Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige
In this podcast series, Síle Seoige chats with people from all walks of life, including well-known figures and those with extraordinary stories, as well as topic-led conversations with experts. A skilled interviewer and avid listener, Síle's warm approach encourages guests to be open and honest about their lived experiences. The conversations aim to inspire, challenge, educate, comfort, or simply entertain listeners.
Episodes
Declan O'Rourke : Masculinity, Empathy & the Simple Life
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
Adolescence : Boundaries and Connection
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
Mick Moran : Protecting Our Children Online
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 episo
Majella O'Donnell: My Ten Weeks in a Psychiatric Hospital
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 recognis
Majella O’Donnell: Completely Herself
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 gr
Harrison Gardner: Have a Backup
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. S
Harrison Gardner : Are you prepared?
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
Kyla Cobbler on Ageing & Premenstrual Rage
If you enjoy this snippet, check out the full conversation with Kyla, anytime now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kyla Cobbler: Taking up space
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 t
Why is it so hard to rest? : Dr. Malie Coyne
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 explores our relationship with rest and why, in a world that celebrates bus
Declutter & Organise : Real Take
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
Hazel Burton : Declutter your home
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.Be
Zoe Holohan : Honeymoon tragedy (revisit)
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
The true cost of cheap food : Kenneth Keavey, Green Earth Organics
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 ov
Great Blasket island : Real Take
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
Lesley Bond: Life on the Great Blasket
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 wat
Helen Ogbu : Community is everything
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
Bardic storytelling with Aindrias de Staic
In this weeks Real Take from my conversation with musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic...he talks about the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition and why play is so good for our mental health.If you enjoyed this conversation, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full episode, where Aindrias speaks openly about his childhood, his relationship with his father, addiction a
Aindrias de Staic : The Wildness Within
Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, nature, bardic storytelling, performing.My guest this week is musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic, who many of you will know online as 'Smalltown Seanchaí'.The son of the late writer and folklorist Eddie Stack, Aindrias grew up immersed in stories. But this conversation isn't simply about where he comes from, it's about the life he's li
The Raw Reality of Grief : Tara Rafter
In this week's Real Take, Tara Rafter reflects on her mother's final days living with COPD and the heartbreak of saying goodbye to the woman who had been her anchor throughout life.If this excerpt resonates with you, I highly recommend listening to the full episode:Tara Rafter: Hypervigilance to HealingGrowing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence, she learned from a young a
Tara Rafter : Hypervigilance to Healing
Topics covered include: Alcoholism, domestic violence, hypervigilance, compassion, motherhood, self-abandonment, being a carer, death and loss, grief, faith, spirituality, forgiveness, love, safety, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm, healing.This week I'm joined by Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Executive Coach and founder of The Navigation Coach, Tara Raf
Susan Bennett : 17 countries, One van, One year
Topics covered : Multiple sclerosis, childfree by choice, travel, freedom, simple living. This week, I sit down with author Susan Bennett to chat about her memoir, One Year.Susan and her husband Chris live in Antrim. After both receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just three days apart, they made a decision that would change the course of their lives. Years later, they packed up t
Siobhán O'Hagan : Real Take (solo pregnancy)
In this snippet I speak to online fitness coach and content creator Siobhán O'Hagan about being pregnant with her second child and her decision to become become a solo parent through IVF. Siobhán lives in Dublin with her daughter Cadhla, who will be 3 in August.At the time of recording, she was 15 weeks pregnant and she shares how she has found the experience so far and why she felt confident maki
Siobhán O'Hagan : Solo Motherhood
Topics covered : Building a career in the fitness industry, solo travel and the search for freedom, holotropic breathwork, solo motherhood through IVF, pregnancy and preparing for baby number two, navigating criticism and online trolling, the importance of family support and creating a life on your own terms.A quick note : If you're considering fertility treatment or have any questions a
Marie Gleeson on baby Ciarán : Real Take
Former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson speaks about the most profound and heartbreaking experience of her life. During her pregnancy with her son Ciarán, Marie and her husband John received devastating news about his health. What followed was a journey marked by immense love and, ultimately, deep grief.If you'd like to hear the full conversation, Marie also speaks about life in the Navy and what the se
Marie Gleeson : Be like the sea
Topics covered : life in the Irish Navy, leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated environment, drug interdiction operations, UN peacekeeping missions, traumatic pregnancy, child loss, grief, motherhood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.(Please take care while listening, particularly if any of these topics feel sensitive or close to home.)This week, I speak to former Navy Captain Marie
Katriona O’Sullivan : Real Take
This week’s Real Take, is a powerful moment from my recent conversation with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan.Katriona speaks about growing up feeling deeply unloved and the many ways she felt hungry in childhood.Despite experiencing extreme poverty, addiction, abuse and homelessness growing up, Katriona went on to completely transform her life.Today, she uses
Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan : The many meanings of hunger
Topics covered: Body image, diet culture, good girl conditioning, life under patriarchy, poverty, trauma, hypervigilance, affirmations, self-belief, healing, ageing, motherhood, connection, privilege.In this episode I sit down once again with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author, the extraordinary Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan.When Katriona first joined the podcast in November 2023, her memo
Misan Harriman : Real Take
Today’s Real Take comes from a powerful conversation I recorded in October 2024 with photographer, filmmaker and activist Misan Harriman.Misan is Chair of cultural hub, the Southbank Centre, an ambassador for Save the Children, and one of the most compassionate and courageous voices speaking up about injustice and inequality in the world today. Through his photography, filmmaking and activism, he
Brian Pennie : The neuroscience of addiction
Topics covered : Addiction, shame, awareness, compassion, recovery.In this week’s episode of Ready to Be Real, I speak to Dr. Brian Pennie - neuroscientist, podcast host and former heroin addict.I first met Brian back in 2020 when his memoir Bonus Time was released, and I remember being completely blown away by his honesty and insight. Since then, life has continued to evolve for Brian. He’s now l
Tony 10 : Real Take
This is The Real Take and in this snippet, Tony O’Reilly — co-author of the bestselling book 'Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All' — speaks about the point where his gambling addiction escalated into stealing €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager.It’s a shocking and deeply heartbreaking insight into the reality of g
Tony O'Reilly : Gambling €10 million and losing everything
Topics covered: insecurities, psychology of addiction, secrecy, manipulation, shame, suicide ideation, finding meaning.My first guest of this brand new season of Ready to be Real is someone I’ve wanted to sit down with since the podcast launched back in 2019.Tony O’Reilly is the co-author of the bestselling book Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost I
Deirdre Nicole Hegarty : An adoption story
Topics covered : Mother and Baby home, adoption, grief, faith, taboo, shedding shame, transgenerational trauma, therapy, holotropic breathwork, motherhood, inner child healing, compassion. In the final episode of this season, I speak to psychotherapist Deirdre Nicole Hegarty, who shares her adoption story with us.Deirdre lives in Donegal with her husband Noel and their baby boy, C
Change and answers with Niamh Ennis : Real Take
In this snippet, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis speaks about the power of change, whether it arrives suddenly in our lives or is something we choose and how both can lead us closer to the life we truly want, if we’re willing to ask ourselves the right questions…and really listen to the answers.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to my full conversation with Niamh Ennis
Niamh Ennis : How grief changes you
Topics covered : Pancreatic cancer, grief, sympathy, therapy, good girl conditioning, life changes, intuition, journaling. This week, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis is my guest.She lives in Galway with her husband Michael and their rescue dog Bella.She’s the author of 'Get Unstuck: Ditch Your Drama and Move from Pain to Power' but long before the work she does now, Niamh w
Sheela's (Síle's) Day and the Divine Feminine : The Real Take
In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet of my recent conversation with Celtic wisdom teacher and guide Mari Kennedy.Here she talks to us about the coming days, Síle's day on the 18th and later in the week, we'll be celebrating the Spring Equinox.I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Mari anytime now, it's a beaut!To connect with her :https://www.marikennedy
Mari Kennedy : Sovereign Queen
Topics covered : The dark feminine/An Chailleach, infertility, grief, good girl conditioning, masculine and feminine forces, patriarchy, menopause, 4 (not 3) stages of womanhood - Maiden, Mother, Sovereign Queen and Crone, Friday the 13th, Síle's day, year of the Fire Horse, Spring Equinox, Sinéad O'Connor, rebellion, new age wellness, Síle na gig, feminine rising. For this special Frida
Michael Harding : Real Take
I'm dipping into the Ready to be Real archive for this week's Real Take.In this snippet, I speak with the wonderfully reflective Michael Harding, as he shares his love of religion and spirituality...from Buddhism to Christianity...with the philosophical curiosity and earthy wisdom he’s so well known for.And if you enjoy this, I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Michael
Iza Clarke : Strength training, nutrition and recovery
This week I'm joined by personal trainer and online coach Iza Clarke.Originally from Poland, Iza has been living in Ireland for the past 18 years. She’s married to Odhran and they have two tween daughters, Lanah and Keira.I recently started training with her and I love how encouraging and knowledgeable she is, so I wanted to sit down with her for an honest and informative conversation
Family Dysfunction : Real Take
Topics covered : toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, healing.For this week's Real Take, Josh Connolly talks about the unspoken truth of family dysfunction and how toxic systems are often invisible to the outside world.He is a father of six and his book 'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful on
Josh Connolly : Family Dysfunction
Topics covered : Alcoholism, toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, compassion, healing.This week I speak to author Josh Connolly about family dysfunction.Josh is a father of six and his book 'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful online following and years of lived experience behind his work, he speaks ope
Tommy Tiernan : The Real Take
For today’s Real Take, we’re dipping into the archive. Back in May 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions, I recorded a remote conversation with comedian, actor and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan...he was in Galway, I was in Dublin, but despite the distance, the connection was magic. He spoke about his fascination with religion and philosophy, we learn more about what makes him tick...wh
Toys and Aggressive Play : What's healthy for kids?
This episode is aimed at parents of young children through to preteens and I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). For context, I have two children as well, Cathal (8.5) and Clíodhna (4), so this conversation felt particularly relevant.Debbie first joined me on the po
The Real Take : Brother Richard on dying
In today’s Real Take, Brother Richard speaks about death in a deeply comforting way, drawn from his years of accompanying people at the end of their lives.If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you’d like to hear more from Brother Richard, the full conversation is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brother Richard : Calming the Storms
Topics covered : Meditation, religion, spirituality, distractions, boredom and creativity, authenticity, discernment, validation, forgiveness, death, living fully, gratitude, compassion. This week I’m delighted to welcome back a true friend of the podcast.Brother Richard is a Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar and he first joined me three and a half years ago for a conve
The Real Take : Nicola Tallant
In today’s Real Take, we step beyond the headlines with crime journalist Nicola Tallant and get a real sense of what makes her tick.If you’re enjoying these conversations, I’d love you to follow, rate and share...it really helps Ready to be Real grow. Míle buíochas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicola Tallant : True Crime Insider
Topics covered : Crimeworld, fraudsters, the Regency Hotel shooting, The Kinahans, Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, being a mother, resilience.I'm joined by crime journalist, author and podcaster Nicola Tallant.Nicola is a Mum of two and has been working in journalism since she was just nineteen and over the years she’s become one of the most respected and trusted voices in Irish crime reporting, a
Gavin Meenan : Actions Have Consequences
Topics covered: Addiction, porn, car accident, death, family dynamics, shame, guilt, grief, forgiveness, therapy, support, compassion, healing.In this episode, I’m joined by men’s coach and author Gavin Meenan.Originally from Donegal, Gavin has been living in Sligo for the past sixteen years and is a father of two. Ariana is fifteen and Mason is eight.In this conversation, Gavin speaks with remark
The Real Take : Wellness with Clare McKenna
In this snippet I speak to broadcaster and author Clare McKenna about wellness.If you enjoy this and you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Clare is available to listen to anytime now.Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm Abbey Presbyterian church as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women pres
Clare McKenna : What is Wellness?
Topics covered : Moving house, dementia, grief, diet culture, anxiety, privilege, breathwork.In this episode, I’m joined by broadcaster Clare McKenna for a conversation all about wellness.(Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast. And I'm delighted
The Real Take : Aoife Dunne
In this snippet comedian Aoife Dunne brings us back to her mothers funeral, 15 years ago.(Her Mum Maria died suddenly of a heart attack in December 2010)If you connect to this moment, I highly recommend you go back and listen to it in full. It's a gorgeous conversation.Also I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating
Aoife Dunne : Love, loss and belly laughs!
Topics covered : Grief, love, sudden death, comedy, trolling, ADHD, childfree by choice. I cannot tell you how much I loved this conversation. It made me belly laugh…and it made me cry.I’m joined by comedian, poet, storyteller, and truth-teller - the absolute powerhouse that is Aoife Dunne.In this conversation we talk about her incredible rise over the past few years, the joy an
The Real Take : Fiona Morgan Coleman
This is The Real Take, a moment of honesty and wisdom from the heart of Ready to be Real.Content creator and Garda Fiona Morgan Coleman lives with an incurable form of cancer but thankfully she continues to live life fully, due to ongoing treatment.In this snippet she offers a powerful dose of perspective as we step into a new yearAnd if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with&n
Fiona Morgan Coleman : Life is for living
Topics covered : Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy, axillary clearance, chemotherapy, radiation, recurrence, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, treatment, living well.For my first episode back in 2026, I’m joined by content creator, businesswoman, Garda and breast cancer survivor Fiona Morgan Coleman.Originally from Nenagh in Tipperary, she now lives in Shrule, Mayo with her
The Real Take : Garron Noone
This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I speak to online sensation Garron Noone who shares powerful insights on how he navigates comments online, both the positive and the negative.We also reflect on the year gone by, look ahead to Christmas, and he offers genuinely solid advice for anyone who mi
Garron Noone : Delicious
Topics covered : Anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, family, music, fame. In my final episode of 2025, I’m joined by the one and only Mr. Garron Noone.He has built an incredibly loyal — and ever-growing — online community, with 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok. But behind the viral videos is someone with real depth and in this conversation, we go far beyond the co
The Real Take : Sexual role play
This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I chat to sex educator, author and podcaster Grace Alice O'Shea about sexual compatibility and role play.And if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Grace Alice is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
Grace Alice : Sex talk
Topics covered : vaginismus, shame, libido, faking orgasm, sexual compatibility, body image, acceptance, masturbation, sexual confidence, sex toys, anal sex, role play, freedom, pleasure. This week, I’m joined by sex educator, author and podcaster, the brilliant Grace Alice O’Shea.She lives in Limerick with her boyfriend Ivan and their two dogs, and in this episode she answers
Real Revisit : Hala Sourani
Topics covered : Life in Gaza, living under occupation, murder, grief, trauma, injustice.I am revisiting this conversation as the incredible Hala Sourani was honoured at the Shine Mental Health Media Awards today in Dublin.She won the Special Recognition award for this podcast and everyone in the room were on their feet for her.A truly deserving standing ovation for he
The Real Take - Vanessa Ogbonna on racism
This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.I’m speaking with Vanessa Ogbonna, one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland.She once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change of course.In this snippet she speaks about her experience of racism in Ireland
Vanessa Ogbonna - The Traitors Ireland
Topics covered : The Traitors, growing up in Direct Provision, football career, injury, grief, Lupus diagnosis, faith, 2023 Dublin riots, racism.This week, I’m joined by one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland — Vanessa Ogbonna.But her story stretches far beyond reality TV.Vanessa once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change
Parenting : Regulation is the goal
Make sure little ears aren't listening!Topics covered : Unpacking 'calm' parenting, navigating meltdowns (for adults and kids), the power of play in building connection with kids, dropping the threats, slapping, resilience building, unlearning, rupture and repair, positive modelling.This week, I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie
The Real Take - Seán Boylan on The Hill of Tara
This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.Today, I’m revisiting a conversation I recorded six years ago with the incredible Seán Boylan — a fifth-generation herbalist and a true sporting legend.During his 23 years as Meath Football Manager, he led the county to four All-Ireland titles and cemented his reputation as a
Joanne Griffin : AI and humanity
Topics covered : AI in today's world, awareness.In this episode, I speak to technology consultant and author Joanne Griffin.She's married to Mark, they have two teenage boys, and they live in Navan.She left the mainstream corporate world just before Covid to pursue a career in tech, and a few years later, she wrote a book called “Humology – How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology.”In our
Laura Murphy : Why blood donors matter
Topics covered : Leukaemia, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, pregnancy, birth story, positive mindset, exercise, faith, gratitude. This episode is in partnership with giveblood.ie — a service that truly saves lives.I speak with Laura Murphy, whose husband Dave was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia eleven years ago.Throughout his treatment, he needed
Bláthnaid Raleigh : Aftermath
Topics covered : rape, trauma, living in fear, self harm, PTSD, reclaiming. Bláthnaid Raleigh is from Mullingar, and her world changed forever after a night out in Galway in July 2019, when she was attacked and raped by a man from her hometown, Johnny Moran.As you can imagine, this conversation is intense at times, so please take care while listening.For five long years, as Bláthnaid tried to
Real Revisit : Samhain
This is a Ready to be Real revisit from 2020 — recorded during the height of the Covid restrictions.In it, I speak to folklorist, artist and musician Dr. Billy Mag Fhlionn (Pagan Rave) about Samhain and the old Irish traditions that still shape how we celebrate Halloween today.Billy lives in Dingle with his wife Muireann and their daughters, Sadhbh and Líse.In this conversation, he shares the deep
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin: The Cailleach
Topics covered: Gaeilge, music, heritage, culture, shame, colonisation, Irish Americans, Samhain, An Chailleach.In this special Oíche Shamhna episode, I speak with musician, broadcaster, academic and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.Doireann is the daughter of TG4 political correspondent Sorcha Ní Riada (and granddaughter of legendary Irish composer Seán Ó Riada) and fiddle player and retired Garda
Denise Phillips : Miracles Do Happen (re-release)
Topics covered : Fertility, multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriage, acceptance, magic.This is a re-release of a conversation I recorded with business woman Denise Phillips back in April 2021 when she had just come from an appointment in the Coombe hospital where she found out she was 29 weeks pregnant!It's the most incredible story.Now 4.5 years on, her daughter Beth is 10 and her son Jude is 4 and
Denise Gough: Part 2 — Speaking from the scar
Topics covered : Grooming, childhood sexual abuse, shame, addiction, survival, recovery, therapy, healing, acting, Palestine, censorship, collective care, Andor.This is the second part of my conversation with multi award-winning Irish actor — and all-round gorgeous human — Denise Gough.In this episode, Denise speaks openly about the painful experiences of grooming and abuse in her childhood — expe
The Real Take - Denise Gough on Palestine
This is The Real Take — a glimpse of the honesty, wisdom and connection you’ll find in every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet Irish actor Denise Gough speaks about her recent visit to The West Bank...she speaks about what she saw and how it has deepened her commitment to Palestine. - you can hear the full episode with Denise anytime now. Hoste
Denise Gough: Part 1 — Acting, Celebrity Culture and the West Bank
Topics covered : Acting, celebrity culture, Palestine, grief, Zionism, solidarity.This week, I’m honoured to speak with award-winning Irish actor Denise Gough, who has gained a whole new audience thanks to her chilling and complex portrayal of the fascist officer Dedra Meero in the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor.But Denise is so much more than a brilliant actor — she’s a deeply compassionate and
The Real Take - Dr. Gabor Maté on humanity
In this short clip, I revisit the powerful words of Dr. Gabor Maté — words that are resonating so deeply with me right now, especially in light of the devastating news of the murder of Palestinian journalist Salah Al Jafarawi yesterday.Gabor’s words are a reminder to us to stay human — to stay connected, compassionate, and awake — even when the world feels overwhelming.If yo
Laura Dowling : Love your vulva!
Topics covered : Shedding shame, pubic hair, pelvic floor muscles, UTI's, periods, STI's, birth, constipation and the importance of fibre. This week, I sit down with the brilliant Laura Dowling — better known online as The Fabulous Pharmacist!It’s Laura’s second time joining me on the pod, and I’m delighted to have her back. She lives in Dublin with her husband Frank and their three boys, and
The Real Take - Catherine Connolly
In this snippet I speak to Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly about how she feels about politics, what matters to her and what kind of President she hopes to be if elected.You can hear the full conversation with Catherine anytime now and make sure you're registered to vote —tomorrow the 7th of October is the deadline. It takes just 2 minutes to register :Check
Catherine Connolly — Presidential Hopeful
This is a conversation I recorded on the 3rd of September with Independent TD and Presidential candidate, Catherine Connolly.She lives in the Claddagh in Galway with her husband Brian, and they have two adult children.Her life and work have been shaped by a deep sense of social justice, compassion, and conviction.Before entering politics, Catherine worked as a cleaner, a nurse’s aide, a psychologi
The Real Take - Róisín El Cherif
This is The Real Take — a glimpse of the honesty, wisdom, and connection you’ll find in every episode of Ready to be Real.In this mini-pod, I revisit my April 2024 conversation with Irish-Palestinian artist Róisín El Cherif. Here, she speaks about Zionism, the birth of Israel, and why solidarity and meaningful action matter now more than ever.You can listen back to the full conversation with Róisí
Fintan Drury : Catastrophe : Nakba II
Topics covered : a brief history of Palestine, Israeli mindset, racism, dehumanisation, solidarity. I sat down with author and activist Fintan Drury in mid August to speak about Palestine.In this conversation he takes us through a brief history of Palestine and the relentless injustices that Palestinians have endured for decades.Book : 'Catastrophe : Nakba II'You can listen to othe
The Real Take : Miriam Hussey
This is The Real Take — a glimpse of the honesty, wisdom and connection you’ll find in every episode of Ready to be Real.In this mini pod I speak to Miriam Hussey about regulating our nervous systems especially in these turbulent times, spiritual bypassing and the power of collective care.If you found this snippet helpful, you can hear the full conversation with Miriam anytime now a
Miriam Hussey : True wellness
Topics covered : Nervous system responses to stress, chakras, spiritual bypassing, self and collective care, motherhood, gratitude. In this episode, I speak to integrative health coach and co-founder of wellness platform 'Soul Space', Miriam Hussey.She was a guest on one of my very first episodes of Ready to be Real back in 2019, alongside her husband Gerry — I love being in her company and I
