Having The Chats

I'm joined via Zoom by Screenwriter Ronika Merl, who has just had two of her screenplays optioned and with the possibility of a third one being optioned too. At just six years of age, because of the horrific abuse suffered by her at the hands of her parents, she contemplated suicide. She ended up working in a brothel at eighteen and has also had experiences with domestic abuse and homelessness.

I'm joined via Zoom by Fiona Ferris, who is Deputy CEO and Head of Training at AsIAm Ireland. Fiona is actually Autistic herself, as well as being a parent to a child on the spectrum. She's also an artist and is currently studying Law so that she can better understand the rights of Autistic people.

I'm joined via Zoom by Personal Trainer and Sports Science graduate Mick Hughes, who has helped hundreds of clients reach their goals over the years. He is one of the most experienced coaches around, especially when it comes to nutrition, and he is currently doing the hard prep for a major upcoming photo shoot.

I'm joined via Zoom by Supermum and Blogger Orla Christian. She is a full-time Carer to her son Michael who is non-verbal and has a rare genetic disorder called L1 Cam Syndrome, something that currently only affects 3 people in the whole of Ireland. Michael also suffers from Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid deep within the brain.

I'm joined via Zoom by Personal Trainer Joy Quigley, who is the only person I've ever met who actually curses more than me. She's currently studying a Masters in Sports Science and works in a gym, so she knows that environment very well. She's also into cold water therapy and enjoys the idea of drinking cans by The River Dodder.

I'm joined via Zoom by Podcaster and Mental Health Advocate Colm Doolan, best known as the host of The Sober Mess Podcast. He is a recovering alcoholic, eight years sober, and he also Volunteers for the homeless charity Reaching Out (Homeless Outreach Dublin).

I'm joined via Zoom by Writer/Director/Musician Zoe Kavanagh, best known for her ambitious 2016 Action/Horror feature film Taryn Barker: Demon Hunter and her controversial LGBT short film Wounded Ella. She's also been a part of the Irish Industrial Rock band Voxillary since 2008.