Arts & Human Rights with Smashing Times

In this episode, we explore the powerful Irish podcast Stolen Sister , which investigates the 1976 disappearance and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett and the ongoing fight by her family for justice. Mary also reflects on Red Dress Day in Canada—an annual commemoration honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black. Our feature interview is with Ciara Hayes of Sma...

On this episode we speak with activist Sue Pentel, a 72-year-old Jewish grandmother and member of both the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Jews for Palestine Ireland. Sue was recently arrested in Belfast by the PSNI during a peaceful protest against the genocide in Gaza. She shares her story and why she continues to speak out. We also spotlight the role of artists and musicians across Euro...

In this nature-themed episode of the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights radio show, co-hosts Mary Moynihan and Freda Manweiler explore the power of art to inspire environmental awareness. The show features a reading of Meadow Woman , a poem by Mary Moynihan, and an interview with artists Carmen Ortiz and Carla Ryan, fresh from touring The Art of Trees in Athens. Learn about this Creative Europe...

This episode features interviews with Ciara Hayes, producer of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, announcing open calls for artists and organisations, and David Scott, acclaimed actor and writer, who shares insights on actor training, self-publishing, and creating a fairer, more inclusive arts sector. https://smashingtimes.ie/ https://dublinsouthfm.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

This episode spotlights the intersection of art and activism. We delve into the National Campaign for the Arts’ efforts to protect and expand Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts scheme. Mary shares reflections on politically charged cinema at the Cannes Film Festival and Bruce Springsteen’s bold stand for democracy. We feature a powerful interview with Dijana Milošević, acclaimed Serbian theatre d...

On this episode, Mary & Freda discuss Kneecap and freedom of expression, and future of the Mona Lisa. Recorded at Dublin South FM. https://smashingtimes.ie/ https://dublinsouthfm.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a celebration of verse, marking Poetry Day Ireland—an annual, island-wide tribute to poetry taking place this year on May 1st with the theme “May Day!” We’re joined by acclaimed poet Enda Coyle-Green, whose work was selected by Poetry Ireland as part of their official Poetry Day collection. Also on the show: poet and playwright Feilim James and singer-songwriter Hilary Bow, who sha...

In this episode of the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights radio show, presenter Mary Moynihan shines a spotlight on the courageous women of the 1916 Easter Rising. A writer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist with a deep interest in historical memory, Mary shares the life stories of Countess de Markievicz, Eva Gore-Booth, Margaret Skinnider, and Dr Kathleen Lynn — all trailblazers in the fight f...

On this episode, Mary talks about how Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Hungary has been accused of eroding democratic institutions and weakening the rule of law and how Hungary’s government is suppressing freedom of expression for artists and arts organisations and the rights of LGBTQI+ people. In this week’s ‘Ten We Admire’, listen to the story of Eva Gore-Booth (1870-1926), a poet, write...

On this episode, Mary Moynihan , reflects on the current political climate in the US, Europe, and Ireland. She explores the urgent need to speak truth to power, calling on leaders to address wealth inequality, rising defence spending, and human rights abuses while advocating for peace and justice. Our guest artist is award-winning poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin , whose work delves into heritage, iden...

On this episode, a special edition of the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Radio Show , celebrating International Women’s Day. Hosts Mary Moynihan and Freda Manweiler discuss the impact of women in the arts, including the Powerful Women in the Arts story series. We also feature an exclusive interview with award-winning poet Jessica Traynor , who shares insights into her creative process, advic...

In this episode, our featured artist interview and live performance with Carol Scott and Sebastien Luthers from the traditional Irish group CAS. We also take a look at Ten We Admire, followed by a discussion on myths and legends https://www.instagram.com/casceol/ https://smashingtimes.ie/ https://www.dublinsouthfm.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we dive into the world of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, exploring our mission and our newly launched arts and literary journal, Tintreach. We’re thrilled to welcome poet Bronagh Mallon, one of the featured artists, for an exclusive interview. Plus, we look back at the recent Grammy Awards, celebrating this year’s nominees and winners, including Iri...

On this episode, we explore Acting for the Future, a unique arts-based project by Smashing Times promoting mental health and wellbeing across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Next, our Ten We Admire segment highlights artists using their craft to foster positive mental health. Our guest, Treacy O’Connor—Interfaith Minister, mindfulness teacher, and CEO of Creating Wellness—joined us to discuss the Go...

On this episode, we dive into the intersection of arts and human rights with writer, performer, and director Jenny Macdonald. Jenny discusses her new show The Tightrope Walker, debuting at Smock Alley Theatre as part of the First Fortnight Festival, Ireland’s annual mental health arts event. The play navigates illness, recovery, and the power of community and care. We’ll also review the new Troubl...

On this episode, Mary Moynihan discusses sea swimming, the Winter Solstice and the iconic, classic hit Fairytale of New York sung by Shane McGowan and Kirsty McColl with the Pogues. Also, Eimear Burke joins the podcast to talk about druidism and well-being! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mary and Freda discuss the consequences of people whose focus is on acquiring massive wealth, getting involved in politics, i.e. Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They also speak about censorship of artists and NGO's in Germany and the US. Enjoy reviews on fantastic concerts by Irish artists Mary Coughlan at her sold out gig in the Olympia Theatre and Jack L (Jack Lukeman) on tour...

On this episode, a fabulous interview with Roísín Kearney, a multi-award winning writer, director and producer in film, TV and theatre. Roisin talks about how she became a writer and director and offers words of wisdom to aspiring writers wanting to work in film. Listen to Mary and Freda chat about themes of kindness, the ongoing developments after the recent election of Donald Trump in the US; th...

On this episode, Mary Moynihan discusses concerns over the future of the arts in the US and takes a look at the brilliant work of the National Campaign for the Arts who are calling on all candidates in the next Irish general election to make the arts an election priority. As part of this work the National Campaign for the Arts have organised an Election 2024 Arts Husting taking place on Monday 18...

Interviews with Clodagh Finn and John Morgan talking about their new book The Irish In Resistance: The Untold Stories of the Ordinary heroes who resisted Hitler. Enjoy ‘Ten We Admire’ and ‘News from the Network’ alongside chat on the arts for equality, human rights and diversity. This episodes also highlights a final opportunity to catch two unique exhibitions: Landscapes of the Soul is a personal...

Mary and Freda are joined with Feilim James, poet, playwright and prose writer; Amna Walayat, visual artist, and Daniel Mahon, actor, talking about their artistic careers and involvement in the annual Dublin International Arts and Human Rights Festival. Amna Walayat and Feilim James are involved in the Irish in Resistance during World War II exhibition and guest Daniel Mahon is performing in Memor...