Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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