The Mind Full Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Charlie Norton Sherwood, a man who learned about pressure not from theory, but from the intense world of elite football. Working with clubs like Arsenal and Leicester City, Charlie saw firsthand how easily our identity can become tangled up in performance - where a good week makes you a hero, and a bad one has you questioning everything.What struck me most is what he discovered beneath all that success: even those at the top often feel disconnected from who they really are.Now back in Ireland as a performance coach, Charlie helps people untangle that knot between who they are and what they do.We chat about the hidden lessons from elite sport, the trap of “shoulds,” why so many people feel stuck, and how to reconnect with yourself beneath all the noise. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation - and one I think will resonate deeply.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know when you open Instagram looking for a bit of calm…and five minutes later you’ve been told to ice bath, journal, manifest, and possibly hug a tree before sunrise? Well welcome to the world of modern wellness!In this episode, I sit down with Clare McKenna, someone who’s spent years immersed in that world, speaking to experts and sharing all the “right” tools and yet still found herself burnt out.So we ask the honest question: if even the experts feel overwhelmed, what are the rest of us meant to do?Clare’s new book Would You Be Well? cuts through the noise. We chat about competitive wellness, redefining success, and why starting small might actually be the big shift.If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything right, so why don’t I feel right?” then this one’s for you.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re loving our vulva - a sentence I never thought I’d say, but here we are! I’m joined by the brilliant Laura Dowling (‘The Fabulous Pharmacist’) to talk about all things women’s intimate health, and honestly, this is a conversation every man needs to hear. Because when you live with, love, or are raising women, you start to realise there’s a whole world of experience happening right beside you that you barely understand.We get into hormones, cycles, perimenopause and menopause - not as abstract ideas, but as daily realities that can affect everything from mood to sleep to confidence. What really struck me is that it’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being curious, aware, and a bit more empathetic.I came away wiser, slightly humbled, and probably owing a few apologies. This one opens the door to better conversations and better understanding.You can find Laura on socials @fabulouspharmacist, her website is www.lauradowlingofficlal.com and you’ll find all her wonderful products and supplements on fabuwellness.com.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Mark Rowe, bestselling author of Things Your Future Self Will Thank You For - and it’s a conversation packed with practical wisdom you can actually use.Mark brings years of experience as a family doctor to this chat, and what really struck me is how often the biggest changes to our health don’t come from prescriptions, but from small, manageable shifts in how we live each day. We explore what lifestyle medicine really means, how to better understand burnout, and how our emotional world can show up in physical ways.We also chat about ageing well, simple ways to check in with your health, and the role of things like connection, purpose, and even awe in living a longer, healthier life.And of course, I’ll finish with a short meditation to help you carry some of this into your week.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Cathy Shah, author, poet and mental health ambassador, for a conversation about a topic many of us find difficult to approach: suicide and suicidal ideation. Cathy shares her own story with incredible honesty, insight and even moments of dark humour, helping us look at this subject without fear or awkwardness.Cathy grew up in Tallaght in the 80s and 90s and is of mixed Indian-Irish heritage. Her powerful memoir Rabbit Holes and Rainbows explores childhood trauma, racism, psychosis, addiction, suicidal thoughts and recovery - all told with remarkable emotional openness.In this episode we talk about what suicidal ideation can feel like from the inside, why silence and shame make things worse, and how simple, compassionate conversations can genuinely save lives.It’s a heavy topic, but Cathy brings wisdom, warmth and real hope - and I truly believe this conversation could help someone you care about.If you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, please see the details below:-SamaritansWeb: www.samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland/Ph: (ROI) 116 123Email: [email protected]: www.pieta.iePh: (ROI) 1800 247 247Text: Text ‘HELP’ to 51444If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Mind Full Podcast, we’re talking about something that many of us parents quietly worry about - raising what Richard Hogan calls the “screenager.” We like to believe we’ll somehow guide our kids safely through the digital world, but if I’m honest, sometimes it feels more like navigating a booby-trapped cave in an Indiana Jones movie. One wrong step, one app we didn’t notice, one late-night scroll and suddenly we’re wondering about the impact on their sleep, their confidence, or their mental health.Joining me is family psychotherapist Dr. Richard Hogan, one of Ireland’s best-known voices on modern parenting and the author of Parenting the Screenager and Home Is Where the Start Is. Richard brings honesty, compassion and real solutions to the conversation. We explore screen addiction, anxiety, boundaries, pornography, communication and why teenagers might secretly want a few rules. Finally, and most importantly, we talk about the power of leading by example.Richard is bringing his live show Parenting The Screenager to The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin on Thur 30th April 2026. You can get your tickets here.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast I’m joined by Psychologist and relationship whisperer Louize Carroll.Louize works with people and couples who feel stuck - stuck in the same arguments, the same triggers, the same “We are NOT having this fight again”… and yet somehow, here we are. One of the reasons I love having her on is that she explains things so clearly, and she sparks those “Oh my God… I do that” moments. And those are gold.We talk about why we repeat patterns in relationships, how early wounds shape the way we react in adult relationships, and why most conflict isn’t about the dishwasher, it’s about the dance we get pulled into.Louize shares her “wounded, wild and wise” framework and how to strengthen the part of you that can pause instead of pounce.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year everyone! It’s not only a new year but it is Episode 50 of The Mind Full Podcast! This week, there’s a very special episode in store for you.What if the reason change feels so hard isn’t a lack of discipline, motivation, or willpower? In Episode 50 of The Mind Full Podcast, I take a slower, more honest look at busyness, burnout, and the pressure we put on ourselves to “do better” every year. I share my own personal experience from 2017 that changed how I look at stress, self-criticism, and why forcing yourself rarely works. This isn’t about letting yourself off the hook. It’s about removing the things that are quietly holding you back. Along the way, I explore self-compassion, curiosity, and how noticing what’s actually going on in your head can be the most effective starting point for real change. No guest, no fixing, just a conversation, a bit of breathing space, and a gentler way to approach the year ahead.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I am joined by Josh Wood, a US-born, Tasmania-based behaviour change expert who somehow makes healthy living feel normal. You might know Josh from his brilliant TEDx talk on emotional eating, which has been shared far and wide, and for good reason. He’s got this wonderfully shame-free, common-sense approach to wellness, with a healthy dose of humour, which is always appreciated!In our chat, we dive into everything from the surprisingly effective “Apple Test” for real hunger, to why perfection isn’t exactly perfect in itself! Josh explains why “good enough” is genuinely good enough, and he shares the nugget of wisdom that made his entire TEDx audience gasp.We also get a sneak peek at Macro Masala, Josh’ new Indian-inspired cookbook full of big flavours and simple prep. If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, food guilt, secret fizzy-jelly stashes, or the all-or-nothing mindset, you’ll love this one.He’s smart, sound, and refreshingly real. This conversation is just a reminder that small, conscious choices add up. Enjoy!For more information on Josh, his coaching and more you can visit www.strongforlife.onlineTo view Josh’s TEDx talk ‘Six Habits to Eat Like an Adult’ click hereFor Josh’s Macro Masala cookbook click hereYou can also follow Josh on @coachjoshwood on socials.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I sit down for an exceptionally powerful and moving conversation with Roseanna Ruane to share the story of her extraordinary daughter Saoírse who touched hearts across Ireland after appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020, and whose light continues to shine brightly after her passing last year after a long battle with cancer at just 12 years of age.Roseanna speaks with honesty, love, and courage about navigating life after unimaginable loss. This is a raw and deeply human conversation about grief, love and legacy.If you’d like to honour Saoírse’s memory while also supporting Cancer Fund for Children and Hand in Hand in Galway, you can purchase from the BPerfect x Saoírse & Mamma range at www.bperfectcosmetics.com. You can also follow Roseanna on social media on @saoirseandmamma If you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, please see the details below:Anam Cara Parental & Sibling Bereavement SupportWeb: www.anamcara.iePh: (ROI) 01 404 5378/(NI) 0044 28 9521 3120 Irish Hospice Foundation - Bereavement Support LineWeb: www.hospicefoundation.ie/Ph: 1800 80 70 77Childline (for young siblings affected by bereavement)Web: www.childline.iePh: 1800 66 66 66If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever thought “I should be doing more” while simultaneously seeing how many prawn crackers you can fit in your mouth, this one’s for you! My guest this week is the brilliant Karl Henry: fitness expert, Operation Transformation legend, podcaster, and author.Karl’s been transforming lives on Irish TV for over 15 years, and his Real Health Podcast has reached millions of downloads. In this chat, we dive into why you’re always wrecked! We talk burnout, bad sleep, and the sneaky energy drainers hiding in your so-called “healthy” diet. Karl shares how walking, sleep, and simple habits can transform your energy and maybe even your mindset.This is a truly valuable conversation with someone who makes all of this, potentially daunting, stuff so accessible for us to absorb, take on board and put into action.For more information on Karl’s work visit www.karlhenry.ie, Karl’s award-winning podcast is Real Health with Karl Henry and his brand new book is The Walking Effect: The Magic of Walking for Wellbeing and the Best Places in Ireland to Do It is available in bookstores now.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by the brilliant neuroscientist, psychologist, author, and all-round brain whisperer, Dr Sabina Brennan. Sabina has an incredible gift for explaining why we humans do the weird things we do - especially our teenagers! We dive into what’s really going on in the teenage brain: why they’re not lazy (just biologically allergic to mornings), how screens and sleep are tangled in a messy science experiment, and the worrying truth about early alcohol exposure.If you’re raising teens, were once one yourself, or just want to understand your brain better, this episode’s for you!To learn more about Sabina's Work go to www.sabinabrennan.ie and check out her wonderful books 100 Days to a Younger Brain, Beating Brain Fog, The Neuroscience of Manifesting and her latest wonderful compassionate book It's Still Me: A Neuroscientist's Guide to Caring for Someone with Dementia. Sabina’s podcast Super Brain is also available wherever you get your podcasts.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m chatting to the absolutely brilliant Dr. Brian Pennie - a man who went from 15 years of heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist, lecturer and speaker.Brian's story is one of radical transformation, told with fierce honesty and zero fluff. We dive deep into the stuff that really matters: anxiety, addiction, identity, and the relentless inner critic we all wrestle with. We explore how early anxiety and trauma shapes us, the power of journaling to literally rewire your brain, and how spotting your inner voices can help you reclaim control. If addiction, your own or someone else’s, has touched your life, this one’s for you.Stick around to the end for a short guided meditation to help reset your mind. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you covered.If you would like to check out Brian and his work visit www.brianpennie.com. Check out his wonderful book Bonus Time, his podcast Change is Possible and most of all go to the RTÉ Player and watch the three-episode documentary he made called Hooked: How Addiction Hijacks Your Brain.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered if the way you argue could predict the end of your relationship? This week I’m joined once again by the brilliant psychologist and author Allison Keating to talk about all things conflict. And trust me, this one’s a game-changer!We dive into why couples fight, how different conflict styles can clash (or work), and whether arguing well is actually good for your relationship. Allison brings her signature warmth, wit, and razor-sharp insight to this week’s wonderful conversation about an, often tricky, topic.You’ll learn how to spot warning signs, maybe even start arguing more healthily and much more!This is the episode you’ll want to quietly text to your partner with a “thought you’d find this interesting…” message attached.For more information on Allison’s work visit www.bwell.ie.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by the man who lit a fire in my belly, not with a curry, but with his voice, his message, and perfect timing.You know that feeling when something just clicks? That was me the first time I heard davidji. I’d been circling the mindfulness space for years, searching for something deeper but most of it felt like it wasn’t meant for someone like me. Then one stressed-out night, flicking through internet radio, I stumbled on a voice that felt like a warm blanket. He was wise, hilarious, and somehow made the esoteric feel accessible. That voice belonged to davidji.Today, davidji is not only a bestselling author as well as a teacher to Navy SEALs and CEOs, he’s a great friend of mine. This week, we dive into purpose - what it means, how to find it, and why it's never too late to redefine who we are.For more information on davidji, including his forthcoming new Meditation Teacher training course, visit www.davidji.com. Don’t forget to also check out his great podcast ‘The Shadow and The Light’ which he hosts alongside Psychotherapist and Meditation Teacher Elizabeth Winkler.If you're new to this series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.