A Place In The World – Details, episodes & analysis

In this two-part conversation for episodes i 8 & 9, outdoor content creator Barry Taylor joins the show to discuss his adventures on the Camino and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). We explore the intersection of physical endurance and the human psyche, and what that means for connection on an often solitary trail.

Barry offers a reflective look at how the fear of loss can drive loneliness and a need for independence, as we discuss where these traits originate and their future consequences.

The conversation is often meandering, chatting informally about the forging of community both in Ireland and abroad. At times the episode takes a philosophical lens, touching on themes of nostalgia, the "is this it?" mentality, and the reality that if you do nothing, nothing changes. Throughout the discussion, you’ll notice various music, movie, and book recommendations (see below), capturing how art acts as a conduit for emotion and a way to spark connection with others. Parts I and II are both out now.

Socials:

@barrison_ford on Instagram

@barrison_ford93 on TikTok

@secretphonenotes - Barry’s upcoming podcast instagram page

Recommendations

[Music] Max Richter

[Music] Ludovico Eunadi

[Music] Nick Cave

[Movie] Arrival

[Movie] Train Dreams

[Movie] Nomadland

[TV Show] Band of Brothers

[TV Show] Dark

[Book] The Will of the Many - Book 1 - James Islington

[Book] The Strength of a Few - Book 2 - James Islington

[Book] Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle - Dervla Murphy 

[YoutTube] Yoga Nidra Body Scan for Sleep https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4a8U8HLTjU

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In this two-part conversation for episodes 8 & 9, outdoor content creator Barry Taylor joins the show to discuss his adventures on the Camino and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). We explore the intersection of physical endurance and the human psyche, and what that means for connection on an often solitary trail.

Barry offers a reflective look at how the fear of loss can drive loneliness and a need for independence, as we discuss where these traits originate and their future consequences.

The conversation is often meandering, chatting informally about the forging of community both in Ireland and abroad. At times the episode takes a philosophical lens, touching on themes of nostalgia, the "is this it?" mentality, and the reality that if you do nothing, nothing changes. Throughout the discussion, you’ll notice various music, movie, and book recommendations (see below), capturing how art acts as a conduit for emotion and a way to spark connection with others. Parts I and II are both out now.

Socials:

@barrison_ford on Instagram

@barrison_ford93 on TikTok

@secretphonenotes - Barry’s upcoming podcast instagram page

Recommendations

[Music] Max Richter

[Music] Ludovico Eunadi

[Music] Nick Cave

[Movie] Arrival

[Movie] Train Dreams

[Movie] Nomadland

[TV Show] Band of Brothers

[TV Show] Dark

[Book] The Will of the Many - Book 1 - James Islington

[Book] The Strength of a Few - Book 2 - James Islington

[Book] Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle - Dervla Murphy 

[YoutTube] Yoga Nidra Body Scan for Sleep https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4a8U8HLTjU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with Camilla Vai to trace her journey from a childhood on the edge of two cultures to her life here in Galway. Growing up on the border of Italy and Austria, Camilla experienced a unique cultural tug-of-war that shaped her early understanding of identity. We discuss her journey since then and the winding process of finding where you belong along the way.

Camilla talks about her work with the Galway Simon Community and we discuss the vital link between community and wellbeing, and why having a "tribe" is a fundamental human necessity rather than a social perk.

We also get into the practical side of starting over, from the power of creating community via a book and run club to our shared experiences navigating spaces as women. It’s a conversation about planting roots, finding your people, and finally feeling at home.

Recommendations:

[Instagram] camilla.vai

[Instagram] readandrungalway

[Podcast Recommendation] Trolled https://open.spotify.com/show/3AlLsjDH27y2iZXP6a80yy?si=60c95529833249b0

[Substack] no one hates women like women https://plumpits.substack.com/p/no-one-hates-women-like-women

[A few reads on the anthropology of where we come from, and how being from the mountains or an island actually shapes who we are]

Mountain Dwellers Are Different: International Study Investigates Link Between Terrain and People’s Personalities: https://prd.at/en/newsroom-clients/mountain-dwellers-are-different-international-study-investigates-link-between-terrain-and-peoples-personalities/#:~:text=Mountains%20are%20frontier%20regions%20which%20are%20often,and%20overcoming%20them%20demands%20a%20particular%20personality

Imagery and imaginary of islander identity: Older people and migration in Irish small-island communities:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0743016713000090

Physical topography is associated with human personality:

https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~schaller/528Readings/Goetz2020.pdf

A Tale of Peaks and Valleys: Sinusoid Relationship Patterns Between Mountainousness and Basic Human Values:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506211034966#:~:text=The%20results%20indicated%20that%20mountainousness,between%20mountainousness%20and%20personal%20values.

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Thanks for your patience last week. I had to make a literal journey around the circumference of the world to get home from a holiday. We had a brief hiatus but we are back with a juicy treat. Pun intended. This week, I am joined by Content Creator and Podcaster - the Dating Orange.

We dive into the landscape of modern love and hash out why dating feels like such a struggle right now. From follower horror stories, to the rise of singles events, we explore whether the ‘old school’ way of meeting is making a necessary comeback.

It’s clear that while men and women are having varied experiences, the harrowing nature of finding partnership is a bridge between us all. As always, we don’t claim to have all the answers, but we do have a light-hearted, fun and honest conversation rooted in our own perspectives and shared experiences.

Socials:

[Instagram] @thedatingorange

[TikTok] @thedatingorange

[Spotify Podcast] https://open.spotify.com/show/7gUHgemE5MeumXucOdBXb3

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This week I’m joined by Jack Squibb, Sports Communications Officer with Irish Wheelchair Association.

We talk about the power of para-sport, the community behind it, and how it can nurture belonging, identity and confidence.

Jack shares insight into what real acceptance and visibility looks like and we chat about what a “level playing field” actually means in practice.

It’s a conversation about representation, access, and why inclusive sport matters for Ireland.

Socials:

@jacksquibb on Instagram

@jacksquibb on X

Recommendations:

[Website] IWA.ie

[Website] IWA.ie/sport

[Website] Paralympics Ireland https://paralympics.ie/

[nstagram] @iwa_sport

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by Shani, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Donegal.

We talk about what it’s like to lose confidence in your creativity, step away from music, and slowly find your way back to it. Shani shares how her relationship with music has changed over time, from pressure and expectation to something more honest and personal.

We also get into the impact of social media on artists today, sober curiosity, and how friendships evolve as you grow into yourself.

A conversation about identity, self-trust, and what happens when you stop performing and lean into authenticity.

Socials:

@shanigeevz on instagram

@shanigeevz on TikTok

Recommendations:

[Spotify] Shani Artist Page https://open.spotify.com/artist/5AyzCkx44Rg7Y5EHrhkFG0

[Values Questionnaire] VIA character strengths 

https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

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For our second episode, I sat down with Séaghan Ó Súilleabháin (more affectionately known as The Kerry Cowboy!) 

We talk about what the modern community really looks like in rural Ireland today, how it is changing, and what is at risk of being lost. We discuss the revival of the Irish language, the renewed pride many people feel, and the very real challenges that still exist in rural Gaeltacht areas.

Séaghan shares his perspective on what may be contributing to the male loneliness epidemic, particularly in rural settings, and how culture, connection and place intersect in powerful ways.

This is an honest, grounded conversation about heritage and what it means to belong in a changing Ireland.

Socials:

@kerry.cowboy on instagram

@kerrycowboy on TikTok

Recommendations:

[Community] Farming Organisation for people aged 17 - 40: Macre na Feirme https://macra.ie/

[Community] Irish Language Speaking Group: Caint & Comhrá https://sceal.ie/en/caint/

Other Communities:

Talamh Beo

Irish Rural Link

FarmConnect (MensNetwork.ie)

Gael Linn

Glór na nGael

Conradh na Gaeilge

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Welcome to the first full episode of A Place In The World!

In this episode, I chat to Molly Smyth from Healing Gals podcast. We explore systemic challenges facing community life in Ireland, unpack elements of the patriarchy and reflect on female empowerment. We also share our deep grá for Catherine Connolly and what she represents.

We don’t have all the answers (or always get everything right) but are willing to have the conversation anyway, to question our own thinking and to stay in an important conversation even when it feels imperfect.

Please note, this episode includes references to abuse and violence against women. Nothing explicit is discussed, but these themes are acknowledged as part of the wider societal context.

This was my first recorded episode (and first released!) I am getting better at time-keeping and will try to keep them more brief where I can, but this conversation had depth and breadth and deserved the space it took.

Socials:

@healinggalspodcast on Instagram

Healing Gals Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

Recommendations:

[Substack] Nobody Hates Women Like Women https://plumpits.substack.com/p/no-one-hates-women-like-women

Jason Poole’s Instagram is private but there is media documenting some of his work you can find on google. See also ‘Jennie’s Law’.

[ Instagram] @gordzcallingitout

[Instagram] @_whatmakesaman_

[Instagram] @lewiswedlock

[Book] How to Do The Work - Dr Nicole LePera

[Book] Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men - Caroline Criado Perez

[Academic Resource] SCARF Model, David Rock https://schoolguide.casel.org/uploads/sites/2/2018/12/SCARF-NeuroleadershipArticle.pdf

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Welcome listeners! I wanted to introduce myself and the aim of the podcast in a short introduction episode.

In this episode, I talk a little about myself and the motivations behind the podcast.

Ireland is the loneliest country in Europe (2022 European Commission Joint Research Centre study) and I am on a mission to hear people’s takes on what it’s going to take to return to the village!

Podcast themes will cover community, connection, belonging, loneliness, identity, love in modern times, happiness and all things adjacent.

Each week I will be joined by guests who bring their own perspectives on what it means to find your place in the world. If this resonates, please like, subscribe and review wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on instagram @aplaceintheworldpodcast or email us at aplaceintheworldpod@gmail.com

Credits:

Host and Co-Producer: Katelyn Divilly

Editor and Co-Producer: Seán Lyons

Music: Jake Morgan

Photography: Kenny Gaughan

Recorded at: CREW Digital

References:

https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/projects-and-activities/survey-methods-and-analysis-centre/loneliness/loneliness-prevalence-eu_en

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