Brian Pennie poses the question 'how would you live your life differently if life gave you a second chance?' Brian’s drug addiction was so severe that he was deemed too much of a risk for detox. In this rare conversation, he tells his incredible story of rebuilding his world from the depths of addiction, crippling anxiety through to the most unlikely recovery journey.

Jarlath asks Brian about the significance of gratitude and how a lack of awareness while suffering with addiction was preventing him from reaching a place of appreciation. We also find out the subtle impact of being a 'black belt in self-deception.'

Brian explains how a traumatic surgery as a child has impacted on his life and much more, this is the perfect conversation to listen to on a week where Ireland continues to bare the weight of the pandemic.

This is just a taster. To hear this episode in full and to gain access to the entire back-catalogue of over 400 Irishman Abroad episodes that are not available on iTunes for just the price of a pint every month visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad

Supplementary research provided by John Meagher.

Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation.

For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on [email protected].

Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited unless direct credit and/or hyperlink to the Irishman Abroad podcast is clearly and accurately provided.