Podcast Episodes Season 2
Podcast Episodes Season 2
Embedded Files
Episode 1 Lee Keylock: What if Education Started with Listening?
In this powerful episode of On the Margins, hosts Dan and Eamonn sit down with Lee Keylock, Director of Global Programs at Narrative 4, to explore how storytelling can transform education, build empathy, and help communities heal.
From his unconventional journey as a backpacker, nightclub manager, and teacher, to his work in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Lee shares a moving and deeply human perspective on the role of connection in education. Together, they discuss why students need to feel seen before they can learn, how Narrative 4's internationally acclaimed Story Exchange model is helping bridge divides across schools and communities worldwide, and why stories remain the shortest distance between two people.
This conversation tackles trauma, resilience, belonging, and hope while offering practical insights for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in building more compassionate communities. It's a compelling reminder that in an increasingly divided world, listening to another person's story may be one of the most powerful acts we can undertake.
A conversation about education, healing, and finding light in difficult places—one story at a time.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nGIhR8soZeC9y33LmpoWf
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziXVlz52wko
Acast
https://open.acast.com/public/streams/672bbee5afa9526ed4c4b594/episodes/6a43dc64e80d75fcb806470f.mp3
#OnTheMargins #Podcast #Narrative4 #EmpathyEducation #StoryExchange #Education #Teaching #PositiveYouthDevelopment #StudentVoice #HealingThroughStories #EducationalLeadership #AlternativeEducation
Episode 2 Who Gets Access to Education? – Olive O’Reilly, Edel O’Donnell & Deirdre O’Connor
In this episode of On the Margins, hosts Dan O’ Sullivan and Eammon Stack Mulvahill sit down with Deidre O'Connor, Head of Access at the University of Limerick, Edel O'Donnell, Traveller Programme Coordinator, and Olive O'Reilly, co-founder of the Limerick Traveller Network (LTN).
Together, they explore an extraordinary story of collaboration, trust, and social change that culminated in a historic achievement: 11 Traveller women graduating from a Master's programme at the University of Limerick. The conversation traces the grassroots origins of the Limerick Traveller Network, the barriers Traveller communities continue to face in education, and the power of co-created approaches that place Traveller voices at the centre of change.
From discussions on educational inequality, cultural identity, and systemic barriers to reflections on resilience, ambition, and community leadership, this episode shines a light on how education can become a pathway to empowerment. It is a story not only about access to higher education, but about challenging stereotypes, creating role models, and inspiring future generations.
A candid, hopeful, and thought-provoking conversation about what becomes possible when communities are listened to, supported, and trusted to lead.
Topics: Traveller education, widening participation, social inclusion, community development, higher education access, cultural identity, co-creation, resilience, and social change.
Episode 3 A Different Way to Learn: Trauma-Informed, Skills-Based Education – Catherine O’Halloran
In the this episode, we’re joined by Catherine O’Halloran from Limerick City Build.
Catherine shares insights into Limerick City Build’s learning-by-doing approach, where participants learn in a holistic, client-centred environment that supports both personal and professional development. Grounded in multidisciplinary and trauma-informed practice, this model recognises the impact of lived experience and creates space for learners to build confidence, skills, and direction through real-world engagement.
Together, we explore how this approach challenges traditional education models and opens meaningful pathways for those who may have felt excluded from mainstream systems.
Learn more about Limerick City Build: https://www.limerickcitybuild.ie/
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode:
What role should learning-by-doing play in education?
How can education better reflect the realities of learners’ lives?
Let us know in the comments below or,
Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com
Episode 4 The Power of Story Exchange with James Lawlor and Rachel Gleeson
In this episode, Dan and Eamonn chat with James Lawlor and Rachel Gleeson from Narrative 4 Ireland, a movement using storytelling and deep listening to build empathy, connection, and understanding across communities.
Narrative 4's Story Exchange invites participants to share personal stories before retelling the story of another person in the first person. The result is a powerful exercise in empathy that challenges assumptions, breaks down barriers, and creates meaningful human connections.
Whether you're an educator, student, youth worker, or simply interested in understanding others more deeply, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most innovative approaches to empathy-building in education today.
Some of the studies discussed in this episode:
Gill, J., & McMahon, J. (2025). An Evaluation of a Story Exchange Teacher Training Intervention to Promote Empathy.
https://narrative4.ie/wp-content/uplo...
Kubin, E. et al. (2025). Promoting Empathy, Connection, and Pro-Sociality Through Storytelling in American High Schools: A Collaboration Between Academic and Practitioners.
Questions or comments?
Have you tried story exchange before?
📩 Let us know in the comments below or,
Email us: edonthemargins@gmail.com
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