Best Barnardos Podcasts (2025)

1
BARNARDO'S BITESIZE: How Two Dads Found Their Family Through Adoption 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

Two dads, Lee and Bobby, share their journey adopting siblings, from the validation of being approved as parents to navigating their sons' unique personalities and trauma responses. Their story highlights the importance of maintaining connections with foster carers while developing therapeutic approaches to parenting children who've experienced neg…

1
S5Ep9: Poo and the Loo - Potty training for preschool 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

All things poo and potty training for starting preschool! In this super interesting episode we delve into the world of poo and potty training with registered nurse Ann Costigan of 'Poo and the Loo' on Instagram. Ann shares a wealth of professional and practical knowledge about the right time to potty train, if we should use pull ups or not, her top…

1
BARNARDO'S BITESIZE: Parent and Child Fostering with Laura and Ben 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

Parent and child fostering brings unique challenges as you welcome both a vulnerable young parent and their baby into your home for an intensive placement. We explore the delicate balance between supporting new parents while documenting their progress, and how these specialised placements can transform lives. Ness chats with Laura, a Parent and Chi…

1
BARNARDO'S BITESIZE: What is Therapeutic Parenting? 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

Therapeutic parenting recognises children's behaviour as communication and focuses on nurturing connections to help children who've experienced trauma develop trust and security. Unlike traditional parenting approaches, therapeutic parenting requires understanding a child's inner world and developmental needs rather than simply managing behaviours.…

1
Story Work: Helping Foster Children Make Sense of Their Past 32:41

4M ago32:41

32:41

What happens when a child in foster care asks the profound questions: "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" or "What happened to my parents?" These seemingly simple questions require thoughtful, age-appropriate responses that honour a child's right to understand their own story while protecting their emotional wellbeing. Meet Emma, an Art Therapist, from ou…

1
S5Ep8: Fergus Finlay - Former CEO of Barnardos Ireland 1:08:05

5M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

We chat with Fergus Finlay, former CEO of Barnardos Ireland and columnist with the Irish Examiner about a vast array of topics including diversity, equity and inclusion, the importance of early intervention and investing in quality early childhood education. Fergus gives us insight into his homemade brown bread and we also ask him if he might consi…

1
BARNARDO'S BITESIZE: The Assessment Process 11:34

5M ago11:34

11:34

Thinking about fostering but feeling overwhelmed by the process? Too busy to listen to the longer episode? We've got your back! This bitesize episode pulls back the curtain on the fostering assessment, walking you through exactly what to expect from your first contact with Barnardo's through to the home visit and beyond. We address common misconcep…

1
S5Ep7: Roderic O'Gorman on Early Childhood Education 39:58

5M ago39:58

39:58

Current Leader of the Green Party and former Minister for the DCEDIY, Roderic O'Gorman TD joins us on the podcast! We have a great discussion with Roderic about his time as the Minister of the Department with responsibility for the ECEC sector and his early childhood experiences which shaped him as a future member and leader of the Green Party. We …

1
S5Ep6: Inspection - The EY Education Focused Inspection 53:21

6M ago53:21

53:21

In this episode we discuss the call that makes all educators nervous - the notification of the inspection calling. We discuss the education focused inspection carried out by the Department of Education and we go through the EYEI inspection guideline document. We finish up with some practical tips and key takeaways which feedback from recent inspect…

1
BFANI on Tour! Meet Adoptive Dads, Bobby and Lee 58:31

6M ago58:31

58:31

BFANI is on tour! And this week, we meet Lee and Bobby, two dads who have adopted two brothers through Barnardo's in the South East. They share their inspiring journey, from navigating the adoption to embracing the chaos that came with welcoming their two boys during lockdown. We discuss: • Choosing Barnardo's • The significance of LGBT+ representa…

1
Three Children And A Rabbit: The BFANI Story 50:53

7M ago50:53

50:53

In this our 45th anniversary year, we uncover BFANI's origins story and meet the person who is responsible for getting us started. Lynda Wilson's journey from a senior social worker in 1978 to the founder of Barnardo's Fostering in Northern Ireland is a testament to her passion and innovation in child welfare. A dissatisfaction with the existing sy…

1
S5Ep5: Quality School Aged-Childcare and the Importance of Play 39:49

7M ago39:49

39:49

We chat with Shelly McGee who is the Quality Support Specialist for School-Aged-Childcare and Play with National Childhood Network (NCN). We discuss what school-aged childcare and afterschool care is, how to support quality and play for children in SAC and how to ensure that children in SAC are supported, valued and their voice is heard. Hosted on …

1
S5Ep4: New Aistear! - An Analysis of the new ECEC Framework 43:18

8M ago43:18

43:18

On 5th of December 2024 the eagerly awaited updated version of Aistear, the early childhood curriculum framework in Ireland, was published online by the NCCA. In this episode, we discuss the main changes to the new framework and whether or not the updates are a 'big tick' for us or not. Have a listen and find out what we think. Hosted on Acast. See…

1
Fostering at Christmas 17:36

8M ago17:36

17:36

Christmas may be 'the most wonderful time of the year' but we can all agree most families will face a few ups and downs during the festive season. But what might that look like if you're also fostering a child who might have very mixed feelings about the season? In this episode we chat to our foster carer, Marcy, as she shares her personal story of…

1
BFANI ON TOUR! From IVF to Adoption 44:56

9M ago44:56

44:56

What if the path to parenthood looked different than you'd imagined? Join us on a heartfelt exploration of adoption in the UK, featuring Emma, an adopter who has journeyed through the highs and lows of IVF, alongside Sharon, the adoption lead from Northern Ireland, and Kat, the Scottish adoption lead. Together, we unpack the adoption process, espec…

1
S5Ep3: Bridging the Gap Between Research and ECEC Practice in Germany 49:06

10M ago49:06

49:06

We chat with Sarah Girlich about ECEC in Germany and the LaKoS project where researchers and ECEC educators in Saxony collaborate in the area of early literacy to develop resources, training and other supports for evidence based ECEC practice in an effort to bridge the gap between academic research and early childhood practice. The LakoS is a proje…

1
37: Season 3 Finale 17:41

10M ago17:41

17:41

It’s the final episode of Season 3 for Aldi’s Mamia & Me podcast and what a year it has been. We’ve had incredible conversations with an amazing lineup of guests, each bringing their own unique perspective on life, parenting, and everything in between. To sign off, Jen looks back on some of the standout moments and reflects on the wisdom our guests…

1
S5Ep2: Identifying and Communicating Developmental Concerns 41:33

10M ago41:33

41:33

An insightful and interesting chat with Jenny Nechvatal, a parent of adult children with additional needs and an experienced early childhood educator, about practical strategies for supporting early intervention, sharing developmental concerns with parents/caregivers and the need for further educator training and policy support for this sensitive a…

1
S5Ep1: Purposeful Play 42:34

11M ago42:34

42:34

In this first episode of season 5 we chat with Shannan Mulrooney, founder of Maia Purposeful Play, on the importance of facilitating intentional opportunities for open ended playful learning opportunities for young children. We focus on the importance of process over product, children's right to choose, parents attitudes to messy play and educator …

1
36: Live From Electric Picnic - Back to School and Barnardos with Louise Duffy 34:01

12M ago34:01

34:01

In this special live episode from Electric Picnic, Jen sits down with broadcaster, music connoisseur and fashion lover, Louise Duffy as she prepares her eldest daughter for the new school year. Best known for her popular RTÉ radio music show, Louise shares insights into her life as a mum to daughters Esmé and Elin and her relationship with (outnumb…

1
What is Therapeutic Parenting? 55:47

12M ago55:47

55:47

ICYMI - this is our online conversation with our therapeutic parenting trainer, Stella. Stella brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about fostering and adoption, and she shares how therapeutic parenting can be a game-changer for children who have endured trauma. You'll learn how recognizing children's behavior as a form of communication rath…

1
35: Toddler Travels and Travails, with Terrie McEvoy 48:29

1y ago48:29

48:29

In this month’s episode, Jen is joined by the multi-talented Terrie McEvoy to chat about her life and career as a nurse, content creator, fashion & beauty entrepreneur and mum to a two-year-old. Terrie has always loved travel and a spontaneous way of life and the arrival of her little girl, Sydney, certainly didn’t change this. She shares some hand…

1
BFANI ON TOUR! A Conversation With A Birth Mum 54:33

1y ago54:33

54:33

How would you navigate life if your childhood was marked by neglect and abuse? In this very special episode from our BFANI on Tour! series, we meet an English birth mum who experienced two of her three children being taken into foster care but then later, with her third child, found support from a Barnardo's in the shape of a Parent and Child foste…

1
BFANI ON TOUR! Transitions with Carole 47:49

1y ago47:49

47:49

BFANI is on tour! In a series of episodes we shall be meeting families and fellow team members from across the UK fostering and adoption services as we explore, in depth, some of the specific experiences, highs, lows and challenges facing families who foster and adopt. This time, we're in Scotland where we meet Carole, a foster carer who specialise…

1
34: The Craic in Kerry with Tadhg & Derry! 45:21

1y ago45:21

45:21

This month’s episode is brought to you from Ireland’s most famous kitchen – the place where it all began for Tadhg and Derry Fleming! Ireland’s favourite father and son duo sit down for an exclusive chat with Jen, shortly after the birth of Tadhg’s baby girl. The social media stars chat about the new addition to the family, the challenges and hopes…

1
33: Seize The Day: Positive Parenting with Jacqui Hurley 47:36

1y ago47:36

47:36

Jacqui Hurley is a celebrated broadcaster, author, mum, and passionate advocate for children and women in sport. In this episode, she sits down with Jen and opens up about family life: her early childhood living in Australia, the joys of coaching her own kids, taking time with her husband - as partners and not just parents - and how she juggles her…

1
S4Ep5: The Graduation Ceremony - Who is it for? 36:46

1+ y ago36:46

36:46

We discuss the end of year preschool graduation ceremony. Should we do it, how should we do it? Is it adult led or child led? Whose needs are we meeting and how can we find a balance to meet the needs of all stakeholders, children, parents/caregivers and educators? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
32: The Realities of Modern Parenthood in Ireland, with Jarlath Regan, Caz Mooney, and Bernie Coyne 38:45

1+ y ago38:45

38:45

This month we bring you a very special episode, one of particular interest to anyone who is a parent in Ireland today. This episode was recorded live at the Museum of Literature Ireland, and host Jen Hogan was joined by comedian, podcaster, and dad Jarlath Regan; author, content creator and mum of three, Caz Mooney; and Bernie Coyne, of Coyne Resea…

1
S4Ep4: STEAM in the Early Childhood Environment 39:48

1+ y ago39:48

39:48

In this episode we talk about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) in early childhood education. How and why would should we incorporate more STEAM into our ECEC practice, thinking of technology as more than screens, recognising the STEAM we already 'do' and intentionally extending children's STEAM learning using language an…

1
31: The Perfect Blend: Rugby, Fatherhood and Coffee with Keith Earls 54:44

1+ y ago54:44

54:44

On this month’s episode Jen sits down with Irish Rugby legend and father of three, Keith Earls. Off the rugby pitch, Keith has dealt with all sorts of challenges including mental health issues, Dad guilt, starting a coffee roastery business, and writing a book. Keith chats about working with his wife, Edel, on their business, spending more time tha…

1
S4Ep3: Risky Play and Guns in Early Childhood Education 45:59

1+ y ago45:59

45:59

We have a really interesting chat with Leah Russell, early childhood lecturer, about what risky play is, how to provide for risky play and whether or not toy guns and gun play should be incorporated into the early childhood education setting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
30: Pleasure, Parenthood, and Perfume, with Jenny Keane 52:07

1+ y ago52:07

52:07

On this month’s episode Jen sits down with holistic sex educator Jenny Keane, otherwise known as the Orgasm Queen! Jenny chats about how she went from being a teenager who left the room when her parents mentioned sex, to one of Ireland’s leading sex educators, giving workshops with thousands of participants. Big changes are in sight, with Jenny exp…

1
S4Ep2: What is the Appropriate Age to Start Primary School? 28:40

1+ y ago28:40

28:40

With our guest. primary school teacher Dee O'Toole, we discuss the appropriate age for children to transition from early childhood education to primary school education. Why do children in Ireland start at 5 when most other OECD countries children start at 6 or 7. We wonder why some children don't avail of their second free ECCE preschool year and …

1
29: From Beige Food to Curry in a Hurry, with Jolene Cox 47:08

1+ y ago47:08

47:08

On this month’s episode Jen sits down with author, food writer, and mother Jolene Cox, aka OneYummyMummy. Jolene’s mission to make home cooking the new convenience food has turned what was initially a food blog into a career as a best-selling author and regular on TV with her nine year old daughter and co-chef, Lily-Mae. Jen may have a few hangups …

1
S4Ep1: Quality ECEC - Síolta in Practice 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

We discuss implementing and maintaining quality standards in early childhood education and how Paula's new book "Síolta in Practice" can help educators make sense of the Síolta standards and how they are already implementing many of them in their daily ECEC practice. Paula's insightful and practical book has lots of great suggestions highlighting h…

1
Families Who Foster Together: Meet Gillian and Megan 22:36

1+ y ago22:36

22:36

Meet Barnardo's foster carers, Gillian and Megan, sisters in law who support each other on their fostering journey. Together, they shed light on how their families support each other and reflect on the vital role support networks play in fostering. In this engaging conversation, we dive into the heart of blended foster families, a world where birth…

1
28: An Unconventional Christmas Dinner, with Mario Rosenstock and Dustin the Turkey 57:12

1+ y ago57:12

57:12

It’s that most joyous time of year…unless you’re a Turkey, of course. On this month’s episode, Dustin the Turkey asks us all to go vegan for Christmas or, at the very least, to consider sitting down to a nice, roast seagull. Sure you’ve never seen a turkey rob your chips on Dollymount strand! First up, though, Jen sits down with comedian, impressio…

1
27: Talking Cents, with Conor Pope and Caz Mooney 55:50

1+ y ago55:50

55:50

This week on the podcast, Jen Hogan is going to save us all some money! She’s joined by Conor Pope, broadcaster and Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent, and Caz Mooney, whose @IrishBudgeting channel is followed by tens of thousands of families looking to save money and budget sensibly. Both guests chat about their accidental start as budgeti…

1
S3Ep3: Establishing a New ECEC Service in Ireland 39:13

1+ y ago39:13

39:13

Ever thought about opening up your own preschool ECEC setting and/or afterschool SAC setting in Ireland? Then this is the episode for you! From finding the right location and building to getting planning permission and Tusla certification - we chat about the important practical steps involved in opening up a new setting and making the transition fr…

1
Parent and Child Fostering with Laura and Ben 29:41

2y ago29:41

29:41

Parent and child fostering is a very specialised type of fostering. Parent and child placements give parents, with new babies or very young children, the opportunity to develop their parenting skills and gain support from a specially trained foster carer. These placements can help keep families together. In this episode, meet Laura a passionate adv…

1
Meet the Adoption Agencies! 1:25:58

2y ago1:25:58

1:25:58

Did you know Barnardo’s Fostering & Adoption NI is just one of a small group of voluntary adoption agencies here in Northern Ireland? In this very special panel discussion, to mark Adoption Week, Adoption Routes, Family Care Adoption Services and Barnardo’s Fostering & Adoption NI, got together to discuss what it is like to adopt via a voluntary ag…

1
26: A Saturday with Una Healy 51:12

2y ago51:12

51:12

This week is a very special episode of Mamia & Me, live from Electric Picnic! Host Jen Hogan is joined by singer, broadcaster, businesswomen, and parent of two, Una Healy to chat about music, careers, kids, and more. Una has had a fascinating career, from her early days looking for a break as a musician, to her huge success with The Saturdays and o…

1
S3Ep2: Updating Aistear the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework 38:30

2y ago38:30

38:30

In this episode we have an engaging and critical discussion as we review the proposed draft for updating the Aistear curriculum framework. We talk about the positives and provide our opinion on the changes including suggestions which we feel we would like to see incorporated into the forthcoming update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo…

1
25: What To Expect, with Louise Cooney 50:58

2y ago50:58

50:58

It’s a brand new season of Aldi’s Mamia & Me podcast, with a new host: journalist and mother of 7, Jen Hogan. On this episode, Jen is joined by fashion and lifestyle blogger, podcaster, entrepreneur and mum-to-be Louise Cooney. Louise is expecting her first child in the coming weeks and is happy to get any tips Jen might have, from birth plans to r…

1
S3Ep1: Implementing a Publicly Funded Childcare Model in Ireland 38:55

2y ago38:55

38:55

In this episode we discuss the recent calls within the media for a publicly funded childcare (ECEC) model in Ireland. We discuss what it might look like and how it might be implemented and compare Ireland with Norway who already have a publicly funded model in place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Navigating the Fostering Assessment Process with Ben Rice 39:16

2y ago39:16

39:16

So you’re interested in fostering? What happens after you make first contact? What kinds of questions will you be asked? What can you expect? What kind of information will you be given? What is the assessment process like? What happens on a home visit? Will you be expected to know what kind of fostering you want to do from the off? (And what if you…

1
24: Stefanie Preissner Knows All the Chords 53:59

2y ago53:59

53:59

It’s the final episode of Season 2 and Amy sits down with writer, actor, and podcaster Stefanie Preissner. Stefanie recently became a mum, but it was a long and often difficult path and a topic she has been very open and honest about. Stefanie discusses pregnancy, miscarriage, IVF, and grief with Amy and how she has navigated them. She also discuss…

1
Fostering & Adoption with Tony, Aine and Helen 43:05

2y ago43:05

43:05

ICYMI - revisit our online event where we chat with Helen Browne, head of the Barnardo's Fostering & Adoption service, and discuss working while fostering. We also meet Tony and Aine who fostered a baby shortly after approval and, four years later, are in the process of adopting him. Tony & Aine continue to foster and reflect on being led by the in…

1
Fostering to Adoption with Rachel & Priscilla 46:58

2y ago46:58

46:58

Ness talks with Priscilla, former BFANI Operations Manager who spearheaded our new adoption service - and Rachel who talks about her experiences as a foster carer now going through the adoption process. We also discuss fostering and adoption in NI, our integrated fostering-via-adoption service and why permanence doesn't always lead to adoption. Thi…

1
TRAILER: Barnardo's Support 0:41

2y ago0:41

0:41

A snippet from a series of interviews with families who long-term foster or have fostered-to-adopt within our service. Over the coming months, we will be sharing insights into the world of fostering and adoption, sharing conversations with those who foster and adopt and meeting some of the team who support, match and work hard to find families for …

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