Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

In this special Oíche Shamhna Real Take, I'm revisiting a conversation I had this time last year with musician, broadcaster and academic Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. We spoke the day after I'd seen her perform her show The Cailleach at An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, in Galway. In this snippet, Doireann speaks about the significance of An Chailleach, an ancient female figure deeply rooted in Irish mythology and folklore. She shares stories of how An Chailleach shaped the landscape of Ireland and she sings the beautiful traditional song Éiníní. We talk about this liminal time of year, and Doireann reflects on growing up with a deep respect for an slua sí, the fairy folk, and the beliefs and traditions passed down through generations. There was a deep understanding and respect for an saol eile, the otherworld. It wasn't necessarily about seeing something, but simply knowing and trusting that it existed. And some lovely news from her! She's releasing her debut solo album, An Tairseach, and the song Éiníní, which you'll hear her sing in this episode, is also the opening track on the album. The album is available to pre-order, so do check out her music and support her work. Find Doireann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doireannnighlacain/ If you'd like to hear our full conversation, originally released on Oíche Shamhna 2025, you can find it here on Ready to Be Real. And for more on the origins and traditions of Samhain, you might also enjoy my chat with folklorist Dr Billy Mag Fhloinn. Bainigí sult as Oíche Shamhna! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Conscious parenting, raising daughters and sons, childhood conditioning, patriarchy, people-pleasing, strong-willed girls, self-worth, body image, modelling, boundaries, boys' emotional regulation, movement, masculinity, sexuality, pornography, online safety, social media, algorithms, the wellness industry, the psychology of more, connection and presence. My guest this week is (pinch me!) Dr. Shefali, a clinical psychologist, internationally recognised parenting expert and bestselling author whose work I've admired for many years. I was absolutely delighted to meet her in Ireland when she was here last week. Originally from Mumbai, India, she moved to the US at 21 and is now based in New York. She is mother to 23-year-old Maia and author of nine books, including The Conscious Parent (2010). Her latest books, Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons, explore childhood in a world shaped by technology and social media. And as a mother of a son and daughter, this conversation resonated deeply with me. We begin talking about conscious parenting: understanding our own conditioning and triggers rather than trying to control who our children become. With daughters, we explore the pressure to be "good girls", to please others and to silence their authentic voices. Dr. Shefali talks about raising our "dragons" - strong-willed girls who know their own minds - and why nurturing that independence is so valuable. We discuss self-worth, boundaries, body image and positive modelling. Then we turn to ​raising sons. Dr. Shefali discusses boys' need for movement and physical outlets, what happens when their feelings and energy are shamed, and how we help them develop into emotionally healthy men. We talk about sexuality, consent and pornography, and why parents must begin age-appropriate conversations before the internet does it for them. We also discuss the "psychology of more", the business of wellness and the pressure to keep improving ourselves. Above all, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to change, show up and reconnect with our kids. DR. SHEFALI - BOOKS AND COURSES Website and books: https://www.drshefali.com Courses: https://courses.drshefali.com Instagram: @doctorshefali The Talk 3.0 - masterclasses on consent, pornography and digital culture (29-30 October; replays included): https://courses.drshefali.com/thetalk Conscious Parenting & Life Coach certification: https://coaching.drshefali.com C​onscious Coaching Institute discount code: $500OFF SPECIAL THANKS To Jacqueline Kyne and the Kyne Foundation for helping to bring Dr. Shefali to Ireland and making this conversation possible. https://www.kynefoundation.org Other episodes worth listening to on Ready to be Real : Richard Hogan - Adolescence: Preteen and Teenager Mick Moran - Protecting Our Children Online USEFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS CyberSafeKids - Irish online safety education and advice: https://www.cybersafekids.ie Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland - helping families delay smartphones and social media: https://smartphonefree.ie If this resonates, please share it with another parent. And thanks, as always, for supporting Ready to Be Real. Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do we push ourselves to the point of exhaustion, trying to do everything and keep everyone happy? For this week's Real Take, I'm dipping into the Ready to Be Real archive to revisit a conversation I had with the brilliant midlife coach Alana Kirk back in April 2024. In this short extract, Alana shares a powerful example of how setting boundaries and making small changes can make a huge difference, not just to our own wellbeing, but to family life too. She also shares some wonderfully practical advice about knowing when to choose our sanity over our standards! This conversation really resonated with listeners when it first came out, and revisiting it reminded me just how much wisdom Alana has to offer. We've actually recorded three conversations together, and I'd highly recommend all three. Listen to the full conversations: Alana Kirk: Midlife Coach - April 2024 Our first conversation, where Alana shares her personal story, the challenges and changes she's experienced, and some wonderful insights into navigating midlife. Alana Kirk: The Practical, Invisible and Emotional Load - February 2025 A really important discussion about the invisible responsibilities women carry, overwhelm, expectations and how we can begin to change things. Alana Kirk: Friendships and Fun, Why They're Important! - March 2025 A gorgeous reminder of the importance of friendship, connection, making time for ourselves and having fun! A little note: Our first conversation was originally recorded in April 2024. During our chat, Alana speaks about caring for her father, who sadly passed away since we recorded. I just wanted to acknowledge that as we revisit this conversation. Connect with Alana: Website: https://www.alanakirk.com Instagram: @alanakirkcoach If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it. Thanks, as always, for listening and for your support. Go raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Family, childhood, emigration, love, fatherhood, masculinity, patriarchy, Palestine, empathy, apathy, humanity, community, collective action, LSD, anxiety, panic attacks, creativity and music. This week I'm joined by singer-songwriter, author and actor Declan O'Rourke. Originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, Declan grew up with his parents and three siblings. He spent part of his childhood in Australia, where the family lived for four years before returning to Ireland. By the time he turned 30, he had moved an incredible 27 times. Now 50, he's called Kinvara, County Galway, home for almost 20 years, with a special connection to the area ​on his mother's side. Family is central to his life​ and is a proud Dad to two sons: Jonah is 20 and Londubh is 8. In this conversation he recalls his three-day wedding celebration on Inishbofin with his wife Eime​ar. We explore what masculinity means to him, the expectations placed on men and the importance of challenging harmful patriarchal attitudes. Having experienced life as an immigrant, he reflects on the importance of empathy and our shared humanity. We discuss his longstanding support for Palestine, his frustration with apathy and his belief in the power of communities coming together. ​He also opens up about a frightening LSD (acid) experience at 19 and the years of fear, anxiety and panic attacks that followed. He explains why he kept his struggles to himself and how he eventually came to understand what was happening. We talk about his eighth studio album, Oceanic, out now and recorded in Sydney, Australia. We also touch on his music and novels exploring the Great Irish Famine, and his acting role in Almost With You. A self-confessed introvert, Declan loves the ​simple life: family, ​a bit of DIY, his dog, cat and chickens​ and he also dream​s of spending more time in Italy. MORE FROM DECLAN Music, Oceanic and tour dates: https://declanorourke.com His work on the Great Irish Famine: - Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine (2017) - album - The Pawnbroker's Reward (2021) - novel - A Whisper from Oblivion (2023) - novel Film: Almost With You (2026) - https://almostwithyou.com Book mentioned: Essential Help for Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes, which Declan found helpful in understanding anxiety and panic attacks. CONTENT NOTE & SUPPORT This conversation discusses LSD (acid), a distressing drug experience, anxiety and panic attacks. Declan's experience of coping alone is personal to him and is not advice to manage mental health difficulties without help. If anything resonates or feels distressing, please speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional. Support is available: - HSE Your Mental Health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/ | 1800 111 888 (24/7 information line) - Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/ | 116 123 (24/7) - Text About It: text HELLO to 50808 (24/7) - HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) You don't have to go through difficult times alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered: island life, ​living without modern comforts, heritage, community, ​postnatal depression, writing and healing. This week, I’m joined by public historian and author Lesley Bond. In 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend, ​(now husband​) Gordon, left their busy lives behind to spend six months as caretakers on the Great Blasket Island, off the coast of Kerry. With no electricity or hot water, their days were shaped by the rhythms of the island and the unpredictability of the Atlantic. Together, they welcomed visitors from all over the world, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and became part of a small but special seasonal community. The Great Blasket was once home to a thriving Irish-speaking community and became renowned for its extraordinary literary tradition. The final residents left the island in 1953, but its stories, language and heritage live on. Lesley brings us behind the scenes of life as an island caretaker​...from the practical realities of running a café without electricity and carrying out​ the daily housekeeping, to wild weather​ and the unexpected joy of sleeping more deeply than she ever had before. She also reflects on what it felt like to step away from the constant noise and distraction of modern life, how time seemed to move differently on the island and the lessons she carried home with her. Now living in Kildare with Gordon and their almost two-year-old son, Naoise, Lesley also speaks openly about experiencing postnatal depression and how revisiting her memories of the Great Blasket through writing became a source of comfort​ and escape during a difficult time. T ​ ​his is a​n immersive conversation about slowing down, connecting with nature and the places that stay with us long after we leave them​ and her beautiful book, ​ ​'Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker​', captures the magic, challenges and everyday realities of those extraordinary six months and is well worth a read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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