Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Topics covered : Mother and Baby home, adoption, grief, faith, taboo, shedding shame, transgenerational trauma, therapy, holotropic breathwork, motherhood, inner child healing, compassion.  In the final episode of this season, I speak to psychotherapist Deirdre Nicole Hegarty, who shares her adoption story​ with us.Deirdre lives in Donegal with her husband Noel and their baby boy, Con​all.She was adopted at three months old from a mother and baby home, into a loving family where her adoption was always known and spoken about openly.But as she grew older​, and especially when she began searching for her birth parents​, her story became more complex.What she discovered challenged her sense of identity in a profound way. Her birth parents were ​first cousins​...something that carried deep layers of secrecy and shame.In this conversation, Deirdre speaks with great honesty about reconnecting with her birth parents, the emotional impact of those connections, and the confusion and trauma that unfolded.She also shares the work that has helped her make sense of her experience​, particularly inner child healing​, and how she’s come to understand the impact of transgenerational trauma, and the importance of breaking patterns and releasing shame.This is a deeply personal conversation, and I’m really grateful to her for sharing it so openly.​​T​o connect with Deirdre : Email: [email protected]: @slanu_deirdrehegarty​* This is the final episode of this season, but I’ll be back with a new batch of conversations on the 8th of May.In the meantime, you can dive into the archive and listen to over 200 episodes anytime and thanks so much for listening to Ready to be Real.Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis speaks about the power of change​, whether it arrives suddenly in our lives or is something we choose and how both can lead us closer to the life we truly want, if we’re willing to ask ourselves the right questions…and really listen to the answers.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to my full conversation with Niamh Ennis now, wherever you get your podcasts.To connect with Niamh:www.niamhennis.comShe is the founder of The ChangeMakers Mastermind where she supports ambitious, heart led business founders.More here...www.niamhennis.com/tcmmastermind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Pancreatic cancer, grief, sympathy, therapy, good girl conditioning, life changes, intuition, journaling. This week, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis is my guest.She lives in Galway with her husband Michael and their rescue dog Bella.She’s the author of 'Get Unstuck: Ditch Your Drama and Move from Pain to Power' but long before the work she does now, Niamh went through an incredibly difficult period in her life.In her late 30s and early 40s, she experienced profound loss; her fiancé Tony died just nine days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only 6 months before they were due to be married. Not long after, she also lost her dad…and then, a number of years later, her Mum passed away.In this conversation, Niamh shares what that time was like, how it changed her, and how it ultimately led her to completely rethink her life and her career.We also talk about what it really means to feel stuck…and how to begin finding your way back to yourself ​, especially in midlife, when so many of us are questioning what we want and what comes next.To connect with Niamh:www.niamhennis.comShe is the founder of The ChangeMakers Mastermind where she supports ambitious, heart led business founders.More here...www.niamhennis.com/tcmmastermindIf you enjoyed this episode, please do share it, rate it or leave a review...it really helps the podcast to grow.And you can find the pod on Instagram ​@readytoberealpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet of my recent conversation with Celtic wisdom teacher and guide Mari Kennedy.Here she talks to us about the coming days, Síle's day on the 18th and later in the week, we'll be celebrating the Spring Equinox.I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Mari anytime now, it's a beaut!To connect with her :https://www.marikennedy.com/https://www.instagram.com/marikennedywisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The dark feminine/An Chailleach, infertility, grief, good girl conditioning, masculine and feminine forces, patriarchy, menopause, 4 (not 3) stages of womanhood - Maiden, Mother, Sovereign Queen and Crone, Friday the 13th, Síle's day, year of the Fire Horse, Spring Equinox, Sinéad O'Connor, rebellion, new age wellness, Síle na gig, feminine rising. For this special Friday the 13th episode, I’m joined by a teacher and guide in the Celtic Wisdom tradition, ​the wonderful Mari Kennedy.Mari lives in her home county of Sligo with her partner ​writer Eugene​ O'Brien, and she works with the Celtic Wheel of the Year​, an ancient framework that invites us to live in deeper alignment with nature​, cyclical wisdom​ and the cycles of life.Her work centres on women’s relationship to power, wisdom and remembering who we truly are.​The question she keeps returning to, and that runs through everything she does, is: how do we respond wisely and powerfully to the chaos and collapse of this time?In this conversation we cover a lot​...from Mari’s own personal story​ that is so powerful, to conversations around feminine and masculine energies, the impact of living under patriarchy​ and unlearning the 'good girl' conditioning, along with the different stages of womanhood.We also explore the magic of Friday the 13th, ​Síle's day and the ​Spring ​Equinox​.I adored this conversation and I hope you do too.The magic of Friday the 13th - 46 mins approxSíle's Day, Spring Equinox, the balance of the masculine and feminine - 1 hour 11 mins approx​To connect with Mari :https://www.marikennedy.com/​Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marikennedywisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm dipping into the Ready to be Real archive for this week's Real Take.In this snippet, I speak with the wonderfully reflective Michael Harding, as he shares his love of religion and spirituality...from Buddhism to Christianity...with the philosophical curiosity and earthy wisdom he’s so well known for.And if you enjoy this, I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Michael from December 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm joined by personal trainer and online coach Iza Clarke.Originally from Poland, Iza has been living in Ireland for the past 18 years. She’s married to Odhran and they have two tween daughters, Lanah and Keira.I recently started training with ​her and I love how encouraging and knowledgeable she is​, so I wanted to sit down with her for an honest and informative conversation about strength training, nutrition, and how our approach to fitness needs to change as we move through different decades of life.​* To be clear, this isn’t an ad, I’m a very happy paying client who thought this conversation might resonate with ​listeners.​C​onnect with Iza​Izabela Clarke PT (@iza.clarke)​You can sign up to her monthly program and she’s also launching a perimenopause p​lan on the 16th of March, with a particular focus on training, nutrition and education during this often challenging stage of life.​I would highly recommend connecting with her, she is fab! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, healing.For this week's Real Take, Josh Connolly talks about the unspoken truth of family dysfunction and how toxic systems are often invisible to the outside world.​He is a father of six and his book​ ​'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful online following and years of lived experience behind his work, he speaks openly about growing up with an alcoholic and abusive parent​.And in the wake of recent public conversations around family estrangement, due to Brooklyn Beckham’s revelations, I wanted to explore what dysfunction in a family system actually looks like. The roles people can fall into​, the patterns that follow on into adulthood​, and why boundaries can feel so difficult and yet are so necessary.​Josh on Instagram​His Dublin workshop on Sunday April 26th 2026​Tics here​​You can listen to the full conversation anytime now​ and if you're struggling right now, there is help available...Ireland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Alcoholism, toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, compassion, healing.This week I speak to author Josh Connolly about family dysfunction.Josh is a father of six and his book​ ​'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful online following and years of lived experience behind his work, he speaks openly about growing up with an alcoholic and abusive parent​.And in the wake of recent public conversations around family estrangement, due to Brooklyn Beckham’s revelations, I wanted to explore what dysfunction in a family system actually looks like. The roles people can fall into​, the patterns that follow on into adulthood​, and why boundaries can feel so difficult and yet are so necessary.​Josh on Instagram​His Dublin workshop on Sunday April 26th 2026​Tics here​If you're struggling right now, there is help available...Ireland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​For today’s Real Take, we’re dipping into the archive. Back in May 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions, I recorded a remote conversation with comedian, actor and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan...he was in Galway, I was in Dublin, ​but despite the distance, the connection was magic. He spoke about his fascination with religion and philosophy​, we learn more about what makes him tick...which includes his love of strong coffee and cigars, his brilliant TV show and of his experience ​on a silent retreat. ​You can also listen t0 the full conversation anytime now.And if you liked this chat you might appreciate others here with the likes of Brother Richard and Gelong Thubten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is aimed at parents of young children through to preteens and I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). For context, I have two children as well, Cathal (8.5) and Clíodhna (4), so this conversation felt particularly relevant.Debbie first joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply, for me personally and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.This is Debbie’s third time on the pod, and in this episode we delve into all things kids and toys. What supports healthy development, the importance of aggressive play in childhood, which toys need clear boundaries around them…and one personal rule she stands firmly by: no unsupervised YouTube.Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™ (Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach, a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.You can join their parenting hub, you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.If you enjoy what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.Go raibh míle maith agat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s Real Take, Brother Richard speaks about death in a deeply comforting way​, drawn from his years of accompanying people at the end of their lives.If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you’d like to hear more from Brother Richard, the full conversation is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Meditation, religion, spirituality, distractions, boredom and creativity, authenticity, discernment, validation, forgiveness, death, living fully, gratitude, compassion. This week I’m delighted to welcome back a ​true friend of the podcast​.Brother Richard​ is a Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar and he first joined me three and a half years ago ​for a conversation that resonated so deeply with a lot of us and if you haven’t heard it yet, I’d highly recommend going back and listening to it.In today’s episode, he shares so much wisdom once again​; from the importance of allowing boredom into our lives in a world that constantly distracts and overstimulates us, especially important for younger people....to what true forgiveness really looks like, and how it can free us in ways we might not expect and the latter part of the conversation will comfort so many of you too.​Check out his latest book 'Calming the Storms - Meditation as a path to inner peace and happiness' and you can also listen to his podcast 'The Daily Meditation', which is really beautiful.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​, tá mé fíor-bhuíoch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s Real Take, we step beyond the headlines with crime journalist Nicola Tallant and get a real sense of what makes her tick.​If you’re enjoying these conversations, I’d love you to follow, rate and share​...it really helps Ready to be Real grow. Míle buíochas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Crimeworld, fraudsters, the Regency Hotel shooting, The Kinahans, Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, being a mother, resilience.​I'm joined by crime journalist, author and podcaster Nicola Tallant.Nicola is a ​Mum of two and has been working in journalism since she was just nineteen and over the years she’s become one of the most respected and trusted voices in Irish crime reporting, as well as the host of the chart topping podcast Crime World.This week marks ten years since the Regency Hotel shooting ​a period that was particularly intense for Nicola​, and in this conversation we reflect on that time, what it was like covering organised crime up close, and the pressure and responsibility that comes with telling these stories.But beyond all of that, what really stood out to me was Nicola herself.She’s relaxed, compassionate​ and great craic.Honestly, the perfect guest​ and I think you’re going to enjoy this one.​Another podcast to listen to (mentioned during the chat) : Ger Redmond : Being a good role model It's a powerful listen about turning your life around.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Addiction, porn, car accident, death, family dynamics, shame, guilt, grief, forgiveness, therapy, support, compassion, healing.In this episode, I’m joined by men’s coach and author Gavin Meenan.Originally from Donegal, Gavin has been living in Sligo for the past sixteen years and is a father of two. Ariana is fifteen and Mason is eight.In this conversation, Gavin speaks with remarkable honesty about some of the most challenging and painful experiences of his life. When he was just eighteen, he was involved in a fatal car accident. He was driving too fast, and the person in the other car died at the scene.What followed, particularly the response of the woman’s family, is extraordinary. Their capacity for compassion, forgiveness and humanity is deeply moving, and it is a story that will genuinely take your breath away.Gavin also opens up about his struggle with porn addiction in the first half of the conversation. He speaks about the moment webcam footage of him was exposed, the shame and fear he experienced, and the long road towards facing himself and moving beyond it.This is a conversation about responsibility and consequence, but it is also about healing, forgiveness, and learning how to step out of shame and guilt in order to truly own your life.To connect with Gavin:​Click hereIf you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone.Help is available...​​Ireland helplines and hotlinesLive Podcast AnnouncementI’m hosting a live Ready to be Real podcast on Saturday 31st January at 2pm as part of Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, presented in partnership with Acast.I’m delighted to say my special guest will be poet, activist and healer Laura Murphy. Laura featured in RTÉ’s documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.Together, we’ll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid, and we’d love to see you there.​Buy tickets here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet I speak to broadcaster and author Clare McKenna about wellness.If you enjoy this and you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with ​Clare is available to listen to anytime now.Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm Abbey Presbyterian church as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast and I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.Our conversation will be rooted in the spirit of Brigid and we'd love to see you so bigí linn!Buy tickets here(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Moving house, dementia, grief, diet culture, anxiety, privilege, breathwork.In this episode, I’m joined by broadcaster Clare McKenna for a conversation all about wellness.(Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast. And I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.Buy tickets here(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.)Together, we'll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid - renewal, inner fire and feminine wisdom.We'd love to see you so please join us!)Clare is married to Jonathan (who is better known as Ronnie) and they have two children, Flynn who’s 14 and Lois who’s 12. Since 2019, she’s been the voice behind Alive and Kicking the health and wellness show on Newstalk, and she’s also just written her first book, 'Would You Be Well? – Cut Through the Overwhelm to Find a Happier You.'Clare really is the epitome of calm, someone who truly walks her talk and we cover so much in this conversation around what wellness actually means in real life. She speaks about the challenges of the last few years in particular, moving house and her father's decline with dementia and his passing. She also speaks about the time she walked on fire at a Tony Robbins event!She has a retreat coming up inspired by her book 'Would you be well?' and it'll be taking place in The Deerstone in Wicklow from the 20th to the 22nd of February. It sounds like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend. For more information head to wouldyoubewell.ieOther book mentions :Still me by Dr. Sabrina Brennan Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet comedian Aoife Dunne brings us back to her mothers funeral, 15 years ago.(Her Mum Maria died suddenly of a heart attack in December 2010)If you connect to this moment, I highly recommend you go back and listen to it in full. It's a gorgeous conversation.Also I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast.And I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.)Together, we'll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid...change, inner fire and feminine wisdom.Please join us!Buy tickets here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Grief, love, sudden death, comedy, trolling, ADHD, childfree by choice. I cannot tell you how much I loved this conversation. It made me belly laugh…and it made me cry.​I’m joined by comedian, poet, storyteller, and truth-teller​ - the absolute powerhouse that is Aoife Dunne.In this conversation ​we talk about her incredible rise over the past few years, the joy and the pressure that comes with being so visible, and the abuse she receives online for speaking up.She also openly ​discusses her decision not to have children​, a part of the conversation that I​'m sure will bring a lot of comfort to many listening.But at the heart of this chat is Aoife’s relationship with her ​Mum Maria, who died suddenly of a heart attack, 15 years ago. The way she speaks about love​ and loss is raw and deeply moving​ and the funeral story will also have you in absolute stitches.Aoife’s live show ​'Good Grief​' is touring from March to May.​ Go see it!And I’d love it if you'd follow the new Instagram page for the pod@readytoberealpodcastGo raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take​, a moment of honesty and wisdom from the heart of Ready to be Real.Content creator and Garda Fiona Morgan Coleman lives with an incurable form of cancer but thankfully she continues to live life fully, due to ongoing treatment.​In this snippet she offers a powerful dose of perspective as we step into a new yearAnd if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with ​Fiona is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy, axillary clearance, chemotherapy, radiation, recurrence, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, treatment, living well.For my first episode back in 2026, I’m joined by content creator, businesswoman, Garda and breast cancer survivor Fiona Morgan Coleman.Originally from Nenagh in Tipperary, she now lives in Shrule, Mayo with her husband David and their two boys, Callum (11) and Pearse (9).In this episode we talk about her cancer journey since 2019 and how, despite living with an incurable form of cancer, she is managing her symptoms with medication and continuing to live life fully and well.She has also built a loyal online community that support her every step of the way.In this conversation, we speak about the importance of staying on top of health checks, dealing with online trolls, and dancing on a stage in New York!It's a reminder to us all to truly mind ourselves this year.Book in for those bloods, go for that scan, organise that trip away, whatever it is.Life really is for living!She's a ball of sunshine and is the perfect guest to kick off the new season.If you're worried about yourself or someone you love, please reach out for professional help.You're not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I speak to online sensation Garron Noone who shares powerful insights on how he navigates comments online, both the positive and the negative.We also reflect on the year gone by, look ahead to Christmas, and he offers genuinely solid advice for anyone who might be struggling right now.If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Garron is available to listen to anytime now.And I'll be back with brand new episodes on the 9th of January.​Nollaig Shona! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, family, music, fame. In my final episode of 2025, I’m joined by the one and only Mr. Garron Noone.He has built an incredibly loyal — and ever-growing — online community, with 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok. But behind the viral videos is someone with real depth and in this conversation, we go far beyond the comedy.Garron speaks openly about his mental health and his struggles with anxiety, and the impact it had on him through his teens and early twenties in particular. He also shares the tools and perspectives that help him navigate life today — offering genuinely grounding wisdom for anyone finding things tough.We also look back on the year gone by — including one massive highlight: performing with Robbie Williams in Croke Park in front of 80,000 people this summer. And we chat about his plans for Christmas…and what he has in store for the year ahead.I hope you enjoy it!Also, I’ll be back on the 9th of January with a brand-new season.Until then, feel free to dip into the archive, and ​thanks for the support all year.I’ll chat to yee again soon and look after yourselves.Nollaig Shona, agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I chat to sex educator, author and podcaster Grace Alice O'Shea about sexual compatibility and role play.And if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Grace Alice is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : vaginismus, shame, libido, faking orgasm, sexual compatibility, body image, acceptance, masturbation, sexual confidence, sex toys, anal sex, role play, freedom, pleasure.  This week, I’m joined by sex educator, author and podcaster, the brilliant Grace Alice O’Shea.She lives in Limerick with her boyfriend Ivan and their two dogs, and in this episode she answers your questions (I put up a question box on Instagram)— on everything from libido, gaining sexual confidence, sex toys, role play, and so much more.But before we got into all of that, she began by sharing her own story and her past struggles with vaginismus.There is so much in this episode and as always with the topic of sex we easily could have talked for another hour.The first 20 minutes - her own story and we discuss THAT Kylie tweet of mine from 14 years ago.Don't worry if you know nothing about it, I explain it. Wild!Grace answering questions from 20 mins onwards -We spent a long time on libido.50 mins onwards - sexual confidence, faking orgasm, sex toys, anal sex, role play, sexual compatibility, dirty talk.If you'd like to hear more conversations about sex here on Ready to be Real check out the following episodes :Sex educator Jenny Keane ​(2022) and Sexologist Emily Power Smith (2021​).And definitely listen to Grace's pod 'The G spot' too. Please listen, like, follow, share and all the other stuff...I really appreciate the support.Next week will be my last episode of 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Life in Gaza, living under occupation, murder, grief, trauma, injustice.I am revisiting this conversation as the incredible Hala Sourani was honoured at the Shine Mental Health Media Awards today in Dublin.She won the Special Recognition award for th​is podcast and ​everyone in the room w​ere on their feet ​for her.A truly deserving standing ovation for her courage, her dignity and her truth. This conversation was my last of 2024 and yet heartbreakingly, a year on, Gaza is still being attacked.(Her mother and her sister and her children are still in Gaza.)In October 2023, Hala was married to Mohammad and they had 2 girls, Shahd who was 6 and Rahaf who was 5 and they lived in Gaza.In November of that year, they tried to flee but, in the process, both Mohammad and Rahaf were murdered by Israelis. As you can imagine, this is a harrowing account of that time so please be aware before you listen but I really hope you do stay with this conversation as intense as it is and that you allow yourself to connect with Hala and the pain and injustice that she and so many have been, and continue to be, subjected to.She came to Ireland with her daughter Shahd in February​ 2024 and has been working as a volunteer here and remarkably she completed a MBA ​that year too.I wish we never had to have this conversation.I wish she was still in Gaza with her husband and girls, but that is unfortunately not the case.This is without a doubt one of the most important conversations I’ve ever had on Ready to be Real and I am honoured that she trusted me with it.She’s not comfortable speaking about the Go Fund Me that has been set up to help her but I’m going to ask you to please consider donating what you can so that she and her daughter can try and rebuild their lives here in Ireland.They need and deserve our support. Any and all donations would be gratefully received.Fundraiser by Sarah Costello : Urgent Help For Halla & Chahd (Gazans in Ireland)Go raibh mile maith agaibh.A special word of thanks to the wonderful Kate O’Dwyer, the founder of 'Pals for Palestine' for all her help in connecting Hala and I and for all her love and guidance behind the scenes.Saoirse don Phailistín. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.I’m speaking with Vanessa Ogbonna, one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland.She once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change of course.In this snippet she speaks about her experience of racism in Ireland — starting with how she felt during the Dublin riots in 2023.If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Vanessa is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The Traitors, growing up in Direct Provision, football career, injury, grief, Lupus diagnosis, faith, 2023 Dublin riots, racism.This week, I’m joined by one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland — Vanessa Ogbonna.But her story stretches far beyond reality TV.Vanessa once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change of course.In this conversation, while she touches briefly on her time on The Traitors, she mainly opens up about the moments that shaped her life: navigating a lupus diagnosis that altered everything, losing her father, growing up in Direct Provision, and her experience of racism in Ireland.You can catch her every week on United FC on RTÉ alongside Jordan Conroy, and you can also catch up with episodes on the RTÉ Player. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Make sure little ears aren't listening!Topics covered : Unpacking 'calm' parenting, navigating meltdowns (for adults and kids)​, the power of play in building connection with kids, dropping the threats, slapping, resilience building, unlearning, rupture and repair, positive modelling.This week, I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). She joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply — for me personally, and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.In today’s conversation, Debbie shares practical, compassionate guidance on becoming as regulated as we can as parents; what our children truly need to thrive (it may surprise you); how to navigate stressful moments with more ease; the power of play in building connection; and why unlearning certain old habits is such vital work.Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™(Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach — a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids.You can join their parenting hub - you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.If you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.And thank you, as always, for supporting Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.Today, I’m revisiting a conversation I recorded six years ago with the incredible Seán Boylan — a fifth-generation herbalist and a true sporting legend.During his 23 years as Meath Football Manager, he led the county to four All-Ireland titles and cemented his reputation as an iconic leader.In this clip, he reflects on holding training sessions at the ancient and sacred Hill of Tara — the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.​If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with the truly brilliant Seán Boylan is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : AI in today's world, awareness.In this episode, I speak to technology consultant and author Joanne Griffin.She's married to Mark, they have two teenage boys, and they live in Navan.She left the mainstream corporate world just before Covid to pursue a career in tech, and a few years later, she wrote a book called “Humology – How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology.”In our conversation, we talk about the reality of living in an increasingly tech-reliant world, the overwhelm that can often come with it, the importance of being mindful of our AI use, and why technology itself isn’t the enemy — if we use it with intention.Human-Centric Technology Design | Humology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Leukaemia, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, pregnancy, birth story, positive mindset, exercise, faith, gratitude.  This episode is in partnership with giveblood.ie — a service that truly saves lives.I speak with Laura Murphy, whose husband Dave was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia eleven years ago.Throughout his treatment, he needed multiple blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant — and the most difficult time of all came when Laura was pregnant with their son.Together, they’ve faced enormous challenges, but today, Dave is thriving, and they’re soaking up family life with their three-year-old, Joshua.Their story is one of resilience and deep gratitude for the donors who made his recovery possible.If this conversation resonates with you, please rate it, leave a comment, or share with a friend who needs to hear it.Míle buíochas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : rape, trauma, living in fear, self harm, PTSD, reclaiming. Bláthnaid Raleigh is from Mullingar, and her world changed forever after a night out in Galway in July 2019, when she was attacked and raped by a man from her hometown, Johnny Moran.As you can imagine, this conversation is intense at times, so please take care while listening.For five long years, as Bláthnaid tried to rebuild her life, he continued to live his, as normal — while she and her family were left in limbo, waiting for justice.Finally, in July 2024, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, without ever showing an ounce of remorse.Bláthnaid’s book Aftermath is a powerful and devastating account of what it means to survive — and of the failings of a system that left her feeling forgotten and silenced. But it’s also a story of extraordinary strength, courage, and the slow process of reclaiming herself.If you’ve been affected by what you’ve heard, please know that you’re not alone and there is help available.Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) - Rape Crisis Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a Ready to be Real revisit from 2020 — recorded during the height of the Covid restrictions.In it, I speak to folklorist, artist and musician Dr. Billy Mag Fhlionn (Pagan Rave) about Samhain and the old Irish traditions that still shape how we celebrate Halloween today.Billy lives in Dingle with his wife Muireann and their daughters, Sadhbh and Líse.In this conversation, he shares the deeper meaning behind our Halloween customs — the stories of old, the sense of connection to our ancestors, and the games that have stood the test of time.We talk about trick or treating, 'bobbing for apples', 'shave the fryer' (the flour mountain), and 'snap apple' and he reveals what was originally hidden inside the báirín breac (you might be surprised!).Resources :https://tradition.iehttps://www.duchas.ie/enhttps://www.muireann.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Gaeilge, music, heritage, culture, shame, colonisation, Irish Americans, Samhain, An Chailleach​.In this special Oíche Shamhna episode, I speak with musician, broadcaster, academic and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.Doireann is the daughter of TG4 political correspondent Sorcha Ní Riada (and granddaughter of legendary Irish composer Seán Ó Riada) and fiddle player and retired Garda Kevin Glackin of the renowned Glackin musical family. Between podcasting (How to Gael), TV presenting, MC'ing, playing music, having a string of live shows and being awarded a PhD in oral Irish poetry recently, she is an incredibly impressive and productive woman.She currently splits her time between New York and Ireland, and we spoke ​last week, the day after I saw her perform on stage in An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, with her show The Cailleach.In our chat, we talk about the rich heritage​ she has on both sides of her family, and about An Chailleach — and this reflective​, liminal time of year.We also discuss the moment on Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show in February 2024, when former TD Ivan Yates said he “couldn’t be arsed” in reference to the Irish language — and one of the presenters stood up to shake his hand in agreement.We explore how deeply insulting that was to Irish speakers, how it reflects a colonised mindset, and how passionately Doireann feels about being a Gael.A self-confessed girls’ girl, she describes herself as introspective — and simply put, I loved chatting to her.Bainigí sult as! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.