In this deeply moving episode, Lisa Byrne sits down with Michael Nolan, known to many as Mikey — a recovering alcoholic and gambling addict from Arklow whose story is one of loss, resilience, and quiet strength.

Mikey speaks openly about entering treatment in Bruree, Co. Limerick in 2014 and the journey that has kept him sober ever since. For the first time, he shares the depth of grief he has carried — losing his mother in his early twenties, followed by the devastating loss of his father just five years later, and most recently the heartbreaking loss of his sister last July.

With honesty and humility, Mikey reflects on addiction and the reality of how self-centred life can become when we are unwell — the relationships lost, the business gone, the house, the money, and everything he once knew slipping away. He recalls a powerful turning point: a €20,000 win at the races that quickly disappeared in a blur of drinking and spending, leading him towards the treatment that would ultimately change his life.

What stands out most is Mikey’s quiet wisdom. He speaks about writing a letter to his father, about staying sober through unimaginable grief, and about leaning on meetings, connection, and the tools of recovery rather than returning to old coping mechanisms. He also shares how his three nephews, his brother, and sister-in-law continue to anchor him in love and purpose.

This episode is a reminder that healing does not remove pain — but it can change how we carry it. Through vulnerability, honesty, and lived experience, Mikey shows that peace and contentment are possible, even after profound loss.

A conversation about grief, addiction, accountability, and the power of staying well — one day at a time.