Topics covered : Accountability, acceptance, action, hoarding, guilt, repetition, transformation. This week I speak to stylist Fiona Hayes who lives in Limerick with her husband Trevor, their 2 boys Matthew and Ross, along with her Dad Nick. She has been dressing people for over 15 years, many who are well known. She also runs her own bespoke retail events company, and she has appeared on TV from Channel 4’s Queen of Frocks to TV3 and most recently RTÉ’s Today show.And in this conversation she shares a lot of style tips with us, along with the importance of doing a wardrobe detox, the benefit of upcycling and what to spend your money on when it comes to your clothes.You can find out more on her Instagram page @fhstyle or email her fiona@fhstyleResources :Online apps /stores for vintagehttps://www.vestiairecollective.com/https://www.depop.com/https://linktr.ee/thriftify.comhttps://whackvintage.ieInstagram - @corkclothesswap Bra fitting services  www.peachesandcream.iewww.arnotts.ie Vamp Lingerie Limerick Sheer Elegance Lingerie Nenagh  Rental  www.theivorycloset.comwww.soha.ieIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Overcorrection, parenthood, perfectionism, overwhelm, labelling, resilience, smart phones, porn, the importance of setting boundaries.Originally from Douglas in Cork, psychotherapist Richard Hogan lives in Dublin with his wife and their 3 daughters.He writes a weekly column with the Irish Examiner and often appears on TV and Radio and he specialises in working with families.He’s also written two books ‘ Parenting the screenager’ and ‘Home is where the start is’ and during this conversation he talks about anxiety in kids and teenagers, the importance of building resilience in our kids, the impact of mobile phones and the prevalence of porn use and how that is affecting the lives of young people. He covered so much and as always, I learnt so much by listening to him, especially on the importance of asking your kid questions.If you found this conversation useful, I recommend you check out Richard's previous episode from last summer, if you haven’t heard it already.And he’ll be back again soon, next time with a totally different topic.Richard is pushing for legislation around pornographic material and limiting access to children which is the unfortunate current reality.I’ve signed my name, I hope you will too, thanks.Please sign this petitionIf you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : his relationship with his Dad Gabor, Zionism, privilege, Jewishness, Palestinians, heartbreak, perspective, purpose.This week I speak to the brilliant Daniel Maté and it’s a conversation that has really helped me and I think you’ll feel the same when you listen to it.Originally from Vancouver, Canada, he now lives in Brooklyn, New York and he’s an award-winning composer, lyricist, and playwright for musical theatre. Outside of music and theatre, he runs the world’s only “mental chiropractic” service, ‘Take a walk with Daniel’.He also co-authored the New York Times bestselling book, ‘The Myth of Normal : Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture,’ with his father Dr. Gabor Maté and they have a second book in the works, ‘Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents and Their Adult Children’, based on their popular workshops of the same title.For those who are not aware of Daniel's background, his great grandparents died in the Auschwitz concentration camp and his father Gabor was a holocaust survivor and a former Zionist.He also went to a Zionist summer camp in childhood, so his perspective on what's currently happening, is really valuable. In the first half of our conversation he talks about his work, his relationship with his father and how different they are as people.And then later, we discuss Palestine and what he has to say is enlightening.He talks about Zionism, privilege and what he learnt about himself during his time in a Mexican jail.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Cork, Sunday March 24thThe Myth of Normal with Daniel Maté - www.pcpsi.ieTo take a ‘walk with Daniel’…WALK WITH DANIEL: a mental chiropractic service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Money scripts - avoidance, vigilance, status seeker, worshipper; scarcity, self-sabotage, ancestral trauma, financial infidelity, secret spending, sales, marketing, dopamine, advice.In my first episode of 2024, I speak to Loretta Kennedy about money.She's an accredited trauma informed money coach with a background in business, psychology and counselling. Originally from Mayo, Loretta lives in Cork with Ruairí, her soon to be husband, and partner of 20 years and their 3 daughters.And in this conversation she covers a multitude, from the different types of money scripts that we operate from and our behaviour around money, what happens to us when we spend, money issues in relationships and she also shares practical tips on how best to approach our finances.Resources :The Century of the Self: The rise of consumerismhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnPmg0R1M04Book mention - Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv EkerMoney Script quiz:https://www.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstestIf you are in financial difficulty:https://mabs.ie/To contact Loretta https://loretta-kennedy.com/https://www.instagram.com/itslorettakennedy/Free masterclass she is running: Prosperity & Purpose Jan 18thhttps://steep-cloud-220.myflodesk.com/l13w8flp8eIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : her childhood, the power of journaling, self-worth, being wronged, sitting with pain, authenticity, gaslighting, boundaries, growth, inner child, healing.  Over the Christmas break, I’m re-releasing some powerful episodes from 2023 and in February, I spoke to Lebanese-Canadian author, poet, speaker, activist and educator, the incredible Najwa Zebian.Najwa being a guest on ‘Ready to be Real’ is a dream come true for me as she is someone I have long admired.She grew up in a conservative Muslim household and writing helped her process and heal from past pain.Her voice is incredibly soothing, and she has a wonderful way of simplifying complex topics.And in this conversation she speaks about being ‘wronged’ and how best to manage it, self-worth and sitting with your pain, gaslighting, the importance of boundaries and how to heal.And at the end of the conversation, I ask her a question that has a profound impact on both of us.You can find Najwa’s latest book ‘Trust Your Heart’ online and in audio form on her website Najwa Zebian | Author. Speaker. Creator | Author. Speaker. CreatorIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Parents separating, trauma, guilt, alcoholism, addiction, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, success, rock bottom, hope, finding meaning, love, purpose.  I’m on a break over the Christmas period so I am re-releasing a few episodes over the next few weeks that really connected with listeners from 2023.In September I spoke to dog lover and activist Niall Harbison.If you’re an animal lover and you’re on social media, there is a strong possibility that you already follow Niall.Originally from Co. Tyrone, he grew up in Brussels but never lost his Irish accent.And over the past 21 months he has been devoting his time to help save street dogs in Thailand.And to fully understand the man he is today; we need to go back through some of the experiences that have shaped him in his life. When he was 13, his parents separated, and his mother then had a relationship with an abusive partner which had a massive impact on him. He has been a private chef of Billionaires, a successful and at times controversial entrepreneur, and at his lowest point he found himself in ICU after a drink and drug fuelled binge.He's been sober for about 3 years now and his mission is to half the population of stray dogs in the world over the next 20-30 years.His book – ‘Hope - how street dogs have taught me the meaning of life’ was released this Autumn and it’s an incredible read.I hope you feel inspired by our conversation as Niall is the perfect example of how it’s never too late to change your life.For more information on the work he’s doing and if you’d like to donate…Click hereResources :If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a Samaritan on Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ieIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Gaza and the occupied territories, Palestine, occupation, Gabor Maté, trauma, visibility, activism, grief, social media, compassion, truth, change.In my final conversation of the year and one of the most important I’ve ever had, I speak to Ruth Smith.Ruth is a multi-disciplinary artist, teacher and body worker who lives in Galway with her husband Fergal, her Mother-in-Love Marie and their pack of 3 schnauzer dogs and their 3 legged cat.And during this topical conversation she speaks about her visit to the West Bank earlier this year and the impact it had on her, the importance of activism and visibility when it comes to the current situation in Gaza and the occupied territories, and how connecting with like-minded people is so important.This is an episode for everyone and one I hope will be shared by those who listen.We recorded it over 2 separate days, as so much had happened since our first chat, including the US vetoing a resolution calling for a ceasefire.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real, it really means so much to me.Grá mór XSome links and resources:  Here's a link to the movie 1948 Creation and Catastrophe https://www.1948movie.com Here's a link to Gabor Maté's Q&A with SAND - Science and Non Duality https://youtu.be/NFmJpzBYCvI?si=QWeG-M61lg14LBEDThere is another Q&A with him on Friday 15th at 17:00GMT if anyone wants to join live or you can watch it back on YouTube. Here's the link to join live https://scienceandnonduality.com/event/roots-run-deep-2/ Follow @wizard_bisan1 a young female journalist on the ground in Gazawizard_bisan1 @motaz_azaiza a young male photographer and journalist on the ground in Gazamotaz_azaiza @_kateodwyer_ for somatic practices and calls to action_kateodwyer_ @maggiemckeeveryoga for trauma informed and community care yoga practicesmaggiemckeeveryoga @kitty_maguire_menstrual_mentor for sacred activismkitty_maguire_menstrual_mentor @raeekayassaie for social justice contentraeekayassaie Raeeka - British Iranian Activist on Instagram and her Grieve. Integrate. Act. Rest.  @irish.artists.for.palestine for information on cultural events across all art form all over the Island of Irelandirish.artists.for.palestine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Gay Byrne, nostalgia and memories, the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in Ireland, love and grief.In the penultimate episode of the year, I speak to Suzy Byrne about her Dad, legendary broadcaster, Gay Byrne.Suzy is married to Ronan and they have three children Cia, Sadhbh and Saoirse.Being the daughter of one of our best-known broadcasters, this conversation gives us an insight into the man Gay Byrne was at home, from one of the people who knew him best.She also talks about a book she has complied called‘Dear Gay- letters to the Gay Byrne show, a handwritten history of Ireland’.Available in all good bookshops.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Fame, trolling, overwhelm, mental health, faith, spirituality, pregnancy announcement, joy, self-care.  Last Friday in Galway, I sat down with dynamic duo Tadhg and Derry Fleming and had this wonderfully open conversation. Tadhg and his Dad, Derry are part of the Fleming family that we know and love from Kerry, who shot to fame when I bat flew into the family home 6 years ago and the video went viral. Mother Maureen and sisters Sadhbh and Maryanne, along with Tadhg’s wife Alannah and their much-loved dogs complete the extended Fleming family…for now! Tadhg is open and grounded and 2023 was a big year for him as he and Alannah married in May, but next year will be an even bigger year as they’ll become parents. Derry works in the credit union and is a deep soul, who wears his heart on his sleeve and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the whole family and they are the real deal. In this conversation we get a much better sense of who they really are, what matters to them, how important faith is in their lives and simply put ,what genuine, gorgeous people they are. Enjoy and let me know what you think! If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Secrecy, shame, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, friendship, recovery, honesty, grief, love, polyamory, fatherhood. This week I caught up with comedian and radio presenter PJ Gallagher.PJ lives in Clontarf in Dublin with his partner Kelly and their 12-week-old twins Milo and Stevie.He presents the breakfast show on Nova with his friend Jim McCabe, he’s also currently working on a documentary for RTÉ and his book ‘Mad House – The naked truth about my chaotic childhood, losing my mind and finding a place to call home’ is out now and it’s a brilliant read.We spoke back in the summer of 2021; and it was a chat that really resonated with listeners. (You can scroll back and listen if you’d like)So this conversation picks up where we left off the last time, he speaks about his 3 month stay in St. Patricks Mental Health services, meeting his now partner Kelly, fatherhood, polyamory and knowing what works for his mental wellbeing.If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Poverty, heroin addiction, neglect, abuse, childhood rape, dysfunction, shame, positive influences, kindness, breaking negative cycles, therapy,  recovery, attachment, opportunities, motherhood, education, academia, love, compassion, forgiveness, healing.   This week I speak to the phenomenal Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan.She lives in Blanchardstown in Dublin and is married to Dave and she has 3 boys, John who’s 30, Seán who’s 18, and Tadhg who’s 15 and she’s also a proud grandmother.She is a senior lecturer in Maynooth University in the department of Psychology and is the author of bestselling memoir ‘Poor’.Katriona’s childhood growing up in Coventry was often chaotic; as one of 5 kids to Irish parents living in a home shaped by heroin addiction, she experienced extreme trauma from an early age, which included being raped as a 7 year old and being pregnant and homeless, as a teenager.In this conversation she speaks about the extreme neglect she experienced in childhood, the people who were a positive force in her life, the importance of opportunities and education, and the power of healing.It is an eye opening and challenging conversation at times but I highly recommend you stay with it until the end.Book – ‘Poor’ is available in all good bookshops and online and is also available as an audio book.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Human emotions, family dynamics, emotional triggers, trauma, expectation, spirituality, parenthood, attachment, regulating emotions, the importance of repair, change, evolving, current situation in Gaza, shame, guilt, forgiveness.Gerry Hussey otherwise known as 'The Soul Coach' is a performance psychologist who has been working in the fields of health and performance for almost twenty years.He and his wife Miriam are the founders of wellness platform ‘Soul Space’ and along with their son Eli who’s 3.5 and their daughter Bethany who recently turned 1, they split their time between Ireland and Portugal and they’re simply wonderful people.We spoke in Galway on the 1st of November, the day his latest book ‘The Freedom Within’ was released.During our conversation, he delves into family dynamics and emotional triggers, parenthood and the importance of repair, the current situation in Palestine and the power of forgiveness.It’s a thought provoking and comforting episode but make sure you’re aware of the content before you listen.Gerry’s show ‘The Freedom Within’ is happening this Sunday the 12th of November in the National Concert Hall in Dublin and there may be a few tickets still left.Click on the link to find out…The Freedom Within | NCH | Live Music & Events | National Concert HallIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Celtic calendar, Samhain, An Chailleach, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, The Hill of Tara.Historian and artist Shelly Mooney is back on the pod once again, this time to tell us all about Samhain.Shelly lives in County Wexford with her husband Kev, their son Ferdia and Lola their dog and she runs the brilliant Instagram page ‘Tales from the Wood’ which explores the history and mythology of Ireland.And in this bite-sized episode she talks to us about the ancient festival of Samhain and its connection to The Hill of Tara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Divine timing, hope, fear, trolling, homophobia, birth experience, surrogacy, legal process, parenthood, grief, social media, manifesting, destiny.   In this episode I catch up with Brian and Arthur on the release of their book, ‘Modern Family’.This is the third time I’ve recorded a conversation with them both, and if you fancy tuning into the earlier episodes (released 20th March 2020 and 25th June 2022) feel free to listen back. We sat down to speak a few weeks ago on the 4th of October and this is by far the most emotional and vulnerable they have both been in any conversation I have ever heard with them, as their book reveals more than they ever have before; including Arthur’s upbringing and being a refugee, and the difficult news they received on their path to parenthood. And we also pick up where we left off the last time we spoke, as they talk us through the day Blake was born, life now as Fathers and their hopes to expand their family. Prepare to laugh and cry.  Book : ‘Modern Family – Births, marriages, deaths and everything in between’ is available online and in all good bookshops now. If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Gut instinct, emotional unavailability, people pleasing, boundaries, toxic relationships, fear, conditioning, perimenopause, health concerns, parenting, breaking the cycle of dysfunction.In this episode I speak to author and relationship expert, Natalie Lue.She lives in Surrey with her husband Emmon and teenage daughters, Saria (16) and Nia (14) and I’ve been a fan of her work for many years now.When she was 10 she came to live in Ireland and when she was 23 she moved to London to go to University and she has lived there since.We sat down in the summer, and she spoke about her upbringing and breaking up with her mother, yes you heard that right! And she also spoke about her book ‘ The Joy of Saying No’ which is a fantastic read. And I started the conversation by asking her about her brilliant blog ‘Baggage reclaim’ which covers topics like emotional unavailability, people pleasing and boundaries.Her book : ‘The Joy Of Saying No’If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Grief, trauma, legacy, divine timing, signs, menstruality, spirituality, shedding shame, woman wound, trauma resolution, healing, honouring the stages of life, power of retreat.In this episode I speak to menstrual mentor Kitty Maguire.Kitty lives in Dublin with her partner Sam, her two nephews, their dog Winnie Wagtail & Bertie the cat.She has pioneered menstruality work in Ireland for almost 10 years, providing therapeutic sessions, rituals and circles for women, girls and people who want to nurture a healthier embodied connection to their womb and cycles.She has held space for thousands of people through the years. Through her comprehensive training Red Alchemy, online or in schools she shares the wisdom of the cycle through the spirit, science and sacredness of menstruality and Irish spirituality.  And she recently featured in Richie Sadlier’s brilliant documentary, ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ on RTÉ.Her Mother, playwright Jo Egan, was a highly respected and influential figure in the Northern Ireland arts scene. And last Christmas, she died, which came as a huge shock to all who knew and loved her.At the time of her death, she had a project in development with the Abbey theatre in Dublin.And during our conversation Kitty speaks about her Mam and shares how she’s been navigating life since her passing. She also speaks about her own work, the importance of healing and she gives us an overview of the menstrual cycle.For more, go to http://www.kittymaguire.comIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Imposter syndrome, vulnerability, shedding shame, triggers, self-sabotage, apologising, blocks, boundaries, self-worth, ADHD, conditioning, reclaiming.  In this episode I speak to body-based visibility and business coach, Kate O’Dwyer.She lives in Dublin with her partner Jim and their 1.5 year old son, Ned.She's been the senior guest booker on The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTE for the past 7 seasons and her passion is in supporting women to step into their fullest self-expression so that they can share their work, their words, and their wisdom.She believes that our visibility can heal and embolden each other to build the world we all want to live in.And in this conversation she shares her own experience with us, she speaks about visibility blocks and what they might look like and shows us how to step into our power.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Topics covered : Mindful awareness, meditation, reframing distractions, depression, anxiety, long covid, recovery, technology, smart phones, overcoming suffering, spiritual growth, personal development, reflection, wisdom. In this episode I speak to Buddhist monk, the wonderful Gelong Thubten. Gelong is a title meaning monk and Thubten is hugely respected for his work in the area of spiritual growth and personal development. His first book ‘A Monks Guide to Happiness’  was a global bestseller and his latest book has just been released ‘Handbook for Hard Times: A monk's guide to fearless living.’ In this conversation we learn about his path to becoming a monk, he speaks about the importance of relishing micro moments in our day, reframing distractions when meditating and he also guides us through a wonderful mindful practice towards the end of the chat too. If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Parents separating, trauma, guilt, alcoholism, addiction, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, success, rock bottom, hope, finding meaning, love, purpose.   It's great to be back after the summer break and what a perfect episode to kick off the new series!If you’re an animal lover and you’re on social media, there is a strong possibility that you already follow Niall Harbison.Originally from Co. Tyrone, he grew up in Brussels and over the past 18 months he has been devoting his time to helping to save street dogs in Thailand.And to fully understand the man he is today; we need to go back through some of the experiences that have shaped him in his life. When he was 13, his parents separated, and his mother went on to have a relationship with an abusive partner which had a massive impact on him. He has been a private chef of billionaires, a successful and at times controversial entrepreneur, and at his lowest point he found himself in ICU after a drink and drug fuelled binge.He has been sober for about 2 years and 9 months now and his mission is to half the population of stray dogs in the world over the next 20-30 years.His book – ‘Hope - how street dogs taught me the meaning of life’ is just out and it’s an incredible read.I hope you feel inspired by our conversation as Niall is the perfect example of how it’s never too late to change your life.For more information on the work he’s doing and if you’d like to donate…Click hereResources :If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a Samaritan on Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ieIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Family dynamics, dyslexia, addiction, alcoholism, inner critic, secrecy, shame, labels, attachment styles, genogram, parenting, healthy boundaries, position in the family, breaking negative patterns, positive and negative family legacies, forgiveness.In this episode I speak to psychotherapist Richard Hogan about family dynamics.Originally from Douglas in Cork he lives in Dublin with his wife and their 3 daughters.He writes a weekly column with the Irish Examiner and often appears on TV and Radio.He specialises in working with families and he’s just released his second book ‘ Home is where the start is’ and I found this conversation illuminating.During it he shares elements of his own upbringing with us and gives us plenty of tips on how best to navigate our own family dynamics and ultimately help us to live healthier and more authentic lives. I loved it and I hope you will too.You can also dive back into over 130 episodes of Ready to be Real to keep you going over the summer as this is where I’ll take a break.I’ll be back in the Autumn with a brand new selection of thought-provoking episodes and as always I am so grateful for all the love and support I get here.If you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.Have a gorgeous summer and thanks for listening to Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : What is Human Design, understanding your chart, energy types, profile lines, centres.In this conversation Human Design practitioner Nicole Crosbie explains what Human Design is and how to get your unique chart. She also gives us an overview of the chart which includes the energy types and the profile lines and she also touches on the centres…this is all stuff that will hopefully make sense once you listen to the episode.And to get the most out of it, I’d recommend that you do your chart before you listen.To get your chart, you’ll need the following information:Your date, time and place of birth.Click here for free or use one of the many free links found online to give you your own unique chart…Get your chart here* Nicole is giving all listeners of Ready to be Real, 30% off a reading with her until the end of August 2023The code is SILE30So if you’re interested, go to her website, www.nicolecrosbie.com or her Instagram page or you can email her directly nicole@nicolecrosbie.comIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Psychotherapy, music, management, her relationship with her husband Tommy, motherhood, self-acceptance, social media.  In this episode I speak to singer, manager, producer and psychotherapist, Yvonne Tiernan. Originally from Dublin, Yvonne has lived in Galway with her husband Tommy for 20 years and they have 3 kids together. She is such an impressive person (a label we unpack during the conversation) who is gifted in many different areas of life. ‘The Raines’, the folk trio she’s part of, have released their debut album ‘Reverie’ and are touring across the country this summer. And during this conversation we get a sense of who she is and what’s important to her, as she speaks about her love of her work as a psychotherapist, her career in the entertainment industry, her relationship with her husband Tommy who she finds endlessly fascinating, and how minding others is really important to her. The Raines play in Monroe’s as part of the Galway Folk Festival on the 17th of June and Matt Molloy’s in Westport on the 18th of June. For a full list of tour dates and to buy tickets go to The Raines If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Best foods to eat and when to eat them, genetics, blue zones, impact of Covid, exercise, sleep, sex, connections, engagement, laughter.Professor Rose Anne Kenny has 35 years of experience at the forefront of ageing medicine and in this conversation she shares some of the proven adjustments we can all make regardless of our age, to live longer and happier lives.Her book is ‘Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life’ and it’s a fascinating read.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the pod wherever you listen. You can now rate it on Spotify and leave a little comment on Apple too.Thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Boundaries, burlesque, reclaiming the past, safety, art, nature, balance, grounding, facing fears, sensuality, purpose, movement meditation, hypermobility, fibromyalgia, selfcare.In this episode I speak to dancer and choreographer, event organiser and producer and recently wedding celebrant, the brilliant Bonnie Boux.Bonnie is a nature lover who lives in Waterford and in this conversation she tells us how dance was a big part of her healing journey, she talks about her path to Burlesque, being a wedding celebrant and how she doesn’t let a chronic health condition hold her back.She’s one of a kind and I was thrilled to connect with her.You can catch Bonnie as part of Jenny Keane’s tour this September and her own show happening in Waterford on Valentine’s day, is one not to be missed!Go to her Instagram page for more info and subscribe to her mailing list to never miss her events.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Authenticity, vulnerability, hard work, leadership, purpose, reflection, communication, effort, preparation, emotional intelligence, true success, meditation, trust, re-invention, mental health, responding instead of reacting, self-care.In this episode I speak to high performance coach and author Enda McNulty.Enda is married to Julia and they live in Dublin and when he played football for Armagh, he won an All-Ireland medal and an All-star Award.Now he’s regarded as one of the top performance coaches and leadership experts in the country having worked with a who’s who of business and sporting leaders over the past 25 years.His second book ‘Commit 2 Lead’ is out now and in this conversation he talks about finding true success in life and how to become a leader; the power of re-invention…and how he and his family used to holiday in my home village of Spiddal in Connemara.I took a lot away from this episode and I hope you will too.Other book recommendation – ‘The Inner Game of Tennis’ by W. Timothy GallweyIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Sister bond, Cancer, terminal diagnosis, freak accident, grief, perspective.This week I am re-releasing one of the most listened to episodes ever of Ready to be Real.Three years ago I spoke to someone who has since become a very good friend, the wonderful Kathie Stritch.Kathie is from Cloonfad in Co. Roscommon but she lives in Galway with her soon to be husband Stephen and their little boy Freddie who’s 4.5 yrs.9 years ago her world changed forever when her sister Elaine was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour. Elaine was married to Pa and their two boys Adam and Jason were 1 and 4 at the time.This episode will make you appreciate how precious being alive really is.You’ll find Kathie on Instagram K A T H I E S T R I T C H (@kathiestritchpt) • Instagram photos and videos and she also runs the Grief Ireland page which hosts retreats and workshops. You’ll also find it on Instagram Grief Ireland - Support Community (@griefireland) • Instagram photos and videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Body acceptance, shedding shame, diet culture, disordered eating, body image, unlearning, motherhood, loss of identity, blended family, love, responding over reacting, self-talk, respect, bouncing forward, self-worth, stretch marks, regret, healing, empowerment. In this episode I speak to the truly wonderful Sarah Nicole Landry. She’s a body acceptance advocate, a speaker, a writer, an occasional model and podcaster and she’s better known online as ‘The Birds Papaya’.Sarah Nicole is married to Shane and she’s the mother of 4 kids, she has 3 teenagers from her previous marriage and their daughter Lemmie is 2.She’s one of the most important voices right now on diet culture and body acceptance and her Instagram page alone has 2.3 million followers!In this conversation she covers a multitude on the topic, so if you want a feel-good episode that will potentially give you goosebumps (as it did for me!) this is the pod for you.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shelly Mooney is a historian and artist who lives in County Wexford with her husband Kev, their baby Ferdia and Lola their dog and she runs the brilliant Instagram page ‘Tales from the Wood’ which explores the history and mythology of Ireland.In this bite-sized episode she talks to us about the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine. She speaks of the importance of the Hill of Uisneach, the tradition of handfasting at this time, and the significance of the Hawthorn tree. The Hill of Uisneach - The Sacred Centre of Ireland.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Mental health, shame, judgement, Irish psychiatric system, progression, early intervention, social media, education, TV show The Voice, panic attack, values, gaslighting, dealing with conflict, labelling, music, podcasting, therapy, meditation, breathwork, emotional intelligence.   In this episode I speak to musician, podcaster, author, activist and all-round great human, Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin.He lives in Wicklow with his girlfriend Louize and their new puppy Stevie and in this conversation we cover so much, it’s serious at times and lighter in other parts as he talks about things like emotional intelligence, shame, labelling, dealing with conflict, the benefits of meditation and embarking on a PHD. And if you want to go to Niall’s ‘Where is my mind’ podcast show next Friday, the 28th of April in the 3 Olympia, head to Ticketmaster to grab to last few tickets. 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin | Events & Tickets | Map, Travel & Seating Plan (ticketmaster.ie)If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Childhood, mother, alcoholism, complicated relationship, childbirth, loss of identity, suicide, numbness, grief, power of writing, compassion. In this episode I speak to author and mother, Anne Tiernan.Anne is married to Matt and they have 3 kids, Molly who’s 17, Oscar who’s 14 and Jack who’s 13 and they’ve lived in New Zealand for the past 18 years.Born in Zambia, she grew up in Navan from the age of 3 and is one of 4 kids and one of her brothers happens to be well known comedian and TV host Tommy Tiernan.In this conversation, she talks about her childhood, her emotionally unavailable mother and the dramatic moment she found out that she had taken her own life.Anne is a beautiful person and she’s just released her first book, a work of fiction called ‘The Last Days Of Joy’ which is available to buy in all good bookshops now.Resources :If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a Samaritan on Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.iePietaPieta | Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm since 2006Or go to…Mental health - HSE.ieIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Authenticity, people pleasing, boundaries, compromise, visualisation, freedom. In this episode I speak to New York Times best-selling author, Sarah Knight. With more than 3 million copies in print, Sarah Knight’s ‘No Fucks Given’ guides have been published in thirty-one languages worldwide and her TEDx Talk on "The Magic of Not Giving a Fuck" has over 10 million views. In this conversation she talks us through how best to live an authentic and fulfilling life by embracing the power of saying NO and having boundaries. And as is often the case with Ready to be Real chats, the language in this episode as you’d imagine, isn’t always suitable for young or sensitive ears so please be mindful as you listen. * Her new book ‘Grow the F*ck Up: How to be an adult and get treated like one’ is out on the 4th of April. If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Patrick, historic and legendary; the myth of Síle and Sheela na Gigs.  Shelly Mooney is a historian and artist who lives in County Wexford with her husband Kev, their baby Ferdia and Lola their dog and she runs the brilliant Instagram page ‘Tales from the Wood’ which explores the history and mythology of Ireland.And in this conversation she talks to us about St. Patrick, the man he was before the title of Saint was bestowed upon him.But even more interesting than that, she talks to us about Síle and her connection to Patrick and the often misunderstood symbol of ‘Sheela na Gig’.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Fertility, IVF, love, abnormalities, law in Ireland, disappointment, dilemma, termination, impact of covid restrictions, grief, loss, trauma, compassion, support, healing, acceptance. In this episode I speak to salon owner and entrepreneur Anna Hosty.Anna is married to Dave and they live in Galway with their daughter Henrietta who is 6 next month and their dog Ozzie.She’s also the co-owner of hairdressing group ‘Yourells’ and co-founder of the hair supplement for Mums called ‘The Hair Vitamin Company’.And as you’ll hear at the beginning of our chat, I have known Anna for a long time but what I didn’t know until recently was what she had been through personally.In this conversation she shares her experience of fertility and motherhood which includes the IVF process; joy, loss and trauma.She is a brave and wonderful person and I am so grateful that she trusted me to help her tell her story.It's an episode that will challenge some of you and I ask you to park your judgement and open your heart and mind to what you’re about to hear as unless you’ve experienced the same, you have no idea how you’d respond.I am so grateful to Anna for speaking so honestly about her experience and I know it’ll help a lot of you who listen.Resources :If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a Samaritan on Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ieOr go to…Mental health - HSE.ieIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places.And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Motherhood, loss of identity, finding yourself again, modelling, eating disorder, social media.In this episode I speak to online sensation Louise Boyce, better known as Mama Still Got It.Louise is a Mum of 3 who’s online content on motherhood is hilarious and her book Mama Still Got It is coming out on the 8th of June.During our conversation we naturally speak about motherhood, the loss of identity that can often happen when becoming a mother…and finding yourself again, but we also talk about modelling, her struggles with an eating disorder early in her career, social media and her closeness to her sister.Enjoy and let me know what you think, thanks!Resources : Bodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of IrelandIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : her childhood, the power of journaling, self-worth, being wronged, sitting with pain, authenticity, gaslighting, boundaries, growth, inner child, healing.  In this episode I speak to Lebanese-Canadian author, poet, speaker, activist and educator, the incredible Najwa Zebian.Najwa being a guest on ‘Ready to be Real’ is a dream come true for me as she is someone I have long admired.She grew up in a conservative Muslim household and writing helped her process and heal from past pain.Her voice is incredibly soothing, and she has a wonderful way of simplifying complex topics.In this conversation she speaks about being ‘wronged’ and how best to manage it, self-worth, gaslighting, the importance of boundaries and how to heal.And at the end of the conversation, I ask her a question that has a profound impact on both of us.This was without a doubt one of the most powerful conversations that I’ve ever had and you can find Najwa’s latest book ‘Trust Your Heart’ online and in audio form on her website Najwa Zebian | Author. Speaker. Creator | Author. Speaker. CreatorIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Fertility, miscarriage, IVF process, fear, the power of words, motherhood, parental anxiety, shift in perspective, stage of life, acting, integrity. In this episode I speak to actor and mother Caroline Morahan.Caroline lives in LA with her husband Dáithí 0r Doc as he’s better known and their 2 kids, Rowan who’s 3 and Ava who’s 2.They moved to LA 15 years ago and at the time she left a very successful TV in Ireland to pursue acting.Last month when she was back in Dublin, we sat down and spoke about her path to motherhood, being a Mom, her career to date, her love of acting, the sage advice given to her by her own mother and how baby brain is real!** This episode does not feature any medical guidance so please consult your doctor if you are looking for fertility advice.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Army life, body boarding accident, incomplete quadriplegia, recovery, controlling the controllables, perspective, gratitude, mindfulness.Billy Hedderman is married to Rita and they have 2 girls, Lana who’s 5.5 and Isobel who’s 3.5 and they live in Australia.Originally from Cork, he served in the Irish Defence Forces for 13 years which included successfully completing the Army Ranger Selection Process when he was only 20.And his greatest challenge came in the form of a body boarding accident on New Years Eve in 2014, in which he suffered immediate spinal cord damage, paralysing him from the neck down.But within 7.5 months he had ran a 10k and not too long after that he returned to one of his passions which is skydiving!This conversation is an amazing story of psychological resilience and determination when faced with a life changing quadriplegic diagnosis and I think you are going to take so much from it.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Impressions, talent, hard work, brain tumour, health, relationship with his wife Fiona, learning, thinking ahead, manifesting, business savvy, tour. It's Friday and time for another real chat, this time with impressionist Conor Moore aka Conor Moore (@conor_sketches) • Instagram photos and videos on Instagram.We sat down a couple of weeks ago and he spoke about something he rarely if ever speaks about...finding out he had a brain tumour 10 years ago, something that changed his outlook forever. In this conversation he also talks impressions and working with Tiger Woods, his work in Golf and Formula 1, his wife Fiona and he gives us his take on manifesting. He lives in Dublin with his wife Fiona and they’re currently in the process of building their forever home in his home town of Mullingar. And in the past 6.5 years he went from working in a call centre to being one of the most in demand entertainers on the scene right now.And along with his career in entertainment he also invested in a bar in New York a few years ago called ‘The Westbury’. He's sound, incredibly grounded and it was a joy to talk to him.And wait until you hear his impression of Roy Keane on the Tommy Tiernan show, so good!His tour started last night in the Olympia and for the last remaining tickets for his nationwide tour through February and early March, go to https://www.conorsketches.com/If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Imbolc and the symbolism and significance of Brigid. In this episode, I speak to historian and artist Shelly Mooney who runs the brilliant Instagram page ‘Tales from the Wood’ which explores the history and mythology of Ireland.She lives in the countryside in County Wexford with her husband Kev, their baby Ferdia and Lola their dog. After several years of campaigning, St Brigid’s Day has finally become a public holiday in Ireland and it’s the first one to be named after a woman.In this conversation Shelly talks about the ancient pagan festival heralding the beginning of Spring called ‘Imbolc’ and the significance of Brigid and her resurgence in recent times, including the story behind her cloak and the cross of St. Brigid. If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : authenticity, self-worth, the power of play, fear, love, relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, triggers, trauma, expectations, suicidal thoughts, purpose, forgiveness, change, personal responsibility, healing, being in flow.  Gerry Hussey otherwise known as 'The Soul Coach' is a performance psychologist who has been working in the fields of health and performance for almost twenty years. He and his wife Miriam are the founders of wellness platform ‘Soul Space’ and along with their wonderful children, Elijah who’s a toddler and their baby girl Bethany, they split their time between Ireland and Portugal and I’m proud to call them my friends.   I spoke to both of them back in 2019 at the very beginning of Ready to be Real and recently I sat down with Gerry and had this heart opening conversation.In it, he shares some of his darkest times with us and explains how used his past trauma to step into his power, he talks non-negotiables, triggers and the impact that a letter can have on someone.He gives us so much to think about for the year ahead and I hope you take as much from it as I did. Gerry’s book is ‘Awaken Your Power Within’ and it’s a powerful read. Another book mentioned during the conversation is ‘Man's Search For Meaning’ by Victor Frankl.Gerry's questions to ask yourself :Who am I?What do I stand for?What do I believe in?What does the greatest version of me look like?And if I truly loved myself, if I didn't worry about what other people thought and I backed myself, what would I do? Am I being honest?Am I being truthful?Am I listening to my heart?Am I stepping in the direction of my dreams? If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The Law of Attraction, taking action, letting go, inner critic, inner cheerleader, victimhood, gratitude, self-talk, beliefs, power of intention, change, difficulty, ah-ha moments, persistence, growth, transformation, awareness, awakening.I’m back with a brand-new episode and I speak to author, musician and wellness guru, Dr Joe. Vitale.Once homeless, Joe is now one of the world’s best known personal development experts and was also one of the main contributors on the hit movie ‘The Secret’.He's written over 80 books and in this conversation, we talk about The Law of Attraction and how important taking action is to achieve our goals, the beliefs we have about ourselves and how they impact us in our lives and he also gives great advice on how best to navigate challenging times too.Dr. Joe will be one of the speakers at the Pendulum Summit in the Convention centre in Dublin on the 25th and 26th of January and there are some tickets still available, go to…Tickets - PendulumSummitIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Sexual confidence, connection, shame, blame, self-pleasure, communication, fantasies, desire, dirty talk, sex toys, orgasm.This episode with holistic sex educator Jenny Keane was a big hit with listeners in 2022 which is why I am sharing it again.She talks about sexual confidence, the importance of connection, self-pleasure, shame, blame and dirty talk.She also answers your questions on fantasises, sex toys and she gives us a fascinating insight into orgasm too.She’s so knowledgeable and great craic and as you’d imagine this is a conversation for adult ears only, so something to be mindful of as you listen.I loved it and I think you will too.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Anxiety, the inner critic, anorexia, bulimia, attempted suicide, cancer diagnosis, baking, starting a business, success, wellbeing. 2022 was a massive year for Una Leonard.She turned 30 on Christmas day and she used to joke to her family and say..."I’ll have a cookbook before I’m 30!" ...and she did exactly that! Her book 'Sweet Therapy – The Joy of Baking' released this September. We sat down and chatted in June this year and the episode was released 3 months later.It was one of the most powerful conversations I've ever had on the podcast, not alone this year but since Ready to be Real started in 2019.And I've re-released the episode today.She has come such a long way since her darkest days and even since our conversation this summer...and it's fantastic to see her thrive.Her wonderful Mam recently got some great news too so this Christmas really has been a time to celebrate in the Leonard household. This is what I said at the time of it's release....Una Leonard is the owner and founder of 2210 Patisserie, a very successful bakery business and she has a gorgeous, upbeat personality that at one point, hid a deep unhappiness.In this conversation we get a beautiful insight into her relationship with her Mam, the bond she also had with her Granny, fondly known as Dotie; and how baking and opening up her bakery, ultimately became her saviour. I learnt so much from listening to her….about the power our words can have on children in particular, and how our attitude to food can impact those around us.It was one of the most moving conversations I have ever had and I’m so grateful to Una for her willingness to speak about such difficult times in her life and I know she’ll help so many who’ll listen.But it’s an extremely challenging listen at times as we don’t shy away from the reality of her experience of attempted suicide, so please be aware before you play it.Resources :BodywhysBodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of IrelandPietaPieta | Preventing Suicide and Self HarmSamaritansSamaritans IrelandBook: Sweet Therapy – The Joy of BakingIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Meditation, fears, regrets, acceptance, death, present moment awareness, compassion.I hope you’re having a lovely Christmas break and I’ll be back with a brand new episode on the 13th of January but over the coming weeks I’m going to re-release some episodes that resonated with listeners.Starting with this one…with Brother Richard Hendrick.Brother Richard has been a priest-friar for over 20 years and during the Covid 19 pandemic he wrote a poem called ‘Lockdown’ which went viral.In this conversation he gives us a fascinating insight into the life of a monk, he explains the difference between having purpose in life and finding meaning, he speaks of Celtic spirituality, the power of apologising…and death, in the most beautiful way.It’s an episode that will make you reflect on your own life and hopefully enrich it, as it has for me.Book mentions: ‘Still Points – A guide to living the mindful, meditative way’‘The Top Five Regrets of The Dying’ by Bronnie WareIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Failure, faith, religion, awareness, meditation, death, compassion, love. In this episode I speak to author, playwright, podcaster, poet and all-round wonderful human being, Michael Harding.Michael is someone I’ve wanted to speak to for years and I’m so happy to be releasing this episode in time for the Christmas break.In this enlightening conversation we talk about his love of religion, the power of failure and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.His latest book ‘All the things left unsaid – confessions of love and regret’ is a stunning collection of letters he wrote for the people who deeply affected him over the years and it’s available now in all good bookshops.He's charmingly self-deprecating, reflective and his voice is one I could listen to forever. I hope you enjoy our conversation.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Boundaries, the power of NO, core values, toxic relationships, gaslighting, red flags, people pleasing, narcissism, inner work, breaking a negative cycle of behaviour, positive change.    In this episode I speak to life coach Jennifer Davy, about boundaries.Jennifer is married to Wayne and they have two boys Oliver who’s 8 and Freddie who’s 5 and they live in County Waterford.And in this conversation she breaks down what a boundary is and how to implement one, how to manage toxic relationships and how to spot gaslighting.Hopefully it might help you to navigate the often tricky Christmas period with friends and family.Some questions to ask yourself -What does a boundary look like for me?What are my core values, what matters to me?What am I no longer going to tolerate?What actions can I take that will protect my energy? You can find Jennifer on Instagram…Intuitive Life Coach for Women | Jennifer (@wellbeingwarrior.ie) • Instagram photos and videosIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Space, childhood dreams, possessions, freedom, starting over.  In this episode I speak to engineer, scientist, writer and performer, Niamh Shaw who is dedicating her life to fulfilling a 40 year old dream – to become an Irish space explorer on a real life mission.Today, she divides her time between Strasbourg, home of the International Space University, Ireland and the US, where she is building up contacts in the space community.You’ll find her on Instagram @dr_niamh_shaw and her book ‘Dream Big: An Irishwoman's Space Odyssey’ is available in all good book shops.She is absolutely lovely and so inspiring and it’s an episode that will make you think and hopefully encourage you to follow your dreams. If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Drug use, teenage pregnancy, motherhood, death, grief, further education, stereotyping, privilege, creativity, authenticity, philosophy, visualisation, Miriam Margolyes.Senator Lynn Ruane is my guest this week.She lives in Killinarden in Tallaght with her two daughters, Jordanne who’s 22 and Jaelynne who’s 15.And in this conversation she talks about her childhood; experimenting with drugs from the age of 12, finding out she was pregnant at 15 and how a community education initiative called ‘An Cosán’ developed by Katherine Zappone and the late Ann Louise Gilligan helped her massively in life.She’s been a senator for 6 years now and recently completed a masters in creative writing and she was the dream to chat to.She cares deeply, she’s inquisitive, authentic and refreshingly honest and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Living without money, social media/technology, sustainability, being in flow, climate change, economy, marketing, community, vasectomy and toilets! Originally from Donegal, Mark made a life changing decision to give up money entirely in 2008 and he lived completely without it for 3 years.He's the author of four books including ‘The Moneyless Man’ and ‘The Way Home; Tales from a Life without technology’.And this conversation is a fascinating insight into his life and the reasons why he decided on such a radical life change.We talk about living sustainability and in tune with the seasons and why he decided to get a vasectomy when he was only 30!It's an episode that will make you think about your own life and perhaps encourage us all, to make some positive changes.Book mention -‘The Shock Doctrine’ by Naomi KleinIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode I speak to international numerologist Gráinne Tyndall about 1111.It’s being released on Friday the 11th of November, the day that my baby girl Clíodhna turns one so obviously it means a lot to me personally, but I asked Grainne to share her thoughts on 1111.If you’d like a personal reading with Gráinne, feel free to reach out to her.HOME - Numbers 4 SuccessAnd if you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Sexual confidence, connection, shame, blame, self-pleasure, communication, fantasies, desire, dirty talk, sex toys, orgasm. Holistic sex educator Jenny Keane is my guest this week.It's an episode I had been looking forward to recording for ages and it did not disappoint.She talks about sexual confidence, the importance of connection, self-pleasure, shame, blame and dirty talk.She also answers your questions on fantasises, sex toys and she gives us a fascinating insight into orgasm too.She’s so knowledgeable and great craic and as you’d imagine this is a conversation for adult ears only, so something to be mindful of as you listen.I loved it and I think you will too.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Childhood, starting a business/brand, taking chances, creating, success, failure, conflict, motherhood, gardening.In this episode I speak to trailblazing entrepreneur Marissa Carter.Marissa lives in Dublin with her husband Ronan and their kids; Charlie who’s 10 and Isabelle who’s 7 and their much loved dog Cherry.Her brand ‘Cocoa Brown’ was born 10 years ago this month and like all successful entrepreneurs she’s not afraid of taking chances.The past few years have been particularly challenging for her professionally and this is her first interview in 3 years.She tells us about her upbringing and how she became the business woman she is today, the women who helped her along the way, meeting Kim Kardashian and conflict.She’s a homebird who loves gardening and she’s also a great laugh to be around.I hope you enjoy our conversation.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Confidence, courage, anxiety, affirmations, bullshitting, self-talk.   In this episode I speak to Professor Ian Robertson about confidence.Ian is a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist and he is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading researchers in neuropsychology and he’s also the author of several best-selling books, including ‘How Confidence Works’.In this conversation he tells us what confidence is, what makes someone confident, how we can improve it, the differences between men and women in terms of confidence and why that is; the art of bullshitting and the power of positive self-talk.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Confidence, being in flow, authenticity, integrity, music, style, love, grief.In this episode I speak to Cork powerhouse Lyra, who’s a singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice, striking outfits and electrifying live shows.In this conversation we speak about confidence and staying true to yourself, the special bond she had with her Nan Kitty and the absolute joy she feels when she’s performing.She’s independent, great craic and full of integrity and it was brilliant to chat to her.Her new single ’29 box’ is out now and for a full list of tour dates, check out Lyra Singer | The Official Website Of LyraCheck out my Instagram page for some photos that relate to this conversation.𝗦í𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗼𝗶𝗴𝗲 (@sileseoige) • Instagram photos and videosIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : parental separation, abandonment, depression, violence, racism, homelessness, shame, teenage pregnancy, suicide, grief, independence, support, resilience, representation, forgiveness, compassion.In this episode I speak to the phenomenal Deborah Somorin.Deborah, or Debbie as she’s better known as, has experienced so much in her life; she was in and out of care homes from a very young age, at 13 she became homeless and at 14 she found out she was pregnant.  In this conversation we hear about the complicated relationship she had with her mother and the reality of years spent in care in Ireland. But we also hear about the people who helped her along the way to achieve more in her life than she ever knew was possible.Today she’s a management consultant, a qualified chartered accountant and the founder of ‘Empower the Family Ireland’, a charity that helps single parents further their education and she’s also mother to Liam, who’s now 13.She’s just released two books, her memoir ‘Believing in Me’ and her children’s book ‘I Believe in You’.Resources :SamaritansSamaritans IrelandBooks : Deborah Somorin – ‘Believing in Me’ and ‘I Believe in You’If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Anxiety, the inner critic, anorexia, bulimia, grief, attempted suicide, cancer diagnosis, baking, starting a business, success, wellbeing. Una Leonard is the owner and founder of 2210 Patisserie, a very successful bakery business and she has a gorgeous, upbeat personality that at one point, hid a deep unhappiness.In this conversation we get a beautiful insight into her relationship with her Mam, the bond she also had with her Granny, fondly known as Dotie; and how baking and opening up her bakery, ultimately became her saviour. I learnt so much from listening to her….about the power our words can have on children in particular, and how our attitude to food can impact those around us.It was one of the most moving conversations I have ever had and I’m so grateful to Una for her willingness to speak about such difficult times in her life and I know she’ll help so many who’ll listen.But it’s an extremely challenging listen at times as we don’t shy away from the reality of her experience of attempted suicide, so please be aware before you play it.Check out my Instagram post about the episode which includes photos that will make sense when you hear it.𝗦í𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗼𝗶𝗴𝗲 (@sileseoige) • Instagram photos and videosResources :BodywhysBodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of IrelandPietaPieta | Preventing Suicide and Self HarmSamaritansSamaritans IrelandBook: Sweet Therapy – The Joy of BakingIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Meditation, fears, regrets, acceptance, death, present moment awareness, compassion.Brother Richard Hendrick has been a priest-friar for over 20 years and during the Covid 19 pandemic he wrote a poem called ‘Lockdown’ which went viral.In this conversation he gives us a fascinating insight into the life of a monk, he explains the difference between having purpose in life and finding meaning, he speaks of Celtic spirituality, the power of apologising…and death, in the most beautiful way.It’s an episode that will make you reflect on your own life and hopefully enrich it, as it has for me.Book mentions: ‘Still Points – A guide to living the mindful, meditative way’‘The Top Five Regrets of The Dying’ by Bronnie WareIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Menstrual cycle, pelvic floor, heart disease.In this episode I speak to doctor, nutritionist and best-selling author Dr, Hazel Wallace, aka The Food Medic.Originally from Dundalk, Hazel lives in London and currently has over half a million followers on Instagram.Her third book – The Female Factor is a deep dive into women’s health and in this conversation she answers things like….why we crave chocolate before our period and what our pelvic floor is and why it’s so important?Book :‘The Female Factor - Making women’s health count – and what it means for you’If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Self-worth, the legal system in Ireland, rehabilitation.In this episode I speak to one of Ireland’s first female judges; Gillian Hussey.When she started out little did she know that she would deal with some of the most notorious criminals in Ireland, the likes of the Kinahans, the Cahills, ‘The Monk’ and John Gilligan.In this conversation she gives us an insight into her courtroom, her reflections on the legal system in Ireland and the importance she places on rehabilitation.We also talk about the relationship she had with her father and how she struggled with feeling worthy, especially early in her career.Unsurprisingly, she made a big impression on viewers when she appeared on The Tommy Tiernan show last year on RTÉ and having a number of mutual friends, I always knew she’d be a wonderful guest for Ready to be Real.Book :’Lessons from the bench – reflections on a career spent in Ireland’s criminal courts’ and it’s out now.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Launching a brand, clothing sizes, vulnerability, body acceptance, confidence.This week I speak to makeup artist and influencer, Aideen Kate.Aideen lives in Dublin with her boyfriend Dave, she currently has 158 thousand followers on Instagram and is Stellar magazine’s cover girl for the month of July.This conversation is an insight into the life of an influencer/content creator as we talk about her rise to fame and launching her own makeup brand earlier this year (True Beauty); and we also talk about her Instagram content on body acceptance which includes honest outfit try-on’s which I love!* This chat is where I wrap up the conversations until September.You can dive back into over 100 Ready to be Real episodes whenever you want and I’ll chat to you all again in the Autumn.Have a gorgeous summer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Manifestation, embracing change, impact of the pandemic, surrogacy journey, pregnancy.In this episode I catch up with powerhouse couple Brian Dowling Gourounlian and his husband Arthur.They live in Kildare and will soon be parents for the very first time and this conversation picks up where we left off when we last spoke in January 2020 (released March 2020).So much has happened in their lives since then and if you haven’t heard our earlier chat I highly recommend you check it out as you really get a good sense of them and their relationship.In this conversation we follow on from where we left off the last time.We hear all about their journey to parenthood, their bond with Brian’s sister Aoife (also their surrogate), Arthur packing up their home in LA at the height of pandemic restrictions to move to Ireland with their friends, chef Dónal Skehan and his wife Sofie and family, and then him going on to become a judge on hit TV show Dancing with the Stars.We also talk rumours, the significance of an orange cup and how Aoife got the nickname Effidy!It's an inspiring, heart-warming and often hilarious chat that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.And if you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : animal welfare, conservation, having a baby during Covid restrictions, heart condition, major surgery, scar, healing.  In this episode I speak to Killian and Katie McLaughlin who run a wildlife sanctuary in Donegal called ‘Wild Ireland’.They met in college when they were both studying law and they’re now married and are parents to Rígan who’s almost 2.In this conversation we talk about their love of animals, their passion for what they do and their plans for the future.We also talk about the highs and lows of the past 2 years, including having a baby during Covid restrictions and Katie having to undergo heart surgery.They’re an amazing couple who have had so much to deal with but are stronger than ever today.* Series 2 of ‘Return of the Wild : The Bearman of Buncrana’ will be broadcast on RTE in the coming months so keep an eye out for it.And to find out more about/ get tickets for Wild Ireland, click here...Wild IrelandIf you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Anorexia, grief, shame, perfectionism, recovery, gratitude, the inner critic, CBT, social media, filters, boxing, meditation, femininity, spirituality, letting go.In this episode I speak to one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met, boxer Mary Kate Slattery.Originally from Dublin, Mary Kate spent parts of her childhood in Lahinch in Co. Clare.She’s the eldest of three girls, a law graduate from Trinity College Dublin and when she was only 9 she developed anorexia. She spent time in and out of Crumlin children’s hospital in Dublin and eventually had to go to London to receive treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.In this conversation we speak about her battle with anorexia, perfectionism, therapy, meditation, femininity, letting go and her love of boxing.It’s such an inspiring yet challenging conversation in parts, so please be aware before you listen.Also as you can hear in this episode, Mary Kate is very thankful to her psychiatrist Fiona McNicholas for helping her recover from anorexia and if you're worried about yourself or someone you love, you can reach out for help here...Bodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Dancing with the Stars, life during lockdown, their relationship.In this episode I speak to couple Jake Carter and Karen Byrne.They live in Dublin with their dog Lenny and they started dating after they won series 2 of Dancing with the Stars in Ireland.Jake is a singer songwriter whose brother Nathan is also in the business. He’s outgoing and optimistic and Karen is a professional dancer with her own dance studio who’s a straight shooter and naturally more introverted by nature. In this conversation we talk about first impressions, what annoys them about each other and how friendship is the foundation of their relationship.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Hurling, diversity, inclusion, religion.In this episode I speak to Abood Al Jumaili who also goes by the name Bonnar O’Loinsigh.He lives in Dublin and his nickname is based on two hurling greats, the Bonnar Maher from Tipperary and former player Colin Lynch from Clare.He left his home in Baghdad when he was only 9 years old and came to Ireland with his family, five years after the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.When he arrived here, he had no English but soon developed the distinctive accent he has today.And in this conversation we talk about his passion for hurling, his deep faith, his role as a GAA ambassador promoting diversity and inclusion, the culture clashes he’s encountered over the years and his dream of becoming an Irish diplomat someday.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Drug trip, drug induced psychosis, suicidal thoughts, breakdown, mania, bi-polar disorder, shedding shame, early onset Alzheimer’s, grief, regrets, recovery, self care, power of movement, pole-dancing.In this episode I speak to writer and podcaster, Sophie White.She lives in Dublin with her husband Seb and their 3 sons who are 2, 5 and 8.She graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin with a first class honours degree in sculpture, she’s been a chef and she’s written 5 books so far.And in this conversation we talk about mental breakdowns, regrets, the juggle of being a working mother, the unfixable pain of grief, her latest book ‘The Snag List’ and pole-dancing!If you like this conversation, you might enjoy my episode with Alastair Campbell from January 2021 in which similar topics are explored.And if you are a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. Thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Cancer, smear tests, holistic treatments, medical procedures, trauma, therapy, grief, healing, belief, trusting your gut instinct, health.In this episode I speak to the inspirational Lynsey Bennett.She lives in Longford with her daughters Zoë who’s 13 and Hailee who’s 8 and in 2019 she found out she was one of the women caught up in the cervical check scandal brought to public attention by Vicky Phelan.In this conversation, we talk about the powerful bond she had and still has with her mother Lesley, undergoing a hysterectomy at just 28, dealing with a terminal diagnosis and arranging her own funeral and trusting her gut instinct.She’s been getting alternative cancer treatment in Mexico and Germany over the past year and a half to help strengthen her immune system and support her mindset; and thankfully, it’s yielding good results so far despite being told a few years ago, that she probably wouldn’t live this long.I was honoured to meet her and have this conversation.Book mention : ‘Radical Remission, surviving cancer against all odds’ by Kelly A. TurnerAnd if you are a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. Thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Motherhood, career, ageing, menopause. In this episode I speak to actor, comedian, TV presenter and podcaster, the multi-talented Deirdre O’Kane.She lives in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin with her husband, writer and director Stephen Bradley and their teenage kids, Holly who’s 17 and Daniel who’s 13.She describes herself as an optimist who can be competitive and self-critical.And in this conversation we talk about motherhood, menopause, her fascinating career, the story behind the making of the film ‘Noble’ and the contentment she feels at this stage of her life.Her latest stand up show called ‘Demented’ is currently on a nationwide tour so check out her site for a list of dates and locations and to buy a ticket!And if you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places, thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Dancing with the Stars, her racing career, motherhood, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, fear of failure.In this episode I speak to retired jockey and Dancing with the Stars champion Nina Carberry.She’s regarded as one of the greatest amateur riders of all time and after an almost 17-year career in the saddle, she retired in 2018.She’s married to Ted and they have 2 daughters, Rosie who’s 5 next month and Hollie who’s 2.5.She is incredibly hard working, grounded and naturally shy, and in this conversation we talk all things DWTS….including her gruelling training schedule and being out of her comfort zone; her friendship with Rachael Blackmore, life at home with her family and her horses and all that it entails, and how winning DWTS compares to winning a Grand National or at Cheltenham!* A special thanks to Barbara White for all her help with this episode.And if you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places, thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : sex, porn, sexting, shedding shame, pushing boundaries, deepening understanding.In this episode I speak to pundit, podcaster and psychotherapist, Richie Sadlier.It's my second time sitting down to chat to Richie and as always he is such a brilliant guest.He’s married to Fiona and when we spoke in 2019, his autobiography ‘Recovering’ had just been released and in it he revealed he had been sexually abused when he was 14 by a physio he had been attending for back pain.2.5 years on, he’s just released his second book called ‘Let’s Talk’, written for teenage boys, and in it he covers everything they might need or want to know about sex, intimacy, relationships, breakups and everything else in between.He also runs his own private psychotherapy practice and he has a passion for supporting adolescent development so he really knows his stuff in this area.If you enjoyed this conversation you can go back and listen to our earlier chat if you missed it and why not check out the episodes I recorded with sexologist Emily Power Smith too.Thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Best foods to eat and when to eat them, genetics, blue zones, impact of Covid, exercise, sleep, sex, connections, engagement, laughter.Professor Rose Anne Kenny has 35 years of experience at the forefront of ageing medicine and in this conversation she shares some of the proven adjustments we can all make regardless of our age, to live longer and happier lives.Her book is ‘Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life’ and it’s a fascinating read.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the pod wherever you listen. You can now rate it on Spotify and leave a little comment on Apple too.Thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Alcoholism, fatal fetal abnormality, abortion, induced labour, birth trauma. In this bonus episode I speak to the incredible Amy Dunne.In 2007, a 16 year old Amy was pregnant with a baby girl who had a fatal fetal abnormality. At the time, Amy was in the care of the HSE, so she told a social worker about her plan to travel for a termination after finding out the devastating news. And although she was supported by her family and by the baby’s father, she was told by the HSE that it wouldn’t be possible for her to travel which then led to her situation being a case in the High Court.In this conversation we speak about her childhood changing from idyllic to chaotic, the ups and down of her relationship with her mother and ultimately the unbreakable bond they share today, and how her strength and bravery ignited a social revolution to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution.We heard about her at the time as ‘Miss D’ but today we hear from the woman herself and it's a raw and powerful listen.Today she lives in Drogheda with her teenage son Adam and she's estranged from her father. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the pod wherever you listen. You can now rate it on Spotify and leave a little comment on Apple too.Thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : motherhood, march for maternity, channeling, authenticity, acting, yoga, letting go, signs. This week I speak to actor and writer, Amy De Bhrún.She’s married to Seán and they have 2 kids, daughter Billie and baby son River.And in this conversation we speak about motherhood, her powerful March for Maternity speech, being authentic, TV show ‘Line of Duty’, her love of yoga and why ladybirds are important to her.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the pod wherever you listen.You can now rate it on Spotify and leave a little comment on Apple too.Thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Imposter syndrome, over-thinking, being triggered, relationships, finding purpose, changing careers, accountability, acceptance, overwhelm, fear of rejection, time management, people pleasing.This is the second episode with life coach Mark Fennell, which we recorded about 5 months ago. It’s full of practical advice on a whole heap of topics and he also answers a selection of questions that were sent in on Instagram too.To contact Mark, go to…https://markfennell.ie/If you liked this episode you can go back and listen to our first chat.And if you’re a fan of the podcast, please let me know by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple, it only takes a minute, I promise.You can also click follow and rate on Spotify and share it with pals in real life and/or on social media. Doing any, or all of these would be absolutely brilliant, thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Mental health, homophobia, same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland, rejecting shame. This week I speak to bar owner, drag queen and activist, Rory O’Neill aka Panti Bliss. Originally from Ballinrobe in Mayo, Rory lives in Dublin city with his husband Anderson and their dog Penny.We spoke in late February and at times there is an eerie poignancy to our conversation as it happened as Covid restrictions were being lifted here in Ireland, but before the invasion of Ukraine.In this conversation we speak about his now iconic Noble call in the Abbey Theatre and the events which led to it, he speaks about the impact the pandemic had on him, the freedom his alter ego Panti gives him, how he rejects shame of any kind and how he would like to be remembered.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Fast fashion & interiors, trends, style, individuality, empowerment, creativity and lots of practical tips to make the most of your home.Originally from Cork, Laura de Barra is a property portfolio developer who lives in London, with her fiancé.She’s just released her second book ‘Décor Galore’ and like her first one ‘Gaff Goddess’, it’s full of inspiration and practical tips on making the most of your home.In this episode she talks about her background in fashion, her top tips to living well and she also answers a load of questions that were sent in Instagram too.It’s a really insightful and fun conversation that I absolutely loved, and I hope you do too.Laura’s books – ‘Gaff Goddess’ and ‘Décor Galore’ are available online and in bookshops now.If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Thank you! X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, incest, sexual assault, coercive control, manipulation, grooming, gaslighting, guilt, shame, recovery.Charlene Masterson was subjected to horrific sexual abuse at the hands of her father, David, for over 7.5 years.The abuse started at 18 and the details of which are truly shocking, but her ability to talk about what she went through, is remarkable.This summer, she made the brave decision to waive her right to anonymity in the hope of helping others who find themselves in controlling, abusive situations.Now in her early 30’s she is getting back to what she loves to do and is finding herself again.And in this conversation we talk about so much, including the bond she has with her mother, the damage of pity and the importance of friendships.She is a gorgeous person, inside and out and deserves all the best that life can bring her.Useful contact details… https://www.rapecrisishelp.ie/24 hour helpline 1800 77 8888Please share this episode if you think it might help someone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Military training, vulnerability, self-belief, resilience, family life.Ray Goggins served in the Irish Army for 26 years, including 17 years in the Army Ranger Wing and now he spends a lot of his time working with corporate teams in his role as director of training and leadership company ‘Coreskills’.Originally from Cork, he lives in Kildare with his wife Sinéad and their two kids, Dan who's 13 and Louisa who's 10.In this conversation we talk about his book ‘Ranger 22’ and the recent success of hit TV show ‘Special Forces -Ultimate Hell Week’; he also shares the best advice he ever got, and he speaks about the power of staying calm, in any situation.Book – ‘Ranger 22- Lessons from the Front’ available online and in bookshops now.Shows – ‘Resilience- conquering your inner demons. An evening with Ray Goggins and Rory O’Connor.’For more, go to…https://www.aneveningwith.ie/And if you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Miscarriage, guilt, twin pregnancy, the power of letting go.This month marks 2 years of the podcast and my second conversation with the wonderful Rosanna Davison.Rosie lives in Dublin with her husband Wes and their three kids, daughter Sophia and identical twin boys Hugo and Oscar.And this episode is a natural follow on from our first conversation as she shares some of the revelations in her new book ‘When Dreams Come True’ including having another miscarriage in February 2020, just before their twin boys were conceived, and how the number 11 seems to show up whenever she goes.I suggest listening to our first conversation from July 2020 before listening to this and the miscarriage documentary that Rosie was part of is also still available to watch online. Click here…https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/home/?pid=6245710102001&series=S%C3%ADle+Seoige%3A+Deireadh+Tochta&genre=FaisneisBook - ‘When Dreams Come True – The heartbreak and hope on my journey to motherhood’ is available to buy online or instore now.And if you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Self-worth, empowerment, burn out, anxiety, fear, impact of the pandemic, mindset, career change, finding purpose.In this conversation, life coach Mark Fennell explains what life coaching is all about and he shares his back story which led him to pursue a career in coaching.He talks about the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset, managing anxiety, changing careers and lots more.Useful questions to ask yourself…* What am I afraid of?* If I wasn’t afraid, what would I do?To contact Mark, go to…https://markfennell.ie/If you’re a fan of the podcast, please let me know by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple, it only takes a minute, I promise.You can also click follow on Spotify and share it with pals on social media, thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Grief, regrets, health issues, fear of rejection, self-worth, religion, love, vulnerability, loneliness, self-sabotage, finding purpose.This week I speak to Rugby pundit, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and author Brent Pope.Brent has had a difficult few years, from the death of his father in 2019 and now his recent health issues he feels were brought about by a drug he was prescribed.In this conversation he’s reflective about his regrets in life and his hopes for the future and it was an absolute honour to chat to him.Brent’s autobiography – ‘If you really knew me’If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The physical, mental and emotional impact of childbirth, hormones, baby blues, post-natal depression, intrusive thoughts, pelvic floor, anxiety/shame/guilt, some hospital bag essentials, body changes, hair loss, placenta encapsulation, sleep, breastfeeding/ bottle feeding/ combination feeding, new-born baby tips, SIDS.This is the fourth and final episode in my pregnancy miniseries and it’s all about postpartum.My guest is parenting and baby expert Claire Thompson who goes by the Instagram handle ‘The Newborn Nanny’ and she is a wealth of knowledge.She lives in Wicklow with her husband Ben and their four kids(Evie, Emmy, Georgie and Harry) and in thisconversation we delve into the often-unspoken world of postpartum as she takesus from the moment your baby is born to the hours, days, weeks and months thatfollow. And she gives tons of practical advice that I think will really help younavigate those early days.You’ll find Claire on Instagram…https://www.instagram.com/thenewbornnanny/Tips/things to watch out for*none of the products/brands mentioned are sponsored/paid forPack a small plastic jug in your hospital bag (the why is explained in the episode!)Drink plenty of water/fluidsEat plenty of fibreProduct mentioned : ‘Fybogel’ Natural Fibre DrinkBleeding : Wear dark clothing, use dark sheets, have plenty of maternity pads at the ready.Limit visitors – be prepared to say no thanks!Placenta encapsulationCork based company that offer a professional placenta encapsulation service nationwide…https://placentatlc.ie/Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’shttps://happiestbaby.co.uk/blogs/baby/the-5-s-s-for-soothing-babiesMuslin clothsC shaped pregnancy/baby pillowsBaby carriers/slingsIf you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about labour and childbirth and my guest is midwife and childbirth educator, Avril Flynn.She lives in Dublin with her husband Garret, their 3 year old son Felix and their dog Finn! And in this conversation she takes us from that first contraction right through to that glorious cup of tea and slice toast after you give birth!We also share our own positive birth experiences making this a valuable listen especially for first timers.She’s honest and naturally funny and her advice is reassuring, practical and empowering.If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Pregnancy after loss, symptoms, journaling, nesting, affirmations, birth preparation, benefits of water during labour, stepping away from fear. In this episode we explore the third trimester of pregnancy as I speak to pregnancy and birth educator, Kitty Hackel who goes by the Instagram handle ‘Birth, Baby, Beyond’.  In this conversation she offers practical, empowering advice on the third trimester, including preparing yourself as best you can for childbirth. Some useful resources: Body work in pregnancy  https://drakechiropractic.ie/Spinning babies https://www.spinningbabies.com/Hospital stats http://www.bump2babe.ie/Perineal massage video https://www.instagram.com/tv/CJwY8FmnRDj/?utm_medium=copy_link Mother Blessing… https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mother.ly/amp/how-to-have-a-mother-blessing-2628388007 Kitty’s courses/ downloads https://www.birth-baby-beyond.ie/courses?page=2 And if you enjoyed this conversation, please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it. You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the next 4 episodes I’ll be talking all things pregnancy with a different guest each week and today we’ll focus on the 1st and 2nd trimesters.In this episode I speak to Lucianne Hughes, also known as ‘The Sunshine Doula’. She’s married to Chris and they have 2 girls, Daisy who’s 4 and Poppy who’s 2.She takes us from the moment you find out you’re pregnant up to the end of the second trimester. We talk about the physical, mental and emotional symptoms of pregnancy, the importance of correct supplementation, what to avoid, what to do, birthing options and the choices available to you, and lots more.Birth Trauma Recovery:http://aimsireland.ie/birth-healing/ Helena Tubridy: @helenatubridy  https://helenatubridy.com/Lorraine Lozano: @globebabydoula https://www.globebabydoula.com/ also has a Birth Trauma Recovery programme called "3 Step Rewind"Tara Whelan: @resilientemotions https://www.resilientemotions.ie/perinatal--emotional-wellbeing/birth-trauma Birth options in Ireland:http://aimsireland.ie/choice-in-pregnancy-and-birth-in-ireland/ andhttps://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/child-health/antenatal-and-maternity-care-options/public-care.html  Holles St:  http://www.nmh.ie/pregnancy/community-midwifery-service.13604.html The Coombe:  https://www.coombe.ie/domino-early-transfer-home-servicesRotunda https://rotunda.ie/knowledgebase/community-based-midwives/Antenatal workshops:Lou Horgan @louhorganyoga https://www.louyoga.com/Lorraine Lozano @globebabydoula https://www.globebabydoula.com/ - Lorraine has Exploring Birth, Exploring Breastfeeding & Exploring VBAC workshops available Women's Health Physio - pelvic floor prep:Elaine Barry  @elainebarryphysio  https://www.elainebarryphysio.com/https://www.louyoga.com/Milltown Physiotherapy: https://milltownphysiotherapy.com/we-treat/womens-health/The Physio Company - 20 locations in Ireland: https://www.thephysiocompany.com/services/womens-healthMaternity ClothesLeggings https://www.beautyandthebumpmaternity.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, Covid positive during pregnancy, medically induced coma, hallucinations, drug withdrawals, dramatic birth experience, post-partum. Originally from Donaghmede in Dublin, Laura Curtis lives in Baldoyle with her boyfriend Robbie and their new-born daughter Demi.But the past year has been one she’ll never forget.Having been through a miscarriage she found herself pregnant again and was so looking forward to an uncomplicated pregnancy.But in March this year, at 20 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with Covid.At 29 years of age and with no underlying health conditions, she ended up in ICU in Beaumont Hospital, in a medically induced coma for 17 days, to try and save her life and that of her unborn daughter.It’s a remarkable story of survival and overcoming and I am so thankful to Laura for taking the time to sit down and talk to me.If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Painful sex, sex toys and products, libido, menopause and sex, shame.This is second part of the conversation I had with Ireland’s only clinical sexologist, Emily Power Smith.In this episode, she answers a selection of your questions that were sent in on Instagram and it starts with advice on how best to speak to our kids and teenagers about their bodies and sex.I hope by listening to these episodes that you’ll feel a little less alone in your experience and that you find Emily’s advice helpful.For more, you’ll find her on https://www.empowersme.comResources…‘Yes Organics’ natural vaginal moisturiser and organic coconut oil.Betty Dodson, artist, author, teacher and PhD sexologist…https://www.dodsonandross.com/Emily and I are joining an impressive line-up of 16 international speakers - including medical and scientific experts – for the Menopause Success Summit 2021.It’s a 1-day virtual event which is happening on Saturday the 25th of September.Click here for more info…www.menopausesuccesssummit.comI really hope you enjoyed our candid conversation about sex (a topic that I will certainly revisit), and if you like my podcast please consider showing your support, it only takes a minute and I’d really appreciate it.You can leave a rating or a little comment on Apple or you can click follow on Spotify.Thanks a million! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The damage of shame, body confidence, libido, porn, sexual trauma.This week I speak to Ireland’s only clinical sexologist, Emily Power Smith.We spoke about so much that I’ve decided to split the chat in two as it’s such a huge topic to cover.In this episode, we discuss our relationship with sexuality here in Ireland, we talk about body confidence, sex drive, porn and we’ll also delve into a few of the questions that were sent in on Instagram which had a lot of common themes, I hope by listening to these episodes that you’ll feel a little less alone in your experience and that you find Emily’s advice helpful.You’ll find her on https://www.empowersme.comAnd Emily and I are joining a stellar line-up of 16 international speakers - including medical and scientific experts - at the Menopause Success Summit 2021, a 1-day virtual event on Saturday September 25th - click here for more info…www.menopausesuccesssummit.comIf you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Tragic accident, trauma, grief.This week I speak to mother, wife and nurse Geraldine Mullan.Originally from Galway, Geraldine met John Mullan from Moville, Donegal in 2010. 2 years later they were married and lived a very happy life together with their two children Tomás and Amelia, until a devastating accident changed everything.On the 20th of August last year, a family day out ended in a nightmare when their car crashed into Lough Foyle.John (49), Tomás (14) and Amelia (6) tragically all lost their lives while Geraldine miraculously survived.In this conversation she talks about how she misses them every single day, the support from her family, friends and the local community and the ‘Mullan Hope Centre’, which recently opened to honour the memory of her gorgeous family.This was an incredibly challenging conversation for Geraldine for obvious reasons, but her strength and composure are remarkable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Adoption, mental illness, self-worth.This week I speak to comedian and radio presenter, PJ Gallagher.PJ lives in Clontarf in Dublin with his two dogs, Wendy and Stella.He was born in the now infamous Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork, in the 70’s and went on to be adopted and grew up with his mother, father and sister in Raheny in Dublin.When he was 27 he met his birth parents who went on to marry after he was born and also went on to have 4 more children (2 girls and 2 boys)(They’re from Roscommon and had named him Dermot at birth)In this conversation he talks about being adopted, his unconventional upbringing, how he’s more ‘flight than fight’ and how he struggles with feeling of self-worth.He adores dogs, bikes, Bohemian’s football club and small talk, but isn’t a fan of hugging!He’s hilarious and searingly honest, and this conversation is as real as it gets.If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Tragic accident, trauma, child loss, grief.Eileen Loughlin is a wonderful person and someone I’ve wanted to speak to for a long time.She lives in Delvin in County Westmeath with her husband Enda and their two sons, Senan who’s 16 and TJ who’s almost 9.And over 2.5 years ago her life changed forever when their 3.5 year old daughter Annabel, died in a freak accident in their home.Now at 22 weeks pregnant she shares how profound the grieving process is, especially with a new addition on the way; how keeping Annabel’s spirit alive is so important to her and how she feels her presence with her.This was an extremely challenging conversation for her but I really think that she honoured Annabel’s memory beautifully.You can follow Eileen on Instagram if you don’t already, you’ll find her @everything.eileenOther episodes on child loss on ‘Ready to be Real’Dr. Suzanne McClean April 2020Ian Lawton May 2021Irish Times article with current Taoiseach Micheál Martin on child loss…https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/miche%C3%A1l-martin-you-will-always-say-you-have-the-kids-you-lost-1.4582225And If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Long Covid, breathwork, freediving, mental illness, therapy, self-limiting beliefs, reinvention and overcoming.This week I speak to champion freediver Claire Walsh.Originally from Leixlip, she currently lives in Bray with her partner Boudy and she’s been freediving for 6 years now.She’s competitive and driven, but there’s also a beautiful gentleness about her that allows her to connect to her breath and to the water and achieve what she has already, which is incredible.She can hold her breath underwater for an impressive 5 minutes 59 seconds and she can dive to 59 meters on one breath alone.A fan of therapy and regular self-care habits like sea swimming, mindfulness and meditation, this is a fascinating listen as she covers so much from her love and respect of the water from an early age, to struggling with her mental health in her 20’s, and she also talks about her other passions in life; music, drama and performance.I was hanging onto her every word and I think you will too.Reference -Movie ‘Le Grand Bleu/The Big Blue’* Claire is sponsored by Timewise SystemsIf you like my podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Pregnancy, wedding during Covid restrictions, meningitis, Pride celebrations.This week I speak to brother and sister, James Patrice and Vanessa Butler.James is a TV presenter, performer and social media sensation and Vanessa is a classically trained singer, music teacher and has grown her own following on Instagram in recent times too.Proudly from Malahide, they have always been close, and in this conversation we learn things like 'what their favourite food is', 'who the biggest Diva is' and how their mother Fron, got her name.But we also discuss the damage of making assumptions about people or situations, a major health scare that shook the whole family when James was only 10, the recent Pride celebrations and how Vanessa is having an uber productive 2021; marrying in a pandemic and being 20 weeks pregnant.They’re utterly charming and it was a complete tonic to be in their company.Check out James’ new TV show ’Battle of the Food Trucks’ on the RTE Player now and make sure you follow them both on Instagram, if you don’t already! And If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Suicide, grief.This week I speak to counsellor and psychotherapist Peter Mahony who gives us a deeper insight into therapy; what it is and how we can benefit from it. We talk about the impact the pandemic has had on us and how important it is to mind ourselves and others, as we recover from the past year.There’s a particular focus on teens and those in their early twenties in this episode. We also tap into self-worth, family dynamics, how friendships have changed during Covid and he also gives practical parenting advice and shares tips on how to be a better friend to someone who needs support.Book mention…‘What happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing’ by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah WinfreyTo contact Peter, you’ll find him here…https://www.byyoursidetherapy.com/And for a full list of all accredited IACP Counsellors/Psychotherapists in Ireland, go to...https://www.iacp.ie/If you like my podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Pregnancy, miscarriage, endometriosis.This week I speak to grammy nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter, producer and artist, RuthAnne.She’s engaged to Ollie and they live in London with their dog Ruby who they adore.A gifted artist in her own right, she has also penned hits for the likes of Britney, JoJo, Niall Horan, One Direction and John Legend! And as the founder of ‘Irish Women in Harmony’, she and all the incredible people involved in the beautiful cover of The Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’ have raised over €200,000 for the ‘Safe Ireland’ charity.On Monday we had a conversation and she covered so much in it.... from her joy at being pregnant, and also how challenging the past few years have been for her, dealing with the pain of miscarriage and crippling endometriosis; we also speak about her relationship with Ollie, the bond she has with her parents, her music career and the importance of looking after yourself.  She’s grounded and humble, supremely talented and hardworking, and is a strong yet gentle soul…simply put, she’s a gorgeous person and I loved chatting to her.Her new single ‘Safe Place’ is out now and to follow her on Instagram you’ll find her here… https://www.instagram.com/thisisruthanne/?hl=enIf you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Fertility, miscarriage, cancer, hysterectomy, IVF, surrogacy.This week I speak to Dublin woman Audrey O’Hagan who’s married to Dave and their son Hugh is almost a year and a half.She’s in her thirties and works as a communications officer with Dublin Airport, a job she loves and in this episode, she lets us in on the past four years of her life that have had their fair share of ups and downs. And even though the conversation is deeply emotional and challenging at times, it’s also an uplifting listen too.Follow Audrey on Instagram…https://www.instagram.com/audge3000/?hl=enIf you’re concerned about any health issue or if you haven’t had a check-up in a while, perhaps listening to Audrey will encourage you to call your GP or make that appointment you’ve been putting off, or to reach out and ask for help if you’re struggling.It really is so important to look after ourselves and if you need to talk to someone the Irish Cancer Society have a helpline open 9-5pm Monday to Friday Call and speak to a Nurse on the Cancer Nurseline onFREEPHONE 1800 200 700 Visit www.cancer.ie Or email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie And if you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Disordered eating.This week I speak to Aoife O’Brien about life with and after an eating disorder.Originally from County Clare, Aoife now lives in Mayo with her fiancé Damian and their son Liam, who’s nearly 2. She works with the GAA/ Croke Park co-ordinating the Healthy Clubs project which promotes health and wellbeing within clubs.But for years she was controlled by an eating disorder which went unnoticed for a long time. Now having fully recovered she is passionate about getting the message out that life after disordered eating, is very much possible.In this conversation, we discuss diet culture, the signs of eating distress and how best to address it.Podcast mention…The Marino Therapy Centrehttps://www.marinotherapycentre.com/Helpful questions for journaling…1. What did I do well today?2. What did I learn?3. What would I do differently?Thanks to Ranae and Jacqueline for helping set up this conversation and of course to Aoife for all the effort she put in, to make it happen.If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, thank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Disordered eating, depression.This week I speak to former model and media personality, Holly Carpenter.She lives in Stoneybatter in Dublin with her dog Max, and has been in a relationship since October, but over the past 14 months she has had many ups and downs and she’s been very honest about her struggles with her mental health and the impact the pandemic had on her overall wellbeing.She’s genuine, sensitive and naturally funny and in this candid conversation she talks about the years she spent modelling, competing at the ‘Miss World pageant’, taking part in ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and the toll it took on her, she also talks about the damage of toxic positivity, being separated from her parents for over a year, dating in a pandemic, her new found love of sea swimming and how she’s not a fan of the ‘5 year plan!’.If you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, thank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Infant loss, grief, depression, disordered eating, weight loss.This week I speak to father and ultra marathon runner, Ian Lawton.He lives in Navan in County Meath, is married to Jennifer, and is the father of two sons, Ike who’s 12 and Hank who passed away 10 years ago, the day after he was born.In this conversation he gives us a profound insight into infant loss, and the pain of a bereaved father. Not alone does he speak about loss and grief but also about rebirth and moving forward with a newfound purpose.In a year, he went from being morbidly obese to becoming an extreme runner, which lead to him running 10 marathons in 10 days finishing on what would’ve been Hank’s 10th birthday, this February.This September he turns 50, an age he wasn’t expected to live to see, and he’ll mark it by embracing the challenge of the 'Kerry Way Ultra', running the gruelling 200 kilometres through mountain passes, bogs, roads and trails.This was a deeply emotional and challenging conversation for him and I commend his rawness and willingness to be real.If you’d like to support Ian’s fundraiser, simply click on this link… https://www.gofundme.com/f/10TEN10 and his website is www.runningforhank.comIf you like this podcast, please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Tragic death, complex grief, severe injuries, PTSD.This is my conversation with the incredible Zoe Holohan.On the 23rd of July 2018, Zoe and her husband Brian were on their honeymoon when disaster struck. Wildfires swept through the seaside town of Mati in Greece where they were staying and claimed the lives of 102 people. She miraculously survived despite her extensive injuries, while Brian, unfortunately didn’t.In this conversation we hear how she and Brian met, what a wonderful man he was, their beautiful wedding day and how her life changed forever just a few days later, on their honeymoon.She also speaks about her Dad and the close friendship they had, and how his death 3 weeks after that terrible day in Greece was yet another trauma to have to come to terms with.This was by far one of the most moving conversations I’ve ever had, and I am in awe of Zoe’s courage, strength and resilience.Her book :‘As the smoke clears : The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss and discovering a path to renewal.’If you enjoyed this chat please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Postnatal depression, anxiety, sudden death, grief.This week I speak to entrepreneur and mother, Sharon Keegan.She lives in Dublin with her partner Seán and their two boys, Liam who’s 5 and Bob who’s 2.As the founder of female empowerment clothing brand ‘Peachylean’, Shar’s USP is ‘being real’ so obviously she was the dream guest for this podcast.Last December we sat down to have a chat and it was powerful.2020 was a year with some wonderful highs but also some terrible lows for her.She fulfilled a personal dream when she took part in the BBC’s Dragons Den securing the support of 3 Dragon’s, and someone who was really excited for her was her brother Alan who she was incredibly close to.Unfortunately though, he was gone before it happened. In March 2020, he died suddenly, devastating her and the entire family.Sharon is someone I admire massively, she’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and believes in taking chances.In this conversation she talks about Alan and the pain his death has caused, the whirlwind of Dragon’s Den, the significance of certain numbers, and recognising signs, the benefits of movement and therapy, being body confident and the importance of silencing your inner critic.Book mention :The Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldCatch Sharon's episode of Dragon's Den from the 29th April 2021 (Series 18, Episode 5) here...https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000vm01/dragons-den-series-18-episode-5If you enjoyed this chat please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriage.Denise Phillips lives in Newbridge, Co. Kildare with her husband Mark, their 6 year old daughter Beth and she’s also step mother to 16 year old Ellie.She’s hugely successful in her career as the owner of Pelo hairdressing and the co-owner of Irish hair brand Voduz and last week she got the surprise of her life when she found out she was over 6 months pregnant!For the past 10 years, she had lived with unexplained infertility, no periods, no ovulation and the lining of her womb was very thin.On their 9th cycle of IVF she went on to have their little girl and when Beth was a baby, she also took part in TV documentary ‘The Babymakers’, which followed the lives of couples for over a year, who were trying to conceive and showed the reality of IVF.This was one of my favourite chats ever on the podcast, it’s full of wisdom and practical advice, especially for those who are navigating the often-challenging road to parenthood. She speaks about acceptance and gratitude and the importance of staying in your own lane.And when we spoke on Tuesday when she had just come from all her pregnancy appointments in the Coombe hospital, where she found out she was almost 29 weeks pregnant!Book mentions:Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessVishen Lakhiani’s The Code of the Extraordinary MindIf you enjoyed this chat please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Religion, IVF. I speak to writer, podcaster, activist and mother, Ranae von Meding this week.Ranae lives in Dublin city centre with her wife Audrey and their two daughters, Ava who is 4, and Arya who is 2. She spoke about so much during our chat…from growing up in an extremely religious household, the importance of having boundaries, her struggles with an eating disorder, how she met and fell in love with Audrey and their beautiful but challenging journey to Motherhood.She’s also the CEO of non-profit organisation ‘Equality for Children’ and I hope when you listen to this conversation that you’ll feel as strongly as I do, and want to support their efforts by signing the petition in the link below, as it would be wonderful to get it to 20,000 signatures. Thank you!https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/equality-for-children-nowRanae also has her own podcast called ‘Disordered’ which explores our relationship with food and our bodies and it’s really worth checking out.And if you enjoyed this chat please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple, and by clicking follow on Spotify. Thanks so much for listening to Ready to be Real conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second part of the conversation I had with Menopause coach, Catherine O’Keeffe.And in this episode, she talks about HRT, early menopause and she also answers a selection of your questions that were sent in on Instagram, including, advice on supplements.Menopause is a complex topic, and the experience of it, is different for every woman so I do hope you find these episodes helpful.You can email her directly on catherine@wellnesswarrior.ieAnd you can also sign up to her newsletter here : https://www.wellnesswarrior.ie/menopause-week-2020Mentioned during the conversation * None of the brands mentioned during the conversation are sponsored.And of course there are plenty of other brands on the market too. Find what works for you personally and remember to always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.SupplementsB Vitamins, Omega 3, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Maca, Camu Camu, Sage and Rhodiola.Brands'Cleanmarine MenoMin'Magnesium supplement 'MAG365'Maca capsules and powder 'Sarah's choice'Sage 'Menosan A.Vogel'Omega 3 & Vitamin D3 'MorEPA Platinum Elite'Vitamin D 'One Nutrition' or 'SOMEGA'Rhodiola 'Terranova'Camu Camu 'Sarah's Choice'Tulsi 'Pukka Tulsi Clarity Tea'This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with Irish kombucha brand, SynerChi, who offer a delicious range of 100% natural ingredients, organic and low in calorie sparkling drink varieties, containing all the amazing benefits of kombucha and available in supermarkets nationwide.For more go to http://www.synerchikombucha.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a conversation I’ve wanted to record for ages and I’m so glad it finally happened.I sat down with Menopause coach Catherine O’Keeffe, who goes by the name WellnessWarrior.ie and we spoke about so much that I’ve decided to split the conversation in two, to allow you to absorb the information as it’s such a complicated and sensitive topic and the experience of menopause is so different for every woman.Originally from Kilkenny, Catherine lives in Dublin with her husband Tom, their three boys and their dog Joy! In this conversation, she’ll discuss the physical, mental and emotional aspects of perimenopause and menopause and the impact of stress.Some symptoms which are discussed – Anxiety, brain fog, flooding, hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain, aches and pains, urinary incontinence and vaginal atrophy.She’ll also talk about the importance of sleep, eating well, self-care practices and cognitive behavioural therapy in managing symptoms.You can email her directly on catherine@wellnesswarrior.ieAnd you can also sign up to her newsletter here : https://www.wellnesswarrior.ie/menopause-week-2020Mentioned during the conversation:Prof Myra Hunter & CBT Techniques: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt-menopausal-symptoms/Pelvic Physio : https://pelvicphysiotherapy.com/about-maeve-whelan/Products :‘Yes organics’ Natural vaginal moisturiser‘Olive & Bee’ Natural lubricant * 24 patch testing is very important before applying any product internally‘Vagifem’ – prescription only, from your GPThis episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with Irish kombucha brand, SynerChi, who offer a delicious range of 100% natural ingredients, organic and low in calorie sparkling drink varieties, containing all the amazing benefits of kombucha and available in supermarkets nationwide.For more go to http://www.synerchikombucha.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Proudly from Newry in Northern Ireland, Maeve lives in London with her fiancé and her Instagram following grew massively in the past year due to her virtual workouts which led to her creating her online community ‘Queens Don’t Quit’.In this conversation, she talks candidly about a whole load of topics…periods, fibroids and PCOS, her former dance career, having Covid 19, wedding plans, the downsides of Instagram filters and her dislike of cats!She’s hilarious, genuine and I absolutely loved chatting to her.To join her online community…https://maevemadden.co/Trigger warning : Cat lovers beware!This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with Irish kombucha brand, SynerChi, who offer a delicious range of 100% natural ingredients, organic and low in calorie sparkling drink varieties, containing all the amazing benefits of kombucha and available in supermarkets nationwide.For more go to http://www.synerchikombucha.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Religion, Catholic Church. This week my guest is Redemptorist priest and religious writer, Tony Flannery.Tony has gained a reputation for being a controversial figure within the Catholic Church but when you examine what he talks about, he is simply speaking the truth. In 2012 he was summoned to the Vatican and told that he would be allowed to return to ministry only if he agreed to sign a statement stating, among other things, that women could never be ordained priests and that he would adhere to church orthodoxy on matters like contraception and homosexuality. He went to Rome with his brother Frank, former Fine Gael strategist and unsurprisingly, he never signed the documents. In this conversation we hear how he ended up becoming a priest, Ireland in the 50’s and 60’s and the significance of the church at the time, the changes brought about by Vatican II and the impact it had, he shares his views on Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the current Pontiff and he also speaks of some of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic church that he simply can’t accept.Tony is a man of real character and it was an absolute pleasure to talk to him.From approx 1 hour 5 mins, we discuss some of the most challenging teachings of the church especially in relation to women and sex.His latest book is ‘From the Outside: Rethinking Church Doctrine’http://www.tonyflannery.com/Religion and in particular the Catholic Church is a topic I have always had an interest in, as I have struggled since my teens with the church’s teachings and I have always believed it’s important to ask questions and do what feels right for you so this week's conversation was one I had massive curiosity about.  This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with Irish kombucha brand, SynerChi, who offer a delicious range of 100% natural ingredients, organic and low in calorie sparkling drink varieties, containing all the amazing benefits of kombucha and available in supermarkets nationwide.For more go to http://www.synerchikombucha.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Knife attack, Murder, PTSD.Sinéad O’Leary was only 19 when her life changed forever.She and her friend Nichola Sweeney, were getting ready to go out, when a neighbour (Peter Whelan) broke into Nichola’s home and attacked them both.Sinéad was stabbed 20 times and managed to survive the onslaught, while her friend Nichola unfortunately died, due to her wounds. In this conversation, Sinéad speaks about her friendship with Nichola, the night itself, the court case and how 19 years on, she doesn't feel safe or respected by the state. It is without a doubt, the most affecting podcast I’ve ever recorded. * Further viewing - TG4 documentary Finné, Series 3 Episode 4 which is still available on the TG4 playerSome extra points from Sinéad….‘My overall experience is that there has been a lack of duty and care for victims throughout the process. A process which I have found to be inhumane and negligent. I was a State Witness in a murder trial but once I had testified against Peter Whelan, I felt completely disposable. When his numerous appeals were launched I would learn of same only through media outlets. I learned about his day releases, parole hearings and sentence remission from a journalist in 2019. Parole hearings which were unconstitutional, which he was not legally entitled to. These revelations shocked me to the core. Only now that I have made a concerted effort to seek the truth, have I been given the right to receive updates of parole hearings and upcoming day releases. It shouldn’t be this hard for victims. After Prime Time aired in 2019 no accountability was taken by the department of justice with regard to the gross mishandling of Peter Whelan's sentence management. I was assured by the then Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, that the new Parole Act would give much needed and increased rights to victims. That the minimum term for parole eligibility for lifers would be increased from 7 to 12 years. I was made to believe, time and time again, that the act would apply retrospectively to Peter Whelan. This would mean that he would only be entitled to a parole hearing when he had served the minimum of 12 years for Nichola's murder and therefore wouldn’t eligible for a parole hearing until 2025. Yet here we are today, the Parole Act is still not in place and another parole hearing is imminent for Whelan. Despite reassurances, I am yet again in limbo. Nicholas family and I have have been tremendously let down and neglected by the state again. As have many other families who have been thrust into the harrowing and frightening parole process a mere 7 years into the life sentences of their loved ones killers.I was invited to submit a Victim Impact Statement for the latest parole hearing; my first invitation after 19 years. This is welcome in written form only. I am not allowed to address the Parole Board in person nor is there someone to advocate on my behalf. My attacker will have full access to my statement; my fears and vulnerabilities will be fully exposed. When the new act is finally established there willbe a prisoners rights advocate from a non government body appointed to the board to advocate for him. I have been fighting for the introduction of a Victims Advocate to the Parole Board in order to address this imbalance. My attacker will have psychologists, prison staff, lawyers and others to speak on his behalf. My voice and the voices of Nicholas family members willbe constrained to a written statement There will be no one there to advocate for us.Victims should be involved in this process. Their ongoing pain and suffering needs to be acknowledged and addressed. It is those who are bereaved by homicide who serve the real life sentences. Their human rights need to be accounted for. I cannot emphasise this enough. The scales of justice need to be rebalanced.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Tuesday I recorded a conversation with a woman I’ve admired for many years.Singer, musician and poet, Imelda May is my guest this week.She lives in London with her 8 year old daughter, Violet, and is now dating fellow musician Niall McNamee. Proudly from the Liberties in Dublin, she has lived in England for over 20 years and in this conversation we talk feminism and paganism, she talks about her wonderful parents and her upbringing. We also reminisce about the late Gerry Ryan, she talks about her involvement in this year’s Irish language festival, ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’, the time she spent in Doolin where she learnt to play the bodhrán and we find out what her dream day is!I’m so grateful to her for making time to chat to me this week and her latest album ‘11 Past the Hour’ will be available to buy from the 16th of April.Book mention : 'Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions'by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieYou'll find me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/sileseoige/?hl=enThis episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with HCC.ie and supported by Irish Life Health. Whether you’re a family, an individual or employer, HCC.ie’s dedicated experts can provide you with the support you need to find health insurance that’s right for you, at a price that fits your budget. If you already have health insurance, the team at HCC.ie will help you compare your options to ensure you find a plan that balances the cover you need with what you can afford. Visit www.hcc.ie today or call them on 014980515 to speak with one of their experts for free. Eppione Limited trading as HealthCare Compare is Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : death by suicide, injury, sudden death, grief.Last December I travelled to Cork and spoke to the incredible Dessie Fitzgerald.His world was turned upside down on the 8th of August 2011, and he continued to face unimaginable difficulty over the 14 months that followed.But since then, he’s turned his pain into a positive and is now helping people every day in his role as a Life Coach.Dessie is married to Sarah and they have two sons, MJ and Jack and they live in Charleville, in North Co. Cork.This conversation is a masterclass in vulnerability, acceptance and in letting go as he talks about the importance of speaking from your pain to deal with trauma.I was in awe of him and I have a feeling you will be too.If this episode strikes a chord with you, please share it with friends or family or anyone you think will benefit from hearing it, thank you.And for more on Dessie, go to his website…https://www.dessiefitzgerald.com/about/And a big thanks to Maeve Dennehy (Love Cherish) for recommending that I connect with Dessie.This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with HCC.ie and supported by Irish Life Health. Whether you’re a family, an individual or employer, HCC.ie’s dedicated experts can provide you with the support you need to find health insurance that’s right for you, at a price that fits your budget. If you already have health insurance, the team at HCC.ie will help you compare your options to ensure you find a plan that balances the cover you need with what you can afford. Visit www.hcc.ie today or call them on 014980515 to speak with one of their experts for free. Eppione Limited trading as HealthCare Compare is Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former journalist and TV Producer, Yasmin Boland is now a best-selling author and is considered one of the most respected voices on the spiritual importance of the moon.In this conversation she talks through the phases of the moon (20 mins in approx), it’s historical significance, New Moon and Full Moon rituals (24 mins), manifesting (33 mins) and of course the divine feminine. And for more on Yasmin, simply go to her website…https://www.yasminboland.com/Moonology Manifesting Challenge...https://magic.moonology.com/7-day-moonology-challenge-yasminAnd you can find her on Instagram here…https://www.instagram.com/moonologydotcom/Book mentions – Yasmin’s Moonology Diary Moon Signs by Donna CunninghamNew Moon Astrology by Jan SpillerThis episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with HCC.ie and supported by Irish Life Health. Whether you’re a family, an individual or employer, HCC.ie’s dedicated experts can provide you with the support you need to find health insurance that’s right for you, at a price that fits your budget. If you already have health insurance, the team at HCC.ie will help you compare your options to ensure you find a plan that balances the cover you need with what you can afford. Visit www.hcc.ie today or call them on 014980515 to speak with one of their experts for free. Eppione Limited trading as HealthCare Compare is Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Seizures, cancer, terminal diagnosis. This week I chat to the incredible Alannah Sheehan who goes by the Instagram handle https://www.instagram.com/worth_fighting4/Alannah is married to Martin, they live in Tipperary and they have 3 kids; Finn who’s 5, Luca who’s 3 and Phoebe who’s 1 and has just started to walk.But last year her world changed forever when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer.In this conversation you’ll hear how tough it’s been for her, having brain surgery and undergoing 30 days of radiation and 6 months of chemotherapy but you’ll also hear how grateful she is for her life and how she really is living every single day with her family.I’ve wanted to talk to her for months now and I’m so thankful that we made it happen this week.She has the most beautiful voice and such a calm nature and it's a truly powerful conversation.Please show your support for Alannah if you can, by donating to her Go fund Me page...https://www.gofundme.com/f/z4xxfd-worthfighting4Thank you!This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with HCC.ie and supported by Irish Life Health. Whether you’re a family, an individual or employer, HCC.ie’s dedicated experts can provide you with the support you need to find health insurance that’s right for you, at a price that fits your budget. If you already have health insurance, the team at HCC.ie will help you compare your options to ensure you find a plan that balances the cover you need with what you can afford.Visit www.hcc.ie today or call them on 014980515 to speak with one of their experts for free. Eppione Limited trading as HealthCare Compare is Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Religion, depressionActor and comedian Mario Rosenstock is my guest this week.Best known for his Gift Grub impersonations on Today FM for the past 22 years, he's married to Bláthnaid and they have two kids, Dash who’s 13 and Bellamie who’s 8.He’s wonderfully eccentric and as you can imagine has plenty of hilarious stories but he’s also incredibly honest and reflective and I absolutely loved our chat.In this conversation, he talks about the night he met his wife for the first time, how he’s always seeing the best in people, he shares his views on religion, he talks about luck and lying, how he’s changed down through the years and that time our President Michael D bought pints for him and his pals!If you enjoy this episode please support it by doing any or all of the following; share it with friends or family, post it on social, click follow, give a rating or leave a little comment…whatever you do, I’d be so thankful!Thanks so much for listening to Ready to be Real Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Childhood disability, breakdown. This week I chat to Sharon Myers, a warm and genuine woman who I absolutely loved chatting to.She’s married to Denis and they have two children, Sophie who’s a teenager and Noah who’ll be ten in March and they live in Mitchelstown in North Cork.Noah was born with a rare condition called Escobar syndrome and in this conversation she talks through the ups and downs of coming to terms with it but she also talks about that time they climbed the Galtee mountains together and that other time they went parasailing!It’s an inspiring and heart-warming episode that I hope you love as much as I do.To follow Sharon, Noah and the Myers family on Instagram, you’ll find them here….https://www.instagram.com/ourwheelybigjourney/And if you enjoyed this episode please support it by doing any or all of the following…share it with friends or family, post it on social, click follow, give a rating or leave a little comment…whatever you do, I’d be so thankful! X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning : Depression, grief, addiction.This week I chat to writer, communicator, strategist and mental health campaigner Alastair Campbell.He’s probably best known for his role as the official spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy for the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.Now splits his time between writing, speaking, charity work and consultancy.He lives with his partner Fiona and they have three children, Grace, Calum and Rory. A self-confessed atheist who’s obsessed with Burnley Football, Alastair had a well-documented mental breakdown in 1986 but instead of going into that time during this conversation, I wanted to talk to him about how he is doing today.His latest book ‘Living Better’ shares how he learned to survive depression and in this conversation he talks about the importance of family and friends; we discuss vulnerability, finding balance and he also shares practical tips on managing depression which I think many of you will find beneficial.If you like this podcast please click follow, give a rating or leave a little comment, thanks a million!And a word of thanks to my friend Barbara for helping to make this conversation happen X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we all know, 2020 was a year like no other so I wanted to put together a sort of ‘look back' at the year gone by.I learnt so much from all of the guests I had the honour to chat to, throughout the year.I didn’t include every conversation from 2020 here but I’m so thankful to each and every one of my guests for giving their time so generously.We covered so much in the conversations from realising what really matters in life, the healing power of nature, believing change can happen, letting go of fear, the benefit of talking things out, being a good listener, overcoming obstacles, waking up, asking questions, being kind, having self-worth, embracing healthy habits, learning lessons, being thankful and as always...being real.A special mention for my bestie Siobhan who helped me with this and for Shane in Collaborative Studios for putting it all together for me.And thanks to you for all your support since this podcast started in October 2019, it really means the world to me.https://www.readytobereal.com/Leanne Moore Behan 1.10Baz Ashmawy 2.27Dermot Whelan 3.50Seán Boylan 6.06Nadine Reid 7.10Paul Byrom 8.14Kathryn Thomas 9.27Hector Ó hEochagáin 10.42Janet Devlin 11.11 Michael Healy-Rae 12.11Jamie and Georgie Crawford 12.56June Burke 14.01Rosanna Davison 14.56Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian 15.51Joanne O'Riordan 17.13Professor Luke O'Neill 18.22Muireann O'Connell 19.48Brian Pennie 20.34Don O'Neill 21.38Tommy Tiernan 22.53Kathie Stritch 24.13 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter and podcaster Hector Ó hEochagáin is my guest this week.Navan born and bred, Hector has been living in Galway for the past 26 years.He’s married to Dympna and they have two teenage sons, Rian and Shane.He’s been creating and presenting TV and radio shows for over 20 years and he’s filmed in over 60 countries worldwide so far, with many more on the horizon.In this conversation he talks about fatherhood, the pride he feels working for TG4, his brilliant podcast with friends Tommy Tiernan and Laurita Blewitt; why manners, laughter and passion are important in life and for the week that’s in it, we also talk about Christmas traditions.It’s an uplifting chat that serves up a generous dose of nostalgia and gives much needed perspective at times too. A massive thanks to each and every one of you who listened, followed, left a comment and send me messages this year; I’ve been really touched by the feedback and I hope you’ll continue to tune in and support 'Ready to be Real" next year. I’ll be back with another episode early in January so until then, go easy and stay safe.Nollaig Shona agus athbhliain faoi shéain agus faoi mhaoise dhaoibh ar fad.This episode was brought to you in partnership with with @drcoys who offer tasty nutritional chocolate and a range of free-from cooking ingredients.And to celebrate our partnership they’re offering 25% off their entire range of nutritional products.Simply go to their website, https://www.drcoys.ie/ and use the code Sile25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning : references to miscarriage, grief. This week I chat to fitness trainer, gym owner and entrepreneur Leanne Moore Behan.Leanne lives in Kildare with her husband Dave and their adorable dogs, Toby and Ben.And in this conversation we reminisce about that time she won singing competition and hit TV show ‘You’re a Star’, her Mam and the beautiful legacy she left behind, the close bond with her sister, her new morning routine and how it’s improved her life, following her instincts and trusting in signs.Leanne is a gorgeous person and this is such an encouraging listen for anyone, but especially for those of you who are reassessing your careers.I took so much from it and I hope you do too.And if you want to join Leanne’s brilliant online community, go to her website to sign up… https://www.leannemoore.ie/  Book recommendations : Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brené BrownThis episode was brought to you in partnership with with @drcoys who offer tasty nutritional chocolate and a range of free-from cooking ingredients.And to celebrate our partnership they’re offering 25% off their entire range of nutritional products.Simply go to their website, https://www.drcoys.ie/ and use the code Sile25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning : references to conception, pregnancy, IVF, grief.This week I chat to fertility coach and psychotherapist, Helena Tubridy.Helena is a Mother and Grandmother and she has been helping women and men to achieve pregnancy naturally and those who are preparing for IVF, for over 30 years.She also offers support to people experiencing the pain of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth trauma, and subfertility.She’s an independent professional and not affiliated with any brand or company so any mentions of products or clinics in this episode are simply to provide information which may be useful to you.She covers so much in this comprehensive conversation from the importance of having good sexual and reproductive health, the differences between Semen Analysis and DNA fragmentation, AMH levels and what they mean, the pros and cons of IVF and what we can do to boost our chances of conceiving naturally and having a healthy pregnancy. She also answers a selection of questions that were sent in on Instagram.And as much as this chat is a detailed look at all things fertility related, we both knew there was plenty more we could’ve spoken about so if you’d like to contact Helena directly, simply go to her website…https://www.helenatubridy.com/and you can follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helenatubridy/This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with with Dr. Coy’s, who offer tasty nutritional chocolate and a range of free-from cooking ingredients.And to celebrate our partnership they’re offering 25% off their entire range of nutritional products.Simply go to their website, https://www.drcoys.ie/ and use the code Sile25. And if you enjoyed our conversation, please show your support by clicking follow, giving a rating and leaving a little comment, thanks a million.Helena’s recommendations…Fertility Supplements ‘My Fertility Box’ formally ‘pre-conceive’ https://pillarhealthcare.com/take-pre-conceive/‘Proceive’https://www.proceive.ie/Fertility Clinic ‘Neo Fertility’ https://neofertility.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning : references to drug use, addiction, childhood trauma, anxiety, alcoholism.Brian Pennie is a Neuroscience lecturer at Trinity College & UCD, a PHD student, radio presenter and author and he’s one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met.On the 8th of October 2013, Brian experienced his first day clean after 15 years of chronic heroin addiction and since that day he has radically turned his life around.Now at 42, life is good. This year he released his compelling memoir ‘Bonus Time’ and he also found love for the very first time.During our chat he talks about feeling anxious from an early age, his upbringing and his heroin addiction, but we also talk about what he has learned through years of study and self-reflection; we talk about the power of self-talk, the importance of routine, gratitude, mindfulness and most of all…connection. If you’re interested in joining any of Brian’s brilliant online courses, simply go to his website https://www.brianpennie.com/ and you can follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/And if you, or someone you know is struggling right now, please know that there is help available.Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.Freephone 1800 247 247Text Help to 51444https://www.pieta.ie/Or you can contact a SamaritanFreephone 116 123or email jo@samaritans.iehttps://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with with Dr. Coy’s, who offer tasty nutritional chocolate and a range of free-from cooking ingredients.And to celebrate our partnership they’re offering 25% off their entire range of nutritional products.Simply go to their website, https://www.drcoys.ie/ and use the code Sile25. And if you enjoyed our conversation, please show your support of the podcast by clicking follow, giving a rating and leaving a little comment, thanks a million. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I chat to TV presenter and podcaster Muireann O’Connell.A self-confessed insomniac and TV buff, she grew up in Limerick with her parents and her three siblings.And in this conversation we talk about the ups and downs of working in the media in Ireland, life with her ‘housemate’, the bond with her family and her recent health scare.She’s great craic and as smart as a tack, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. This episode was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and this year, they’ve chosen to support Breast Cancer Ireland with a bid to raise €100,000 through the sale of a thousand limited-edition Revive Active Immunity Support Gift Packs. Each pack contains two 30-day boxes and a shaker, for the discounted price of €100 with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Breast Cancer Ireland.So, if you want load up on the good stuff before Christmas and support cancer research in the process, the packs will be available exclusively online.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/breast-cancer-ireland-fundraiser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish designer and proud Kerryman Don O’Neill is my guest this week.Don and his husband Pascal have been living in New York for 26 years and I am fortunate to call them my friends.As a designer, Don has dressed some of the most powerful women in the world; Oprah Winfrey, Khloe Kardashian and Meghan Markle to name but a few, with many Irish women also falling in love with his designs.My sister Gráinne and I have been lucky enough to wear many of his gúnas down through the years, with Don also designing her wedding dress last year.When we spoke earlier this week, I really wanted to talk to him about the mood in America especially after the recent events in the US election.We also speak about the pandemic, the past few years under Trump’s administration, his glittering fashion career, dressing Oprah, his relationship with Pascal and how life has radically changed for them both, in 2020.Don is a deeply spiritual man and this conversation proves that while life is full of ups and downs, the impact you have on others is more important than anything else in life.See my Instagram page for photos that relate to our chat.If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with friends and family and you can also support what I do, by clicking follow, giving a rating and leaving a little comment, thanks a million. This episode was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and they’re offering a 10% discount on all Revive Active products to all my podcast listeners.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/revive-active and use the code - Sile10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Níall is a certified Level 3 Wim Hof Method instructor and in this episode we talk about the Ice Man himself, cold showers(from about 22mins) and swimming in the sea(from 39mins).He explains why the cold is good for us and how to do it effectively and carefully. Some of the benefits include strengthening the immune system, balancing hormones, lowering stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality.This podcast is suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced as Níall tells us how we can use nature, our breathing and the cold to improve our lives and our health.For more on Níall and his upcoming workshops and courses, go to https://www.breathewithniall.com/And for more on the Wim Hof Method go to,https://www.wimhofmethod.com/And if you enjoyed this conversation, why not check out the related Ready To Be Real episodes below…Seán Boylan : Heritage, Herbalism, Healing.June Burke : Kindness MattersDermot Whelan : Power of PlaySleep Part 1 & 2Breathing MeditationAnd please let me know what you think of this conversation by leaving a comment or rating and if you haven’t already subscribed to this podcast, why not click on the follow button now, I'd really appreciate it.This episode was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and they’re offering a 10% discount on all Revive Active products to all my podcast listeners.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/revive-active and use the code - Sile10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning : references to self-harm, suicide, alcoholism, drug use. Janet Devlin is a singer-songwriter who was catapulted to fame at the age of 16 when she was a contestant on reality talent show The X Factor.But behind her beautiful performances was a teenager who was really struggling.The youngest of four, Janet grew up in Tyrone and always had a desire to perform but a negative self-image from an early age proved destructive.She started self-harming at 12 and at 20, she was an alcoholic.Now at 25, she’s in a good place in her life and sharing her perspective on her experiences.As you can imagine, this is a tough listen at times, but it’s also an uplifting one.This summer she released her concept album ‘Confessional’ which is a deeply personal account of the past 10 years or so of her life.For more go to...https://www.janetdevlin.com/If you, or someone you know is struggling right now, please know that there is help available.Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.Freephone 1800 247 247Text Help to 51444https://www.pieta.ie/Or you can contact a SamaritanFreephone 116 123or email jo@samaritans.iehttps://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/This episode of Ready to Be Real Conversations was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and they’re offering a 10% discount on all Revive Active products to all my podcast listeners.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/revive-active and use the code - Sile10Please let me know what you think of this conversation by leaving a comment or rating and if you haven’t already subscribed to this podcast, why not click on the follow button now, I'd really appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Billy Mag Fhlionn is a folklorist, lecturer and musician and he lives in Dingle with his wife Muireann and their daughters Sadhbh and Líse.In this conversation he talks to me about the significance of Halloween, the stories of old and their meaning and we talk about the games and traditions associated with this mystical time of year. He talks through Halloween games like 'bobbing for apples', 'shave the fryer', 'snap apple', he tells me what was originally in the báirín breac (you may be surprised!) how turnips were used for lanterns and so much more.For more on Billy go to his website https://tradition.ieFor more on our folklore go to https://www.duchas.ie/en And for more on Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, an multi-award winning traditional singer and musician, go tohttps://www.muireann.ie/This episode was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and they’re offering a 10% discount on all Revive Active products to all my podcast listeners.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/revive-active and use the code - Sile10Please let me know what you think of this conversation by leaving a comment or rating and if you haven’t already subscribed to this podcast, why not click on the follow button now, I'd really appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanne O’Riordan is only one of seven people in the world living with a rare physical disability known as Total Amelia. This means she was born without all four limbs and even though there is no medical explanation as to why this happened, Joanne or indeed her family, has never allowed it to hold her back.During the week of her sixteenth birthday she made a speech at the United Nations and challenged the body to create technology to help disabled people.She’s the youngest in her family and at twenty four, she’s already achieved more than many of us will achieve in a lifetime.She’s a sports writer and podcaster and she’s by far one of the coolest and most interesting people I’ve ever met.Our paths have crossed numerous times down through the years, including interviewing her before, but last month I spoke to her in her home county of Cork and it was simply wonderful. You can follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joanneor/?hl=enThis episode was brought to you in partnership with Revive Active, your daily super supplement, made here in Ireland.Taking Revive Active is one of the ways you can support your immune system this winter and they’re offering a 10% discount on all Revive Active products to all my podcast listeners.Simply click on the link https://ie.reviveactive.com/products/revive-active and use the code - Sile10Please let me know what you think of this conversation by leaving a comment or rating and if you haven’t already subscribed to this podcast, why not click on the follow button now, I'd really appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the second part of the conversation I had with clinical psychologist, author, and psychology lecturer, Dr. Malie Coyne.In this podcast, she answers a selection of questions that were sent in on Instagram.For more on Malie, go to her website www.drmaliecoyne.ieAs always I’m very thankful for your feedback so if you can take a minute to rate this podcast, leave a little comment (I promise it only takes a minute!) and hit subscribe, I’d be so grateful.References * Podcast - The TED Interview with Elizabeth Gilbert* Books - ‘Man’s Search For Meaning’ by Viktor E. Frankl, ‘The Upside Of Stress’ by Kelly McGonigal and ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz.* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy https://cbti.ie* https://www.yourmentalhealth.ie* Previous podcast episodes in this series, Miriam and Gerry Hussey, Kathie Stritch and Professor Luke O’NeillTriggers : hopelessness, depression, loneliness, grief.If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a SamaritanFreephone 116 123or email jo@samaritans.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Malie Coyne is a clinical psychologist, author, and psychology lecturer.She also sits on the mental health advisory panel for the ‘A Lust for Life’ charity and she released her book,“Love in, Love out: A compassionate approach to parenting your anxious child” this summer.She lives in Galway with her husband Pete, and their two daughters, Jessica who’s 9 and Aimée who’s 7. On Tuesday we sat down to have a conversation and we covered a lot during the chat so instead of releasing one very long episode, I’ve split it. This is the first part and in the second part, coming next week, we’ll look at questions that were sent in by listeners.So we’re about 6 months into life with Covid 19 in Ireland. There was a degree of relaxation of restrictions during the summer but now we’re into the second wave of measures with Dublin and Donegal currently on Level 3 of the government’s 5 Level ‘living with Covid’ plan to tackle the virus over the next 6 months.There is a lot of stress and uncertainty to be felt amongst people, myself included, so I hope this conversation can help you realise that whatever you’re feeling is OK and that you’re not on your own.For more on Malie, go to her website www.drmaliecoyne.ieAs always I love to hear your feedback so if you can take a minute to rate this podcast, leave a little comment (I promise it only takes a minute!) and hit subscribe, I’d be so grateful.Thanks so much for listening.References(check the episode post on my Instagram page for some imagery)https://www.instagram.com/sileseoige/?hl=en* The TED Interview podcast with Elizabeth Gilbert* Lotus of self-care* Self Compassion Breakhttps://centerformsc.org/practice-msc/guided-meditations-and-exercises/* Habit Stackinghttps://www.brianpennie.com/how-to-get-over-that-first-hurdle-when-starting-a-new-habit/* ‘Do you often feel overwhelmed by worry’ by Susi Lodolahttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/do-you-often-feel-overwhelmed-worry-susi-lodola-miacp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV maestro Baz Ashmawy is one of my absolute favourite people in telly.What you see is what you get. He’s genuine, funny and decent to the core.Having had huge success in his career, it hasn’t always been a smooth road for him.9 years ago, life was really tough; he underwent double-lung surgery and around the same time Irish TV stations had no interest in even meeting with him to discuss ideas.But despite it all, he kept working and creating and knocking on doors and it certainly paid off in the end.He pitched his show ‘50 Ways To Kill Your Mammy’ with his adorable Mam Nancy to SKY TV. They went on to win an EMMY Award and the TV format has now been sold all around the world.He lives in Rathmines with his wife Tanja and their six kids.And in this conversation, we talk about the kids going back to school, imposter syndrome, the power of manifestation, faking an appendectomy and plenty more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man of the moment, Professor Luke O'Neill is my guest this week.A renowned Immunologist, educator and author, Luke lives in Sandycove in Dublin with his wife Margaret and their sons, Stevie and Sam.He’s simply one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met and in this conversation, we talk about Covid 19, but I also hope it gives you more of an insight into the man behind the science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the second half of the conversation I had with Health Scientist and Sleep Consultant, Tom Coleman.Tom is married to Jeeny and their son Kai, is nearly two.He’s worked with professional athletes and elite teams on improving their sleep and nutrition for many years now, and in this conversation he covers a wide range of questions to help us get better sleep.Questions related to anxiety, waking up in the middle of the night, advice for shift workers, pandemic dreaming, supplements, sleep disorders, tech do’s and don’ts and lots more!To follow Tom on Instagram, you’ll find him https://www.instagram.com/tomcoleman.ie/And if you like this podcast series, please share it with friends and family and leave a rate and review on Apple and subscribe on the other podcast platforms, as it really helps to spread word about these conversations.Thanks so much for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we zone in on the topic of SLEEP with Health Scientist and Sleep Consultant, Tom Coleman.He is massively knowledgeable and has worked with elite teams and professional athletes in Sleep and Nutrition.In this conversation he talks us through the fundamentals of sleep, what happens when we sleep, why we need it, how much do you need and what we can do to improve it.You can follow him on Instagram, you'll find him https://www.instagram.com/tomcoleman.ie/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Galway based Wellness coach Kathie Stritch.Originally from Cloonfad in Co. Roscommon, she lives in Galway with her partner Stephen andtheir little boy Freddie who’ll be 2 in November.She's one of the most impressive people I've ever met and brilliant at what she does but instead of talking to her about her career, in this conversation she shares some painful experiences that have shaped the woman she is today.6 years ago her world changed forever when her sister Elaine was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour. Elaine was married to Pa and their two boys Adam and Jason were 1 and 4 at the time.This is a phenomenal conversation that I will never forget.Triggers : cancer, death, grief.She runs online courses which are a combination of fitness, nutrition and wellbeing and they're great!If you’re interested in participating go to her Instagram page andsend her a direct message.https://www.instagram.com/kathiestritchpt/Thanks so much for listening, and if this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family and if you can please leave a review, give a rating and/or subscribe as it really helps to spread the word about these conversations.Mílle buíochas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is an introduction to Numerology with John Kenny, someone who’s been studying numbers and their meaning, for over 30 years now.He talks about the master numbers, what to look out for and what to avoid doing when it comes to numbers. He also tells us how to figure out our life path, personal year and inner need numbers, while also answering some questions I was sent on Instagram as well. As you’ll hear in our chat, it’s tricky to give a comprehensive run down of all the different elements in a single podcast, but if you’d like to contact him and book in a session, simply go to his website…https://www.thehealinghouse.ie/How to find out your Life Path Number…Take your date of birth’s numerical value, add all those digits together by category (day, month, year), and keep adding each of those digits together until you finally end up with a single digit.Let’s take my birthday for example: 13th April 1979The date, 13, is reduced to 1 + 3 = 4. The month is 4. The year, 1979, is reduced to 1 + 9 + 7 + 9. This equals 26. Then, 26 is reduced to 2 + 6 = 8Then, we add the reduced date, month and year numbers (4 + 4 + 8) and arrive at 16. Finally, we add 1 + 6, and reach 7.My life path number is 7.Exception - during the calculation process, if one of your groups totals 11 or 22, you do not reduce those values to a single digit until the final reduction. That’s because 11 and 22 are “master numbers,” according to numerology, which have their own special meanings. ** There have been a few edits to this episode as John often spoke to me about my own numbers and their meaning during our conversation and I took a lot of that out as I didn’t think many of you would be interested in hearing about me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I chat to nutritionist, author and devoted new Mum, Rosanna Davison.She lives in Dublin with her husband Wes Quirke, and their baby daughter Sophia.And in this episode, she shares her journey to motherhood; from multiple miscarriages, years of tests, treatments and heartache to their decision to try surrogacy and the happiest moment of her life, when her baby girl was finally in her arms.Rosanna is strong, incredibly honest and full of compassion and her struggles are a reminder to all of us, that we never really know what’s going on in other people’s lives.I wish her and her family all the love in the world.Triggers: Fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, tests and treatments, surrogacy.https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth_family_relationships/adoption_and_fostering/surrogacy.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie and Georgie Crawford are a couple who’ve been tested in many ways. From Jamie’s MS diagnosis in 2012 to Georgie discovering she had breast cancer five years later…they have been through more than most people experience in a lifetime but despite everything they have had to deal with, their relationship is stronger than ever and their appreciation for life is truly inspiring.Jamie made the decision to speak publicity about his MS diagnosis at the end of May on Georgie’s hugely popular podcast ‘The Good Glow’.They live in Dublin with their three year old daughter Pia and their dog Piper.And in this conversation, they give us an insight into their relationship, they talk about the healing power of nature, the importance of talking and their plans to expand their family.I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to a relationship expert and we explore singledom, healthy and unhealthy relationships, dating in the time of Corona and the importance of acceptance wherever you are in life.Dating-relationship coach and relationship educator Annie Lavin, goes by the name "The Relationship Coach" and works with people far and wide to empower them to create and maintain, healthy, meaningful intimate relationships.Content being single herself, she has experienced the trials and tribulations it has taken to reach this point. When love and relationships begin to feel very confusing and out of control it can be hard to know who to turn to for support. This is one of the reasons Annie decided to combine her background in Psychology, Education, Coaching and Psychotherapy toempower clients to relate to themselves with compassion and skill.At the moment she works with clients remotely one to one, but is in the process of designing online programmes and if you'd like to work with her or you are simply interested in some dating or relationship advice, check out her Instagram pagehttps://www.instagram.com/therelationshipcoach.ie/Book recommendations during the conversation:Women who love too much : Robin NorwoodThe Body Keeps The Score: Basel van der KolkAttached: Levine and HellerThe Seven Spiritual Laws of Success : Deepak Chopra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, TV and radio broadcaster and now meditation teacher too; Dermot Whelan is my guest this week.Dermot has been meditating for many years, but now, having trained as a teacher, he's passionate about breaking through some of the misconceptions people have about meditation to help bring it to a wider audience.He's married to Corrina, they have three kids and they live in Dublin.His colleague and friend is the equally brilliant Dave Moore who he's worked with for the past 18 years on award winning radio show 'Dermot and Dave'.And in this conversation, we talk about many things...his lessons from lockdown, his new found love of skateboarding, the importance of taking time out for yourself and he also guides us through a short but effective breathing exercise which I loved and I think you will too.https://www.dermotwhelan.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This short guided meditation will help you to calm your thoughts and bring your body to a sleepy, restful state; giving you the best chance to fall asleep or get back to sleep if you've woken up. So simply lie down, get as comfortable as you can and follow the sound of my voice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I chat to makeup artist turned TV presenter, Nadine Reid.Born to a Jamaican family, Nadine grew up in Handsworth, Birmingham.She came to live in Ireland 4 years ago and lives in Dublin with 94 year old Minnie and the new addition to the household, cockatiel Georgie.I asked her to be a guest on the podcast last summer as I’ve been a fan of hers since we met, but now felt like the right time to have a conversation.When we spoke last week about recording a podcast, she was apprehensive and I get why.She made it clear to me that unless I was prepared to read and educate myself on white privilege and her perspective as a black woman she would not be open to speaking to me and I fully respect and admire her position on this. She asked if I could read some books before we spoke and they are...Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-LodgeAnd Me and White Supremacy by Layla F SaadI have been reading (or in my case listening!)and I know that these learnings or ‘unlearnings’ as the case may be won’t happen overnight.There is a long road ahead but I want to do better so I will keep reading and listening, having conversations and questioning myself and the world around me in the hope that change will happen for us all.Blaming or shaming will help no-one and every-one can play their part.In this episode we discuss white privilege, how colour-blindness isn’t helpful and what it actually means to be anti-racist.And I hope, like me, that you’ll listen to this podcast with an open mind and a willingness to explore yourself a little deeper.None of us are perfect or have all the answers but a desire to do better in our lives, will make a difference.You’ll find Nadine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nadinereid/And please share this episode with friends or family if you enjoyed it; and if you can please take a moment to rate, review and hit subscribe, I’d really appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often move through our day without asking ourselves what we truly want to achieve or what direction we want to go in.This meditation will help you to check in with yourself and allow you to bring focus and awareness to your day ahead.Why not try it and see if it makes a difference! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We breathe every moment of every day, but how often do we bring our attention to it?Practice this meditation whenever you want to feel more grounded and connected.And please let me know what you think by leaving a review, rate and subscribing if you want to hear future podcasts.Check out https://www.readytobereal.com/ for more.Míle buíochas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June Burke lives at Spanish Point, County Clare and helps her brother John in the running of family business, The Armada Hotel.She has two children Callum and Amelya and she’s the founder of a positive sea swimming movement in West Clare called ‘Snámhaí Sásta’ (Happy Swimmers!), which celebrates it’s first birthday this month.Six years ago though, her life changed forever when her husband John, died by suicide a few months before his 40th birthday.We spoke at the end of January when she was sea swimming every morning, but naturally, due to Covid 19, she and her happy tribe of swimmers took a break from it.But she’s now back at the beach every morning and in this conversation we talk about self-care, the power of gratitude and how kindness is more important than anything else in life.You’ll find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/snamhaisasta/ Trigger warnings :Depression/Mental Health/Suicide/Grief If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a SamaritanFreephone 116 123or email jo@samaritans.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Thomas is one of the most talented, successful and hardworking TV and radio presenters in Ireland. In a career spanning over two decades, she added business owner into the mix six years ago when she set up fitness and wellness retreat, Pure Results Bootcamp.She’s lives in Dublin with her husband Pádraig, their gorgeous little girl Ellie who’s two, their dogs Peter and Poppy and their cat Arthur.She’s ballsy, kind, grounded, open-minded and they’re just a few reasons why I love her.In this conversation, we reminisce about her beautiful wedding last August, we talk about the power of self-talk, the current situation, the ups and downs of baby making and the brilliance of a sing-song!I wish we had been able to have this conversation face to face but we did the best we could during this strange time and I hope you enjoy it.If you’re interested in joining the Pure Results online wellness community, check out Kathryn’s Instagram page for updates or go to pureresultsbootcamp.com to sign up.And as always, if you enjoyed this conversation please do leave a review, click to rate and follow the podcast, as it really helps to spread the word.Go raibh míle maith agaibh!Trigger warning : fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There may be things, people or situations in your life which are causing you discomfort at the moment but even in difficult situations there is always something to be thankful for, even if it’s something as small as a cup of tea. The more we focus on what we have and what we’re grateful for it, the more we’ll invite positive change into our lives.So why not pop on your headphones and have a listen to this guided meditation.As always I love to hear your feedback so please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think, you’ll find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sileseoige/ or Twitter @SileSeoige And if you can, please take a minute to rate, review and/or subscribe to this podcast as it really helps to spread the word.Go raibh míle! X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I chat to Tommy Tiernan; a world renowned comedian, actor, writer and in recent years, TV host.He’s married to Yvonne and has lived in Galway for the past 32 years.He has 6 children and a granddaughter who’s 6 months old. And in this conversation, he shares his thoughts on the Coronavirus situation we’re in, he also talks about his interest in religion and philosophy, his experience of meditation and his love of strong coffee!This chat is my longest one so far and instead of sitting face to face with someone, we recorded it online; but despite not being able to see Tommy, it’s a conversation that will stay with me for a very long time.I really hope you take something from it too and as always I love to hear your feedback so please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think, you’ll find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sileseoige/ or Twitter @SileSeoige And if you can, please take a minute to rate, review and/or subscribe to this podcast as it really helps to spread the word.Go raibh míle! X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seán Boylan is a 5th generation herbalist and a true sporting legend.For 23 years he was the Meath football manager and led them to 4 All Irelands, gaining him his reputation as an iconic leader. He’s married to Tina and they have 6 children and due to the Coronavirus pandemic he’s currently cocooning at his home.We sat down to have a chat last year and during the conversation he spoke about many things including his deep faith, his recovery from cancer and the healing powers of nature.To get in touch with Seán and/or his team, go to…http://www.dunboyneherbs.ie/I hope you enjoy this conversation and as always I love to hear your feedback so please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think, you’ll find me on Instagram or Twitter @SileSeoige And if you can, please take a minute to rate, review and/or subscribe to this podcast, I’d really appreciate it X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share my thoughts on Self Worth and guide you through a meditation.It was recorded on my phone and from my wardrobe but I hope you find it helpful especially during these strange days.Sometimes we forget who we really are; what we’ve been through, the positive impact we’ve had on others and what we’ve already achieved in our lives.At 19.30 I guide you through an empowering meditation that will help you remember how strong you are, how capable you are and how worthy you truly are.So I suggest you listen to this part of the podcast when you can give yourself 15 minutes to relax, connect and allow yourself to simply follow the sound of my voice.As always I love to hear your feedback...you can find me on Twitter or Instagram at @SileSeoigeAnd if you can take a moment to subscribe/follow, rate and/or leave a review I'd be very thankful.Namaste Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer and performer Paul Byrom is my guest this week.He has faced a fair amount of difficulty in his life but his outlook is refreshing.And even though he is naturally funny, this conversation delves a bit deeper as he opens up about the death of his father, his health challenges in childhood and with his voice and why listening is so important.Whether you know him or you don’t, whether you are a fan of his style of music or not...I would urge you to give it a listen. I think we can all learn a lot from him.Triggers : Alcoholism, suicide, grief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Counselling psychologist and founder of Rosabel’s Rooms, Dr. Suzanne McClean is my guest this week.She bravely shares how her world completely changed three years ago, when her baby girl Rosabel, died suddenly, when she was only 16 months old.My questions at times, may seem insensitive but Suzanne wanted to share her experience in an effort to help others in a similar situation and I am so thankful to her for her time and her honesty.She is an extraordinary woman and this is a powerful and important conversation to have.Triggers : Child Loss, Sudden Death Trauma, Grief.https://hospicefoundation.ie/rosabels-rooms/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I asked for your Coronavirus related questions on Instagram and in this podcast I try and answer some of them. I’m not claiming to be an expert but if my words help you in one way or another, whether they give you some comfort, or challenge your current thinking, then I'm glad I recorded this episode.Some questions I delve into are...Are you worried about the days ahead?I feel overwhelmed, what can I do to help myself?Do you think everything will go back to normal when this is over? Remember, you are braver than you think, stronger than you can imagine and loved more than you know.Stay safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is politician and Kerryman, Michael Healy-Rae.We sat down to have a chat many months ago now but I think his philosophy on life is certainly something we could do with a generous injection of, particularly at the moment. He’s married to Eileen and they have five children and in this conversation we talk about many things; his recovery from an accident in his twenties, his parents, why he doesn’t sleep too much and how happiness can be cultivated.I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian and Arthur are my wonderful guests this week.Brian has already had a hugely successful career in television over the past two decades. He went from being a flight attendant to winning Big Brother, the biggest reality TV show of the time, in 2001. And since then he’s presented a whole host of high profile TV shows mainly in the UK but also here in Ireland.His husband Arthur, a proud Armenian; is a world class choreographer and creative director, who has worked artists like…Beyonce, Girls Aloud, Kylie, The Pussycat dolls…to name but a few!They’ve both felt the deep pain of losing a parent. Arthur’s Dad died when he was 16 and Brian’s Mum passed away suddenly, only 2 years ago.We sat down to have a chat in January, a few shows into the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars on RTE and in this conversation, Brian gives us a beautiful insight into his Mum Rosie; they talk about the importance of setting boundaries and finding balance, their relationship and also their plans to have a family. They have such a beautiful perspective on life and I think it's obvious when you hear this that I’m mad about them both. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I try and answer a selection of questions I received through Instagram. I talk about Cancer, Career and Miscarriage but I also answer questions like.... What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever worn?What is your best and worst quality or trait?And what do you know now, that you wish you knew at 25? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Grady is a qualified nutritional therapist and the owner of ANU Wellness, her practice based in Galway.She’s passionate about using food as medicine and helping people achieve optimal health and well-being.In this conversation, Claire shares some of the changes and challenges she’s experienced in her own life, which in turn gives her a deep understanding of people’s struggles and pitfalls when it comes to making those positive changes. She also gives some simple and practical tips, including the benefits of incorporating fermented foods and why eating organic is always best. I loved this chat and I hope you enjoy it too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Shortt is a multi award winning actor, comedian, musician and TV presenter.He’s achieved huge success in his 34 years so far as an entertainer, from packing out theatres worldwide and smashing TV ratings; he clearly has the midas touch.In this conversation he talks about, amongst other things, his family tree which sounds like a film script and playing the saxophone in his underpants! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Foran is this weeks guest. She’s a journalist, co-founder of GAFF Interiors, a podcaster and a bestselling author.‘Owning It’ her first book, tells of her experiences with anxiety and offers practical advice on dealing with it.She lives with her husband Barry and their adorable dog Bear and she’s currently working on her third book.In this conversation we talk creativity, anxiety, spirituality and respecting the comfort zone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation is with former Irish soccer player, pundit, psychotherapist, podcaster and now author Richie Sadlier.2019 has been a big year for him; he got married, he completed his masters in adolescent psychotherapy and he finished writing his autobiography ‘Recovering’.In the lead up to the books release, he appeared on The Late Late Show and revealed he had been sexually abused when he was 14 by a physio he has been attending, for back pain. ‘Recovering’ is genuine, raw and in my opinion, a masterclass in stepping away from shame and taking your power back.He’s been a non-drinker for 8 years and is in a great place in his life.In our chat, he shares how he met his wife Fiona, he talks about his relationship with his Dad, his experience of alcoholism and his new found love of sea swimming.Triggers : references to alcoholism, sexual abuse.If you need to talk to someone, you can contact a SamaritanFreephone 116 123or email jo@samaritans.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Activist Vicky Phelan, is the epitome of a powerhouse. She has integrity running through every vein in her body and she fundamentally believes in the power of speaking up for what you believe in. Last year she was thrust into public light when she made a very powerful statement on the steps of the four courts, having refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement in the settlement of her action against the HSE.It would come to light that Vicky, along with over 220 women with cervical cancer were given false results. In many cases, their cancers could have been prevented.Vicky through her unrelenting desire for justice uncovered the medical and political scandal of our times.She is a founding member of the 221+ CervicalCheck Patient Support Group and is a passionate advocate for those affected.She lives in Limerick with her husband Jim and their two children, Amelia who’s now fourteen and Darragh who’s eight.And she's just released her memoir ‘Overcoming’.Triggers : references to cancer, post treatment/ surgery, depression, death.If you need to talk to someone the Irish Cancer Society have a helpline open 9-5pm Monday to Friday Call and speak to a Nurse on the Cancer Nurseline onFREEPHONE 1800 200 700 Visit www.cancer.ie Or email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerry is a performance psychologist who has worked with a range of clients from professional athletes and Olympic champions, to business leaders.Miriam is a qualified pharmacist, a yoga instructor and an Integrated Health, Wellness and Nutritional coach.Together and individually, they run retreats and seminars here in Ireland and internationally.They also run a wellbeing event called Soul Space and it’s going from strength to strength with Gerry running a series of one day workshops called Soul Sundays. Go to https://www.soulspace.ie/soul-sundays to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV and Radio presenter Lucy Kennedy is my first guest on Ready To Be Real Conversations.She is warm, genuine and naturally funny and it’s a pleasure to spend time in her company. She’s married to Richard and they have three children, Jack who is nine, seven year old Holly and Jess who is two. She’s just launched her first ever children’s book ‘The Friendship Fairies’ and I really hope you enjoy our conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I’m Síle Seoige and thanks for checking out READY TO BE REAL.Before we get into the conversations, I thought I’d give a bit of background on who I am, and what I’ve done.Well I’m a Mom to a two year boy, I’m engaged and at forty, I’m in a pretty good place in my life and I know I have a lot to be thankful for.Of course, like many of us, I still get days where I can feel overwhelmed or stressed but I've learned better ways to cope with those bumps in the road.I grew up in the village of Spiddal in Connemara on the west coast of Ireland.I’m a native Irish speaker and I’ve spent the past twenty one years working in the media industry, primarily as a telly presenter.Other elements of my work life include being a wellness speaker in recent times which I really enjoy, a radio broadcaster, a voice over artist, an event MC, a writer and even as an occasional singer and actor.It’s a fairly eclectic mix and as lots of you will know, life as a freelancer is unpredictable; I’ve been hired and fired regularly.I’ve dined in some of the best restaurants and I’ve also eaten spuds sprouting a few legs when there was nothing else in the press and my wallet was empty.In 2011, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, an experience which ultimately was a gift in my life.I was lucky, my surgeries and treatment were a success and during that year, I was tested in many different ways; but through the process of healing, I rediscovered what was truly important in life and I let go of the stuff that wasn’t.I went on to study yoga and loved it, and I’m now a certified yoga teacher as well.I’m still working on myself every single day and I get that it’s a lifelong process but through it all, I’ve learned that nothing is permanent and life always has the capacity to change.READY TO BE REAL is my passion project and I really hope you find the upcoming conversations helpful.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.