User:JamesonIrish

Joe Armstrong (born 1962) is an Irish author, Humanist , journalist, podcast host and teacher. He began his career studying for the Roman Catholic priesthood at the Marist Fathers in Milltown, Dublin, in 1980, but left close to ordination in 1989. He then became a teacher of English and religion education at St Bonaventure's Comprehensive school in the East End of London, where he taught from 1990 to 1994.

Armstrong is the author of several books, including "Men's Health, the Common Sense Approach", "Write Way to Stop Smoking" , and his first memoir "In My Gut I Don't Believe"        , which is a personal account of his experiences and struggles with faith, sexuality, and identity. He also co-authored a history of Muckamore Abbey Hospital and was commissioned by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to write the booklet "Workplace Stress in Ireland".

In addition to his writing, Armstrong has worked as a humanist celebrant , where he has gained a reputation for setting a relaxed tone and using humor in conducting weddings, baby namings, and funerals. Videos and photos of him conducting ceremonies are available on YouTube. He also hosts a podcast called "Losing My Religion" and writes a Substack newsletter called "Joe's Substack".

Armstrong has been a weekly columnist with the Irish Times for seven years and a columnist with Reality, Face Up , and the Irish Freethinker. His RTE radio documentary "From Belief to Unbelief" was shortlisted for the New York Festivals' World's Best Radio Awards.