Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Topics covered: Adolescence, preteens, parenting, boundaries, connection, communication, friendships, resilience, smartphones, internet access, childhood development and growing independence. For this week's Real Take, I'm dipping into the Ready to Be Real archive and sharing an extract from a conversation I had with psychotherapist Richard Hogan in April 2025. Richard specialises in working with families and is the author of two brilliant books, Parenting the Screenager and Home Is Where the Start Is. He's also a father of three daughters, so he brings both his professional knowledge and personal experience to the conversation. As a Mom of a nine-year-old boy and an almost five-year-old girl, this is a subject that's very close to my heart. So far, we've managed to avoid introducing personal smart devices (to our kids!) in our home, but I'm very conscious that there are challenges ahead as our children get older. In this extract, Richard talks about adolescence, the changes children experience as they grow, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with them through those years. He explains why boundaries are so important, shares some lovely personal stories about parenting his own daughters, and talks about helping children navigate friendships and the inevitable challenges of growing up. One of the things that really stayed with me was his advice around encouraging children to have wide friendship circles and plenty of interests and activities outside the online world. It's such an important reminder of the value of real-world connection and giving our children a strong foundation as they grow. Following on from my recent conversation with Mick Moran of Hotline.ie about protecting our children online, I thought this was a particularly relevant conversation to revisit. Listen to the full conversation Richard Hogan: Adolescence – Preteen and Teenager (April 2025) In the full conversation, we explore adolescence and the preteen years in much greater detail, including communication, parenting boundaries, friendships, healthy habits, masculinity, online influences, pornography and the importance of creating a safe and supportive home environment. Also highly recommended Mick Moran: Protecting Our Children Online (October 2026) More conversations from the Ready to Be Real archive Richard Hogan: Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers (January 2024) Debbie Cullinane: Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist (March 2024) Useful resources for parents CyberSafeKids An Irish charity offering research, education and practical advice to help children and parents navigate the online world more safely. https://www.cybersafekids.ie Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland A parent-led movement supporting families and school communities who want to delay access to smartphones and social media. https://smartphonefree.ie Webwise Ireland's online safety awareness centre, offering information and advice for parents, teachers and young people. https://www.webwise.ie If you found this conversation useful, please consider sharing it with another parent or someone who might benefit from hearing it. And if you're enjoying Ready to Be Real, following the podcast and leaving a rating or review really helps. Thanks so much, as always, for listening and for your support. Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Online safety, childhood, parenting, smartphones, social media, gaming, Roblox, algorithms, manipulation, digital autonomy, grooming, sextortion, exploitation, CSAM, pornography, harmful content, suicide, sharenting, digital literacy, boundaries, notifications, personal responsibility, screen time, peer pressure, parental responsibility, online reporting. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse material, sexual exploitation, grooming, sextortion, pornography, suicide and other disturbing subjects. It is intended for adult listeners and is not suitable for children. My guest in this episode is Mick Moran, CEO of Hotline.ie, Ireland's national reporting centre for suspected illegal online content, particularly child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He spent 34 years in An Garda Síochána before joining Hotline.ie. Recorded during the summer of 2026, this is a frank and, at times, deeply unsettling conversation about the online world we're living in and what it means for our children. A significant part of our conversation focuses on parenting. When should children get their first smartphone? Are we putting them at a disadvantage by delaying access to them? This isn't about judging parents or pretending there are easy answers. As a mother of two young kids, I'm very aware that many of these decisions are ahead of me too. And if this episode resonated with you, I suggest you listen to my conversations with psychotherapist Richard Hogan, in particular the one on Adolescence. Resources and support Hotline.ie - Irish Internet Hotline Ireland's national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously and confidentially report suspected illegal online content, especially child sexual abuse material. https://hotline.ie CyberSafeKids An Irish charity providing research, education and practical online safety resources for children, parents and schools. https://www.cybersafekids.ie Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland A parent-led movement supporting families and school communities who want to delay children's access to smartphones and social media. https://smartphonefree.ie Webwise Ireland's online safety awareness centre, offering information and educational resources on social media, gaming, cyberbullying, privacy and digital wellbeing. https://www.webwise.ie ISPCC / Childline Confidential support for children and young people, including those affected by harmful online experiences. https://www.ispcc.ie https://www.childline.ie Childline: 1800 66 66 66 (24-hour support). National Parents Council Advice, education and support for parents, including guidance on children's online safety and wellbeing. https://www.npc.ie Irish Safer Internet Centre Hotline.ie is a member of the Irish Safer Internet Centre alongside Webwise, ISPCC Childline and the National Parents Council. https://hotline.ie/safer-internet-centre/ The 4 Cs of online risk Mick refers to the CO:RE 4 Cs framework, which identifies four broad categories of online risk to children: Content - Exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate online material. Contact - Harmful interactions with others online, including grooming and unwanted contact. Conduct - Harmful online behaviour involving children, including cyberbullying, harassment and harmful peer interactions. Contract - Commercial and transactional risks, including scams, fraud, data exploitation and manipulative marketing. Books mentioned : The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt Explores the impact of smartphones, social media and changes in childhood on young people's mental health and development. The Amazing Generation - Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price A companion book aimed at children aged approximately 9-12, encouraging healthier relationships with technology and more freedom, connection and adventure in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, Majella O'Donnell shares her personal experience of the ten weeks she spent as an inpatient in St John of God Hospital in 2024, when she became seriously unwell with depression. She speaks about the fear and vulnerability she experienced, and she also discusses medication, treatment and the practical tools she learned during her time in hospital, including recognising anxiety, understanding her body's fight-or-flight response and finding ways to support herself. This is just one part of a much wider conversation. In the full episode....Majella O'Donnell: Completely Herself, we also explore her childhood, her first marriage, motherhood, meeting Daniel and their life together, and how she continues to manage her mental health today. Support and resources If you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out. You don't have to face it alone. Your GP is a good place to start, and the following organisations offer support in Ireland. Aware Support and information for people experiencing depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, and for their loved ones. Freephone: 1800 80 48 48 Available daily, 10am–10pm www.aware.ie Samaritans Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support, available 24 hours a day. Freephone: 116 123 www.samaritans.ie Text About It Free, confidential text support, available 24/7. Text HELLO to 50808 www.textaboutit.ie Pieta Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and those affected by suicide. 24-hour crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply) www.pieta.ie HSE Mental Health Services Information about mental health difficulties, treatment options and accessing support. www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ If you need urgent help : Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department. A note about medication and treatment : Majella shares her own experience of psychiatric care, including changes to medication during her hospital stay. This conversation reflects her personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak to your GP or treating clinician before making any changes to prescribed medication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Childhood, family, fear and safety, motherhood, relationships, depression, psychiatric care, medication, ADHD, breast cancer, mental health, identity, vulnerability, recovery, love, marriage and life with Daniel. My guest in this episode is mental health advocate and TV personality Majella O’Donnell, in what is her very first podcast conversation. Majella is a mother of two and grandmother of four, and she has been married to singer Daniel O’Donnell for almost 24 years. In this conversation, Majella speaks with extraordinary honesty about her life and, in particular, her experience of living with depression. She reflects on her childhood and in particular her relationship with her father, describing an upbringing in which she lived with fear and, as she now understands it, in an almost constant state of fight or flight. We talk about motherhood and the times she struggled, relationships, her cancer diagnosis, and the love, humour and independence at the heart of her marriage to Daniel. At the centre of our conversation is the severe depression Majella experienced and the ten weeks she spent as an inpatient in St John of God Hospital in 2024. She describes what it felt like when depression took away her ability to function and make even the simplest decisions and what led her to seek professional help. Majella also speaks openly about medication and the process, under medical care, of changing treatment and eventually finding a combination that worked for her. One of the striking things about her experience is that depression didn't only appear when life was difficult. She talks about becoming unwell at a time when she was happy, loved and grateful for the life she had...a powerful reminder that mental illness doesn't always have an obvious explanation. Today, Majella is in a much better place. She has a greater understanding of herself and what she needs to protect her mental health, and she is using her own experience to encourage more honest conversations about depression. This is a deeply personal conversation about childhood, fear, love, illness, identity, getting help and finding your way back to yourself. And above all, it's Majella...completely herself. A note on this episode : Majella discusses her personal experience of antidepressant medication. This is one person's lived experience and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about your own medication or treatment, please speak to your GP, psychiatrist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical guidance. Support and resources : If anything discussed in this episode affects you, support is available. Samaritans Ireland Freephone 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Email: jo@samaritans.ie Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text About It Free-text HELLO to 50808, 24 hours a day. A free, anonymous text service for anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis. Pieta Freephone 1800 247 247, 24 hours a day. Text HELP to 51444. Standard message rates may apply. Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and for those bereaved by suicide. Aware Freephone 1800 80 48 48, seven days a week, 10am-10pm. Information and support for people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood-related difficulties, as well as family and friends. HSE - Your Mental Health For information on mental health services and supports in Ireland, contact the Your Mental Health information line on 1800 111 888 or speak to your GP. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical assistance, call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Please reach out. You don't have to struggle alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short extract from my conversation with eco-builder and author Harrison Gardner, he talks about the systems we rely on every day, why convenience so often wins, and the value of having a backup when the systems we take for granted, don't work as expected. The full conversation, Harrison Gardner: How Prepared Are You?, is available now wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Housing, shelter, self-building, self-sufficiency, security, agency, sustainability, consumerism, capitalism, convenience, our reliance on systems, power cuts, extreme weather, energy, practical skills, DIY, community, climate change, preparedness and taking back control. Harrison Gardner is an eco-builder, author and broadcaster who lives in Co. Clare with his wife Erin and their two daughters, Inari (6) and Islita (3). Having spent more than 15 years designing and building conventional, sustainable and off-grid homes around the world, Harrison's work now centres on helping people develop the skills and confidence to become more capable and self-sufficient. He is the co-founder of Common Knowledge, a non-profit social enterprise based in the Burren that teaches practical skills for sustainable living, from building and DIY to growing food, making furniture and mending clothes. His latest book, Heat, Shelter, Water, Food: How to Be Ready for the Unexpected, looks at the basic systems we rely on every day and asks a simple but increasingly important question: what happens when those systems stop working? From storms and power cuts to food and water security, this conversation is ultimately about knowledge, skills and agency, and why becoming a little more capable can help us feel a lot more secure. Harrison also authored Build Your Own and Our Homes and presents RTÉ's Build Your Own Home. Find out more about Harrison and his work: HARRISON GARDNER And if this conversation resonated with you, you might also enjoy these episodes from the Ready to Be Real archive: Mark Boyle: The Moneyless Man Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics: The True Cost of Cheap Food Raeeka Yassaie: Climate in Crisis You'll find all three in the Ready to Be Real archive wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you enjoy this snippet, check out the full conversation with Kyla, anytime now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Gratitude, self-belief, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mother-daughter bond, coercive control, patriarchy, beauty standards, ageing, women’s cycles, strength training, healthy love, taking up space. This week’s guest is comedian and now author Kyla Cobbler. Kyla and I sat down in Galway just as her first book, 'Happy, Thank You, More, Please' was released. We talk about the five-word mantra that has stayed with her since she was 21, her difficult experience of school, the unwavering support of her Mom, and her journey towards trusting herself and taking up space. We also talk about coercive control, finding healthy love with her husband Simon, life under the patriarchy, beauty standards, ageing, honouring women’s cycles, strength training, and learning to appreciate the life you have while still being brave enough to ask for more. 'Happy, Thank You, More, Please' is out now, available in all good bookshops and as an audiobook and it is brilliant! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Rest, nervous system regulation, connection, guilt, awareness, balance, parenting, burnout, self compassion. For my final episode before the summer break, I'm joined by chartered clinical psychologist, author and psychology lecturer, Dr Malie Coyne. Why do so many of us find it so difficult to rest? Malie explores our relationship with rest and why, in a world that celebrates busyness, so many of us struggle to switch off. Malie lives in Galway with her husband, Pete, and their two daughters, Jessica (14) and Aimée (12) and she first joined me on the podcast during the pandemic, helping us navigate one of the most uncertain periods of our lives. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also like previous episodes with Dermot Whelan and Alana Kirk. As always, thank you for listening. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it. To connect with Malie : Dr. Malie Coyne | Clinical Psychologist, Author, Lecturer at NUI Galway She is the co-author for the 'A Lust For Life' primary and secondary wellbeing school programmes and is also on their mental health advisory panel. Book mentions : 'Love in, Love out : A compassionate approach to parenting your anxious child' Dr. Malie Coyne 'Rest is Resistance : Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim yoiur life' Tricia Hersey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet from my conversation with professional home organiser and founder of The Home Reset, Hazel Burton. Hazel explains why asking simple questions can be a game changer when it comes to reducing clutter and creating lasting organising habits at home. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll find my full conversation with Hazel Burton wherever you get your podcasts. To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie hazel@thehomereset.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Career change, decluttering, guilt, shame, organisation, consumerism, sustainability, sentimental items, children's toys, labelling, habits, letting go, mental wellbeing, calmer homes. This week's guest is professional home organiser Hazel Burton, founder of The Home Reset. Hazel lives in Dublin with her husband Conor and their two children, Fionn who's 12 and Izzy who's almost 10. Before setting up her own business, Hazel spent 17 years working in finance before following a very different path; one that's seen her help thousands of people transform not only their homes but, often, their lives too. In this conversation we explore why so many of us struggle to let go of our belongings, the emotional weight that clutter can carry, and how creating more space in our homes can often create more space in our minds. Hazel shares the questions we should ask ourselves before deciding what stays and what goes, how to tackle sentimental items without guilt, why labelling is one of her favourite organising tools, the organising product she believes every home should have, and her golden rules for creating systems that actually last. Whether you're planning a full house reset or simply looking for a little inspiration to tackle that overflowing drawer, there's something here for everyone. To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie hazel@thehomereset.ie Other mention : or myartbook.ie No mentions are ads. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy this conversation : Fiona Hayes : Wardrobe detox, style advice and upcycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Tragic death, complex grief, severe injuries, PTSD. This is my conversation with the incredible Zoe Holohan from March 2021. On the 23rd of July 2018, Zoe and her husband Brian were on their honeymoon when disaster struck. Wildfires swept through the seaside town of Mati in Greece where they were staying and claimed the lives of 102 people. She miraculously survived despite her extensive injuries, while Brian, unfortunately didn’t. In this conversation we hear how she and Brian met, what a wonderful man he was, their beautiful wedding day and how her life changed forever just a few days later, on their honeymoon. She also speaks about her Dad and the close friendship they had, and how his death 3 weeks after that terrible day in Greece was yet another trauma to have to come to terms with. This was by far one of the most moving conversations I’ve ever had, and I am in awe of Zoe’s courage, strength and resilience. Her book : ‘As the smoke clears : The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss and discovering a path to renewal.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Vulnerability, heritage, organic farming, biodiversity, food waste, value, climate, connection. This week's guest is Kenneth Keavey, co-founder of Green Earth Organics, one of Ireland's best-known organic farms. Kenneth holds a degree in science and a PhD in chemistry, and spent years working in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry before making a life-changing decision over twenty years ago. Together with his wife Jenny, he returned home to Galway to take over the family farm and build what has become Green Earth Organics; an organic farming enterprise that today employs more than 45 people and delivers fresh produce to homes all over Ireland. Last week Kenneth posted a heartfelt video on social media...at the height of the growing season, he spoke openly about the realities of running an organic farm, the challenges of producing healthy food in today's world and the uncertainty that so many Irish growers face. And the response to the video has been extraordinary. Green Earth Organics experienced its biggest week ever. While that's wonderful news, as Kenneth explains in this episode, one successful week isn't the answer. The bigger conversation is about creating a food system where local growers can thrive sustainably all year round. He shares his journey from Cambridge-trained chemist to organic farmer, explaining why he walked away from a successful science career to return to the land that had been in his family for generations. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, become more conscious consumers, and remember that every meal has a story behind it. To learn more about Kenneth, Jenny and the team, visit: Website: https://www.greenearthorganics.ie⁠ You can order their organic fruit and vegetable boxes, browse their produce and find out more about how they farm. Their farm shop is open every Saturday from 10am–5pm and they're also hosting their Sustainability Festival on Saturday, 12th September, celebrating sustainable food, farming and community. A note from me: This episode is not an ad for Green Earth Organics. I simply wanted to share a conversation that I believe raises important questions about food, farming, health and the future we are creating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No electricity. No hot water. The best sleep of her life. In this week's Real Take, taken from my recent conversation with public historian and author Lesley Bond, we explore what it was really like to spend six months living on the Great Blasket Island. Back in 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend (now husband) Gordon left their busy lives behind to become seasonal caretakers of the island. Together, they welcomed visitors, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and embraced a way of life shaped entirely by nature and the rhythms of the Atlantic. In this short excerpt, Lesley reflects on life without electricity or hot water, how the island dictated every decision they made, and why she slept more deeply than ever before. It's a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we slow down and reconnect with the world around us. Lesley's wonderful book, Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker, tells the full story of their unforgettable six months on the island and is well worth a read. If you enjoy this snippet, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Lesley, where we delve into the history of the Great Blasket, the practical realities of island life, heritage, community and the lasting impact those six months have had on her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: island life, living without modern comforts, heritage, community, postnatal depression, writing and healing. This week, I’m joined by public historian and author Lesley Bond. In 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend, (now husband) Gordon, left their busy lives behind to spend six months as caretakers on the Great Blasket Island, off the coast of Kerry. With no electricity or hot water, their days were shaped by the rhythms of the island and the unpredictability of the Atlantic. Together, they welcomed visitors from all over the world, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and became part of a small but special seasonal community. The Great Blasket was once home to a thriving Irish-speaking community and became renowned for its extraordinary literary tradition. The final residents left the island in 1953, but its stories, language and heritage live on. Lesley brings us behind the scenes of life as an island caretaker...from the practical realities of running a café without electricity and carrying out the daily housekeeping, to wild weather and the unexpected joy of sleeping more deeply than she ever had before. She also reflects on what it felt like to step away from the constant noise and distraction of modern life, how time seemed to move differently on the island and the lessons she carried home with her. Now living in Kildare with Gordon and their almost two-year-old son, Naoise, Lesley also speaks openly about experiencing postnatal depression and how revisiting her memories of the Great Blasket through writing became a source of comfort and escape during a difficult time. This is an immersive conversation about slowing down, connecting with nature and the places that stay with us long after we leave them and her beautiful book, 'Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker', captures the magic, challenges and everyday realities of those extraordinary six months and is well worth a read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : her upbringing, her late husband, grief, mourning, rebuilding her life, fostering, community, belonging and public service. This week, I'm joined by Helen Ogbu - Labour councillor, the newly elected Mayor of Galway, foster carer, life coach and PhD student. Helen made history this year by becoming Galway's first Mayor from a migrant background. But long before politics, her life had already taken her on an extraordinary journey. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Helen was one of eight children in a home where kindness, generosity and caring for others were simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences would later inspire her to become a foster carer, opening her home in Ireland to around 30 children over the years. Helen also shares the deeply personal story of meeting her late husband, Sunny Orji-Ogbu, a principled Nigerian politician who believed passionately that his country deserved honest, accountable leadership. As political tensions intensified, Helen became increasingly fearful for his safety. She moved to Ireland with their young daughter, ChiChi, hoping he would follow. Tragically, in 2010, Sunny was assassinated while returning home from a political meeting. Helen speaks with extraordinary honesty about navigating unimaginable grief, raising her daughter as a young widow, and slowly rebuilding her life in Galway. Today, alongside her work in public service, Helen holds a Master's degree in History and Diplomacy, is currently completing a PhD, and continues to champion community, inclusion and belonging in everything she does. Connect with Helen: Instagram: Helen Ogbu (@iamhelenogbu) • Instagram photos and videos Labour Party profile: Helen Ogbu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks Real Take from my conversation with musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic...he talks about the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition and why play is so good for our mental health. If you enjoyed this conversation, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full episode, where Aindrias speaks openly about his childhood, his relationship with his father, addiction and recovery, receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, reconnecting with nature and finding his way back to himself. Find Aindrias Website: https://www.aindrias.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownseanchai By the Light of the Silvery Moon tours Ireland from August. For tour dates and tickets, visit Aindrias' website or reach out to him on Instagram. If you're enjoying Ready to be Real, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might enjoy it too...it really helps the podcast reach more people. Go raibh míle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, nature, bardic storytelling, performing. My guest this week is musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic, who many of you will know online as 'Smalltown Seanchaí'. The son of the late writer and folklorist Eddie Stack, Aindrias grew up immersed in stories. But this conversation isn't simply about where he comes from, it's about the life he's lived. We talk about his childhood, his parents' separation, his struggles with alcohol and addiction, and what it has taken to reach 20 years of sobriety. He speaks openly about receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, his mental health, and how gardening, growing his own food and reconnecting with nature have become central to his wellbeing. And along the way, we explore the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition, the importance of play, creativity and finding flow. Please note: This episode contains personal experiences and opinions relating to ADHD, mental health, addiction and recovery. Any discussion around medication, herbs or other approaches reflects Aindrias' personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. To connect with Aindrias : Aindrias de Staic | Ireland's Musical Storyteller And on Instagram : Aindrias de Staic (@smalltownseanchai) • Instagram photos and videos Support : If anything discussed in this episode has affected you, or if you're struggling with your mental health or addiction, support is available. Ireland • Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) or visit www.samaritans.ie • Pieta – Call 1800 247 247, text HELP to 51444, or visit www.pieta.ie • Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland – www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie • HSE Mental Health Services – www.yourmentalhealth.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, Tara Rafter reflects on her mother's final days living with COPD and the heartbreak of saying goodbye to the woman who had been her anchor throughout life. If this excerpt resonates with you, I highly recommend listening to the full episode: Tara Rafter: Hypervigilance to Healing Growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence, she learned from a young age how to navigate uncertainty. Despite the difficulties her family faced, she speaks with remarkable compassion about both of her parents, who died far too young. And alongside her personal story, Tara brings the perspective of a Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and Executive Coach. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered include: Alcoholism, domestic violence, hypervigilance, compassion, motherhood, self-abandonment, being a carer, death and loss, grief, faith, spirituality, forgiveness, love, safety, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm, healing. This week I'm joined by Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Executive Coach and founder of The Navigation Coach, Tara Rafter. Tara lives in Mayo with her husband Kevin and their son Kai. In this deeply honest conversation, Tara shares the story of her childhood growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence. She speaks candidly about the hypervigilance she developed from a young age, the lasting impact those experiences had on her life, and the remarkable compassion she holds for her father despite the challenges her family faced. Tara's story is one of resilience, but also of love, forgiveness and understanding. She reflects on her relationship with both of her parents, who died far too young. Her father passed away at the age of 58, while her beloved mother, who was her anchor throughout life, lived with COPD for several years before she died. We also explore motherhood, self-abandonment, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm and what it means to truly feel safe in yourself. Alongside the more difficult chapters, this conversation is full of warmth and humour. Tara talks about her love of music and heading off to gigs on her own, her deep faith and the practices that have helped her navigate life's challenges. You can connect with Tara here: Website: thenavigationcoach.com Email: tara@thenavigationcoach.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Multiple sclerosis, childfree by choice, travel, freedom, simple living. This week, I sit down with author Susan Bennett to chat about her memoir, One Year. Susan and her husband Chris live in Antrim. After both receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just three days apart, they made a decision that would change the course of their lives. Years later, they packed up their much loved campervan, fondly known as Hans, and set off on an unforgettable journey through 17 countries across Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet I speak to online fitness coach and content creator Siobhán O'Hagan about being pregnant with her second child and her decision to become become a solo parent through IVF. Siobhán lives in Dublin with her daughter Cadhla, who will be 3 in August. At the time of recording, she was 15 weeks pregnant and she shares how she has found the experience so far and why she felt confident making such a significant life decision on her own. * If you're considering fertility treatment or have any questions about your own circumstances, please speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. To connect with Siobhán : Siobhan O'Hagan (@siobh.ohagan) • Instagram photos and videos The Self-Improvement Project | fitness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Building a career in the fitness industry, solo travel and the search for freedom, holotropic breathwork, solo motherhood through IVF, pregnancy and preparing for baby number two, navigating criticism and online trolling, the importance of family support and creating a life on your own terms. A quick note : If you're considering fertility treatment or have any questions about your own circumstances, please speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. This week on Ready to be Real, I'm joined by online fitness coach and content creator Siobhán O'Hagan. For more than a decade, Siobhán has worked in the fitness industry, building a successful online coaching business and sharing her life with a large audience online. But this conversation goes far beyond fitness. She speaks openly about her love of travel and adventure, living in places like Thailand and Bali and the importance of freedom and independence in her life. She reflects on discovering she was pregnant with her daughter Cadhla, becoming a single mother, and more recently making the decision to have a second child through IVF as a solo parent. At the time of recording, Siobhán was 15 weeks pregnant and shares how she has found the experience so far, the reactions she has received, and why she felt confident making such a significant life decision on her own. We also discuss the realities of sharing your life online, dealing with criticism and trolling, the role her parents play in supporting her, and the lessons she has learned through motherhood. This is an empowering conversation about trusting yourself, creating a life that feels right for you, and having the courage to make unconventional choices. We talk about : her career in fitness, pregnancy and early motherhood with Cadhla, solo pregnancy and IVF, trolling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson speaks about the most profound and heartbreaking experience of her life. During her pregnancy with her son Ciarán, Marie and her husband John received devastating news about his health. What followed was a journey marked by immense love and, ultimately, deep grief. If you'd like to hear the full conversation, Marie also speaks about life in the Navy and what the sea taught her about navigating life. It's available to listen to anytime now. And if anything discussed in this episode feels difficult or brings up emotions for you, please know that you are not alone. Support Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ireland Ireland helplines and hotlines Marie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now, and it's brilliant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : life in the Irish Navy, leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated environment, drug interdiction operations, UN peacekeeping missions, traumatic pregnancy, child loss, grief, motherhood, mental health and emotional wellbeing. (Please take care while listening, particularly if any of these topics feel sensitive or close to home.) This week, I speak to former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson. Marie lives in Tipperary with her husband John and their two daughters, Laoise and Muireann. Raised on a dairy farm as the eldest of six children, she went on to become one of the first women commissioned into the Irish Navy at a time when women had only recently been allowed into the service. Over a 21-year career, Marie served at sea and ashore in senior leadership roles and eventually became Commanding Officer of the LE Aoife. She was involved in major operations including a UN peacekeeping mission in Chad, the rescue of a Canadian submarine and a seven hundred and fifty million euro cocaine seizure during a high-stakes drug interdiction mission at sea. But behind the extraordinary career was profound personal heartbreak. In this conversation, Marie speaks openly and honestly about the devastating loss of her baby son Ciarán and how grief completely altered her understanding of strength and leadership. Marie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now and it's fantastic. Helplines : Ireland helplines and hotlines Support Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ireland You can connect with Marie on LinkedIn, Instagram or you can email her : marie@navmarleadership.ie And if this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone you think might connect with it and don’t forget to follow Ready to be Real so you don't miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Real Take, is a powerful moment from my recent conversation with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan. Katriona speaks about growing up feeling deeply unloved and the many ways she felt hungry in childhood. Despite experiencing extreme poverty, addiction, abuse and homelessness growing up, Katriona went on to completely transform her life. Today, she uses her voice, her position and her privilege to help lift others up and advocate for inclusion, opportunity and education. She also reflects on what helps her now, the importance of affirmations and learning how to value yourself with greater compassion. Born in Coventry to Irish parents, Katriona later moved to Dublin where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University, is married to Dave, has three sons; John, Seán and Tadhg and is also a proud grandmother. You can hear my full conversation with Katriona now on Ready to be Real, where we discuss body image, hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege, diet culture, life under patriarchy and Katriona’s powerful new book Hungry: A Biography of my Body. You can also listen back to our first conversation together from November 2023. Books: Poor Hungry: A Biography of my Body Follow Ready to be Real on Instagram: @readytoberealpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Body image, diet culture, good girl conditioning, life under patriarchy, poverty, trauma, hypervigilance, affirmations, self-belief, healing, ageing, motherhood, connection, privilege. In this episode I sit down once again with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author, the extraordinary Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan. When Katriona first joined the podcast in November 2023, her memoir Poor had been released and since then, the book has become a phenomenon; winning Biography of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, remaining in Ireland’s top-ten nonfiction chart for two years, being translated into seven languages and adapted into a sold-out stage production at Dublin’s Gate Theatre. Now Katriona is back to talk about her powerful new book 'Hungry: A Biography of my Body.' In this deeply honest conversation, Katriona reflects on growing up in the 80s and 90s and the culture of shame around women’s bodies and the lasting impact of extreme poverty. She also speaks about hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege and learning how to exist in your body with greater compassion. About Katriona: Born in Coventry to Irish parents, her early life was marked by poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancy and homelessness. In 1998 she moved to Dublin, where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and opportunity through education. She is married to Dave and has 3 sons: John, Seán and Tadhg and she's also a proud grandmother. Books: 'Poor' and 'Hungry: A Biography of my Body' Other related episodes include conversations with Sarah Nicole Landry and Mary Kate Slattery. Follow Ready to be Real on Instagram: @readytoberealpodcast Ready to be Real (@readytoberealpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s Real Take comes from a powerful conversation I recorded in October 2024 with photographer, filmmaker and activist Misan Harriman. Misan is Chair of cultural hub, the Southbank Centre, an ambassador for Save the Children, and one of the most compassionate and courageous voices speaking up about injustice and inequality in the world today. Through his photography, filmmaking and activism, he has consistently used his platform to amplify voices that are too often ignored; especially concerning children. Over the past number of weeks, Misan has been the target of what many believe is a deeply disturbing smear campaign by sections of the UK press. I stand with Misan. If you would like to support him, please consider adding your name to this Petition To listen to the full conversation with Misan from October 2024, search 'Misan Harriman: Bridge Building' wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Addiction, shame, awareness, compassion, recovery. In this week’s episode of Ready to Be Real, I speak to Dr. Brian Pennie - neuroscientist, podcast host and former heroin addict. I first met Brian back in 2020 when his memoir Bonus Time was released, and I remember being completely blown away by his honesty and insight. Since then, life has continued to evolve for Brian. He’s now living a very fulfilled life with his partner Natalie, continuing his work in neuroscience, delivering talks, hosting his own podcast and helping people better understand addiction, behaviour and recovery. Brian spent 15 years addicted to heroin before getting clean in October 2013. In this conversation, we explore addiction from both a neuroscience point of view and through Brian’s lived experience - what happens in the brain when addiction takes hold, why recovery can be so difficult, and what can genuinely help somebody who is struggling. Following on from last week’s conversation with Tony O’Reilly about gambling addiction, this feels like a really important companion episode. You can find Brian online BrianPennie.com – Change is Possible and through his podcast Change is Possible. And as always, thank you so much for supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and review Ready to Be Real wherever you get your podcasts - it really helps. Watch Brian's documentaries : Hooked: How Addiction Hijacks Your Brain - RTE Player Other episodes to listen to on addiction : Tony O'Reilly, Nikki Hayes and Gavin Meenan. Books : Bonus Time - A true story of surviving the worst and discovering the magic of every moment by Brian Pennie In the realm of hungry ghosts by Dr. Gabor Maté Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All Resources & Support If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone. Support links: Samaritans Ireland Ireland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take and in this snippet, Tony O’Reilly — co-author of the bestselling book 'Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All' — speaks about the point where his gambling addiction escalated into stealing €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager. It’s a shocking and deeply heartbreaking insight into the reality of gambling addiction and the lengths a person can go to when completely consumed by it. Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm. You can connect with him here: Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & Workshops Ireland is in the grip of a gambling crisis that many people still don’t fully recognise. Gambling addiction is insidious because it can remain hidden for years, devastating lives behind closed doors. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available and you are not alone. Resources & Support If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone. Support links: Extern Problem Gambling - Free Counselling for Problem Gambling Gamblers Anonymous Ireland Home - Cuan Mhuire Samaritans Ireland Ireland helplines and hotlines Follow the pod on Instagram @readytoberealpodcast To hear the full two-hour conversation with Tony O’Reilly, listen anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: insecurities, psychology of addiction, secrecy, manipulation, shame, suicide ideation, finding meaning. My first guest of this brand new season of Ready to be Real is someone I’ve wanted to sit down with since the podcast launched back in 2019. Tony O’Reilly is the co-author of the bestselling book Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All - the extraordinary true story of how a one pound bet in his early twenties spiralled into a devastating online gambling addiction that completely consumed his life. Over time, Tony gambled more than €10 million and stole €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager and ultimately losing almost everything: his job, his marriage, his peace of mind and very nearly, his life. But behind the sensational headlines is a real story. In this conversation, Tony speaks with extraordinary honesty about the psychology of addiction - the secrecy of online gambling, the lies, the manipulation, the fear and the chaos happening quietly behind closed doors - and the moments that still haunt him today. We also discuss recovery, accountability and understanding the “why” behind addiction, along with the enormous amount of work Tony has done on himself in recent years. He also shares how his teenage daughter has become his greatest motivation to stay on track and keep moving forward. This is a powerful and deeply important conversation about addiction, shame, and healing. Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm. You can connect with him here: Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & Workshops Resources & Support If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone. Support links: Extern Problem Gambling - Free Counselling for Problem Gambling Gamblers Anonymous Ireland Home - Cuan Mhuire Samaritans Ireland Ireland helplines and hotlines Book : Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All Documentaries : All bets are off/RTÉ All Bets Are Off Baz and Tony Finné/TG4 Finné Sr 2 Ep 2 Tony O'Reilly | TG4 | Súil Eile | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Mother and Baby home, adoption, grief, faith, taboo, shedding shame, transgenerational trauma, therapy, holotropic breathwork, motherhood, inner child healing, compassion. In the final episode of this season, I speak to psychotherapist Deirdre Nicole Hegarty, who shares her adoption story with us. Deirdre lives in Donegal with her husband Noel and their baby boy, Conall. She was adopted at three months old from a mother and baby home, into a loving family where her adoption was always known and spoken about openly. But as she grew older, and especially when she began searching for her birth parents, her story became more complex. What she discovered challenged her sense of identity in a profound way. Her birth parents were first cousins...something that carried deep layers of secrecy and shame. In this conversation, Deirdre speaks with great honesty about reconnecting with her birth parents, the emotional impact of those connections, and the confusion and trauma that unfolded. She also shares the work that has helped her make sense of her experience, particularly inner child healing, and how she’s come to understand the impact of transgenerational trauma, and the importance of breaking patterns and releasing shame. This is a deeply personal conversation, and I’m really grateful to her for sharing it so openly. To connect with Deirdre : Email: slanudeirdrehegarty@gmail.com Instagram: @slanu_deirdrehegarty * This is the final episode of this season, but I’ll be back with a new batch of conversations on the 8th of May. In the meantime, you can dive into the archive and listen to over 200 episodes anytime and thanks so much for listening to Ready to be Real. Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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