Show Notes
Disability rights activist Bernard Mulvany joins us to talk access, action, and accountability. From broken lifts to broken promises, he lays out how a system still locks people out — and how Access for All Ireland is pulling campaigners together into one loud voice. We get into the collapse of the “Green Paper,” what real consultation should mean, the brutal rise in poverty among disabled people, and why the Justice for Harvey march must be a turning point, not a one-off. Bernard also speaks honestly about burnout in activism, the strength of lived experience (including that of his daughter, trailblazer Sophia), and the simple truth: when you design for those with the greatest needs, everyone benefits.
More from What’s the Story? Podcast
Elaine Burke is back! Tech journo, For Tech’s Sake host, broadcaster and Bohs fan... these are just some of the reasons we love having Elaine on WTSpod. This time she’s here to talk AI hype, Elon Musk’s promises, the tech industry doing tech industry things, and the flood of AI-generated shite taking over our feeds. We get into how much of this stuff is actually making our lives better, how reliant we’ve become on technology (especially as cash becomes less common), and what happens when the systems we depend on stop working.
The dust has settled on the Ireland v Israel footballing fiasco, but there’s plenty to unpack. Football journalist David Sneyd takes us inside the media pen, where reporting on the facts, the football and the fans was anything but straightforward. From back pages becoming front-page news to yet another round of questions over the FAI, we look at how the story played out, the reaction from Israeli media and supporters, and what it was like trying to make sense of the madness when the football was only part of the story.
Aaron joined us to talk about the fight for disability rights — and why, in Ireland, getting the basics right still seems to be such a struggle. From changing facilities that are built but never opened, to major stadiums without the toilets people need, inaccessible public spaces and a government that struggles to follow through on its own legislation, Aaron explains what these barriers actually mean for disabled people and their families. Drawing on his own experience as a father and disability rights advocate, Aaron makes the case for more than box-ticking and good intentions. He wants proper facilities, real accountability and an Ireland where disabled people can get out, take part and enjoy the same things as everyone else. To learn more please visit changingplaces.ie
Petesy Carroll is back on WTSpod and there’s plenty to catch up on. Petesy talks us through Katie Taylor’s incredible night at Croke Park, why she might be the greatest unifying force Irish sport has ever produced, and what it was actually like being there as she walked out in front of a packed stadium. He also gets into the changing world of MMA in Ireland, combat sports tribalism, and why covering Irish sport for an international audience can be a dangerous business. Plus England and the World Cup, 1916 Rising, Danny hates religion, parenting and a few other rabbit holes along the way.
Actress Ruth Codd joins Danny & Mero to chat about wheelchair basketball, horse riding, cooking three-day Christmas dinners, and the joys of trying to navigate a world that still isn’t built with disabled people in mind. Ruth gets properly candid about her two amputations, accessibility on film sets, travelling in a wheelchair, influencers and festival frustrations, and why she’s finally stopped being afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.We talk a bit about The Traitors, Ruth's TV experience and there's a lot of talk about doughnuts.