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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy - Dundara Television and Media

A former President of Ireland, a broadcasting icon and an array of guests with an incredible story to tell.

What more would you want?!!

Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations is a compelling and humorous podcast hosted by Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy, two of Ireland’s most iconic voices. Each week, they sit down with a well-known Irish guest to explore the universal theme of change—something we all experience in life. With insight, warmth, and plenty of laughs, they uncover how their guests navigate transitions, challenges, and new beginnings, offering wisdom, resilience, and often, unexpected humor.

From Irish history and culture to personal journeys of reinvention, Changing Timesconnects the past with the present in a way that resonates with Irish people at home and abroad. Whether you’re part of the Irish diaspora in America, the UK, or Canada, or simply passionate about Irish storytelling, politics, and cultural heritage, this podcast offers thought-provoking and entertaining discussions on Irish-American identity, the Irish in Britain, and the evolving Irish experience.

As featured on The Late Late Show and Apple Podcasts Ireland, Changing Times is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ireland’s global influence, Irish traditions, and the personal stories behind life’s biggest changes.

🎙️ New episodes available every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Categories: Arts

Listen to the last episode:

In part one this very special two part episode, Mary Kennedy chats to her co-host and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey through the formative years of a remarkable woman who would go on to become one of Ireland’s most respected voices. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she shares vivid memories of a childhood shaped by conflict — from a devastating car bomb attack on her father's pub to terrifying assaults on her family home, including a harrowing incident that forced them to leave everything behind.

She recalls the fear etched into her younger sister’s face during one violent episode — and the protective instinct that saw the siblings stand up for each other in the face of danger. Bricks smashed through windows, bullets fired into their home, and friends drawn into the web of the IRA — all part of a reality few could imagine.

Told she could never be a lawyer by a priest, she defied expectations and broke barriers. This episode also explores the love story that began when she met her husband, Martin, and the lifelong friendship they formed with rugby legend Moss Keane.

She speaks candidly about her difficult years working in RTÉ, her deep admiration for John Hume, and what ultimately drove her to step into public life and run for President.

Raw, honest, and unforgettable — this is a story of courage, conviction, and the quiet strength behind the public figure.

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.