Skip to content
Love and Courage podcast artwork

PODCAST · society

Love and Courage

by Ruairí McKiernan

The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Ruairí McKiernan is a multi award winning Irish social innovator, campaigner, writer and public speaker. He is the founder of the pioneering SpunOut youth organization, and helped set-up the Uplift and the A Lust For Life non-profits. In 2012 the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins appointed Ruairí to the Council of State, a constitutional advisory body whose members include all former leaders of the country. Ruairí is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Fulbright fellowship, and he contributes regularly to the media on youth, health, community and social justice issues.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 19, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Martin Hayes - Musician and Composer

    Martin Hayes is a world-renowned Irish fiddler from Feakle in east Clare, a place steeped in music and tradition. Martin is well known for his distinctive and soulful style of playing that blends traditional Irish music with innovative contemporary interpretations. He’s an iconic figure in Irish...

  2. Adi Roche - Founder of Chernobyl Children International

    Adi Roche is the Founder and voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International (CCI). Adi is a globally recognized humanitarian and activist who has dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to advocating for peace, social justice, and environmental causes. A native of Clonmel, County Tipperary…

    more
  3. Lee Keylock - On Gun Violence, Division, Empathy and Kindness

    Lee Keylock is the Director of Global Programs with Narrative 4. Originally from England, Lee has lived in the US for over 30 years. He is a former night club manager turned high school teacher who has a lot to say about social division and why we need to talk about empathy and human connection.…

    more
  4. Mary Lawlor - Human Rights Leader

    Dubliner Mary Lawlor is a veteran human rights champion with a fascinating backstory, including a stint in her youth selling encyclopaedias in Canada. After a meeting with Amnesty International co-founder Sean MacBride, Mary got involved in the early days of Amnesty International Ireland…

    more
  5. John Evoy - On Men's Sheds, Bereavement, Addiction, Counselling, Remote Work & More

    My guest in this podcast is John Evoy. John is someone I've connected with at different times in the past due through my work in the community. I’ve always found him to be a deep thinker with a big heart. John lives in County Wexford, Ireland, and works as the General Manager of Grow Remote...

  6. Áine Tyrrell - Australia-based Irish Singer, Songwriter and Musician

    Áine Tyrell is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician who grew up in counties Galway and Clare. She’s been living in Australia for over a decade now where she has toured extensively and developed a reputation as a fiercely grassroots and independent artist who is a powerhouse live performer and…

    more
  7. Ann Marie Flanagan - Disability Rights Champion

    Ann Marie Flanagan is a disabled human rights activist from County Clare in the west of Ireland. Growing up in a tight-knit, supportive community, she says attitudes towards her physical impairment were generally inclusive. However, that changed when Ann Marie hit the age of 12 and entered...

  8. John Seed - Legendary 78 year old Australian environmental activist

    John Seed is a 78-year-old world-renowned Australian environmental educator, author, activist, artist and filmmaker. A recipient of the Australian government’s Order of Australia medal, John is the founder and director of the Rainforest Information Centre and, since 1979, has been involved in…

    more
  9. Rev Tim Costello - Renowned Australian Humanitarian

    Tim Costello is one of Australia's most well-known and respected community leaders. In recent times he was voted one of Australia’s 100 national living treasures. A recipient of Victorian of the Year and Victoria's Australian of the Year accolades, as well as an Officer of the Order of Australia,...

  10. Don O'Leary - Director of Cork Life Centre

    This episode features a conversation with Cork man Don O'Leary. Don is the Director of the Cork Life Centre, which is a voluntary organization established over 20 years ago to offer an alternative learning environment to young people aged 12-18 who have not thrived or coped in a mainstream...

  11. Wallis Bird - Musician and Songwriter

    Wallis Bird is one of my favourite artists and perhaps my favourite all-time performer. Originally from Wexford Ireland, Wallis has been based in Berlin Germany for over a decade. She has 7 albums to her name including her latest called Hands, which is in many ways is a celebration of uniqueness...

  12. Michael Barron - Human Rights Activist, Founding Director of BelongTo (LGBTI+ org)

    My guest in this episode I Michael Barron. Michael is a well-known Irish human rights activist originally from rural Co Kilkenny where he grew up as a young gay man dancing to Madonna while many of the other boys focused on hurling and sports. He shares some fascinating stories and insights from...

  13. Eugene O'Brien - Playwright, Screenwriter, Former Actor

    Eugene O'Brien is a playwright, screenwriter, and former actor originally from County Offaly in the Irish midlands. He has written for the stage, screen and radio. His work includes the critically acclaimed TV drama Pure Mule, winner of five IFTA Awards, and which, according to the Irish Times,...

  14. Grace Dyas - Artist, Activist, Director, & Performer

    My friend Grace Dyas is still relatively young but she’s already something of an Irish legend. Grace is an artist, activist, writer, director, producer, and performer. Originally from south inner-city Dublin, she now lives on the Inis Oirr, one of the beautiful Aran Islands off the coast of…

    more
  15. John Connell (returns) - writer, producer, farmer

    I’m delighted to welcome John Connell back to the podcast. This is his second time on the podcast and it was great to catch-up with him. John is a multi award winning bestselling author, journalist, producer and farmer. He writes a weekly column for the Irish Independent newspaper and lives and...

  16. Kindred Motes - Social Justice Advocate and Entrepreneur from Alabama

    Kindred Motes is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur and an inspirational voice for change from working-class, rural Alabama in the southern United States. After approximately a decade working with some of the world’s leading social justice organizations, Kindred recently established the...

  17. Noeline Blackwell - Human Rights Lawyer and CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

    Noeline Blackwell is the CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Noeline has worked for several decades as a solicitor and previously as Director General of FLAC, the Free Legal Advice Centres, She’s a powerful voice for change in so many areas of society, not least sexual violence. Website…

    more
  18. Tara Flynn - Actor and Writer

    My guest is this episode is someone I’m been keen to talk to for white a white. Tara Flynn is much loved Irish actor and writer and is well known for her leadership in the campaign to repeal the 8th amendment in Ireland, as well as her various books, articles and creative productions. Tara is the...

  19. Johann Hari - Bestselling Author of Stolen Focus, Lost Connections, Chasing the Scream

    Johann Hari is well known as the author of international bestsellers Chasing the Scream about the failure of the so-called war on drugs and Lost Connections, which explores depression, anxiety and the importance of social connection in our lives. Lost Connections was described by the British...

  20. Keith Walsh - Writer and Broadcaster

    Keith Walsh is a popular writer and broadcaster. Keith is also the host of the popular Keith Walsh podcast and at the time of recording he had just completed a tour of his debut play, titled Pure Mental, which you’ll hear about shortly. We also get talking Keith’s 20-year career in radio, his...

  21. Sarah Clancy - Poet and Activist

    Sarah Clancy is a well-known poet, activist and commentator who works in community development in County Clare where she now lives. Sarah grew up in Galway immersed in the world of ponies and horses which led her to working all over Ireland and later in Australia and New Zealand. Although she...

  22. Anne Rynne - Singer, Songwriter, Community Stalwart

    Anne is a singer, songwriter and community stalwart living in Miltown Malbay not too far away from me here in County Clare on the wild west coast of Ireland. Anne took up the guitar in her 60s and since then has created and released 2 albums. It might be no surprise that music was calling Anne...

  23. Declan O'Rourke - Singer-songwriter and author

    Declan O’Rourke is one of Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters and musicians and is respected and loved by music lovers around the world. He has received praise from the likes of John Prine, Paul Weller and other luminaries. Declan has created 7 excellent albums, including the latest Arrivals…

    more
  24. Colm O'Gorman - Author, Activist, Amnesty Director, Charity founder

    Colm O’Gorman is an author, activist, cook, charity founder, and lots more. Colm is one of Ireland’s best known activists. Colm O’Gorman was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1966. He’s from a farming background and spent the first eleven years of his life in the village of Adamstown before moving with...

  25. Razan Ibraheem - Irish-Syrian journalist and activist

    Razan Ibraheem is an Irish-Syrian journalist and activist. She first came to Ireland to do her MA at the University of Limerick and ending up unable to return home after the war started in her native Syria. Razan worked for several years with the Storyful news agency and recently joined Kinzen as…

    more
  26. Joe Murray - Veteran Human Rights Champion

    Joe Murray is the coordinator with Afri – Action from Ireland, which is a small but significant national and independent Irish organisation working for human rights, global justice and environmental action since 1975. Afri’s patron is none other than Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu....

  27. Colm Mac Con Iomaire - Violinist and Composer

    Colm Mac Con Iomaire is an acclaimed Irish violinist and composer. He was a founding member of renowned folk fusion band Kila and, at the age of 19 became a founding member of legendary indie rock band The Frames, which led him to tour the world for up on 30 years. He was also a member of The…

    more
  28. Noelle Brown - Actor, Playwright, Campaigner on Mother and Baby Homes

    Noelle Brown is a well-known Irish actor, playwright, and activist. Noelle was born in the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork and much of our conversation centres around her campaign work to advance the rights and voices of Mother and Baby home survivors. Mother and Baby Homes were...

  29. Tony Griffin - Writer, Charity founder, Former Sports Star

    Tony Griffin is a writer, speaker, co-founder of the Soar Foundation which does amazing youth empowerment work throughout Ireland, and he’s a former sports star who played hurling for his native County Clare and he is the recipient of a prestigious all-star award. I talk to Tony on the day his…

    more
  30. Syrian refugee campaign and life during lockdown - My interview on the United Ireland podcast

    This is a crosspost of an interview I did on Una Mullally and Andrea Horan's United Ireland podcast. In it, I talk about a campaign I lead concerning Syrian refugees in Longford and other topics such as life during lockdown. Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast.…

    more
  31. Michael McCaughan - Writer

    Michael McCaughan is a former Irish Times Latin America correspondent and has spent three decades working and writing in places like Mexico, Cuba and Colombia. He’s the author of several books and his most recent book Coming Home explores his journey to reconnect with the Irish language.…

    more
  32. Fr Peter McVerry - renowned homelessness campaigner

    My guest in this epsisode is Fr Peter McVerry, a Belfast born Jesuit priest who grew up in Newry, County Down before moving to Dublin. After his ordination in 1975 he lived and worked in summerhill in North Dublin and came face to face with homelessness, poverty and deprivation. He went on to set...

  33. Bronagh Gallagher - Renowned actress, singer, songwriter

    Bronagh Gallagher is one of Ireland’s best-known actors and musicians. Originally from Derry city, she famously starred in the classic Irish movie the Commitments and has had roles in films such as Pulp Fiction, Star Wars and Sherlock Holmes, in numerous TV shows including Holby City and Moone…

    more
  34. John Connell - author, journalist, playwright, film producer

    John Connell is an award-winning Irish author, playwright, journalist, and film producer. A native of County Longford in the midlands, John is from a rural farming background, something that has greatly influenced his work and thinking, as you'll hear in this conversation. John spent several…

    more
  35. Easkey Britton - surfer, scientist, author & film-maker

    Easkey Britton is a scientist, surfer, writer, artist and film-maker with a PhD in Environment and Society. Her work explores the relationship between people and nature, especially the sea. A life-long surfer, her parents taught her to surf when she was four years old and she channels her passion...

  36. Ibrahim Halawa - Finding hope after 4 years in an Egyptian Prison

    Ibrahim Halawa is a 25-year-old law student from Tallaght in Dublin, Ireland. Between the ages of 17 and 21 he was wrongfully imprisoned in an Egyptian prison after being arrested during a visit to Cairo in 2013. The trip coincided with pro-democracy protests which had swept the country and led…

    more
  37. Mary Reynolds - Environmentalist, Author, Activist

    Mary Reynolds is an Irish author, former landscape designer and nature activist, known for being the youngest contestant to win a gold medal at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. She became highly sought after in the world of garden design but later gave it up to explore new ways of looking at...

  38. 'Make life beautiful' - an interview with Ruairí

    Ruairí McKiernan interview with Dave Fanning on RTÉ 2fm Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and…

    more
  39. Andrew Boyd - trailblazing author, humorist & campaigner

    Andrew Boyd is an American author, humorist and veteran of creative campaigns for social change. He led the decade-long satirical media campaign Billionaires for Bush. He co-founded Agit-Pop Communications, an award-winning “subvertising” agency, as well as the netroots social justice movement…

    more
  40. Hope and healing in troubled times

    A short interviewed with podcast host Ruairí McKiernan recorded on the Today FM Last Word show with Matt Cooper. Discussing community, connection, resilience and hope in the context of the release of Ruairí's book Hitching for Hope - a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland....

  41. Joe Farrell - from Irish mother & baby home to New York playwright

    Joe Farrell on the Love and Courage podcast. Joe Farrell was born in an Irish mother and baby home in Ireland in 1960 where he lived with his mother who had been sent there as an unmarried mother. He lived there for the first 2 years of his life before being adopted by an Irish American family…

    more
  42. Tom Prendergast - artist, DJ, ex record label owner

    Limerick man Tom Prendergast is an artist, a DJ, a former record store owner, former successful record label co-founder, a passionate community volunteer and so much more. Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org…

    more
  43. A story and a song

    A few words of reflection followed by a special song. Find links to the song and video by Susan Quirke, newsletter links, donation info etc. via this link: http://linktr.ee/ruairi Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at...

  44. Dearbhla Glynn - Documentary Filmmaker, Photojournalist, Yoga Teacher

    Love and Courage podcast with Ruairí McKiernan. Originally from County Cork, Dearbhla Glynn is a multi-award winning documentary filmmaker, photo-journalist, artist, writer and yoga teacher. Her films explore themes of culture, human rights and conflict and have seen her travel to conflict zones...

  45. Mari Kennedy - Meditation, Yoga, & Wisdom Teacher

    Originally from Sligo in the north-west of Ireland, Mari is an organisational wellbeing and leadership consultant, an integral facilitator, a mindfulness and meditation teacher, a social entrepreneur, a yoga teacher, and I might add she’s quite a stunning singer too. Mari has worked with former...

  46. Luka Bloom - folk singer

    Luka Bloom is one of Ireland’s best known and most respected contemporary folk artists. Originally from County Kildare, Luka Bloom has been singing and performing since the age of 14. He released his debut album Treaty Stone in 1978 and soon after moved to the Netherlands, where he remains hugely...

  47. Peggy Seeger - legendary folk singer & activist

    At the time of this interview, the 84-year-old folk singer is still songwriting, touring, entertaining, informing, educating and inspiring as part of the great folk tradition that she embodies so well. Born in 1935 to a folklorist and musicologist father and a mother who was an accomplished...

  48. Hugh O'Brien - Legendary Cootehill historian, author, activist & actor

    Live public interview with the legendary Hugh O’Brien, or ‘Hugh Barney’ as he’s often known. It was recorded in the Darly School Hall as part of a full house at the Cootehill Arts Festival in my hometown of Cootehill Co. Cavan. Hugh Barney is a 79-year-old historian, educator, actor and community...

  49. Vicky Phelan - cervical cancer campaigner

    Originally from County Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland, Vicky is a Limerick based married mother of two who has been at the forefront of exposing the Cervical Check screening scandal in Ireland after being told that she had been given incorrect smear test results. In early 2019 she settled…

    more
  50. David Jan Jurasek - former child refugee, author, therapist, martial arts instructor

    David Jan Jurasek is a former child refugee from the former Czechoslovakia. His family escaped the regime there and eventually ended up in Canada where he grew up struggling to make sense of loss and trauma. He eventually turned to creative expression and martial arts to help him channel his...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Ruairí McKiernan is a multi award winning Irish social innovator, campaigner, writer and public speaker. He is the founder of the pioneering SpunOut youth organization, and helped set-up the Uplift and the A Lust For Life non-profits. In 2012 the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins appointed Ruairí to the Council of State, a constitutional advisory body whose members include all former leaders of the country. Ruairí is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Fulbright fellowship, and he contributes regularly to the media on youth, health, community and social justice issues.

HOSTED BY

Ruairí McKiernan

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Love and Courage have?

Love and Courage currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Love and Courage about?

The Love and Courage podcast features interviews with inspirational people who are making a real difference in the world today. Guests are typically people passionate about social justice, and who have demonstrated courage and conviction in their lives. Ruairí McKiernan is a multi award winning...

How often does Love and Courage release new episodes?

Love and Courage has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Love and Courage?

You can listen to Love and Courage on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Love and Courage?

Love and Courage is created and hosted by Ruairí McKiernan.
URL copied to clipboard!