Ep 171 The Working Man's Case for Life: Tradies for Babies

Ep 171 The Working Man's Case for Life: Tradies for Babies

Author: Karl O Rourke July 23, 2026 Duration: 42:13
Abortion is almost always framed as a women's issue — but what happens when working-class men decide they can no longer sit on the sidelines? In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Tradies for Babies, a grassroots movement bringing tradesmen into one of the most divisive conversations in modern Ireland. We go deep into the personal moment that turned him from bystander to activist, why he believes men have a moral obligation to speak up, and why he built this movement specifically around working-class identity rather than politics or religion. We don't shy away from the hard questions. We talk bodily autonomy versus the rights of the unborn, the backlash he's faced for taking a public stance, and whether modern culture has lost the ability to disagree without demonising each other. We also bring the conversation home to Ireland, discussing the proposed removal of the three-day waiting period before abortion — and the roughly 10,400 women between 2019 and 2024 who didn't return for a procedure after that reflection period. This isn't a comfortable conversation. It's not meant to be. It's an honest attempt to ask a question modern society rarely asks anymore: not just can we, but should we? Whether you agree with him or not, this conversation will make you think harder about where you stand — and why.

Hosted by Karl O Rourke, Hard Conversations Ireland is built on the belief that the most interesting paths often lead through topics we’re conditioned to skirt around. This isn’t a lecture series or a polite chat; it’s a space where genuine curiosity drives the dialogue, whether the guest is a renowned athlete, a business leader navigating a crisis, or someone with a profoundly personal story to tell. You’ll hear discussions that move seamlessly from the practicalities of physical fitness and the mechanics of the business world to the nuanced realities of social issues and personal growth. The common thread is a commitment to depth, to sitting with an idea long enough to uncover its layers, even when it feels uncomfortable. By asking the questions that often go unspoken, this podcast creates a rare kind of clarity. Each episode offers a unique perspective, but they all share a raw, exploratory energy that challenges listeners to think a little harder about the world and their place in it. Tune in for conversations that are as educational as they are unpredictable, proving that the most valuable insights frequently lie just beyond the edge of easy small talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Uneducated PT
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