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    Tragically alone in the sumptuous booth of love (with Colm Tóibín)

    enJune 04, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Social care costs, Financial literacy, Colm ToibinEffective communication and planning are essential in managing complex issues like social care and financial literacy. Realistic expectations about costs and challenges are important in social care, while tools like Greenlight can make teaching kids financial skills convenient and customizable.

      Effective communication and planning are crucial, especially when dealing with complex issues such as social care and financial literacy. In the context of social care, the importance of being realistic about the costs and challenges was emphasized through a listener's story. Meanwhile, the discussion about financial literacy highlighted the convenience and customizability of using Greenlight to teach kids financial skills and monitor their spending. Additionally, the interview with Colm Toibin showcased the anticipation for his new book, a sequel to "Brooklyn." Despite the absence of a co-host, the show continued to engage listeners with thought-provoking conversations and personal stories.

    • Magazines and past experiencesSharing past experiences and memories from magazines can bring joy and create meaningful connections, while allowing pets in pushchairs is seen as a kindness rather than a weirdness.

      The discussion revolved around various topics including memories of old magazines, the kindness of allowing pets in pushchairs, and the joy of reconnecting with past experiences. Marie shared stories from her time at 19 Magazine, reminiscing about the unique experiences and memories she made there. The group also discussed the trend of seeing more dogs in pushchairs and considered it a kindness rather than a weirdness. Additionally, they recommended various media, such as podcasts and books, that provided insightful and informative content. Michael brought up the topic of magazines, specifically Fee's interview with the editor of Loaded, and the group shared their thoughts and memories related to that. Overall, the conversation was a reminder of the importance of cherishing past experiences and the joy of discovering new things.

    • Family dynamics, societal changesIn 'A Long Way From Home', Colm Toibin explores the intricacies of family relationships and societal shifts in the 1970s through the experiences of Eilish, an Irish woman living in a New York cul-de-sac with her Italian American family. The novel highlights the tension between traditional values and new perspectives, as seen in Eilish's disagreement with her mother-in-law over the Vietnam War.

      Colm Toibin wrote "A Long Way From Home" as a standalone novel, not as a sequel to "Brooklyn," despite the connection between the two characters, Eilish and her past in Enniskorthy. The novel is set in 1976, and while life in the small Irish town hasn't changed much, there are subtle shifts in society, such as the acceptance of old pubs and the waning influence of the Catholic church. Eilish finds herself living in a cul-de-sac of houses dominated by her Italian American family in New York, experiencing moments of suffocation but also happiness. Her relationship with her mother-in-law reaches a crisis point when she disagrees with her views on the Vietnam War, an action that would have been considered normal in many households but is met with resistance in this particular family. Overall, "A Long Way From Home" explores the complexities of family dynamics and societal changes in the 1970s.

    • Relationship complexities and realitiesRelationships are complex and can be transactional and practical, especially in middle age. Powerlessness can manifest in speech and behavior towards loved ones, and circumstances significantly impact people's lives.

      Exploration of the complexities and realities of relationships and the impact of circumstances on people's lives. The characters in the book, such as Aynas and Eilish's mothers, demonstrate how powerlessness can manifest in speech and behavior towards loved ones. The theme of mothers and their relationships with their children, particularly in the context of Irish immigrants in America, is also a universal truth that adds depth to the story. Furthermore, the book portrays relationships as not always being passionate or idealized, but rather, transactional and practical, especially in middle age. The jobs of the characters are also significant in defining their circumstances and limitations. Overall, the book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the human condition and the complexities of relationships.

    • Irish wedding, author's reflectionsThe author emphasizes the importance of humor and tradition in an Irish wedding, reflects on his time at Liverpool University, and encourages celebrating young people's successes and the role of education in shaping society

      The author of "A Long Long Way" views the ending of the novel as complete, but leaves room for readers to imagine the fates of the characters. He emphasizes the importance of humor and tradition in the story, particularly in the depiction of an Irish wedding. The author also reflects on his time as the chancellor of Liverpool University, expressing pride in the achievements of young people and the diversity of the student body. Regarding Ireland, he expresses a hope for unity but acknowledges the complexities of the situation. The author encourages celebrating the successes of young people and the role of education in shaping society.

    • Politics and ChangeAdvocate for unity and addressing small issues in politics, as expressed by Colm Toibin during an interview. Encourage voting during crises and focus on removing those causing trouble.

      During the interview, Colm Toibin expressed his strong political views, advocating for unity and change in both Ireland and the United States. He emphasized the importance of addressing small issues before tackling larger ones, such as the debate over using kilometers or miles as the standard unit of measurement. Toibin also shared his early political memories and experiences, which included working on campaigns for the Fianna Fail party in Ireland and expressing his support for Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential election. He encouraged listeners to focus on removing those causing trouble in politics and emphasized the importance of voting during crises. Additionally, Toibin shared his positive views on education and the value of attending graduation ceremonies. Overall, the interview highlighted Toibin's passion for politics and his belief in the importance of unity and change.

    • French Open, podcastThe French Open tennis tournament starts streaming live on Tennis Channel Plus on May 20th. A new podcast called 'Your History' from The Times will debut, sharing real-life stories from the obituaries desk.

      There are two exciting offerings from The Times coming up. First, the French Open tennis tournament will be streaming live on Tennis Channel Plus starting May 20th. This is your chance to watch every match on your phone or smart TV in high definition and witness history in the making. Second, a new podcast called "Your History" from The Times will debut, bringing real-life stories from the obituaries desk to life. Join the hosts as they delve into the captivating lives that have shaped our history. Don't miss out on these opportunities to engage with the best of tennis and history. Tune in or stream now to be a part of the action.

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