Ireland's Edge: The Podcast Returns!

First episode is available now, wherever you get your podcasts.

We're thrilled to report that the Ireland’s Edge podcast returns today for its sixth season.

This new series, titled “Welcome Here, Kind Stranger”, grew out of the conversations we shared in Dingle last November. The series invits you back to the edge for a new set of expansive conversations exploring how we can show greater empathy and connection at a time when such values are more vital than ever.

Recorded live, these discussions range from the ethical complexities of the AI boom to urgent dispatches from Palestine, from the quiet power of Irish craft to the resurgence of our native language, reflecting the spirit of an event where ideas are shared, possibilities are explored, and perspectives are exchanged.

As our host Christopher Kissane puts it: "We're so excited to share these stories of kindness, courage, and connection at a time when it's more important than ever for us to offer an open hand and ear to strangers and friends alike.

Episode 1 is out now! New episodes will be released every week, featuring a diverse line-up of voices including Ed Caesar, Lava La Rue, Dimi Reider, Carole Cadwalladr, Una Mullally, Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaisib and many more. Available on most podcast platforms. 

____________

On this week’s episode:

‍‍Episode 1: Reporter at Large – A Conversation with Ed Caesar

‍In our age of ever-shorter attention spans, long-form reporting has become an endangered art. But some stories require months and years of investigation and thought to be told properly.Ed Caesar is a Staff Writer for The New Yorker Magazine, whose recent feature essay, ‘The Irishman’, offered the most in-depth look yet into Daniel Kinahan and his criminal empire.

He has previously been named Journalist of the Year by the Foreign Press Association of London for his coverage of the civil war in the Central African Republic, alongside other investigations of diamonds, money laundering, and sinking ships, while his most recent book The Moth and the Mountain was a Telegraph Sports Book of the Year.

He speaks with Christopher Kissane about the process and importance of deep reporting and long-form storytelling.

‍Other episodes: ‍

‍Episode 2: Bearing Witness – Voices and Testimonies from Gaza and Palestine

‍Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaisib (Médecins Sans Frontières) and activist Caoimhe Butterly speak with Christopher Kissane and share their experiences of humanitarian work during the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

‍Episode 3: The Tide Is High – Protecting Ireland’s Coastal Future

‍With rising sea levels and extreme weather putting coastal communities at risk, activist Martha Farrell and flooding expert Dr Mary Bourke speak with Christopher Kissane about the urgency of conversation and action.

‍Episode 4: Rage Against the Machine? AI and Its Discontents

‍With the AI boom in full flow, Carole Cadwalladr, Niamh McIntyre, and Roisin Kiberd join Christopher Kissane to explore whether these technologies are improving our online world, or contributing to its ‘enshittification’.

‍Episode 5: "What’s Left?" – A Conversation with Dimi Reider

‍Journalist Dimi Reider speaks with Christopher Kissane to discuss the difficulties of reporting on war and injustice amidst rising authoritarianism from Israel to Britain.

‍Episode 6: Oró Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile – Housing, Gentrification & the Gaeltacht

‍As the housing crisis extends across the whole of Ireland, musicians and activists Gemma Dunleavy and Adhna ní Bhraonáin, housing expert Dr Lorcan and journalist Una Mullally dig into the similarities and differences in the challenges facing both gentrifying urban communities and the rural Gaeltacht.

‍Episode 7: The Maker Makes – The Art of Irish CraftIn an age of mass production, craft offers a slow, human process that connects us to material, place, and one another. Embroidery artist Domino Whisker, knifemaker Hugo Byrne, and glassworker Anike Tyrrell join Didi Ronan to discuss the preservation and reimagining of Irish craft as both resistance and renewal.

‍Episode 8: "Weak Become Heroes" – Culture, Coalition and DIY CollectivismExploring the margin as a site of radical possibility, musical artists Lava La Rue and Shampain speak with Una Mullally to explore how subcultures and DIY collectives can foster community and drive positive change.

‍Episode 9: Rabharta Gaeilge – The Irish Language ResurgenceThe Irish language is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence, leaving a strong mark on music, film, and fashion. DJ Shampain, filmmaker Peadar Ó Goill, and journalist Una Mullally discuss the symbiosis between language and creativity. Note: This conversation is in Irish.

‍All episodes will be available on Acast, Spotify, Apple Music and all other major streaming platforms. This season is dedicated to the memory of Manchán Magan, whose contribution to Irish life, culture, and language was beyond measure.