In this episode of the SHSS Podcast, hosts Rose and Liadain sit down with veteran photojournalist and filmmaker Stephen Bean to explore a life lived through the lens.

From a childhood spent catching snakes in the jungles of Malawi to covering wars of independence at age 19, Stephen shares the stories behind his most profound projects and his transition from high-end fashion photography to social documentary work. He discusses the harsh realities of Jesuit boarding schools, the evolution of media in Ireland, and his unique perspective on why studying art is the most vital step for any aspiring photographer.

Interviewers: Rose O Donoghue and Liadain O Connell

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

Recording Date: 06/01/2026