WeIn this inspiring episode of Was Your Ma On Telly, we sit down with the incredibly talented Irish actress, writer, and drama educator Aisling O'Mara, who shares her raw and honest journey into the world of acting and beyond.

From growing up in Blanchardstown in the '90s to landing a role alongside Ethan Hawke in the upcoming film Blue Moon, Ashlyn opens up about the real-life challenges she's faced and conquered, from her dyslexia diagnosis to navigating classism in the arts, and balancing a demanding career while raising a child as a single parent. But it’s not just her acting career that makes Ashlyn’s story so compelling, we also dive into her passion for teaching drama, supporting young talent, and her refreshing take on resilience, self-belief, and breaking industry stereotypes.

• You’ll hear what it’s really like trying to break into the acting world as an Irish woman from a working-class background.
• Ashlyn’s story will inspire you if you’ve ever doubted your ability to succeed while juggling real-life struggles like dyslexia, parenthood, or societal pressure.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the film industry from rejection to resilience and how she secured her biggest role yet.

• The real impact of growing up with dyslexia and how it shaped Ashlyn's approach to both education and creativity.
• An honest discussion about class barriers in the arts and how working-class actors are often overlooked.
• The juggling act of single motherhood and pursuing a creative career.
• How drama education can transform young people's confidence and open doors.
• Personal stories about the highs and lows of her acting journey - including what it's like being cast alongside Hollywood names.

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Growing Up in Blanchardstown

02:34 School Days: Challenges and Triumphs

03:31 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles

09:56 Early Career Aspirations and Shifting Paths

11:52 Breaking into Acting: From Retail to the Stage

13:59 Experiencing Classism in the Arts

22:57 Balancing Motherhood and a Career in the Arts

25:38 Discovering Pregnancy & Single Parenting

27:55 Balancing Career and Parenthood

30:33 Theatre and Creativity

37:16 Teaching Drama to Kids

43:30 Reality TV Insights

52:06 Upcoming Projects and Final Reflections

👉 If you loved this episode, make sure to check out some of our other honest, hilarious and inspiring chats, whether it's parenting, pop culture or pulling back the curtain on real life, Was Your Ma On Telly has you covered

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