Real Health with Karl Henry
Irish Independent
One of the nation’s favourite health and wellness experts, Karl Henry brings an insightful weekly podcast to cut through the nonsense about health Dos and Don’ts. Every week Karl is joined by experts for valuable conversations on all things physical and mental health as well as and lifestyle tips to make health easy and accessible.
One of the nation’s favourite health and wellness experts, Karl Henry brings an insightful weekly podcast to cut through the nonsense about health Dos and Don’ts. Every week Karl is joined by experts for valuable conversations on all things physical and mental health as well as and lifestyle tips to make health easy and accessible.
How to change the story you tell yourself
Episodes
Navigation coach Tara Rafter joins Karl Henry to explore how our beliefs, thought patterns and past experiences shape the way we live. She explains how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back, why meaningful change takes practice and how small shifts in our thinking can transform our lives. They discuss the importance of understanding our values, building self-compassion and creating healthier relationships with technology and the people around us. Tara also shares practical ways to challenge old beliefs, step outside our comfort zones and make more time for what truly matters. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if getting older is not about losing things, but gaining confidence, freedom and a better understanding of yourself? Broadcaster Mary Kennedy joins Karl Henry to discuss her new book, Now You Are Wonderful, and why every stage of life has something to offer. They explore the freedom that can come with age, the importance of connection and community, and how to find balance, embrace change and let go of past regrets. Mary shares her thoughts on self acceptance, living in the moment and making the most of the years ahead. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Psychotherapist Colman Noctor joins Karl Henry to explore how social media fuels comparison, affects our self-worth and drives our need for validation. Drawing on his research into online sharing, he explains why likes and followers cannot replace genuine human connection. They discuss the pressure to present a perfect life online, the impact on young people and how to build a healthier relationship with technology by living in the moment, spending less time comparing and making more time for real connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karl and JJ answer listener questions on starting at the gym, choosing between machines and free weights, and finding an exercise routine that works for you. They discuss getting back into exercise after having children, managing weight loss without quick fixes and why sustainable changes matter. They also share practical advice on protein, meal choices, walking, resistance training and finding forms of exercise you actually enjoy. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They discuss GLP 1 safety, drug interactions, supplement quality and the importance of speaking to your pharmacist. Tom shares practical advice on identifying misinformation, understanding what your body needs and making informed choices before spending money on products that may not benefit your health. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor John Nolan, director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, to explore the connection between nutrition, eye health and brain health. They discuss carotenoids, the role of colourful foods, and how targeted nutrition may support vision and cognitive function as we age. John also shares insights from his new documentary, A Vision for Vision, and explains what to look for when choosing supplements, including evidence, quality and batch testing. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by head physiotherapist and clinic owner at Rapid and founder of the Master's Program Ireland, Mike Murphy to explore the truth about posture, back pain and staying strong as we age. They discuss whether there really is such a thing as bad posture, how to improve your desk, car and phone setup, and why regular movement matters more than sitting perfectly. Mike shares practical advice on strengthening your back and neck, managing pain and building resilience for everyday life. They also explore why strength training is so important as we get older and why movement really is medicine. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor Peter Conlon, Clinical Lead of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, Clinical Lead, Consultant Nephrologist/ Renal Transplant Physician at Beaumont Hospital, to explain how organ donation works in Ireland. They discuss the opt out system, who can become a donor and what happens when a family is approached about donation. Professor Conlon explains how one donor can transform the lives of up to nine people, the realities of living kidney donation and the importance of family conversations. From the donation process to waiting lists and paired kidney exchange, they explore how a decision made in tragedy can give others a second chance. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions on sleep, weight loss and evening overeating. They discuss why becoming too focused on sleep tracker scores can actually make sleep harder, and share simple ways to improve sleep routines. Karl also explains stretch marks after weight loss and why gradual weight loss matters, before offering practical advice for managing evening hunger through protein, vegetables, snacks and meal timing. From hydration and fruit intake to consistent eating habits, the pair explore how small, sustainable changes can support better health without overcomplicating the basics. Why you can trust the Irish Independent See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We check our phones dozens, even hundreds, of times a day, often without realising how much they interrupt our attention. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Brendan Kelly, professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, explains why phones are so difficult to put down and the impact constant checking can have on concentration, stress and self esteem. He shares practical ways to build a healthier relationship with your phone, from switching off notifications and creating physical distance to keeping phones out of the bedroom. He also explains why small, sustainable changes are more effective than dramatic digital detoxes. https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, food can become a source of confusion, with endless advice online about what to eat and what to avoid. This week on The Real Health podcast, oncology nurse and nutritional therapist Marilla Healy explains how nutrition can support the body through treatment, from maintaining muscle and strength to managing nausea and poor appetite. She looks at why there is no single anti-cancer diet, the importance of variety and protein, and how small changes can make every mouthful count when eating becomes difficult. She also explains why nutrition should support, not replace, your oncology treatment plan. https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Millions of us now use smartwatches to track our sleep, heart rate, fitness and recovery, but how accurate is all that information? This week on The Real Health podcast, Dr Joe Warne from Technological University Dublin explains which measurements we can rely on and where wearable technology falls short. He looks at the growing obsession with health data, why sleep trackers may cause anxiety, and whether more information actually makes us healthier. He also shares the simple metrics worth paying attention to and why sometimes the best guide to your health is listening to your own body. https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of us hope to stay healthy as we get older, but few of us think about the small choices we make today that shape our future. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl explores what it really means to age well and why it's never too early to start investing in your long-term health. He discusses the importance of strength, movement, nutrition, social connection and tracking your health, while sharing simple, practical habits that can help you stay independent, active and well for longer. It's an inspiring conversation about adding life to your years, not just years to your life. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of us never think about how we go to the toilet until something goes wrong. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl is joined by pelvic and digestive health physiotherapist Clare Bourne to discuss what a healthy bowel movement should look like and why so many people unknowingly develop poor toilet habits. They explore constipation, straining, toilet posture, pelvic floor health, and the everyday changes that can make bowel movements easier, healthier, and more comfortable. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl answers your health questions in another Karl's Questions episode. Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Karl on this week’s episode. He explains why very low-calorie diets rarely work in the long term, how to exercise safely during hot weather, the simple health numbers everyone should be tracking, and the best way to reduce your caffeine intake without feeling miserable. From smarter weight loss to better sleep and building healthier habits, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using today. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many of us think liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, but the reality is far more complex. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Debbie Shawcross, Professor of Hepatology and Chronic Liver Failure at King's College London, explains how binge drinking, excess weight and everyday habits can silently damage the liver long before symptoms appear. She shares what counts as binge drinking, the difference between alcohol related and metabolic fatty liver disease, when to seek a liver check, and the simple changes that can help protect your liver for years to come. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We spend so much of life chasing happiness, but are we looking in the wrong places? On this week's episode of The Real Health podcast, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian Robertsonexplains why money, status and success rarely bring lasting fulfilment, and why purpose, relationships and helping others are far more powerful. He also explores the impact of loneliness, social media and technology on our wellbeing, and shares practical ways to feel happier every day. As Professor Robertson says, "Unquenchable appetites make you unhappy." https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media. We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood and motivation, the value of moving more rather than less with age, and simple ways to improve eating habits without calorie counting. We discuss why slowing down eating, using portion plates, and building strength training into weekly routines can improve long term health. The conversation also tackles cardio myths, core training misconceptions, and what really matters for fat loss and ageing well. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Healthy skin is about far more than appearance, but many people are still confused by skincare trends and conflicting advice. On this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast, consultant dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman explains why there is no such thing as a safe tan, the importance of applying enough sunblock, and the warning signs of skin cancer that should never be ignored. One point that stood out was her advice on sun protection. Dr Coleman says, “The quantity of the product is what matters.” She also shares why over washing can damage the skin and the simple checks everyone should do to spot suspicious changes early. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health. While much of the conversation around nutrition focuses on weight loss, Orla explains why metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat deserve far more attention. We explore the impact of refined carbohydrates, fibre, cholesterol and blood pressure, and discuss why small daily habits around movement, sleep, strength training and nutrition can have a lasting effect on health as we age. Orla also shares practical advice for reducing health risks without relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues for lifelong health. While many of us associate muscle with strength or appearance, it also plays a crucial role in mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing. Professor Jakeman explains why we begin to lose muscle from our thirties onwards, how this affects our health as we age, and the practical steps we can take through exercise and nutrition to stay stronger, healthier and more independent for longer. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, injuries, sleep disruption, mental health, and long-term disease risk. Dr Luke also reflects on his pioneering work in clubbing medicine and how festival health services in Ireland have dramatically improved over the years. Why you can trust the Irish Independent We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress and overall wellbeing. As the cost of living continues to rise, financial pressure is affecting sleep, mental health and everyday decision making. John explains why financial health is a key pillar of overall wellbeing, the simple budgeting mistakes people make, and how better financial literacy can help people feel more confident, secure and in control of their future. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and convenience. Why you can Trust the Irish Independent: Learn about Editorial Guidelines and AI Use We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is protein powder safe for a 16-year-old starting the gym? On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, Karl Henry sits down with Dr John Loy, consultant bariatric surgeon, to explore the science behind weight gain. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast to cut through the noise around gut health, social media and modern diets. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Orla Drumgoole, author of Irish Mammy Cooks, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Caoimhe de Fréin, life design coach, joins Karl Henry on this week's episode of The Real Health podcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Rebecca Quin to explore how phobias develop and why they persist. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by nutritionist and bestselling author Rhiannon Lambert to discuss her new book The Fibre Formula. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by Dr David Coleman, clinical psychologist, adjunct associate professor in the School of Psychology at UCD and author of the new book Fear Less. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eoin McGee, financial advisor and author of his new book How To Achieve Financial Freedom, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of Real Health Podcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Motty Varghese, respiratory and sleep physiologist, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of Real Health. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Ronan Collins, HSE Lead at the National Stroke programme, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Martina Blake, national lead for the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland program, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. For those affected by vaping the HSE website Vaping and Young People which covers signs of vaping, if your child vapes, how to quit vaping, nicotine pouches (snus), if you want to report vaping issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aimee Donnellan, Reuters columnist and author of Off the Scales: The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Race to Cure Obesity, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eunice Power, chef, entrepreneur and author of My Irish Kitchen Table, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor David Keegan, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Mater Private Hospitals and Clinical Director for Diabetic RetinaScreen, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lorraine Cooney, gut health and IBS dietitian at Blackrock Health and author, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Annmarie O’Connor, author, fashion editor and Parkinson’s advocate, joins Karl Henry to discuss her memoir Twitch: My life with Parkinson’s on this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things life satisfaction in our January Reset series. Tara Rafter, AKA The Navigation Coach and award-winning master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things self-talk in our January Reset series. Gerry Hussey, performance coach and best-selling author joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things finances in our January Reset series. Financial planner from Castle Capital Limited, Leah McMahon, joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things first aid in our January Reset series. Sarah Kearns, registered nurse and First Aid instructor, joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things nutrition and exercise in our January Reset series. Professor Donal O’Shea, HSE Lead for Obesity, joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things posture and back pain in our January Reset series. Jenny Branigan, chartered Physio and territory manager of parkrun Ireland joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode from the vault, Karl Henry discusses all things sleep in our January Reset series. Dr Máire Finn, GP with Centric Health in Ennis and female health expert joins Karl Henry on the Real Health podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
