Love and Courage
Ruairí McKiernan
The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Ruairí McKiernan is a multi award winning Irish social innovator, campaigner, writer and public speaker. He is the founder of the pioneering SpunOut youth organization, and helped set-up the Uplift and the A Lust For Life non-profits. In 2012 the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins appointed Ruairí to the Council of State, a constitutional advisory body whose members include all former leaders of...
Adi Roche - Founder of Chernobyl Children International
Adi Roche is the Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International (CCI). Adi is a globally recognized humanitarian and activist who has dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to advocating for peace, social justice, and environmental causes. A native of Clonmel, County Tipperary, Adi’s commitment to helping others was ignited at a young age, inspired by her family's dedication to social justice.She began her journey as a passionate advocate for nuclear disarmament in the 1970s, leav
Lee Keylock - On Gun Violence, Division, Empathy and Kindness
Lee Keylock is the Director of Global Programs with Narrative 4. Originally from England, Lee has lived in the US for over 30 years. He is a former night club manager turned high school teacher who has a lot to say about social division and why we need to talk about empathy and human connection. A major turning point in Lee’s life was his experience working as a teacher in Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut at the time of the 2012 mass school shooting in which 26 people were shot and killed, 20
Mary Lawlor - Human Rights Leader
Dubliner Mary Lawlor is a veteran human rights champion with a fascinating backstory, including a stint in her youth selling encyclopaedias in Canada. After a meeting with Amnesty International co-founder Sean MacBride, Mary got involved in the early days of Amnesty International Ireland, becoming one of their first volunteers while she was running a Montessori school. She served as a board member for several years, including as Chairperson, before serving as the Director of the organization for
John Evoy - On Men's Sheds, Bereavement, Addiction, Counselling, Remote Work & More
My guest in this podcast is John Evoy. John is someone I've connected with at different times in the past due through my work in the community. I’ve always found him to be a deep thinker with a big heart. John lives in County Wexford, Ireland, and works as the General Manager of Grow Remote Ireland. He previously worked with social innovation funding body Rethink Ireland, and before that, he was the founder of the Irish Men’s Sheds movement. In this conversation, we talk about his work as w
Áine Tyrrell - Australia-based Irish Singer, Songwriter and Musician
Áine Tyrell is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician who grew up in counties Galway and Clare. She’s been living in Australia for over a decade now where she has toured extensively and developed a reputation as a fiercely grassroots and independent artist who is a powerhouse live performer and I highly recommend going to see if you get a chance. Áine’s music connects with so many aspects of our humanity, heartache, loss and suffering, and also resilience, hope, recovery, survival, and overcom
Ann Marie Flanagan - Disability Rights Champion
Ann Marie Flanagan is a disabled human rights activist from County Clare in the west of Ireland. Growing up in a tight-knit, supportive community, she says attitudes towards her physical impairment were generally inclusive. However, that changed when Ann Marie hit the age of 12 and entered secondary school. She says the environment was hostile and exclusionary. Despite the challenges, she went on to flourish, completing an IT degree and getting involved in student activism. She has also complete
John Seed - Legendary 78 year old Australian environmental activist
John Seed is a 78-year-old world-renowned Australian environmental educator, author, activist, artist and filmmaker. A recipient of the Australian government’s Order of Australia medal, John is the founder and director of the Rainforest Information Centre and, since 1979, has been involved in 100s of campaigns and education initiatives that have protected remaining rainforests and helped humanity rethink our relationship with nature. John and his family first came to Australia as Jewish refugees
Rev Tim Costello - Renowned Australian Humanitarian
Tim Costello is one of Australia's most well-known and respected community leaders. In recent times he was voted one of Australia’s 100 national living treasures. A recipient of Victorian of the Year and Victoria's Australian of the Year accolades, as well as an Officer of the Order of Australia, he is an influential leader on a range of social issues, including the huge harm caused by the scourge of gambling in Australia.Tim is a previous longtime CEO of World Vision Australia and has
Don O'Leary - Director of Cork Life Centre
This episode features a conversation with Cork man Don O'Leary. Don is the Director of the Cork Life Centre, which is a voluntary organization established over 20 years ago to offer an alternative learning environment to young people aged 12-18 who have not thrived or coped in a mainstream educational setting. I have visited the centre as a guest speaker in the past and witnessed first-hand the loving and creative environment in which young people can flourish. The centre has struggled to r
Wallis Bird - Musician and Songwriter
Wallis Bird is one of my favourite artists and perhaps my favourite all-time performer. Originally from Wexford Ireland, Wallis has been based in Berlin Germany for over a decade. She has 7 albums to her name including her latest called Hands, which is in many ways is a celebration of uniqueness and difference. The origin story goes back to when Wallis was 18 months old 5 of her fingers were severed in a lawnmower accident. 4 were sown back on meaning she ended up losing one and from then on was
Wallis Bird - Musician and Songwriter
Wallis Bird is one of my favourite artists and perhaps my favourite all-time performer. Originally from Wexford Ireland, Wallis has been based in Berlin Germany for over a decade. She has 7 albums to her name including her latest called Hands, which is in many ways is a celebration of uniqueness and difference. The origin story goes back to when Wallis was 18 months old 5 of her hands were lost in a lawnmower accident. 4 were sown back on meaning she ended up losing one and from then on was forc
Michael Barron - Human Rights Activist, Founding Director of BelongTo (LGBTI+ org)
My guest in this episode I Michael Barron. Michael is a well-known Irish human rights activist originally from rural Co Kilkenny where he grew up as a young gay man dancing to Madonna while many of the other boys focused on hurling and sports. He shares some fascinating stories and insights from that time in his life and his coming of age in Dublin and New York. Michael is currently working as the Executive Director of the Rowan Trust, which is an important independent foundation that funds impo
Eugene O'Brien - Playwright, Screenwriter, Former Actor
Eugene O'Brien is a playwright, screenwriter, and former actor originally from County Offaly in the Irish midlands. He has written for the stage, screen and radio. His work includes the critically acclaimed TV drama Pure Mule, winner of five IFTA Awards, and which, according to the Irish Times, ‘spectacularly raised the bar for Irish TV drama’. The show was inspired by his play Eden, which debuted at the Abbey Theatre and has since played the West End and Off-Broadway. At the time of recor
Grace Dyas - Artist, Activist, Director, & Performer
My friend Grace Dyas is still relatively young but she’s already something of an Irish legend. Grace is an artist, activist, writer, director, producer, and performer. Originally from south inner-city Dublin, she now lives on the Inis Oirr, one of the beautiful Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. Grace has an incredible portfolio of work and award-winning achievements to her name. She has created films, plays, live performances and large-scale projects with people who had never done art
John Connell (returns) - writer, producer, farmer
I’m delighted to welcome John Connell back to the podcast. This is his second time on the podcast and it was great to catch-up with him. John is a multi award winning bestselling author, journalist, producer and farmer. He writes a weekly column for the Irish Independent newspaper and lives and works in Longford in the Irish midlands. His newest book is called the Stream of Everything and it’s a bestseller, as were his previous 2 books – The Running Book and the Cow Book. John is a deep thinking
Kindred Motes - Social Justice Advocate and Entrepreneur from Alabama
Kindred Motes is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur and an inspirational voice for change from working-class, rural Alabama in the southern United States. After approximately a decade working with some of the world’s leading social justice organizations, Kindred recently established the Washington DC based KM Strategies Group to support organizations working for social impact and positive change. I first encountered Kindred when he was working with Wallace Global Fund and I was struck
Noeline Blackwell - Human Rights Lawyer and CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
Noeline Blackwell is the CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Noeline has worked for several decades as a solicitor and previously as Director General of FLAC, the Free Legal Advice Centres, She’s a powerful voice for change in so many areas of society, not least sexual violence. Website E-newsletter | Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Book Patron Love and Courage Podcast Creative Souls of Clare Podcast | My No.1 bestselling book available direct or from main retailers. Info 'Hitching f
Tara Flynn - Actor and Writer
My guest is this episode is someone I’m been keen to talk to for white a white. Tara Flynn is much loved Irish actor and writer and is well known for her leadership in the campaign to repeal the 8th amendment in Ireland, as well as her various books, articles and creative productions. Tara is the co-host of a popular BBC podcast called Now You’re Asking with Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn, something to add to your podcast radar if you haven’t come across it yet. Subscribe, share, rate, review and d
Johann Hari - Bestselling Author of Stolen Focus, Lost Connections, Chasing the Scream
Johann Hari is well known as the author of international bestsellers Chasing the Scream about the failure of the so-called war on drugs and Lost Connections, which explores depression, anxiety and the importance of social connection in our lives. Lost Connections was described by the British Journal of General Practice as “one of the most important texts of recent years”, and shortlisted for an award by the British Medical Association. Johann’s latest book Stolen Focus ‘why you can’t pay attenti
Keith Walsh - Writer and Broadcaster
Keith Walsh is a popular writer and broadcaster. Keith is also the host of the popular Keith Walsh podcast and at the time of recording he had just completed a tour of his debut play, titled Pure Mental, which you’ll hear about shortly. We also get talking Keith’s 20-year career in radio, his thoughts on success, therapy, relationships, parenting, alcohol, masculinity, and lots lots more. A huge thanks as always to all you wonderful patrons and supporters who chip in to support the podcast over
Sarah Clancy - Poet and Activist
Sarah Clancy is a well-known poet, activist and commentator who works in community development in County Clare where she now lives. Sarah grew up in Galway immersed in the world of ponies and horses which led her to working all over Ireland and later in Australia and New Zealand. Although she dabbled in poetry in her youth, it wasn’t until her 30s that she really found her poetic voice. And when she did, things really took off. It wasn’t long before she was winning awards, performing on major s
Anne Rynne - Singer, Songwriter, Community Stalwart
Anne is a singer, songwriter and community stalwart living in Miltown Malbay not too far away from me here in County Clare on the wild west coast of Ireland. Anne took up the guitar in her 60s and since then has created and released 2 albums. It might be no surprise that music was calling Anne given her family background. She grew up in Co Kildare in the same household as two famous Irish folk musicians, Luka Bloom and Christy Moore. Anne is hugely respected in her community as a real force for
Declan O'Rourke - Singer-songwriter and author
Declan O’Rourke is one of Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters and musicians and is respected and loved by music lovers around the world. He has received praise from the likes of John Prine, Paul Weller and other luminaries. Declan has created 7 excellent albums, including the latest Arrivals, which I have to say is one of my favourite albums of recent years. A truly stunning piece of art for your ears. Do check that out. Declan is also wise and informed voice when it comes to history and social
Colm O'Gorman - Author, Activist, Amnesty Director, Charity founder
Colm O’Gorman is an author, activist, cook, charity founder, and lots more. Colm is one of Ireland’s best known activists. Colm O’Gorman was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1966. He’s from a farming background and spent the first eleven years of his life in the village of Adamstown before moving with his family to Wexford town in 1977. He left Wexford in 1984, living in Dublin for a few years before moving to London in 1986. He has had an impressive list of jobs and careers to date. He previously wo
Razan Ibraheem - Irish-Syrian journalist and activist
Razan Ibraheem is an Irish-Syrian journalist and activist. She first came to Ireland to do her MA at the University of Limerick and ending up unable to return home after the war started in her native Syria. Razan worked for several years with the Storyful news agency and recently joined Kinzen as a senior editorial analyst researching misinformation on social media. Part of her past work has included contributing additional research to The New York Times visual investigations team that won a Pul
Joe Murray - Veteran Human Rights Champion
Joe Murray is the coordinator with Afri – Action from Ireland, which is a small but significant national and independent Irish organisation working for human rights, global justice and environmental action since 1975. Afri’s patron is none other than Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Originally from Ballyglasson, Carrickboy in County Longford, Joe has been with Afri for over 40 years. Not one for the limelight, Joe is highly regarded a humble leader, often quietly working behind the
Colm Mac Con Iomaire - Violinist and Composer
Colm Mac Con Iomaire is an acclaimed Irish violinist and composer. He was a founding member of renowned folk fusion band Kila and, at the age of 19 became a founding member of legendary indie rock band The Frames, which led him to tour the world for up on 30 years. He was also a member of The Swell Season. In recent times Colm has been focused on his solo career and has released three albums to great acclaim. Colm has also performed on albums by numerous other artists including on the White Ladd
Noelle Brown - Actor, Playwright, Campaigner on Mother and Baby Homes
Noelle Brown is a well-known Irish actor, playwright, and activist. Noelle was born in the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork and much of our conversation centres around her campaign work to advance the rights and voices of Mother and Baby home survivors. Mother and Baby Homes were institutions mostly run by the Catholic church where pregnant women who were unmarried were sent to have their babies. These institutions were established in 1922, the same time as the foundation of the state, a
Tony Griffin - Writer, Charity founder, Former Sports Star
Tony Griffin is a writer, speaker, co-founder of the Soar Foundation which does amazing youth empowerment work throughout Ireland, and he’s a former sports star who played hurling for his native County Clare and he is the recipient of a prestigious all-star award. I talk to Tony on the day his new book The Teenagers Book of Life is released into the world and we explore his own childhood, his days playing for Clare, his charity cycle across Canada, his views on what it means to live a good life,
Syrian refugee campaign and life during lockdown - My interview on the United Ireland podcast
This is a crosspost of an interview I did on Una Mullally and Andrea Horan's United Ireland podcast. In it, I talk about a campaign I lead concerning Syrian refugees in Longford and other topics such as life during lockdown.Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website
Michael McCaughan - Writer
Michael McCaughan is a former Irish Times Latin America correspondent and has spent three decades working and writing in places like Mexico, Cuba and Colombia. He’s the author of several books and his most recent book Coming Home explores his journey to reconnect with the Irish language.Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, coun
Fr Peter McVerry - renowned homelessness campaigner
My guest in this epsisode is Fr Peter McVerry, a Belfast born Jesuit priest who grew up in Newry, County Down before moving to Dublin. After his ordination in 1975 he lived and worked in summerhill in North Dublin and came face to face with homelessness, poverty and deprivation. He went on to set up a trust to help struggling young people, including those facing addiction. This work started life in a 3 bedroom apartment in Ballymun and later became the Peter McVerry Trust which grew to include
Bronagh Gallagher - Renowned actress, singer, songwriter
Bronagh Gallagher is one of Ireland’s best-known actors and musicians. Originally from Derry city, she famously starred in the classic Irish movie the Commitments and has had roles in films such as Pulp Fiction, Star Wars and Sherlock Holmes, in numerous TV shows including Holby City and Moone Boy, and in stage in productions such as War Horse. A prolific singer, songwriter and musician, she has several albums to her name and has collaborated with the likes of Brian Eno. Thanks to all Love and C
John Connell - author, journalist, playwright, film producer
John Connell is an award-winning Irish author, playwright, journalist, and film producer. A native of County Longford in the midlands, John is from a rural farming background, something that has greatly influenced his work and thinking, as you'll hear in this conversation. John spent several years living and working in Australia where he was a university lecturer, the founder of a media production company, and an investigative journalist. His last book, the Cow Book (called the Farmers Son
Easkey Britton - surfer, scientist, author & film-maker
Easkey Britton is a scientist, surfer, writer, artist and film-maker with a PhD in Environment and Society. Her work explores the relationship between people and nature, especially the sea. A life-long surfer, her parents taught her to surf when she was four years old and she channels her passion for surfing and the sea into social change. Her work is deeply influenced by the ocean and the lessons learned pioneering women’s big-wave surfing in Ireland and introducing the sport of surfing to wome
Ibrahim Halawa - Finding hope after 4 years in an Egyptian Prison
Ibrahim Halawa is a 25-year-old law student from Tallaght in Dublin, Ireland. Between the ages of 17 and 21 he was wrongfully imprisoned in an Egyptian prison after being arrested during a visit to Cairo in 2013. The trip coincided with pro-democracy protests which had swept the country and led to hundreds of civilians being killed by the forces of the military-led government of General el-Sisi. I was involved in campaigning to free Ibrahim from prison and it was great to finally get the chance
Mary Reynolds - Environmentalist, Author, Activist
Mary Reynolds is an Irish author, former landscape designer and nature activist, known for being the youngest contestant to win a gold medal at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. She became highly sought after in the world of garden design but later gave it up to explore new ways of looking at life and work in relation to ecology. A film inspired by her story was released in 2015 and in 2016 her book The Garden Awakening was published. Her work has attracted praise by Jane Goodall and other m
'Make life beautiful' - an interview with Ruairí
Ruairí McKiernan interview with Dave Fanning on RTÉ 2fm Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and check out his book Hitching for Hope. He also has another podcast called Creative Souls of Clare.
Andrew Boyd - trailblazing author, humorist & campaigner
Andrew Boyd is an American author, humorist and veteran of creative campaigns for social change. He led the decade-long satirical media campaign Billionaires for Bush. He co-founded Agit-Pop Communications, an award-winning “subvertising” agency, as well as the netroots social justice movement The Other 98%. He's the author of four books: Beautiful Trouble, Daily Afflictions, Life’s Little Deconstruction Book and the Activist Cookbook, and the forthcoming I Want a Better Catastrophe: Hope,
Hope and healing in troubled times
A short interviewed with podcast host Ruairí McKiernan recorded on the Today FM Last Word show with Matt Cooper. Discussing community, connection, resilience and hope in the context of the release of Ruairí's book Hitching for Hope - a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland. www.hitchingforhope.com Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity foun
Joe Farrell - from Irish mother & baby home to New York playwright
Joe Farrell on the Love and Courage podcast. Joe Farrell was born in an Irish mother and baby home in Ireland in 1960 where he lived with his mother who had been sent there as an unmarried mother. He lived there for the first 2 years of his life before being adopted by an Irish American family and brought to the United States. This is the remarkable story of his life and his quest for identity, understanding, and peace. Joe is a writer who supports his work by working in the New York city restau
Tom Prendergast - artist, DJ, ex record label owner
Limerick man Tom Prendergast is an artist, a DJ, a former record store owner, former successful record label co-founder, a passionate community volunteer and so much more.Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and check out
A story and a song
A few words of reflection followed by a special song. Find links to the song and video by Susan Quirke, newsletter links, donation info etc. via this link: http://linktr.ee/ruairiSubscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and ch
Dearbhla Glynn - Documentary Filmmaker, Photojournalist, Yoga Teacher
Love and Courage podcast with Ruairí McKiernan. Originally from County Cork, Dearbhla Glynn is a multi-award winning documentary filmmaker, photo-journalist, artist, writer and yoga teacher. Her films explore themes of culture, human rights and conflict and have seen her travel to conflict zones around the world including Palestine, DR Congo, Iraq, and Haiti and she has also made films based around the Burning Man festival in Nevada and the Festival in the Desert in Malai. In recent times she ha
Mari Kennedy - Meditation, Yoga, & Wisdom Teacher
Originally from Sligo in the north-west of Ireland, Mari is an organisational wellbeing and leadership consultant, an integral facilitator, a mindfulness and meditation teacher, a social entrepreneur, a yoga teacher, and I might add she’s quite a stunning singer too. Mari has worked with former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, with leading companies such as Microsoft and Ernst And Young, and more recently she launched the Celtic Wheel – Radical Wisdom for Contemporary Women, a year-long onlin
Luka Bloom - folk singer
Luka Bloom is one of Ireland’s best known and most respected contemporary folk artists. Originally from County Kildare, Luka Bloom has been singing and performing since the age of 14. He released his debut album Treaty Stone in 1978 and soon after moved to the Netherlands, where he remains hugely popular. He also previously lived in Washington DC and in New York, where he was signed by Reprise records, the iconic label that signed Tom Petty, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and so many other greats. Ov
Peggy Seeger - legendary folk singer & activist
At the time of this interview, the 84-year-old folk singer is still songwriting, touring, entertaining, informing, educating and inspiring as part of the great folk tradition that she embodies so well. Born in 1935 to a folklorist and musicologist father and a mother who was an accomplished composer and music scholar, Peggy has lived her life surrounded by music and the great folk tradition. She learned to transcribe music at just 11 years old and the likes of Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly were vi
Hugh O'Brien - Legendary Cootehill historian, author, activist & actor
Live public interview with the legendary Hugh O’Brien, or ‘Hugh Barney’ as he’s often known. It was recorded in the Darly School Hall as part of a full house at the Cootehill Arts Festival in my hometown of Cootehill Co. Cavan. Hugh Barney is a 79-year-old historian, educator, actor and community activist. He taught me history and English at secondary school and left a lasting impression on me, as he did so many others. Topics Hugh discusses in this conversation include his childhood and upbri
Vicky Phelan - cervical cancer campaigner
Originally from County Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland, Vicky is a Limerick based married mother of two who has been at the forefront of exposing the Cervical Check screening scandal in Ireland after being told that she had been given incorrect smear test results. In early 2019 she settled a high profile case with no admission of liability on the part of the laboratory or the health services involved but refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement that sought to silence her. The scandal has
David Jan Jurasek - former child refugee, author, therapist, martial arts instructor
David Jan Jurasek is a former child refugee from the former Czechoslovakia. His family escaped the regime there and eventually ended up in Canada where he grew up struggling to make sense of loss and trauma. He eventually turned to creative expression and martial arts to help him channel his emotions before later training as a child and family therapist. He has since become a husband, a father, and co-author of a series of children’s books, and he has helped developed a therapeutic martial arts
Christy Moore
Rare and revealing interview with legendary Irish folk musician Christy Moore exploring his personal life, his music and his politics. Published on Ruairí McKiernan's Love and Courage podcast. ---------- I grew up listening to Christy Moore, as did many Irish people, and indeed people all over the world. He’s a folk singer and musician in the tradition of Woodie Guthrie and so many other greats who write, collect and interpret songs that capture and communicate the struggles and emotions th
A short interview with Ruairí
Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and check out his book Hitching for Hope. He also has another podcast called Creative Souls of Clare.
Live episode: Caoimhe Butterly, Dr Ursula Barry & Codie Preston
This was a live recording that took place at University College Dublin as part of the UCD Volunteers Overseas annual forum. The theme of the event was The Age of Activism – making space for intergenerational learning and it was sponsored by Concern Worldwide, Comhlamh and UCD international. This wide-ranging conversation featured 3 inspirational voices for change. CAOIMHE BUTTERLY Caoimhe Butterly is, without doubt, one of the most impressive activists I have ever met. She has lived in solidarit
Johann Hari - on depression, happiness & social connection
Ruairí McKiernan interviews Johann Hari, a British writer and journalist whose books have been international bestsellers. Chasing the Scream explored the failure of the global war on drugs and the follow-up book Lost Connections looks at depression and the social links to our mental health and wellbeing. Johan’s TED talk Everything You Think You Know about Addiction is Wrong has been seen by millions of people and he has attracted the support of people like Naomi Klein, Elton John, Glenn Greenwa
Chuck Collins (live) - on inequality, Trump, trees & people power
Chuck is one of America’s leading economic equality campaigners, a Senior Scholar at the Institute of Policy Studies, a co-editor of Inequality.org, an author of several books including his autobiography Born on Third Base, and a longtime advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders. Chuck is also well known for his incredible story of growing up in a life of huge wealth and privilege and how he ended up giving away his fortune. This is something he talks about in this interview as well as discussing topic
Amanda Palmer - musician, author, crowdfunding sensation
Amanda Palmer is a punk rock and cabaret musical legend, a member of the Dresden Dolls, bestselling author of The Art of Asking, and force behind the popular TED talk of the same name. She has made numerous albums, toured the world several times, been a global trailblazer in the world of crowdfunding, and helped shine the light for D.I.Y music success in the modern age. Amanda is married to well-known author Neil Gaiman and they recently had a child together, something we discussed as part of o
Sr Teresa Forcades - 'Europe's most radical nun'
Sr Teresa Forcades is a Catalonian medical doctor and Benedictine nun. She is an outspoken feminist, a fierce critic of capitalism, pro-choice on abortion, and an influential leader for Catalan independence from Spain. A BBC profile of Sr Forcades referred to her as 'Europe's most radical nun'. ........... About the podcast The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people pa
Luke Concannon - Ed Sheeran's childhood hero
Luke Concannon is a fiercely passionate English singer-songwriter who, with his own record label, has sold millions of records across the world while keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Like so many English artists including Ed Sheeran, Oasis, Morrissey, Lennon and McCartney, Luke grew up in an English household rooted in Irish heritage and the traditions of family gatherings and sing-songs. His band Nizlopi achieved mass fame with their no.1 hit the JCB song which is written as a beautiful
Marianne Williamson - spiritual teacher, author, activist
World renowned spiritual teacher, author and lecturer Marianne Williamson has for the past 35 years been a popular voice in American public life, featuring extensively on television shows such as Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America and Bill Maher. Originally from Houston, Texas, she is the author of 12 books, four of which have been no. 1 bestsellers, including A Return To Love, a book which led Oprah to become an important champion of her work. Marianne has always had a practical side
Gara LaMarche - philanthropy for social justice
My guest in this episode is Gara LaMarche who is one of the world’s leading voices on funding and philanthropy for social justice. Originally from Rhode island, Gara was the first in his family to go to college and he became the youngest person ever to serve on an ACLU policy committee. During his college years at Colombia he says he was a reluctant student and spent much of his time teaching at a nursery school in Harlem which he credits as being one of the most formative experiences of his dis
Siobhan O'Donoghue - veteran community innovator and activist
Siobhán O’Donoghue is one of Ireland’s leading community change makers. For over twenty years she has been blazing a trail to help improve the lives of others. Originally from County Clare in the West of Ireland, Siobhán is a former nurse who eventually got involved in youth and community work and in advocating for Travellers rights. She is a founding director of the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland which she built up over 11 years, and more recently she has become the founding director of the U
Robert Shetterly - artist & Vietnam War draft resister
Robert is an acclaimed artist and draft resister who risked prison for his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1946, Robert is best known for his portrait series “Americans Who Tell The Truth” which he began as a personal response to the U.S war against Iraq. He has painted 100s of Americans who he sees as beacons for truth. People like Amy Goodman, Edward Snowden, Joanna Macy, Noam Chomsky and Pete Seeger. Robert has travelled the world as part o
Chas Jewett - Native American Standing Rock activist
Chaz Jewett, or Red Morning Star Woman, a native American woman from the Lakota tribe in central South Dakota. She has been active in the environmental movement since a young age and during her youth she had to overcome abuse and huge suffering in her community. Chas has been a leading light in the Standing Rock movement that inspired the world with its dignified native led resistance to the Dakota access oil pipeline. Chas is a community organiser who is passionate about reclaiming and honourin
Ciaron O'Reilly - veteran peace campaigner & 'Martin Sheen's hero'
Irish-Australian peace activist Ciaron O'Reilly was once described by Martin Sheen as his personal hero. Ciaron grew up in Australia and has spent his life in the Christian anarchist pacifist Catholic Worker movement. Ciaron was mentored by the renowned anti-war priests Frs. Daniel and Philip Berrigan and for over 40 years now he has focused on supporting homeless communities and campaigning on Aboriginal, East Timorese, prisoner and refugee struggles. Part of this campaigning is explored i
With love from Ruairí : thank you from New York
A few words of reflection from podcast host Ruairí McKiernan. http://www.loveandcourage.org ........... About the podcast The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Host Ruairí McKiernan is leading Irish social innovator, campaigner, writer and public speaker. He is the founder of the p
Kathy Kelly - renowned U.S. humanitarian & peace campaigner
Kathy Kelly is a renowned U.S peace activist, author, a founder member of Voices in the Wilderness and now Coordinator for Voices for Creative Non Violence. Kathy is a long-time resident Chicago where she is heavily involved in community organizing. She has travelled to Iraq over twenty five times, including during the early days of the Iraq war and she has spent time in war torn Afghanistan and Palestine. In the course of her activism Kathy has been arrested over 60 times for her non-violent ac
Eamon Stack - ex priest turned tech social entrepreneur
Eamon Stack is a former priest who has a background in peace and justice work, including during the northern Ireland conflict. In 2006 he co-founded a charity and social enterprise called Enclude and as chief executive he has led it become the largest IT charity consultancy in Europe and they have now started working in Venezuela and elsewhere. ........... About the podcast The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world to
Ellen Dorsey - Trump, philanthropy and climate change
Ellen Dorsey is the Executive Director of the Wallace Global Fund, a private foundation focused on progressive social change in the fields of environment, democracy, human rights and corporate accountability. It was set up by Henry A. Wallace, a former visionary vice President of the United States who championed what he called the ‘common man’ in the struggle to prevent financial elites attempts to control politics and the planet’s resources. Wallace once said the following words: “I am committe
Senator Lynn Ruane & Joe Caslin (teacher/artist)
My guests in this episode are Senator Lynne Ruane and Joe Caslin, recorded at the Body&Soul music and arts festival in front of a live audience. Senator Lynn Ruane From Tallaght in Dublin, Lynn is a senator and campaigner for drug reform and other social justice issues, as well as being a powerful voice for many of those unrepresented in our political system. An early school leaver and single mother of two, she got away from a life of drugs and went on to set up addiction programmes before b
Hyeonseo Lee - Escape from North Korea
Hyeonseo Lee was born in 1980 in North Korea, a country she thought was the best on the planet’ until she witnessed great suffering and starvation. At the age of 17, she left her family behind and escaped alone to China. Hiding her identity for ten years, her life in China was far from easy and she eventually decided to flee for South Korea. There she faced further challenges when the authorities initially didn’t believe she was North Korean. Some time later she returned to China where she met h
Alastair McIntosh - Scottish writer on Trump, Gaelic, ecology & culture
Alastair McIntosh is a well-known Scottish author, Quaker, environmental activist and visiting professor at the University of Glasgow. Born and raised on the isle of Lewis of the west coast of Scotland, the birth place of Donald Trump’s mother, Alastair is a passionate voice for change on land reform, cultural renewal, climate change and global peace and justice. ........... About the podcast The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real differe
Dil Wickremasinghe - overcoming abuse, LGBT rights, & success as a social entrepreneur
Dil Wickremasingheis a broadcaster, comedian, journalist and social entrepreneur who grew up in Italy and Sri Lanka before moving to Ireland 16 years ago. Dil’s incredible journey has involved struggles with her Jehovah’s Witness parents who disowned her in her youth because of her sexuality. Dil is a courageous survivor of childhood abuse and has overcome depression and thoughts of suicide to transform her life in amazing ways. She has been a flight attendant, a dish washer, a recruitment consu
John Lillis - amazing journey to hip hop success (Rusangano Family)
John Lillis is a DJ, producer and teacher, based in the West of Ireland. He is one third of the Rusangano Family, a high powered hip hop act who in 2017 won the Choice Music Prize, Ireland’s biggest music award. Growing up in rural County Clare, John immersed himself in music culture - collecting records and entering radio competitions daily. His approach has always been a D.I.Y one and he has been a major part of growing the hip hop movement in Ireland. A passion for community music and even
Senator Frances Black - singer, campaigner, addiction counsellor
Frances Black is a well known Irish singer, campaigner, politician, addiction counsellor, and social entrepreneur. She achieved fame early in her life as part of Irish folk super group Arcady and then later with her family in the band the Black Family. She featured on the renowned Woman’s Heart album which became the biggest selling Irish album of all time. Frances has recorded a total of 10 solo albums to date and has toured the world including the U.S, New Zealand and Iraq. Frances battled wi
Ray McGovern - ex CIA analyst reveals all
77 year old New Yorker Ray McGovern is a veteran CIA officer turned peace activist. He was a CIA analyst from 1963 to 1990, including during the administrations of John F Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and George Bush senior. Ray’s duties included chairing National Intelligence Estimates and preparing the President’s Daily Brief. He received the Intelligence Commendation Medal on his retirement, returning it in 2006 in protest at U.S involvement in torture. In 2011, during a speech at George Washington
Sr. Stan - visionary activist, innovator, mindfulness advocate
Sister Stan is one of Ireland’s most well known and respected social visionaries. She is a founder of four leading Irish organisations - Focus Ireland, the Sanctuary, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Young Social Innovators. Now in her mid seventies, she has been a tireless voice for justice for over fifty years and has been a huge champion for the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. A former member of the Council of State, a keynote speaker, and an author of numerous books, there is no
Chuck Collins - on giving away his fortune and working with millionaires
Chuck Collins is one of America's leading economic equality campaigners. He grew up in Detroit and went to school alongside some of the elite the United States including former Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Chuck could perhaps be known as the man who gave away all his money after he chose to give away a massive inheritance in his twenties. Chuck is a powerful voice for justice, he is a Senior Scholar at the Institute of Policy Studies, he's a co-founder of several organisations
Ivor Browne - psychiatry, LSD, spirituality & more
Ivor Browne is an 88 year old retired Irish psychiatrist, author, former Chief Psychiatrist, jazz musician and Professor emeritus of psychiatry at University College Dublin. Educated in Harvard, he is known for his opposition to traditional psychiatry, and his scepticism about psychiatric drugs. Browne has experimented with LSD as part of therapeutic process. Well known friends and supporters include Colm Tóibín, Sebastian Barry, Mary Coughlan. In 1993 he had a famous run in with the Catholic
Sunny Jacobs - forgiveness and freedom after death row
Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs spent 17 years in prison, including 5 in solitary confinement, for a crime she didn’t commit. Sentenced to death at the age of 28 for the murder of two police officers in Florida. When she was imprisoned, her two young children were cast into the foster care system. Nearly 17 years after her arrest, Sunny’s conviction was overturned on appeal. Her story, along with those of five other wrongfully convicted death row inmates, became The Exonerated, a play put on by
A few words of welcome from Ruairí
A short introduction episode where you can find out more about host Ruairí McKiernan, his motivations behind the podcast and what you can expect to hear. About the podcast The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Host Ruairí McKiernan is leading Irish social innovator, campaigner, wri