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Still I Rise Podcast

Still I Rise Podcast

Written by: Orla McKeating (she/her)
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About this listen

 The Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling Podcast amplifies underrepresented voices through authentic conversations and personal stories. Each episode explores race, identity, culture, and allyship—challenging biases and fostering empathy. Perfect for educators, parents, and changemakers seeking practical insights and inspiring narratives that drive diversity, equity, and belonging. 🌍 Listen, learn, rise.Copyright Orla McKeating (she/her)
Episodes
  • What’s Still Missing in Children’s Books…

    What’s Still Missing in Children’s Books…
    Dec 11 2025
    This week we are joined by Sam Langley Swain, award-winning children’s author and founder of Owlet Press, to explore representation, inclusive publishing, and the power of storytelling to create change.
    Sam shares his journey from a working-class background to becoming a self-published author, publisher, and advocate for inclusive children’s literature. Together, Orla and Sam discuss why representation matters in books for children, the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ authors and marginalised voices in publishing, and how small independent publishers are often the ones taking the biggest creative risks.
    This episode dives into:
    • Inclusive children’s books and why representation matters
    • LGBTQ+ visibility in publishing and education
    • Neurodiversity, adoption, single-parent families, and belonging
    • Writing from lived experience and authentic storytelling
    • Climate themes in children’s literature
    • The realities of running a purpose-led publishing house
    • Book bans, censorship, and the future of inclusive publishing

    Sam also speaks candidly about his much-loved book Where Björn Belongs, writing autistic and neurodivergent characters with care, and how children’s books can foster empathy, understanding, and belonging in classrooms and homes.
    This conversation is essential listening for:
    Educators • Parents • Writers • Publishers • Diversity & inclusion practitioners • Anyone passionate about children’s books, storytelling, and social impact.
    🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation.
    📚 Support independent publishers by buying books directly or from your local bookshop.
    🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast.
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    56 mins
  • Episode 15 Ian Eagleton - Storytelling, Resilience & Representation

    Episode 15 Ian Eagleton - Storytelling, Resilience & Representation
    Nov 21 2025
    Introduction:In this episode, Orla chats with children’s author Ian Eagleton about his journey from primary school teacher to bestselling author, the stories that shaped him, and why representation matters. We talk about The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince, Glitter Boy, Nana and the Lonely Fisherman, and more , how Ian’s books centre LGBTQ+ inclusion , how writing became a way to process grief, and the unforgettable (and hilarious) Mariah Carey campaign that helpe dput Glitter Boy on the map. Along the way, Ian shares honest reflections on childhood bullying, adoption and fatherhood , the long road to publication, and the urgent need to protect diverse voices in children’s publishing.What You Will Learn:🌪️ Ian’s path into writing: teaching children, eight years of rejections, and the breakthrough with Violet’s Tempest.
    🏰 How inclusive storytelling - two-dad families, queer characters, non-traditional fairy tales - help children see themselves and can be life-changing.
    💌 Writing as therapy: how grief and family memories find their way into stories like The Boy Who Cried Ghost.
    🎭 Practical examples of representation in action — from World Book Day photos of kids dressing as Glitter Boy to parents saying books “saved” their child.
    🚫 The realities facing inclusive authors today: worries about book bans, publishers’ commercial pressures, and why small presses give us hope.
    🌟 Ian’s advice for young people struggling with identity: stubbornness, finding community , and never giving up.

    Who This Video Is For:Parents, educators, librarians, youth workers, children’s book lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone interested in representation in children’s literature. It’s especially relevant for people who want to understand how stories support identity, challenge bullying, and build belonging for diverse families.

    Why This Topic Matters:Children’s books are mirrors and windows - they comfort, validate, and expand a child’s sense of possibility. Ian’s work shows how representation in picture books and middle-grade fiction can literally change lives: giving LGBTQ+ kids, adopted children, and those who feel different a language to belong. With growing pressure on publishers and troubling cultural attacks on inclusive books, conversations like this make the stakes clear — and remind us why we must champion brave stories and the small presses that publish them.

    About Still I Rise Voices:Still I Rise Voices is the podcast from Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling. We amplify diverse voices, explore identity and belonging through story, and support parents, teachers, and communities to create inclusive spaces where every child feels seen and valued. Through honest conversations, storytelling, and practical resources, we aim to foster empathy and lasting change.

    Stay Connected:
    🌐 www.stillirisestories.org
    📬 Join our community mailing listSUBSCRIBE to Still I Rise Stories wherever you get your podcasts.
    📱 Follow us on social platforms @stillirise.voices
    Follow Orla: @orlamckeating
    🌈 For collaborations, workshops, or bookings, visit www.stillirisestories.org
    📧 For podcast partnerships or speaking opportunities: stilliriseorla@gmail.com
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations, learning sessions, and resources
    Support the Channel:Please like, comment, share, and subscribe to help us grow this learning community. Support the Channel:Please like, comment, subscribe, and share ❤️.

    Your support helps us continue providing accessible learning resources
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    55 mins
  • Episode 14 - Tura Artura(1)

    Episode 14 - Tura Artura(1)
    Oct 29 2025
    🇮🇪 Orla’s back after a whirlwind few weeks (and a couple of cancelled guests 🤧), but it was worth the wait because this week she’s chatting to the incredible Tura Arutura — actor, speaker, dancer, and all-round legend. 🇮🇪

    🌍 They dive into Irishness, identity, belonging, and what it really means to show up with pride, courage and joy. Tura shares stories about family, culture, and finding connection in unexpected places — while Orla fangirls (just a little) over the wisdom, humour, and heart he brings to every answer. This one’s full of laughs, learning, and that Still I Rise sparkle 🌍

    This episode is a celebration of humanity, storytelling, and the beauty of belonging. You don’t want to miss it!

    🎧 SUBSCRIBE to Still I Rise Stories wherever you get your podcasts.
    Follow us @stillirise.voices on Instagram & TikTok
    Follow Orla @orla_mckeating
    Follow Tura @tura_arutura

    Join Orla McKeating, founder of Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling, for bi-weekly chats that blend heart, humour, and honest conversation about inclusion, culture, and identity. Still I Rise Stories shares real conversations with inspiring people who are shaping a more compassionate, connected world — one story at a time. 🌈
    For collaborations, workshops, or bookings, visit www.stillirisestories.org
    For podcast partnerships or speaking opportunities, email stilliriseorla@gmail.com
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    54 mins
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