In this special end-of-year episode of Beyond Money, Nick Charalambous, David Looney and Clíona O’Donoghue look back on the financial year just gone.From market movements and interest rates to pensions, property and everyday money habits, the team reflect on the biggest lessons of the year, what surprised them most, and the financial decisions that mattered. They also share practical takeaways for listeners heading into the year ahead, including what they’d do differently and what they’d carry forward.An honest, thoughtful review of the year in money, designed to help you reflect, reset and plan with confidence for what comes next
In this episode of Beyond Money Cliona O'Donoghue is joined by, Jen Bryan, performance marketer, global speaker and change-management expert to unpack what it takes to navigate change in business and in life.
Jen draws on years of experience helping organisations adapt to disruption and uncertainty. She talks about why change isn’t just a challenge to overcome, but a chance to grow, evolve and come out stronger. Expect honest conversation around leadership, mindset, resilience, and knowing when to adapt or pivot.
Whether you’re running a company, thinking of a career shift, or simply trying to future-proof your finances, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and real-world wisdom on thriving through change.
In this episode of Beyond Money, Cliona and Nick dive into the rising trend of cash stuffing — the budgeting method that’s making a big comeback despite our increasingly cashless world.
They break down how the system works, why so many people swear by it, and whether physically dividing your money into envelopes can genuinely transform your spending habits. From building discipline to avoiding impulse purchases, they explore the real benefits as well as the limitations, and who this method is best suited for.
If you’re looking for a simple, tangible way to take control of your finances, this episode offers practical insights to help you decide whether cash stuffing earns a place in your budgeting toolkit.
Available on all major streaming platforms.
This week on Beyond Money, Clíona O’Donoghue and David Looney explore an important but often overlooked topic: the gender pension gap.
Despite living longer on average, women in Ireland retire with significantly smaller pension pots than men. From career breaks and part-time work to the gender pay gap and financial confidence, Clíona and David discuss the key factors that contribute to this inequality and what can be done to change it.
They share practical insights on how women can take control of their financial future, start building long-term security, and close the gap for good.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants to understand why financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all and how small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.
In this spooky edition of Beyond Money, Cliona, Nick,and David sit down to share some of the most shocking, unforgettable, anddownright terrifying financial horror stories they’ve encountered. Frominvestment slip-ups to budgeting blunders, these real-life tales highlight justhow easily money decisions can go wrong and what you can do to avoid the samefate.
It’s not all doom and gloom though the team also breaks downthe key lessons behind each story, offering practical advice on how to makesmarter, safer financial moves.
Whether you’re a seasoned saver or just starting yourfinancial journey, this episode is your reminder that everyone makes mistakes it’swhat you learn from them that counts.
In this episode of Beyond Money, Alpha Wealth’s David Looney sits down with Adrianna Hegarty, founder and Managing Director of Hegarty Properties, to discuss the ever-evolving Irish property market and what really makes a home stand out.
With years of experience helping clients buy and sell homes across the world, Adrianna shares her expert advice on everything from staging and presentation to understanding market trends and maximising your property’s value.
Whether you’re thinking of selling, investing, or simply curious about what makes a property appealing in today’s market, this conversation offers valuable insights for homeowners and buyers alike.
In this episode of Beyond Money, Nick Charalambous and Cliona O'Donoghue dig into what’s expected in Budget 2026 and what it could mean for your wallet, family, and future. With rising costs for groceries, energy, and childcare putting pressure on households, the big question is: will this budget deliver meaningful relief or merely tread water?
Join us for a practical and honest discussion about navigating fiscal policy, inflation, and your personal finances in uncertain times.
Now available on Spotify and all major platforms.
In this episode of Beyond Money, we sit down with Alison Mac Sweeney, founder of BrandHive, to explore her inspiring journey from corporate retail and brand management to launching one of Ireland’s most exciting brand consultancies.
Alison shares how she transitioned from working with major Irish and UK retailers to starting BrandHive in 2020, helping nearly 40 Irish fashion and beauty brands go from concept to market in just three years. She talks about the do’s and don’ts of building a successful business, why product and customer experience are at the heart of everything she does, and how BrandHive is expanding into the UK market.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to bring a brand to life, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice.
In this episode of Beyond Money, host ClionaO’Donoghue sits down with Lucy Kenefick, founder of Obodo in Cork, to explorehow she made a powerful career pivot from corporate finance to building one ofthe most inclusive and coach led fitness communities in the region.
Lucy opens up about the moment she left behind herstructured corporate life to embrace her passion for health and fitness foundedon authentic connection and empowerment. She shares how Obodo delivers tailoredworkouts for all fitness levels, from their high-tech Revelate classes andconditioning sessions to CrossFit-style strength and mobility training, alldelivered through a supportive and encouraging community atmosphere.
Join us for an insightful episode filled with lessons onresilience, building belonging, and pursuing purpose driven change. Whetheryou're leading a creative venture or rethinking your career path, Lucy’sjourney will inspire you to lean into your values and craft a community centredapproach to success.
Tune in now on Spotify and all major platforms.
In this episode of Beyond Money, join Nick Charalambous and Cliona O’Donoghue as they speak with Dr Darya Yegorina, a globally recognised futurist, digital transformation strategist, and advocate for agile, future-ready leadership.
With over two decades at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business leadership, Darya brings a wealth of experience as a C-level executive, mentor, and keynote speaker. She has earned accolades such as Global Female Leader in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader, and recognition as a Top Thought Leader in AI and digital transformation.
In this conversation, Darya explores:
How AI, AR/VR, and future technologies are reshaping leadership and workforce dynamics
Building a mindset of continuous learning and resilience in times of disruption
Integrating innovation with inclusivity—especially in education and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) initiatives
The mindset needed to turn bold visions into real impact
Whether you're a leader curious about digital transformation or someone looking to anticipate future trends, this episode offers rich, forward-looking insights from one of the industry’s most visionary voices.
Tune in now on Spotify and all major platforms.
In this episode of Beyond Money, host Cliona O'Donoghuewelcome the creative team behind Cork’s premier content hub, Take Nine Studios.Listen in as we go behind the scenes with co-founders Leah Barbour and Kilian Brennan to explore their journey and unique approach to video, photo, and podcast production. Leah brings over eight years of content creation experienceand a passion for translating client vision into high-quality storytelling. Kilian contributes a wealth of industry expertise, crafting immersive visual narratives that elevate brands and talent. Together, they’ve built one of Munster’s most versatile and state-of-the-art studios, including a 1,200 sq ft space with the region’s only rentable cyclorama/infinity wall. Whether you’re a creative professional, entrepreneur, or aspiring content creator, this episode offers valuable insights into building a creative business from studio setup and storytelling to cultivating collaboration and innovation. Tune in now on Spotify and all major platforms to discover how Take Nine Studio brings imagination to life.
In this episode of the Beyond Money Podcast, hosts Nick Charalambous and Cliona O'Donoghue are joined by Louise Stokes, founder of the luxury Irish jewellery brand Loulerie. Louise shares her journey from working in New York’s fast-paced jewellery world to returning home and launching her own boutique business in Dublin.
She talks about what inspired her to start Loulerie, how she balances creativity with the demands of running a business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From staying true to your brand vision to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Louise offers honest and thoughtful insights into building a purpose-led brand.
Whether you’re a designer, business owner, or simply curious about what it takes to bring a creative idea to life, this episode is packed with inspiration.
In this episode of Beyond Money, join Nick Charalambous and Cliona O'Donoghue as they speak with Carrie McDermott, Principal Solicitor at MDM Solicitors. With a stellar legal career including leadership roles at major Irish firms, Carrie offers expert guidance on how to navigate complex legal areas impacting both life and business.Carrie specialises in commercial litigation and defence personal injury cases, working with insurers, lenders, professionals, and corporate clients. She brings clarity to topics like breach of contract, property disputes, debt recovery, professional indemnity, and navigating High Court and Commercial Court proceedings In a practical, client-focused chat, Carrie shares legal strategies that can protect your business, ensure personal compliance, and save you from costly mistakes. Whether you’re running a company or making big financial decisions, her insights offer peace of mind and informed planning.Tune in now on Spotify and all major platforms to get legal clarity for your financial journey.
In this episode of Beyond Money, Cliona O'Donoghue and David Looney are joined by Cliona O’Halloran, Programme Director at Agent4Change, to explore how sustainability isn’t just about the environment - it’s also about people, communities, and long-term inclusion.
With a deep background in education and equity, Cliona shares how she supports schools in creating sustainable, values-driven cultures that foster belonging and social justice. From empowering school leaders to challenging systemic inequality, her work highlights the role of sustainable thinking in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.
This conversation goes beyond financial wealth, it's about sustaining change that truly matters.
This week on Beyond Money, Cliona O’Donoghue and David Looney delve into the FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early—and what it means for your financial future. Inspired by a recent RTE feature, we unpack how savers are aiming to retire in their 30s or 40s through aggressive saving and smart investing. Cliona and David key discuss strategies including saving 50–70% (or more) of your income, eliminating debt and living frugally to supercharge savings.
Cliona and David explore the mindset required to pursue FIRE, how to safely structure withdrawal rates, and the potential downsides—like the high demands on lifestyle and discarding flexibility. Whether you’re intrigued or sceptical, this episode offers clear-eyed insights into this radical approach to wealth and retirement.
Tune in now on Spotify and all major streaming platforms
In this episode of Beyond Money, we’re joined by Shane Connole, Director at MMF Chartered Financial Planners and experienced financial advisor, to unpack the realities of buying property in Ireland today.
Shane shares expert insights on everything from securing a mortgage and managing rising interest rates to common mistakes first-time buyers should avoid. He also explores how your financial mindset can impact major decisions like homeownership—and why good planning is key to making confident, informed moves.
Whether you're thinking about getting on the property ladder or looking to refinance, this episode offers practical advice and clarity in a challenging market.
Now available on Spotify and all major platforms.
In this episode of Beyond Money, we sit down with Hazel Buckley, founder of The Yoga Tree Community, to explore her journey from yoga instructor to wellness entrepreneur. Hazel shares how she transformed her passion for yoga into a thriving online and in-studio community, offering over 500 themed yoga classes, meditation sessions, healthy recipes, and self-care workshops. theyogatree.ie
Hazel discusses the challenges and rewards of building a wellness brand, the importance of adaptability in business, and how she leveraged technology to expand her reach. She also delves into the inspiration behind her exclusive range of designer yoga mats, a project that combines functionality with artistic expression.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or someone seeking inspiration to follow your passion, Hazel's story offers valuable insights into building a purpose-driven business.
Now streaming on Spotify and all major platforms
n this episode of Beyond Money, we sit down with Kieran Guckian, a Dublin-born artist who transitioned from a career in tech to become a full-time landscape painter. Kieran shares how his early passion for ornithology and drawing birds led him to study Fine Art Painting at Crawford College of Art and Design. After years in the tech industry, a layoff in early 2023 became the catalyst for him to pursue his true calling in art.
Kieran discusses his approach to plein air painting, capturing the essence of the Irish landscape, and how his connection to nature influences his work. He also talks about reaching the finals in the 2025 series of Landscape Artist of the Year, where he painted iconic sites like Stonehenge.
Tune in to hear Kieran's inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion.
Now streaming on Spotify and all major platforms.
In this episode of Beyond Money, Cliona and Josh are joined by Ashling Bourke—columnist, investor, and self-confessed market enthusiast—to chat about her personal journey from total beginner to confident investor.
Ashling opens up about how she first dipped her toe into the world of investing with zero experience, what she’s learned along the way, and the mistakes and wins that shaped her growing passion for the markets. From getting over the fear of jargon to understanding the emotional ups and downs of investing, this episode is full of honest, relatable insights.
Whether you're new to investing or looking for a fresh perspective, Ashling’s story proves you don’t need a finance background to take control of your financial future—you just need to get started.
Available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
Taxes don’t have to be confusing. In this episode of Beyond Money, we’re joined by Mairéad O’Driscoll—better known as The Tax Nerd—to break down tax in a way that’s clear, practical, and even a little bit fun.
With her expertise as a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant, Mairéad shares essential tax tips for individuals and business owners, covering everything from smart tax-saving strategies to common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're self-employed, running a business, or just want to keep more of your hard-earned money, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Join hosts Nick Charalambous and Cliona O'Donoghue as they chat with Mairéad about making tax less daunting and more manageable.
Tune in now on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.