In this episode of The JoeIrish Podcast, Joe and Sherin sit down with David Dowling — professor, mediator, lawyer, and proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
From growing up in Ballymun to building a successful life in California, David shares powerful insights on faith, conflict resolution, family, identity, and the choices that shape who we become.
This episode is raw, hilarious, warm, and full of wisdom about communication, expectations, religion, and life’s unexpected turns.
00:00 – 00:26
The chaos begins — Joe tries to figure out what episode number they’re actually on.
Guest introduction: Who is David Dowling?
00:26 – 01:07
How a Mormon professor ended up on an Irish podcast — and why Joe insists on calling him “his favourite.”
01:07 – 02:15
David’s early years: growing up in Ballymun, moving to LA at 7, leaving school at 16, and taking the long route back to education.
02:15 – 03:04
Joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 20 — and how his path led him to England, California, and a career in law and mediation.
03:04 – 04:05
What a mediator actually does. The difference between court cases, conflict resolution, and why mediation can save years of stress.
04:05 – 07:01
The big question: Why become a Mormon?
David opens up about missionaries, personal beliefs, and the “Sliding Doors moment” that changed his life.
07:01 – 08:36
The differing paths of two brothers growing up side-by-side. Childhood dreams, class systems, and how opportunity shifts depending on where you live.
08:36 – 10:13
Moving to California as an illegal immigrant, marriage, restarting education at 28, and becoming a lawyer against all odds.
10:13 – 12:14
Irish privilege in the US, funny run-ins with police, and how the Irish charm can get you out of (almost) anything.
12:14 – 14:31
Life as a Mormon missionary — Italy, Paraguay, service projects, and the reality behind the white shirts and name tags.
14:31 – 17:07
What missions really mean: structure, discipline, volunteering, and the difference between religious culture and Irish culture.
17:07 – 20:37
Religion, family, and identity: how David balances his faith with Irish traditions, and how his family supports each other despite differences.
20:37 – 23:10
Do Mormons believe non-Mormons go to hell? David gives a heartfelt explanation about judgement, mercy, and intentions.
23:10 – 27:03
The Ten Commandments, morality, and how modern life turns simple expectations into complicated frustrations.
27:03 – 29:31
Polygamy, splinter groups, and what Mormonism actually teaches vs. what reality shows portray.
29:31 – 32:33
The dangers of resentment, how anger harms only you, and the communication habits that destroy relationships.
32:33 – 36:36
Why unspoken expectations ruin families, couples, and friendships — and how to fix it with one simple skill.
36:36 – 39:05
Teaching, travelling, working with law students, and balancing academic life in Malibu with Irish roots.
39:05 – 42:40
California life: sunshine, surfing as PE, Disneyland, culture shocks, and how different the world can be from Ballymun.
42:40 – 45:36
Growing up on food vouchers, remembering hard times in Ireland, and reflecting on modern poverty and homelessness.
45:36 – END
A powerful close: faith, charity, community, and why helping others should always come before judgement.
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