🎙️ HAVING THE CHATS | Podcast Update: How I'm Really Feeling, Future Plans & Dealing With Hate

In this solo episode, I'm sitting down for an honest chat about where I'm at right now — mentally, emotionally, and with the future of Having The Chats.

I share how I've been feeling lately, the challenges I've faced over the last year, my plans for the podcast going forward, and some of the amazing guests that are coming up soon.

I also open up about online trolling, including some of the cruel comments I've received about my appearance after developing Bell's palsy. One comment in particular compared me to a "melted candle" — and while it hurt, it's also made me realise something important: other people's opinions don't get to decide whether I show up or not.

If you've ever struggled with confidence, anxiety, self-doubt, or worrying about what others think, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone.

❤️ In this episode:

How I'm feeling right now

My plans for Having The Chats

Upcoming guests and exciting projects

Living with Bell's palsy

Dealing with online hate and trolling

Building confidence again

Why I'm choosing to keep going

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share. It genuinely helps the channel grow and allows me to continue having these conversations.

#HavingTheChats #LauraKavanagh #PodcastUpdate #MentalHealth #BellsPalsy #Confidence #SelfWorth #IrishPodcast #WomenOver40 #Anxiety #PodcastLife #KeepGoing #PersonalGrowth #YouTubeIreland #RealTalk #DublinPodcast #HavingTheChatsPodcast

❤️ Thanks for being here. The best is yet to come. Laura x

This week on Having The Chats, I'm joined by Keith and Charlie from Ah Howya, the lads behind some of the funniest Dublin character videos on social media.

What started as a few comedy sketches has grown into a huge online following across TikTok and Instagram, with millions of views and a loyal fanbase who love their take on Dublin life.

But behind the laughs, there's a lot more to their story.

We chat about: ✅ How Ah Howya started

✅ Going viral on social media

✅ The reality of creating content online

✅ Their journey into influencer boxing

✅ The mental side of stepping into the ring

✅ Friendship, resilience and what's next for the lads

This episode is full of laughs, honesty, and some powerful conversations about overcoming challenges and building a new future.

If you enjoy real conversations with interesting people, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.

🎙️ Having The Chats with Laura Kavanagh

#AhHowya #KeithAndCharlie #HavingTheChats #IrishPodcast #DublinComedy #InfluencerBoxing #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealth #TikTokIreland #IrishCreators #PodcastIreland #LauraKavanagh

In this episode of Having The Chats, I sit down once again with author Gwen Phelan, whose powerful memoir The Quiet Place touched the hearts of readers across Ireland and beyond.

Since her first appearance on the podcast, Gwen's life has changed dramatically. We chat about the success of her book, the incredible response from readers, her appearances on podcasts and media platforms including Crime World, and how sharing her story has helped other survivors find their voice.

Gwen also opens up about a recent and challenging experience with eye surgery, the road to recovery, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward when life throws unexpected obstacles your way.

We also discuss exciting plans for Gwen's brand-new podcast and what the future holds for this inspiring woman.

This is an honest conversation about healing, growth, courage, and finding purpose after trauma.

✨ Topics covered:

Life after publishing The Quiet Place

The impact of sharing her story

Appearances on major podcasts and media

Recovery following eye surgery

Mental strength and resilience

Gwen's new podcast project

What's next for Gwen Phelan

If you enjoy real conversations with real people, please like, comment and subscribe.

💗 Follow Laura and Having The Chats for more inspiring stories and honest conversations.

#HavingTheChats #GwenPhelan #TheQuietPlace #PodcastIreland #DomesticAbuseAwareness #CrimeWorld #SurvivorStory #MentalHealth #IrishPodcast #LifeAfterTrauma #HealingJourney #WomenSupportingWomen #EyeSurgery #NewPodcast #LauraKavanagh

Ees popped in to chat about his 20 years at Fair City, being a daddy, mental health and life in general. What a sound man! 😇

It's Fair City's Dougie!!!! Actor Wes Doyle joins me to chat about his 20 years at Fair City, being a dad, mental health and life in general! What a sound man!

In this powerful and emotional episode, I sit down with author Gwen Phelan to talk about her new book The Quiet Place — a deeply personal and courageous account of surviving domestic abuse.

Gwen opens up about the emotional, psychological, and physical trauma she endured, the impact it had on her and the strength it took to finally break free. She shares how writing the book helped her heal and why she hopes her story will offer support and hope to others in similar situations.

💬 Topics we discuss:

The early signs of abuse

The turning point that led Gwen to leave

Life after escaping domestic violence

The emotional toll of writing her story

Advice for anyone who feels trapped or afraid

This conversation is raw, honest, and inspiring — a must-watch for anyone interested in stories of survival, motherhood, and resilience.

📚 Get Gwen’s book The Quiet Place on amazon and kindle!

#DomesticAbuse #SurvivorStory #GwenPhelan #TheQuietPlace #PodcastInterview #EmotionalHealing #RealStories #MentalHealthAwareness