Síle Seoige isn’t afraid to make a statement. She’s been a vocal supporter of Palestine amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
She created a documentary about miscarriages for TG4 and in her latest series she explores bullying, parenting and “the anxiety epidemic” across the country.
Here Síle discusses why she’s using her voice for good and encouraging others to do the same…
How’s Síle?
I’m really good in one way, and I feel a heaviness in another. I carry a deep sense of gratitude for all that I have in my life, and at the same time, I feel heartbroken at the state of the world. We’re living through a time of collapse, and while that’s incredibly painful to witness, it’s also important that we stay awake to it…that we mind ourselves, and that we mind each other, now more than ever.
Where are you sitting while writing this?
I’m in a waiting room, about to have a mammogram. There was no particular reason for booking it; I haven’t found a lump and I wasn’t worried, but I made an intention to myself that this year I’d be proactive about my health and wellbeing. I’m 47 in April, so this feels like the right time to start making those appointments and getting a full picture of my health. A DEXA scan is next on the list!
How has the start of your year been?
Very productive, but good. January can often be busy, and this one especially so, recording podcasts, MC’ing events, and promoting my TG4 documentaries. But I’ve also made space for moments of rest and connection: a powerful women’s circle to honour Nollaig na mBan, a women-in-business night out, and a date night with my husband. We went to see Mon Rovîa, in Vicar Street and it was pure magic.
Tell us about your new project.
My new TG4 series, Síle Seoige: An Saol Mar Atá, is a three-part documentary that explores some of the most pressing challenges we’re facing as a society today: Parenting, the Anxiety Epidemic and Bullying. Much like my podcast Ready to be Real, it’s rooted in listening deeply, asking honest questions and approaching complex issues with compassion rather than judgement.
Sounds interesting, tell us more.
We filmed over a long period of time, travelling all over Ireland and even to Norway, and I spoke with a wide range of people, from well-known faces to experts and individuals sharing their lived experience. In the parenting documentary, I sit down with journalist, senator and mother Evanne Ní Chuilinn and psychologist Gerry Hussey, alongside parents navigating real pressures on the ground. In Anxiety, psychologist and neuroscientist Ian Robertson explains how anxiety affects our brains, while John Cryan and Ted Dinan explore their ground-breaking research on the gut–brain connection. And in Bullying, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik speaks candidly about her hope for change, particularly for women in public life; while psychologist Allison Keating offers a fascinating insight into the mind of a bully and how we can respond more effectively. The series runs over three Wednesdays beginning on TG4 on February 11th.
When you get a bit of downtime, what’s the first thing you do?
It depends on how much time I have. If it’s a short window: comfy clothes on, makeup off, and a mug of cacao in my hands. If I’ve more time, it might be a yoga class, a retreat, a night away with my husband or simply being all together, the four of us, at home.
Are you good at switching off?
Yes and no. It really depends on my workload in any given week, but generally I’m grateful that I sleep well. I do think taking magnesium helps too!
What are you watching on telly right now?
We’re re-watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Damien had never seen them, and it had been years since I watched them myself. I love them and beyond the wizards and hobbits, they feel strangely prophetic when you look at the state of the world, the rise of destructive forces, and how disconnected we’ve become from the planet.
What are you most thankful for in life?
The people in my life. Everything else can be worked on or figured out. My children and my husband are everything to me, and after that, I’m deeply grateful for our home.
What have you learned over the last few years?
I’ve learned and unlearned a lot. We all have a voice, and it matters that we use it. We live with enormous privilege, and with that comes a responsibility I feel.
What scares you?
Anything happening to my children. Becoming a mother has made me far more aware of how fragile life is. I also fear anything happening to Damien or myself, because of the impact that loss would have on our family. I’m very aware that life can change in an instant, and I genuinely say every day how lucky I know I am.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to the audiobook How to Fall in Love with the Future by Rob Hopkins. It’s about reclaiming hope and imagination in uncertain times.
What are you reading?
I tend to dip in and out of books, but my current light read is Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I made Guinness bread yesterday and it turned out really well. It might need a touch more treacle next time, but otherwise it was a winner.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Home. I travel a bit for work, so there’s nothing I love more than putting the key in the door, snuggling the kids and himself, and being back with my family.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Television-wise, making my miscarriage documentary for TG4 in 2021 was deeply emotional and cathartic. And my podcast Ready to be Real is incredibly special to me…it’s a privilege to hear people’s stories and truly listen. Having the time and space to do that feels rare. Speaking with Dr Gabor Maté on the podcast was a real pinch-me moment.
What’s been your proudest personal moment?
Without a doubt, giving birth to my children. I was very fortunate to have positive birth experiences, and I never take that for granted.
Who’s made the biggest impact on your life?
My husband, Damien. The past eleven years have brought so much growth and positive change for both of us since we started dating.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hopes are simple: that my children and husband continue to live well, healthy, safe and content. Anything beyond that feels like a bonus.
