In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Helen Hughes, Chief Executive of Patient Safety Learning, alongside our own Dearbhaile Mulholland, whose passion for safer care sparked this powerful conversation.

Helen’s work shines a light on something many of us feel deeply but rarely articulate, that patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that real change only happens when we share learning openly, honestly and without fear. From global systems thinking to the everyday realities faced by frontline staff, Helen brings a rare blend of clarity, compassion and courage to a topic that affects every patient, every carer and every clinician.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

Why avoidable harm remains one of healthcare’s biggest challenges

How collaboration, culture and shared learning can transform safety

The story behind The Hub, now the world’s largest patient-safety knowledge platform

Why seating, posture and equipment need to be part of the safety conversation

What it truly means to move from blame to learning, and from isolated practice to collective responsibility

This episode is an honest, energising and deeply hopeful reminder that safer care isn’t just possible, it’s achievable when we empower the people who know their patients best, listen to those closest to harm, and give teams the tools and trust they need to do the right thing.

Whether you work in healthcare, leadership, quality improvement or simply believe in the dignity every person deserves, Helen’s insight will stay with you long after you finish listening.

🎧 Thank you for joining us. I’d love to hear your thoughts or reflections, you can reach me at [email protected].

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review and share, it helps spread this important message further.

In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Bel Youngson, Chief Operating Officer at Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS), whose story beautifully illustrates what it means to lead with both heart and purpose.

From supporting vulnerable adults to transforming community services across the UK, Bel has spent her career turning compassion into action. Her journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about hierarchy - it’s about humanity, collaboration, and never losing sight of the people we serve.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

* How Bel’s early experiences shaped her commitment to person-centred care

* The impact of small, consistent acts of kindness in creating large-scale change

* What true leadership looks like in the face of challenge, growth and service transformation

* The balance between operational excellence and emotional intelligence

* How HILS is redefining independence, dignity and connection for thousands across the UK

Whether you work in health, social care or leadership, or you simply want to be reminded of the difference one person can make, Bel’s story will leave you feeling inspired, grounded and hopeful about the future of care.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in - I’d love to hear what resonated with you. You can reach me at [email protected]

(Be sure to rate, review and share if this episode spoke to you — your support helps this message reach more people.)

In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Brimblecombe - founder of both Better Rehab and Better Days, to uncover an inspiring story of turning frustration into meaningful impact.

Rachel had a dream: to reshape how we see and deliver occupational therapy and rehab internationally.

What started as a small idea in her living room grew into a global mission, supporting hundreds of clinicians across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

• The moment that sparked Rachel’s shift from burnout to bold leadership

• The rise of Better Rehab and Better Days: 700+ team members, systems that empower, a vision beyond treatment

• How confidence, curiosity and courage, not just credentials, shape true leadership

• The power of mindset: when you can’t change your thoughts, you can change your feelings - and that shift ripples into action

• Why “plodding” (slow, steady progress) often outpaces flashy shortcuts when you’re building something that matters

Whether you’re an OT student, a leader in healthcare, or simply on the lookout for a story of purpose and persistence, Rachel’s journey will remind you that small steps, bold belief and community make all the difference.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in, and if you’re inspired by this episode, I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Send me a message at [email protected].

(Be sure to rate, review and share if this episode spoke to you - your support helps this message reach more people.)

Dee Christie OBE has been an Occupational Therapist for over 51 years - a career defined by leadership, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of meaningful occupation.

In this episode, Dee reflects on her extraordinary journey - from her early days in community OT in 1970s London, to chairing the Council of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, to leading the Elizabeth Casson Trust and shaping the future of the profession.

She shares the story behind receiving her OBE at Windsor Castle, the colleagues who made it possible, and what true recognition means after a lifetime of service.

Dee also opens up about her passion for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning - and why she believes retired OTs still have so much to give. Her reflections on the changing face of OT, the pressures of modern practice, and the enduring importance of human connection will resonate deeply with every listener.

We discuss:

✨ The evolution of OT across five decades

✨ The inspiring legacy of Elizabeth Casson

✨ Why brave, bold leadership is key to OT’s future

✨ How mentoring can empower the next generation

Dee’s warmth, wisdom, and humility remind us why occupational therapy changes not only lives - but hearts and minds.

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future conversations.

If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please get in touch at [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your colleagues and friends, and don’t forget to follow the show for more inspiring OT stories.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast!

Kate Sheehan⁠ has been an Occupational Therapist for nearly four decades, and her passion for housing as a cornerstone of health and wellbeing shines through every part of her career.

In this episode, Kate shares remarkable stories - from her early days in London where she encountered homes without indoor plumbing, to powerful cultural lessons like supporting a grandmother who was trying to use a Western toilet in the only way she knew how.

Her “Chicken Story” has become legendary in OT circles, showing how listening deeply to what matters most to clients can transform recovery and motivation.

Kate reflects on her leadership in shaping housing policy, her influential role in the Royal College Specialist Section in Housing, and her frustration at its recent closure.

She also opens up about her current charity work in Stratford-upon-Avon, providing homes for those most in need and tackling centuries-old housing endowments with modern compassion.

We discuss her mentoring of OTs moving into private practice, her collaborations with companies, and how she continues to advocate tirelessly for accessible housing across the UK. Despite changes in professional structures, her message is clear: never stop networking, seizing opportunities, and telling the real stories of OT’s impact.

Kate’s joy for the profession, her belief in the power of housing, and her unshakable energy will inspire every OT listening - whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career.

Connect with ⁠Kate on Linkedin⁠ and follow the work of her private practice KS Occupational Therapy Services.

***

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

If you like what you’ve heard I’d be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!

⁠Martina

The latest episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast is live — and it’s a special one. I sat down with my son, Ryan Tierney, the driving force behind Lean at Seating Matters.

From the chaos of our early factory days, to discovering Lean, to building a culture that improves outcomes for patients worldwide - Ryan shares how passion, purpose, and small daily improvements transformed not only our business, but the lives of those we serve.

💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Lean and occupational therapy are more alike than you think
• How respect for people and resources drives real change
• The role of visualisation and purpose in creating a meaningful future

 🎧 Also available on:

🎙️Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4345sYc
🎥Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4cgxB2B

I’d love to hear what you think - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please let me know, drop me an email or text anytime at [email protected] / +44 7918 905 297

Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!

Martina 

Paraig O'Brien is my former boss and an inspiration to me. He has transformed policy around Housing Adaptations for people with disabilities in his native Northern Ireland and across the UK.

He shared some eye-opening experiences of being an Allied Health Professional during the Northern Irish "Troubles" conflict period such as the time he was shot or when there was an attempted car-jacking as he tried to deliver bathing equipment to a service user.

Cross-departmental collaboration has been a theme throughout his career where he has sought to combine the skillsets of Product Designers, Researchers, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with the feedback from service users and their caregivers to make sure that equipment and services for those living with disabilities really meets their needs.

Occupational Therapy is a family affair for Paraig, he was originally inspired by his Aunt Brenda and his daughter as an OT is also now the Long Covid lead for Ireland. Paraig and I discussed our personal experiences of injury and how it has allowed us to really feel what it is to be a patient - vulnerable from loss of function and relying on the help of healthcare professionals in our rehabilitation.

Paraig shares his passion for being a keen musician and a sailor. He reflected on how he has had to use his OT skills in a voluntary role he has in a local sailing club for people with issues with mental health or physical disabilities.

*** 

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina

Charlie Chung presented this year's Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture in the UK "Do You Hold the Door Open for Others?"

I loved the thinking behind it... Are we helping others to reach their potential? Am I aware when someone is holding a door open for me, presenting me with an opportunity to grow? Do I accept that opportunity?

In this episode we discuss Charlie's storied career so far where he has combined in-depth academic research with very practical application by Occupational Therapists and Allied Health Professionals.

He has great knowledge and experience in neurological conditions, particularly Stroke care, having helped create the Stroke Pathway in NHS Lothian. Charlie has been appointed as lead for Post-COVID syndrome in NHS Lothian where they are working to understand it better and finding which treatments might help those living with the condition.

We also found out that he is a karaoke king and musician! Charlie tells us about his musical adventures and a Scottish connection to The Beatles.

*** 

I could have recorded another full episode with Charlie, there is lots more still to talk about with him so I hope he'll come back to record another episode.

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina

Years after a devastating car accident, Kirsty Ryan told her story live on national radio - unknowingly setting in motion a reunion with the Occupational Therapist who had changed everything for her years before.

That OT helped restore Kirsty’s dignity, voice, and purpose - and ultimately inspired her to become an OT herself.

*** This episode release was scheduled to coincide with Kirsty's wedding to her partner Kevin! 💍💐Share your marriage tips for the happy couple in the comments below or leave a simple note of congratulations!

Kirsty continues to inspire many not only through her work as an Occupational Therapist, a Seating Specialist and as Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters but also through her powerful personal journey - from patient to Occupational Therapist, and now, to becoming a voice of hope and purpose for others.

*** 

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode with Kirsty - your feedback helps shape future episodes. As with Kirsty's life experience, if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina

I was honoured to welcome Alex Fisher, an extraordinary Occupational Therapist and fierce advocate for those living with Huntington’s Disease, to the podcast this week.

In this powerful episode, Alex shares deeply moving stories from her volunteer work in Venezuela - where she’s bringing education, dignity, and hope to families impacted by Huntington’s Disease.

One story left us speechless: a man, abandoned and alone… but thanks to Alex, he didn’t die that way.💙 Her dedication is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s a privilege to help share her mission.

At Seating Matters, one of our phrases that we live by is that we are here to "Give Caregivers the Means to Care."

I feel like Alex, her caregiver programme and her whole mission in Venezuela is the perfect embodiment of giving caregivers the means to care and I'm in awe of her work.

***

Quote from Alex: "I saw that someone who had listened to one of Martina's previous podcasts had said it was like (& I'm paraphrasing) feeling refreshed after having a cuppa with a good friend. I'm seconding that!

When I recorded this episode, the warmth & curiosity into the Power of Occupational Therapy from Martina and those at her company is what shines through. If you're not an #Occupationaltherapist, take 30 minutes to listen to the breadth of what OT can bring to your community."

🎥Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oq3jnJF4rg8

*** 

I’d love to hear what you think of my chat with Alex, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And, just like Alex, if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard i'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina ⁠