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13 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 54min

SOS Democracy with Fintan O’Toole — The US elections and the politics of self-pity

In a lively discussion, Fintan O’Toole, an Irish Times columnist and expert on political identity, joins host Anna Funder, an acclaimed Australian author, to explore the state of democracy. They tackle the rise of tribalism and how it distorts political discourse, emphasizing the dangers of self-pity narratives that leaders exploit. O’Toole connects these themes to Ireland's experience with identity politics while advocating for empathy and inclusivity in the face of today’s political challenges. It's a thought-provoking conversation on resuscitating democracy.
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Nov 7, 2024 • 25min

United States of Fear

Fintan O’Toole, an accomplished Irish journalist and author, shares his insights on the striking parallels between the transformations in Ireland and the United States. He examines how nostalgia fuels political movements amid economic struggles. O’Toole discusses the culture of fear spurred by influential political figures and the growing need for unity within progressive movements. He critiques the changing nature of political discourse, focusing on the normalization of crudeness and its impact on public perception. Ultimately, he underscores the importance of identity and narrative in navigating complex political landscapes.