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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy - Dundara Television and Media

1 Creator

1 Creator

A former President of Ireland, a broadcasting icon and an array of guests with an incredible story to tell.


What more would you want?!!


Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations is a compelling and humorous podcast hosted by Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy, two of Ireland’s most iconic voices. Each week, they sit down with a well-known Irish guest to explore the universal theme of change—something we all experience in life. With insight, warmth, and plenty of laughs, they uncover how their guests navigate transitions, challenges, and new beginnings, offering wisdom, resilience, and often, unexpected humor.


From Irish history and culture to personal journeys of reinvention, Changing Timesconnects the past with the present in a way that resonates with Irish people at home and abroad. Whether you’re part of the Irish diaspora in America, the UK, or Canada, or simply passionate about Irish storytelling, politics, and cultural heritage, this podcast offers thought-provoking and entertaining discussions on Irish-American identity, the Irish in Britain, and the evolving Irish experience.


As featured on The Late Late Show and Apple Podcasts Ireland, Changing Times is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ireland’s global influence, Irish traditions, and the personal stories behind life’s biggest changes.


🎙️ New episodes available every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Subscribe now and join the conversation!


Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What is Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations about?

In this exciting new venture, two titans of their respective domains join forces to launch a captivating new podcast. Former President of Ireland Mary McAlesse & 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 am relishing the opportunity to work together in beautiful Allenwood and to 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. Launching on Tuesday 12th March 2024. Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.

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Top 10 Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Mary McAleese - Part 1

Mary McAleese - Part 1

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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04/22/25 • 60 min

In part one this very special two part episode, Mary Kennedy chats to her co-host and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey through the formative years of a remarkable woman who would go on to become one of Ireland’s most respected voices. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she shares vivid memories of a childhood shaped by conflict — from a devastating car bomb attack on her father's pub to terrifying assaults on her family home, including a harrowing incident that forced them to leave everything behind.


She recalls the fear etched into her younger sister’s face during one violent episode — and the protective instinct that saw the siblings stand up for each other in the face of danger. Bricks smashed through windows, bullets fired into their home, and friends drawn into the web of the IRA — all part of a reality few could imagine.


Told she could never be a lawyer by a priest, she defied expectations and broke barriers. This episode also explores the love story that began when she met her husband, Martin, and the lifelong friendship they formed with rugby legend Moss Keane.


She speaks candidly about her difficult years working in RTÉ, her deep admiration for John Hume, and what ultimately drove her to step into public life and run for President.

Raw, honest, and unforgettable — this is a story of courage, conviction, and the quiet strength behind the public figure.


Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Jarlath Burns GAA President

Jarlath Burns GAA President

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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03/19/24 • 48 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - ** Dermot Kennedy Bitesize Bonus Content **

** Dermot Kennedy Bitesize Bonus Content **

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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04/25/24 • 5 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Damian Browne

Damian Browne

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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04/16/24 • 46 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Nóirín O'Sullivan

Nóirín O'Sullivan

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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07/09/24 • 53 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Heather Humphreys

Heather Humphreys

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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02/25/25 • 51 min

Presidental possibilities? Why did she decide to retire from politics? How did she deal with her daughters horrific car accident? Would she like to see a united Ireland? Cross border smuggling stories. The one piece of advice Leo Varadkar offered her! How she was treated as a woman in politics. Former Minister Heather Humphreys reveals all to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy.


Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Rory O'Connor - Rory's Stories

Rory O'Connor - Rory's Stories

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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05/21/24 • 51 min

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 dangerous

spiral 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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Keith Barry

Keith Barry

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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04/02/24 • 47 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - Bertie Ahern

Bertie Ahern

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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07/16/24 • 71 min

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.

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Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations - **Rory's Stories - Bitesize Bonus Content**

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

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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05/24/24 • 5 min

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.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations have?

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations currently has 40 episodes available.

What topics does Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations cover?

The podcast is about Culture, Gaa, Society & Culture, Change, President, Society, Celebrity, Music, Television, Podcasts and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations?

The episode title 'Changing Times Trailer' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations?

The average episode length on Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is 44 minutes.

How often are episodes of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations released?

Episodes of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations are typically released every 6 days, 22 hours.

When was the first episode of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations?

The first episode of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations was released on Mar 5, 2024.

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Enda Grace

@endagrace

Mar 13

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