Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

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 : Sexual abuse, grooming, domestic violence, rape, incest, sexual assault, coercive control, manipulation, 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.To support her, please consider donating here...https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-charlene-mastersonHelp is available... https://www.rapecrisishelp.ie/24 hour helpline 1800 77 8888Support – Mental Health IrelandPlease 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.