Was Your Ma on Telly

Kelly Donegan Amilia Keating

Join Irish actor Amilia Keating and reality TV star Kelly Donegan as they embark on a heartfelt journey through their millennial past, now seen through the transformative lens of motherhood. Coming from the heart of Dublin, Ireland, these childhood friends from West Dublin never imagined their lives would lead them from their humble beginnings to the spotlight. Amilia, best known for her role as Katy O’Brien in the beloved Irish soap Fair City, and Kelly, who rose to fame on the scandalous Irish reality show Tallafornia, share their unique perspectives as they reconnect in their 30s. After drifting apart after school, fate has reunited them, and they now navigate the ups and downs of raising young children in Ireland, while reflecting on how far they've come from their mischievous youth. In this candid podcast, Amilia and Kelly dive deep into the complexities of motherhood—exploring themes of identity loss, shifting self-esteem, mental health struggles, and those intrusive thoughts we often keep to ourselves. They aim to shine a light on the raw, unfiltered realities of parenting in Ireland, as well as the moments we’re not “supposed” to talk about, all while staying true to their Irish roots—no-nonsense, straight-talking, and full of heart. Tune in for an engaging blend of nostalgia, honesty, and laughter, as Amilia and Kelly explore their Irish pasts, their Dublin roots, and the lessons they hope to impart to their children in Ireland and beyond. As they reminisce about their mischievous childhood adventures in Dublin, Ireland, they also reflect on how their pasts shaped their present. Together, they tackle the tough conversations they’ll eventually have with their own kids about their time on Irish television, all while trying to figure out how to explain their youthful escapades in a way that resonates with the next generation. Disclaimer: They weren’t always the best behaved! Find us on Instagram @Wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Lights Camera Television

    EPISODE 1

    Lights Camera Television

    Podcast Episode 1 Pt.1 Summary: In the opening episode of “Was Your Ma on Telly?”, hosts Kelly Donegan and Amilia Keating dive into the fascinating theme of television, a fitting start for two women who’ve made their mark in the Irish entertainment world. They share their personal journeys through show business, giving listeners a chance to get to know them on a deeper level and how they landed behind the screen. How a hand modeling job can lead you to the world of reality TV stardom and working around the clock can open the doors to the acting industry.  This week Kelly battles a broken voice and Amilia highlights the importance of having people in your corner, along with a lot of luck to make it. The two hosts contrast their experiences: while one had a positive journey, the other didn’t find it as smooth. The episode offers an intriguing peek into their lives behind the camera, and whether it was their passion for film and TV, or something else, that brought them there. This episode is split into two parts, giving ample time to explore the highs and lows of their television careers. In the first part, they set the stage for their personal stories, while the second part delves even deeper into their personal opinions, memories and thoughts on TV with regards to their own children. A funny, honest, and candid start to a show all about life in the spotlight. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave a review or comment to let us know your thoughts - your feedback helps us grow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  2. Navigating Body Confidence from Girlhood to Motherhood

    EPISODE 3

    Navigating Body Confidence from Girlhood to Motherhood

    Navigating Body Confidence from Girlhood to Motherhood In this week’s episode Kelly & Amilia dive deep into body confidence, exploring the ups and downs from our awkward teen years to the challenges of postpartum bodies. We reflect on growing up with changing bodies, raging hormones, and the relentless peer pressure that came with it. From early body awareness shaped by 90s/00s beauty standards to navigating the wild world of first dates, low-rise jeans, and yes, Scouts club insults that still haunt today. We’ll also talk about the pivotal role parents and caregivers play in fostering body confidence in our kids—and how we can avoid passing on our own body hang-ups. Spoiler alert: ditch the diets, like that ill-advised Cookie Crisp diet phase, and embrace a positive relationship with food. Kelly gives us a masterclass on how she invented contour and highlight (long before Instagram, no less. Hello, Avon pearly highlight shimmer!)), while we reminisce about the days of mullets and Sun Shimmer—because who didn’t want to glow like a bronzed goddess? We also confront the hilarity of height consciousness and “Kelly’s foot long”. Fast forward to today, where we face new challenges: the grey hairs, wheezing through podcasts (Kelly, looking at you), and the postpartum body journey. But through it all, we remain committed to being role models for our children, showing them that body confidence is about strength, self-love, and, most importantly, embracing every roll and wrinkle. So, grab a cuppa, and laugh (and maybe cry) with us as we tackle body image from girlhood to motherhood—foot longs, grey hairs, bronzer, and all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  3. There's Three Sides to Every Story: Friendships Exposed

    EPISODE 4

    There's Three Sides to Every Story: Friendships Exposed

    Podcast Episode 4 Summary: This week’s episode promises all the sweetness of friendships— with a twist of hard-hitting scandal. The duo dive deep into what really happens behind the best friend bracelets and cute childhood games. Is Kelly a bully? Why do fall-outs really matter? From first best friends to busted friendships on holidays (Crete’s beaches: gorgeous, but the sanitary system? Traumatizing), they explore the messy complications of childhood bonds. Things escalate when innocent games go too far, and childhood beefs bubble up in dramatic catfights, jealousies, and home highlights disasters. Catholic school power struggles, the unspoken rules of popularity, unhealthy cliques, dyslexia, and oversharing—nothing’s off-limits. Whether it’s learning how to resolve arguments, building boundaries, or letting your inner weirdo shine in college, they confront the difficult truths we all face with friendship. They ask the hard questions: Do you really believe your kid is an angel? Can kids lie? For mothers, it’s all about the exhausting juggling act—postnatal anxiety, feeling disconnected during Covid, battling loneliness while being totally overwhelmed, and realizing that sometimes only your maternity group gets it. And then, just when you think you’ve heard it all, there’s the unexpected joy of reconnecting with an old friend, sharing pregnancy journeys, and the heartbreak of friendship breakups. Ghosting, love bombing, flakey friends—who knew friendship could be this controversial? As they say, there are three sides to every story: yours, theirs, and the truth. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  4. Discos, Mischief & Maniac 2000; Should we Let Our Kids Loose at the Local Disco ?

    EPISODE 7

    Discos, Mischief & Maniac 2000; Should we Let Our Kids Loose at the Local Disco ?

    Podcast Episode 7 Summary: Discos, Mischief & Maniac 2000; Should we Let Our Kids Loose at the Local Disco ? In Episode 7 of Was Your Ma on Telly, the ladies take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit their youthful nights out at local discos, sparked by their recent experience at The Biggest Disco in Dublin's 3Arena. They reflect on the unforgettable socializing, the mischief, and the freedom of their teenage years when dancing, flirting, and first encounters with the opposite sex took place after hours. From the wild energy of dance floors filled with classics like Scooter and Mark McCabe's Maniac 2000, to the antics in the shadowy corners (booby-squeezing, anyone?), they explore the fun—and the scandal—of those long-lost nights. The conversation dives deep into how local discos were the birthplace of many cultural touchstones, from the Y2K fever and the rise of GHD straighteners to fashion trends we wish we could forget. The ladies also touch on the chaotic blend of underage drinking, smoking (before the ban), and the many lessons learned in the process. Get ready for a fun, mischievous trip down memory lane as the hosts reflect on the lessons their disco days taught them, and how those experiences have shaped the way they approach raising kids today. What happens if those community hall nights no longer exist? How will our kids get those same “real-world” experiences—the awkwardness, the mistakes, and the priceless lessons that only come from being part of something raw and unfiltered? Tune in for a lively discussion on the dying art of the local disco, the importance of face-to-face social interactions, and how we’ll make sure our kids have their own wild, unforgettable experiences (even if it’s not on a smoke-filled dance floor). Tune in for laughs, cringe moments, and chance to remember your own experience at the local disco ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

About

Join Irish actor Amilia Keating and reality TV star Kelly Donegan as they embark on a heartfelt journey through their millennial past, now seen through the transformative lens of motherhood. Coming from the heart of Dublin, Ireland, these childhood friends from West Dublin never imagined their lives would lead them from their humble beginnings to the spotlight. Amilia, best known for her role as Katy O’Brien in the beloved Irish soap Fair City, and Kelly, who rose to fame on the scandalous Irish reality show Tallafornia, share their unique perspectives as they reconnect in their 30s. After drifting apart after school, fate has reunited them, and they now navigate the ups and downs of raising young children in Ireland, while reflecting on how far they've come from their mischievous youth. In this candid podcast, Amilia and Kelly dive deep into the complexities of motherhood—exploring themes of identity loss, shifting self-esteem, mental health struggles, and those intrusive thoughts we often keep to ourselves. They aim to shine a light on the raw, unfiltered realities of parenting in Ireland, as well as the moments we’re not “supposed” to talk about, all while staying true to their Irish roots—no-nonsense, straight-talking, and full of heart. Tune in for an engaging blend of nostalgia, honesty, and laughter, as Amilia and Kelly explore their Irish pasts, their Dublin roots, and the lessons they hope to impart to their children in Ireland and beyond. As they reminisce about their mischievous childhood adventures in Dublin, Ireland, they also reflect on how their pasts shaped their present. Together, they tackle the tough conversations they’ll eventually have with their own kids about their time on Irish television, all while trying to figure out how to explain their youthful escapades in a way that resonates with the next generation. Disclaimer: They weren’t always the best behaved! Find us on Instagram @Wasyourmaontelly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.