One Man and His Therapist
Real, uncut talk therapy sessions between Stephen (client) and Zak (therapist) on all of the mental health and personal struggles every human faces in life. We hope the authentic nature of these sessions helps you on your own journey. There’s something for every human here. Ten years ago Stephen was lost. He needed guidance and help to find the person he knew was meant to be. One day, in 2015, after coming close to death and hitting new lows, he picked up the phone and called the number of a therapist in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The person who answered was a very respected Therapist called Zak. Zak went on to help Stephen find the person he was meant to be, and so much more. Zak helped Stephen get sober from alcohol and move into a thriving and deeply peaceful new chapter of his life. Then the therapy stopped for a few years, and both men went on with their lives. But now, Stephen and Zak have decided to start Therapy again. Only this time, you are also invited to listen.
Episodes
I took my Dad to AA | Man talks with Therapist about Alcoholism
In this session, Zak and Stephen go back in time a little as Stephen recalls what it was like for him growing up. They also talk about the classic idea of what people think of as a father, versus the real fathers that we have in life. And an old favourite pops it's head again - Stephen's overly developed sense of responsibilty.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist
Is the Guilt Justified | A Man Speaks with his Therapist
Stephen has just enjoyed a Spring morning walk in Paris with Timmy the dog and all is right with the world. Or is it? Zak listens to Stephen describe two random and kind encounters he had on his walk with strangers, and then poses the question. "but how are things with the people in your life?" Stephen opens up about the guilt he feels around his Dad. Zak and Stephen then delve into whether this g
My Bathroom Ceiling Collapsed and I'm Overwhelmed | Man Talks with Therapist
Stephen has had a tricky time. He is feeling overwhelmed by having to spin too many plates. The family of origin plate, the work plate and of course, the marriage plate. Zak listens to Stephen go through what he has been going through, and reminds him of some very important elements of what really matters.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealt
When is enough enough? Why do we always want MORE? (Real Talk Therapy)
In this session Zak and Stephen talk about when is enough, enough? When do we as humans stop and say, I'm ok now, I don't need more. They also talk about good scheduling for life, and also core negative beliefs. Zak sets Stephen some tasks.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealth
Disclaimer: Welcome to our Podcast - ‘One man and his therapis
I Nearly Died...But it Changed my Life FOR THE BETTER
Zak and Stephen reflect on the year that was. They talk about Stephen having a tension of opposites. Stephen expresses the feeling that he is in a very good place, but can't help a feeling of guilt for being happy when some of his loved ones are suffering. Stephen also talks about the Fall in 2014 that nearly took his life.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #th
I Feel Outside the Pack. Lonely. No Friends. Hear what a Therapist has to Say
In today's REAL RECORDED THERAPY session, Stephen raises the subject of friendship and being social.
Zak tries to understand Stephen's feelings of inadequacy around this topic.
There is talk of sobriety and whether choosing a sober life contributes to a less social life. Or is it just age?
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealth #lonely #
Real Therapy: My Dog Nearly Died and My World was Rocked
Stephen confronts an uneasy feeling within him that he has a tendency to overreact to situations that others might take in their stride.
It's been a tough week on the streets of Paris. Stephen has been sick, but so has Timmy the dog. Get ready for some anecdotes and some kind feedback from an ever compassionate Zak.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy
Being MINDFUL Makes Me KINDER and LESS Judgemental | Real Talk Therapy
Zak and Stephen continue to discuss non judgment and the benefits of mindfulness. Stephen talks about a recent visit to Ireland and describes “meeting” his father again. Stephen talks about what he has learned over the last year dealing with his Dad’s illness. He describes a gratitude he has never known before. Stephen also talks about a new commitment. They also return to an old favourite topic -
Dealing with a NOISY neighbour | Hear the SOLUTION from a REAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In this Real Therapy Session, Stephen (the patient) is having a solo week in Paris and reflects on what it is to be living alone, albeit temporarily in Paris. He also goes into detail about a recent encounter with his upstairs neighbours and the empowering moments it led to. Zak (the therapist) offers some guidance. Something for Every Human Here.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to
Overcoming Ego and Identity and Just Being
In today's REAL THERAPY session, Zak and Stephen discuss more about Stephen's grappling with what it is to be a man. Until Zak poses a very succinct question "why does this bother you so much?". This prompts a change in course, where the idea of identity and self can become all consuming, and perhaps we should be more open as humans to the idea of just being. Being without grand ideas of ourselves
Finding Peace & Freedom | Real Talk Therapy
In today's therapy session, Zak and Stephen continue talking about what it is to be a man. Stephen has some profound realisations on this topic and Zak has some wise insight. There is also talk of family matters and how Stephen has found some peace and a sense of freedom by relocating to Paris.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealth #peace #
REAL TALK THERAPY: I Don't Fit In, What does it mean to be a Man?
In this session, Zak and Stephen talk about the idea of what it is to be a man. Some very deep and big discoveries are made today. Stephen expresses his slight unease around particular types of men and the idea of masculinity as a whole. Zak and Stephen have some real insights together in this session. It is quite an unexpected turn of events, as Stephen realises this is in fact a very important p
Am I depressed? If so, here's my plan | Real Talk Therapy Session
In this real talk therapy session, Zak and Stephen talk about being there for family in difficult times. They talk about the benefits of the consistency of repeated action. They talk about Depression. They talk about Plans for the Future.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealth #depression
Disclaimer: Welcome to our Podcast - ‘One man and his therapist’ where
the opinions expressed by our presenter
Can I Help My Dad's Alcoholism? REAL THERAPY
Stephen's Dad is seriously ill in hospital, but he's not sure whether to run to him (as he always does) or to let his Dad go. He has lived with his father's alcoholism for most of his life and his patience is running out. He also reflects on his own days with alcohol and asks the question after many years of living sober, if he was indeed ever as powerless over alcohol as his father is.
This is
REAL TALK THERAPY: Work on yourself more than your job
In today's Therapy Session, Zak (the Therapist) and Stephen (the Patient) continue to talk about the theme of baggage and the burden Stephen has carried for many years in terms of his feelings of responsibility towards those closest to him. Things develop in this session and Stephen has some pretty life enhancing insights. They also talk about work-life balance, routine and the power of continued
Fix Your Relationship with Your Parents | Real Talk Therapy
In this real talk therapy session, Stephen (the patient) and Zak (the therapist) talk in depth about Stephen's relationship with his father and mother. In particular, they focus on his father and Stephen thinks back to childhood and moments of connection in those formative years. They discuss non-demand communication as a helpful technique. Lots of universal themes dealt with here, including livin
Letting Go of Emotional Baggage | REAL TALK THERAPY
In this REAL THERAPY SESSION, Stephen (the client) and Zak (the therapist) talk about releasing emotional baggage. They talk about a desire to find freedom in life from fear and things holding Stephen back. Stephen feels like he is “holding on for dear life.” Stephen compares his new challenges to those of the past. How he feels that his quest to find freedom from a tightness he has always carri
How to let go of GUILT and other people's EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE
In this session, Stephen (the patient) and Zak (the therapist) discuss gratitude and having a daily practice. They discuss the feeling of weight that Stephen feels in terms of what he feels he has to carry on his shoulders in life. The central people that he has in life and how he feels guilt around them. They also discuss self care and plans for the future.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are
REAL TALK THERAPY SESSION: Can I Fix My Parents???
Zak and Stephen talk about guilt. Guilt around family, and an underlying desire to fix his parents' problems. They discuss fear. Fear around various aspects of life. Stephen looks for validation on his journey and Zak proposes an alternative way to look at things.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #mentalhealth #familyproblems #relationships
Disclai
"You're Too Hard on Yourself!" REAL THERAPY SESSION
Zak (the Therapist) and Stephen (the patient) discuss the idea of softening. Softening towards the self and the world. They also discuss the idea of negative self talk and how that has changed for Stephen over the years. They talk about unconscious manipulation and how Stephen was surprised to learn something about his own behaviour in relation to this. They talk about how a person in addiction ca
REAL THERAPY SESSION: I need to make a change, but how?
It’s the New Year and Zak and Stephen talk about the Christmas that has just passed. Stephen talks about a moment where he felt awkward being forthright. Stephen details how he is planning to tackle the new year and how he wants to live by three particular words. He also talks about a new routine that is having positive effects. Zak encourages Stephen to recognise that the fact that he is able to
REAL THERAPY SESSION: I'm in a bad mood & I need to rant!
It’s coming up to Christmas and Zak and Stephen are talking about… well nothing festive at all. Stephen is feeling pretty grumpy and has a bit of a rant. Zak sees beyond all of this and helps Stephen see that the life he is living is something to appreciate. They talk money, anger, relationships and being of service.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist #therapy #
REAL Therapy Session: Self Worth, Confidence, Personal Growth
Stephen is still in Sicily and is finding real peace of mind. Zak and Stephen discuss the barrage of media that we are exposed to in this day and age, and how Stephen has used his intuition to choose to take a break from tuning into media. Zak and Stephen also talk about Stephen’s search for humility. They also discuss purpose.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen.
#therapist
Real Therapy: Work Life Balance, Addiction, Mindfulness
Today, Zak and Stephen talk about the idea of home and where we find ourselves feeling at home. Stephen is still in Sicily and talks about lacking community. The word ‘balance’ is discussed, and Zak poses the question to Stephen of what it means to Stephen. Stephen talks about technology addiction and how he finds it hard to separate himself from his phone and work. Zak also sets Stephen a challen
REAL THERAPY SESSION: Digital Detox, How to be a Grown Up
In therapy session 3, Stephen is in Sicily on a one month working holiday with his wife Rebeca. Zak and Stephen discuss technology breaks and finding grounding in the moment. Stephen also raises a current problem of a debt that he is struggling with, and the two discuss financial intelligence and how, at 40, Stephen feels like he is only waking up now to how to be a grown up in some ways.
This
REAL THERAPY: Codependence, Free will, Am I good enough?
In therapy session 2, Stephen and Zak talk about co dependance and what it means. Stephen talks about needing validation and boundaries. Free will is also discussed and whether we indeed have any. Stephen also talks about how his mind can be such a busy and sometimes judgemental place, and Zak’s thoughts give him a lot to reflect upon.
This is Real Talk Therapy. And you are welcome to listen. The
Therapy Session 1: People Pleasing, Boundaries
In this real talk therapy session, Stephen opens up about his lack of confidence around boundaries and not knowing when he is being too much or when he is not being strong enough in his standpoint. Zak and Stephen also discuss the idea that Stephen has been firefighting all of his life (in his mind that is) and how he needs to be gentler on himself.
There’s something for every human here.
D
One Man and his Therapist: Trailer
INTRODUCTION:
In this episode, Stephen and Zak introduce themselves and tell the story of what brought their paths together. Stephen shares a little of his past and why he needed therapy and Zak describes what changes he witnessed in Stephen throughout the initial period of therapy, when Zak helped Stephen get sober.
There’s something for every human here. Disclaimer: Welcome to our Podcast - ‘
#21 Zak is back! (and so am I)
Zak is back! (and so am I). This week my former therapist Zak Powers joins me for a chat about Technology Addiction and my struggle with feeling part of 12 step recovery groups. It's a great chat for anyone who struggles putting their phone down.
Support the podcast on Patreon (anonymously if you wish) and get access to my verbal journal and meditations: https://www.patreon.com/thatsoberirishdud
#20 Me. 4 Years Sober.
Today I celebrate 4 years of sobriety. It’s been the best 4 years of my life on this wonderful adventure. When I stopped drinking I thought I was losing so much, I did not realise how much I was going to gain. My peace of mind (most of the time), a lot more joy on a daily basis, and of course my beautiful wife Rebeca who makes me laugh every day at least 100 times. Thank you to all of you for cont
#19 Tea and Honesty
This episode is a very honest chat over tea with the lovely @jojofauchier where we talk all things sober. How she says no to a life of compromise in her sober journey. It’s a beautiful empowering bolt of energy of a chat with a person who is pure joy to be in the company of. A shining light of soberness. Something for Every. Human. Here. Support the podcast on Patreon (anonymously if you wish): h
#18 Paul. 13 Years Sober.
Today Paul joins me. Paul is someone who has a quiet humility and wisdom. This is a great chat and I’m grateful to Paul for giving me and my listeners his time. He shares his journey to sobriety, his truth and how he became a registered counsellor. Something for Every. Human. Here.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.com/thatso
#17 Harry Hudson Taylor
In this weeks episode I speak with Harry Hudson Taylor @harryhudtay about his younger self and how trauma led him to being addicted from a young age. He openly discusses where he was in life and how things turned around for him. He also shares about his amazing band Hudson Taylor @hudtaymusic. This is a beautiful episode and I'm very grateful to Harry for sharing his story with me and all of you,
SEASON 2 #1 That Sober Irish Dude
It's time for season 2 of That Sober Irish Dude's Podcast. I'm so happy to be back for another season and this time it's going to be even more honest and deep diving and humorous and focused on all manner of addictions.
In this short opening episode I talk about the aims of the new season, how I'm looking forward to engaging with you guys more and how I've been over the last year.
Tune in this S
#15...The Last One (Maybe...)
In this episode I explain to you why I've decided to say goodbye to the Podcast, at least for a little while. I'm off on an Adventure and that's all I'm saying for the moment. It's been a joyous time doing this Podcast and I'll be back sometime soon in this guise or another.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.com/thatsoberiris
#14...Rob Walsh of 'The Panik Attaks', and why I don't feel I'm an 'Alcoholic'...
In this weeks episode, I interview Rob Walsh, lead singer of 'The Panik Attaks', Dublin's finest punk outfit. Rob is sober for nearly 2 years and has a very interesting take on his own recovery and his own journey to Sobriety. I know there will be a lot of identity here for many. I also share my first Blog entry on why I believe the word 'Alcoholic' is outdated. Something for Every. Human. Here.
#13...The Therapy Sessions with Zak Powers Part 4
This week Zak Powers, my former therapist is back and we talk about alcohol's presence in culture and society. We also talk about addiction in general, the human desire to fill every minute, and our often elusive ability to sit with ourselves. Something for Every. Human. Here.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.com/thatsoberir
#12...The Sober Experiments Part 2...Irina
In this, the second part of The Sober Experiments, I catch up with my old friend Irina and see how she is getting on since deciding to take an extended break from drinking. I also reflect a little on my own sobriety and the early days trying to stay sober. Something for Every. Human. Here.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.co
#11...Bear in Mind Founder Pauly Doyle talks Mental Health, Sobriety and his Social Enterprise
This week Pauly Doyle, a fellow brother in Recovery chats to me via the magic of the internet. We talk about his fantastic social enterprise Bear in Mind with which Pauly and his team are helping maintain good Mental Health in the Creative Industry in Ireland. We also talk about Pauly's own road to recovery, his battles with anxiety and we have a bit of a laugh as well. Something for Every. Huma
#10...The Sober Living Experiments Part 1...Irina
In this, the first of The Sober Living Experiments, my friend Irina comes to the studio for a chat and agrees to embark on an extended period of Sobriety to see how life is over on the Sober Side of the Tracks. I also share with you some fo the ways in which living a Sober Life has benefitted me. Something for Every, Human. Here.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL
#9...The Therapy Sessions with Zak Powers Part 3
In this, the first remote interview on That Sober Irish Dude's Podcast, I speak to my former therapist, Zak Powers about what's happening in the world, both the positives and the negatives. We talk about some of the insights I've been having with all of this time to think. We also talk about what you might do if some of your more addictive tendencies start to rear their heads during this time. Som
#8...Yoga Therapist Camilla O'Callaghan comes for tea and a chat
In this episode I am joined by Yoga Therapist Camilla O'Callaghan. Camilla lives in the West of Ireland and practices Yoga Therapy at her beautiful home in East Clare. She came to the studio a couple of months ago, to talk about her life with Yoga and how Yoga can help our minds and our bodies in infinite ways. Yoga has always been very important to me in recovery as a means of checking in with my
#7...Charity Founder Calvin James comes to talk about Life, Alcohol, Homelessness and Syria
In this episode the opening monologue is on the current world situation and then I talk to an old mate and a truly inspiring man called Calvin James. Calvin has fought many battles over the years, from his own booze and drugs battles to working with Dublin's homeless population. Today Calvin continues to fight battles, mainly for some of the world's most vulnerable people in places like Syria and
#6...Nutritional Advisor Frankie Lewis talks Food, Supplements and all round Good Eating Habits
In this episode I take a train ride out of Dublin and I visit the home of Frankie Lewis in County Wicklow, where we break bread (sorry!) and talk all things nutrition. Frankie is a hugely knowledgeable Nutritional Advisor and has so much to say on best food practice. One of the big elements of my sober life is maintaining a good, healthy attitude to food and Frankie taught me so much in the time I
#5...Travel writer Fionn Davenport talks Sobriety, Life and drops lots of nuggets of Wisdom
Fionn has been sober for over 20 years and on this episode he talks candidly about his journey to sobriety and how his life has been profoundly affected by the brave decision he took many years ago to say goodbye to drugs and alcohol. There is something for every human here. I took a lot from this chat. I hope you do too.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my M
#4...TV chef and all round star Erica Drum talks Trials, Tribulations and her Emancipation
This week I talk to my great friend Erica Drum. Erica is an inspirational person who exudes positive energy and has a well rounded format for living a strong life. She has had some knocks over the last couple of years but has come back stronger than ever. On this episode we talk about how Erica coped with harder times, the gifts that she got from adversity and we touch a little on alcohol and Iris
#3...The Therapy Sessions with Zak Powers Part 2. Why choose Sober?
Zak (my former therapist) joins me in the studio again to talk about reasons for getting and staying sober. We also talk about forming good, positive habits and how the brain works. We give you tools to help yourself in daily life and we have a bit of a laugh too.
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.com/thatsoberirishdude
Ins
#2...Comedian Mike Rice talks Comedy, Sobriety and General Mental Health
In this episode the lovely Mike Rice joins me. Mike is an up and coming comedian and a very honest, open guy. In this talk, we as two young Irish guys sit down and talk about the Irish disdain for anyone who "makes it big", growing up in Ireland, drinking habits, general mental wellbeing and much more besides. I had a lot of fun recording this episode so I hope you take a lot from it.
SUPPORT the
#1...The Therapy Sessions with Zak Powers Part 1, Sobriety, Peace and how it happened for me
In this first episode of the podcast I get interviewed by my former therapist Zak Powers. In the conversation we chat about what took me from my earliest innocent encounters with alcohol to how alcohol nearly took my life. Zak was my therapist for three and a half years and he knows me more than most people, in fact he probably knows me more than I know myself. So in this episode you have an oppor
How and Why I Chose a Sober Life
Sober? Sober curious? Or just looking for something new. This podcast will have something for you. In this first, short episode I introduce myself and I tell you a little about the interesting and at times scary ride I took in life to get to the peaceful life I have today. Enjoy!
SUPPORT the podcast on PATREON and get access to my VERBAL JOURNAL and my MEDITATIONS https://www.patreon.com/thatsobe
