Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Grey Matters
Society & Culture

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.

Play
Open in
  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 30 min
  • English

Episodes 27

NewestOldestLongest
All7Unplayed7In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • 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

Showing 21–27 of 27 episodes