Can I just ask?

This week Aideen & Louisa speak with comedian Dana Alexander discusses her evolution into activism, the challenges of balancing humor with serious topics, and her experiences on media platforms like GB News. She delves into the complexities of racism, immigration narratives, and the importance of understanding historical contexts. Dana emphasizes the need for representation and empowerment in driving change, sharing personal stories that highlight broader societal issues. We discuss the complexities of the migrant experience, the challenges faced by asylum seekers, and the societal perceptions surrounding immigration. They explore the asylum process, the differences between human trafficking and smuggling, and the importance of understanding individual stories. The discussion also highlights the varying approaches to refugee integration in different countries, particularly Canada and Germany, and concludes with a hopeful outlook on multiculturalism and societal unity.keywordsactivism, comedy, racism, immigration, representation, media, historical context, change, empowerment, social justice, migrant experience, asylum process, refugee integration, human trafficking, multiculturalism, immigration challenges, stories of refugees, societal impact, Canada, UK

Hearing a lot about AI but unsure what that means in your daily life? Today, Aideen & Louisa chat to Magda Pepper, Learning Specialist  Expert in Tech, over 18 years experience. We chat about the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of life, including creativity, healthcare, job markets, and education and ethical considerations. They also get some tips how you can start using AI immediately to make your daily life easier.keywordsAI, artificial intelligence, technology, creativity, healthcare, job market, education, ethics, personal assistant, productivity

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains references to mental health and self-harm. Elaine Doyle, founder of the popular instagram community 'Staying Content' shares her journey of finding and maintaining contentment after experiencing mental health challenges. Elaine emphasises the importance of recognizing that it's okay to not be okay, but also that there is hope for a better future. Elaine discusses her own experiences with depression, self-harm, and suicide, and how she found support and connection through therapy and support groups. Elaine's advocacy work focuses on de-stigmatising mental health and creating a space for open conversations about mental well-being. Elaine shares her insights on supporting individuals with mental health challenges, emphasising the importance of taking care of oneself and seeking professional help. She discusses the role of faith and service in her own recovery journey and highlights the power of community and connection. Elaine also provides advice on supporting someone who is suicidal or struggling with addiction. She concludes by emphasising the significance of living a meaningful life and finding peace of mind.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Morning Routine03:00 Elaine's Journey and Advocacy Work07:52 The Importance of Self-Care13:01 Finding Connection and Support15:52 Staying Content: A Focus on Fundamentals21:06 Destigmatizing Mental Health22:55 Encouraging Professional Help and Providing Support26:04 Faith and Service in Recovery27:34 Community and Connection in Healing32:44 Supporting Someone in Crisis: Suicide and Addiction35:13 Living a Meaningful Life: Self-Care, Acceptance, and ServiceCIJA Instagram: @c_i_j_sStaying Content Instagram: @staying_contentkeywords: mental health, contentment, depression, self-harm, suicide, therapy, support groups, self-care, destigmatization, mental health, support, professional help, faith, service, community, connection, suicide, addiction, meaningful life, peace of mind

Béarla/English below...Mír speisialta as Gaeilge daoibh an tseachtain seo- tá Aideen agus Louisa ag labhairt le Comhairleoir Barra Ó hÉineacháin. Déanann sé iarracht an ceist a fhreagairt- Cad gur féidir linn a dhéanamh faoin ngéarchéim aeráide? Ábhar tromchúiseach ach bhain muid an-sult as an gcomhrá. Fís le fo-theideal Béarla le fáil ar ár gcainéal YouTube. A special episode in Irish this week. Aideen and Louisa speak to Councillor Barra Ó hÉineacháin where he tries to help us with our question- What can we do about the climate crisis? A serious topic, but we enjoyed ourselves very much. We've put the full episode with English subtitles on our YouTube Channel. Can I just Ask YouTube: https://youtu.be/3rnKeRyZ_tA

Barry Heneghan is the youngest member of Dublin City Council, recently elected as an Independent. He intends to run in the next General Election. We discuss all this along with Che Guevara t-shirts, working the doors and the challenges and rewards of being an independent elected official.

Mark Little is an Irish journalist, TV presenter, author and entrepreneur. He talks to Aideen & Louisa about all things news, fake news, conspiracy theories and how to know who to believe on the wonderful world wide web.