On the Margins

In this episode, Dan and Eamonn chat with James Lawlor and Rachel Gleeson from Narrative 4 Ireland, a movement using storytelling and deep listening to build empathy, connection, and understanding across communities.Narrative 4's Story Exchange invites participants to share personal stories before retelling the story of another person in the first person. The result is a powerful exercise in empathy that challenges assumptions, breaks down barriers, and creates meaningful human connections.Whether you're an educator, student, youth worker, or simply interested in understanding others more deeply, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most innovative approaches to empathy-building in education today.Some of the studies discussed in this episode:Gill, J., & McMahon, J. (2025). An Evaluation of a Story Exchange Teacher Training Intervention to Promote Empathy.https://narrative4.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/05/Yale-Emotion-Revolution-Study.pdfKubin, E. et al. (2025). Promoting Empathy, Connection, and Pro-Sociality Through Storytelling in American High Schools: A Collaboration Between Academic and Practitioners.Questions or comments?Have you tried story exchange before?📩 Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

In the this episode, we’re joined by Catherine O’Halloran from Limerick City Build.Catherine shares insights into Limerick City Build’s learning-by-doing approach, where participants learn in a holistic, client-centred environment that supports both personal and professional development. Grounded in multidisciplinary and trauma-informed practice, this model recognises the impact of lived experience and creates space for learners to build confidence, skills, and direction through real-world engagement.Together, we explore how this approach challenges traditional education models and opens meaningful pathways for those who may have felt excluded from mainstream systems.Learn more about Limerick City Build: https://www.limerickcitybuild.ie/ We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode:What role should learning-by-doing play in education?How can education better reflect the realities of learners’ lives?Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Olive O’Reilly from Limerick Traveler Network, alongside Edel O’Donnell and Deirdre O’Connor from the UL Access Office.Together, they share insights into the realities of access to education for those who have traditionally been underrepresented or excluded, particularly within Traveler communities and other groups on the margins.We explore the barriers that still exist, the importance of culturally responsive support, and the role of targeted access programmes in creating more equitable pathways into and through education.More on the Limerick Traveller Network here: https://www.exchangehouse.ie/service_ltn.php and the UL Access office here: https://www.ul.ie/student-affairs/access-office We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode:What does real access to education look like in your context?How do we better support learners from underrepresented communities?📩 Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

In the first episode of Season 2, we’re joined by Lee Keylock, Vice President of Global Impact at Narrative 4, an organisation using storytelling to build empathy and connection across communities worldwide.Lee shares insights into how storytelling can act as a powerful educational tool, especially for those on the margins of traditional systems and how creating spaces for people to share lived experiences can break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and foster real understanding.See more about N4 here in Ireland: https://narrative4.ie/and internationally: https://narrative4.com/national-schools-network/ N4 Training is available to all!Questions or comments?Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

In this special season finale, we look back on the powerful conversations we’ve had with educators, researchers, and changemakers working at the edges of the Irish education system.Expect to revisit key themes like home education, restorative practice, access to university, and the impact of social class — and hear what we’ve learned about the challenges and possibilities of creating a more inclusive and responsive education system.We’re so grateful to all our guests and listeners for joining us on this journey. This episode is a celebration of the voices, stories, and insights that have shaped Education on the Margins so far.Questions or comments?Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

Helen Lowe is a university teacher and researcher at the University of Limerick, whose work explores social class, inequality of access, and stark contrast in opportunities afforded to people, based on their address. She brings a unique perspective, blending her academic research and personal experiences.Expect to learn about how class shapes educational opportunity in Ireland, the emotional and structural barriers faced by the working class, and why personal experience is vital in understanding and challenging inequality in education.We really enjoyed this powerful conversation with Helen and gaining insight into how social class continues to influence access, participation, and belonging in Irish education.Questions or comments?Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

Joe is a Restorative Practice trainer, with decades of experience in education, youth work, and community engagement. His work focuses on building relationships, resolving conflict, and creating inclusive environments in schools and beyond.Expect to learn about the principles of Restorative Practice, how it’s transforming classrooms and communities across Ireland, and why empathy, dialogue, and accountability are more important than ever in today’s world.We really enjoyed this conversation with Joe as we explore how restorative approaches can reshape how we connect, teach, and lead.Questions or comments?Let us know in the comment section below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

Sooo....... when we started podcasting, we had a lot to learn! In this episode, we revisit our first podcast, with improved audio and you, the listener in mind.Anita Dooley is head teacher in Limerick Prison, a local activist and a Mother.Expect to learn what a Prison Education looks like from a teachers’ perspective, the stark contrast between public perception and Anita's view of prisoners, the value of educated for those who are incarcerated, and much, much more.This was a deep and insightful conversation with someone who has contagious passion for the work she does.Questions or comments? Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com

PJ is a Home Education Assessor with TUSLA, formerly a second level educator and school principalExpect to learn about Irelands unique constitution, its role in home schooling, why home education is booming, and the many reasons students & parents choose alternative educational means.We really enjoyed this insightful conversation with PJ and gaining an insight into this unique aspect of the Irish Education system.Questions or comments? Let us know in the comments below or,Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com