The Laura Dowling Experience

Why I Left Stockbroking to Sell Cars From My Drive with Nadia Adan

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

Arriving in Ireland from Somalia as a child after years of displacement, Nadia grew up watching her mother sacrifice everything to create stability through education. That path led her into finance and onto a trading floor surrounded by high earners and high pressure — a version of success that looked impressive but never fully felt aligned.

What began with selling her own 08 BMW after a disappointing dealer offer gradually turned into something bigger. From selling cars on her drive to leasing a yard just before the pandemic, Nadia shares the discipline, doubt, criticism and resilience behind building Ashford Motors.

🔑 Key Points

Displacement and Determination

Nadia shares how early instability and migration shaped her resilience.

The Weight of Expectation

Growing up with a mother who sacrificed everything created both pressure and motivation.

Success That Didn’t Feel Like Success

Despite qualifying as a stockbroker, something felt missing.

An Accidental Entrepreneurial Spark

Selling her own BMW revealed a different path.

Building From Her Own Drive

Before Ashford Motors, she was learning, reinvesting, and doing everything herself.

The Shock of the Pandemic

Opening a yard just before lockdown threatened the business before it had momentum.

Visibility Through Social Media

Turning to TikTok became a lifeline when no one knew who she was.

Choosing Belief Over Approval

Receiving SIMI accreditation marked a turning point in confidence.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Ashford Motors – Founded by Nadia, a luxury and premium car dealership.

https://www.ashfordmotors.ie/

Ashford Approved (AM Approved) – Nadia’s second garage, offering more affordable and accessible vehicles alongside her premium range.

https://www.amapproved.ie/

SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) – The official representative body for the motor industry in Ireland, providing accreditation and governance standards for dealerships and motor businesses.

https://www.simi.ie/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – From Somalia to Ireland

06:30 – Education and the Path Into Finance

13:00 – Inside the High-Pressure Trading Floor

21:00 – Reselling the 08 BMW

29:00 – Reinvesting Profits and Learning the Trade

36:00 – Opening Ashford Motors

41:00 – Lockdown Shock

46:00 – Marketing Through Social Media

54:00 – Reputation, Criticism and Credibility

01:01:00 – SIMI Accreditation

01:08:00 – Building a Business With Discipline

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding Eating Disorders - Control, Shame, and Recovery with Laura Casey

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

Eating disorders are complex, layered, and often hidden in plain sight. In this episode, psychiatric nurse Laura Casey helps us understand the difference between disordered eating and a clinically diagnosed eating disorder - and why that distinction matters.

Drawing on years of frontline experience, Laura explores the psychological roots of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. She explains how these illnesses are not about vanity, but instead are coping mechanisms linked to trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and the need for control. She also sheds light on the physical risks - from refeeding syndrome to bone density loss - and why early intervention dramatically improves the chances of full recovery.

Alongside clinical insight, this episode gives voice to the lived experience of those struggling in silence. It addresses stigma within healthcare, the pressure of social media, the rise in cases during COVID, and the heartbreaking reality that Ireland currently has only three public adult inpatient beds.

🔑 Key Points

1. When Food Becomes an Internal Battle

Eating disorders often involve a powerful internal voice that overrides rational thinking and drives secrecy, rigidity, and isolation.

2. ARFID and Neurodivergence

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is increasingly recognised, particularly in neurodivergent individuals, and deserves equal seriousness and support.

3. The Role of Trauma and Anxiety

Experiences such as grief, bullying, family breakdown, or suppressed emotions can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours.

4. The Hidden Physical Toll

Malnourishment affects cognition, heart function, bone health, sleep, fertility, and digestion - and purging behaviours can cause serious internal damage.

5. Why Families Matter

Family dynamics can influence recovery - both positively and negatively - and family therapy can play a crucial role in long-term progress.

6. Relapse Is a Blip, Not a Failure

Recovery can include setbacks. Early warning signs and relapse prevention planning are key to sustaining progress.

7. Stigma Within Healthcare

Many people feel dismissed or reduced to their diagnosis when seeking treatment - highlighting the need for holistic, compassionate care.

📚 Mentioned in This Episode

DSM-5 - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

ICD Codes - International Classification of Diseases

Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa/Bulimia nervosa/Binge Eating Disorder/Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - ARFID

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/anorexia-nervosa/

Refeeding Syndrome

CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

DBT - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland

https://bodywhys.ie/

+353 01 210 7906

Samaritans Ireland

jo@samaritans.ie

Freephone: 116 123

Pieta House

Freephone: 1800 247 247

0818 111 126

HSE Eating Disorder Teams (Public Health)

1800 111 888

(Referral must be made through GP)

Lois Bridges (Private/Self pay/HSE funding)

manager@loisbridges.ie

www.loisbridges.ie

+353 87 653 9747

CARED Ireland

(Caring About Recovery from an Eating Disorder)

CAREDireland@gmail.com

Supporting Families

zuzanna.deirdre@gmail.com

Family Therapist

Lana Galkovskaja

info@loisbridges.ie

⏱️ Timestamps

03:00 – Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders

07:00 – ARFID and Sensory Restriction

13:00 – Trauma, Perfectionism and Control

18:30 – Medical Risks and Refeeding

24:00 – Specialist Therapies and Medication

29:30 – The Gap in Irish Services

34:00 – What Parents and Friends Can Do

40:00 – Relapse Prevention and WRAP Planning

46:00 – Hope at Any Stage of Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Dwyer on When the System Keeps You Married

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

Liz Dwyer joins the podcast to discuss what life looks like when separation doesn’t bring closure. Still legally married six years on, she reflects on the gaps in Ireland’s divorce process and the contradictions of being asked to co-parent calmly while fighting legal battles behind the scenes.

Beyond the courtroom, Liz talks about the coping tools that kept her going, from the books that helped her make sense of what she was living through to the unexpected fun of dating again.

Liz also speaks about later marriage and family-building in Ireland, and her work on the Future Fertility Show, which focuses on education, access, and support around fertility and reproductive health.

Key Points

Honest discussion about cosmetic and pelvic health treatments — what works and what doesn’t
Why pelvic floor strength matters more than cosmetic procedures
How Ireland’s divorce system is slow, opaque, and outdated
The emotional and financial toll of being stuck in long-term legal limbo
Lack of transparency and consistency in family court decisions
Being forced to co-parent while legally positioned as adversaries
Total absence of structured support for people going through divorce
Comparison with faster, more straightforward divorce systems abroad
Dating after separation as an unexpected source of healing and perspective
The need for real support networks around divorce, fertility, and family change

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Broken Open – Elizabeth Lesser

A reflective book about how major life upheavals such as divorce, loss, or illness can break familiar structures and open the door to growth, meaning, and change. It explores resilience, identity, and rebuilding after rupture.

Future Fertility Show

A fertility-focused event covering education, clinics, talks, and support services.

📍 Location: RDS, Dublin

📅 Dates: March 21–22

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futurefertilityshow.com/

Future Beauty Show

A medical-led beauty and health event focused on hormones, wellbeing, and evidence-based education.

📍 Location: RDS, Dublin

📅 Dates: March 21–22

🎟️ Tickets: https://futurebeautyshow.com/

Future Men’s Health Show

An event dedicated to men’s health, hormones, longevity, and wellbeing, developed in response to growing demand for accessible expert-led information.

📍 Location: RDS, Dublin

📅 Dates: March 21–22

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futuremenshealth.com/

⏱️ Timestamps

03:10 – Trying beauty treatments to give honest advice

06:05 – Why divorce in Ireland is so difficult

14:10 – Court delays and legal limbo

17:45 – Co-parenting pressures

26:30 – Psychological toll of uncertainty

31:10 – Lack of support structures

36:45 – Books and coping tools

45:50 – Dating after separation

50:40 – Future Fertility Show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building, Leading & Letting Go With Anne Heraty & Eimear McCrann

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

This conversation brings together Eimear McCrann, Director EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and Anne Heraty, EOY Judge and Founder CPL Resourced, to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship from two deeply experienced perspectives – one from building and leading a business over decades, and the other from supporting hundreds of founders through every stage of growth.

Anne reflects on the long arc of her entrepreneurial journey, from early beginnings to international expansion, public markets, and ultimately stepping back from the business she built. She shares honest insights into resilience, leadership under scrutiny, and the personal trade-offs that come with responsibility.

Eimear shares what she has learned from working at the heart of the Entrepreneur of the Year programme, including why women often hesitate to put themselves forward despite strong businesses. Together, they explore how community, shared learning, and trusted relationships can make entrepreneurship more sustainable – especially during periods of uncertainty and change.

🔑 Key Points

Leadership Requires Comfort With Uncertainty

Entrepreneurs must make decisions without full information, learning to respond rather than react when things change.

Building Through Cycles of Change

Businesses move through booms, crashes, and reinvention, requiring resilience and adaptability at every stage.

Confidence Gaps Still Affect Female Founders

Women tend to underestimate their readiness, particularly when recognition or visibility is involved.

Peer Networks Accelerate Better Decisions

Access to founders with lived experience helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges more effectively.

Letting Go Is a Leadership Skill

Stepping back from a business requires trust, planning, and an identity shift, not just financial readiness.

Entrepreneurship Is Ultimately About People

Teams, trust, and shared values shape sustainable businesses.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

CPL

Founded by Anne Heraty in 1990, CPL grew from a small recruitment firm into a large international recruitment and outsourcing group employing thousands of people across multiple countries.

EY Entrepreneur of the Year

Ireland’s flagship entrepreneurship programme supporting founders through a year-long process focused on community, learning, and long-term impact.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Focus on Female Entrepreneurship

03:10 – What the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programme Really Is

06:20 – Anne Heraty’s Early Business Beginnings

10:15 – Scaling, Market Crashes, and Reinvention

15:30 – Confidence, Timing, and Women Putting Themselves Forward

20:10 – The Value of Entrepreneurial Community

24:40 – Expanding Into New Markets and Cultural Differences

29:30 – Leadership, Uncertainty, and Decision-Making

33:45 – Letting Go of a Business and Life After Exit

38:10 – Advice for Young People and Building Relationships

42:30 – Reflections on Meaning, Legacy, and Impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Síle Seoige: The Year Everything Changed

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode, Laura sits down with Síle Seoige to talk about a period in her early thirties when everything changed at once. Síle speaks about being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the impact that had on her work and personal life, and how it forced her to stop and reassess in a way she hadn’t before.

She talks about anxiety from the inside, not recognising it at the time, only later, and how listening to other people’s stories during the making of her documentaries made her re-examine her own experiences. The conversation also moves through parenting, work, and the practical decisions Síle has made around boundaries, time away from home, and what she will and won’t say yes to now.

The discussion is closely tied to Síle’s new documentary series Séalaí le Síle, filmed over several months and exploring three major themes: parenting, anxiety, and bullying. The series airs on TG4 on Wednesday nights, beginning on Wednesday 11 February, with each episode focusing on one topic. Drawing on conversations with families, experts, and people sharing their own lived experiences in Ireland and abroad, Síle describes the project as an attempt to better understand why so many people are struggling in the world as it is now.

🔑 Key Points

A year that changed everything

Síle speaks about a period when illness, work, and personal life collided, forcing her to stop and take stock in a way she hadn’t before.

Living with anxiety without naming it

She describes experiencing anxiety for years without recognising it at the time, only understanding it later through hindsight and listening to others.

Illness as a line in the sand

A thyroid cancer diagnosis brought clarity about what mattered, what didn’t, and what could no longer be ignored.

Parenting in a pressured system

The conversation looks at how modern parenting is shaped by time, money, childcare, and expectation.

Learning to set boundaries

Síle talks about becoming more boundaried around work, travel, and time away from home, and why saying no has become necessary.

Listening to other people’s experiences

Making the documentaries prompted Síle to reconsider parts of her own life she hadn’t fully examined before.

Bullying beyond childhood

Bullying is discussed as something that affects adults too, particularly in workplaces and public-facing roles.

Questioning what we call ‘normal’

The episode repeatedly returns to the idea that many struggles make sense when placed in the context of modern life.

⏱️ Timestamps

04:20 – The documentaries and why these topics mattered

06:30 – Parenting, pressure, and guilt

08:10 – Parenting today and the pressure parents are under

17:00 – Anxiety and missing language

25:10 – Illness, shock, and being forced to stop

37:20 – Parenting decisions and limits

44:00 – Media exposure and public life

52:10 – Identity and reflection

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dating When You’re Ready and When They’re Not | Mairead the Matchmaker

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode, Laura explores why dating so often feels exhausting, confusing, or discouraging, particularly when one person is ready for commitment and the other is not in the same place.

Drawing on insight from Mairead the Matchmaker, the conversation looks at how timing, life stage, and emotional readiness shape modern relationships. It reflects on patterns that come up again and again, including men waiting until life feels secure before committing, women staying open to connection despite setbacks, and how early communication often sets the tone for what follows.

Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode focuses on clarity and self understanding, recognising when a situation is not aligned with what you want, and trusting that dating should not require you to minimise yourself. It is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone navigating modern dating with honesty and intention.

🔑 Key Points

Readiness matters more than chemistry

Strong attraction does not lead anywhere if two people are not emotionally or practically ready at the same time.

Men and women often date differently

Men often wait until life feels stable before committing, while women tend to stay open to connection.

Communication sets the tone early

How someone communicates at the beginning usually reflects how they will communicate long term.

Dating is a numbers game, without being unkind

Meeting the right person requires consistency while still treating people with respect.

Not every relationship should last

Staying in something unhealthy can be more damaging than leaving.

The right relationship allows you to be yourself

A healthy partnership feels supportive rather than constraining.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and why dating feels difficult

03:30 – Why people are marrying later in Ireland

08:00 – Readiness and timing

12:00 – When one person is ready and the other is not

16:00 – Using dating apps properly

19:30 – Communication patterns and early red flags

26:00 – Dating as a numbers game

33:30 – Confidence built through action

39:30 – How the wrong relationship affects wellbeing

43:00 – Five questions to assess a relationship

49:30 – Knowing when to walk away

56:00 – Staying open without burnout

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Your Mouth Reveals About Your Health with Eimear Mithen

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

Laura is joined by dental hygienist Eimear for a clear, practical conversation about oral health and why it connects to the rest of the body, not just your teeth. They talk about plaque, tartar and gum disease, what causes bleeding gums, and why brushing your teeth without brushing your gums misses half the problem.

Eimear explains why interdental brushes work better than floss for most people, how electric toothbrushes remove far more plaque than manual ones, and why soft brushes are better than hard ones. She also talks about mouth breathing, tongue scraping, night guards for grinding, and what happens when plaque is left to harden under the gums.

The conversation then moves into some of the less expected links between oral health and things like menopause, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes and cancer treatment. Throughout it all, Eimear keeps coming back to prevention, showing how small, realistic habits can reduce risk and protect your teeth and gums over the long term.

🔑 Key Points

Most people are not cleaning where it matters most

Bacteria sits along the gumline and between the teeth, which is why brushing only the visible surfaces leaves disease behind.

Plaque becomes harmful when it is left too long

Soft plaque hardens into tartar and creates a protected space where more aggressive bacteria can grow and damage gums and bone.

Tools matter more than people realise

Electric toothbrushes and interdental brushes remove far more bacteria than manual brushing and flossing.

Saliva plays a major role in oral health

Dry mouth, common during menopause, illness and medication use, changes the balance of bacteria and increases the risk of decay and gum disease.

Gum disease is not just a mouth problem

Inflammation and bacteria are linked with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy complications and Alzheimer’s.

Grinding and clenching cause real damage

Night-time grinding can shorten teeth, irritate gums and strain the jaw.

Consistency beats perfection

Regular, simple habits protect the mouth better than occasional intense cleaning.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s

01:00 – Porphyromonas gingivalis and how it damages the brain

02:00 – The vicious cycle between Alzheimer’s and oral health

03:00 – Why dentists avoid scaring patients with the 70% statistic

17:00 – Diabetes, arthritis and bidirectional gum disease

22:00 – Menopause, hormones and dry mouth

26:00 – Teeth grinding, night guards and jaw damage

28:00 – Mouth breathing and gingivitis

30:00 – Tongue scraping and bad breath bacteria

45:00 – Mouthwash, chlorhexidine and staining

56:00 – Adapting dental care for people with extra needs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Survivor’s Journey to Purpose: Ciara Mangan’s Story

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura is joined by Ciara Mangan, founder of Beyond Surviving. Ciara reflects on the gaps in long-term trauma support, the challenges survivors face once formal services fall away, and why survival is so often treated as the endpoint rather than the beginning of healing.

She speaks about navigating the justice process, the emotional toll of prolonged legal proceedings, and the ways trauma can ripple through families and relationships. Ciara also explores post-traumatic growth, describing how meaning, connection, and purpose became possible over time - without minimising the pain that came before.

This episode centres on healing beyond crisis, the importance of survivor-led support, and the understanding that recovery is deeply personal and looks different for everyone.

🔑 Key Points

Survival is often treated as the finish line

Ciara reflects on how recovery is expected to be complete once immediate danger has passed, even though healing is only beginning for many survivors.

The gap in long-term trauma support

She speaks about feeling lost once formal services fell away, highlighting how many survivors are left without guidance or connection after crisis support ends.

The emotional toll of the justice process

Ciara shares the impact of navigating prolonged legal proceedings and how systems intended to protect can sometimes retraumatise survivors.

How trauma ripples through families and relationships

The conversation explores the long-term effects of trauma on trust, intimacy, and family dynamics.

Post-traumatic growth without minimising pain

Ciara discusses growth as something that can emerge slowly over time, without pressure to reframe trauma as a positive experience.

The importance of being believed

Validation from family, professionals, and the justice system is shown to be central to rebuilding self-worth and safety.

Why survivor-led support matters

Ciara explains the value of spaces shaped by lived experience, where understanding, safety, and choice are prioritised.

Turning lived experience into purpose

The episode closes on Ciara’s decision to found Beyond Surviving, using her experience to support others navigating life after trauma.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Beyond Surviving – Survivor-led charity supporting healing beyond crisis. https://beyondsurviving.ie/

Beyond Surviving – Survivors Hub – Resources + community support. https://beyondsurviving.ie/survivors-hub/

Rape Crisis Ireland – 24-hour helpline + links to local support. https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) – Support services and info. https://www.drcc.ie/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Opening reflections on survival and recovery

06:20 – Reaching the end of crisis support

12:40 – Workplace response and social fallout

18:00 – Telling her parents what happened

25:40 – Deciding to pursue justice

30:10 – The trial process

35:50 – Being believed and legal validation

38:40 – Why survivor-led spaces matter

44:10 – The origins of Beyond Surviving

45:20 – Exploring post-traumatic growth

50:30 – Relationships and rebuilding self-worth

57:00 – Closing reflections on healing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hidden Cost of Mental Health Gatekeeping with Martin Daly

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

This episode offers an unflinching look at the realities of Irish healthcare - especially child and adolescent mental health - through the eyes of someone who’s been on the front line for decades. Laura is joined by Martin Daly, a rural GP in County Galway and a TD (Teachta Dála), to explore what it feels like to advocate for children and families inside systems that are overstretched, slow, and often unresponsive.

Martin shares a deeply affecting account of a nine-year-old boy experiencing severe OCD, including the barriers faced when trying to access CAMHS - from repeat assessments, to letters being returned, to referrals being deemed “not appropriate”, even as the child’s distress escalates. The story becomes a window into the human cost of rigid thresholds and administrative dysfunction, where families are left carrying fear and uncertainty while clinicians try to push against closing doors.

From there, the conversation widens into the bigger picture: the lack of digitisation in the HSE and how basic inefficiencies create real harm; why housing insecurity and “stuck” young adults ripple into mental health and relationships; and what Martin believes Ireland needs to do differently if it wants to protect wellbeing, not just respond to crisis. It’s warm, candid, and grounded in lived reality - ending with a reflective final stretch on kindness, purpose, and what it means to live a good life.

⸻

🔑 Key Points

Advocating for children inside broken systems

Martin describes the emotional and professional strain of repeatedly trying to secure care for children while working within rigid, under-resourced structures.

When mental health support depends on thresholds

The conversation explores how eligibility criteria can exclude children who are clearly distressed but not yet deemed to be in crisis.

A nine-year-old living with severe OCD

A real case highlights how delayed intervention intensifies suffering for both the child and their family.

The hidden burden placed on parents

Families are left holding fear, responsibility, and risk while waiting for services that may never arrive.

Housing insecurity and mental health

Martin connects the housing crisis to rising anxiety, stalled independence, and a growing sense of hopelessness among young people and families.

HSE digitisation and administrative failure

Basic inefficiencies - from paper-based systems to disconnected services - are shown to cause real harm and delay care when timing matters most.

Moral injury in clinical practice

Martin reflects on the ethical toll of knowing what care is needed, but being unable to access it for patients.

Social media and youth mental health

Constant exposure and online pressure are discussed as compounding factors in rising anxiety and distress.

⸻

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Martin Daly – Rural GP and TD (Teachta Dála), sharing frontline experience of Irish healthcare

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Referral pathways, thresholds, and access issues

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Childhood presentation and impact when left untreated

ADHD – Diagnosis pathways and pressures on assessment services

Health Service Executive (HSE) – Structure, capacity issues, and lack of digitisation

Housing crisis in Ireland – Links to anxiety, delayed independence, and mental wellbeing

Social media and youth mental health – Ongoing exposure and rising emotional distress

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Martin’s opening reflections and background

04:45 – Life as a rural GP on the frontline

09:30 – Accessing child mental health services in Ireland

15:10 – How CAMHS thresholds work in practice

21:40 – A nine-year-old with severe OCD

28:30 – Referrals returned and care denied

35:20 – The emotional toll on families

41:50 – HSE digitisation and systemic inefficiency

48:10 – Housing insecurity and its impact on mental health

54:30 – Social media, anxiety, and young people

59:40 – Responsibility, kindness, and what a good life means

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Thomas: Cancellation, Contradiction & Coming Back

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this reflective episode, Laura sits down with Kathryn Thomas to talk about change - the kind you choose, the kind that’s forced upon you, and the kind that quietly reshapes you over time. Kathryn shares her journey through career transitions, from national broadcasting to creative independence, and what it’s like to make bold decisions in midlife while balancing motherhood, identity, and self-trust.

Much of the conversation centres on health and how our understanding of it has evolved. Kathryn speaks openly about her years on Operation Transformation, the backlash she faced, and why she felt compelled to explore the science and controversy around GLP-1 medications and Ozempic through documentary work. Together, they unpack how the obesity conversation has shifted, including the role of biology, food environments, and access in shaping long-term health.

The episode also moves into ageing, menopause, sleep, aesthetics, and longevity. Kathryn reflects honestly on contradiction - wanting to age well while questioning the systems that profit from fear - and on the small, practical changes that have made the biggest difference to her wellbeing. Grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human, this is a conversation about agency, perspective, and learning when to let go of certainty.

🔑 Key Points

Choosing change later in life

Kathryn reflects on making major career decisions in her mid-40s and stepping outside long-established systems.

The cost of visibility

Public scrutiny, online criticism, and resilience are explored through Kathryn’s lived experience.

Operation Transformation revisited

A nuanced look back at the show’s evolution, cultural impact, and the stigma that surrounded it.

Rethinking obesity

The conversation moves beyond willpower, focusing on biology, metabolic adaptation, and prevention.

Food deserts and ultra-processed foods

Kathryn and Laura discuss how access, environment, and the dominance of ultra-processed food shape health outcomes, particularly for children, highlighting why individual choice alone is an incomplete explanation.

GLP-1 medications and Ozempic

Kathryn explains why open, responsible discussion around these treatments matters.

Health, hormones, and sleep

Menopause, exhaustion, and the underestimated power of routine and rest are discussed honestly.

Ageing, aesthetics, and contradiction

From Botox to longevity science, the episode holds space for complexity rather than judgement.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introductions and setting the tone

03:00 – Career longevity and public visibility

06:00 – Leaving RTÉ and taking a midlife leap

09:30 – Operation Transformation and public scrutiny

13:30 – How the weight conversation has changed

18:00 – GLP-1 medications and Ozempic

23:30 – Metabolic adaptation, food environments, and prevention

30:30 – Food deserts, inequality, and access

35:00 – Ageing, aesthetics, and contradiction

40:00 – Longevity, medicine, and living well

46:00 – Menopause, sleep, and routine

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GLP-1s, Menopause & the Future of Obesity Treatment with Donal O'Shea

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

Donal O’Shea has spent a lifetime working at the sharp end of endocrinology- and in this conversation, he brings that perspective with clarity and honesty. Laura and Donal explore how dramatically medicine has changed, from early diabetes care rooted in fear and compliance to modern treatments that prioritise quality of life and long-term health.

The discussion moves through hormones, obesity, and the rise of GLP-1 medications, examining how new treatments exposed long-held misconceptions about appetite, behaviour, and responsibility. Along the way, they confront stigma, access to care, and the cultural tendency to reduce complex conditions to willpower. Thoughtful and grounded, this episode invites a more humane way of thinking about health- one led by evidence, humility, and compassion.

🔑 Key Points

How diabetes care used to work - and why it didn’t

Donal reflects on fear-based approaches from earlier in his career and contrasts them with today’s technology-driven, compassionate care.

Hormones quietly run the show

The episode unpacks how chemical messengers regulate appetite, mood, energy, and long-term health.

GLP-1s changed more than blood sugar

Originally developed for diabetes, these treatments revealed unexpected effects on appetite and behaviour.

Why “eat less, move more” falls short

Obesity is explored as a biologically regulated, chronic condition rather than a failure of willpower.

When medicine collides with culture

Laura and Donal discuss how effective treatments risk being misunderstood in a thinness-obsessed world.

Access isn’t equal

Cost and prescribing rules shape who receives care and who is left behind.

Weight loss doesn’t erase identity

The psychological impact of changing bodies is often overlooked.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

OSheaHoganLabs - Donal’s educational presence on TikTok and Instagram addressing medical misinformation

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 - A lifetime inside changing medicine

04:10 - Diabetes before technology

07:30 - Why fear was never good healthcare

12:00 - GLP-1 and a shift in understanding obesity

17:45 - Appetite, behaviour, and biology

23:30 - Stigma, thinness, and misuse of treatment

30:15 - Identity after weight change

36:40 - Menopause, hormones, and long-term thinking

43:20 - Battling misinformation online

50:00 - Who gets treatment - and who doesn’t

57:00 - Looking to the next generation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeing People: The Story Behind Eoin Cluskey and Bread 41

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

This conversation traces the path that brought Eoin Cluskey to where he is today- not only as the founder of Bread 41, but as someone who thinks deeply about community, responsibility, and the kind of impact a business can have. He talks openly about struggling through school, finding his footing in kitchens abroad, and eventually discovering purpose through business.

Eoin also reflects on the parts of his story that don’t get talked about as often- the pressure of building something from nothing, the moment his partner told him the work was breaking their family, and the shift that followed. His stories from his work in prisons, schools, and the community show a consistent thread of noticing people who are often overlooked, and making small interventions that can have big impact.

🔑 Key Points

School never fit, but it pushed him to think differently

Eoin explains how feeling behind in education stayed with him and later influenced how he approaches people who struggle in traditional systems.

Finding belonging through craft

Food became a place where he could build discipline, confidence, and a sense of identity.

The personal cost of ambition

Eoin names the moment he realised that relentless work was pulling him away from his family and needed to change.

Understanding dignity through prison work

His experiences with incarcerated men opened his eyes to circumstance, accountability, and the meaning of opportunity.

What teachers experience behind the scenes

Spending time with educators gave him a clearer picture of the pressures and expectations they carry.

Encouragement as a turning point

The schoolboy who doubted his own ability shows how a few honest words can change someone’s trajectory.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Bread 41 / Breaducation Programme

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Eoin’s Background

04:10 – Growing Up Outside the System

08:20 – Finding Direction in Kitchens Abroad

14:25 – Lessons from Ballymaloe

18:40 – Starting Bread 41 from Scratch

24:30 – A Family Wake-Up Call

29:45 – Rethinking Ambition and Balance

32:10 – Experiences Inside Mountjoy Prison

42:30 – Teachers, Pressure & the Breaducation Programme

48:25 – A Small Moment That Changed a Young Person’s Path

54:10 – The Responsibility of Being a Business That “Sees” Peopl

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unfiltered Motherhood: Sophie White's Story of Chaos, Connection & Compassion

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

This episode is an emotionally rich, thoughtful exploration of motherhood, storytelling, friendship, and addiction. Sophie reflects on how her podcast began long before podcasting was popular- born out of frustration and a desire for honesty. Instead of curated perfection, she and co-host Jen offered chaos, humour, truth, and community and thousands of women saw themselves reflected, often for the first time.

Sophie also shares deeply personal experiences with mental illness, alcoholism and self-loathing, describing how shame can follow us from childhood into adulthood until compassion interrupts the pattern. Through laughter, vulnerability, and storytelling, she shows how honesty can become a form of healing.

⸻

🔑 Key Points

🎙 Podcasting with No Blueprint- A movement born from instinct, not strategy.

👭 Friendship as Creative Foundation- Trust, humour, and emotional safety.

👶 Motherhood Without Filters- Breaking away from curated Instagram motherhood.

🧠 Postnatal Depression & Mental Health Struggles- Real emotional aftermath of motherhood.

🍷 Addiction & The First Drink at 13- Relief, identity, and survival.

✨ Compassion Through Seeing Children Clearly- Realising nothing was her fault.

📢 Women’s Voices & The Power of Being Heard - Solidarity and storytelling.

⸻

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

Mother of Pod / Stop the Madness Podcast

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00- How the podcast unexpectedly began

05:10- “Be my pod wife” moment

08:40- Building Patreon & creative freedom

13:20- Irish storytelling culture

18:10- Postnatal depression & emotional reality

23:50- When listeners share their truth

30:20- Addiction & first drink story

33:00- Breastfeeding pressure & guilt

40:00- Addiction, breakdown & survival

52:30- Women’s safety & public space

59:00- Parenting, screens & doing our best

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Power of Clever Swaps: Food Truths, Mental Health & Consumer Freedom

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

What started as a simple moment in Lidl — noticing the word “style” on a yogurt label — turned into a viral movement. In this heartfelt conversation, Sophie Morris shares how her honest, practical videos helped people understand not just what’s in their food, but how to shop with confidence, protect their health, and even support small producers.

Sophie explains how clever swaps, label awareness, and small decisions can lead to powerful changes — physically, mentally, and emotionally. She shares real stories from families, teenagers, and everyday shoppers who say her content didn’t just change their eating habits, but changed how they feel. This is more than food education — it’s empowerment.

⸻

🔑 Key Points

From Local Coaching to Viral Impact

Sophie began by helping confused shoppers understand food labels and trends.

Greek vs. Greek-Style — The Moment Everything Changed

Her first viral video showed how one tiny word can change the whole meaning of a product.

Clever Swaps, Not Shame

She believes in empowering people with realistic, often cheaper swaps — not food fear.

Profit vs. Nutrition

Big companies aren’t evil, but operate in a system built for profit, not health.

Food and Mental Wellbeing

People report better mood, clarity, and energy after reducing ultra-processed foods.

Responding to Criticism

Sophie explains why she avoids ingredient fearmongering and never singles out additives.

Consumer Power

Her audience helped small Irish producers thrive — proving demand drives change.

⸻

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Greek-style yogurt and how it all began

03:20 – When the videos went viral

06:00 – Clever Swaps explained

08:00 – Who really makes our food?

10:40 – Criticism, trust, and staying independent

15:00 – Why ingredient awareness matters

19:00 – Real stories: food and mental health

23:20 – KitKat, Activia & misleading marketing

28:00 – Policy, labeling & regulation

30:10 – The Sophie Effect: small brands rising

31:40 – Why she refuses sponsorships

40:00 – Protein hype and sugar sneaking

48:20 – Food access and affordability

49:50 – Where food awareness is headed

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Losing My Sister, Finding My Voice: The Story Behind The Shona Project

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this deeply moving and human conversation, Tammy Darcy opens up about the defining experiences that shaped her life- from the powerful bond with her sister Shona, her traumatic teenage years, bullying, and becoming a single mother at 18, to transforming pain into purpose by founding The Shona Project. She shares how her sister’s brain tumour, family breakdown, and years of emotional isolation shaped her desire to create a community of support for young girls- one rooted in courage, authenticity, and belonging.

With tenderness and honesty, Tammy reflects on self-worth, shame, resilience, and why young people don't just need motivation- they need community, compassion, and a strong sense of who they are. At its core, this episode is about showing up for one another, embracing vulnerability, and believing that our greatest pain may one day serve a greater purpose.

🔑 Key Points

Trauma, Loss & a Sister’s Legacy

Tammy shares the life-changing impact of her sister’s brain tumour, the emotional fallout, and how the loss shaped her outlook on compassion, purpose, and human connection.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Instead of being defined by tragedy, Tammy built The Shona Project- a nationwide movement supporting young girls through workshops, festivals, and leadership programmes.

Bullying and Its Lifelong Effects

She describes years of bullying, hiding in school toilets, and losing trust in other girls, realising that relational harm can sometimes take longer to heal than trauma itself.

Courage Over Confidence

Tammy explains why we should focus on building courage rather than confidence because courage is what allows us to act even when we're unsure.

Why Values Matter More Than Achievements

She explores how helping teenagers identify their personal values gives them a lasting compass for decision-making, identity, and self-worth.

Authenticity as Freedom

Tammy reflects on how embracing her authentic self, rather than trying to be “perfect”, has been liberating and transformative in both life and leadership.

Creating Safe, Supportive Communities

She shares how The Shona Project helps girls recognise that they can both harm and heal and that change begins with accountability, compassion, and kindness.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

The Shona Project - https://shona.ie/
Shine Festival - https://shinefestival.ie/
500x500 campaign https://shona.ie/500x500/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Early Confidence

08:10 – Shona’s Diagnosis & Family Breakdown

13:00 – Trauma, Grief & Feeling Lost

16:00 – Becoming Pregnant at 18

23:00 – Bullying, Isolation & Self-Worth

30:00 – How The Shona Project Was Born

45:00 – 500 by 500 Vision & Community

51:00 – Talking to Young People About Values

57:00 – Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trauma Is Not Mental Illness: Breda’s Journey Through Misdiagnosis, Institutions & Recovery

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:30:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Breda O'Toole shares her extraordinary journey of trauma, survival, and ultimately, healing. Her life was marked by poverty, abuse, war-related family trauma, institutional mistreatment, and years of being misdiagnosed within psychiatric care. For 23 years, she was prescribed heavy medication, underwent 29 shock treatments, and spent time in psychiatric institutions — including being restrained in a straitjacket for 11 days. Yet none of it treated the real wound: trauma.

Breda explains how no professional ever asked about her life or experiences — only symptoms. She felt unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. The turning point came when a priest told her: “Take back control of your life.” That moment sparked her recovery journey — off medication, back to herself, and finally into true healing.

This episode is painful, inspiring, and illuminating — a moving reminder that trauma is not mental illness, and recovery is possible when we are truly seen, heard, and believed.

🔑 Key Points

Trauma vs. Mental Illness

Her suffering was rooted in trauma, not a disorder.

Misdiagnosis & Overmedication

She lived under 8+ incorrect diagnoses and was on up to 15 tablets daily.

Electric Shock Therapy (ECT)

29 ECT sessions — each followed in her records by: “Still depressed.”

The Straitjacket

She was involuntarily restrained for 11 days — until her father rescued her.

Loss & Grief

She lost three baby boys — through negligence, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

The Words That Changed Everything

“Take back control of your life” — the moment her recovery truly began.

Recovery Begins With Being Heard

One doctor finally asked: “What happened to you?” — not “What’s wrong with you?”

📚 Mentioned in This Episode

• Unseen — Breda’s memoir

• St. Patrick’s Institution, St. Brigid’s, St. Vincent’s

• Valium, Lithium, Optimax

• Straitjacket institutional practices

• Father Walsh, Father Pat

• Tommy — Breda’s husband

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introducing Breda & her story

01:00 – Childhood trauma: war, poverty, abuse

08:00 – First Valium prescription & addiction

10:00 – Misdiagnosis & medication spiral

13:00 – Shock therapy and lost identity

16:00 – Being detained & rescued by her father

24:00 – Loss of her babies & emotional impact

33:00 – Straitjacket and institutional trauma

40:00 – “What happened to you?” — turning point

46:00 – Coming off medication & reclaiming life

52:00 – Real recovery, healing, and hope

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miriam O’Callaghan: Fertility, Family, Tragedy & the Reality of Live Broadcasting

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:30:00 GMT

🎧 Episode Description

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Miriam O’Callaghan opens up about the defining moments that shaped her life — from navigating high-pressure live television, to facing unimaginable personal loss, to raising eight children while working in the public eye.

Miriam speaks candidly about the ups and downs of her pregnancies and births, the chaos of live political debates, grief, resilience, menopause, and what it’s really like to live so much of her life under intense public scrutiny. She shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister and father within weeks of each other, her legal fight against an online scam using her name, and the grounding philosophies that have kept her centred through it all.

This episode is raw, emotional and filled with wisdom — a rare look at one of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, beyond the headlines and beyond the studio lights.

🔑 Key Points

Writing a memoir after 20 years of hesitation

Why Miriam avoided writing her book, the emotional weight of telling her own story, and what finally pushed her to begin.

The pressure and chaos of live TV

Behind the scenes of major political debates, on-air confrontations, and the mental load of broadcasting to millions.

The year everything changed

Losing her sister at 33, losing her father shortly after, and how grief reshaped her perspective on life and motherhood.

Fertility struggles, pregnancy trauma & raising eight children

Candid reflections on secondary infertility, complex pregnancies, motherhood, and letting go of perfection.

Menopause, HRT & women’s health

Why she advocates openly for hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen, and breaking the silence around women’s health.

The Facebook “face-cream” scam

How scammers used her name for years, how it affected her family, and what happened when she took Facebook to court — and won.

Gratitude, grounding & implacable courtesy

The philosophies that guide her relationships and keep her anchored through chaos.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

• Life, Work, Everything — Miriam’s memoir (print & audiobook)

• Paul Read — the solicitor who represented Miriam in her Facebook/Meta scam case

• Holles Street Maternity Hospital & The Coombe

• Prof. Caher & Dr. Colm (Miriam’s obstetricians)

• Evorel Conti Patch & Vagifem (HRT mentioned)

• John Hume, Pantibliss (Rory O’Neill), Leo Varadkar, Tommy Tiernan, Roy Keane

• Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum & key cultural moments

• “Implacable courtesy” — Seamus Heaney’s advice

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Miriam’s Early Career

06:50 – The Loss of Her Sister & Father

12:30 – Navigating Motherhood & Raising Eight Children

16:45 – Pregnancy Complications & Birth Stories

22:10 – Handling Pressure in Live Broadcasting

27:55 – The Haemorrhage During Pregnancy

34:40 – Surviving Public Scrutiny & Balancing Family

38:10 – The Facebook Scam & Taking Meta to Court

43:30 – Gratitude, Faith & Daily Grounding Rituals

48:20 – Reflections on Resilience & What Truly Matters

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boobie Physio: The Truth About Breast Weight, Posture & Women’s Health

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:30:00 GMT

📝 Episode Description:

In this fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation, Laura Dowling sits down with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan, better known as The Boobie Physio, to unpack the hidden physical and emotional impact of breast weight on women’s lives.

From posture and pain to sport, confidence, and hormonal changes, Siobhan reveals why so many women — regardless of cup size — are living with discomfort that’s completely preventable. She explains the science behind breast support, the myths around bra sizing, and how simple changes in alignment can boost everything from performance to self-esteem.

This episode is part education, part revelation — and it might just change how you think about your body forever.

⏱️ Key Points & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Who is The Booby Physio?

02:00 – Why posture still matters (and how gravity works against us)

06:00 – Bone health, hormones, and how movement can prevent osteoporosis

09:00 – The hidden weight women carry: breast movement in three planes

13:00 – How breast pain and embarrassment push teenage girls out of sport

17:00 – The psychology of confidence and body awareness

23:00 – Why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size

29:00 – How outdated measuring methods are still being used

35:00 – The physics of breast support: posture, shape, and comfort

43:00 – How to actually fit a bra properly — and why black ones feel tighter

49:00 – Caring for your bras: resting elastic, avoiding fabric softener

55:00 – Asymmetry, teabag tits, and why most lingerie models are wrong

1:00:00 – Why wired bras aren’t the enemy

1:05:00 – The link between back pain, confidence, and breast support

1:10:00 – How the right bra can literally improve your performance

1:15:00 – Final takeaways: lifting women up — physically and emotionally

💡 Actionable Tips:

Reassess your posture daily — small adjustments make a big difference.
Get properly fitted for a bra (and don’t add those extra inches!).
Rotate your bras to let the elastic recover and last longer.
Think of breast support as part of overall musculoskeletal health.
Educate daughters, nieces, and teens early — prevention starts young.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They Groaned When a Woman Was Announced” — Deirdre O’Kane on Women in Comedy

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura for a funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it was really like being one of the few women in stand-up when she started out.

She talks about the early days of breaking through in a male-dominated industry, finding her own voice, the reality of long-term relationships, raising kids in the age of WhatsApp chaos, and using humour to get through tough times.

This is a brilliant mix of personal stories, cultural insight and big laughs.

🕒 Timestamps & Key Points

00:00 — Pre-chat & setup: A warm, relaxed start as Laura and Deirdre banter about microphones, lighting, and jawlines.

04:00 — Wild beginnings: Boarding school, being part of “the bold gang,” and discovering performance through impersonating teachers and nuns.

06:00 — Acting vs. stand-up: Early love-hate relationship with stand-up and what made it so tough starting out.

08:20 — Women in comedy: Audience groans, breaking barriers, and how social media helped shift the landscape.

11:00 — Self-censorship: Why she avoided certain topics early on — and how that’s changed.

14:00 — Touring life: What it’s really like on the road as a comic, from long drives to late nights.

17:00 — Irish vs. UK audiences: How humour translates across borders and why Irish audiences are special.

20:00 — Long-term relationships: Honest reflections on discomfort, denial, and doing the work over decades together.

23:00 — Expectations in love: Balancing domestic reality with romantic ideals — and keeping individuality.

27:30 — The Magdalene Laundries bit: Taking on a taboo topic and walking a fine line between darkness and humour.

30:00 — Phone bans and stand-up: How comics protect their material from leaking online.

33:00 — Comedy as a lifeline: How stand-up kept her family afloat when her husband was ill.

36:00 — Motherhood & identity: Returning to stand-up after kids and why motherhood fuelled her next show.

43:00 — Modern motherhood rant: Emails, WhatsApp groups, class reps, and why it’s all too much.

48:00 — Quick fire: Worst gig ever, sharing the stage, favourite punchlines, and industry reflections.

53:00 — Politics & culture: A candid take on the current Irish political climate and cultural shifts.

🧠 Key Themes

Women in comedy & gender barriers
Finding your comedic voice
Long-term relationships & emotional honesty
Modern motherhood and social pressures
Comedy as both art and survival
Cultural change in Ireland & beyond

🪄 Actionable Takeaways

Courage comes with craft — pushing boundaries can create powerful cultural moments.
Honesty in relationships matters — even the uncomfortable parts.
Women’s voices in comedy are no longer the exception.
Modern motherhood comes with too many expectations — and laughter helps cut through the noise.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Teens Feel Lost | Psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet Explains

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:30:00 GMT

📝 Episode Description

In this powerful episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura sits down with advanced nurse practitioner and child psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet to unpack what’s really going on for teenagers today.

From self-harm and emotional dysregulation to ADHD, anxiety, and the pressure of living in an overwhelming world, Dearbhla brings deep professional insight — and a lot of heart — to the conversation.

This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand and support young people.

🧠 Key Points

Why there’s no such thing as “normal” in mental health
Why teens are feeling increasingly lost and overwhelmed
Understanding self-harm and emotional dysregulation
How to help teens regulate their emotions
ADHD medication: what parents should know
The impact of global stress and social media on teen mental health
How to find qualified therapists and build trust with young people

🛠️ Actionable Tips

Lead with empathy, not solutions — acknowledge feelings before fixing.
Watch for triggers and early signs of overwhelm in teens.
Use metaphor (like “being a lighthouse”) to reframe parenting approaches.
Explore practical supports such as Jigsaw, CAMHS, and occupational therapy.
Prioritise finding the right therapist, not just the first available one.

🕛 Timestamps

00:00 — “There’s no such thing as normal” — Why we need to rethink mental health

02:05 — Why so many young people are struggling today

03:30 — Understanding self-harm and emotional overwhelm

05:45 — Getting into CAMHS: criteria, challenges & real experiences

08:00 — Girls vs boys: how ADHD can present differently

10:00 — What anxiety really feels like for young people

12:00 — Accessing services: what parents can do while waiting for support

13:45 — How to teach emotional regulation (and why “fixing” doesn’t work)

17:00 — What’s really behind teen anger and emotional outbursts

23:00 — “Be the lighthouse, not the anchor” — A powerful parenting metaphor

29:00 — Why ADHD medication isn’t a quick fix (finding the sweet spot)

36:00 — Tools like ear loops & OT support that can make a difference

40:00 — Motivation struggles in teens with ADD/ADHD

42:00 — How to respond if your child shares or writes about dark thoughts

44:00 — The emotional weight of the world on young people

47:00 — How to find a qualified therapist you can trust

50:00 — Why therapist fit matters more than people think

53:00 — Misconceptions around “lack of empathy” in young people

55:00 — Sextortion & online risks: what parents need to know

58:00 — Final reflections: why connection is everything

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Rugby to Rehabilitation: Andrew Dunne's Journey into Physiotherapy

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey

01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation

02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections

07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System

11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine

32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care

36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment

36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials

39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement

41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare

42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy

44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change

46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription

52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic

55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations

57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's

01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life

01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness

01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence

01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking Barriers: Eileen's Journey from Addiction to Social Impact

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction

00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards

00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise

01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison

02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun

02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing

03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back

04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days

06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact

08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates

10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy

12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants

13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives

15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding

18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs

24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens

31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece

34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey

41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford

44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery

48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality

54:46 – Advice for Young People

55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supercharge Your Soul: A Deep Dive into Holistic Wellness with Miriam Hussey

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care.

This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves.

Timestamps

04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey

04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change

05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots

07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness

09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness

13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges

14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences

16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma

17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions

18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation

19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul

21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion

24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul

35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System

36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion

37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating

39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating

44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work

48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods

01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself

01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and Peace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthspan Over Lifespan: Longevity Lessons for People and Pets with Matt Kaeberlein

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.

Timestamps

02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science

03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing

04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan

06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect

09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection

11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span

16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health

24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits

31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity

34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health

39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research

47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity

59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats

1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change

1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs

1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of life

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Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome and the Purple Run

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Laura welcomes Melissah, whose daughter Evie has Down Syndrome. Melissa shares her personal journey from pregnancy and the unexpected postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis, to raising Evie and balancing life as a mother of three. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and education about Down Syndrome, including Melissah's efforts through the annual Purple Run fundraiser. The discussion covers various aspects of Evie's life, from her rapid birth and initial health challenges to her school experience and relationship with her sisters. Melissa also discusses societal perceptions, the importance of inclusive language, and her hopes for Evie's future. Listeners are encouraged to support the Purple Run and Down Syndrome Ireland, organisations that have played a significant role in Melissah's journey.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Melissa

03:24 Discussing Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraiser

04:59 Melissa’s Journey to Motherhood

05:40 Evie’s Birth and Diagnosis

09:48 Adjusting to Life with Down Syndrome

12:14 Evie’s Development and Family Dynamics

15:10 Navigating Education and Services

21:07 Language Sensitivity and Advocacy

24:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome

25:06 Community Support and Public Perception

26:25 Future Concerns and Independence

27:20 Educational Talks and Menopause Awareness

32:14 Fundraising and Support Services

35:08 Daily Life and Personal Stories

42:17 Final Thoughts and Advice

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Keith Walsh - ADHD, autism, mental health, drugs and childhood trauma

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

We chat about his childhood trauma his mental health struggles and advocacy and how he is ok with having no friends.

This is a podcast for anyone who has ADHD or suspects that they or a loved one has ADHD. It is a podcast that shows you there is hope and light and love for us all. This is a podcast for anyone who is searching for something, but are unsure what that something is.

Keith has an upcoming show, Kinda Mental on Saturday April 22nd 2023 in the Whale theatre in Greystones. You should check it out!

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Podcast Break and Upcoming Book Release 'Love Your Vulva'

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:44:49 GMT

I’m taking a two-week break from the podcast to complete my new book, 'Love Your Vulva', and its audiobook, which will be released on September 23rd. In the meantime, explore the podcast archives with 133 episodes on topics like menopause, ADHD, sexual wellness, cardiology, physiotherapy, and more. For new listeners, I encourage you to start from the beginning to catch some great episodes. I'll be back with a new episode on September 11th. Stay fabulous!

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Breaking Barriers: Adam Harris on Autism Awareness and Advocacy

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.

Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming

03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis

04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life

06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education

09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy

11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work

13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness

15:24 Autism Friendly Communities

21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis

26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals

28:39 Resources and Future Plans

29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support

30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism

30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives

34:43 Mental Health and Autism

35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare

39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism

41:27 Financial Strain on Families

43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends

44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism

46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism

47:58 Genetics and Autism

48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+

51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy

53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress

54:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Nicola Culloty - Anxiety, Stress & Resilience Techniques

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode, Nicola shares her personal journey from being an anxious child and teacher to becoming a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explains the core principles of CBT and how it can help with anxiety, stress, low mood, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and more.

Nicola also discusses the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience, offering practical tips you can apply to everyday life. Whether you’re managing daily stressors, navigating parenting, or seeking strategies for better mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.

Key Topics:

Understanding CBT and its real-life benefits
Managing anxiety, stress, and low mood
CBT strategies for menopause symptoms
Parenting tips, including parent-led CBT for children
Resilience, self-care, and mindfulness techniques

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Nicola

00:06 – Understanding CBT: Basics and Personal Experiences

02:18 – From Teacher to Therapist: Nicola’s Journey

06:00 – CBT Applications: Anxiety, Parenting, and More

06:37 – CBT for Menopause: Managing Symptoms and Strategies

09:13 – Techniques for Brain Health and Cognitive Function

12:33 – Practical CBT Techniques for Everyday Challenges

22:20 – Managing Sleep and Pain with CBT

34:57 – Addressing Libido and Relationship Dynamics

38:04 – Balancing Life’s Demands

38:50 – The Importance of Self-Care

39:52 – Navigating Relationships and Communication

43:48 – Understanding CBT and Low Mood

50:56 – Parent-Led CBT for Children

57:17 – Addressing Bullying and Anxiety in Children

01:09:38 – Building Resilience and Authenticity

01:14:37 – Final Thoughts and Advice

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The Episode: Mary Ann Kenny's Story of Grief, Psychosis, and Recovery

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

What happens when grief collides with a broken mental health system? In this raw and powerful conversation, Mary Ann Kenny shares the devastating journey that began when her husband died suddenly, leaving her alone with two young children. What followed was unimaginable - a psychotic episode triggered by medication side effects that led to her hospitalisation and a harrowing fight to keep her children.

Mary Ann reveals with striking clarity how a single "false confession" made under duress transformed her from grieving mother to perceived threat, resulting in her children being placed on an at-risk register until adulthood. Her account of being questioned by teams of professionals without therapeutic support, experiencing severe physical suffering that went untreated, and fighting to reclaim her identity as a mother challenges everything we believe about mental healthcare.

What makes this conversation extraordinary is Mary Ann's ability to articulate her experience of psychosis from the inside - the delusional conviction of guilt she developed, her eventual recovery, and her painstaking work to understand what happened by obtaining her medical records. Beyond the trauma, this is ultimately a story of incredible resilience, as Marianne not only recovered but transformed her experience into her memoir "The Episode."

This discussion goes far beyond a personal story to expose critical gaps in mental healthcare and question how we support those experiencing psychosis. For anyone who has faced mental health challenges, supported someone through crisis, or simply believes in more compassionate care, Marianne's journey offers profound insights into the human capacity to shatter and rebuild. Her voice speaks not just for herself, but for countless others who haven't found the words to tell their stories.

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Owning My Body: Body Image, Aging & Self-Acceptance with Edwina Ings-Chambers

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Journalist and beauty editor Edwina Ings-Chambers shares her refreshingly honest take on body image and the concept of body ownership rather than confidence. She opens up about feeling she's never had full agency over her body, even when slim, and how menopause has brought both new challenges and unexpected freedom.

Key Points:

Why Edwina rejects “body neutrality” in favour of body ownership
Growing up with a critical, image-focused mother
Emotional eating vs exercise as coping strategies
Menopause changes: loss of body familiarity but newfound freedom
Working in fashion while battling body image issues
A lifelong love of vintage fashion and old Hollywood glamour
Career highlights at The Financial Times and beyond

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Numbers Behind the Diagnosis: How Cancer Data Shapes Our Future

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT