I once had the bright idea to go and ask famous people about personal things that they probably wanted to keep secret, and write about it all in the Irish Times. Asking them questions about the ups and downs, the ups and downs, the triumphs and failures of a life lived in the public eye while trying to manage the most humbling and grounding experience of all: becoming a parent. .
And as our readers have persevered through these interviews, we’ve learned what we feel like we know and how they’re getting through the brief experience of adulthood, perhaps even parenthood. However, we decided to go a little further. And so a brand new podcast, Conversations with Parents, was born, each episode running just over 30 minutes. I, Jen Hogan, take the helm as your proud new matriarch, sorry host.
So why should you listen to conversations with parents? First of all, we have excellent and attractive guests. Every Tuesday, I sit down and have a conversation with a parent you know. When you discuss the impact that parenthood has had on their lives, you’ll hear a side of them that you’ve never heard before. You will hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. And don’t shy away from uncomfortable topics. Or maybe you forget the crack with all the serious stuff.
From attempts to take back beds from toddlers so sex doesn’t have to be so scheduled, to racism, parenting children with additional needs, a la carte Catholics, and modern parenting phenomena, from the table. Nothing comes off. We’ll talk about what parenting is actually like for people facing a variety of challenges. And let’s discuss the wonderful and diverse families that make up today’s society.
I often hear stories of villages needed to raise children going missing during battles. And those conversations aren’t happening the way they should. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living, life can pull the rug out from under us when parenthood comes knocking. So let us be part of your virtual village and discuss parenting amidst all the great chaos and hustle and bustle. The great thing is that you don’t have to be a parent to listen. People who are simply interested in other people’s lives are also welcome.
Conversations with Parents begins on Tuesday 8 October with an unmissable first conversation with radio presenter Brendan O’Connor. We don’t want you to miss a thing, so follow, subscribe, and listen to Conversations with Parents on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
And of course, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions, please contact us at parentspod@irishtimes.com.
