Are We There Yet ? with Kathryn Thomas

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

Kathryn speaks with divorce expert and mediator Michelle Browne for an eye-opening conversation about navigating separation and divorce.

Michelle explains the painful and protracted nature of the Irish family court system, as she advocates for the healthier, more efficient route of mediation.

Drawing from her personal and professional experience, Michelle elaborates on how to handle the emotional vulnerability of a breakup without letting anger dictate the process. Michelle stresses the importance of dropping toxic labels like "broken homes" from our vocabulary and how the stigma of divorce can be brutal for families, children and your bank balance.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn welcomes Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn to reflect on her trailblazing broadcasting career, sharing how she overcame a male-dominated industry to reclaim her colourful self and then explains her unexpected pivot into politics.

Unafraid to ruffle feathers, Evanne pulls no punches on the GAA’s slow integration process and the FAI's lack of athlete safeguarding. In a deeply moving segment, Evanne also opens up about her personal experiences with grief, navigating a fractured mental health system, and her experience with miscarriage.

An unforgettable chat about fighting for change and the power of a woman refusing to be silenced.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented in association with the Mater Private Network.

Kathryn chats to music icon and Westlife star Kian Egan! He steps off the golf course and into the podcast studio with Kathryn, before he runs back across the road to complete the band's record-breaking 13-night run at Dublin's 3Arena.

Kian pulls back the curtain on Westlife's massive 25th Anniversary tour and the reality of navigating this huge milestone without bandmate Mark Feehily, who stepped back due to health struggles. Kian emphasises the deep bond that has kept Westlife together for over two decades and what the future holds for the band.

Kian also opens up about his life off-stage - from the transition from international stadium tours to full-time fatherhood, and why he happily traded the popstar lifestyle for the surfing shores of Sligo. He also shares his guiding life mantra and explains why he refuses to settle for anything less than a life he is truly passionate about. Finally, in a hilarious quick-fire round, Kian reveals which bandmate is the biggest diva, who is their most surprising celebrity supporter, and reveals who is a “catty genius.”

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented in association with the Mater Private Network.

Kathryn sits down with Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald for a candid conversation where they discuss everything from Donald Trump, dealing with online abuse, the future of Ireland, and her recent thoughts on the Budget. McDonald addresses the media interest around her new hairstyle before telling Kathryn about her radical hysterectomy three years ago. She opens up about her challenging recovery and calls out the historic misogyny in Irish healthcare for women navigating the menopause. McDonald also reflects on the current Garvaghy Road tensions and how she plans to convince more people to believe in Irish unification.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented in association with the Mater Private Network.

Kicking off a new season in style, Kathryn Thomas is joined by one of her favourite comedians - the hilarious Emma Doran. Fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Emma discusses her comedy origins, while balancing a blended family life with gigging around the world and hosting a popular podcast.

Emma tells Kathryn about the importance of representation in the comedy scene and not changing her jokes to make men more comfortable, despite pushback from female audience members! They discuss running jokes by your family and what to do if Deirdre O’Kane mistakes you for venue staff.

Don’t forget you can watch this conversation on Apple Podcast and YouTube if you’re so inclined. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning wherever you get your podcasts, including the Onic Player.

You can see Emma live on tour the following dates across the UK and Ireland now - more information and tickets here: https://www.emmadorancomedy.com/

Next week: Mary Lou McDonald tells all...

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Thomas is back for Season 3 of 'Are We There Yet' next Tuesday 6th October across all podcast platforms.

Kathryn will be joined by comedian Emma Doran, culinary genius Marco Pierre White, Westlife's Kian Egan, and many more. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning - see you all next week!

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the S2 finale of ‘Are We There Yet?’ - Kathryn Thomas is joined by one of her favourite writers, Liz Nugent.

Liz is the reigning queen of Irish psychological suspense with countless Irish Book Awards. Liz tells Kathryn all about her new bestseller ‘The Truth About Ruby Cooper’ and how her childhood, her health and varied career has shaped her incredible writing.

In a fiercely honest conversation, Liz opens up about tackling the taboo of false accusations in her latest book - she explains her deliberate choice to create deeply flawed characters to explore the darkest facets of human nature. Liz also talks on why she’s given up alcohol, living with dystonia as a busy writer, and why her books resonate worldwide.

Season Three of ‘Are We There Yet’ will return later this year! Stay tuned for more details.

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn is joined by Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Jim O'Brien from the Mater Private Network to discuss how to look after your heart as we grow older.  Kathryn and Jim talk about how heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Ireland, accounting for one in four female deaths. 

Jim explains how the menopause affects our hearts and he reveals that too much exercise - sometimes - might actually be bad for your heart! He reveals the striking impact of hormonal shifts on cholesterol, why irregular period cycles can raise health risks and why heart palpitations are too often dismissed as anxiety.

And if you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll be able to see Kathryn do ten-push-ups on the studio floor… she was definitely not expecting that!

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Thomas is joined by award-winning author and journalist Sally Hayden to discuss her new book, ‘This is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World.’

Reflecting on her international reporting since 2013, Sally examines the psychological impact of her work and the "detachment crisis" that leads many people globally to tune out the news.  Currently living in Beirut, Sally shares with Kathryn her firsthand experiences from conflict zones to emphasise the importance of looking past military language and seeing the real civilians affected by geopolitics. By recounting stories of resilience, from taking a bank hostage to pay for parent’s healthcare to witnessing the "love train" platforms in Ukraine, Sally reminds Kathryn that humanity remains at the centre of global events and that hope is an action we must actively choose.  This is Also a Love Story is available in bookstores now.

Are We There Yet? is presented in association with Mater Private Network. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning.

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'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Thomas sits down with Tánaiste Simon Harris to discuss balancing a political life with parenting in the digital age. They explore the current economic pressures on Irish families, such as the challenges of securing quality childcare, especially those without local family support. 

Tánaiste Harris outlines his long-term focus, including his proposed initiatives such as under-16 social media restrictions and new financial incentives for families in his upcoming budget next October.

Kathryn and Harris delve into the critical issue of online safety for young people, discussing the need to protect children from addictive algorithms. They also examine the important role of nutrition in school meals, the impact of artificial intelligence, and finally when we might finally see the Children’s Hospital open its doors…

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.