UNTOLD WITH B TREACY
Across this ten part podcast series I’ll be taking a look at different facets of Irish society, and speaking to people with unique voices and stories. Topics we will cover include polyamory, dating and domestic abuse from a female point of view and a same sex perspective, mental health, adoption, being trans in Ireland and more. New episodes every Wednesday at 11am from March 4th, 2020. I hope you enjoy the podcast. If you do, subscribe, like and share it!
Please note, episode 6 will be my last for a while, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I will hopefully be able to finish this 10 part series in the coming months. If there are any topics you would like me to cover let me know on Instagram @BlathnaidT
Listen now on Spotify, Stitcher and all major podcast platforms! Episodes also available below. Music by Charlie Moon. Graphics by Taz Kelleher.
Episode guide
Ep. 1 Untold with B Treacy | Polyamory
Episode 1 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with an Irish couple, who after 20 years together, decided to expand the boundaries of their relationship by becoming polyamorous, while also navigating a busy family life with three young children.
Connect with Polyamory Ireland: Facebook: Polyamoryireland and MeetUp: Polyamory-Ireland
Ep. 2 Untold with B Treacy | Avril's Story Dating Abuse
Episode 2 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with Avril, a young woman who found herself in an increasingly abusive relationship. Avril talks through her experience of what at first seemed to be a loving if intense relationship, which was progressively corroded by coercive control and ultimately violence. Please note, there are details of violence shared in this episode.
A Bonus Episode, see below, has been released in conjunction with this one, where Bláthnaid sits down with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson to get some advice and information on domestic and dating abuse in Ireland and how to get out of an abusive relationship.
If you are in an abusive relationship do not hesitate to contact Women's Aid. Websites: www.WomensAid.ie / www.TooIntoYou.ie, Freephone: 1800 341 900.
Bonus Episode | This is a bonus episode released alongside Episode 2 | Avril's Story Dating Abuse.
In this episode host Bláthnaid Treacy sits down with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson. Women's Aid is a leading national organisation that has been working in Ireland to stop domestic violence against women and children since 1974. Sarah Benson discusses the work they do and sheds a light on the different kinds of abuse women can suffer at the hands of an abusive partner, from psychological, physical to sexual. They talk about coercive control and how it can take place, as well as the different laws that are in place to protect against these kinds of crimes.
Please note, there are details of violence shared in this episode. Contact Women's Aid: Freephone: 1800 341 900, Websites: www.WomensAid.ie / www.TooIntoYou.ie.
Ep. 3 Untold with B Treacy | Song For My Son
Episode 3 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with Mia Parsons, who at the age of 18 was forced to give her son up for adoption in 1981, a time when the Catholic Church still had a huge influence on Irish society and as an unmarried teenager, Mia had very few options. An incredibly creative person, Mia wrote a song that eventually helped her track down her son, 26 years later.
Please note, details of this story may be distressing to those close to the subject of adoption. Contact Mia Parsons: Instagram: @miapdesign
Ep. 4 Untold with B Treacy | A Candid Chat About Mental Health with Sophie White
Episode 4 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with author, podcast creator and chef Sophie White about how one night at a music festival in September 2007, changed the course of her life forever. She speaks openly and candidly about recreational drug use, experiencing a nervous breakdown, having suicidal thoughts and how a chance meeting with a stranger in a book shop, helped save her life. Despite this being very serious subject matter, Sophie's infectious personality brings such light and energy to the conversation and will have you laughing throughout. This is a story of finding strength you never thought you had, acceptance and overcoming demons. Life is waiting for you and help is only a phone call or text away. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did.
Please note that we speak openly about mental health, suicidal thoughts and recreational drug use in this episode.
If you are experiencing any of the issues discussed in this episode do not hesitate to freephone Pieta on 1800 247 247 or TEXT HELP to 51444 or go to www.Pieta.ie. Stay up to date with Sophie White: Instagram: @SophieWhiteWhoop
Ep. 5 Untold with B Treacy | Stephen's Story Dating Abuse
Episode 5 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with TV and radio broadcaster Stephen Byrne, who shares his experience of dating abuse. He was just 19, in love for the first time and had only recently opened up about his sexuality. This relationship took a huge turn one day when his boyfriend violently attacked him out of the blue. Stephen talks about the lasting effects this abusive relationship had on him, how time is the best healer and that non judgmental friends and family helped him get through it.
Please note, there are details of violence shared in this episode. Here's where you can get help if you are in an abusive relationship:
- LGBT Ireland: www.lgbt.ie
- Women's Aid: www.WomensAid.ie
- Men's Development Network: www.Mens-network.net
Ep 6. Untold with B Treacy | Being Trans in Ireland
Episode 6 | Host Bláthnaid Treacy speaks with trans woman Violet O'Brien, about her journey from growing up in Ireland in the 90's, going to an all boys secondary school, how dressing up as a girl for Halloween opened up her eyes and how one moment while interrailing, gave her the courage to become the woman she always knew she was. Violet is a beacon of light and an inspiration to all of us. You can keep up to date with her on Instagram and twitter @ViologicalWoman.
Support for trans people and their parents in Ireland:
- Trans Equality Network Ireland: https://www.teni.ie/
- Irish Trans Student Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/ITSA.IrishTransSupportAlliance/
- Transparency: https://transparency.ie/
Further episodes to be released later in 2020!