Jenny Kelly and Mairead Ronan are two well-known Irish broadcasters who have recently launched a new podcast unlike any other. Titled “Women Our Age, Having a Laugh”, the podcast is all about celebrating the experiences of women who are no longer in their 20s or early 30s, but are still young at heart. The duo’s refreshing take on topics related to midlife challenges, relationships, and everything in between, have quickly made the podcast a go-to for women who are looking for relatable, inspiring, and humorous content. In this article, we delve deeper into the world of Jenny Kelly and Mairead Ronan’s latest venture, and discover what makes their podcast such a hit.
Jenny Kelly and Mairead Ronan, better known as Jenn-ead or Mair-enny, have been fixtures in Irish media for over 20 years. They first met while working on The Ray D’Arcy Show, which was then broadcast on Today FM, and quickly became close friends. Though both have had major life changes over the years, including marriages and children, they’ve remained in touch and have now reunited for a new podcast called Jenny and Mairead Now.
The podcast is a casual, fun chat between two longtime friends, but it also has deeper meaning for Kelly and Ronan. As women in their 40s and 50s, they wanted to create a space where women their age could talk about everyday issues and have a laugh. In a media landscape that often overlooks or dismisses older women, they wanted to provide a platform for their peers.
“People our age, in their 40s and 50s, we’re almost put into the ‘old’ heap,” Kelly said in an interview with the Irish Independent. “Sharon Horgan is a superstar for Irish women. She’s amazing and she’s so shit-cool. It’s like she gave two fingers to what you’re supposed to look like in your 40s and 50s.”
The decision to create a podcast together wasn’t made overnight. Kelly had suggested the idea years ago, but Ronan initially felt overwhelmed by the thought. However, after the pandemic hit and Ronan spent more time at home with her children, she realized she was ready for a new challenge.
“I turned 40 in covid and I always thought I’d have another baby after Bonnie, but that just hasn’t happened,” Ronan said. “Then the pandemic came and that madness of I have to go to this gig, that event, it all just went away and I realized I loved being at home.”
Kelly and Ronan’s easy chemistry is evident in their podcast, and it’s clear they have a deep respect and admiration for one another. They both describe each other as kind, loyal, and funny, and Ronan said she feels “mothered and minded” by Kelly, particularly after her own mother passed away when she was 21.
Though Kelly and Ronan are in a good place now, they acknowledge that the media industry can be tough on women, particularly when it comes to appearance. Ronan said she takes care of herself for TV appearances, but that there’s still pressure to look a certain way. “There’s no secret, I don’t hide what age I am: I’m 42, I’m a mother of three, but I actually feel really good and think I look good,” she said. “But nobody would ever ask Davey Fitz, ‘Do you think you need to get in shape for Ireland’s Fittest Family?'”
Despite the challenges, Kelly and Ronan are passionate about their work in media and hope to continue making shows that resonate with their audience. And as for their wildest ambitions when they first started out in radio? “Having my own radio show,” Ronan said. “And….” They both laughed. “Looking good on TV,” Kelly finished.
In a world where women over a certain age are often overlooked, Jenny Kelly and Mairead Ronan have created a space where these women can come together and share their experiences, their joys, and their struggles. Their new podcast is not just about having a laugh, but about creating a community of like-minded women who are eager to connect and support one another. We hope that Jenny and Mairead’s podcast continues to thrive and gives women everywhere the courage to embrace their age and revel in the joys and challenges of life.
