Grey Matters

The Communications Clinic

Grey Matters is a bold and insightful podcast series that confronts the realities of growing older in Ireland with unflinching honesty, sharp humour, and deep compassion. Hosted by two of the nation’s most respected voices, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay, the series tackles the overlooked challenges, persistent stereotypes, and the triumphs of Ireland’s older generation. Combining rigorous debate with warm camaraderie, Grey Matters invites listeners into a candid conversation about age, identity and the future of Irish society. Grey Matters is produced by The Communications Clinic.

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 20

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S2 · E1
Wednesday · 30 min
Fergus Takes a Hospital Pass
Terry and Fergus are back for Season Two of Grey Matters. This week they discuss Fergus's health diagnosis last spring and reflect on vulnerability, ageing, family, the Irish healthcare system. Fergus opens up about the support of his wife and children, the realities of recovering from major surgery and why, ultimately, he considers himself incredibly lucky.
S1 · E25
July 8 · 13 min
Cruises: Paradise or Floating Nightmare?
On this week's episode, Valerie Cox joins Terry and Fergus to debate the older generation's love of cruises. A devoted cruiser for more than 25 years, Valerie explains why small-ship voyages have taken her from Venice and the Greek Islands to Iceland and the Nile, and why she believes they're one of the most relaxing ways to travel. Terry, however, can't understand the appeal. From seasickness and sinking ships to onboard viruses and being surrounded by strangers, she argues there are plenty of reasons to stay firmly on dry land.
S1 · E24
July 1 · 39 min
What Happens When the Salary Stops?
Financial planner Eoin McGee joins Terry and Fergus to talk money, ageing, and the moment a lifetime of saving turns into a lifetime of spending. From inheritance tax thresholds and the €3,000 gift exemption, to the risks of equity release loans and the hidden signs of elder financial abuse, Eoin brings 27 years of frontline experience to one of the most avoided conversations in Irish family life: what happens to the pot once you stop filling it.
S1 · E23
June 24 · 35 min
Fighting for the Right to Keep Working with Valerie Cox
In this week’s episode of Grey Matters, Terry and Fergus sit down with broadcaster Valerie Cox to reflect on her distinguished career in journalism and her difficult departure from RTÉ.
S1 · E22
June 17 · 24 min
Refusing to Retire
In this weeks episode of Grey Matters, Terry and Fergus argue that longer lives, better health, and evolving expectations are reshaping attitudes as people approach the traditional retirement age. The podcasters challenge the idea that retirement at 65 remains a natural or desirable milestone for everyone.
S1 · E21
June 10 · 26 min
The Hidden Human Rights Crisis in Older Care
In this episode of Grey Matters, Fergus Finlay speaks with human rights lawyer Maeve O'Rourke about the rights of older people in Ireland. Together they explore how care can sometimes become control, why autonomy and dignity matter at every stage of life, and whether some practices in healthcare and residential care would be considered unacceptable if applied to any other group in society. A challenging and thought-provoking conversation about ageing, independence and human rights.
S1 · E20
June 3 · 29 min
The Things We Keep
In this week's episode of Grey Matters, Terry and Fergus explore the stories behind the things we keep. From family heirlooms and treasured photographs to everyday objects that carry unexpected meaning, they discuss why possessions become intertwined with memory, identity and grief. They examine what our attachment to certain items says about us, and why letting go can sometimes be just as important as holding on.
May 27 · 27 min
How To Build Age Friendly Communities
In this week's episode of Grey Matters, Terry and Fergus are joined by Cathrina Murphy, Age-Friendly Programme Manager with Fingal County Council, to explore how Ireland is catering for the needs of an ever-increasing population of older people.
S1 · E18
May 20 · 25 min
How To Age Well
This week on Grey Matters, Terry and Fergus are joined again by Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and consultant geriatrician, to discuss how we can age well and the obstacles we face in doing so.
S1 · E17
May 13 · 22 min
Happiness
In this episode of Grey Matters, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay discuss how we perceive happiness and how happiness evolves as we age. In a deeply personal episode, the hosts reveal how love and relationships have made the single greatest impact on their own happiness and discuss how the loss of a loved one can change everything.
S1 · E12
May 6 · 24 min
Grey Divorce
Longer lives are reshaping relationships in unexpected ways. In this episode of Grey Matters, Terry Prone and Fergus Finlay explore the global rise of “grey divorce”. From retired husband syndrome in Japan to shifting dynamics at home in Ireland, they ask whether longevity is forcing couples to rethink who they want to spend their future with.
S1 · E15
April 29 · 31 min
Can you prevent Dementia?
On this week's episode Terry is joined by Dr Diarmuid O'Shea President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Consultant Geriatrician, to discuss dementia. With a growing ageing population in Ireland, Grey Matters highlights why awareness and prevention have never been more important.
S1 · E14
April 22 · 28 min
The Good Death
This week, Terry and Fergus discuss the notion of a “good death” and their opposing views on death and dying. They agree that dignity in death is paramount, but question whether advances in medicine have paradoxically diminished the dignity of dying.
S1 · E13
April 15 · 22 min
Watch Your Language
This week, Terry and Fergus challenge the label “the elderly.” Arguing that lazy language fuels stereotypes, calling for respect, better media coverage, and recognition of older people’s diversity and value. If you have a comment or question contact us at greymatterspodcast@communicationsclinic.ie
S1 · E12
April 8 · 35 min
Rethinking the Retirement Plan
On this week’s episode, Terry and Fergus explore the reality behind retirement, and the podcast hosts have a clear message:failing to prepare properly for retirement can be a dangerous business. Using the Oscar-nominated Irish short film Retirement Plan as a springboard, Grey Matters examines how people prepare, or fail to prepare, for later life.
S1 · E11
April 1 · 28 min
Vibrators and Vitality, with Dr Miriam Stoppard
This week Fergus sat down with Dr Miriam Stoppard to talk about her latest book Sex, Drugs and Walking Sticks. They discuss how these attitudes can influence people’s relationship to sex as they grow older, and Stoppard says it can lead many to allow their sexual energy to hibernate. However, Dr Stoppard challenges the assumption that sexual desire fades away with age, and she is unequivocal: “We are sexual beings until we die.”
S1 · E10
March 26 · 32 min
The Growing Crisis of Older Homelessness
This week Terry is joined by Ber Grogan, Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland, to discuss why Ireland’s over 65s are one of the fastest growing cohorts of people entering into emergency accommodation.
S1 · E9
March 18 · 27 min
Too Old to Drive?
At 70, drivers must prove they’re fit to stay on the road, but is it safety or ageism? This week, Terry and Fergus explore freedom, fairness, and the real impact of Ireland’s driving laws on older lives.
S1 · E8
March 11 · 28 min
The Expiry Date on Talent
Why are older performers thriving on UK television while their Irish counterparts seem to disappear from the spotlight? In this week's episode, Terry and Fergus examine what they see as a striking cultural difference between Ireland and the UK when it comes to age and entertainment.
S1 · E7
March 6 · 26 min
Bite Me
Teeth are easy to take for granted - until they start to disappear. In this episode, Terry and Fergus explore the surprising role that oral health plays in how we age, from the everyday act of brushing our teeth to the life-changing consequences of losing them. To share your thoughts, comments or questions with Terry and Fergus email greymatterspodcast@communicationsclinic.ie

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