Irish with Mollie

Episode 11: Ruairi Glasheen is an award-winning percussionist, composer, filmmaker and educator based in London. Drawn by the limitless creativity and possibilities of being a percussionist, and indeed a love of drums and percussion from all around the world, Ruairi spreads his passion through diverse global projects including workshops, orchestras, filmmaking and collaborations, for which he has won many prestigious awards and accolades. Ruairi has led a truly illustrious career in music, released documentaries such as Hidden Drummers of Iran, and has developed courses online. We talk about students' confidence shifting, the positive power of music, the story of the Bodhrán, enjoying the process, preserving our culture, and reifying Irishness. Enjoy! Thank you for listening :) Agus go raibh míle maith agat, a Ruairi! It was such a pleasure and a privilege to be in conversation with you! Find Ruairi on instagram @ruairi_glasheen and www.ruairiglasheen.net

Wicklow native, Jane Casey, is a content creator and journalist that has a passion for highlighting the forgotten stories of Ireland’s past. Jane aims to ignite curiosity about our world and inspire an appreciation for the hidden beauty and rich histories we often overlook. We talk about reframing success, the curiosity which unveils a story in every place, pursuing passion, and reconnecting with our incredible land. Find Jane at @janecasey.ie

In this episode, Áine Tyrrell and I explore the path which presents itself to us, willing us forward despite fear, the poetry of the Irish language and how it affects our psyche, and the reconciliation we make with Irish history, oppression, and change. "Áine Tyrrell is a force," says The Irish Times. A force of tenderness, ferocity, curiosity and intellect, all at the same time. It was a profound conversation with one of my favourite musicians. Áine's unique perspective allows us reflect on the treasures of home, and the freedom which distance grants us. We talk about unleashing talents, and taking it step by step to a truer, freer way of being. Áine has new music out soon. Check out her page for more! Go raibh míle míle maith agat, a chara! Thanks a million, friend! Agus míle buíochas do gach duine ag éisteacht linn - And a thousand gratitude to everyone listening to us! @ainetyrrellmusic www.ainetyrrell.com

Episode 8: Aoife Dunne - Comedian, Storyteller, Teacher, Poet Aoife’s acerbic and cathartic mix of humour, activism and poetry has garnered a global audience who enjoy and learn from her hilarious observations and deservedly furious rants. We talk about growing up in Catholic, Postcolonial Ireland, and being women - not exactly conducive to creating confidence, but nevertheless Aoife chanelling that Queen Maeve energy, and taking every tumble and triumph to write her own story. We talk about the Irish wit and spirit, and the women who have inspired her. Bain taitneamh as! Enjoy! Go raibh maith agat as éisteacht! Thank you for listening :) You can find Aoife on instagram @english_and_aoife

Episode 7: Stephen Rule, known online as Doctor Cymraeg, is a Welsh teacher, writer and activist. his infectious love for Welsh and his dynamic approach to teaching is a dragon’s breath of fresh air. The fire he’s lighting in hearts and minds, and the inclusivity and accessibility he creates in order to drive his beloved Celtic language forward deeply resonates with my own mission and journey. Is inspioráid thú, a chara - You are an inspiration, dear friend! In this delightful episode, we talk about the power of language and personal identity, discovering linguistic connections between Irish and Welsh, overcoming imposter syndrome, the diversity of accents and dialects, the truth about fluency, preserving languages, the emotional connection, raising bilingual children, and creating resources for language learners. Diolch - Thank you - Go raibh maith agat! Here’s to supporting each other in our work and keeping our Celtic languages alive and thriving :) You can find Stephen's books and materials on his website: www.doctorcymraeg.wales Here is his Instagram with funny, meaningful, educational content: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_cymraeg?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D

This whole conversation is quote-able! I loved talking to you, Tura :) Go raibh míle maith agat :) Born in Zimbabwe, Tura moved to Ireland 31 years ago. His dance practice combines urban, traditional African, Irish music and dance. With dedicated study, Tura has in recent years become an accomplished Sean Nós (traditional Irish) dancer and Irish language and culture aficionado. The combination of these three traditions – African, urban street, and Irish, is a powerful and empowering reflection and celebration on diversity. Primarily a dancer, choreographer and musician, Tura has expanded into production, music composition, journalism and screen-writing. As an activist and voice for the preservation of cultures, he is renowned for teaching urban dance, unlocking creativity and enabling diversity amongst young people. His dance, music, and movement company Artfrique has produced hundreds of performances, workshops and designed educational programs for nearly 30 years. Find Tura on instagram @turaarutura

In this episode I talk to my student, Justina Victoria, the psychosexual expert for men, who is healing Ireland's sexual landscape one Irish man at a time. Her work focuses on connecting men to the depth of their purpose, power, truth and heart, and deepening pleasure and intimacy in the experience of love and sex. She understands that a compassionate mindset is key to change, and being that stable force in clients' lives results in transformative energy. Bain taitneamh as! Enjoy it! You're in for a ride! Find Justina at www.justinavictoria.com Instagram: the.justina.victoria

It was a pleasure and a privilege to talk to Conchobhar Ruadh (B.S.c Psychology), who is a hypnotherapist, meditation teacher, and advocate of the Irish language. His work explores decolonisation and our relationship to an Ghaeilge. Conor is also a Gaeilgeoir raising his child through Irish and currently in his first year of a shamanic apprenticeship. We speak about the healing nature of relearning our native tongue, and the antidote that is to intergenerational trauma, including addiction, shame, and pain. Conchobhar ardently extols the benefits of raising children through Irish. We emphasise renouncing perfectionism and throwing off the shackles of judgement and underconfidence in order to reach your potential. Bainigí taitneamh as! Enjoy it! Míle buíochas, a Chonchobhair So much gratitude, Conchobhar Find Conchobhar @sli_na_ruadh on Instagram

What an energising and inspirational presence Davy is! He brings us through his journey from accountant to author, videographer and content creator, and his deep understanding of the events which led us to Modern Ireland. Davy elevates history in a dynamic way, delivered with style, curiosity and the joy of sharing knowledge. We learn about Davy's favourite historical sites in Ireland, his writing and workshops, and his exciting upcoming projects. He is proof that you can change your life, and with focus and fearlessness, find freedom. I know you're going to love this episode! Go raibh míle, a Davy! Thanks a million, Davy! Find Davy @davy_holden on Instagram

Múinteoir Chukwurah, teacher Peace, is a final year primary student teacher, sharing her journey in ‘Becoming the Teacher You and I Have Never Had’. She is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, inclusivity and representation. A trailblazer encouraging others to take up space.  Our conversation touched on what it means to be Irish, the power of believing in yourself, and why Irish grammar needs dissection and dymystification! Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara Thanks a million, friend Peace's instagram @muinteoirchukwurah https://www.circl.org/future-leaders @black_andirish

Grateful for Richard's insights into the joys and challenges of language learning. In this episode, we explore how beautifully fulfilling language learning is and how anyone can do it. As an advocate for indigenous and vulnerable languages, Richard describes their connection with our identity and the importance of preserving them. Richard runs the Polyglot Conference. Check it out here: www.polyglotconference.com Richard's website: www.speakingfluently.com Instagram @speakingfluently