3 episodes
Straight Talking with Fiona Mc Straight Talking with Fiona Mc
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 16 Ratings
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“I truly believe in the power of individuals to bring about change and with ‘Straight Talking With Fiona Mc’ I hope to provide a platform that gives a voice to people and topics that I hope will get you talking, inspire you, maybe even motivate you to spark change! I’m excited by this new challenge and I’m excited to share this journey - a deep dive into issues that affect our lives and our experience of the world around us, issues relating to social justice and equality - with my listeners. So please do share your feedback with me on iTunes/Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts! ” Fiona McLoughlin Healy
About Fiona
Fiona is a busy Mum of three, sports mentor, equality advocate, Leader Partnership board member and long standing Virgin Media Elaine Show panelist. Since elected to Kildare County Council in 2014 she has shone a light on cronyism and corruption in local politics. She’s known for speaking out on governance issues in particular those arising at the Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board, a board that is currently the subject of an investigation by the Garda Economic Crime Bureau or Fraud Squad.
Fiona has a wealth of experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Originally trained as a nurse, she studied Law and Politics at NUIG, winning the Presidents Award for highest overall marks in her final degree year. She completed an MSc in Communications, Advertising, PR and Marketing and shortly after she was hired by Cerebral Palsy Ireland to rebrand their national organisation, now known as Enable Ireland. For over ten years Fiona subsequently ran her own business Privateseller.ie helping buyers and sellers to buy and sell directly to each other - thereby avoiding large estate agent fees - until elected to Kildare County Council in 2014. Fiona topped the poll with a whopping vote in her second local election in May 2019. Although Fiona has been a contributor for well over a decade on and to current affairs and other TV programmes ‘Straight Talking With Fiona Mc’ is her first time to take on the presenter role
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Ep 8 Local Government with Richard Kelly
Discover how your local government works with this week's superb guest speaker, Richard Kelly, as he talks to Fiona Mc about local government reform. Richard has a Master's in Government and Public Policy, has expert knowledge on the public sector, as well as a very keen interest in the economic and social aspects of society in Ireland. Local government is his passion, and his civic mind is very evidential throughout the podcast.
Hear exactly how local government impacts on your daily life, the historical changes brought to local government, what is working, what is not and hear Fiona Mc's experience and frustrations as a sitting councillor, working within Kildare County Council, on behalf of her constituents. An inciteful, interesting and informative podcast which educates throughout - not to be missed! -
Ep 7 Drug Addiction with Mick O'Brien
Today's episode explores drug addiction and the shocking trends and statistics surrounding drugs in Ireland. The state's response to drugs will also be examined and trashing out the issues with Fiona Mc this week is historian, singer, songwriter, radio presenter and lecturer Mick O'Brien.
Mick eloquently describes his story of addiction and how it impacted his life and the lives of those around him. He details his 28 year recovery journey excellently, beginning in 6th class in primary school at the age of eleven. He discusses the pain of social isolation and his understanding of its impact in various communities throughout Ireland. The absence of connectedness among communities, in conjunction with widespread poverty and the economic downturn also feature throughout the discussion - catch up now! -
Ep 6 Women In Sport
Today's top guest and leading sportsperson, Grace Clifford, shines a light (and a very interesting perspective!) on women in sport. Grace is currently the captain of the Kildare Senior Ladies Football team, from Eadestown, and has played in school, club and county for many years.
Here she charts the many advantages that sport brings to the lives of all, however, she also discusses the struggles she has faced in terms of funding, support and even pitch availability. As a role model to many young women in sport, this podcast with Grace is a must listen, especially for those currently on the rise in their respective sports or those who are striving to improve conditions in their own clubs. Grace expertly describes the journey that she has taken to get to the top of her field and lists the many sacrifices that she has made along the way. Don't miss this!
Customer Reviews
Must listen
Brilliant Listening. Fiona is someone who genuinely cares and it’s great to listen to her address all the issues.
Grace Clifford podcast
The discussion with Grace Clifford about gender inequality within the GAA family is really important. Women and girls are treated as third class citizens in county and national structures, third after Senior men and underage boys. It’s 2020, nothing less than parity of esteem for female Gaelic players should be expected.
Amazing podcast
Really excellent content, Toms podcast was brilliant I’m sure Tom would have served overseas with my father.
Very powerful story.