Standing idly by

We need to start talking to Young People!! This episode looks at the importance of the uncomfortable world of listening to young people on their terms, being open to not liking what they have to say, accepting their judgement, their criticisms and even their accusations! In a time of Global Transformation the level of authentic dialogue between significant adults and young people will be the decid...

What do you "think" about social issues? How do you "feel" about SF in Government? In this episode Daisy explores the relationship between Feeling and Thinking. He talks about the importance of understanding and managing the influences on what we feel and how we think. He uses examples of attitudes in the home and the current national political picture to illustrate how importa...

Within the backdrop of major political change in Ireland, Daisy discusses the 'Attitudes Spectrum' and the importance of appreciating that "change" has the most potential when we recognise that within our society there are people who are Antagonists, Indifferent, Bystanders, Sympathisers, Empathisers & Empathy Actors. Having the courage to engage with people at every stage...

A global issue, a local issue and a complex issue that sparks many conversations. Daisy tries to unravel the complexity and move us away from demonisation while paying particular attention to the drug use among young people and how we need to talk about it urgently and more importantly we need to talk about it WITH young people.

Daisy interviews TD John Brady, candidate in the upcoming General Election in the Wicklow constituency. Politicians exist in the public domain but we rarely get a chance to actually know them.  In this episode John gets a series of personal questions, a round of "would you rather" questions and gives us a unique insight into the person behind the politician!

For something that is so present and normalised nowadays, do we really know enough about what is "Hate" and why do we hate? Can a casual remark from a parent during a news segment be the start of a journey towards hate?  Daisy explores the Pyramid of Hate and how it shows us the stages that people move through on their way to causing harm through hate.  In the show Daisy is aiming to sup...

Elections are about VOTERS! With the announcement of a General Election in Ireland on Feb 8th we have a first reaction from Cllr Daisy and some tips about how to engage during the intense campaigning that will materialise from now until Polling day. Don't be passive! Check your own values. Think about the Social Contract. Don't worry about Posters (this time). Take responsibility for you...

Cllr Grace McManus joins Daisy on the Podcast to share her own insights as a new Councillor and to give a very real example of two Motions that are coming to the next Council meeting about Child Homelessness and the Living Wage. As a young politician Grace represents our hopes for how the political arena can evolve into a more dynamic space. She is well aware that change doesn't happen overni...

An episode exploring the backlash to a decision by the Irish Govt to organise a commemoration event for RIC/DMP Black and Tans which were an entity under the control and direction of the British crown with an explicit purpose of preventing Irish independence by any means necessary. To "commemorate" without consideration for the harm caused by those forces to Irish people is to not apprec...

Exploring well being in politics and the reaction to candidates who are choosing not to stand in the next election because of sense of futility about the political structures and the ability to have a real impact. While wondering how we as elected reps manage the emotional reality of our roles in the political arena I share some mindfulness tools and approaches that serve me very well.

First podcast for Cllr Dermot 'Daisy' O'Brien exploring the importance of 'Change' in local, national and global politics. Touching on the current fracture between people and politicians and the importance of rebuilding that connection in the spirit of managing the changes that are required as we navigate our way into a sustainable future.