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How to be Irish: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Úna Harty
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- Dec 12, 202552 min
What we used to eat, with Irish food historian Regina Sexton
Support this podcast / buy me a coffee!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 nationswhy our cuisine is perceived as blandwhat we used to eat both pre- and post-faminehow the famine may have affected our eating habits and our relationship with food as a peoplehow, what and why we farmedalcohol through the ages in Irish societyAs 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
- Dec 5, 202549 min
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 MCSHERRYTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/Let me know what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment!
- Nov 28, 202553 min
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 IrelandHis relationship with his Senegalese fatherCultural and religious differencesHow fear is the greatest motivatorWhy we should be hopefulFind 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.Follow Black and Irish on social.Follow Leon on social.
- Nov 21, 202541 min
Understanding Irishness through our most iconic pop culture moments, with journalist Kate Demolder
In this lighter episode of How to be Irish Úna welcomes freelance journalist Kate Demolder to explore iconic moments in Irish pop culture from the 1980s to today, and how they shape Irishness and what it means to be Irish.From the bold actions of Virgin Megastore in the '80s to the unforgettable Sinead O'Connor moment on SNL, and the rise of Irish talent in the 2020s, Úna and Kate delve into the stories that have shaped Ireland's cultural landscape.Tune in for a mix of humour, history, and heartfelt discussion on what it means to be Irish.
- Nov 14, 202549 min
The idiosyncrasies of Irish politics, with Dr Theresa Reidy
Independents, referendums, the single transferable vote - a few of the idiosyncrasies of the Irish political system that we sometimes take for granted.This week I chat to Professor in the Department of the Government and Politics in UCC, Dr Theresa Reidy, about the unique aspects of the Irish political landscape. Theresa is an expert in how Irish people cast their votes in elections and referendums.We'll cover:- The recent presidential election- Spoiled votes- Declining voter turnout- Referendums and civic engagement- Independent candidates and how they fracture politics- The community-based, regional flavour of Irish politicsLeave a comment to let me know what you thought of the episode!
- Nov 7, 202547 min
How and why the Normans conquered Ireland with Storytelling Guide Duane Fitzsimons
In this episode, we explore the rich history of the Lecale Peninsula with guest Duane Fitzsimons, who delves into the Norman invasion of Ireland, the significance of Dublin as a separate kingdom, and the historical importance of Downpatrick, County Down.The conversation also touches on cultural connections between Ireland and Portugal, the political landscape of Ireland during the Norman period, and the assimilation of the Normans into Irish culture.Duane shares insights from his personal journey through family history and offers tips for exploring one's own genealogy.Book a tour with DuaneDuane's TikTokDuane's InstagramChapters00:00 Exploring the Lecale Peninsula01:12 The Norman Invasion of Ireland05:49 Dublin: A Kingdom of Opportunity09:52 The Historical Significance of Lecale14:58 The Saints of Downpatrick19:25 Cultural Connections: Ireland and Portugal20:16 Understanding Ireland's Political Landscape23:22 The Normans: Assimilation and Identity28:45 The Impact of the Reformation31:41 The Plantation of Ulster32:59 Dialect and Language Connections38:33 Personal Journey Through Family History39:30 What It Means to Be Irish41:00 Tips for Exploring Family History______________________________Lecale Peninsula, Norman invasion, Irish history, Downpatrick, cultural connections, family history, genealogy, Ireland, heritage, historical tours
- Oct 31, 202540 min
Exploring Cork through Cónal Creedon's eyes
In this episode of How to Be Irish, Cónal Creedon, an award-winning novelist and filmmaker, shares his deep connection to Cork and how it has shaped his creative journey.He discusses the influence of his upbringing in a bustling family shop, the importance of storytelling, and his transition from documentary filmmaking to writing.Cónal reflects on Cork's cultural evolution, the significance of culinary traditions like spice beef, and the vibrant community that defines the city today.He also explores what it means to be Irish in a global context, emphasising the importance of openness and cultural exchange.Cónal Creedon, Cork, Irish culture, storytelling, documentaries, spice beef, community, cultural evolution, writing, history
- Oct 24, 202548 min
How we used to live, Irish social history and heritage with Deirdre O'Neill
"We walk past remnants of our past every day without noticing." Our ancestors left echoes of themselves all around us, if we only know where to look and how to interpret the signs. These remnants lie all over Ireland, telling us of the lives they once touched and understanding their story roots our knowledge in the foundations of our society and the customs that have shaped the Irish people over centuries.This week’s guest is Deirdre O’Neill, author and creator of the hugely successful online project of the same name, ‘Remnants of Our Past’. Her work tells the story of Irish people, their memories preserved in these forgotten places.Join me in hearing about the pattern, the holy wells, the funeral traditions, faction fighting, the farming methods and the ancient saunas which were part of our ancestors' lives long ago.You can find Deirdre and her original content on Irish heritage on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Her book 'Remnants of Our Past' is available now, online and in shops.
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About How to be Irish
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.
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