ArtsEkta is a social enterprise which celebrates and safeguards multiculturalism in Belfast. It was set up in 2006 by the inspiring Nisha Tandon- Ekta meaning ‘uniting’ in the Indian language. The organisation brings together people from all walks of life to share their culture- from dancing to food. They throw the annual Belfast Mela celebration in Botanic Gardens which is a show case of music, arts and culture. The 18th edition of the festival will take place from the 17 – 25 August 2024. Get your tickets now!!

I chat to Nisha about her experiences moving from India to Omagh, the work ArtsEkta do and about Little Amal- the puppet that visited Belfast symbolising global human rights.

Thank you Nisha for spreading your light across Belfast and all over and for chatting to me on Laoise Online!! xx

Belfast Mela Tickets-

https://belfastmela.org.uk/

Instagram-

https://www.instagram.com/artsekta/

My Insta-

https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

Go raibh maith agat Feargal for chatting about his experiences growing up speaking the Irish Language. Gaeilge is ingrained in the family heritage, Feargal's grandfather set up the Gaelscoil he attended growing up. Feargal and I also attended the same secondary school where he was part of the Irish medium stream. It was really interesting to learn about how immersed Feargal was in Irish from such a young age, what it was like to be taught in Irish and how it has shaped his identity today. He shares his tips on learning a new language and about the initiatives in place today to encourage young Gaeilgeoirs to embrace the language.

Thank you for listening <3

Thank you to Chupa Creative for photographing me for my new cover art!!

https://www.instagram.com/chupa_creative/

Insta-

https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

In the 25th episode of Laoise Online I talk to Hannah Maneely. Hannah is a very inspiring individual who tells the story of her diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis and learning she would need a stoma bag. This has been one of my favourite podcasts, not only did I learn so much about the condition but Hannah is such an eloquent speaker with an amazing mindset on life.

Hannah offers tips on looking after a stoma, managing your pain and working out what diet works for you. She also talks about how she immersed herself back into her busy life as an engineer and show jumper!

Thank you Hannah!! xx

Hannah's Insta- https://www.instagram.com/hettythestoma/

My Insta-https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

Thank you for listening <333

I loved recording this episode with Joe O'Neill who is the founder of Irish Creative Collective- a network for Irish Creatives in London. Joe speaks about being inspired by Irish communities during his time in Stockholm and he chats about those who have helped him along the way. Irish Creative Collective began SIAMSA- the first of its kind monthly variety showcase of Irish Creatives based in London. The night consists of Musical Theatre Performers, Singer Songwriters, Comedians and Drama Pieces. This is an incredible space and a credit to everyone who has worked on bringing it together. <3

Joe also speaks about interviewing Annie Mac and Romesh Ranganathan among other fun stories.

ENJOY xx

My Insta-

https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

Irish Creative Collective-

https://www.instagram.com/irishcreativecollective/

Welcome back to Laoise Online. <3

In this episode we discuss a topic I am very passionate about- women's health and, in particular, endometriosis and adenomyosis. I speak to Kathleen King, a women's health advocate and medical scientist whose goal is to raise awareness on the chronic illness. Kathleen also has her own podcast DEARG with a host of inspiring guests. DEARG stands for 'Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources and Guidance'. If you are suffering with any of the symptoms we discuss you will find DEARG really insightful and helpful with lots of tips and advice on how to manage symptoms and advocate for yourself.

Thank you Kathleen you are an inspiration!!!

Kathleen Instagram-

https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_m_king/?hl=en

My Instagram-

https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/?hl=en

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/

It was an absolute honour to have Siobhan Greene on the podcast!

Siobhan is someone I really look up to in the TV industry. Siobhan has co-created some of the biggest shows in the UK like Britain's Got Talent and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. She was a former ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioner. She has shown me so much kindness since my move to London. It was so inspiring to hear her story on how she got into this industry, her Irish roots and some of her big moments like meeting Ant and Dec for the first time. From her first job as a typist in Yorkshire TV to becoming a complete TV veteran, this was an incredible story to hear.

I hope you all enjoy! Thank you Shu for coming on <3 xx

insta- laoisetoye

Welcome back to my podcast! <3

I'm so grateful to Zack for coming on to shed a light on OCD. It's been really interesting to learn more about the condition, after struggling with it myself. 3% of the population struggle with OCD, therefore there have been many preconceptions in the media as to what it really looks like. Often going hand in hand with anxiety, OCD is a very difficult condition to have.

Zack does incredible work openly talking about the symptoms and ways you can find help. He has worked with charities and runs an award winning Instagram page, discussing all things mental health.

I believe it's truly important to destigmatise mental health in order to move forward with healing. Realising you have OCD can be a difficult journey and I hope that this could help someone or educate people on breaking down the taboo of mental health conversations.

Zack's insta- https://www.instagram.com/ocdestigmatize/

My insta- laoisetoye

Resources-

https://ocdaction.org.uk

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/

Types of OCD- https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/types/

In this episode, I chat to Tee Cee Johnson, a producer, presenter and writer. Tee Cee has done it all, from writing her own book at the age of 16, Snow Black, the Seven Rastas and other short stories, to directing and presenting her own documentary Too Autistic for Black, Discovery +. She's a woman in the TV industry I really look up to, I loved learning from her in this episode!

<3 thank you Teecee!

Insta- https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

Since starting my podcast, I’ve only recorded two solo eps and I thought a year and a half later it would be a good time for a life update. 

I chat about working on the C4 Scheme, moving to London and then getting my phone stolen ( :\ ) and getting lost in Sweden. An eventful year, I hope you enjoy!! Xxx

Insta- https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/

I was so happy when the lovely Alicia Baxter reached out to me about designing a logo for my podcast. Alicia is a very talented graphic designer who works for the Appleby Print it Project, an incredible organisation which enables adults with disabilities experience a real work environment in a print/ design company. Alicia created a logo I loved and we chat about how she did it and the software she uses. I loved learning about what inspires her to create and her journey to where she is today.

We also chat about her thoughts on AI in Art and her newly married life!

Check out Alicia for your printing or illustration needs.

Alicia's Insta- https://www.instagram.com/price.designs/

Appleby Project- https://www.applebyprintit.co.uk/

My Insta- https://www.instagram.com/laoisetoye/