In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Collie Mac — a trail runner, explorer, and someone who truly lives for the outdoors.

Collie opens up about stepping away from alcohol, finding peace in the mountains, and how getting outside completely changed his outlook on life. We talk about early morning hikes, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and why those quiet moments in nature can be so powerful for the mind.

Known on Instagram as @colimac_explores, Collie uses social media to inspire others to simplify life, embrace adventure, and reconnect with the outdoors. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the answers we’re looking for aren’t found online — they’re found outside.

Today I sit down with my good friend Ciarán McIvor, the creator of Boxing Bants. Ciarán spent six years travelling around Ireland covering professional boxing, before stepping away to focus on a much deeper journey of self-discovery.

In this episode, we talk openly about mental health, ADHD, and the challenges of understanding yourself later in life. Ciarán shares how plant medicine shifted his entire perspective, how social media shaped his identity, and what it’s been like trying to find inner peace in a noisy world.

We also touch on his role as chairperson of the Deirdre Gogarty Statue Committee, how purpose can change a person, and why connection and community matter now more than ever.

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Andrew “Mo” Mowat for an honest chat about nature, balance, and the simple habits that support our mental health. Mo talks about the power of getting outdoors, embracing Ireland’s elements, and how practising gratitude helped him through tougher moments.

We also dive into reconnecting with your inner child, bringing more play into life, and learning to be kinder to yourself. It’s a conversation about slowing down, finding joy in the small things, and building consistency with the practices that keep us well.

Find Andrew on Instagram:

instagram.com/andrewmowattcoach

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend Paul Whelan, a talented singer-songwriter from Dublin. Paul opens up about his journey from the streets of Ringsend to the stage, sharing his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and how embracing sobriety has transformed his life.

Paul is also an avid sea dipper and an active member of Blue Balls Ireland, a men’s mental-health and cold-water community that has played a huge part in his recovery. Through open and heartfelt conversation, he reflects on the role of music, community connection, and cold-water therapy in helping him rebuild his life and rediscover his true self.

This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, second chances, and the strength that comes from vulnerability, creativity, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Find Paul on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/musicpaulwhelan

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Men’s Mental-Health Support Links

Blue Balls Ireland

https://www.instagram.com/blueballsireland

(Men’s mental health and cold-water dipping community)

HSE – Men’s Mental Health Supports (Ireland)

https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men

SpunOut – Men’s Mental Health Supports in Ireland

https://spunout.ie/mental-health/getting-help/mental-health-supports-for-men-in-ireland

Men’s Development Network (MDN)

https://mensnetwork.ie/counselling

Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI)

https://www.mhfi.org/resources/mental-health.html

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Jason Byrne, founder of Ballymun Running Club and Rise Above It. Jason’s journey from addiction to sobriety is nothing short of inspiring, and he now uses his experiences to uplift others.

We explore the ripple effect of recovery — how sobriety transforms not only individuals but whole communities. From the challenges and triumphs of staying sober to the importance of mental health and the joy of unlocking untapped potential, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community.

Find Jason here: https://www.instagram.com/jason_byrne1989?igsh=MTB0Z2dwd2sweHcwcg==

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dean Davis, a remarkable triathlete, coach, and endurance athlete. Dean has completed several full-distance Ironman races, achieved the incredible milestone of going sub-9.30 hours, and continues to inspire others through his dedication to sport and sobriety.

We dive into his journey of overcoming personal challenges, discovering the power of endurance sports in recovery, and the role of community support in achieving extraordinary goals. Dean’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and transformation — both on the course and in life.

Follow Dean on Instagram: @dtricoaching

I’m joined by my sister, Lisa Doolan, a well-being specialist, to explore how recovery transforms our relationships. We talk about codependency, building healthier connections with family, friends, and partners, and how the more we work on ourselves, the stronger our relationships become.

We also share the uplifting experience of seeing Robbie Williams sober, and the practical tools Lisa uses to keep well-being and balance at the center of life.

This is a conversation about healing, connection, and creating relationships that truly last.

Today I’m joined by my very good friend, Derek Sherry — a man with one of the best tans in Ireland and a story that’s even brighter. Derek’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and community. In the 80s and 90s, he was a familiar face on Dublin’s nightlife scene — but behind the music and mayhem, he was battling trauma, addiction, and depression. A few years ago, a crippling back injury nearly left him unable to move, yet today he’s training for his second Dublin Marathon. Derek is now three years sober, a proud member of Portmarnock’s Shelters Running Club, and a regular sea swimmer. In this episode, he shares how running, swimming, and the incredible community at The Shelters have played a vital role in his sobriety and in rebuilding a life full of purpose and healing

Fresh back from a weekend in Glasgow for a sober AA convention, I share stories from the trip — including a park run that ended with me being called a jobby by local winos. Between the laughs, I dig into emotional sobriety: how to ride out the ups and downs of long-term recovery, avoid getting lost in materialism, and build the kind of self-esteem that isn’t tied to superficial things. It’s about learning to sit comfortably in your own skin, finding what truly makes you feel alive, and remembering why sobriety is about so much more than just not drinking.

Today I was joined by my good friend Ronan Sharkey. Ronan was born with Cerebral Palsy and given just 48 hours to live. As a kid, he was told he’d never ride a bike or play sports, and was pushed toward special education. But Ronan didn’t let any of those labels stick. He fought through every barrier — physical, mental, and social — and today, he’s out conquering some of the toughest trail ultramarathons in Ireland and Backyard Ultras. He’s also a proud volunteer and regular runner with I.M.R.A., the Irish Mountain Running Association.

This chat is all about grit, resilience, and refusing to let others define your limits. Ronan's journey is not just inspiring — it's a reminder that with the right mindset, you can go far beyond what anyone thought was possible.

This is a short solo episode where I talk about the importance of taking action and not getting stuck in procrastination. I share my thoughts on how the past isn’t something to use to beat ourselves up — it’s there to guide us.

I also dive into how the struggles and hard times we go through can actually help us connect with others on a deeper level. They make us better communicators, better listeners, and better people overall.

If you’re on your own journey and trying to move forward, I hope this gives you a bit of a push.

In this episode, I talk about my experience doing the 14 Peaks Ultra and then walking the Camino de Santiago soon after. I share what both of these challenges taught me — about slowing down, gratitude, and being present.

I also chat about the importance of keeping good things in the toolbox. Life gets tough sometimes, and when it does, it helps to have healthy coping mechanisms to turn to. Whether it’s running, walking, connection, or just taking a moment to breathe — having the right tools makes all the difference.

Today I'm joined by I’m by Patrick-Joseph — founder of Breathe Trust Flow, facilitator of men’s circles and Moonstock gatherings, Wim Hof Method instructor, and a deeply grounded voice in the world of holistic healing. But before the breathwork, retreats, and spiritual leadership, there was a moment — standing in a room, looking down at the floorboards after another night of partying — when something shifted. That was the beginning of a journey inward.

We dive into Patrick’s powerful path from chaos to clarity, and how that moment led him to Muay Thai, men's work, and ultimately, to finding deep faith in God and Jesus. He shares how he now lives a life of service — helping others reconnect with their breath, their truth, and their Creator.

We explore everything from resistance to taking action, to demonic energies, to the power of stillness, and the practices that keep his spirit aligned — from cold water therapy and cacao ceremonies to plant medicine and prayer.

This is a raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual conversation about purpose, surrender, and the healing that comes when you stop running and start listening.

You can find out more about Patrick-Joseph’s upcoming events and workshops at:

https://www.instagram.com/breathetrustflow?igsh=b2szdWV0Y2FvbzJi

In this episode of The Sober Mess, I’m joined by Lisa Mullarney — a holistic life coach, spiritual guide, and passionate advocate for the sober lifestyle. Nearly 8 years sober, Lisa shares her powerful journey of transformation, healing, and self-discovery.

We dive into her early struggles with addiction, what led her to choose sobriety, and how that decision sparked a deeper journey into energy work, coaching, and helping others heal. Lisa speaks about the practices that keep her grounded today — from Sea Dips, to Retreats,  to mindfulness and spiritual self-care — and offers insight on how to reconnect with your true self.

This is a soulful, honest, and uplifting conversation about recovery, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path.

📸 Follow Lisa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lisamullarney?igsh=MW51d20yMXJ6ZTBnMw==

In this episode of The Sober Mess, I’m joined by my good friend Amy Cassidy — a brilliant stand-up comedian based in Dublin and an advocate for autism awareness. Amy shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 31, and how it helped her make sense of a lifetime of low energy, burnout, and emotional struggles that went unrecognised for years.

We dive into the challenges she faced growing up undiagnosed, the breakdown that led to her turning point, and how receiving the diagnosis transformed her life. Amy also talks about the tools that help her stay grounded today — from yoga and gratitude lists to embracing her neurodivergent identity with pride and humour.

This is a deeply honest and uplifting conversation about well-being, self-acceptance, and the healing power of being seen for who you truly are.

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Adult Autism Diagnosis in Ireland

https://www.adultautism.ie/

📸 Follow Amy Cassidy on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/amycassidycomedy/?hl=en