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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Miriam O’Callaghan opens up about the defining moments that shaped her life — from navigating high-pressure live television, to facing unimaginable personal loss, to raising eight children while working in the public eye.
Miriam speaks candidly about the ups and downs of her pregnancies and births, the chaos of live political debates, grief, resilience, menopause, and what it’s really like to live so much of her life under intense public scrutiny. She shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister and father within weeks of each other, her legal fight against an online scam using her name, and the grounding philosophies that have kept her centred through it all.
This episode is raw, emotional and filled with wisdom — a rare look at one of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, beyond the headlines and beyond the studio lights.
Why Miriam avoided writing her book, the emotional weight of telling her own story, and what finally pushed her to begin.
Behind the scenes of major political debates, on-air confrontations, and the mental load of broadcasting to millions.
Losing her sister at 33, losing her father shortly after, and how grief reshaped her perspective on life and motherhood.
Candid reflections on secondary infertility, complex pregnancies, motherhood, and letting go of perfection.
Why she advocates openly for hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen, and breaking the silence around women’s health.
How scammers used her name for years, how it affected her family, and what happened when she took Facebook to court — and won.
The philosophies that guide her relationships and keep her anchored through chaos.
• Life, Work, Everything — Miriam’s memoir (print & audiobook)
• Paul Read — the solicitor who represented Miriam in her Facebook/Meta scam case
• Holles Street Maternity Hospital & The Coombe
• Prof. Caher & Dr. Colm (Miriam’s obstetricians)
• Evorel Conti Patch & Vagifem (HRT mentioned)
• John Hume, Pantibliss (Rory O’Neill), Leo Varadkar, Tommy Tiernan, Roy Keane
• Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum & key cultural moments
• “Implacable courtesy” — Seamus Heaney’s advice
00:00 – Introduction & Miriam’s Early Career
06:50 – The Loss of Her Sister & Father
12:30 – Navigating Motherhood & Raising Eight Children
16:45 – Pregnancy Complications & Birth Stories
22:10 – Handling Pressure in Live Broadcasting
27:55 – The Haemorrhage During Pregnancy
34:40 – Surviving Public Scrutiny & Balancing Family
38:10 – The Facebook Scam & Taking Meta to Court
43:30 – Gratitude, Faith & Daily Grounding Rituals
48:20 – Reflections on Resilience & What Truly Matters
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation, Laura Dowling sits down with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan, better known as The Boobie Physio, to unpack the hidden physical and emotional impact of breast weight on women’s lives.
From posture and pain to sport, confidence, and hormonal changes, Siobhan reveals why so many women — regardless of cup size — are living with discomfort that’s completely preventable. She explains the science behind breast support, the myths around bra sizing, and how simple changes in alignment can boost everything from performance to self-esteem.
This episode is part education, part revelation — and it might just change how you think about your body forever.
00:00 – Introduction: Who is The Booby Physio?
02:00 – Why posture still matters (and how gravity works against us)
06:00 – Bone health, hormones, and how movement can prevent osteoporosis
09:00 – The hidden weight women carry: breast movement in three planes
13:00 – How breast pain and embarrassment push teenage girls out of sport
17:00 – The psychology of confidence and body awareness
23:00 – Why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size
29:00 – How outdated measuring methods are still being used
35:00 – The physics of breast support: posture, shape, and comfort
43:00 – How to actually fit a bra properly — and why black ones feel tighter
49:00 – Caring for your bras: resting elastic, avoiding fabric softener
55:00 – Asymmetry, teabag tits, and why most lingerie models are wrong
1:00:00 – Why wired bras aren’t the enemy
1:05:00 – The link between back pain, confidence, and breast support
1:10:00 – How the right bra can literally improve your performance
1:15:00 – Final takeaways: lifting women up — physically and emotionally
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura for a funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it was really like being one of the few women in stand-up when she started out.
She talks about the early days of breaking through in a male-dominated industry, finding her own voice, the reality of long-term relationships, raising kids in the age of WhatsApp chaos, and using humour to get through tough times.
This is a brilliant mix of personal stories, cultural insight and big laughs.
00:00 — Pre-chat & setup: A warm, relaxed start as Laura and Deirdre banter about microphones, lighting, and jawlines.
04:00 — Wild beginnings: Boarding school, being part of “the bold gang,” and discovering performance through impersonating teachers and nuns.
06:00 — Acting vs. stand-up: Early love-hate relationship with stand-up and what made it so tough starting out.
08:20 — Women in comedy: Audience groans, breaking barriers, and how social media helped shift the landscape.
11:00 — Self-censorship: Why she avoided certain topics early on — and how that’s changed.
14:00 — Touring life: What it’s really like on the road as a comic, from long drives to late nights.
17:00 — Irish vs. UK audiences: How humour translates across borders and why Irish audiences are special.
20:00 — Long-term relationships: Honest reflections on discomfort, denial, and doing the work over decades together.
23:00 — Expectations in love: Balancing domestic reality with romantic ideals — and keeping individuality.
27:30 — The Magdalene Laundries bit: Taking on a taboo topic and walking a fine line between darkness and humour.
30:00 — Phone bans and stand-up: How comics protect their material from leaking online.
33:00 — Comedy as a lifeline: How stand-up kept her family afloat when her husband was ill.
36:00 — Motherhood & identity: Returning to stand-up after kids and why motherhood fuelled her next show.
43:00 — Modern motherhood rant: Emails, WhatsApp groups, class reps, and why it’s all too much.
48:00 — Quick fire: Worst gig ever, sharing the stage, favourite punchlines, and industry reflections.
53:00 — Politics & culture: A candid take on the current Irish political climate and cultural shifts.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this powerful episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura sits down with advanced nurse practitioner and child psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet to unpack what’s really going on for teenagers today.
From self-harm and emotional dysregulation to ADHD, anxiety, and the pressure of living in an overwhelming world, Dearbhla brings deep professional insight — and a lot of heart — to the conversation.
This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand and support young people.
00:00 — “There’s no such thing as normal” — Why we need to rethink mental health
02:05 — Why so many young people are struggling today
03:30 — Understanding self-harm and emotional overwhelm
05:45 — Getting into CAMHS: criteria, challenges & real experiences
08:00 — Girls vs boys: how ADHD can present differently
10:00 — What anxiety really feels like for young people
12:00 — Accessing services: what parents can do while waiting for support
13:45 — How to teach emotional regulation (and why “fixing” doesn’t work)
17:00 — What’s really behind teen anger and emotional outbursts
23:00 — “Be the lighthouse, not the anchor” — A powerful parenting metaphor
29:00 — Why ADHD medication isn’t a quick fix (finding the sweet spot)
36:00 — Tools like ear loops & OT support that can make a difference
40:00 — Motivation struggles in teens with ADD/ADHD
42:00 — How to respond if your child shares or writes about dark thoughts
44:00 — The emotional weight of the world on young people
47:00 — How to find a qualified therapist you can trust
50:00 — Why therapist fit matters more than people think
53:00 — Misconceptions around “lack of empathy” in young people
55:00 — Sextortion & online risks: what parents need to know
58:00 — Final reflections: why connection is everything
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey
01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation
02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections
07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System
11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine
32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care
36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment
36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials
39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement
41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare
42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy
44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change
46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription
52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic
55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations
57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's
01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life
01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness
01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence
01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of Life
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.
Timestamps
00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction
00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards
00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise
01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison
02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun
02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing
03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back
04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days
06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact
08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates
10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy
12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants
13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives
15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding
18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs
24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens
31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece
34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey
41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford
44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery
48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality
54:46 – Advice for Young People
55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care.
This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves.
04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey
04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change
05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots
07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness
09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness
13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges
14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences
16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma
17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions
18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation
19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul
21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion
24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul
35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System
36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion
37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating
39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating
44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work
48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods
01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself
01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and Peace
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.
02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science
03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing
04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan
06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect
09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection
11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span
16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health
24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits
31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity
34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health
39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research
47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity
59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats
1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change
1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs
1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of life
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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In this episode, Laura welcomes Melissah, whose daughter Evie has Down Syndrome. Melissa shares her personal journey from pregnancy and the unexpected postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis, to raising Evie and balancing life as a mother of three. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and education about Down Syndrome, including Melissah's efforts through the annual Purple Run fundraiser. The discussion covers various aspects of Evie's life, from her rapid birth and initial health challenges to her school experience and relationship with her sisters. Melissa also discusses societal perceptions, the importance of inclusive language, and her hopes for Evie's future. Listeners are encouraged to support the Purple Run and Down Syndrome Ireland, organisations that have played a significant role in Melissah's journey.
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Melissa
03:24 Discussing Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraiser
04:59 Melissa’s Journey to Motherhood
05:40 Evie’s Birth and Diagnosis
09:48 Adjusting to Life with Down Syndrome
12:14 Evie’s Development and Family Dynamics
15:10 Navigating Education and Services
21:07 Language Sensitivity and Advocacy
24:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome
25:06 Community Support and Public Perception
26:25 Future Concerns and Independence
27:20 Educational Talks and Menopause Awareness
32:14 Fundraising and Support Services
35:08 Daily Life and Personal Stories
42:17 Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Keith Walsh is a broadcaster, writer, actor and mental heath advocate. We discuss how he self medicated with drugs, alcohol, exercise and food restriction until a diagnosis in his late forties of ADHD and autism.
We chat about his childhood trauma his mental health struggles and advocacy and how he is ok with having no friends.
This is a podcast for anyone who has ADHD or suspects that they or a loved one has ADHD. It is a podcast that shows you there is hope and light and love for us all. This is a podcast for anyone who is searching for something, but are unsure what that something is.
Keith has an upcoming show, Kinda Mental on Saturday April 22nd 2023 in the Whale theatre in Greystones. You should check it out!
The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX. A unique formulation of premium grade botanicals- ashwagandha, L-theanine from green tea, chamomile and melissa. These were blended together with magnesium and B vitamins for a less stressful day and a more restful sleep. Non-sedating and non-addictive. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com. Available on www.fabuwellness.com and pharmacies and healthfood stores nationwide.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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I’m taking a two-week break from the podcast to complete my new book, 'Love Your Vulva', and its audiobook, which will be released on September 23rd. In the meantime, explore the podcast archives with 133 episodes on topics like menopause, ADHD, sexual wellness, cardiology, physiotherapy, and more. For new listeners, I encourage you to start from the beginning to catch some great episodes. I'll be back with a new episode on September 11th. Stay fabulous!
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.
Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming
03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis
04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life
06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education
09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy
11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work
13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness
15:24 Autism Friendly Communities
21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis
26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals
28:39 Resources and Future Plans
29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support
30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism
30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives
34:43 Mental Health and Autism
35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare
39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism
41:27 Financial Strain on Families
43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends
44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism
46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism
47:58 Genetics and Autism
48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+
51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy
53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress
54:12 Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Episode Description:
In this inspiring episode, Nicola shares her personal journey from being an anxious child and teacher to becoming a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explains the core principles of CBT and how it can help with anxiety, stress, low mood, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and more.
Nicola also discusses the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience, offering practical tips you can apply to everyday life. Whether you’re managing daily stressors, navigating parenting, or seeking strategies for better mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Key Topics:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Nicola
00:06 – Understanding CBT: Basics and Personal Experiences
02:18 – From Teacher to Therapist: Nicola’s Journey
06:00 – CBT Applications: Anxiety, Parenting, and More
06:37 – CBT for Menopause: Managing Symptoms and Strategies
09:13 – Techniques for Brain Health and Cognitive Function
12:33 – Practical CBT Techniques for Everyday Challenges
22:20 – Managing Sleep and Pain with CBT
34:57 – Addressing Libido and Relationship Dynamics
38:04 – Balancing Life’s Demands
38:50 – The Importance of Self-Care
39:52 – Navigating Relationships and Communication
43:48 – Understanding CBT and Low Mood
50:56 – Parent-Led CBT for Children
57:17 – Addressing Bullying and Anxiety in Children
01:09:38 – Building Resilience and Authenticity
01:14:37 – Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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What happens when grief collides with a broken mental health system? In this raw and powerful conversation, Mary Ann Kenny shares the devastating journey that began when her husband died suddenly, leaving her alone with two young children. What followed was unimaginable - a psychotic episode triggered by medication side effects that led to her hospitalisation and a harrowing fight to keep her children.
Mary Ann reveals with striking clarity how a single "false confession" made under duress transformed her from grieving mother to perceived threat, resulting in her children being placed on an at-risk register until adulthood. Her account of being questioned by teams of professionals without therapeutic support, experiencing severe physical suffering that went untreated, and fighting to reclaim her identity as a mother challenges everything we believe about mental healthcare.
What makes this conversation extraordinary is Mary Ann's ability to articulate her experience of psychosis from the inside - the delusional conviction of guilt she developed, her eventual recovery, and her painstaking work to understand what happened by obtaining her medical records. Beyond the trauma, this is ultimately a story of incredible resilience, as Marianne not only recovered but transformed her experience into her memoir "The Episode."
This discussion goes far beyond a personal story to expose critical gaps in mental healthcare and question how we support those experiencing psychosis. For anyone who has faced mental health challenges, supported someone through crisis, or simply believes in more compassionate care, Marianne's journey offers profound insights into the human capacity to shatter and rebuild. Her voice speaks not just for herself, but for countless others who haven't found the words to tell their stories.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Journalist and beauty editor Edwina Ings-Chambers shares her refreshingly honest take on body image and the concept of body ownership rather than confidence. She opens up about feeling she's never had full agency over her body, even when slim, and how menopause has brought both new challenges and unexpected freedom.
Key Points:
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
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Cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in Ireland, yet our mortality rates are falling faster than anywhere else in Europe. What's driving this paradox? Professor Deirdre Murray, Director of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, pulls back the curtain on how cancer data is transforming healthcare in this country.
Every year, the Registry captures data on approximately 24,000 new invasive cancer cases, plus 11,000 skin cancers. While this might sound alarming, Murray explains how this comprehensive collection method actually provides Ireland with more accurate statistics compared to countries that only sample portions of their population. The registry tracks three vital metrics: incidence rates, mortality figures, and survival statistics – all essential for effective cancer control.
The conversation takes fascinating turns through Ireland's screening programmes, where cervical screening has already begun reducing cancer incidence, and the revolutionary impact of the HPV vaccine, which is projected to make cervical cancer a rare disease by 2040. Murray dismantles common misconceptions about cancer, explaining why most patients are over 60 despite media portrayals focusing on younger patients, and why early diagnosis remains so crucial: "The earlier you go to get things checked out, the earlier the stage you are diagnosed, the less treatment you're going to need."
Perhaps most striking is Murray's revelation about Ireland's technological challenges. Despite being a tech-literate nation, Ireland ranks last among 22 developed countries for health digital policy and data linkages. With over 800 different systems operating across our public health sector alone, the fragmentation prevents the seamless information flow that could transform cancer care. As Murray puts it, "My local Tesco knows more about me than my local hospital does."
Whether you're concerned about cancer risk factors, curious about screening programmes, or interested in how data shapes healthcare policy, this episode offers invaluable insights into the present and future of cancer control in Ireland. Listen now to understand the remarkable progress we've made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Natasha Langan, a chartered clinical psychologist and accredited psychosexual therapist, explores how childhood sexual abuse impacts intimacy, and how ADHD in women can increase vulnerability to traumatic relationships and sexual exploitation.
• Women with ADHD face higher rates of sexual victimization, unplanned pregnancies, and relationship dissatisfaction
• Trauma includes both major events (sexual assault) and smaller experiences that accumulate over time (public humiliation, feeling "different")
• Shame plays a central role in both ADHD and sexual trauma, creating beliefs that "something is wrong with me"
• Compassion-focused therapy helps address shame by understanding our "tricky brains" that evolved for survival, not happiness
• Vaginismus involves involuntary pelvic floor muscle spasms making penetration painful or impossible
• Women's pain has historically been dismissed by healthcare providers, creating barriers to proper treatment
• Sexual healing requires broadening ideas about what constitutes sex beyond penetration
• A multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, psychology, and sometimes medical care is most effective
• Sexual health is a fundamental human right that includes pleasure, not just prevention of STIs or pregnancy
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Navigating separation and divorce is emotionally charged and legally complex, requiring careful consideration of finances, children’s needs, and your own well-being throughout the process. Family law solicitor Hilary O’Connor offers clear guidance on managing this challenging life transition.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Darragh McCashin joins us to explore how the online world affects our boys' mental, emotional and social development, offering insights on navigating digital challenges while supporting healthy masculinity.
• Different responses to toxic online content: some boys consume and ignore, others parrot without understanding, some believe and embody, and some gradually adopt beliefs over time
• Research shows social media bans don't reduce overall usage—children simply "make up for lost time" outside restricted hours
• Critical digital literacy is more effective than restriction, teaching young people to recognize manipulation and question sources
• The term "toxic masculinity" can be counterproductive, potentially pathologizing boyhood itself
• "Pre-bunking" techniques can help children identify misinformation patterns before encountering them
• Open conversations about masculinity provide space for boys to develop healthy perspectives
• Screen time is less important than what it's replacing—sleep, physical activity, in-person social connections
• Collaborative approaches to setting digital boundaries work better than unilateral restrictions
• The psychological impact of digital communication patterns on Gen Z's workplace preferences and social interactions
• Prevention strategies for online harms must consider individual differences and family dynamics
Check out the Anti-Bullying Centre website and search "Masculinity Influencers" for free resources to help navigate these conversations with the young people in your life.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rereleasing this podcast as it was so popular and really demystified genital health!
Dr. Aisling Loy, consultant in genitourinary medicine, debunks common misconceptions about sexual health and provides practical advice on addressing genital concerns with compassion and expertise.
In this episode, we explore some of the most common myths and overlooked truths in vaginal and sexual health. From the misdiagnosis of chronic candida to the effects of grooming habits on vulval skin, we discuss how everyday routines can impact intimate wellbeing. We cover the sharp rise in STI rates among young women, the importance of HPV vaccination for both boys and girls, and why regular testing is essential, even when there are no symptoms. We also look at conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and herpes, and how changes in condom use are influencing infection rates, all through the lens of the vaginal microbiome.
Book your STI screening at guideclinic.ie or sticlinicdublin.ie. Home testing kits are available through SH24.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.