The Women's Podcast

Although Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs may seem like a relatively new phenomenon, their origins actually stretch back to the mid 1980s. Back then, scientists were searching for an alternative treatment for diabetes, one that could replace insulin. Few could have imagined that this research would go on to reshape the treatment of obesity and later evolve into one of the best-selling drugs in the world.In her new book Off the Scales, journalist and author Aimee Donnellan traces the history of Ozempic, telling the story of the people behind its development. Among them is a young, ambitious woman from Macedonia whose research helped pave the way for the creation of the drug. In today’s episode, Donnellan talks to Róisín Ingle about the seismic impact GLP-1s have had on society and the body positivity movement. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the Beckham family feud and one woman’s fourteen-year-fight to get her former partner prosecuted for domestic violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late December, merchants and shopkeepers in Iran took to the streets to protest against the dire economic situation in the country. Since then, thousands more Iranians have joined the protests, snowballing it into a much bigger movement which is now calling for the end of the Islamic regime. The authorities have responded to the demonstrations with gunfire, tear gas and thousands of arrests. According to human rights agencies, more than 2000 people have been killed so far in the uprising, with some reports suggesting the death toll could be as high as 12,000. These protests follow on from the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom Movement which saw thousands demonstrate following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. To understand what is happening on the ground in Iran, and what this latest unrest means for its people and women in particular, Róisín Ingle is joined by two Iranian academics, Mayha Ostovar and Yasaman Ranjbaran. Ostovar is a lecturer at NUI Galway, while Ranjbaran is completing a PHD in ecology and evolution in Padua, Italy. Together, they speak about their hope for a free and peaceful Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past thirty years in Ireland, the lives of women have changed unrecognisably. Unparalleled advances in legislation have allowed for divorce, abortion and marriage equality. The economy has gone from boom to bust and to boom again, with more women entering the workplace. But for all the progress, there is still an underrepresentation of women in politics and positions of power, and there’s also a worrying rise in violence against women. This transformation of Irish society and its impact on women is documented by Irish social researcher and author Íde B. O'Carroll in her new book Thirty Years of Change Through Women's Eyes: Ireland, 1993-2023. In today’s episode, the US-based writer tells Róisín Ingle about the women she spoke to for the book and their perspectives on a changing Ireland. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the outcome of a harassment case taken by the wife of French President Brigitte Macron and calls to ban AI “nudification” apps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prima Facie, the award-winning one-woman play written by Australian playwright Suzie Miller, is coming to the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin later this month. It follows the story of Tessa Ensler, a highly successful criminal defence lawyer who specialises in sexual assault cases. When Ensler (played by Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer) is sexually assaulted by a colleague, she suddenly finds herself on the other side of the justice system and learns that the law was not written for victims - and that she is the one on trial.In today’s episode, Miller joins Róisín Ingle to discuss the play’s global success, the real-world impact it has had on the court system, and why the story has resonated with so many. She also talks about her background growing up as a working-class girl in Australia, where her love of writing came from and about working with Lena Dunham on upcoming projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 was the year Ireland elected its third female President, but only three women were appointed Ministers in the new Cabinet. Down one on the previous government. It was the year the hit Netflix show Adolescence had everyone talking about the dangers of the 'manosphere' and toxic masculinity and Australia introduced the world’s first social media ban for children. The year also saw the engagement of pop queen Taylor Swift to her boyfriend Travis Kelce and the relocation of American comedian Rosie O’Donnell and her family to Ireland. Dublin City Council took steps to protect the Molly Malone statue from being groped by tourists and a row over ‘skorts’ caused ructions within the GAA. To look back on this pivotal year and how it impacted the lives of women in Ireland and around the world, Roisin Ingle is joined by Irish Times features writer Nadine O’Regan, opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell and social affairs correspondent Kitty Holland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re looking for a gift for the book lover in your life, The Women’s Podcast Book Club has you covered. In today’s episode Niamh Towey, Bernice Harrison, Róisín Ingle and Ann Ingle are discussing what books they’ll be giving as gifts this Christmas and the ones they’d like to receive. Their recommendations include a biography for art lovers, a self-help book about setting “healthy boundaries” and a 2020 novel which has just been made into a film starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Whether it's a gift for family, friends or even for yourself, we hope there's something for everyone here. But first, Irish Times podcast producer Suzanne Brennan is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the introduction of a social media ban in Australia for anyone under 16 and a new taxi service coming to Dublin which allows customers to choose a female driver. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month on The Women’s Podcast Book Club, Bernice Harrison, Niamh Towey, Róisín Ingle, and Ann Ingle are discussing Thirst Trap, the debut novel from Belfast writer Gráinne O’Hare. The book tells the story of Harley, Róise, and Maggie, three friends in their late twenties who are living together in a run-down house in Belfast, navigating all that life can throw at them - tricky relationships, heartbreaks and grief. As they approach thirty, the trio must confront past losses and decide whether their friendship can withstand the changes ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, a group of women in The Irish Times got together to envisage a podcast that told stories about the female experience and provided a space for women to share their passions, projects and plights. From there, The Irish Times Women’s Podcast was born. Over the past ten years, the podcast has heard from political leaders, sexual abuse survivors, campaigners, comedians, health professionals, authors, academics, relationship experts and every(woman) in between.  Earlier this week, to celebrate a decade of conversation, craic and captivating stories, The Women’s Podcast hosted a live event at the Peacock Theatre in Dublin. On the night, Róisín Ingle and Kathy Sheridan reflected on the most memorable moments from ten years of telling stories - from Waking the Feminists to Repealing the 8th - with contributions from some special guests in the audience. Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell was also there on the night to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week. Plus, poet and friend of the show Jan Brierton delivered a gorgeous poem called The Revolution will be Podcast. In today's episode, we're bringing you a selection of highlights from the nights festivities. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although it’s still November, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas over here on The Women’s Podcast. To kick off this year's festive season, we’ve asked three business owners to share their Irish-made gift ideas. Joining Roisin Ingle in studio is illustrator Catherine Geaney, jewellery maker Maureen Lynch and Pat Kane, founder of reuzi, Ireland's one-stop shop for sustainably made, reusable goods. All three are showcasing their work at this year’s Gifted craft fair at the RDS, along with hundreds of other talented makers and producers. In today’s episode, they tell Ingle about what they’ll be bringing to this year's event and what other Irish sellers to look out for. Some of their gift recommendations include Bernie Murphy socks, Conscious Convert bedding and children's toys from The Wonky Wollens.But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including Italy’s new femicide law, the introduction of women-only carriages on french trains and the inquest into the death of teenager Niamh McNally at University Hospital Limerick in 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, former senator and government minister Katherine Zappone joins Kathy Sheridan to discuss her new memoir Love in a Time of Politics. In this wide-ranging conversation, Zappone charts her journey through Irish politics, from a fresh-faced senator appointed by then taoiseach Enda Kenny, right through to her tenure as minister for children and youth affairs. She speaks about the campaigns she’s most proud of and the scandals she’d rather forget. The 71-year-old also reflects on her relationship with her beloved wife, Dr Ann Louise Gilligan who died in 2017 and the grief that followed her devastating loss. She tells Sheridan how she eventually found love again with her South African partner Jennifer and what the future now holds for the pair. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including Trump's unhinged behaviour aboard Air Force One and how and why the global skincare industry is targeting products towards children as young as four.Did you know The Irish Times Women’s Podcast is turning ten years old? To celebrate a decade of conversation, craic and captivating stories, we are hosting our ten year birthday bash at the Peacock Theatre in Dublin on Tuesday, December 2nd. For more information and to get tickets to the event, see here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a career spanning theatre, film and television, Irish actor Fiona Shaw has been a household name in Ireland for decades. The Cork native is known for her award-winning stage work, as well as her iconic roles in the Harry Potter films, Killing Eve, and Bad Sisters.Shaw’s latest project, Park Avenue, opened in Irish cinemas this week. Earlier this year, while in Dublin for the International Film Festival, she joined Kathy Sheridan in studio to talk about the film, in which she plays the glamorous and wealthy widow Kit.In this wide-ranging conversation, Shaw reflects on her early career and explains what led her to setting up a women’s group while working with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. She also tells Sheridan about her friendship with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, why she turned down a move to Hollywood in the 1990s, and how she met her Sri Lankan wife, Sonali Deraniyagala. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 24th October 1975, 90% of the women in Iceland went on strike. For the entire day, women refused to participate in waged work, domestic labour or childcare. Instead they took to the streets to protest, demanding fair employment, equal wages and the recognition of work done inside the home. To reflect on the impact of that historic day, the 50 years of progress since and the work still left to do, Róisín Ingle is joined by Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir, producer of the documentary film, The Day Iceland Stood Still. Later on, anti-domestic violence campaigner Patricia McLean joins Ingle to talk about her organisation Finding Our Voices, which is hosting a series of online talks with Irish authors about their books involving domestic abuse. It’s free and open to all, starting with Irish author Roddy Doyle on November 18th 2025. You can find more information on the talks here: https://findingourvoices.net/book-clubBut first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the record number of women giving birth past the age of 45 and the dismal reviews coming in for Kim Kardashian’s new legal drama ‘Alls Fair’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since opening in 2024, Jane’s Place has become a sanctuary for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable women. The drop-in centre, located in the heart of Dublin city, is a space where those in need can access mental health support, addiction recovery services, and counselling, and even take part in yoga, art therapy, and mindfulness sessions.In today’s episode, co-ordinator of Jane’s Place, Susan Diffney, tells Róisín Ingle why a service like this was so badly needed and what invisible barriers women often face when trying to access help. We also hear from Christine, who is in recovery from addiction and visits Jane’s Place regularly. She explains how this female-focused support has been instrumental in her path to sobriety.But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the release of Lily Allen’s tell-all album Westend Girl, and the death of Mary “May” McGee, who changed the course of Irish social history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, Irish author Naoise Dolan and psychiatrist Dr Veronica O’Keane arrived home to Ireland after spending five days in an Israeli prison. The pair were among more than one hundred activists including five other Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces earlier this month, as they made their way to Gaza as part of the Thousand Madleens flotilla. In today’s episode, Dolan and O’Keane tell Róisín Ingle about the gruesome conditions they were kept in, the violence and heavy-handedness used by members of the IDF and the relief they felt upon release. But first Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the government’s plans for a new domestic violence register and the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre’s tell-all memoir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday the 18th October is World Menopause Day and to mark the occasion we are joined by journalist, broadcaster and menopause advocate Mariella Frostrup and by Belles Berry, chef and daughter of well-known cookery writer Mary Berry. Together they have written Menolicious, a new cookbook packed full of healthy recipes designed to help balance hormones, boost energy levels and improve weight management through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. In this episode, they tell Róisín Ingle how they first met at a protest for HRT, why they feel a cookbook like this could help women at all stages in life and what some of their favourite recipes from the book are - including Irish-inspired porridge bread and kale and tahini pancakes. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including new findings around the benefits of taking HRT and the results from the latest presidential opinion poll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, five Irish citizens including author Naoise Dolan were detained by Israel when their flotilla of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip was intercepted. In today’s episode, Dolan’s mother Miriam McNally speaks to Róisín Ingle about the latest updates on her daughter’s detention and when she might be released. Also in this episode, we hear from filmmaker and visual artist Myrid Carten, who discusses her new documentary film, A Want In Her. It’s a raw and honest portrait of her mother Nuala’s lifelong battle with addiction. And finally, ahead of the third episode of The Walsh Sisters airing this weekend on RTE 1, we’re joined by friend of the podcast Marian Keyes and actor and writer Stefanie Preissner. The pair talk about creating and casting the show, dealing with bad reviews and how they first initially bonded over their shared hatred of ‘the grand stretch’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July 2019, Bláthnaid Raleigh’s life changed forever when she was raped at a house party by a man named Jonathan Moran, whom she was familiar with from her hometown of Mullingar. It was a vicious and violent attack, which resulted in a headline sentence of nine years for Moran, although he is likely to serve just six.In her new memoir Aftermath, Raleigh describes how her life was effectively put on hold for five years while she awaited the trial. During which time, Moran continued his working life, socialised with friends, and played rugby with the local club in Mullingar.In today’s episode, Raleigh tells Róisin Ingle about the long-lasting emotional and physical impacts of the attack, the trauma of the subsequent legal process and why she waived her anonymity to name her rapist. She also talks about the healing process and how she hopes her story will help others. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O’Connell joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the women standing up to racism in their local communities and a new report highlighting research gaps in the understanding of women's health conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve got a jam packed episode for you this week, kicking off with a fascinating interview with Indian theatre artist, Mallika Taneja, who is bringing her show ‘Be Careful’ to the Dublin Theatre Festival next month. Running from the 7th to the 10th October, the show is a satirical piece that challenges our notion of safety in public spaces and addresses attitudes towards women and girls in India and elsewhere. See DublinTheatreFestival.ie for tickets. Later on, Róisín Ingle is joined by Laura Dowling, aka The Fabulous Pharmacist to discuss her new book Love Your Vulva. It’s an open and empowering guide to women’s intimate health, which covers everything from vaginal dryness to grooming your bush. Dowling explains the inspiration behind the book and why we should all be getting to know our vulvas better. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O'Connell is here to discuss the biggest news stories of the week including Trump’s controversial advice to pregnant women, why everyone's talking about Maria’s Steen’s Hermés handbag and Tuesday’s nail-biting finale of Traitors on RTE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to academic Dr Marie Keenan restorative justice is “a way of giving justice to victims that centres the victim of crime in the process, as distinct from the criminal justice system, which centres the perpetrator”. Keenan joined two women Janet O’Brien who’s son was killed in a one punch attack and Sophia Murphy who was sexually abused by her father to discuss the power of restorative justice. The women explore how coming face to face with perpetrators in a safe, controlled manner can be transformative for victims of crime.  In this powerful and insightful conversation, the women also speak about  the difficulty as victims of navigating the criminal justice system. But first, Irish Times Opinion Editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to chat about Holly Cairn’s difficult first day back after maternity leave, the benefits of moderate drinking and The Walsh Sisters, the highly anticipated TV adaptation of Marian Keyes’ beloved novels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1980s Dublin wasn’t all emigration and recession. There was great music, mad nights out and a capital city bursting with homegrown talent. Irish rock icons Leslie Dowdall of In Tua Nua and Flo McSweeney of Toy With Rhythm and Moving Hearts were at the epicentre of it and now they have teamed up to present Natural Women, a collaboration which will see them covering songs by 1970s songwriting legends Carole King and Linda Ronstadt in Vicar Street. They came in to talk to host Roisin Ingle about their 1980s heyday, the scene in the Pink Elephant nightclub and why they wanted to make music together after all these years. They even give us a bit of a song. But first, Irish Times Opinion Editor Jennifer O’Connell is here to talk about some of the biggest stories of the week including the at home cervical screening that has arrived in the UK and the presidential chances of conservative Catholic Maria Steen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.