WTS 342: Kyiv: Caring through crisis and chaos

About this episode

The episode discusses the experiences of humanitarians in conflict zones, focusing on life in Kyiv amidst war and resilience.

This week we're joined by Alex Brock and Niamh Foley — two humanitarians who have worked in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, and Iran. Niamh joins us from Kyiv, where air-raid sirens, power cuts, and sub-zero winters are part of daily life. But, thanks to amazing human resiliance, so are packed cafés, opera nights, and almond lattes. Alex shares his experience of having recently returned to Ireland. We talk about what living through a war actually feels like and the emotional toll it takes... not just on those there, but on the families watching from home. We also get into the strange, brilliant side story of how Alex, Niamh, and a small group of Irish expats in Kyiv set up a GAA club in the middle of it all.

People in this episode

Guests: Alex Brock, Niamh Foley

Topics covered

• humanitarian work
• conflict zones
• emotional toll of war
• community resilience
• expat life

Keywords

• Kyiv
• air-raid sirens
• power cuts
• GAA club
• Irish expats
• emotional toll
• packed cafés
• opera nights
• almond lattes

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Kyiv, Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Ireland

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