This week, Orla and Leanne sit down for a very personal conversation about women, family, motherhood, resilience and the people who shape us throughout our lives.

From reflecting on the incredible achievements of Katie Taylor and what it means to be a strong female role model, to recognising the everyday women quietly holding families together, they talk about strength in all its different forms.

They also open up about raising children, friendships changing throughout life, making sacrifices for family, supporting young men, financial struggles, racism, difficult experiences from the past and finally reaching a point where you can start doing things for yourself.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple message - everyone has a story, and sometimes hearing somebody else’s can remind you that you’re not alone ❤️

**Content note:** This episode includes discussion of domestic abuse, racism, physical assault, homelessness, financial hardship and mental health.

Timecodes

[00:00] – Sponsor message: Kitchens by Act Fast
[01:17] – Reflecting on the women who have shared their stories
[02:03] – Katie Taylor, history and female role models
[05:12] – Celebrating the everyday “powerhouse” woman
[07:25] – Friendship, support and finding your people
[13:46] – The lessons we pass on to our children
[16:00] – Fear, growth and believing you can do more
[18:06] – School friendships and reconnecting later in life
[19:00] – Why sharing people’s stories matters
[24:10] – The strong women in Leanne’s family
[27:21] – Raising young men and keeping children safe
[28:19] – Men’s mental health and changing roles at home
[32:12] – Family, siblings and looking after one another
[34:31] – Orla shares her experience of a racist assault
[40:24] – Family support after difficult experiences
[43:53] – Being strong when life gives you no choice
[44:10] – Motherhood, childcare and stepping away from work
[49:10] – Money, sacrifice and building a more comfortable life
[51:00] – Finally allowing yourself to enjoy life
[52:19] – Orla reflects on homelessness and financial hardship
[53:20] – How difficult experiences can build resilience
[55:20] – Women supporting women
[58:08] – How the idea for the podcast began
[59:14] – Why hearing other people’s stories matters
[59:35] – Final thoughts and thanks to Kitchens by Act Fast