Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke

Lisa Chalfa Producer for Dorothy Clarke

Living my best life and not stopping anytime soon. At 89 years young, I'm digging into my diary full of stories, tall tales and anecdotes of a life lived to the fullest. My name is Dorothy Clarke, welcome to my world.

  1. Jun 7

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 16 - How my £199 cruise turned into a 2-week Luxury Adventure!

    In this episode, Dorothy shares an incredible story from her time living in sunny Spain.  What started as a spontaneous choice to book a budget £199 seven-day cruise on a whim in Gibraltar turned into the ultimate luxury vacation! Due to a lucky overbooking, Dorothy and her friend were bumped up to a massive luxury suite. But the adventure didn't stop there.  Tune in to hear Dorothy recount: Popping duty-free champagne with new friends in Marseilles. Getting invited to the Captain's table and sharing a laugh with the Captain, and leading a theatre-wide standing ovation that made her a VIP celebrated with the ship's cast. The unbelievably loudspeaker announcement that doubled this luxury cruise experience for pennies. As Dorothy prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday this November, she proves that a spirit of adventure never goes out of style.  Hit play to hear how she lived the life of Riley on the high seas!j If you enjoyed this story, please Like, Comment and Subscribe for more of Dorothy's podcast adventures! #TravelStories #CruiseLife #LifeOfRiley #InspiringSeniors #IrishPodcaster #PodcastShorts #TravelBargains

  2. Jun 3

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 15

    In this episode, Dorothy reflects on a hidden chapter of family life in  1970's Ireland.  Following a quiet request from a compassionate Dublin priest, she and Noel opened their home and their hearts to several vulnerable young women from rural Ireland who had nowhere else to turn. It is a deeply personal reflection on family, empathy, the heartbreaking realities of the era, and the quiet lifelines thrown to those in need.

  3. May 25

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 14

    Tangoes, Hollywood Stars, and Life’s Turns In this action-packed episode, Dorothy takes us back to memorable days in Celbridge and a major move back home to Dalkey. She shares stories from their time on the banks of the Liffey - including rubbing shoulders with film star Rod Taylor, a cheeky sing-along moment with author Frederick Forsyth, and a dramatic, late-night car crash on the Strawberry Beds where an unexpected "good Samaritan" came to her rescue.  Dorothy also reflects on the memorable dinner parties before recounting a bittersweet move to Dalkey in 1990. From joining the Dalkey Players to navigating immense family changes and enduring Noel's illness, this episode is a beautiful testament to resilience, the kindness of people and a life truly lived to the absolute fullest.

  4. May 24

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 13

    In this bittersweet and nostalgic episode, Doroghy reflects on the early chapters of her life with her darling husband, Noel.  From their whirlwind romance after meeting at Sandycove Tennis Club in 1954 to a memorable "high Tea" introduction to Noels' family.  Doroghy shares the joy, funa nd personality that defined Noel.  She recounts her lavish 1960 wedding - complete with a magnificent Calais lace gown, humorous family dynamics, and the sweet send-off to their Paris honeymoon.  A lovely reminder of a lifetime of love, proving that the good memories always shine the brightest.

  5. May 7

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 12

    Toffee, Truth and Great Silence. The Girl Who Spoke Back: From Convent Silence to National Radio. "Try and stop me!" At 89, Dorothy looks back at a world that tried to keep her quiet.  From the frozen washbasins of a 1940's convent to an interview on national radio, this is the story of a rebel in a blue uniform. How did a nine-year-old girl go from crying into a wet pillow to smuggling contraband toffee and outsmarting a "Trial by prayer" Dorothy shares the "not so good" and the "hilarious," including a sharp-witted battle with a nun that led to solitary confinement. It's a story of hidden sacrifices, "Improper" kisses and the clever mother who gave her a choice: finish your education or become a messenger girl on a bike. This is a rare look at the making of a spirit that could not be broken. #BoardingSchoolRebellion  #MidCenturyIreland. #Resilience. #IrishHistory

  6. Apr 17

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 11

    Today’s podcast is a collection of short, real-life Irish anecdotes.  These stories blend everyday mishaps with moments of pure chaos and unexpected drama.  Through a cast of colourful characters, neighbours, clergy and quick responding doctors, they turn near disasters into funny memories.   It closes with a glimpse of life on stage again, where timing, mischief and real-life interruptions collide in the most unexpected ways. Enjoy.

  7. Apr 13

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 10

    Growing up in Dublin in the late 1950's and 60s, life was never dull. After a brief and fun time at UCD and a complicated relationship with honours maths, the pull of the fashion world proved stronger than academia.   Modelling led to fashion shows and one evening in the Central Hotel produced an unexpected surprise.   A solo trip to London at barely 20, armed with five suitcases of First Communion dresses and sheer determination, turned into an early taste of business. Travelling the country representing the family's bridal and evening wear brought its own adventures.  Through it all, a busy social life, a love of drama,  a very devoted young man named Noel kept everything anchored.

  8. Apr 2

    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke - Episode 9

    In the early 1970s, Dorothy’s rise through Ireland’s theatre scene takes a dramatic turn, from winning the Best Actress award while secretly pregnant, to stepping into the professional stage. But what follows is far from ordinary. Cast in The Shadow of a Gunman by Sean O’Casey, she finds herself performing in Dún Laoghaire during one of the most tense moments in Irish history- the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. After a bombing devastates the city, the production is shaken again by chilling threats. Phone calls warn that the theatre will be blown up if the show continues. The cast must make a choice: walk away, or step onto the stage not knowing what might happen next. Dorothy goes on. With her family sitting in the front row.

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About

Living my best life and not stopping anytime soon. At 89 years young, I'm digging into my diary full of stories, tall tales and anecdotes of a life lived to the fullest. My name is Dorothy Clarke, welcome to my world.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Chalfa Producer for Dorothy Clarke
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke
  • Show Website
    Hello, I'm Dorothy Clarke