Inner Insights with Dr. Darragh Stewart

What if the key to understanding our health lies beyond the physical body?

In this episode of Inner Insights, I sit down with Dr Anthony Rafferty, medical doctor, integrative health practitioner and intuitive healer, for a fascinating conversation exploring the intersection of modern medicine, ancient wisdom and the body's innate intelligence.

Anthony has worked across maternity and reproductive health in Ireland, Australia and the UK, contributed to more than 30 scientific publications, and now brings together conventional medicine, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine and shamanic and energetic healing.

In this conversation, we explore what happens when someone moves beyond the conventional medical model and begins listening to the deeper intelligence of the body.

We discuss:

The limitations of modern medicine: Why treating symptoms isn't always the same as addressing the underlying causes of illness.

Intuitive and energetic healing: Understanding the relationship between emotional trauma, energetic patterns and physical health.

The gut-brain connection: Why gut health, the microbiome and our nervous system play such important roles in our overall wellbeing.

Our connection to the natural world: The relationship between soil health, microbial diversity and the health of our own bodies.

The power of silence and intuition: How meditation, nature and slowing down can help us reconnect with our inner wisdom.

Men's fertility and testosterone: Exploring declining sperm quality, reproductive health and the lifestyle factors that may be affecting men's fertility.

The future of integrative medicine: How we might bring together science, spirituality, ancient healing traditions and modern healthcare.

We also explore the role of sacred sites, sound, vibration, ancient Egyptian healing traditions and the possibility that our understanding of human health is only just beginning to expand.

This is a conversation about remembering that we are not simply machines to be fixed. We are complex, interconnected beings whose physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health deserve attention.

If something in this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who might benefit.

ABOUT DR ANTHONY RAFFERTY

Dr Anthony Rafferty is a medical doctor and integrative health practitioner with a background in reproductive health, nutrition, acupuncture, herbal medicine and energetic healing.

Website: https://www.dranthonyrafferty.com
Instagram: @DrAnthonyRafferty
Podcast: The Intuitive Health Podcast

ABOUT INNER INSIGHTS

Inner Insights is hosted by Dr Darragh Stewart, exploring consciousness, spirituality, personal transformation, men's work, psychedelic science and the deeper questions of what it means to be human.

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What happens when we stop performing and allow ourselves to be truly seen?

In this episode of the Inner Insights Podcast, I sit down with Irish writer, poet, spoken word performer and multidisciplinary artist Daragh Fleming for a deep and honest conversation about masculinity, mental health, vulnerability, intimacy, grief, creativity and what it means to live authentically.

Daragh has spent over a decade using writing and poetry to open up conversations around mental health. His work challenges the expectations placed on men and explores what happens when we let go of the need to perform who we think we're supposed to be.

We explore:

• Why so many men struggle to express emotions beyond anger
• The conditioning and expectations surrounding modern masculinity
• What it really means to take off the mask and be yourself
• Why true intimacy requires vulnerability and risk
• The fear of being rejected for who we really are
• How social media can turn vulnerability into another form of performance
• The pressure to turn ourselves into a "personal brand"
• Poetry and art as tools for processing emotions
• Grief as the final stage of love
• How losing someone can become a catalyst for purpose
• Male violence, emotional literacy and "emotional hygiene"
• Why empathy may be one of the most important qualities we can cultivate
• The resurgence of poetry and spoken word in a world craving deeper connection

Daragh also shares his beautiful poem "The Saddest Summer", exploring grief, loneliness, numbness and the process of finding your way back to yourself.

This is a conversation about becoming more human, not less.

If you're interested in men's work, mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity or living with greater authenticity, I think you'll get a lot from this episode.

Connect with Daragh Fleming:
@DaraghFleming

His debut poetry collection is forthcoming with Penguin.

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit from it.

#InnerInsights #DaraghFleming #MensWork #MentalHealth #Masculinity #Vulnerability #Authenticity #Grief #Poetry #SpokenWord

Join me this week for a conversation we had together last year all about Psychedelics. The conversation delves into the intersections of psychedelic culture and consciousness, reflections on the Breaking Convention we both attended, the excitement and complexity in the psychedelic space, the importance of preparation for psychedelic journeys, grounding and self-regulation, the significance of intentions in psychedelic experiences, and the role of psychedelics at festivals and raves. We talk about the profound impact of festivals, particularly psychedelic festivals, as transformational spaces that facilitate personal growth, healing, and community connection. We also emphasizes the importance of harm reduction services and the integration of psychedelic experiences beyond the festival environment.

Takeaways

• Psychedelic culture and consciousness exploration
• Importance of intention in psychedelic experiences Festivals serve as transformational spaces for personal growth and healing.
• Harm reduction services and integration of psychedelic experiences are crucial aspects of festival culture.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Psychedelic Culture and Consciousness
• 02:36 Reflections on Breaking Convention
• 02:52 Excitement and Complexity in the Psychedelic Space
• 05:47 The Importance of Preparation for Psychedelic Journeys
• 08:12 Grounding and Self-Regulation
• 17:04 The Significance of Intentions in Psychedelic Experiences
• 25:09 Psychedelics at Festivals and Raves
• 29:11 The Healing Power of Festivals
• 30:04 Psychedelic Festivals as Transformational Spaces
• 31:31 The Impact of Festivals on Personal Transformation
• 34:59 The Importance of Harm Reduction Services at Festivals
• 45:46 Integration of Psychedelic Experiences at Festivals
• 51:28 Community and Integration Beyond Festivals

Iryana Mosina is a researcher and interdisciplinary explorer focused on psychedelic culture and consciousness. Her work explores psychedelic education, preparation, integration, harm reduction, and side care in recreational settings. Her current research examines how intentions may shape psychedelic experiences and outcomes. This conversation is for educational purposes only and is not medical or mental-health advice. #Psychedelics #HarmReduction #PsychedelicEducation #FestivalCulture #Consciousness #Integration #InnerInsights

Back for round 2, in this episode, Dr. Brian Duggan and Darragh Stewart explore the transformative potential of AI and robotics in human creativity, cultural heritage, and everyday life. They discuss the balance between innovation and fear, the future of music and art, and the ethical considerations of technological advancements. In this episode, Bryan Duggan shares insights on the future of technology, AI, neural interfaces, and the cultural significance of Irish traditional music. We explore how emerging tech can empower and transform lives, and the importance of responsible engagement with these innovations.

What we chat about

• The impact of AI on creativity and human potential
• The evolution of traditional Irish music through AI
• Cyberdelics and altered states of consciousness via technology
• Holographic and hologram musicians transforming cultural heritage
• The ethical and societal implications of AI and robotics
• The future of music creation and immersive experiences
• AI as a tool for education and skill development
• The balance between technological innovation and fear of loss The potential of neural interfaces and exoskeletons
• The role of AI in music and creativity
• Cultural revival through Irish traditional music
• Harm reduction and legislation around cannabis and psychedelics
• The impact of technology on aging and longevity
• The importance of responsible engagement with tech

Chapters

00:00Introduction and guest background

01:56AI's role in expanding human creativity

03:58The backlash and fears around AI in art and music

05:55The relevance of learning programming in the age of AI

08:00Predictions and inevitability of AI development

09:59Making art from algorithms and the origins of computer science

12:08The future of AI-generated art and the importance of foundational skills

14:00Irish traditional music and AI projects like TunePal

15:46Enhancing music education with AI and holographic technology

17:59Holographic musicians and preserving cultural heritage

19:59The concept of digital immortality and virtual performances

22:06SquareWave project: creating interactive musical journeys

24:04The social and emotional impact of AI in music creation

25:58AI as a tool for learning and personal growth

28:05Cyberdelics and altered states of consciousness through technology

30:07The cultural and societal implications of AI and robotics

32:02The duality of acceptance and resistance to AI advancements

33:59The future of robots and AI companions in daily life

35:53Ethical considerations and human identity in the age of AI

http://bryanduggan.org
http://github.com/skooter500
@skooter500

https://bryanduggan.org/projects/skuarewave-create-music-with-holograms/

https://bryanduggan.org/projects/tunepal/

AI, robotics, creativity, cultural heritage, music technology, cyberdelics, holographic musicians, AI art, future of human evolution technology, AI, neural interfaces, Irish music, cultural revival, harm reduction, psychedelics, longevity, digital creativity

This week on Inner Insights, I sit down with Dr Kathryn Ledden, psychiatrist-in-training, co-founder of PsychCare Ireland, festival welfare advocate, researcher and DJ.We explore:✨ Harm reduction and why it matters✨ The reality of drug use in Ireland✨ Festival welfare and emotional support spaces✨ Psychedelic research and the future of therapy✨ Community, connection and mental health✨ Why so many people feel alone in modern society✨ What psychiatry can learn from holistic approachesBio:Walking the place where holistic healing, music spaces, and Western medicine meet is where Kat finds themself. A medical doctor training in psychiatry with a background in psychology and music performance, Kat is a Co-Founder and Director of PsyCare Ireland, Welfare and Harm Reduction CLG and a member of Trinity College Dublin Psychedelic Research Group.https://www.instagram.com/not_a_regular_doc/https://www.psycareireland.org/

What an insightful talk with the wonderful George Stuby. This is an episode not to miss, recorded live from London.If you enjoyed it make sure to subscribe to the channel and sign up to my mailing list here: https://innerwork.kit.com/7a6518f2f6. George Stuby is a Psychologist (MSc) and Musician. He helps lawyers and other high achievers break free from perfectionism, anxiety, people-pleasing, and feeling shut down.Many of his clients have achieved external success but lost internal connection. They’re at a point where achievement stops being enough—ready to transition from success to meaning. They’ve done therapy. They understand their patterns. But understanding hasn’t freed them—because these patterns live in the nervous system, not just the mind.Through Nervous System Regulation, Breathwork, Music Therapy, and approaches releasing what we store in our bodies (Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Compassionate Inquiry, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy), he helps people access and integrate what talk therapy can’t reach.He has worked with hundreds of people worldwide—in individual therapy, couples sessions, group ceremonies, and international retreats.Currently training in Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté, he works in both English and German.His mission: Help your nervous system feel safe, so you can be present—in your body, your relationships, your creativity, your life.instagram: iamgeorgestuby

What a wonderful episode with Michael for this week's episode of the Inner Insights podcast. If you enjoyed it make sure to subscribe to the channel and sign up to my mailing list here: https://innerwork.kit.com/7a6518f2f6.

There’s so much noise online around masculinity right now, but this conversation goes deeper than performance, politics or identity. It’s about the parts of ourselves we avoid. The grief we carry. The tenderness underneath the armour.And the possibility of becoming more whole.We speak about:

• Why so many men feel lost, numb or disconnected• The healing power of men’s circles and brotherhood

• Shadow work, vulnerability and emotional suppression

• Fatherhood, intimacy and masculine initiation• The spiritual vacuum in modern culture

• God, meaning, nature and coming home to yourself• Why healing is not a quick fix, but a lifelong journey

Michael brings over two decades of expertise as a dedicated yoga, breathwork, and meditation teacher. Through movement-based practices, breathwork, meditation, and tailored mentoring, Michael empowers men to cultivate healthier self-relationships and uncover deeper meaning in their lives. His workshops and retreats provide safe, transformative spaces to explore the layers of trauma carried by men—both intergenerational and collective—offering pathways toward healing and growth.

Contact informationwww.natureofman.ie www.michaelryan.yoga insta: michaelryan_thewayhomewww.innerwork.iewww.inwardbound.nl

In this powerful episode of Inner Insights, I sit down with Dr. Sue Redmond, integrative somatic trauma therapist, EMDR practitioner and therapeutic yoga teacher, for a deep conversation on healing trauma through the body. We explore how unresolved emotions, stress and past experiences can become stored in the nervous system, why so many people feel disconnected from themselves, and how practices like somatic therapy, breathwork, movement, mindfulness and safe emotional release can help us return to balance.We also dive into anger, boundaries, people pleasing, intergenerational trauma, resilience, relationships, psychedelics, and the path back to joy. If you are interested in healing, emotional wellbeing, embodiment, or understanding yourself on a deeper level, this episode offers practical wisdom, hope and powerful insights for your journey.Dr. Sue Redmond is an Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapist, Somatic EMDR Practitioner, and Therapeutic Yoga Teacher with over 20 years of experience in the fields of wellbeing, leadership, and trauma healing. She holds a PhD in Youth Leadership, Resilience, and Social Support, alongside qualifications in health promotion, pharmacology, psychology, youth & community work, and coaching. Sue’s work spans one-to-one therapy, psychedelic-assisted somatic therapy, and group facilitation, as well as training and resource development for professionals working with children and young people. At the heart of her mission is creating safe spaces for healing, resilience, and transformation—blending science, somatic wisdom, and creativity to guide people and communities toward greater awareness, empowerment, and joy. Since this episode was recorded, Sue has been developing a new training programme a 1-year long Professional Certificate in Somatic Trauma Therapy. This brings together her background in trauma and embodied practice. The training focuses on helping practitioners work more confidently with the body and nervous system, beyond purely cognitive approaches. More information on her website sueredmond.comhttps://www.sueredmond.com/group/somatictherapytraininginstagram: dr.sueredmond

Michaela is a pelvic care practitioner and women’s work guide offering a regenerative, woman-centred approach to the health of women’s bodies.She helps women understand their physiology, reconnect with their bodies, and remember their innate capacity for health.She offers whole-day care sessions and longer-term containers for women from her cabin in the north of Ireland.Her work is part of a much needed shift in how women are cared for, using hands-on manual therapy and warm, attuned support to pave a new way forward, of we tend to women’s bodies.Her space is a whole woman care space, for all women, through every stage of life.Rootedfemininewellness.com @rootedfemininewellnessIf you enjoyed it make sure to subscribe to the channel and sign up to my mailing list here: https://innerwork.kit.com/7a6518f2f6.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Inner Insights podcast This Episode we recorded live from Ko Pha-ngan what an absolute honour to be joined by Eamon Armstrong

Eamon is a podcast host and aspiring author, currently in Ko Pha-ngan to finish his first book. The memoir uses humorous stories to "open source some of the most impactful lessons" he's experienced, particularly on the subject of masculinity and maturation. He's the host of three shows: Life is a Festival (his longest-running and most personal show), The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast, and You Like It, a kink podcast he co-hosts with a New York dominatrix named Maline Prior. Eamon is also known as a "cultural collaborator" for Burning Man.

In this episode, we dive into:

* Aspirational Masculinity and Maturation: Eamon, who is moving out of his "hero phase" (the last archetype of boy psychology).

* Boundaries and the Warrior Archetype: Eamon distinguishes between being nice (which often requires dishonesty) and being kind (which is never dishonest). He views boundaries as a kindness because they are a "presentation of reality" and refers to the word "no" as a gift. 

We discuss how the Warrior archetype is the antidote to the "dangerous man" story, representing the healthy expression of anger, boundaries, and fighting for justice. Anger provides an "emotional north star" for boundary setting.

* Sexuality, Kink, and Shame as Fuel: Eamon, who identifies as a Dom, discusses the idea of shame as "erotic rocket fuel" that requires proper containment. The foundational offering of kink is using "impeccable containers" to explore sexuality and fantasy through play, which can be "alchemizing" to one's sense of self. We discuss the perspective that "you don't heal the kink, the kink heals you" and the risk of medicalizing kink.

* Meta-Modernism and Traditional Gender Roles: Eamon relates to gender dynamics through a meta-modern perspective, acknowledging that the polarity is real, but people have "more agency" in choosing how to relate to it. He shares his "choicefully" traditional gender role dynamic with his Swedish girlfriend, Alex, where he acts as the executive of the relationship, taking on the roles of protect, provide, and lead.

* Life as a Game: Eamon embraces the view that "life is a game" and discusses the importance of the infinite game (played to play more games and invite more players) over the finite game (played to win). He suggests honesty allows for more fun because one is "dealing with reality".

@eamonarmstrong

www.eamonarmstrong.com

@lifeisafestivalpodcast