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.
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.
To close off season two of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations, we bring you a compilation of some pieces you didn't hear from Mary Kennedy, Mary McAleese, Sharon Shannon, Diarmuid Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Marty Morrissey.
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Part 2 of this very special podcast, Mary McAleese opens up to her friend and host Mary Kennedy with honesty, warmth, and wit.
From her complex relationship with the Catholic Church to intimate stories of family life in the west of Ireland, she reflects on her daughter’s wedding, her son coming out to her, knitting, her passion for shopping, and the joys and challenges of everyday living.
With characteristic insight, she shares her hopes for the future of Belfast and reminds us all that life is too short not to live it fully. A powerful, personal, and often humorous conversation with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
In this remarkable episode, Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy sit with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for a rare and powerful & deeply personal conversation. As he prepares to step down from his role, Drew reflects on a career shaped by profound personal tragedy, public service, his reaction to a no confidence vote in him and a steady commitment to leading with courage and conviction. From growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland to leading An Garda Síochána through complex reforms and challenges, his story is one of resilience, integrity, and unwavering duty. With moving candour, he shares how his father’s murder shaped his worldview, the philosophy that has guided his leadership, and the toll — and fulfilment — of a life lived in service.
In this episode, we discuss:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Micheál Martin running for president? He tells us more. Speaking rights, the opposition, Donald Trump, tariffs, dealing with world leaders, family life, personal loss and tragedy, the impact of grief, childhood and political influences, Conor McGregor and the GAA - including who will win this years All Irelands, all areas up for discussion with Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in this special episode.
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.
Fair City made him a household name, but George McMahon’s story goes far beyond Carrigstown—charting a path through the highs and challenges of an ever-evolving acting career in Ireland.
From growing up in Clondalkin to stepping onto the set of Fair City as a teenager, the good humoured and charming George McMahon has spent most of his life in front of the camera. But his journey hasn’t been without its twists—navigating the unpredictable world of acting, embracing new creative challenges, and balancing life in the public eye.
In this episode he chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about life and change including:
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jack Charlton called him Noel for four years until he scored in Italia 90. He was at the coalface of the Saipan affair between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy in 2002. He played for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sunderland, and earned 92 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
In this second part of a very special podcast to commemorate 35 years since the glory days of Italia 90, Niall Quinn chats with the two Marys about all of this and also:
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Niall Quinn is a national hero. From the hallowed turf of Lansdowne Road to the boardrooms of Irish football, his impact on the beautiful game is nothing short of legendary. A towering presence on and off the pitch, Niall’s journey from goal-scoring hero to visionary football executive is a story of passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
In this first part of a very special podcast to commemorate 35 years since the glory days of Italia 90, Niall chats with the two Marys about:
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.
Former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in Ireland, Katherine Zappone played a key role in the country's marriage equality referendum.
In this emotional yet uplifting episode, Katherine talks frankly to Mary and Mary about many issues including her controversial appointment as a UN Special Envoy and the political fallout that followed.
Katherine also openly discusses the heartbreak of losing her beloved wife Anne Louise soon after the groundbreaking marriage equality referendum and makes an exclusive revelation about a future project.
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.
This is a simply fascinating story. Diarmuid talks to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about:
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
In this very special episode, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese interviews her co-host Mary Kennedy. One of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, Mary Kennedy is renowned for her warmth, depth, and decades of experience in Irish media.
In a wide ranging discussion, she opens up about a range of topics including her upbringing, her journey into broadcasting, presenting Eurovision and handling a drunk adjudicator, the turmoil of her marriage ending and her mothers fears for her career choice.
Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who actually is the “Galway Girl”? We were surprised to learn!
Poignant, funny and very revealing, Sharon Shannon chats to Mary McAleese about her life, glittering career, personal traumas including the death of her beloved partner Leo and reveals who the "Galway Girl" actually is! Sharon Shannon is a true icon of Irish music, renowned for her vibrant and genre-defying accordion playing. She has played with numerous greats including Steve Earle and Bono. Her energy and enthusiasm for music keep her engaged with audiences worldwide.
Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Broadcaster Marty Morrissey is not short of an opinion here on the future of the GAA, the managerial merry-go-round, why managers should stick to their own clubs and counties, why the Ireland Finals should be moved back to September and why he should have won Dancing With The Stars!
He also chats to the Mary’s about the loss of his mother in a tragic accident in 2021, studying medicine, teaching, taking three years to break into RTÉ, how a nun was instrumental in his early GAA days and his relationship with Cindy Crawford!!!
”Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations” is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bite-size bonus episode, our legendary hosts Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy head for the RTE Late Late Show Studios to officially launch season two and chat with Patrick Kielty about how “Changing Times” originated, their Electric Picnic experience, the former president’s addiction to Tunnocks tea cakes,
and where their friendship began.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are back for season two!
In this very special episode recorded live in front of a huge enthusiastic Electric Picnic audience, producer Enda Grace introduces Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy for a quick chat before introducing our guest, Paris Olympic rowing medalist Philip Doyle.
Season two is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.