Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Topics covered: P​alestine, Gaza, international law, human rights, genocide, justice, love, humanity, people power, community, solidarity, Zionism, colonialism, racism, feminism, patriarchy, feminine power, motherhood, capitalism, Israeli society, Irish government inaction, political leadership, mainstream media, social media, journalism, Airbnb, corporate accountability, hope, collective responsibility.My guest this week is​ Francesca Albanese, an Italian international human rights lawyer who has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, since May 2022.Her role involves independently investigating, monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Importantly, this is an unpaid, independent UN mandate.Francesca is also a wife and mother of two, and someone who has paid a considerable personal price for speaking out, including being sanctioned by the United States.I ​first met Francesca last March at an event in Galway, and I was deeply struck by her courage, conviction and unwavering commitment to justice. Having the opportunity to sit down with her for this conversation was incredibly meaningful.Naturally, we speak about Palestine, but this conversation is about so much more.We explore the power of ordinary people to create change, the importance of community and solidarity, and the frustration felt by so many Irish people at the gap between public support for Palestine and meaningful political action.Francesca speaks candidly about the role of Western governments, international law, corporate interests and the mainstream media. We discuss the influence of social media​ and the responsibility of those with power and influence.​She also ​speaks about patriarchy, feminism and the kind of leadership our world desperately needs.​Ultimately, this conversation is about love, justice and the world we want to live in.Further reading and resources​ :Francesca Albanese's UN reports and publications:https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-palestineAnatomy of a Genocide (2024)From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide (2025)Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime (2025)Previous Ready to Be Real conversations exploring similar themes:Dr Gabor Maté, Dr Myriam François, Hala Sourani, Caoimhe Butterly, Róisín El Cherif, Misan Harriman, Farah Nabulsi, Fintan Drury, Denise Gough, Ruth Smith, Daniel Maté and Sarah Durham Wilson.Follow Francesca Albanese on Instagram:​​@francesca.albanese.unsr.opt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Nature, belonging, grief, childhood loss, the Whiddy Island disaster, family, fatherhood, night fishing, love, mortality, the healing power of nature, wildlife encounters, biodiversity, climate change, our relationship with the natural world, identity, ag foghlaim Gaeilge, slowing do​wn, Manchán Magan.My guest this week is Eoin Warner, an award-winning wildlife documentary presenter, naturalist and now author, whose work has introduced audiences to the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of Ireland.Originally from West Cork, Eoin now lives in Galway with his wife Ríona and their two sons, Tristan and Ferdia.His beautiful debut book, Through the Long Grass: Love, Loss and Belonging in Nature, is so much more than a book about wildlife. It's a deeply personal exploration of life, love, grief and our connection to the natural world.When Eoin was just two years old, his father David was killed in the Whiddy Island disaster in Bantry Bay in January 1979, when an oil tanker exploded, claiming 50 lives.His mother Mary was left to raise three young boys, and Eoin speaks so movingly about her in this conversation. One particularly touching memory involves his teenage love of night fishing.We talk about how nature has helped him make sense of some of life's most difficult experiences.We also explore Eoin's relationship with the Irish language.​ Níor tógadh le Gaeilge é, ach tá Gaeilge álainn aige anois. ​H​e has presented numerous documentaries trí Ghaeilge, ​even though he didn't grow up speaking it. It wasn't until his twenties, when he experienced Irish as a living language in West Kerry, that everything chan​ged.We also discuss his friendship with the late Manchán Magan, some extraordinary wildlife encounters, and why Eoin believes we need to rethink our relationship with the natural world, moving away from dominance towards kinship and respect.Eoin's book:Through the Long Grass: Love, Loss and Belonging in Nature (Gill Books)Wildlife documentaries:​TG4: Éire Fhiáin - An Cósta Thiar, Iontais na bhFarraigí Ceilteacha, Oileán Glas, Fásach BánRTÉ: Wild Conamara, Ireland's Wild Islands, A Wild Irish YearExplore Eoin's documentaries and viewing links:https://www.eoinwarner.com/videos​TG4 Player: https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/RTÉ Player: https://www.rte.ie/player/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Oíche Shamhna Real Take, I'm revisiting a conversation I had this time last year with musician, broadcaster and academic Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.We spoke the day after I'd seen her perform her show The Cailleach at An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, in Galway.In this snippet, Doireann speaks about the significance of An Chailleach, an ancient female figure deeply rooted in Irish mythology and folklore. She shares stories of how An Chailleach shaped the landscape of Ireland and she sings the beautiful traditional song Éiníní.We talk about this liminal time of year, and Doireann reflects on growing up with a deep respect for an slua sí, the fairy folk, and the beliefs and traditions passed down through generations. There was a deep understanding and respect for an saol eile, the otherworld. It wasn't necessarily about seeing something, but simply knowing and trusting that it existed.And some lovely news from her! She's releasing her debut solo album, An Tairseach, and the song Éiníní, which you'll hear her sing in this episode, is also the opening track on the album.The album is available to pre-order, so do check out her music and support her work.Find Doireann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doireannnighlacain/If you'd like to hear our full conversation, originally released on Oíche Shamhna 2025, you can find it here on Ready to Be Real.And for more on the origins and traditions of Samhain, you might also enjoy my chat with folklorist Dr Billy Mag Fhloinn.Bainigí sult as Oíche Shamhna! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Conscious parenting, raising daughters and sons, childhood conditioning, patriarchy, people-pleasing, strong-willed girls, self-worth, body image, modelling, boundaries, boys' emotional regulation, movement, masculinity, sexuality, pornography, online safety, social media, algorithms, the wellness industry, the psychology of more, connection and presence.My guest this week is (pinch me!) Dr. Shefali, a clinical psychologist, internationally recognised parenting expert and bestselling author whose work I've admired for many years. I was absolutely delighted to meet her in Ireland when she was here last week.Originally from Mumbai, India, she moved to the US at 21 and is now based in New York. She is mother to 23-year-old Maia and author of nine books, including The Conscious Parent (2010).Her latest books, Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons, explore childhood in a world shaped by technology and social media.And as a mother of a son and daughter, this conversation resonated deeply with me.We begin talking about conscious parenting: understanding our own conditioning and triggers rather than trying to control who our children become.With daughters, we explore the pressure to be "good girls", to please others and to silence their authentic voices. Dr. Shefali talks about raising our "dragons" - strong-willed girls who know their own minds - and why nurturing that independence is so valuable. We discuss self-worth, boundaries, body image and positive modelling.Then we turn to ​raising sons. Dr. Shefali discusses boys' need for movement and physical outlets, what happens when their feelings and energy are shamed, and how we help them develop into emotionally healthy men. We talk about sexuality, consent and pornography, and why parents must begin age-appropriate conversations before the internet does it for them.We also discuss the "psychology of more", the business of wellness and the pressure to keep improving ourselves.Above all, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to change, show up and reconnect with our kids.DR. SHEFALI - BOOKS AND COURSESWebsite and books: https://www.drshefali.comCourses: https://courses.drshefali.comInstagram: @doctorshefaliThe Talk 3.0 - masterclasses on consent, pornography and digital culture (29-30 October; replays included): https://courses.drshefali.com/thetalkConscious Parenting & Life Coach certification: https://coaching.drshefali.comC​onscious Coaching Institute discount code: $500OFFSPECIAL THANKSTo Jacqueline Kyne and the Kyne Foundation for helping to bring Dr. Shefali to Ireland and making this conversation possible.https://www.kynefoundation.orgOther episodes worth listening to on Ready to be Real :Richard Hogan - Adolescence: Preteen and TeenagerMick Moran - Protecting Our Children OnlineUSEFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTSCyberSafeKids - Irish online safety education and advice: https://www.cybersafekids.ieSmartphone Free Childhood Ireland - helping families delay smartphones and social media: https://smartphonefree.ieIf this resonates, please share it with another parent.And thanks, as always, for supporting Ready to Be Real.Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do we push ourselves to the point of exhaustion, trying to do everything and keep everyone happy?For this week's Real Take, I'm dipping into the Ready to Be Real archive to revisit a conversation I had with the brilliant midlife coach Alana Kirk back in April 2024.In this short extract, Alana shares a powerful example of how setting boundaries and making small changes can make a huge difference, not just to our own wellbeing, but to family life too.She also shares some wonderfully practical advice about knowing when to choose our sanity over our standards!This conversation really resonated with listeners when it first came out, and revisiting it reminded me just how much wisdom Alana has to offer.We've actually recorded three conversations together, and I'd highly recommend all three.Listen to the full conversations:Alana Kirk: Midlife Coach - April 2024Our first conversation, where Alana shares her personal story, the challenges and changes she's experienced, and some wonderful insights into navigating midlife.Alana Kirk: The Practical, Invisible and Emotional Load - February 2025A really important discussion about the invisible responsibilities women carry, overwhelm, expectations and how we can begin to change things.Alana Kirk: Friendships and Fun, Why They're Important! - March 2025A gorgeous reminder of the importance of friendship, connection, making time for ourselves and having fun!A little note: Our first conversation was originally recorded in April 2024. During our chat, Alana speaks about caring for her father, who sadly passed away since we recorded. I just wanted to acknowledge that as we revisit this conversation.Connect with Alana:Website: https://www.alanakirk.comInstagram: @alanakirkcoach If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.Thanks, as always, for listening and for your support.Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Family, childhood, emigration, love, fatherhood, masculinity, patriarchy, Palestine, empathy, apathy, humanity, community, collective action, LSD, anxiety, panic attacks, creativity and music.This week I'm joined by singer-songwriter, author and actor Declan O'Rourke.Originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, Declan grew up with his parents and three siblings. He spent part of his childhood in Australia, where the family lived for four years before returning to Ireland. By the time he turned 30, he had moved an incredible 27 times. Now 50, he's called Kinvara, County Galway, home for almost 20 years, with a special connection to the area ​on his mother's side.Family is central to his life​ and is a proud Dad to two sons: Jonah is 20 and Londubh is 8. In this conversation he recalls his three-day wedding celebration on Inishbofin with his wife Eime​ar.We explore what masculinity means to him, the expectations placed on men and the importance of challenging harmful patriarchal attitudes. Having experienced life as an immigrant, he reflects on the importance of empathy and our shared humanity. We discuss his longstanding support for Palestine, his frustration with apathy and his belief in the power of communities coming together.​He also opens up about a frightening LSD (acid) experience at 19 and the years of fear, anxiety and panic attacks that followed. He explains why he kept his struggles to himself and how he eventually came to understand what was happening.We talk about his eighth studio album, Oceanic, out now and recorded in Sydney, Australia. We also touch on his music and novels exploring the Great Irish Famine, and his acting role in Almost With You.A self-confessed introvert, Declan loves the ​simple life: family, ​a bit of DIY, his dog, cat and chickens​ and he also dream​s of spending more time in Italy.MORE FROM DECLANMusic, Oceanic and tour dates: https://declanorourke.comHis work on the Great Irish Famine:- Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine (2017) - album- The Pawnbroker's Reward (2021) - novel- A Whisper from Oblivion (2023) - novelFilm: Almost With You (2026) - https://almostwithyou.comBook mentioned: Essential Help for Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes, which Declan found helpful in understanding anxiety and panic attacks.CONTENT NOTE & SUPPORTThis conversation discusses LSD (acid), a distressing drug experience, anxiety and panic attacks. Declan's experience of coping alone is personal to him and is not advice to manage mental health difficulties without help. If anything resonates or feels distressing, please speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. Support is available:- HSE Your Mental Health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ | 1800 111 888 (24/7 information line)- Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/ | 116 123 (24/7)- Text About It: text HELLO to 50808 (24/7)- HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)You don't have to go through difficult times alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Adolescence, preteens, parenting, boundaries, connection, communication, friendships, resilience, smartphones, internet access, childhood development and growing independence.For this week's Real Take, I'm dipping into the Ready to Be Real archive and sharing an extract from a conversation I had with psychotherapist Richard Hogan in April 2025.Richard specialises in working with families and is the author of two brilliant books, Parenting the Screenager and Home Is Where the Start Is. He's also a father of three daughters, so he brings both his professional knowledge and personal experience to the conversation.As a Mom of a nine-year-old boy and an almost five-year-old girl, this is a subject that's very close to my heart. So far, we've managed to avoid introducing personal smart devices (to our kids!) in our home, but I'm very conscious that there are challenges ahead as our children get older.In this extract, Richard talks about adolescence, the changes children experience as they grow, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with them through those years.He explains why boundaries are so important, shares some lovely personal stories about parenting his own daughters, and talks about helping children navigate friendships and the inevitable challenges of growing up.One of the things that really stayed with me was his advice around encouraging children to have wide friendship circles and plenty of interests and activities outside the online world. It's such an important reminder of the value of real-world connection and giving our children a strong foundation as they grow.Following on from my recent conversation with Mick Moran of Hotline.ie about protecting our children online, I thought this was a particularly relevant conversation to revisit.Listen to the full conversationRichard Hogan: Adolescence – Preteen and Teenager (April 2025)In the full conversation, we explore adolescence and the preteen years in much greater detail, including communication, parenting boundaries, friendships, healthy habits, masculinity, online influences, pornography and the importance of creating a safe and supportive home environment.Also highly recommendedMick Moran: Protecting Our Children Online (October 2026)More conversations from the Ready to Be Real archiveRichard Hogan: Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers (January 2024)Debbie Cullinane: Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist (March 2024)Useful resources for parentsCyberSafeKidsAn Irish charity offering research, education and practical advice to help children and parents navigate the online world more safely.https://www.cybersafekids.ieSmartphone Free Childhood IrelandA parent-led movement supporting families and school communities who want to delay access to smartphones and social media.https://smartphonefree.ieWebwiseIreland's online safety awareness centre, offering information and advice for parents, teachers and young people.https://www.webwise.ieIf you found this conversation useful, please consider sharing it with another parent or someone who might benefit from hearing it.And if you're enjoying Ready to Be Real, following the podcast and leaving a rating or review really helps.Thanks so much, as always, for listening and for your support.Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Online safety, childhood, parenting, smartphones, social media, gaming, Roblox, algorithms, manipulation, digital autonomy, grooming, sextortion, exploitation, CSAM, pornography, harmful content, suicide, sharenting, digital literacy, boundaries, notifications, personal responsibility, screen time, peer pressure, parental responsibility, online reporting.CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse material, sexual exploitation, grooming, sextortion, pornography, suicide and other disturbing subjects. It is intended for adult listeners and is not suitable for children.My guest in this episode is Mick Moran, CEO of Hotline.ie, Ireland's national reporting centre for suspected illegal online content, particularly child sexual abuse material (CSAM).He spent 34 years in An Garda Síochána before joining Hotline.ie.Recorded during the summer of 2026, this is a frank and, at times, deeply unsettling conversation about the online world we're living in and what it means for our children.A significant part of our conversation focuses on parenting. When should children get their first smartphone? Are we putting them at a disadvantage by delaying access to them?This isn't about judging parents or pretending there are easy answers. As a mother of two young kids, I'm very aware that many of these decisions are ahead of me too.And if this episode resonated with you, I suggest you listen to my conversations with psychotherapist Richard Hogan, in particular the one on Adolescence. Resources and supportHotline.ie - Irish Internet HotlineIreland's national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously and confidentially report suspected illegal online content, especially child sexual abuse material.https://hotline.ieCyberSafeKidsAn Irish charity providing research, education and practical online safety resources for children, parents and schools.https://www.cybersafekids.ieSmartphone Free Childhood IrelandA parent-led movement supporting families and school communities who want to delay children's access to smartphones and social media.https://smartphonefree.ieWebwiseIreland's online safety awareness centre, offering information and educational resources on social media, gaming, cyberbullying, privacy and digital wellbeing.https://www.webwise.ieISPCC / ChildlineConfidential support for children and young people, including those affected by harmful online experiences.https://www.ispcc.iehttps://www.childline.ieChildline: 1800 66 66 66 (24-hour support).National Parents CouncilAdvice, education and support for parents, including guidance on children's online safety and wellbeing.https://www.npc.ieIrish Safer Internet CentreHotline.ie is a member of the Irish Safer Internet Centre alongside Webwise, ISPCC Childline and the National Parents Council.https://hotline.ie/safer-internet-centre/The 4 Cs of online riskMick refers to the CO:RE 4 Cs framework, which identifies four broad categories of online risk to children:Content - Exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate online material.Contact - Harmful interactions with others online, including grooming and unwanted contact.Conduct - Harmful online behaviour involving children, including cyberbullying, harassment and harmful peer interactions.Contract - Commercial and transactional risks, including scams, fraud, data exploitation and manipulative marketing.Books mentioned :The Anxious Generation - Jonathan HaidtExplores the impact of smartphones, social media and changes in childhood on young people's mental health and development.The Amazing Generation - Jonathan Haidt and Catherine PriceA companion book aimed at children aged approximately 9-12, encouraging healthier relationships with technology and more freedom, connection and adventure in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, Majella O'Donnell shares her personal experience of the ten weeks she spent as an inpatient in St John of God Hospital in 2024, when she became seriously unwell with depression.She speaks about the fear and vulnerability she experienced, and she also discusses medication, treatment and the practical tools she learned during her time in hospital, including recognising anxiety, understanding her body's fight-or-flight response and finding ways to support herself.This is just one part of a much wider conversation. In the full episode....Majella O'Donnell: Completely Herself, we also explore her childhood, her first marriage, motherhood, meeting Daniel and their life together, and how she continues to manage her mental health today.Support and resourcesIf you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out. You don't have to face it alone. Your GP is a good place to start, and the following organisations offer support in Ireland.AwareSupport and information for people experiencing depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, and for their loved ones.Freephone: 1800 80 48 48Available daily, 10am–10pmwww.aware.ieSamaritansConfidential, non-judgemental emotional support, available 24 hours a day.Freephone: 116 123www.samaritans.ieText About ItFree, confidential text support, available 24/7.Text HELLO to 50808www.textaboutit.iePietaSupport for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and those affected by suicide.24-hour crisis helpline: 1800 247 247Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)www.pieta.ieHSE Mental Health ServicesInformation about mental health difficulties, treatment options and accessing support.www2.hse.ie/mental-health/If you need urgent help :Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.A note about medication and treatment :Majella shares her own experience of psychiatric care, including changes to medication during her hospital stay. This conversation reflects her personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak to your GP or treating clinician before making any changes to prescribed medication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Childhood, family, fear and safety, motherhood, relationships, depression, psychiatric care, medication, ADHD, breast cancer, ​mental health​, identity​, vulnerability, recovery, love, marriage and life with Daniel.My guest in this episode is mental health advocate and TV personality Majella O’Donnell, in what is her very first podcast conversation.Majella is a mother of two and grandmother of four, and she has been married to singer Daniel O’Donnell for almost 24 years.In this conversation, Majella speaks with extraordinary honesty about her life and, in particular, her experience of living with depression.She reflects on her childhood and ​in particular her relationship with her father, describing an upbringing in which she lived with fear and, as she now understands it, in an almost constant state of fight or flight.We talk about motherhood and the times she struggled, relationships, her cancer diagnosis, and the love, humour and independence at the heart of her marriage to Daniel.At the centre of our conversation is the severe depression Majella experienced and the ten weeks she spent as an inpatient in St John of God Hospital​ in 2024.She describes what it felt like when depression took away her ability to function and make even the simplest decisions and what led her to seek professional help.Majella also speaks openly about medication and the process, under medical care, of changing treatment and eventually finding a combination that worked for her.One of the striking things about her experience is that depression didn't only appear when life was difficult. She talks about becoming unwell at a time when she was happy, loved and grateful for the life she had​...a powerful reminder that mental illness doesn't always have an obvious explanation.Today, Majella is in a much better place. She has a greater understanding of herself and what she needs to protect her mental health, and she is using her own experience to encourage more honest conversations about depression.This is a deeply personal conversation about childhood, fear, love, illness, identity, getting help and finding your way back to yourself.And above all, it's Majella​...completely herself.A note on this episode​ :Majella discusses her personal experience of antidepressant medication. This is one person's lived experience and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about your own medication or treatment, please speak to your GP, psychiatrist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical guidance.Support and resources​ :If anything discussed in this episode affects you, support is available.Samaritans IrelandFreephone 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Email: [email protected], non-judgemental emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope.Text About ItFree-text HELLO to 50808, 24 hours a day.A free, anonymous text service for anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis.PietaFreephone 1800 247 247, 24 hours a day.Text HELP to 51444. Standard message rates may apply.Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and for those bereaved by suicide.AwareFreephone 1800 80 48 48, seven days a week, 10am-10pm.Information and support for people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood-related difficulties, as well as family and friends.HSE ​- Your Mental HealthFor information on mental health services and supports in Ireland, contact the Your Mental Health information line on 1800 111 888 or speak to your GP.If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical assistance, call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.Please reach out. You don't have to struggle alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.