Taranoia

In show fifty-four, Tara meets broadcaster Ola Majekodunmi in the beautiful Sunshine Café in Dún Laoghaire. Ola reads a special, personal poem on the pier, written for Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas), but no less pertinent for Brigid’s Day. Beannachtaí na Féile Bríde! (Happy Brigid’s Day!) What better time than Imbolc to discuss what Irishness looks like, identity, the Irish language, resources for learning it and how to get excited about it. Plus, journalism and media, assumptions, why not to touch someone’s hair (in case we still need to be told), how Tara messed up her Irish Leaving Cert exam, and whether Ola needs to watch out for buses.  Check out Ola’s work: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ola-majekodunmi YouTube: What Does ‘Irishness” Look Like? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWKR7eq-CQ Beyond Representation, championing women of colour breaking new ground in Irish media, arts and business: Twitter @brepresentation Twitter @olamajekodunmi1   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon  

In show fifty-three, Tara reads a Christmas story she’s written. You know those ones that are on daytime telly with 70s soap stars in them? Like that, but with time travel. There’s a bit of chat first - on not being cool, on Letting it Go, forced jollity and toxic positivity, what a ‘tonic’ is - but if you just want to skip to the story it’s about 18 minutes in. Merry Whatever Holiday You’re Having Yourself (or missing completely if you want). ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show fifty-two, Tara finds out that former MEP Lynn Boylan knows absolutely loads about the climate crisis. She has a scientific background in ecology, in a very hands-on way that, Tara learns, sadly doesn’t involve pic-a-nic baskets. They talk about how communities have evolved and what they could change right now to be kinder to the climate, and to communities themselves. Were things really better in the 80s? What if you can’t afford a bamboo toothbrush, are they doing anything anyway? They chat about saving the snail, rural transport options, whether there’s hope among the climate anxiety and Tara puts forward her ideas for an anti-gravity movement. Thank goodness we have people like Lynn around to set her straight.   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show fifty-one, Tara gets to meet Dr. Amanullah de Sondy in a show LIVE from Cork Podcast Festival. Dr. de Sondy is Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam at University College Cork. They chat religion and belief, Scottishness and ‘Muslimness’, kilts, masculinity and how all injustice is related. Tara suggests a terrible new title for his book and we learn more about how Dr. de Sondy ended up being an umpire at Wimbledon. TWICE. Tara also reads ‘Irotica’ from her own book ‘You’re Grand’ and tries to tenuously (“tentatively”) link it to the interview. She reckons it’s a perfect fit.  With thanks to Cork Podcast Festival, Aisling O’Riordan, Arran Mac Gabhann, Blindboy Boatclub for curating, Brian and all at Crawford Art Gallery. Twitter @desondy @corkpodcastfest @crawfordartgall ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show fifty (the real one), Tara breaks her podcast hiatus for a chat. How could she refuse the powerhouse that is Tony Duffin from the Ana Liffey Drug Project? He talks Tara through what ALDP does with regard to dealing with addiction, and realistic concerns for safety versus NIMBYism. How keeping people  #saferfromharm isn’t promoting drug use, but acknowledging the human beings who need support. How prohibition - Just Say No -  just doesn’t work. What Portugal has done about it. And Tara asks whether The Pogues have been underestimated in their role in positive Anglo Irish relations.  www.aldp.ie   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show forty-nine, released on Culture Night day, Tara gets creative. What’s culture anyway? How do artists get started now? Giving the finger to snobbification. And some brand new spoken word/ poetry/ stories/ cultural events based on titles suggested by the Patrons. Searing creations such as: Once Upon a Bus Stop Dreary, Plus les choses changent - Oy, la douleur,  Rage, rage against the flying of the kite, Pride and beetroot juice and many more. Thank you Patrons! And happy Culture Night to you all. ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show forty-eight, Tara takes a quick hiatus from the hiatus to drop in and say hi. How are you getting on? She’s physically falling apart but ready to go Back to School. On being the eejit in the room, what’s on your bord dúlra, fear of starting new things, passive aggressive direction giving and more. Plus a conspiracy theory about fasting apps. Brought to you by Snocks.   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show forty-seven (the last before a Taranoia hiatus), Tara looks back at the first week of July in years past and shares why it’s not always been a great month. Dumpings and bereavement and all that good stuff. How a cheap bouquet nearly cost her the cat. What happens when the sky comes off? Why don’t we have those black armbands anymore? Are ghosts even a thing? And how, though it’s not the same losing pets as it is to lose people, it really does hurt. Be gentle with yourselves. Brought to you by Wee-nex.   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl  

In show 46, journalist and festivals expert Louise Bruton has Tara saying “wow” a lot as she tells of travels, gigs and famous people who’ve sat on her knee. (Harry the dog has a lot to say, you’ll hear him on backing vocals.) They discuss Tara’s badness at festivals, and whether weekend woodlands need enhancement, or if childlike wonder is really all you? Festival tips and wisdom, and stories about getting up-close and personal with Grace Jones and Taylor Swift. The real ones. (Tara says “wow” some more. Harry says “bow wow”.) Louise is behind the Legless in Dublin blog; how hard is it to keep something like that going on your own? Also: singledom, access glasses, lone wolves and velociraptors. No wonder Tara says “wow”.  (NB during the interview, Tara mixes up Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. But sure, those billionaires are all the one, right?) http://leglessindublin.com ‘How Would You Like to be Treated?’ TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odUrmmxH4RI Twitter/ Instagram @luberachi   ---   Website   http:

In show 46, Taranoia is (well, was) LIVE from the Library of Progress on the Woodlands Stage at Body & Soul Festival. Special guest: comedian Alison Spittle. With a real live audience in an actual woodland glade - outside, like, in the almost-rain  - Tara and Alison chat about the serious business of comedy and contouring in the car. There’s Alison’s TV show and move to London, as well as what she dreams of doing. Can you fancy a man who’s a crisp, or is it just homesickness? Is #metoo a problem in comedy? Dealing with serious topics using humour, making friends, funeral food, moving statues, the importance of solidarity, and the laziness of some ‘edgy’ jokes  - it’s all here, in a woodland glade by a castle, with a stage-rush by a horny bee. Join us in the glade. You won’t even need your wellies. (With thanks to Naoise, Niall, and all the crew at the Woodlands Stage at Body & Soul.) http://alisonspittle.com   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   I

In show 44 (wish it was 50, but here we are), Tara celebrates her half century by recording a breezy (literally), free-form, stream-of-consciousness podcast from a car at the side of the road, overlooking Kinsale. That’s right, she’s 50. (Fifty.) (50.) She’s earned every facial line and wrinkle and knee-creak so damn right she’s going to celebrate. As cars roll past wondering if she’s a tree surgeon or some kind of shit spy, Tara reflects on times she nearly died, stuff she’s learned, and reads some questions from patrons she will attempt to answer with the kind of wisdom that automatically lands on you at such a great age, when libraries deem you officially “old”. Right? PARTAY in the car-tay! ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 43, Tara has journalist and author Lynn Enright over to her flat for a chat. They talk about moving to London, the concept of ‘DubLon’ and and finding where you’re meant to be in your life and career. How Lynn highlighted the need to repeal the 8th amendment from overseas. Why is it that now, even those on-side in the UK are outraged about Alabama but don’t seem to know much about the situation in Northern Ireland? And of course they talk about Lynn’s book Vagina: a Re-Education (Allen & Unwin).They reminisce about sex education in Irish schools, the ‘mirror day’, and finding out the vagina might actually be pretty cool, despite messaging to the contrary, and why it doesn’t actually whistle when you walk.  Tara is looking forward to the sequel already and has some ideas. https://www.lynnenright.com   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 42 (recorded a couple of weeks ago), Tara is in London talking to Stewart Lee about comedy and whether PC really has GONE MAD. Stewart has lots of thoughts on Brexit. They talk about the role of satire, and whether comedians have a responsibility when you can, in reality,  ‘say anything (anymore)’. There’s also mic-swapping, background birdsong, Truro, comedy in the olden days, voting, an upcoming film project (see link below), and the alt-right’s forays into humour. This leads to a cracker of a Taranoia-style conspiracy theory, and honestly, Tara is here for it. For info on King Rocker or to donate to help get it made: https://kingrockerfilm.com   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 41, Tara meets up with Emily Waszak of Migrants for Reproductive Justice (MERJ). Tara discovers that while Tara is a big chicken, Emily is much braver. They talk civil disobedience, anarchy, the migrant experience in Ireland, structural discrimination, repro rights and maternity care, housing and evictions, putting yourself out there, and what racism really looks like. There’s also plenty chat about milkshakes and Emily gets a birthday wish. http://merjireland.org   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 40, Tara visits the office of Dr. Arpita Chakraborty (or does she)? Arpita is with the School of Law and Government at DCU and is part of the Ireland India Institute. What makes her, as she self-describes, a “GIF-obsessed feminist killjoy”? In Arpita’s office (or is it?) she and Tara discuss masculinism and toxic masculinity. Why is it so often interpreted as ‘masculinity is toxic’? Arpita sets us straight, with milk and cake. They talk representation, changes in Ireland, and possible echoes in the experiences of the Dalit caste in India and the travelling community here. And Arpita digs deep with spoilers* into certain character arcs on Game of Thrones and *that* controversial episode. Which, of course, is the really important stuff. (Handle dragons with care.) *To avoid GOT spoilers, if you’re behind, skip minute 30 to 34 www.irelandindia.ie Twitter @arp_chak Instagram @foodie_nerd     ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://w

In show 39, Tara has just come back from New York, with its blue-eyed cats and ubiquitous seating. She was also there for a conference on reproductive rights. What are the issues that affect Ireland and the US? Exactly one year on from the Repeal of the 8th amendment in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland is still without access. Why ‘the North is next’ has nothing to do with Winterfell and everything to do with Westminster. Support Alliance for Choice here http://www.alliance4choice.com    ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 38, Tara has tea and porn chat with Caroline West, a Doctoral Scholar (soon to have her PhD) in Sexuality Studies at DCU. Caroline’s work involves examining the experiences of women working in the American porn industry and what feminists say about those experiences, as well as going to Las Vegas for research. Is porn bad (like Tara always heard growing up) or good (agency, empowerment), or a broad and varied industry that can be both? Caroline helps people to talk about sex, and think about who gets to decide what's good or bad. She and Tara chat traditional repression, changing attitudes, cheesy storylines, sharing names with porn stars and the absence, in cinematic depictions, of the sex towel. Twitter: @carolinewest_IE     ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 37, Tara has a think about language and stereotypes. The French have a slightly different connotation for the verb ‘to ignore’: what might that teach us English speakers? How the word ‘cis’ is useful, not derogatory, so let’s stop stressing and listen when trans people have something to tell us. When your Spanish language podcast buddy turns out not to be what he seems. And how people might sell books off the back of dating rules, but those rules might be way more limiting than they seem. Is it jousting you want? Really? Brought to you by Spamdals. (Shout outs to Bethany Black and Mona Eltahawy.)   ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl

In show 36, Tara kidnaps Dr. Gavan Titley, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies at Maynooth University. His focus is the politics of racism and multiculturalism in Europe, as well as freedom of speech and what constitutes ‘hate speech’ in traditional and social media. Though race is the main target, Tara feels Gavan’s work could apply to trolling and controlling based on any form of discrimination. In an hour she asks him to cover: the rise of the far right and what big tech can do about it, or is it already too late? Who has the power online? Is ‘hearing out’ harmful ideas useful, or have some ideas been adequately tested in history? The IDW lads. Charlie Hebdo, Notre Dame, and who makes a news story. Is democracy fucked? Is revolution inevitable or just something in Tara’s head? And is there Mill in the fridge? There isn’t half enough time. She’ll just have to have him back. Gavan’s past publications include The Crises of Multiculturalism: Racism in a Neoliberal Age, written with Alana Lentin (Zed Books 2011),

In show thirty-five, Tara joins Claire Hunt of Homeless Period Ireland to find out all about what they do. What is period poverty and is there anything we can do about it, short or long term? What counts as a luxury item? On getting caught out, smashing shame, comforts and treats and old loopy pads. The power of volunteering. Why Ireland is still leaving people behind on essentials in 2019. And not really knowing what churching is, thank goodness. Drop-offs, donations and information: https://www.facebook.com/homelessperiodIreland/ Twitter: @homelessperiodD Instagram: @homelessperiodireland     ---   Website   http://www.taraflynn.ie   Patreon   https://www.patreon.com/taraflynnirl   Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/taraflynnirl