Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Follow Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese & broadcasting icon Mary Kennedy sit down to conversations with people who have a story to tell. With thought-provoking interviews, engaging stories, humour and insightful discussions, this podcast delves into the myriad ways change influences our lives and the world around us. Whether it's personal change, societal shifts or technological advancements, the podcast explores the impact of change on individuals and the world at large. The presenters long friendship comes to the fore with a lighthearted approach combined with a natural curiosity. Mary McAleese:I relish the opportunity to work together in beautiful Allenwood and encounter a variety of fascinating men and women who have faced into all sorts of changes in their lives and whose willingness to share their experiences is a great gift to us and all our listeners. Mary Kennedy:It’s lovely to co present Changing Times with my friend, Mary McAleese. We are both curious women, who have experienced a lot of life and living. It’s a privilege to join forces now and invite people to tell their personal stories.  Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is a weekly podcast. Each week, the iconic presenters and a cast of interesting guests from the world’s of politics, sport, entertainment, television, music and film delve into discussions that inspire, challenge, and highlight the dynamic nature of personal and global evolution. This engaging podcast not only captures the essence of how change influences our world but also offers listeners a unique blend of stories and perspectives that connect deeply with a wide array of interests and passions. Whether you’re intrigued by the latest political shifts, sports achievements, groundbreaking entertainment, or cultural phenomena, “Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations” brings you closer to the heart of what it means to navigate and shape the ever-changing landscape of our lives. Launched on Tuesday 12th March 2024. Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy - Dundara Television and Media


    • Jan 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 42m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

    Live from Electric Picnic with guest, Olympian Philip Doyle.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 48:22


    We are back for season two! In this very special episode recorded live in front of a huge enthusiastic Electric Picnic audience, producer Enda Grace introduces Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy for a quick chat before introducing our guest, Paris Olympic rowing medalist Philip Doyle.Season two is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Season 1 - The Bits You Didn't Hear

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 54:23


    Regrettably, not everything can be included in our podcast episodes initially. However we have delved into the treasure trove of interviews to bring you a compilation of additional conversational gems that Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy had with some of our guests including Dermot Kennedy, Daniel O'Donnell, Kathryn Thomas and Phil Coulter. We hope you enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bertie Ahern

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 71:36


    Dive into the life of Bertie Ahern, Ireland's shrewd and enigmatic leader. Uncover the secrets behind his political maneuvers and personal triumphs. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of his remarkable career. Tune in to discover the man who reshaped modern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nóirín O'Sullivan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 53:14


    Nóirín O'Sullivan is a former member of An Garda Síochána, who served as Garda Commissioner from 2014 to 2017. Nóirín was the 20th appointed Garda Commissioner and the first woman to lead the Gardaí in its 92-year history. She announced her retirement from the organisation, on the 10th September 2017, amidst a flurry of controversies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kathryn Thomas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 56:22


    What do you do when faced with death in Papua New Guinea? Even worse ,what do you do when 007 walks in on you when you're on the toilet?? How do you deal with nasty comments online? What do you do when a juggernaut like Operation Transformation finishes?Kathryn Thomas, one of the most talented, successful and hardworking TV and radio presenters in Ireland comes to Allenwood and tells all to Mary and Mary. She also tells why she set up a new business, what her thoughts are on television in Ireland today and why she had ten bridesmaids! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don Mescall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 55:30


    The extraordinary story of Don Mescall, an Irish singer and songwriter whose songs have over 16 million hits on YouTube and have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys, Lonestar, Geri Halliwell, Ronan Keating, Sir Cliff Richard, Nathan Carter, MacKenzie Porter, triple platinum singer songwriter Marina Kaye, Sharon Corr, Aslan and many more.Don speaks with honesty and candour about his career, the sudden loss of his Dad at a hurling match when Don was just ten, his battle with drugs and alcohol and the special role he played in the later months of Christy Dignams life.Don also talks to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about his relationship with current partner Morah Ryan, ex-wife of the late Gerry Ryan.And he also gives us a very special performance of one of his songs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Noel Cunningham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 52:17


    An emotionally charged, poignant and uplifting conversation with one of life's true gentlemen. The public knows Noel Cunningham as the Donegal man who always has a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. But behind his smile is a man who has endured heartbreak, unimaginable loss and discrimination.This podcast explores some sensitive themes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 54:41


    Seán Ó Fearghaíl is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who has served as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann since March 2016.Here we have a very open and frank chat with Mary and Mary about a range of subjects including:The economic crash Israel and Irelands position What he would love to change The homeless crisis The changing face of politics Immigration in Ireland Will he take his Dáil seat after the next election? His recent cancer battle His relationship with Micheal Martin Welcoming Joe Biden to Dáil Éireann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sean Boylan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 48:37


    Seán Boylan is a unique character, demonstrated in the fact he is the only person to hold the title ‘Freeman of Meath'.Having played hurling for Meath, Sean then went on to spend 23 years as the manager of the Meath Gaelic football team, during which time they won four All-Ireland Championships. He also won three National Football League titles and eight Leinster Senior Football Championships. He is one of the most successful county managers in the history of Gaelic football. Here he chats to the Marys about:His thoughts on football todayHow preparations have changed dramaticallyHis first love of hurlingBeing the only freeman of MeathHis father's republican membership and being on the runHow he dealt with a cancer diagnosisHis wife Tina's previous life as a nunHis herbalist career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Eileen Dunne

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 53:03


    Eileen Dunne is our presenter Mary Kennedy's best friend!! She has seen and done it all in her broadcasting career.She presented the main RTE television news programmes Six One News, Nine O'Clock News andOne O'Clock News as well as other news bulletins on both radio and television from 1980 to 2022.Over her career with RTE, Eileen covered some of the biggest stories of the past four decades, includingmultiple General Elections, historic referendum campaigns, the talks leading to the Good FridayAgreement, and Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland.Here is Eileen like you've never heard her before. She chats about her life, career, Dancing with the Stars, how she almost retired early because she was cross and her thoughts on the RTE of today, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    **Rory's Stories - Bitesize Bonus Content**

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 5:12


    In this special bonus episode, Rory talks about how Rory's Stories all began, his love for the GAA and about his experience captaining the Meath minor football team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rory O'Connor - Rory's Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 51:06


    Rory O'Connor is a comedian and mental health advocate who has amassed over 1.2 million followers and 2 billion video views across his social media channels, Rory's Stories.Nobody thought he would make it – written off as ‘thick' at school he struggled to find a career he felt he could succeed in. When a hot tip led to a win on the horses it was the beginning of a dangerousspiral into a gambling addiction that gnawed away at his self-esteem even further and sent him into the depths of depression. But the man who thought he had nothing to live for, went on to become a stand-up comedian selling out venues around Ireland and reaching millions of people through his social media platforms.Rory has sold out theatres throughout Ireland, the USA and Australia.This podcast explores some sensitive topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Daniel O'Donnell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 48:16


    Daniel O'Donnell is a true Irish legend. He has performed at iconic venues around the globe, from The Point (3Arena) in Dublin to London's Royal Albert Hall, Sydney's Opera House and New York's Carnegie Hall. Daniel has had more albums in the British charts than any other recording artist – and Prince Charles presented him with an MBE for his services to music and charity.In this podcast he speaks about a variety of topics including growing up in Donegal, meeting his wife Majella through her parents, what his mother said to King Charles, his views on the same sex marriage referendum, the 'Strictly' experience and breaking into a building aided by Mary McAleese. It all wraps up with a special surprise ending.Proudly supported by Kildare County Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Roz Purcell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 44:56


    The wonderful Roz Purcell talks openly and candidly about growing up on a farm in Tipperary, Miss Universe, modelling and how she dealt with the more unpleasant aspects of the business, her struggles with an eating disorder, hiking, baking, writing an award winning book and reveals all about her recent engagement and wedding plans! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ** Phil Coulter Bitesize Bonus Content**

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 3:26


    In this special bonus podcast, Phil Coulter talks about his exciting experiences at the BBC's Top Of The Pops while working with Cliff Richard, Sandy Shaw and The Bay City Rollers. He also talks about his worldwide number ones and the young artist he has now taken under his wing. Phil also speaks about his Dad being a policeman in the RUC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Phil Coulter

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 50:44


    in an exclusive and rare deep personal insight, Phil Coulter opens up to the two Mary's about his extraordinary life including his phenomenal career success, family life including with his sons diagnosis of Downs Syndrome, two almost identical personal tragedies, the state of Eurovision, his love for rally driving and the divisive Irish rugby anthem ‘Irelands Call' which he wrote.Phil Coulter has amassed 23 platinum discs, 39 gold discs, 52 silver discs, and is one of the biggest record sellers in the island of Ireland with millions of record sales. His well-known compositions include "The Town I Loved So Well", "Puppet on a String", "Congratulations", “The Old Man” and the Elvis Presley hit “My Boy”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ** Anne Doyle Bitesize Bonus Content **

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 6:57


    In this special bonus podcast segment, Anne Doyle tells of the only time she ever saw her mother afraid. She speaks beautifully about the financial challenges she and her family faced when she was young and tells us about the many occasions she was hung upside down over a well to retrieve water! And in speaking about Annes love of poetry, former president Mary McAleese utters an unparliamentary word. :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stefanie Preissner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 43:43


    Stefanie is an award-winning writer for screen and stage, author, director and actor based in Dublin. She was diagnosed with Autism in 2022, at the age of 34. Stefanie speaks openly to the two Mary's about her life, career and her experiences with multiple miscarriage, pregnancy and motherhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ** Dermot Kennedy Additional Bonus Content **

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 5:30


    In this special five and a half minute bonus podcast, Dermot Kennedy talks about songwriting, self belief and how his first songs had no chorus! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Damian Browne

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 46:05


    Former professional rugby player Damian Browne became the first person to row a boat across the Atlantic from New York City to Galway Ireland, completing his trip on 4 October 2022 after 112 days at sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Anne Doyle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 46:52


    Come on a journey behind the news desk image and meet the real Anne Doyle. Find out what's she's doing now, how she handled some very difficult moments, what she'd like to change about her life and why she was suspended from RTE three times! With her iconic poise, unwavering professionalism, and distinctive voice, Anne has been a beloved figure in Irish broadcasting for decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Keith Barry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 47:51


    An extremely open Keith Barry sits down to talk about many personal experiences including the horrific car crash that nearly lost him his leg, his forthright opinion on how the Gardai handled the death of his grandfather after a break in, his incredible career and how our online habits are affecting us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Eimear Noone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 49:58


    Renowned for her historic moment at the Oscars, where she became the first female conductor to lead the orchestra during the prestigious ceremony, Galway woman Eimear Noone's journey is one of resilience, triumph, and profound emotion.Beyond her groundbreaking achievements, this trailblazing figure courageously fought and won a landmark court case, paving the way for the rights of pregnant women in Hollywood. Yet, amidst her professional triumphs, Eimear shares with raw honesty some heart-wrenching experiences, revealing the depth of her humanity and the resilience that defines her spirit.She is also a highly accomplished composer whose work spans across various mediums, including film and video games (World of Warcraft being just one). She has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been recognised for her groundbreaking contributions to the field.Join us as we explore the remarkable story of Eimear Noone, a true pioneer whose voice resonates far beyond the notes she conducts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jarlath Burns GAA President

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 48:22


    In a revealing insight, new president of the GAA Jarlath Burns chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about a range of topics including his vision for the GAA, a united Ireland, his love of hurling, amateurism, growing up in South Armagh and the importance of the GAA in Northern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dermot Kennedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 49:45


    A revealing and insightful conversation with music superstar Dermot Kennedy. Dermot delves deep into his life, offering perspectives on various aspects including the music industry, what he would like to be if he wasn't a singer and his candid thoughts on social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Changing Times Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 2:23


    A short teaser for the exciting new podcast "Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations". This weekly series will be presented by former president of Ireland Mary McAleese and broadcasting icon Mary Kennedy.Each episode sees these two iconic presenters chatting with a guest with the subject of change to the fore. But as you can imagine with these two ladies, the conversations head off in many different directions. The podcast is produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Claim Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel