The Laura Dowling Experience

Conquering Addiction: Childhood Trauma, Neuroscience, & Transformation with Dr. Brian Pennie #110


Listen Later

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Pennie, an Irish neuroscientist, author, and resilience specialist, to explore his extraordinary journey from heroin addiction to academic success. Brian opens up about his 15-year struggle with addiction, the hidden battles he faced, and the pivotal seizure that became his turning point toward recovery. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, proving that transformation is possible at any stage of life.

We also discuss the lasting effects of childhood trauma, how it shaped Brian’s early struggles with anxiety and addiction, and the societal perceptions that keep so many trapped in destructive cycles. Brian shares the tools that helped him rebuild his life, from aligning decisions with core values to using controlled breathing, social connection, and purpose-driven living as key pillars of resilience. He also reflects on how education gave him a new sense of direction, helping him replace self-destruction with growth.

Beyond addiction, this episode explores mental well-being, managing stress, and the pursuit of fulfilment. Brian offers practical strategies for navigating anxiety, making value-based decisions, and finding meaning through love, connection, and service to others. Whether you’re facing personal struggles or seeking tools for a more balanced life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.

This episode is brought to you by fabÜ FOCUS BRAIN, the supplement I created to help you stay sharp, focused, and ready to take on the day. Featuring a unique blend of Lion’s Mane mushroom, L-Tyrosine, Choline, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and B vitamins, it’s designed to support cognitive function, mental performance, and reduce tiredness and fatigue. Whether you need to power through work, study, or just keep up with a busy life, these easy-to-swallow capsules are brain health in a bottle!

I poured my heart into formulating fabÜ FOCUS BRAIN because I believe thriving isn’t just about getting by—it’s about unlocking your full potential with clarity and confidence. Don’t just take my word for it—check out the incredible reviews from people just like you on fabuwellness.com. Available online and in pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. Give your brain the support it deserves!

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Laura Dowling ExperienceBy Laura Dowling

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

7 ratings


More shows like The Laura Dowling Experience

View all
The Women's Podcast by The Irish Times

The Women's Podcast

122 Listeners

Real Health with Karl Henry by Irish Independent

Real Health with Karl Henry

38 Listeners

The Good Glow by The Good Glow Productions

The Good Glow

71 Listeners

The Laughs Of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy by Doireann Garrihy

The Laughs Of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy

146 Listeners

Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige by Síle Seoige

Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

54 Listeners

Brendan O'Connor by RTÉ Radio 1

Brendan O'Connor

79 Listeners

Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland by GoLoud

Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

54 Listeners

The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy by Ryan Tubridy

The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy

48 Listeners

Mark Mehigan’s Weekly Roast by GoLoud

Mark Mehigan’s Weekly Roast

12 Listeners

Keep It Tight by Keep It Tight

Keep It Tight

91 Listeners

Catch Up with Louise McSharry by Louise McSharry

Catch Up with Louise McSharry

36 Listeners

The Mind Full Podcast by Dermot Whelan

The Mind Full Podcast

24 Listeners

Big News Coming Soon Podcast by Alan Clarke

Big News Coming Soon Podcast

19 Listeners

Conversations with Parents by The Irish Times

Conversations with Parents

4 Listeners

The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy by Brenda Dennehy

The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

19 Listeners