Still I Rise Podcast

In this deeply reflective episode of the Still I Rise Podcast, Orla returns to the studio to talk honestly about rebuilding after loss, the hidden grief we don’t always name, and how moments of crisis force us to re-evaluate what truly matters. From experiencing a house fire just before Christmas, to reflections on safety, community, parenting, legacy, and representation, this conversation explore...

This week we are joined by Sam Langley Swain , award-winning children’s author and founder of Owlet Press , to explore representation, inclusive publishing, and the power of storytelling to create change. Sam shares his journey from a working-class background to becoming a self-published author, publisher, and advocate for inclusive children’s literature. Together, Orla and Sam discuss why represe...

Introduction: In this episode, Orla chats with children’s author  Ian Eagleton  about his journey from primary school teacher to bestselling author, the stories that shaped him, and why representation matters. We talk about  The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince ,  Glitter Boy ,  Nana and the Lonely Fisherman , and more , how Ian’s books centre LGBTQ+ inclusion , how writing became a way to process g...

🇮🇪 Orla’s back after a whirlwind few weeks (and a couple of cancelled guests 🤧), but it was worth the wait because this week she’s chatting to the incredible Tura Arutura — actor, speaker, dancer, and all-round legend. 🇮🇪 🌍 They dive into Irishness, identity, belonging, and what it really means to show up with pride, courage and joy. Tura shares stories about family, culture, and finding connect...

Episode 13: Leon Diop – Being Mates with the President, Adopting Seals & Black Irish Identity In this episode of the Still I Rise Podcast , I sit down with Leon Diop , co-author of Black and Irish , to explore the richness and complexity of Black Irish identity , racism in Ireland, and the joy of Black culture in Irish life. Leon shares his personal journey growing up Black in Ireland, reflect...

In this empowering solo episode of Still I Rise, host Orla McKeating 🌿 opens up about her personal journey through burnout 😓, motherhood 🤱, and perimenopause 🌸 while balancing the demands of career 💼 and family life ❤️.  Set against the busy back-to-school season 🎒, Orla shares the realities of supporting a teenager’s education 📚 while prioritizing her own mental health 🧘‍♀️ and wellbeing....

🎙️ Teaching, Racism & Risk: A Conversation with Baisat Alawiye from Minority Teachers Ireland 🎙️ In this episode of the Still I Rise Podcast , I sit down with Baisat Alawiye , educator, activist, and founder of Minority Teachers Ireland . Minority Teachers Ireland is a grassroots initiative working to increase representation in teaching , amplify minority voices, and create pathways for more B...

Episode 10 – Jay Chambers: Poetry, Legacy, and Restorative Justice In this powerful conversation, Orla is joined by poet, dub artist, and musician Jay Chambers . Jay shares his current work with a Manchester institution confronting its historical ties to the enslavement of African people, and how Black creatives are shaping projects on reparation and restorative justice. Together, they explore the...

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Elliot for a wide-ranging conversation full of laughter, reflection, and unexpected delights. We explore: 🕯️ The very modern experience of a live-streamed novena 🚇 Being a tourist vs. belonging in London 🌍 The language of “immigrant” and “expat” 👶 Honest chats about parenting moments 📊 The pure joy (and chaos) of colour-coded spreadsheets If...

In this powerful episode of the Still I Rise Podcast , we sit down with Gerry Moran , a survivor of Ireland’s brutal industrial school system , to hear his courageous and deeply moving story. Gerry shares his lived experience as a child in an institutional system marked by abuse, neglect, and silence — and how he found healing, voice, and purpose in the aftermath. His testimony is both heartbreaki...

In this special episode, I'm joined by my son Elliot for an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation that spans identity, history, and tradition. We dive into the untold stories of Irish Black heroes, share an unpopular opinion or two (get ready!), and chat about the fascinating world of Irish wakes—what they are, why they matter, and what we think about them. It’s a mix of generational perspect...

In this funny, touching and deeply honest episode, we sit down with the brilliant Tommy McCarthy—comedian, boxer, and proud son of West Belfast 🥊🎤.  From growing up amidst the raw realities of racism to navigating identity and legacy, Tommy shares stories that are as hilarious as they are heartfelt. We dive into the art of comedy, the power of representation, and what it means to stand tall in a...

In this candid solo episode, We join Luke and Sean to reflect on the beautiful chaos of solo parenting while building a purpose-driven business—and our new Pope. From finance to strategic planning, emotional overwhelm to unexpected inspiration, this episode offers a raw and honest glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of balancing it all. I share the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’m learning alon...

Storytelling, Raising Boys & Survival of the Friendliest Orla has her first guest multi-award nominated blogger, Mother and acclaimed author of A World for Me and You, Bringing Up Race and Raising Boys Who Do Better Uju Asika. We talk about storytelling, the inspiration and impact of her work globally, the rise of toxic masculinity and how all of us have a responsibility to the next generation...

 Episode 1: Identity, Irishness & Storytelling – with Elliot  In this heartfelt first episode, I’m joined by my amazing son, Elliot, for an unexpected and deeply real conversation. We explore our identity, what it means to be Irish, and the power of family and storytelling. Raw, honest, and beautifully surprising—this is a glimpse into our lives.