Just the Chats

European Movement Ireland’s mission is to develop the connection between Ireland and Europe, and to achieve greater public understanding of and engagement with the European Union and with our European partners. We do this by providing objective information and by stimulating debate.So listen in, as we bring to you our podcast series where we look at all things Ireland and Europe.

Just the Chats is a society podcast hosted by European Movement Ireland, with 66 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

European Movement Ireland hosts Just the Chats, a society show with 66 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #58

  58 | Migration, Integration and Inclusion with Teresa Buczkowska

  Aug 13, 202635 minS1

  This episode of Just the Chats sees European Movement Ireland Deputy CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes joined by Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, for a discussion on migration, integration and inclusion in Ireland and across Europe. Drawing on Teresa’s nearly 20 years of experience supporting migrant rights and political participation, the conversation explores the challenges facing migrants and refugees in Ireland, the importance of integration, and the impact of negative narratives around migration. Teresa also discusses rising racism and xenophobia, the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its potential impact on children seeking asylum, as well as the housing challenges facing Ukrainians under temporary protection in Ireland. Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library. Recorded: 12/08/2026 [DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

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  Episode #57

  57 | Brexit at 10 and the future of Europe with Dr. Kathryn Simpson

  Jun 19, 202636 minS1

  This episode of Just the Chats sees European Movement Ireland Deputy CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes joined by Dr Kathryn Simpson, Associate Professor of Politics and Economics of the EU and Director of Research at Keele University, for a discussion on public attitudes towards the European Union across the island of Ireland and the UK. Drawing on insights from European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, the conversation explores support for EU membership, changing perceptions of the EU’s direction, and the key issues shaping public opinion, including the cost of living, migration and housing. Marking the tenth anniversary of Brexit, Kathryn reflects on how Brexit, the eurozone crisis and wider geopolitical developments continue to influence attitudes towards European integration in Ireland and the UK. Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library. Recorded: 17/06/2026 [DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

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  Episode #56

  56 | Waterways, microplastics, & shaping EU policy with Fionn Ferreira

  Jun 16, 202621 minS1

  This Just the Chats host and European Movement Ireland CEO David Geary is joined by inventor, researcher and environmental advocate Fionn Ferreira to discuss the growing challenge of microplastic pollution in Ireland, Europe and beyond. In the wake of World Ocean Day and against the backdrop of evolving EU environmental legislation, the conversation explores the impact of microplastics on waterways, ecosystems and public health, as well as the scientific innovations being developed to address the problem. Drawing on his internationally recognised research and advocacy, Fionn reflects on his journey from West Cork to the global stage, including his pioneering work on removing microplastics from water and his current doctoral research at ETH Zürich. The discussion also examines how EU initiatives such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, REACH regulations and the Green Deal Industrial Plan can help reduce pollution at source, accelerate sustainable technologies, and support the next generation of environmental innovators. Together, David and Fionn consider the role of policymakers, industry, researchers and citizens in protecting our oceans and building a more sustainable future. Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library. Recorded: 10/06/2026 [DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

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  Episode #55

  55 | Europe's Anti-Racism Strategy with Dr James Carr & Pierre Yimbog

  Mar 12, 202634 min

  This Just the Chats European Movement Ireland’s Acting Co-CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes is joined by Dr James Carr, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Limerick, and Pierre Yimbog, Co-founder and COO of Black and Irish, to discuss racism in Ireland and across Europe. In light of the European Commission’s new Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026–2030, the conversation explores the realities facing minority communities, including anti-Muslim racism, discrimination against Black communities, and the structural barriers that persist in areas such as housing, education, employment and healthcare. The discussion also examines how EU-level initiatives connect with developments in Ireland, including the National Action Plan Against Racism, debates around hate speech legislation, and the role of civil society in combating discrimination. Drawing on their research and advocacy, James and Pierre reflect on the challenges of tackling racism in practice and why coordinated action at both EU and national level remains essential to building more inclusive societies.

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  Episode #54

  54 | Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee

  Jan 5, 202639 minS1

  This week on Just the Chats , European Movement Ireland's outgoing CEO Noelle O’Connell is joined by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), to discuss the evolving role of civil society in Europe. Drawing on his lifelong involvement in Irish and European civil society, Séamus reflects on how Ireland’s early experience of EU membership shaped rural communities and his own career, and explains the role of the EESC within the EU policymaking process. The conversation explores the pressures facing civic space across the EU, the ambitions of the new EU Civil Society Strategy, and how civil society organisations can better influence decision-making, particularly in the context of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. From funding and stakeholder engagement to housing, cost of living and trust between citizens and the EU, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for civil society in Europe. Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library. Recorded: 17/12/2025 [DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

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