During the pandemic I created a community on Instagram called Grief Ireland. It was following the death of my sister Elaine and her husband Pa. I found Grief to be still a taboo subject, unspoken, and a topic that not many wanted to discuss. Unless of course those who were in "the club no-one wants to be in". But to find those people was difficult. So I went on a mission to open the conversation, to comfort those who mourn, to educate those who don't, to hold space for others to talk about their Grief, Love and Loss and to remember our loved ones and ensure that they would never be forgotten.
This week I sit down with Marian Hastings who shares the loss of her husband James to cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) . Marian speaks openly about the devastating reality of a diagnosis with so few treatment options, the fight they faced together, and the heartbreak of knowing there was very little hope. She reflects on the love they shared, the challenges of caring for someone through terminal illness, and the incredible compassion and support they received from hospice care. This is a deeply moving conversation about love, courage, anticipatory grief, and the comfort that compassionate care can bring during life's hardest moments. 🎧 Podcast Listener Offer I've partnered with BetterHelp to offer listeners 10% off their first month of online therapy . 👉 http://betterhelp.com/familyflowers
Family Flowers Only with Shaunna Briody
1 hr 5 min
This week I sit down with Shaunna Briody who shares the devastating loss of her only sibling Ryan in a tragic accident. Ryan was a young mechanic with his whole life ahead of him. Shaunna speaks openly about the trauma of his sudden death, the overwhelming grief that followed, and how it led to severe anxiety and panic attacks. This is an honest conversation about sibling loss, navigating life after sudden bereavement, and finding a way forward after unimaginable heartbreak. ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of traumatic loss, grief, anxiety, and panic attacks. If this episode brings up difficult feelings for you, support is available: 📞 Samaritans Ireland – 116 123 📱 Text HELLO to 50808 🤍 HUGG – www.hugg.ie 🎧 Podcast Listener Offer I've partnered with BetterHelp to offer listeners 10% off their first month of online therapy . 👉 http://betterhelp.com/familyflowers
Family Flowers Only with Andrew Hart
1 hr 13 min
This week I sit down with Andrew Hart who lost both of his parents by the age of just 24. Andrew speaks about losing his dad to cancer, before sharing the heartbreaking story of his mum's long struggle with mental health and addiction and her death by suicide. This is an honest conversation about grief, addiction, mental health, and the lasting impact of losing both parents at such a young age. 🎧 Podcast Listener Offer I've partnered with BetterHelp to offer listeners 10% off their first month of online therapy . 👉 http://betterhelp.com/familyflowers Brought to you by https://flowers.ie/ Use "5STAR" for 5 EURO off your order 👍
Family Flowers Only with Maeve Keegan
1 hr 26 min
This week I sit down with Maeve Keegan , who shares the heartbreaking loss of her husband Mark , who died by suicide in 2010. Maeve speaks openly about the complex circumstances surrounding Mark's death. What began as trading gradually became something she now believes was a form of gambling addiction, leaving her to discover the devastating financial reality only after his death. She reflects on the shock of losing her husband, the legal battles that followed, and the lasting impact of grief, trauma, and PTSD. Together, we also discuss suicide, mental health, and the importance of reaching out for support. ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide, suicidal thoughts, addiction, and mental health. Please take care while listening. Support is available: 📞 Samaritans Ireland – Freephone 116 123 (24 hours a day) 🌐 www.samaritans.org 🤝 HUGG provides support for people bereaved by suicide and those impacted by suicide. You can find out more at www.hugg.ie . You can find Maeve on Instagram @sanara_psychotherapy and @widowed_young_ireland And her email is maevekeeganpsychotherapy@gmail.com 🎧 Podcast Listener Offer I've partnered with BetterHelp to offer listeners 10% off your first month of online therapy . To claim your discount, please use the link below (the discount is automatically applied when you sign up through the link) BetterHelp.com/familyflowers
Family Flowers Only with Claire Harrison
1 hr 20 min
This week, I sit down with Claire Harrison , who shares the heartbreaking loss of her niece Lucy Harrison , who was killed by her father, Claires brother. Claire and Lucy were incredibly close, with only a couple of years between them, and Claire speaks so openly about the deep bond they shared. She reflects on the unimaginable reality of grieving her beloved niece while also trying to process the fact that the person responsible was her own brother. This is a profoundly emotional conversation about love, family, grief, and the complex emotions that can exist when tragedy strikes within a family. Claire speaks with remarkable honesty and courage, offering a powerful insight into a type of grief that is rarely spoken about.
Family Flowers Only with Ronan Cullen
1 hr 30 min
This week, I sit down with Ronan Cullen who shares the devastating and very recent loss of his beloved wife Claire . Claire was in the Dominican Republic for her brother's wedding when she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident. In this deeply emotional conversation Ronan speaks about the unimaginable shock of receiving that phone call, the raw reality of grief in its earliest stages, and learning to navigate life without the person he thought he would grow old with. We also talk about parenting their young child through such profound loss, the challenges of carrying your own grief while trying to support your child, and the moments of love, humour, and connection that still find their way through the heartbreak. This is a conversation about soulmates, sudden loss, resilience, and the extraordinary strength it takes to keep putting one foot in front of the other when life changes in an instant.
Family Flowers Only with Sinead Hall
1 hr 28 min
This week I sit down with Sinéad Hall who shares the heartbreaking loss of her baby son Ruadhán (Ruadh) . In a deeply emotional conversation Sinéad speaks openly about the devastation of losing a child, the love she has for her son, and the profound grief that comes with carrying a loss so unimaginable. With incredible honesty and vulnerability she shares what life has looked like since Ruadh's death, the reality of navigating each day without him, and the enduring bond between a mother and her child. This is a deeply moving conversation about motherhood, love, loss, and the grief that exists because that love was so great. For more information on their foundation visit https://www.teachruadhfoundation.ie/
Family Flowers Only Recommends: GoLoud Sleep Sounds
1 min
Something a little bit different now. I want to share a gentle, deeply comforting new resource with you all. We know that for so many carrying the weight of loss, the hardest part of the day comes when the rest of the world goes completely quiet. In those late-night hours, sleep can feel entirely out of reach as thoughts begin to crowd in. If you find it difficult nodding off, or just want to relax to the ambient sounds of some of Ireland's most scenic spots, I want to guide you toward GoLoud's latest original stream— GoLoud Sleep Sounds. This beautifully minded series is a calming collection of immersive 10-hour soundscapes, carefully tailored for anyone looking for a calmer bedtime routine. The long-form, uninterrupted audio is designed specifically to create a soothing, safe environment that can be played through the night or as a comforting backdrop during moments of rest and relaxation. There is no talking, no narrative stories to engage your mind, and absolutely no advertisements to disrupt you. Instead, Sleep Sounds gently transports you away from your worries to peaceful settings across the country—from Curracloe Beach in spring and Howth Harbour at sunset, to the Midlands on a stormy night, the Wicklow Mountains in winter, and the quiet stillness of Dublin after dark. It provides a steady acoustic sanctuary so you can finally switch off your mind and rest. GoLoud Sleep Sounds is available now on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. Simply press play, put the phone down, and let it do the rest. Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/033wsfw3b3SrnBby4xyZhf?si=bc54786895cf410e
Family Flowers Only with Andrea Gilligan
1 hr 2 min
This week I sit down with Andrea Gilligan , well-known broadcaster and host of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk for a deeply personal conversation about the loss of her dad Gerry. Andrea speaks about the incredibly close bond they shared, not just as father and daughter, but as genuine friends. She reflects on his cancer diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing him, and the profound impact his death had on her life. With honesty, and her trademark openness, Andrea shares what grief has taught her, the ways her dad passing has changed her and the reality of learning to live without someone who was such a huge part of her world. This is a heartfelt conversation about parent loss, love, friendship, and the enduring connection that remains after someone is gone.
Family Flowers Only with Elliot Gannon
1 hr 27 min
This week, I sit down with Elliot Gannon , who shares the life and loss of his son Rí , who was born with SMA Type 1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) . Elliot speaks about the long and complex journey that followed Rí's diagnosis, the hospital stays, medical challenges, uncertainty, and the precious time they had together as a family. But at the heart of this conversation is not just loss, but love. He speaks beautifully about the extraordinary gift Rí brought to his life, the lessons he taught him, and how his son completely changed his understanding of what truly matters. Elliot reflects on grief not as something to be feared, but as something precious, a reflection of deep love and connection. This is a powerful conversation about parenthood, perspective, love, loss, and finding meaning in the most difficult circumstances.
Family Flowers Only with Hannah Kelly
1 hr 23 min
This week I sit down with Hannah Kelly , who shares the loss of her mum and the complex grief that surrounded their relationship. For much of Hannah’s life it was just the two of them. Her father left when she was very young, and she and her mum navigated life side by side. But as the years went on their relationship became more complicated. Hannah speaks openly about her mum becoming increasingly isolated, the strain that put on their connection, and the difficult reality of grieving parts of that relationship while her mum was still alive. When her mum later died suddenly from a heart attack, Hannah was left carrying not only the grief of losing her, but also the grief of everything that had happened before. This is a deeply honest conversation about complicated relationships, anticipatory grief, love, and the reality that grief is not always straightforward. Hannah shares her story with remarkable openness and vulnerability offering comfort to anyone navigating the loss of a parent where the relationship wasn't perfect, but the love was still there. To donate to our fundraiser please visit here https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/15491/5km-a-day-for-may-for-graham-lee/
Family Flowers Only with Patrick Moloney
2 hr 9 min
This week I sit down with Patrick Maloney from Kerry for a conversation that explores loss in a very different way. While we still speak deeply about grief, this episode moves beyond bereavement and into the loss of identity, the years lost to addiction, and the impact that struggle can have on relationships, family, and self-worth. Patrick speaks openly about his experiences as a young man battling addiction, and the painful distance it created between himself and his son. This is a deeply honest and moving conversation about shame, recovery, healing, and what it means to try and rebuild a life after losing so much of yourself along the way. Patrick’s story offers powerful insight into addiction, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion both for ourselves and for others who may be struggling quietly.
Family Flowers Only with Paula Naughton
1 hr 52 min
This week I sit down with Paula Naughton from Roscommon, mum to three boys Archie, George, and Isaac . All three were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD , a life-limiting illness with no cure. Sadly Paula lost her son Archie at just 16 years old. George and Isaac, now also 16, continue to live with the condition as their family fights tirelessly for access to emerging treatments and trials. In this deeply moving conversation, Paula speaks about grief in all its forms, the loss of Archie, the heartbreak of watching your children lose their health, and the reality of living with anticipatory grief while still trying to hold hope. Paula speaks with incredible honesty, strength, and insight about motherhood, resilience, advocacy, and the unimaginable balancing act of loving fiercely while living with uncertainty every day. To learn more about DMD and support the family’s campaign, visit: 🌐 www.joinourboys.org You can also follow their journey on social media: 📱 Instagram: @joinourboys_ 📘 Facebook: Join Our Boys
Family Flowers Only with Kathleen Barrett
1 hr 24 min
This week I sit down with Kathleen Barrett who shares the sudden loss of her husband Ned , who died unexpectedly at home. Kathleen and Ned had been together since they were very young, sharing almost 40 years of love, life, and a beautiful family together. In this deeply moving conversation, Kathleen speaks not only about the heartbreak of loosing him, but also about the enduring connection she still feels with him every day. Her main message is one of love beyond loss, that while grief has changed over time, she no longer feels consumed by deep sadness because she has a complete certainty that Ned is still with her in different ways. Kathleen speaks beautifully about signs, connection, and the comfort she has found in believing that love does not end when someone dies. For more information about the Spousal Loss Retreat we mentioned towards the end please visit www.griefireland.com
Family Flowers Only with Des O'Donnell
1 hr 29 min
This week, I sit down with Des O’Donnell who shares the sudden and devastating loss of his wife Teresa known to many as Terri . Des and Terri were together for nearly 40 years, deeply intertwined in every part of their lives. Terri died suddenly at home after suffering a ruptured aneurysm, life changed in an instant. In this conversation Des speaks about the immediate aftermath of that evening, performing CPR, the arrival of emergency services, and the deeply distressing experience of coming under suspicion due to the circumstances. While later confirmed through a postmortem, this period added another layer of trauma to an already unimaginable loss, and meant he was unable to be with Terri in those first moments after her passing. This is a powerful and emotional conversation about sudden loss, love, and the complex realities that can follow in the wake of tragedy. For more information about Spousal Loss Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
Family Flowers Only with Megan Kelly
1 hr 3 min
This week I sit down with Megan Kelly who shares the devastating loss of both her brother Graham and her mum Samantha , who died by suicide just over a year between each other. Megan speaks with incredible honesty about navigating two profound losses so close together, something very few people experience, and the impact it has had on her life. We had an open conversation about suicide, mental health, and the reality of grieving in such complex circumstances. This is a deeply important conversation, helping to bring understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage more open conversations around mental health. ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening. If you have been affected by anything in this episode, support is available: 📞 Samaritans (Ireland): 116 123 (freephone, 24/7) 📱 Text HELLO to 50808 (Crisis Text Line Ireland) For those seeking support or connection in their own grief journey: • My Spousal Loss Retreat Weekend is now open, you can find more information at: www.griefireland.com • You can also learn more about my May 5K a Day Challenge and join the team here: https://forms.gle/11PTTxQsAXd3icBXA
Family Flowers Only with Lauren Golden
55 min
This week I sit down with Lauren Golden a clinical psychotherapist, who shares the loss of her brother Daniel who died by suicide. Lauren speaks about the complexity of Daniel’s mental health in the lead-up to his death, including his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) . Despite the challenges he faced she reflects on how she never thought for a moment it would end this way, a reality that so many families can relate to. Drawing from both her personal experience and her professional background Lauren offers a deeply insightful conversation around mental health, suicide, and grief. She also speaks about her own grieving process and how she found a way to move through her loss in a way that felt healthy and supportive. This is an honest and important conversation that brings both understanding and compassion to a topic that is often difficult to speak about. You can find Lauren on Instagram @LaurenGolden For more information on Grief Workshops and Grief Retreats please visit www.griefireland.com
Family Flowers Only with Dympna Little
1 hr 16 min
This week I sit down with Dympna Little known to many online as @dimplestilskin , recognised for her sharp wit and dark humour. In this conversation Dympna shares a very different side of herself, speaking openly about the loss of her mum, Lily . With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on her grief, the impact her mum had on her life, and how that loss continues to shape her. While Dympna is known for her humour, this episode shows the depth behind it, how laughter and grief can exist side by side. She allows herself to go to places we don’t often see, offering a powerful and human insight into loss. This is a heartfelt and honest conversation about love, grief, and the many ways we cope.
Family Flowers Only with Lauren Keaney
1 hr 5 min
This week I sit down with Lauren Keaney who shares the devastating loss of her brother Thomas who died in Australia after being the victim of a one-punch attack. Thomas had emigrated from Galway and Lauren speaks about the shock of losing him so suddenly in such violent circumstances, and the heartbreak of having to bring him home to Ireland. She reflects on the impact of losing someone at the hands of another person, the shock, the pain, and the deep sense of injustice that can come with that kind of loss. This is a powerful and emotional conversation about sibling grief, sudden loss, and learning to live with something that should never have happened. For more information on our Grief Workshops visit www.griefireland.com To watch this video podcast episode in full - https://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membership
Family Flowers Only with Sarita Egan
1 hr 24 min
This week I sit down with Sarita Egan a mum of four who shares the heartbreaking loss of her husband Mark , who died by suicide. Mark had also battled for a period with severe psychosis on and off whilst coming off anabolic steroids. Sarita speaks openly about the shock of what happened, the guilt she carries, the complexity of Mark’s mental health in those final weeks, and the devastating impact his loss has had on her and their children. She shares her experience with honesty and courage, shedding light on a topic that is often misunderstood and rarely spoken about. This is a deeply emotional conversation about grief, mental health, and the ripple effect it continues to have on a family. ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening. If you have been affected by anything in this episode, you can contact Samaritans for support: 📞 Freephone 116 123 (Ireland & UK) 🌐 www.samaritans.org For more information on grief support and resources, visit www.griefireland.com . You can find Sarita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sarita_innerlightpsychotherapy/
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
