HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing
A weekly podcast series focusing on health and wellbeing, where the HSE Health and Wellbeing team discusses its work with partners. The show goes under the bonnet of ongoing efforts to achieve the Healthy Ireland ambition of creating optimal health and wellbeing for all.
Episodes
#161 Supporting your Teen with Anxiety
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with experts Rosemary Kavanagh (Speech and Language Therapist), Niamh Garavin (Occupational Therapist), and Muireann Treacy (Clinical Psychologist) about the intricacies of adolescent development, with a particular focus on anxiety. Their discussion addresses the swift changes teenagers experience, the effects
#160 Understanding SATU: Care and Support After Sexual Assault
Dan Kane, Forensic Examiner and Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, and Catherine Marsh, Forensic Nurse Examiner and Clinical Innovation Project Coordinator, discuss the care and support available after sexual assault, what people can expect when attending a SATU, and the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed care. A conversation for the public and healthcare professionals alike.
Produced by GKMe
#159 Patient Partnership: Lived Experience Shaping Healthcare
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley speaks with Mandy Daly, co-founder of the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA), about the power of equal, meaningful patient partnership in shaping healthcare, research and policy within our HSE. Drawing on her personal journey as the parent of a premature baby, Mandy shares how lived experience can drive systemic
#158 Stop Clots. Save Lives. Blood clots and how to prevent them
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by Dr. Denis O'Keeffe, National Clinical Lead for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), National Nurse Lead for VTE, Sarah Garvey and Alma de Bruijn, who bravely shares her experience of developing a serious blood clot during early pregnancy. Together, they explore the risks, symptoms, and treatment of Venous Thromboembolism (V
#157 Promoting Health at the Ploughing
Recorded live, at the National Ploughing Championships in County Offaly, this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast brings together voices of health professionals across a number of topics as well as members of the public. We also speak briefly with Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Public Heal
#156 Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by Professor Bobby Smyth and Senior Counsellor, Emer Loughrey, to discuss the updated HSE Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent's Guide. They explore how parents can approach conversations about substance use with their children, covering current trends among young people in Ireland, the risks of adolescent substance use, and the
#155 Let's talk about Suicide
In this podcast Ailish O’Neill (National Education and Training Manager with the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention) and Declan O’Shea (a Lived Experience Contributor) discuss the new, free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE, ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’.
'Let’s Talk about Suicide' is an introductory suicide prevention programme, that helps participants to identify o
#154 HSE CEO, Anne O’Connor
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we speak with HSE CEO Anne O'Connor about the importance of prevention and community-based care in Ireland's health service. Anne shares her vision for keeping people well at home through health promotion initiatives delivered by the health service and by our community partners, like Making Every Contact Count, Social Prescribing, an
#153 Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids
In this episode, we discuss Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids and much more.
With school routines starting again and parents getting to grips with what to put into those lunchboxes and what to avoid. Marian McBride, Dietetic Lead, HSE Health & Wellbeing discusses the importance of a balanced diet to ensure children develop a healthy relationship with food.
With tips on how to introduce healthier foo
#152 Starting School - Back to School
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Dr. Abigail Collins to help families navigate starting primary school and the back-to-school transition. Dr. Collins shares practical advice covering everything from managing children's anxiety and separation worries to practical preparations like uniforms, school bags, and lunchboxes. The conversation al
#151 Compassionate Cultures in Health Care
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by Professor Michael West to explore how organisational culture shapes the wellbeing of staff and the quality of care across our health services. Drawing on his decades of research and experience with health systems, Michael discusses what compassionate leadership looks like in practice and how it can hel
#150 Promoting Wellbeing through Equity
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we're taken inside the 30th Annual Health Promotion Conference at the University of Galway, where experts from across Ireland and beyond gathered to explore health equity and reflect on 40 years since the Ottawa Charter. Keynote speakers, researchers, and practitioners shared insights on tackling structural inequalities, empowering c
#149 Dangers of Sunbeds
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Well-Being podcast, we speak with Selene Daly Tarpey, Nurse Tutor HSE Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education Sligo Leitrim West Cavan, about the serious health risks of sunbed use and the importance of skin cancer prevention. Selene draws on her dermatology experience to debunk common tanning myths, including the idea that sunbeds boost vitamin D o
#148 Men’s Health in the Pharmacy
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by pharmacists Greg Cleary and Tom Murray to explore men's health in the pharmacy setting. The conversation covers a range of important topics, including blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, cardiovascular health, vaccinations, and mental wellbeing. The pharmacists highlight
#147 Men’s Mental Health
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we welcome award-winning writer, poet, and mental health advocate, Daragh Fleming, for an open and thoughtful conversation about men's mental health and healthy masculinity. Daragh shares his personal journey through depression, grief, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, exploring how poetry helped him reconnect with his emotions. He ch
#146 Eczema: Practical Support
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley is joined by Louise Carolan, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, to explain what eczema is, why it flares, and what really helps. Living with eczema can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of practical ways to get it under control and improve day‑to‑day life. Louis
#145 Skin Cancer Prevention: Be SunSmart
In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice join us to discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin ca
#144 Understanding Endometriosis in young people
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley speaks with Kathleen King, HSE National Endometriosis Education Lead, and Cate O’Connor, HSE National Endometriosis Education Officer, who have developed an educational programme educating young people in school and clubs about periods, pelvic pain and the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis. They explore how s
#143 Tobacco End Game
In this episode of HSE Talk and Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen speaks with Dr. Paul Kavanagh, a public health consultant and adviser to HSE Tobacco Free Ireland. Drawing on personal experience and expert knowledge, Dr. Kavanagh explores Ireland's tobacco endgame - the goal of eliminating tobacco harm entirely by 2035. He discusses the ongoing impact of smoking on Irish society, the tobacco indu
#142 How Alcohol Affects Your Brain
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley talks to Dr Sean O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Lead for HSE National Dementia Services, and Dr Claire Neill, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the National Health Improvement Team.
They discuss how alcohol affects the brain in the short and long term, including its impact on mood, sleep and
#141 Baby Talk: Stories, Songs and Support
In this HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing episode, host Noreen Turley talks to neonatal speech and language therapist and SPARK HSCP National Innovation Fellow, Deirdre Bradley, about how reading, talking and singing to babies from day one can shape their brains, support bonding and boost long‑term language and literacy. Drawing on powerful research and her 20 years’ experience in neonatal care, De
#140 Digital Mental Health support for young people
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we speak with Joseph Morning, Head of Learning and Curriculum at spunout, about digital mental health resources for young people. Joseph introduces Navigator, which is a free, anonymous online tool helping 16–25-year-olds find tailored mental health support in Ireland and explains how real young people shaped its development. We als
#139 Fostering: Opening your Heart, Opening your Home
This episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing explores the real experiences of fostering in Ireland, Noreen Turley is joined Noeleen O'Reilly, foster parent who has welcomed many children into her family home over the last 20 years and Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla’s national lead for Foster Care. Together they explore what fostering really looks like day to day. Listeners will hear honest reflection
#138 Mental Health Recovery
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Michael Ryan, Head of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery at the HSE. Together, they explore the evolution of mental health services in Ireland, highlighting the shift towards recovery-oriented, person-centred care. Michael shares his personal journey and emphasises the value of lived experience, peer support, and recovery educat
#137 Exam Calm for Parents
This episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, hosted by Noreen Turley and joined by Dr. Jean Sorohan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, offers practical support for parents and carers helping a young person through exam season. Jean shares down-to-earth advice on how to stay calm, ease pressure, build healthy routines, and encourage mindful coping at home. The conversation also touches
#136 Radon Awareness
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Dr. Mary O’Mahony to discuss radon; a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the leading source of radiation exposure in Ireland. They explore radon’s health risks, especially its link to lung cancer, and highlight the importance of testing homes and using radon-proof membranes in new builds. The episode
#135 Screen Time & Young People
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the impact of screen time on young children with Dr. Gillian Doyle and Dr. Anne-Marie Casey, Senior Clinical Psychologists. They explore how screen time affects health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for mindful use of devices and advice for family conversations about screen habits. The experts highlight
#134 International Women’s Day: women balancing work & life in the HSE
This International Women’s Day episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast shines a light on the realities of women balancing work, life and care responsibilities across our health service. Host Noreen Turley is joined by Una Rogers, National Nursing and Midwifery SPARK Innovation Fellow and Midwifery Officer with the Department of Health, and Gillian Ledwidge Dunne, Regional Director
#133 Little People Big Feelings
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guests Melissa Vindigni (Senior Occupational Therapist), Muireann Treacy (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Rosemary Kavanagh (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) discuss the emotional experiences of young children under the theme "Little People, Big Feelings." They explore the normalcy of intense emotions in ch
#132 Staying Active: During & After Pregnancy
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, Eamon Keogh is joined by Dr Aisling McGrath and HSE physiotherapist Ailish Cleary to explore Ireland's new physical activity guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women. The discussion covers the benefits of staying active during and after pregnancy, addresses common fears and misconceptions, and provides practical advice for women
#131 Every School Day Matters: Supporting Attendance
On this week’s HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores Every School Day Matters: Supporting Attendance with Áine O’Keeffe, National Lead, Tusla Wellbeing Project and Director of TESS, and Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health / National Healthy Childhood Programme (NHCP).
Áine explains why we all have a role in promoting regular school
#130 Managing Low Mood, Depression & Relationships
In this week's episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Host Noreen Turley is joined by HSE psychologists Dr Niamh Clarke and Dr Michelle Howard to explore HSE Balancing Stress, a free online programme designed to help people manage stress, low mood, and depression. They share practical approaches including behavioural activation, creating supportive routines, mindfulness, and using positive af
#129 Global Health
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Dr. David Weakliam, Director of the HSE Global Health Programme. We explore the importance of global health, highlighting how Ireland’s partnerships with countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Sudan help strengthen health systems through training, equipment support, and collaborative initiatives. Dr. Weakliam emphasises the value
#128 Loneliness
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by Professor Roger O’Sullivan and Professor Brian Lawlor to explore loneliness as a significant health and social issue. The discussion covers the different types of loneliness, its impact on mental and physical health, and the importance of meaningful social connections. The guests highlight the need for tailored inter
#127 Managing Stress, Anxiety and Worry
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Noreen Turley is joined by Dr Michelle Howard and Dr Niamh Clarke, HSE psychologists involved in developing and delivering the Balancing Stress programme. Together they explore sessions 1-3 from the HSE Balancing Stress programme how stress, worry, anxiety and panic can build up in day‑to‑day life, and why recognising personal stress patterns is
#126 Vaping, Teens and the Truth: Protecting Young People from Nicotine
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley is joined by Martina Blake, HSE National Lead for Tobacco Free Ireland, and Kirstie White from the HSE Quitline to explore vaping and nicotine products and what they really mean for young people’s health in Ireland. They challenge the idea that it is just “harmless vapour”, highlighting how flavours, colours and clever packagi
#125 A Lookback on 2025
In the final episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast for 2025, hosts Fergal, Noreen, and Eamon reflect on a year of inspiring conversations covering diverse health and wellbeing topics. They highlight the courage and authenticity of guests who shared personal stories on issues such as suicide bereavement, cultural diversity, HIV stigma, mental health, and cancer. The episode celebr
#124 ALONE & Enhanced Community Care
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how ALONE and the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme collaborate to support older adults in relation to many areas of their health and wellbeing and fundamentally to live well at home. Our guests are Catriona Brennan, Candidate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, frailty, Gail Flynn, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, older
#123 Spark Innovation Programme: Empowering Staff, Improving Care
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley welcomes Caitriona Heffernan, National Clinical Innovation Lead and Anna Marie Kiernan, National Nursing/Midwifery Innovation Fellow, from the HSE Spark Innovation Programme. Together, they discuss how Spark empowers frontline healthcare staff to develop and implement innovative ideas that improve patient care acro
#122 Breastfeeding: Embracing Support and Building Confidence
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley welcomes Sheila Lucey, an advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist, for an in-depth discussion on breastfeeding. Sheila shares expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing before birth, and the importance of early support. The conversation covers practical tips for overcoming challenges, the
#121 Movember
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember to discuss their recent Report; The Real Face of Men’s Health in Ireland. They explore the impact of Movember’s initiatives, the findings of their new research, and the importance of community-based support. The conversation outlines the need to focus on health inequalities, the role of c
#120 Climate Action in Healthcare
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Roisin Breen and Dr Ola Nordrum about the HSE’s climate action journey: why healthcare must lead, what the priority frameworks cover, and how staff and leaders can turn strategy into delivery. They discuss the health impacts already seen, practical wins such as Green Theatres, inhaler changes and greener
#119 Supporting Staff with Disabilities in the Workplace
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we speak with Gráinne Leach and Kellie O’Farrell to discuss the experiences of people with disabilities working in the health service. Gráinne works as a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer with HSE Human Resources and Kellie works as a Senior Occupational Therapist in Primary Care. The conversation highlights personal journeys
#118 Stroke Awareness
In this episode we talk to Sinéad Coleman, Programme Manager for the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke and Physiotherapist at St. James’s Hospital. We discuss the importance of knowing the signs of stroke and responding immediately, highlighting the “Every Second Counts” and the importance of ringing an ambulance as soon as possible. Sinéad explains stroke symptoms, the urgent care pathwa
#117 Physical activity during cancer treatment
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Dr Emer Guinan about the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment and beyond. They explore how moderate, sustained movement can help manage side effects like fatigue, support mental wellbeing, and improve day‑to‑day function. The discussion explains why a personalised approach is essential, of
#116 Fair Deal Scheme
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we are joined by Ultan Hynes and Amanda Casey to discuss Ireland’s Nursing Home Support Scheme, or Fair Deal Scheme. The conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges families face when arranging nursing home care, the application and financial assessment process, and the importance of advance planning and open family
#115 Organ Donation
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley explores Ireland’s new opt-out organ donation system with ICU consultant Dr. Catherine Motherway and Olivia Farrell, whose daughter Lauren became an organ donor. Dr. Motherway explains the new legislation, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of families having conversations about donation while O
#114 Weaning with Confidence
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Joanne Byrne, HSE Senior Community Dietitian. Together they explain what Weaning is, when to start, and the signs that a baby is ready.
They discuss first foods, setting up calm mealtimes, and why moving from purées to lumps and how finger foods can support development and safety. Joanne shares advice on responsive feed
#113 Dementia & Arts
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox explores how creativity and community engagement can support people living with dementia. Guests Matthew Gibb, Rosin Nevin, and Catherine Daly discuss the benefits of arts-based programmes, such as poetry groups, in fostering hope, connection, and self-expression. The conversation highlights person-centred care, the importance of
#112 Transformation in Irish Healthcare with Dr Colm Henry
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley interviews Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive. They discuss the ongoing transformation of Irish healthcare, emphasising the shift toward more integrated, patient-centred care. Topics include the vital role of clinical leadership, expanding community-based services, and the opport
#111 Suicide Bereavement
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Fiona Tuomey, CEO, HUGG, and HSE Suicide Bereavement Co-ordinator Ollie Skehan about suicide bereavement. They discuss how suicide bereavement profoundly affects individuals and communities in Ireland, with each death impacting an estimated 135 people and creating layered grief that includes emotional, pra
#110 Managing Parenting Stress
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by clinical psychologist Aisling White and social worker Caroline O’Donoghue to explore parenting stress. The discussion highlights how feeling stressed is a normal part of parenting, its physical and emotional impacts, and practical strategies for self-care and stress management. The guests highlight the
#109 Overdose Awareness
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Jenny Smyth (HSE National Social Inclusion Office) and Rob (Ana Liffey Drugs Project) to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. The discussion explores overdose risks in Ireland, the vital role of naloxone, and the importance of peer-led intervention and community support. The guests share practical a
#108 Back to School
In this podcast episode, Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Clinical Lead for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, shares expert advice on preparing children for the school year. The discussion covers preventing and managing common childhood illnesses and building healthy routines, as well as advice for children who are anxious about going back to school. The episod
#107 Managing Menopause with underlying health conditions
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Dr. Caoimhe Hartley joins host Noreen Turley to explain what complex menopause really means, who it affects, and how Ireland’s six Complex Menopause Clinics are supporting women who may not be able to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flushes and mood swings but for some women, it’s far more comp
#106 Elder Abuse Awareness
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Tim Hanly, General Manager and Teresa Cronin, Director of Nursing from the HSE Safeguarding Office. Together, they explain what Elder Abuse is. Also outlining how it still remains an issue in society, with isolation and loneliness increasing the risk of abuse for some of our elderly population. They talk through the dif
#105 Healthy Masculinity
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Dr. Conor Hammersley, a Fulbright scholar and expert in rural men’s health, for a thoughtful discussion on healthy masculinity during Men’s Health Week. Together, they explore the challenges men face in balancing societal expectations with emotional wellbeing, the impact of social connection, and the importance of vulner
#104 Little People, Big Feelings: Helping kids manage their emotions
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guests Melissa Vindigni (Senior Occupational Therapist), Muireann Treacy (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Rosemary Kavanagh (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) discuss the emotional experiences of young children under the theme "Little People, Big Feelings." They explore the normalcy of intense emotions in ch
#103 Exam Stress Tips
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Ciarán Boylan and host Noreen Turley explore strategies for managing exam stress. They discuss how to recognise stress in young people, especially during exam times, and offer advice to parents and guardians on how to provide both practical and emotional support. The conversation aims to help parents and guardians assist young pe
#102 Skin Cancer Prevention: Be SunSmart
In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice join us to discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin ca
#101 Cultural Diversity in the HSE
In this podcast episode, host Fergal Fox leads a heartfelt discussion on cultural diversity within the Health Service Executive (HSE) from a staffing perspective. Joined by Christopher Ibanga, a Public Health Protection Nurse, and Abbie Alcorn, a Senior Speech and Language Therapist, the conversation delves into personal experiences of bias and the importance of the HSE Cultural Diversity Network.
#100 Supporting your Teen with Anxiety
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with experts Rosemary Kavanagh (Speech and Language Therapist), Niamh Garavin (Occupational Therapist), and Muireann Treacy (Clinical Psychologist) about the intricacies of adolescent development, with a particular focus on anxiety. Their discussion addresses the swift changes teenagers experience, the effects
#99 Balancing Stress
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Niamh Clarke, Principal Psychologist Manager and Programme Presenter, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, National Programme Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing, joins host Noreen Turley to introduce the new Balancing Stress programme, which is a free, easy-to-access, evidence-based online course in stress management, developed in partne
#98 Relationships and Sexuality: Talking to Your Children
Listen to the latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, featuring Moira Germaine, Education and Training Manager with the Sexual Health Programme. Moira tells us about the Making the ‘Big Talk’ many small talks resources, which support conversations between parents and their children about relationships and sexuality. Find out all about the research and rationale behind the n
#97 parkrun: Fitness, Fun & Friendship
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we talk about parkrun, a free, volunteer-led, 5k and 2k events that take place in open spaces every weekend around Ireland. This HSE supported initiative encourages people of all ages to come together to run, walk and talk.
We talk about the origins of parkrun and how it has gone from strength to strength, with over 14,000 particip
#96 Parenting in a Digital World
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how strong, supportive relationships between parents and children are one of the most effective protectors against online harm. Creating a safe space for open, age-appropriate conversations helps build empathy, promotes healthy values, and supports children to navigate an increasingly complex digital world with confidence.
#95 Palliative Care: the Myths and Truths
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Palliative Care with Jacinta Kelly, Director of Nursing, North West Hospice, Sligo and Dr. Feargal Twomey, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice in HSE Mid West and the HSE Clinical Lead for Palliative Care. The discussion demystifies palliative care, emphasising its role beyond end-of-life scenarios and its a
#94 Promoting Youth Health in Youth Organisations
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox chats with Rachael Treanor, Manager of the National Youth Health Programme at the National Youth Council of Ireland. They delve into the programme's mission to enhance youth health and wellbeing through the dedicated efforts of youth workers. Rachael highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, fostering social
#93 The Power of Family Resource Centres
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the crucial role of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) with Fergal Landy, CEO of the National Family Resource Centre Forum, and Shauna Diamond, National Programme Lead. They explore how FRCs support health and wellbeing in communities by offering services like parenting, family support, mental health initiatives
#92 Getting Ireland Active
With more options and activities freely available across Ireland, there has never been a better time to get physically active. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the positive developments and initiatives happening to encourage everyone to get active. Host Eamon Keogh speaks with Louise Burke, Director of Participation, Sport Ireland, the national state agen
#91 The HSE's Digital Future
The way we experience healthcare is changing, and technology is at the heart of this transformation. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the impact of digital transformation on Ireland’s healthcare system. Host Noreen Turley speaks with Damien McCallion, Deputy HSE CEO and Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, about how technology is starting to revol
#90 Youth, Alcohol & Health
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the challenges young people face when navigating alcohol in Ireland today. Martina Byrne, Manager of Cross Care Ronanstown Youth Service, and Sive Brennan, a Leaving Cert student and junior youth worker, join us for an insightful discussion on peer pressure, societal attitudes, and the impact of alcohol on young people. M
#89 Age Friendly Ireland
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, as they discuss the organisation's mission to create inclusive environments for older people in Ireland. Catherine highlights the importance of local government collaboration and proactive initiatives like Healthy Age Friendly Homes, which support
#88 Declutter Your Mind
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by Peadar Maxwell, Senior Psychologist in the HSE. They explore the concept of "mind clutter"; those overwhelming thoughts and distractions that often lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Peadar shares valuable insights on the symptoms of mind clutter and how it can impact mental clarit
#87 Keeping a Healthy Smile
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr Anne O’Neill, Oral Health Lead, HSE, talks about the importance of dental check-ups and the significant connection between oral health and overall well-being.
Dr. O'Neill provides practical tips on brushing and flossing, highlighting the impact of diet on dental health, providing tips for parents when it comes to their children’
#86 The Truth about Alcohol & Cancer
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, the discussion features insights from Dr. Breeda Neville, Public Health Specialist and Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.
The conversation centred around the significant public health issues associated with alcohol use, particularly its links to cancer. We discuss the new alcohol labelling laws which aim to provide c
#85 You, Me & HIV
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we have a discussion on the "You, Me and HIV" campaign, focusing on HIV awareness and stigma reduction. Guests include Dr. Robbie Lawler and Veda Lady, both HIV activists and co-hosts of the Poz Vibe podcast, who share their personal experiences and highlight the importance of community support. Professor Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical Le
#84 Farmer Wellbeing
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Farmer Wellbeing with Dr. John McNamara from Teagasc, and Finola Colgan from Mental Health Ireland. They explore the unique mental health challenges farmers face, the importance of health and safety, and initiatives to support their wellbeing. Key topics include the difficulty of accessing mental health services in rural a
#83 Patient Voices Shaping Healthcare
In this episode, we speak to John Wall, a dedicated healthcare campaigner, about his personal journey as a patient advocate. From overcoming challenges to building trust and fostering collaboration, John highlights the significance of Patient Partnership in healthcare decision-making. He discusses his role on the local Programme Improvement Board, the growing inclusion of patient voices, and the i
#82 Healthy New Year
In the first 2025 episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox, along with Health Promotion and Improvement colleagues Sean Conneely and Nollaig Ní Chárthaigh, discuss strategies for a Healthy New Year. They emphasise the importance of New Year's resolutions, behavior change, and community support in achieving health goals. Key topics include setting realistic goals, me
