Erin McGathy!!!! Erin McGathy is my smashing guest this week! :) This was a wonderfully special chat. We start off chatting about covid-19 (BRIEFLY), (& obviously), but then get on to other matters such as: gaining perspective in difficult times, doing our best in any situation, relationships, break-ups, divorce, bereavement, family illness, coping, self-care, creativity, following one's passion, doing what we feel is right, internal locus of evaluation, therapy, inner critic (that cunty, cunty inner critic), shame, inner strength, trauma, denial, self-judgment, being kind & compassionate, personal responsibility, personal processing, being grateful, uncertainty, love and doing SHROOMS!!!!

This was a very special encounter. Meggan and I became 'Insta friends' a while back and finally met in real life a couple of days ago for this great podcast chat. Meggan's insightful, honest and incredibly strong and courageous.

In this chat, Meggan and I discuss the ups and downs of life, the importance of routine, surrendering and savouring life being good, eating well, self-care, feeling depressed, self-harm, Art Therapy, always learning, emotional pain and learning coping skills, mental health issues, personal growth and development, therapy, being kind to yourself and others, compassion-focused therapy, tips for distress, self-worth, affirmations, finding your tribe, flashbacks, taking tiny steps to self-improvement, hope prevailing, finding your purpose and trying to get rid of those cunty inner critics!

Meggan also mentions First Fortnight & Kind Ireland, check them out here:

www.firstfortnight.ie

&

Kind Ireland

&

@the_happyplug

Hilarious & brilliant Gearoid Farrelly is my glorious guest this week. This podcast episode was recorded in front of a live studio audience in Smock Alley and it was all the fun!

Gearoid was a terrifically generous, entertaining and honest guest, speaking about such topics as: growing up gay in Finglas in the 90s, experiencing bullying, homophobic bullying, accountability - where were the adults?, coming out, denial, dating, joining musical theatre groups, school reunions, stand-up comedy, self-acceptance and how fostering kittens and acquiring the gorgeous 'Boots' has changed his life! :)

This week's episode is with the outrageously talented, hilarious and terrific human that is Tara Flynn!!! It's also the first ever live podcast recording, which was a lot of fun. 

In this episode Tara and I discuss such topics as: creating work, writing, ageism, opening doors, growth mindset, coping mechanisms, healthy life choices, grief, loss, activism, online behaviour, bereavement and many more topics besides. 

Check it out, like, share, review ...all that good stuff!

Owner of the best laugh ever, Allie kindly joins me for some terrific podcast chats this week. Allie was a particularly generous guest, with many topics discussed, including: the benefits of a growth mindset, kayaking, going sober,  weighted feelings, bullying, Allie's own experience of being a "closeted trans girl", coming out, Allie's journey and dealings with healthcare professionals, the importance of support/ community and of seeking help. In addition, Allie shares with us her experience with mental health, breaking points encountered as well as highlighting trans issues, transphobia, legislation, support structures etc.  

Allie also talks about comedy as a coping mechanism, learning new things, the importance and significance of doing something to help yourself and taking things one step at a time, playing sport, having healthy outlets and coping skills, living life as a trans woman and living one's life in the truest expression of them! 

This was a really great chat. Listen, like, share and spread the good vibes, knowledge, insight and love! :)

Hazel Hogan, poet and soulful human, joins me for existential chats this week. Hazel's episode covers topics such as: moving country, getting sick away from home, family and friends, concussion, repercussions of concussion, personality change, anxiety, panic attacks, death anxiety, rippling, mortality, the fragility of human life, decision-making, choice, embracing the hippy within, consciousness, living ethically, writing, poetry, performing, coping mechanisms, CBT, Art, friendship, awareness of the joy of this present time and embracing and relishing one's existence, now.

As the topic of death anxiety was discussed, I mentioned a book entitled 'Staring at the Sun' by Irvin Yalom... well worth a read! :)

Irish poet Seamus Heaney was also briefly mentioned. Here are some beautifully eloquent and wise words from him which I feel reflect the vibe of this podcast episode:

"Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear"

"How perilous is it to chose not to love the life we're shown?"

Hazel will be performing at a fundraising gig this week, Thursday 20th Feb, in Memas on Parnell St. Dublin in aid of the charity: Inner City Helping Homeless.

Conspiracy Theorist extraordinaire Gordo Rochford (of 'Those Conspiracy Guys' podcast) very kindly takes time out of his busy schedule to chat all things human. Gordo tells us what it's been like taking time away from Dublin to live out West and get some coastal air into his lungs. New perspectives have been acquired, self-awareness has been enhanced and personal development is being constructed at an impressive pace! :) 

Gordo also shares with us his philosophy on 'The New You', the benefits of spreading good vibes and embracing change: both life and personal. Other topics discussed in this episode include: childhood anxiety, skepticism, being distrustful, questioning, seeking answers, uncertainty, bullying, finding solace and escapism in the liquid hug of alcohol, conspiracy theories, nature, going sober, self-care, stand-up comedy, podcasting, online communities, ambition, living abroad, relationships, new experiences and the wonders of 90s Estonian internet! 

Give it a listen, like & share with your fellow humans! :)

James Goldsbury has been volunteering with ICHH (Inner-City Helping Homeless) for the past year and is hosting a comedy gig to raise much needed funds for the brilliant (& unfortunately very necessary) work they do.

In this episode James shares with us some experiences he has acquired volunteering with the ICHH, the work the ICHH do, the people he has met, the stories he has encountered and the issues faced by many. 

In addition to the homelessness situation & housing crisis, we also chat about James's obsession with the number 11, having higher than average bone density, being fit and fine at fifty, grip strength (which I make dirty), Terry Jones, Monty Python, the upcoming election and we go on respective rants about 'buying to let', luas tracks, political printer, conflicts of interest and various other tidbits. 

If you're interested in helping to support ICHH, check out their website... or get involved with / support any or all of the many charities working to help people who are currently without a home or safe place to sleep and live.

The line-up for the gig is amazing (I'm on it, enough said!) ;) and it takes place

THURSDAY JAN 30th in

The Workman's Club, Dublin.

Tickets on Eventbrite or Workman's sites, as well as on the door. See you there! :)

Aoife Dooley kindly joined me for some pre-Christmas podcast chats. She's a joy to chat with!! We covered a wide range of topics including: self awareness, growth, changes & changing, self acceptance, yogaless zen, adolescence, compassion, personal accountability, scheduling stress, the pressure of self-imposed high expectations, setting manageable goals, responsibility, self-care, recently receiving a diagnosis of 'Autism', anxiety, body positivity, bullying, depression, PTSD, social media, experience of parental death, the importance of rest and taking breaks, rewarding oneself and being more socially conscious! 

Enjoy the chats at your leisure. Please like & share to pass on the good vibes! :)

Damian Clark, the absolute gent, joins me for caffeine-fueled chats. He shares with us his experience of becoming a Dad, doing stuff, learning how to fix sinks with YouTube, breastmilk cocktails and the secret to stand-up: Being Funny! Damo also invents the next big thing: double prams for adults!

Such a pleasure chatting with Damo... he's the loveliest!

@DamianClark (Facebook & Twitter)

@DamianClarkComedy (Insta)