Sparking Change with Dil

This week on Sparking Change, Dil talks to Mary Moynihan. Mary is the artistic director for Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company (more info here). Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company is a not-for-profit, human rights based organsiation that uses creative process, theatre and film to promote human rights, gender equality, reconcilliation and social inclusion for all. In 2018, the company established the new Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, a hub for creative activity, community engagement and social inclusion for all at local, national, European and international levels. A new Women in an Equal Europe creative documentary was made exploring themes of women, feminism and Europe. The documentary was directed by Mary. It includes interviews with twelve women (including Dil!) from Ireland, Spain, Croatia and Serbia along with a series of nine Vox Pops or statements from women and men exploring women’s lived experiences of life in Europe and the intersection between the arts, feminism and equality. In this episode, Dil and Mary discuss the origins of Smashing Times, how artists can use their work to ask questions of society, the Smashing Times International Centre for Arts and Human Rights, as well as the process of picking the stories for the Women in an Equal Europe Documentary. They also discuss Margaret Skinnider, the mostly-unknown stories of women in the Second World War, as well as what's next for Smashing Times,and how theatre and comedy can be great for learning.

This week on Sparking Change, Dil is joined by an extremely impressive group of women: Grace O'Sullivan, Melanie Lynch, Amy de Bhrún, Donna Gilligan and Eileen O'Sullivan. As it is a hundred years since women gained the right to vote in Ireland, Dil’s guests are at the Waterford Walls Festival to discuss stories of creative women a hundred years ago, who fought for change through creative thinking. Grace O’Sullivan is an elected member of Seanad Éireann. As well as this, she is a mother of three, an ecologist, an environmental education specialist, a former Greenpeace activist, a former Irish surf champion and green entrepreneur. Melanie Lynch is an award-winning creative and social entrepreneur with a passion for justice, equality and storytelling. She is founder of Herstory, whose mission is to tell the multi-faceted, lost, forgotten and untold life stories of Irish women past and present; to capture their individual characters, achievements, and the patriarchal dogma they challenged. Amy De Bhrún is an actress and writer. She moved to London at the age of 19 to pursue her actor training at The Bridge Drama School. As well as her most recent show “Till Death We Part”, she has written 5 other one-woman shows—and performed them throughout Dublin, London, LA and New York. Donna Gilligan is an Irish museum archaeologist & material culture historian, as well as historian of the Irish suffragette movement. She is the Curator of Print, Protest & the Polls: The Irish women’s suffrage campaign & the power of print media. Eileen O’Sullivan is an artist. An NCAD graduate, she also studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. Her work is concerned with the personal: her subjects include family, the familiar and everyday objects. Together, the ladies discuss the lack of promotion for the hundred-year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the importance of documenting the great achievements by women past and present, Melanie discusses some of the projects that Herstory has been conducting and Amy discusses the evolution of the acting industry in its treatment of women.

This week on Sparking Change, Dil brings us another episode from the sunny south-east, at this years’ Waterford Walls street art festival. Waterford Walls is an international street art festival started by The Walls Project that transforms Waterford City into an open-air gallery. Waterford Walls invites over 50 artists again in 2018 to transform the city walls, continuing to make Waterford an essential cultural attraction and International go-to destination for street art. This year’s festival ran from August 17th – 26th, so unfortunately it is now over. But make sure to mark it in your calendar for next year! In this episode, Dil talks to Edel Tobin, Louise Flynn and Joe Caslin. Edel Tobin is the founder and project manager with Waterford Walls Project. In 2014, she founded New Street Gardens, a pop up garden built on a derelict site in the city. In 2017, she launched Patterns of Light: a lighting display along the Quay in Waterford. Dil and Edel discuss the progress the festival has made in just four years, with fifty artists and over two hundred applicants for this year’s festival. Louise Flynn is a visual artist who works in Waterford and Kilkenny. She has curated many mural projects and artwork for festivals and exhibitions. She was recently invited to create a mural for Wynwood Embassy in Miami. It is this experience that drives her passion to see this art form transform Waterford City and capture the imagination of the community, as artists and people work together. Dil and Louise discuss the origins of the festival, the changing perception of street art, as well as street art’s ability to spark change. Check out Louise’s tattoos—she is a tattoo artist—here! Joe Caslin is an illustrator, street artist and teacher. He is also responsible for some of the most talked-about and thought-provoking street art seen throughout the cities of Ireland. He has a piece in this year’s festival called ‘Consent’. Dil and Joe discuss Joe’s piece in the festival: his departure from the theme of mental health amongst men to the very relevant issue of consent, as well as the Save Nonso campaign he is also working with. Check out Joe’s Instagram to see his amazing work.

This week on Sparking Change, Dil takes some time from her holiday to speak to Niamh Darcy, one of the owners of Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park (more info here). Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park is a 4 star Fáilte Ireland recommended tourist Caravan, Camping, Motorhome and private Mobile Home Park located in the Sunny South East of Ireland, Co Wexford. The Holiday Park is owned and operated by brother and sister – Hugh and Niamh Darcy – with this present generation carrying on the family business that was started by their entrepreneurial parents Ed and Ria Darcy in 1969. Their brothers Riain and Eoin both worked in the business at different times over the years lending their expertise to various aspects of Morriscastle. Ria was the financial wizard and it was her backbone, strength and accounting skills that kept the Park going through difficult times supporting Ed’s determination and belief in Morriscastle, bringing the Holiday Park to where it is today. Ed will never retire so they’ll be building and developing the Morriscastle dream for years to come! In this episode Dil and Niamh talk about all sorts, from the mental health benefits of an outdoor-style holiday to Niamh’s advice for beginner campers, as well as the best type of tent to buy. Niamh also discusses the charities that the campsite supports, including the 4,000 euro they have raised the each of the past four years for the local Hope Cancer Support Centre. They also discuss peoples’ reluctance to camp and why everyone should give it a try.

This week on Sparking Change, Dil records from the VISUAL in Carlow, as she is joined by Joanne Donohoe of the Carlow Community Development partnership, and Hayley Fox Roberts, the consultant and author of the LGBTI voices report. The LGBTI Voices report was a research report into the needs and capacity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex population of Carlow. The study was conducted through online surveys, one-to-one interviews and focus groups. Dil, Joanne and Hayley discuss the findings of the report, including what the needs of the LGBTQI+ community in Carlow are—which were found out by asking members of the LGBTQI+ community within Carlow—as well as how something can be put in place to meet these needs. Dil, Joanne and Hayley also discuss potential problems of the LGBTQI+ community with doctors, and ways that these problems can be fixed, as well as prejudice for minorities within minorities, and internalised inferiority within the LGBTQI+ community.

This week on Sparking Change, Dil joins us from the Gutter Bookshop as she first interviews Sarah Williams, the chairperson of GAZE LGBT film festival (more info here). The Gaze LGBT film festival has striven over the last 25 years to provide a platform for screening the best of LGBT cinema. The Festival is a place for the LGBT community and allies to come together to have fun, be moved, be challenged and become energised. The legacy of GAZE is a vibrant record of a changed Ireland. Dil then interviews Beth Hayden, Ryan McConnell and Pamela Connolly, all of Glitter HOLE. These three drag artists performed GAZE film festival’s inaugural Drag Queen Story Time. Drag Queen Story Time is self-explanatory: drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and book shops. Drag Queen Story Time captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. We then hear a recording of the fantastic performances by Glitter HOLE for the kids—such great fun for both kids and adults! Be sure to see more of Glitter HOLE’s performances at the upcoming Dublin Fringe Festival this September, where they perform their new show, ‘Fianna Fellatio Party Launch’!

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by photographer Brian Teeling to discuss his latest exhibition, Uncover, which has recently finished in Dublin, and will be at The Lavit Gallery in Cork from the 2nd–9th of August (more info here). Uncover will feature over fifty portraits of subjects drawn from a diverse cross-section of Irish LGBT+ life. The subjects of the exhibition are drawn from all walks of Irish society and include politicians, musicians, artists, activists and unsung heroes. Figures include: Senator Fintan Warfield; theatre director, Garry Hynes; drag artist, Veda Beaux Reeves; and broadcaster and designer, Brendan Courtney. Funds raised through the sale of the prints, will go towards Gay Switchboard Ireland, accompanied by the sale of limited edition Gay Switchboard Ireland merchandise (to be sold in a pop-up shop at Hen’s Teeth Prints). Founded in 1974, Gay Switchboard Ireland is the oldest LGBT+ community service in the Republic of Ireland. The helpline has seen an increase in calls since 2015. Currently, the organisation relies solely on the goodwill of the community it serves to stay in operation. As well as Uncover, Brian and Dil discuss further improvements that can be made for LGBTQI+ rights post the marriage quality referendum, the HIV crisis amongst young gay men in Ireland and how sex education needs to be improved to help combat this, the arrival of the Pope, and Brian’s way of protesting, and Brian’s experience of talking to his mother about the Abortion referendum this year. Dil also advises on renting children! See Brian’s work here and here, and be sure to see Uncovered in the Lavit Gallery, Cork from Thursday the 2nd until Saturday the 11th of August!

In this episode of Sparking Change, Dil interviews Uche, Mika and Daniel of the Discovery Gospel Choir. We then hear their amazing performance of ‘The Elephant in the Room’ at the Peacock Stage Theatre. Formed in 2004, Discovery Gospel Choir is home to a community of creatives from across the world. With over 30 members, this Dublin-based choir has become renowned for its unique fusion of gospel, folk and world music. Using music as a way to create and connect, audiences delight in hearing its inspirational message: ‘discover beauty in everyone’. From humble beginnings, today the gospel group continues its journey as Ireland’s leading intercultural choir. Dil speaks to Uche, Mika and Daniel about the representation of different cultures on stage, and they discuss the creative process behind ‘Elephant in the Room’ as well as the message behind it. They also discuss Discovery Gospel Choir’s message of integration and the sense of community—and family—that Discovery Gospel Choir provides for people of all cultures and nationalities through the simple joy of song.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Senator Fintan Warfield, Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland, as well as Dil’s wife, founder and clinical director of Insight Matters, Anne Marie Toole, to discuss the passage of the Children and Family Relationship Amendment Bill, as well as further improvements that need to be made. Yesterday, the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed in the Seanad after it passed through the Dáil last week. This will allow same sex female couples, who have a donor conceived child, to apply for a retrospective declaration of parentage. However, LGBT Ireland explains there is still work to be done: the commencement of Part 9 of the Act is necessary to enable both parents to register on their child’s birth certificate and that responsibility lies with the Department of Social protection. LGBT Ireland is committed to working with Minister Doherty to have this part commenced after the Dáil’s summer recess. As well as this, the Children and Family Relationships Act does not include surrogacy. Provisions relating to the regulation of surrogacy are included in Part 6 of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017. There are other parenting pathways that need to be addressed so that all families can be legislated for by the state, so that no children are left without legal protections and recognition of their families.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil interviews Su-Ming Khoo, and afterwards we hear speeches from the Irish Developmental Education Association (IDEA) Conference. In Dil’s interview with Su, they discuss what developmental education is, how Su thinks of education as the ‘motor for driving change’, and how Irish society has been progressing of late, as well as the encouraging signs of young people in Ireland having a keen interest in politics. Next, we hear Su-Ming and others speak at the IDEA conference itself. This year, the theme is Transformative Education for Global Citizenship – SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 4.7 in Ireland. SDG 4.7 requires that by 2030, all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others, education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. (23:25–51:30) Su-Ming Khoo Su-Ming gives the introductory speech, in which she addresses the bigger picture around Transformative Education for Global Citizenship, and discusses the idea of working together towards SDG 4.7 across all sectors. (54:02–01:01:45) Rilli Lappalainen Rilli Lappalainen is the Secretary General of Kehys, the Finnish NGDO platform to the EU. Rilli talks about what SDG 4.7 is, how it came about, as well as what is being done around SDG 4.7 in countries. (01:02:03–01:11:10) Frank Geary Frank Geary is the director of IDEA and Member of Coalition 2030. Frank discusses what the landscape is like for the SDGs in Ireland and SDG 4.7 in particular, as well as the level of awareness for SDG 4.7. (01:11:30–01:23:51) Dermot O’Brien Dermot is a youth work freelance trainer, facilitator and consultant. Dermot tells some of anecdotes about the experience of sharing spaces and working with young people, particularly in relation to SDG 4.7.

**Louise Shanagher: Lou Lou Rose** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to [Louise Shanagher](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/aboutlouiseshanagher). [Lou Lou Rose](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/loulourose) is the creative partnership of Louise, a children's therapist and visual artist, Rose Finerty. Lou Lou Rose aims to nurture and promote positive mental health for children through a series of books, videos and affirmation cards. In this episode, Dil and Louise discuss what mindfulness is, and how teaching it to kids may help to prevent anxiety. They also talk about the pressure that young people feel they are under, and the negative impacts that social media can have, as well as good ways of cultivating mindfulness in children, and the importance of self-compassion.  Lou Lou Rose have a series of books, the ‘Mindfully-Me’ series, which introduce effective and evidence-based techniques that have been proven to promote positive mental health and well-being. Find out more about them [here](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/mindfully-me).

**Pride Launch 2018** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil records from the Civic Offices at Dublin County Council, for the launch of Pride 2018. This is the 35th anniversary of Pride, and the theme for this year’s Pride is family. First up, Dil has a chat with Clodagh Leonard, the chairperson for Pride, and we also hear from some of the people involved in organising Pride for this year, with Clodagh as the M.C. (07:55) Lord Mayor Mícheál MacDonncha First to speak at the event is the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál MacDonncha, who acknowledges and pays homage to the people who struggled and fought for LGBTQI+ rights in the past. (12:23) Sarah Phillips Up next is Sarah Phillips, who will be Grand Marshal for this year’s Pride parade, and only the third ever transgender Grand Marshal. Sarah is also the chairperson for TENI. Sarah encourages us to remember past heroes in LGBTQI+ rights. (16:45) Clodagh Leonard Clodagh takes an opportunity to talk about family, and the amazing family that Pride is and will continue to be moving forward. (20:12) Senator Fintan Warfield Fintan draws attention the LGBTQI+ issues that still have to improve, such as same-sex or trans parents, and introducing legislation for hate crimes, which still does not exist in this country. Sadly, Fintan did not have the chance to bring his guitar to serenade us with.  (25:38) Brian Higgins Brian is the CEO of Pieta House. He speaks about how more young people than ever seek help from Pieta House for feeling suicidal because of their sexuality or gender identity. (32:15) Jacob Erickson Jacob is the assistant professor of theological ethics, at Trinity College, Dublin. Jacob shares messages of positivity towards the LGBTQI+ from religious figures around the world, contrary to the religious stereotypes. (39:48) Eddie Mc Guinness Eddie is the Pride manager, and he tells us of the events leading up to Pride. He also talks about the commercial aspect of Pride, and how the partners that help fund Pride are what makes it possible to keep it growing. (52:00) Jed Dowling Finally, is Jed Dowling, the director of Pride. Jed pays tribute to GCN, and also speaks insightfully on the fact that he is a part of the last generation to know life where homosexuality was illegal, while thanking the people who fought for LGBTQI+ rights, but didn’t get to live with the rights that they fought so hard for.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Conor Mahon. Conor is the principal investigator in the Anxiety in Sexual Minorities Study, at DCU. In this episode, Conor and Dil cover a broad range of topics, including the correlation between social anxiety and sexual orientation, the discrimination that can go on within the LGBTQI+ community, and the issue of internalised homophobia, as well as safety behaviours in response to social anxiety, and how to cope with such behaviours. Complete the survey for Conor’s study [here](https://dcusnhs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lPEs5I7Jp0CvUF), and keep up to date with the study [here](https://www.facebook.com/Anxiety.Sex.Minority.Study/). Go to lgbt.ie for information on peer support groups, or call 1890 929 539 for the LGBTQI+ helpline.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Krysia Lynch, Sheelagh Behan and Nanni Schluenz (Midwife Nanni) to discuss homeopathy and its applications to childbirth. Krysia Lynch is a doula, a homeopath and the chair of AIMS Ireland. Sheelagh Behan is a homeopath and a representative of the Irish Society of Homeopaths. Nanni Schluenz (Midwife Nanni) is a midwife specialising in homebirths. She also makes great use of homeopathy in her practice. In this episode, Dil, Krysia, Sheelagh and Nanni discuss the history of homeopathy, the issues in proving homeopathy’s effectiveness and the attitude toward homeopathy in Ireland compared to other countries, as well as the importance in having autonomy over your health, offered by homeopathy, rather than the hierarchical structure of conventional medicine. Find a registered homeopath near you on the Irish Society of Homeopaths’ [website](https://irishhomeopathy.ie/).

**Together for Yes at the Intercontinental Hotel** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is at the Together for Yes event in the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge, for the announcement of the referendum results. Dil interviews some of the people involved with the incredible Together for Yes campaign, and we hear passionate speeches celebrating what was an amazingly successful campaign. (01:20) Denise Charlton Denise is the head of fundraising for Together for Yes. She and Dil discuss the expected timeline for when legislation for abortion will be put in place for safe and legal abortion, and which social issues still need to be fixed for the future. (08:40) Maria and Alan Maria and Alan are both involved with Together for Yes. Maria worked on civil society organisation coordination, bringing in diverse groups with the same stance for the referendum together. Alan set up Men4yes to encourage conversation about abortion between men. Dil, Maria and Alan discuss a wide range of topics, such as the diversity within this campaign, the LGBTQI+ presence in the campaign and the lasting positive effects that the Together for Yes campaign will have for all the people involved in it. (26:40) Marian Marian is a GP, who has been practising in Dublin for 20 years. She gives an eye-opening account of how she would provide information and support to pregnant women when there was none available. (35:55) Helen, Philippa and Jenny Ryder Philippa returns to Sparking Change—she was on the show last month—this time, with her wife, Helen and daughter, Jenny. Dil, Helen, Philippa and Jenny discuss the negative tactics of the ‘No’ campaign, and the nerves they were feeling on voting day.  (42:30) Ivana Bacik Next, we hear a speech from Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Labour Party in the Seanad. Ivana gives an impassioned speech remembering the days of getting information about abortion from phone numbers on the back of public toilet doors, as well as humorous chants about SPUC. (47:55) Silke, Sarah and Sinéad We then hear speeches from Silke from the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Sarah from the Abortion Rights Campaign, and Sinéad from the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment. The ladies tell their stories of how they got involved in the campaign and their inspiration, and give their endless thanks to the huge numbers of people who helped on this amazingly successful campaign, from the people on the administrative side of all the groups involved, to the brave women who stood up told their stories. (01:03:35) Grainne Griffin, Orla O’Connor and Ailbhe Smith Finally, we hear elated speeches from Grainne, Orla (01:12:15) and Ailbhe, who are co-directors for the Together for Yes Campaign. You can hear the intense passion from each of these phenomenal people, and the amazing sense of achievement at having accomplished something that seemed so unattainable until only recently. Words simply don’t do it justice. A massive congratulations to everyone involved in the campaign, and to everyone who voted.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil records once again from the Honest2Goodness market and talks to people about the upcoming referendum. Included in this episode are Emma, Sinéad, Tracy and Karen at the together4Yes table, who discuss the reality of abortion for Irish women, the dangers of being complacent in the vote, interactions with the no voters, and of course the huge importance for men to get out and vote. Dil also discusses lawyers4yes with Fiona de Londras, who are endeavouring to combat misrepresentation of the truth in this referendum, as well as the questions that people who are on the fence about the issue should ask themselves.  Loraine, Sharon and Sarah then discuss with Dil the difficulties in having conversations about the referendum with people and family members who have different opinions, as well as the importance of knowing what you are voting for. Here is a fantastic source of information for anyone who would like to learn more.

**Young Social Innovator of the Year Awards 2018** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil hosts the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards in Croke Park, where she has conversations with four groups of students, who discuss their projects and views on social issues. (05:40) Generation Z: What Do We Care About? In the first group, Dil talks with Niamh, Jade, Ellie, Eimear, Emma, and Eva about being in Generation Z, and the challenges that being part of that—the first generation to grow up with social media—brings. They also discuss sexual health, and the importance of talking about sex with parents.  (17:53) Should 16 Year Olds Get to Vote With the second group of students—Alexandra, Jenny, Con and Áine—Dil discusses possibly lowering the legal voting age to 16 from 18, whether having the vote would encourage younger people to become more informed on issues that they have the vote in, and how your friends can help to keep you informed on current affairs. (36:48) Being Real in a World of Fake News Dil is joined by Frank, Eoin, Eimear and Aisling for the third group. They discuss fake news and how to know which online news sources are trustworthy, and how the younger generation get their news compared to their parents as well as the drawbacks of social media, such as Snapchat’s Snap Maps. (1:03:23) Meet World Class Young Social Innovators Finally, Dil is joined by previous Young Social Innovators, Colin McAndrew, Thomas Foley, Jackie Walsh and Josie McGrath. Dil and the gang discuss the projects, which include helping to bring about National Missing Persons Day, helping to map developing countries that don’t have adequate resources, and helping to reduce the number of disposable coffee cups in Ireland.

On this incredibly captivating episode of Sparking Change, Dil hosts from the Dóchas Conference 2018 in Croke Park, where she is joined by a star-studded line up of human rights activists from around the world.  01:20 Suzanne Keatinge: CEO of Dóchas First up, we hear from Suzanne Keatinge, who is the CEO of Dóchas. Dóchas is a network for organisations committed to tackling poverty and inequality around the world. Suzanne and Dil discuss the importance of having uncomfortable conversations, and not patting each other on the back when it comes to sparking change in the world. 16:08 Rafeef Ziadah: spoken word artist, human rights activist and lecturer Next, we hear from Rafeef Ziadah, a Palestinan spoken word artist and human rights activist, based in London. Rafeef brings the house down with captivating performances of her poetry, and explains the stories behind each of her poems. Her story is truly an inspiring one, and her performance will give you goose bumps! 52:25 Heba Aly: Director of IRIN We hear from Heba Aly, the director of IRIN. IRIN delivers unique, authoritative and independent reporting from the frontlines of crises to inspire and produce a more effective humanitarian response. Heba and Dil discuss issues such as poverty porn and trustworthiness within charities.  1:27:07 Danny Sriskandarajah: Secretary General of CIVICUS Finally, we hear from Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, the Secretary General of CIVICUS: a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. Danny and Dil discuss the work of CIVICUS, as well as the possible causes of the declining credibility among NGOs worldwide.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Miriam Dowling and Sandra Dillon, who are ambassadors for the Green Ribbon Campaign. The annual Green Ribbon Campaign takes place every May, and aims to get people talking openly about common mental health problems. This campaign promotes open conversation about mental health and it challenges the associated stigma that sometimes comes with it. 500,000 green ribbons will be distributed nationwide and free of charge as a visual symbol to end the stigma surrounding mental health difficulties. In this episode, Dil, Miriam and Sandra discuss mental health, and in particular, Miriam and Sandra open up about their experiences with mental health. They also discuss issues around mental health that are particularly relevant—that of mental health in the workplace, and how motherhood can affect one’s mental health—and offer advice to people dealing with these issues. Miriam and Sandra also share how they maintain good mental health. Support the Green Ribbon Campaign by picking up a green ribbon at an Irish Rail station or Boots store to help end the stigma of openly discussing mental health. If you are experiencing difficulty, and need to talk, call the Samaritans on 116 123.

**Stories for Repeal: Catherine Hayes** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Catherine Hayes about her experiences and perspective as a GP since the referendum to introduce the eighth amendment in 1983. Catherine Hayes has had an astounding medical career. She worked on the Rotunda Hospital’s pilot sexual assault treatment unit in 1985, she was a GP with the sole responsibility for the care of female prisoners in Mount Joy prison, and was visiting medical expert for the committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, European Union. In this episode, Dil and Catherine discuss Catherine’s experience with the upcoming referendum in comparison to the one that voted in the eighth amendment in 1983, why Catherine thinks people are against repeal, and the power that real stories can have in humanising an argument. Catherine offers a candid and incredibly insightful opinion on the eighth amendment, highlighted by her vast experience—both personal and professional. Simply a must-listen!

**Stephen Lehane: Mr. Gay Ireland 2017** In this episode Dil talks with the lively, lovely and chatty Stephen Lehane. Stephen was Mr. Gay Ireland in 2017, and holds a degree in deaf studies from Trinity College, Dublin. If you’re familiar with the show, First Dates (which you definitely are), then you may remember Stephen as one half of the first ever date in Irish Sign Language on the show. In this episode, Stephen and Dil discuss the Mr. Gay Ireland award—why it was set up and what winning entails, what interested Stephen in deaf studies, the deaf LGBTQ+ community and the inclusive attitude within the wider deaf community, and watching interpreters sign the lyrics of Rihanna songs at Pride. Stephen is currently working on an online information resource for LGBTQ+ activists, so that people anywhere in the world who are new to activism can learn from experienced activists. It hasn’t launched yet, but keep an eye on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/lehandyman) for when it launches!

In this informative episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Harry Conway and Fay Dunn of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia in the UK and Ireland, is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland aims to raise awareness of Dyspraxia/DCD in Ireland, create a better understanding of the difficulties people with Dyspraxia/DCD and their families face, and endeavor to ensure adequate resources are available to support the needs of people with Dyspraxia/DCD, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy and psychological support. Harry has been involved with Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland since 2000. Originally working as a volunteer, he took over as CEO in 2011. Harry has overall responsibility for the delivery, development and management of all supports and services within Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland. Fay is the helpline coordinator of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland. After struggling with school, and things such as writing and bike-riding, Fay was diagnosed with dyspraxia at 14 years of age. In this episode, Dil, Harry and Fay discuss the awareness (or lack thereof) of dyspraxia in Ireland, the difficulties in diagnosing dyspraxia, and Fay’s experience of growing up with undiagnosed dyspraxia: what she struggled with, what was the turning point for her, and what has helped her in dealing with the condition. They also discuss the initiatives that Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland have in place, such as activities and support groups. Get in touch with Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland by email at info@dyspraxia.ie, or phone 01 8747085.

**Dr. Shaun O’Boyle: Founder of House of STEM** In this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by the amazingly active and affable Dr. Shaun O’Boyle to discuss inclusiveness for all genders and sexualities within the science community. As well as having a PhD in Developmental Biology, and founding Bureau—a production company that makes podcasts, radio documentaries and audio stories—Shaun is the founder of House of STEM: a new community-led initiative working to improve LGBTQ+ support, visibility and representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and STEM-related fields in Ireland. In this episode, Dil and Shaun discuss stereotypes within science, the conservatism within academia, House of STEM, and how it and other organisations like it can work to improve science itself, by helping people of all races, genders and sexualities to feel comfortable in being themselves and allowing their best work to shine through. Find out about #LGBTSTEMday, the various organisations involved, and the sciencey reason why it will be on the 5th of July here!

**Emma and Andrew Magee: Psychs for Choice** This week on Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Andrew and Emma McGee of Psychs4Choice. Psychs (or Psychologists) for Choice is a pro-repeal group that informs people about the research evidence about how abortion can affect mental health. It especially encourages self care among repealers throughout the referendum campaign. The upcoming referendum has seen a lot of abuse thrown back and forth, particularly on social media. As well as this, there has been a lot of misrepresentation of information from studies about abortion and its effect on mental health. As psychologists, Emma and Andrew started Psychs for Choice as a way of combating these issues, and contributing to the Repeal Campaign in ways that other groups could not. In this episode, Dil, Emma and Andrew discuss Psychs for Choice and its aims, the importance of self-care—or tending to your own oxygen mask first, trusting women to make their own decisions, and on the impact that having a termination can have on one’s mental health, as well as the evidence of the progression that Ireland has made in unlikely places.

**Philippa Ryder and Dermot McCarthy: The Gay Games** This episode is an exciting first for Sparking Change, as Dil talks sport! Dil is joined by the hilarious, and extremely impressive (not to mention inspiring) Philippa Ryder and Dermot McCarthy, to discuss the upcoming Gay Games in Paris this August. Philippa is one of the early committee members of Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). She is beyond excited to be representing Ireland in the cycling event of this years Gay Games. Philippa cycles 100 kilometres every weekend (!!!), so the 32 kilometers in Paris should be no bother to her! Dermot is an experienced psychotherapist at Insight Matters, who is extremely excited to also be representing Ireland at the Gay Games, where he will be competing in the 10 kilometre run. Dermot has come a long way from hating running in the beginning (don’t we all, Dermot?) to now completing three half-marathons! In this episode, Dil, Philippa and Dermot discuss sports within the LGBTQ+ community, the evolution of Dublin Pride since its early days, and Dil’s main sport in her life right now, as well as the progress that Ireland can continue to make in its acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

**Karl Callan and Emma Fagan: on the ‘Repeal’ Short Film and its Intended Message** In this hugely relevant and important episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Karl Callan and Emma Fagan about the short film, ‘Repeal’, in the lead-up to the referendum on repealing the eighth amendment.  Karl Callan is a writer, director, actor and producer. After starting out his career as an actor in Dublin, he has since shifted his focus to behind the camera, where he has written and directed three short films. The latest of his films, ‘Repeal’ has accumulated more than 80,000 views less than a week after its release. Emma Fagan is the PR manager for ‘Repeal’. She has over ten years of experience in project management and has a strong background in film, having worked as marketing manager for Fingal Film Festival, and currently working as a reviewer for Scannain. In this episode, Dil speaks to Karl and Emma about what brought Karl’s attention to the issue of the eighth amendment and why he decided to make a film regarding the issue, how Emma came aboard to help Karl with the PR side of things, how Karl managed to make the film with no financial backing, as well as the film itself, and Karl’s intended message behind it. They also discuss the deeper issues surrounding the referendum, such as the stigma in discussing abortion openly and honestly, the standard of sex education in Irish schools, and the onus that is on men to engage with this issue—‘to stand side by side with the women of Ireland and fight with them.’

In this captivating and moving episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks with fellow Sri Lankan (more on that in the episode), Dr. Thamil Venthan Ananthavinayagan (don’t feel bad, even Dil has some difficulty pronouncing it!). Since finishing his PhD in NUI Galway, Thamil now lectures in international law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law at Griffith College Dublin, since September 2017. He describes himself as ‘Tamil by ethnicity, German by heart, Dutch by fondness, Irish by spirit, and Italian by love’—a true world citizen! Thamil has written two insightful articles on the topic of immigration, for thejournal.ie (here and here). In this episode, Dil and Thamil enjoy a wide-ranging conversation on topics such as, Thamil’s circuitous route to Ireland, his father’s role in politics during the Sri Lankan civil war, spotting unicorns in Ireland, the re-emergence of nationalism, what Ireland means to Thamil, and Sri Lankans’ fear of the fourth floor, as well as Dil and Thamil’s complex relationship with their country of origin.

In this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Irish cosplayer, Chelsea Barry - aka War Panda Cosplay about cosplay, and the power of dressing up — as a character from manga, TV or anything you like — in helping us to feel better about ourselves. Chelsea has been a cosplayer since 2014. She has been a guest at multiple conventions in Ireland, and has been hand-making her own costumes since the first time she borrowed her sister's tank top. In this episode, Chelsea tells Dil how she got into Cosplay, the skills she has learned in pursuing it as a hobby, the cosplay community and the positive atmosphere within it, and how it has helped her work through her mental health issues over the past four years.

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Owen Harris – game and Virtual Reality designer – about his VR experience, ‘DEEP’, and how ordinary board games also help him to take care of his mental health.  Owen has dealt regularly with anxiety and depression over the years, and DEEP was originally his safe space; an underwater world he built, where he could go to meditate when things got hard. Not only is it visually stunning, but the game’s controller is slow, full breaths – like in yoga, or scuba-diving – and the more controlled your breathing, the more control you have in the game.  With mental health issues and anxiety skyrocketing around us, it’s always important to seek help when you need it. DEEP is not a replacement for conventional therapies, but a complementary experience that could help put out the fire before it starts.

This week on Sparking Change, Aoife McElwain, food writer for The Irish Times and Totally Dublin, talks to Dil about her new book Slow to Work, and the importance of learning to slow down and manage your anxiety. Dill hears all about Aoife’s Aunt Linda – the name she gives her inner critic – and why naming that voice inside our head is a helpful way to externalise those thoughts. Slow at Work came about after Aoife reached the tipping point of burn out, just as her career was starting to take off, and she realised the importance of taking care of herself, in the short and long-term. Eventually, mental health issues crossed over into the physical, and Aoife realised first hand the importance of asking for help when we need it, and of taking some time out when we’ve taken on too much.

On this week’s Sparking Change Dil talks to Rachel Moore, a speech and language therapist at Insight Matters, and founder of Express Your Gender (xYg). Rachel is passionate about gender diversity and expression and works with many people in the transgender community as they build confidence and self-esteem. While we often focus on the visual aspects of a person’s transition, it can be easy to forget how important it is that they feel confident with their voice, and how it may change. Rachel talks to Dil about self-expression, healthcare services for transgender people, and the importance of caring for – and using – your voice.

On this week’s episode of Sparking Change, we talk to Síofra Dempsey about the power of pronouns, and the importance (and difficulty) of challenging society’s ideas of what gender identity means. Síofra began using the ‘they’ pronoun two and a half years ago, and tells Dil about those difficult conversations with people you’ve known a long time, and what it’s like when you don’t identify with ‘either’ gender. They also currently work with Identity, an LGBT solidarity group for people living in Direct Provision. and have worked with ACT UP Dublin, fighting to end the stigma around HIV. For listeners who aren’t sure what it means to be non-binary, and who are interested in learning but are not sure where to start, Síofra and Dil discuss everything from bathrooms, to difficulties faced by queer migrants, and to how to speak to someone who has changed pronouns.

In this week’s Sparking Change, Dil records from a very special St Patrick’s Day location – The Honest2Goodness Market in Glasnevin. We hear from producers and regular visitors about the importance of real food, community, and hen-dog friendship.  2:25 Bríd Carter: founder of Honest2Goodness First up, we hear from Bríd Carter, co-founder of the market with her brother Colm, about the origins of the market, and how they strive to cut down on packaging – some customers even bring Tupperware! – and their drive to bring back ‘real food’ to our plates. 15:03 Julie Depouy: Ireland’s top sommelier, and market-goer Dil talks to Ireland’s top sommelier and regular market-goer, Julie Depouy, about the community feeling of the market, and the importance of eating for pleasure as well as health. 28:23 Peter Whelan: Rare Breed Pork Producer Peter is a Dub living in County Meath, where he runs his rare breed pork farm for the stall at the market. Peter talk to Dil about the difference between commercial meat, and high-quality produce, and the importance of giving animals a good, long and happy life. 40:04 Stephen Mooney and Aisling Durlough: market-goers Stephen and Aisling have been coming to the market for 9 years, for everything except eggs, which they get from their own hens. They discuss the importance of the market in their lives, and how they’ve made friends there over the years. 58:35 Alex Campion: market-goer Alex has been coming to the market for years, after stumbling upon it by accident. She tells Dil about how the market has changed after the years, how she likes the personal aspect of talking to people here about food, and the importance of eating together with loved ones. 1:14:30 Patrick Marjolet: The Proper Chocolate Company Patrick and his wife Kelli are from France and the USA, and have settled in Ireland where they make their own bean to bar chocolate. Patrick talks to Dil about their travels, and the art of making chocolate; you don’t decide when chocolate is ready, chocolate tells you when it’s ready. 1:38:04 Donal York: market-goer Donal and is a regular market-goer and has been coming since it opened. Originally, he wanted better quality meat, and ended up staying for everything else. He talks to Dil about the importance of cooking with your family and teaching your kids to appreciate good food. 1:47:10 Kevin of C+H Coffee Specialists, and Purple Preserves Pantry Kevin runs C+H Coffee Specialists, and Purple Preserves Pantry with his partner Adam. He tells tell Dil about how the business grew from making jam in the kitchen with the family, to growing into specialist coffee. 1:58:24 Lily Ramirez-Foran: market-goer and owner of Picado Mexican Pantry Lily Ramirez Foran is a Mexican living in Ireland, with her husband Alan, and owner of Picado Mexican Pantry. Lily used to have a stall at the market, and tells Dil about how it was not long before she was missing some spice in her food after moving to Ireland, and that food is vital to keeping her connected to home. 2:21:28 Pat and Armitage, producer of Sheskin Canadian-style smoked salmon Pat and his partner Zoe make Canadian-style smoked salmon– cured with brown sugar, and hot smoked – to a Native American recipe. Pat tells Dil about their plans to bring their product to a bigger market, and how they like to smoke (salmon) at home. 2:29:04 Barbara Morrisey: Dublin North West Repeal Dil meets Barbara Morrisey from Dublin North West Repeal about the upcoming referendum, the importance of getting out and spreading the word if you’re pro-repeal, and how the 8th amendment goes far beyond abortion, and affects everyone. 2:37:34 Ann Marie Toole, Phoenix, Xavier To round off a very special Sparking Change, Dil is joined by her family; her wife Anne Marie, her son Phoenix, and baby daughter Xavier – they discuss emergency vehicles, prosecco and how the market sure beats supermarket shopping.

In this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to Aoife Martin about her experience of returning to work following her transition, and her concerns about the issues faced by young transgender people today, and the inextricable bond between feminism, trans rights, and bodily autonomy. Aoife made headlines last year when her employer welcomed her back following her transition with flowers and a card expressing their support. Aoife is an outspoken activist for trans rights and has been writing a diary documenting her transition for HeadStuff since 2017. “We’re finally moving into the 21st century, we’ve been dragged kicking and screaming, but I’m starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel" – Aoife Martin

In this episode of Sparking Change, we are joined by the effervescent Yemi Azamosa – spoken word artist, activist and charismatic human – about her upcoming show The Mouth of a Shark, and the experience of queer migrants in Ireland. Yemi is originally from Nigeria and reminds us of how accepting and safe a place Ireland can be, in comparison with other countries, for people in the LGBT community. She is the founder of the Fried Plantains Collective, a live event featuring spoken word, music and film, which aims to be more representative of people of colour in its presentation of their stories and histories. Yemi is a force of nature; get ready to laugh, cry, and laugh some more.

In this episode of Sparking Change, we speak to June Tinsley, Head of Advocacy and Support Engagement at Bernardos Ireland, about the charity’s new LOST CHILDHOOD campaign, highlighting that 1 in 7 children are lost to homelessness – a shocking statistic – though she mentions that this is probably an underestimate. Families in the highest need are often those who find it most difficult to access the necessary care; making support services more easily available to families would give children a better outcome. Dil and June discuss the parent-child bond and how, when nurtured, the repercussions for the child can be phenomenal.

In this week’s Sparking Change we’re talking about ‘The Talk’ – or how to discuss sex with your children. Scary? Yes, but it doesn’t need to be. We also discuss a petition for mandatory consent classes in UCC, started by the UCC Feminist Society, and we hear a candid first-hand account of an Irish woman’s experience of a rogue crisis pregnancy clinic. In her editorial this week Dil looks at the struggle faced by many whose families do not accept them, or their partners because of racial or other biases. She reminds us that our parents’ view of who we love does not have to stop us reaching happiness. **Sarah and Alice Sproule; talking to your kids about sex (4:10)** We are joined by Sarah Sproule, occupational therapist, sex educator, and founder of thetalk.ie, and her 14-year-old daughter, Alice, as they talk us through having that conversation, and how to raise your kids with a healthy attitude to sex, and their own bodies. Sneak preview: most people aren’t hairless under their clothes. **Kayleigh Power; Mandatory Consent Classes at UCC (38:16)** Kayleigh is the events officer for the UCC Feminist Society, who have recently started an online petition to introduce mandatory consent classes at the University, where 1 in 7 students have experience serious sexual assault or rape. We talk statistics, victim-blaming, and why ‘feminist’ is not a dirty word. **The Repealist, and Rogue Crisis Pregnancy Clinics (52:23)** Shubhangi Karmakar is known online as the ‘Repealist’, and is known for her colourful jewellery and accessories supporting the repeal movement. She introduces us to her friend ‘Sarah’ (not her real name), who has first-hand experience of a rogue crisis pregnancy clinic in Dublin, and takes us through the difficulty faced by her and her partner in accessing services, and feeling they had to hide it.

**Smashing the Glass Ceiling, the Right to Work, and a new Name for the Children’s Hospital** This week on Sparking Change we’re talking about some of the true-blue rebels in Irish history – Dr Kathleen Lynn, and Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington – and the women commemorating them today. We also have a panel discussion whether the new right to work scheme for those in Direct Provision goes far enough. In her editorial this week, Dil discusses Female Genital Mutilation, the beliefs behind it, and why there’s no way to have a balanced discussion about it. **Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington (4:42)** We are joined by Dr Micheline Sheehy-Skeffington for a lesson in history and feminism. The granddaughter of one of Ireland’s foremost suffragettes, Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington, Micheline joins us to discuss smashing windows, (and glass ceilings) and marking the centenary of the women’s right to vote. **Caroline Reid and Ellie Kisyombe - The Right to Work (36:43)** Caroline Reid from the Irish Refugee Council, and Ellie Kisyombe from Our Table join us this week to discuss the new right to work scheme for those in Direct Provision, and why the extensive restrictions in place make it a bittersweet victory. Ellie takes us through how she stays positive in Direct Provision, and the power of food in connecting people. **Deirdre Mullen and Emily Duffy: Name the National Children’s Hospital after Dr. Kathleen Lynn (1:07:40)** Deirdre Mullen has started an online uplift petition to name the National Children’s Hospital after Dr. Kathleen Lynn. Dr. Lynn was the founder of an all-female run hospital for the impoverished mothers and children in Dublin in 1919 and was the chief medical officer of the Irish Citizen Army. So why do more people not know about her?

On this week’s Sparking Change, we look at the shocking increase in racist incidents in Ireland, discuss an emerging support network for young girls in Ireland, and learn all about post-partum care on our brand-new women’s health feature. In her editorial, Dil goes back to the roots of Sparking Change, and explains her motivation to fight for and highlight issues of social justice and change – and the importance of independent media. Krysia Lynch and Deirdre Daly (3:46) In the first leg of our brand-new women’s health feature, Krysia Lynch – aka the Dublin Doula – introduces us to Deirdre Daly of Trinity College and discusses the post-partum issues affecting so many women, the vaginal mesh scandal, and – on a lighter note – the mysterious Orgasmatron of Milltown! Shane O’Curry of ENAR Ireland (44:39) Shane O’Curry of ENAR Ireland joins us to discuss the alarming increase in racist incidents and crimes in Ireland in the last 6 months, as recorded on iReport.ie, and what bystanders can do if they witness a racist incident happening in front of them. Tammy Darcy – The Shona Project (1:22:23) Finally, we are joined by the inimitable Tammy Darcy of the Shona Project, to discuss mental health, self-image, and the importance of honesty in relationships. The Shona Project is an initiative to inspire self-esteem, empowerment and education in young women and girls.

Talking to children about adult issues can be a minefield. On this week’s Sparking change, we talk LGBT issues and families in the classroom, and how it’s not just about sex. We shoot the breeze with the seriously funny hosts of the Echo Chamber podcast. And finally, we talk to Grace Dyas about bringing home the stories of the Irish women travelling to access abortion services.  In her editorial this week, Dil shares her experiences as an LGBT parent, some of the insensitive and downright bizarre questions she and her family have been asked, and reminds us that when it comes down to it, love is what makes a family. Cecelia Gavin: Different Families, Same Love (6:58) Cecelia Gavin is the chairperson of the INTO LGBT Teacher’s Group and talks to us about the group’s upcoming Different Families, Same Love competition, focused on opening up discussions around LGBT issues and non-traditional family structures in the classroom. Tony Groves and Martin McMahon: The Echo Chamber Podcast (38:15) The promise: there will be shenanigans. Tony and Martin of the irreverently clued-in Echo Chamber Podcast join us to discuss the need for independent media, how best to get your local TD’s attention, and importantly, how a tortoise can grow to the size of a bus wheel. Grace Dyas: Bring the Stories Home (1:11:50) 70 women per week travel from Ireland abroad to access safe abortion services. We are joined once again by the inspirational Grace Dyas, to talk about the ‘Bring the Stories Home’ campaign, the complexity of the movement to repeal, and the importance of not silencing those we disagree with.