The Women's Podcast

Lessons in Chemistry by American author Bonnie Garmus was our latest pick for the podcast book club. In a rare turn of events, our book clubbers found themselves in agreement, collectively singing the praises of this debut novel. That’s why we’re delighted to be joined by the author today, as she tells Róisín Ingle about her long road to writing success, the excitement of her book becoming an instant bestseller and how her main character Elizabeth Zott came to her one evening after a bad day at the office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2018, while at home in her London apartment, journalist Sally Hayden received a Facebook message from a young African refugee, pleading for her help. He was one of thousands of migrants who had tried to reach Europe, only to end up trapped in a Libyan detention camp, with no way out. In her new book, My Fourth Time, We Drowned, Hayden pieces together the stories of these refugees and details the harsh conditions they are forced to live through. In today’s episode, she speaks to Kathy Sheridan about her four year investigation into this human rights disaster and explains why it’s a result of European policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her brilliant debut novel, None of This is Serious, Catherine Prasifka writes about life in the era of social media. She talks to Róisín about the consequences of living online and in the real world. They also discuss her love of fantasy writing, the inevitable comparisons to her sister in-law Sally Rooney and her plans for her next book.Plus: Richie Sadlier on his book, Let's Talk, a modern guide to sex, porn, relationships, consent and intimacy, written especially for boys in secondary school. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Set in the early 1960’s, Lessons in Chemistry follows the life of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a TV cooking show. In this episode, our book clubbers Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín and Ann Ingle share their thoughts on this vibrant and original story from debut author Bonnie Garmus.Keep an ear out for our upcoming interview with the author, which will be out in a couple of weeks. If you’d like to share your thoughts on the book, email us on itwomenspodcast@irishtimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition which affects millions of people around the world. It is often associated with hyperactive or disruptive children and as a result ADHD in women often goes undiagnosed. In today’s episode, Róisín Ingle speaks to two women who received a diagnosis of ADHD in their late twenties, broadcaster and journalist Brianna Parkins and barrister and coach Mairéad Deevy. Both were repeatedly misdiagnosed as they searched for answers to their symptoms. Here, they share their personal experiences of living with ADHD and the ways they’ve learned to manage it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’re delighted to reveal that Women’s Aid has been chosen as Twitter’s main charity partner for 2022. To speak about the initiative and how it will help women across the country, Róisín Ingle is joined by Managing Director of Twitter Ireland Sinead McSweeney and CEO of Women’s Aid, Sarah Benson join Róisín Ingle.Also, Eloise Head, aka Fitwaffle speaks to Róisín about her brand new book Baking It Easy. Filled with simple and delicious bakes, the book has already become a Sunday Times Bestseller. The influencer and baker speaks about her move from fitness into food, her love of all things sweet and what’s next for the Fitwaffle empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be female? Mother, carer, the weaker sex? Think again.Lucy Cooke says a revolution has been brewing in zoology and evolutionary biology in the past few decades, demonstrating how the female of the species has been marginalised and misunderstood by the scientific patriarchy. In this episode, the zoologist and broadcaster joins Róisín and biologist, environmental consultant and broadcaster, Éanna Ní Lamhna, to discuss her brilliant new book BITCH: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution & the Female Animal.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're talking about matrescence. That's the word used to describe the physical, emotional, hormonal and social transition to becoming a mother. Everyone understands that adolescence is an awkward phase, but during matrescence mothers are expected to be deliriously happy, while simultaneously losing control over the way they look and feel. With Mother’s Day this weekend, we thought it would be the perfect time to find out more about this transformative time in many women’s lives. Layla O’Mara, a post partum doula, acupuncturist and mum of three, and Caroline Foran, the author of 3 bestselling books on the topics of anxiety, confidence and vulnerability, talk to Róisín about what the matrescence is and why it deserves more attention.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marian Keyes talks to Róisín about her latest ‘selling-like-hotcakes’ book, ‘Again, Rachel’, the sequel to her much-loved novel 'Rachel’s Holiday', which was published 25 years ago.For the day that’s in it, they also talk about what it means to be an Irish woman in 2022 and Marian tells us why she’s inspired by younger Irish women and their determination not to take any bulls**t.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday evening, The Women’s Podcast gathered together a group of women to take part in 'The Change', a special storytelling evening to mark International Women’s Day 2022. Hosted on Zoom by Róisín Ingle and Kathy Sheridan, our guests told their personal tales of transformation. The panel included Irish Times contributor and author Hilary Fannin, Miss Ireland Pamela Uba, activist Lavinia Kerwick, actor Philippa Dunne, journalist Brianna Parkins, recently arrived Ukrainian political researcher Angelika Sharygina and transition year students Meabh Jevens and Anita Sibi. In this episode you’ll hear a selection of those stories, but you can watch the entire event back on https://www.facebook.com/ITWomensPodcast But first, Róisín is joined again by activist and human rights worker Nadia Dobrianska, who has crossed the border into Poland and will be travelling on to Ireland later this week. She tells Róisín Ingle about a very rough few days and her decision to flee the Ukrainian countryside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.