Not a Single Bother

Is it possible to have a craic filled night on the tiles with no alcohol? Some of you probably think not a chance but Lisa Curran who is behind Ireland’s first ever alcohol free events company, The Virtue Club, has seen first hand that it absolutely is and lots of people are behind the idea. 

Am I a bad bitch for uploading this episode on a Monday? Possibly, but as Lisa points out in our chat, lots of people have realized during all the lockdowns that alcohol and the fear and anxiety and whatever else that comes with it just isn't for them anymore. People are looking for other options to still get dressed up, have the craic, listen to live music and socialize. 

There has been a whole market of people who have not drank for years for whatever reason and have been so limited when it comes to nightlife and been almost outcasted because they don’t drink. Gone are the days of standing there awkwardly with an orange juice and telling whoever is asking that you are on antibiotics because Lisa and the Virtue club have every drink you can think of without the filthy hangover and the good vibes to go with it. It may not be for you but I’m sure you know someone this would appeal to and how nice would it be to take that person out for a night on the tiles.

Such a great chat with Lisa and hilarious to hear the stories of people really embracing the idea. Can’t wait to see where they head next!

Follow @thevirtueclub on Instagram and Facebook

AND you can follow me @aislinndowling on Instagram, FB, Tik Tok etc. 

HAPPY NEW YEAAAAAAAR!!! Welcome back to the podcast or welcome if you are new here! What better time than now to talk about everything you need to know if you are moving to Australia. Finally, working holiday visas are allowed to come over (but I still can't leave and come back lol) and I know that a lot of you had so many questions that I tried my best to answer. 

I'm here four years this month (where does the time go) and my life was a lot different back then to say the least. I chatted about what I would have done differently, what it's like to go through a break up abroad and the ups and downs you might experience especially within your first year here. 

It's such an amazing place and you will have the best time, but, the grass is not always greener so prepare yourself for a few bumps in the road when getting settled. 

If you have any more questions or any specifics then I am more than happy to answer if I can so feel free to send me a DM on my Instagram. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by FM fragrance parlour which is run by the lovely Mary Timoney. Mary is based here in Sydney where she sells designer inspired fragrances but also home and body fragrance, hair, skin, make up and even cleaning products. It’s your one stop shop - men women and unisex.

Although Mary is based here in Sydney, she ships all over Australia as well as Ireland and the UK.

I looooove her flower bomb inspired fragrance and the Si inspired fragrance. They are so affordable and I literally carry them with me wherever I go.

You can check out all her amazing products on Instagram @fm.fragrance_parlour and just send her a DM.

Mary is such a sweetheart and is always so appreciative of every bit of support so make sure to check out her business on Instagram.

Also, If you have any questions or want to try a new scent Mary is always happy to send you a little tester with your purchase.

Thanks so much to FM fragrance parlour for sponsoring this episode.

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

On this week's episode I am delighted to be chatting with my fabulous friend Denise Curtin. Denise and I were in the same course in college in UL and she is such a grafter and that is why she is now the digital editor of Ireland’s number one media platform for the modern gal, Stellar magazine.

We chatted about her journey from starting off as a Spinny in Limerick (throwback) to now being one of the organisers of Stellar's first annual InstaStar awards.

We went behind the scenes of the awards and who her favorites to win were and I tried to squeeze as much gossip from the night out of her as I could.

Denise has interviewed so many massive stars including Anne Hathaway and her BFF Colin Farrell and she tells us what it is like behind the scenes of those nerve wracking interviews that leave her needing a spare change of clothes.

She is an absolute legend and gorgeous both inside and outside so I hope you enjoy the episode.

*This episode is proudly sponsored by Her Place Cosmetics.

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

Lads, get ready for some wholesome content with the nicest, most genuine man in the whole of Ireland. At 67 years of age Padraig Howley, or Sing and Step With Padraig as you may know him from Instagram, turned vegan for health reasons and hasn’t looked back since. He went from the typical Irish diet of a fry for breakfast and a dinner of meat spuds and veg to trying dishes that he couldn’t even name.

With the help of his lovely daughter Tara, he has been cheering up the country and every Irish person abroad through his lilting, dancing and overall good craic. He has won the hearts of so many people with a massive 79k followers on Instagram and growing. A man that didn’t even know what Instagram was a few months ago. 

I’m so delighted to have been able to chat with him so thank you Padraig and Tara for taking time from your break away.

*This episode is proudly sponsored by Pink Harper. A clothing brand run by an Irish woman from Kerry like myself and based here in Sydney. 

If you are looking for something glam for the weekend then check out Pink Harper on Instagram to see what they have in store or have a look at their website. They have hand picked gorgeous pieces for day and night along with bags and accessories. They deliver all across Australia and when postage is back to normal again they will also be posting to Ireland so keep an eye out for that. If you are a last minute gal and need something asap then you can pick up in Matraville or they can deliver same day around the Eastern Suburbs. Please support this lovely small Irish business. 

Thank you Pink Harper for sponsoring this episode.*

I hope you enjoy the episode! x

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

On this week’s episode I am talking about imposter syndrome. Seeing as 100% of you voted that you also feel the same (except my mom), I discuss my experience and my other thinking mind, the reasons why we feel this way and how we can prevent it.

Despite all of our degrees, achievements and successes we all weirdly feel like frauds but at least we can all feel the comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in those thoughts.

I hope you enjoy the episode! x

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

If you have ever felt shit about yourself then this ones for you. I’m back with two of my lovely friends Erin and Rachel to chat about body issues, putting ourselves down and the obsession we all have to look ‘perfect’.

We delve into the effects of social media, society and, more importantly, our own minds on how we see ourselves. We also get honest about our own struggles with what we see in the mirror and negative comments that have stuck with us for years.

We discuss our opinions on fillers and surgery’s and so much more but most importantly about how we all need to just start being a bit nicer to ourselves each and everyday.

It’s raw and truthful and it’s a really important message that we all need to hear (myself included) and just remember that your looks are the least interesting thing about you.

I hope you enjoy the episode and thank you to Rachel and Erin for coming on again x

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

On this week’s episode I am so excited to be chatting with famous Irish designer, Colin Horgan. Colin is from a small village in Kerry called Ardfert and went from drawing video game characters as a teenager to now designing pieces for the likes of Lady Gaga, Little Mix and Dua Lipa to name a few.

We spoke about the fashion industry as a whole and if it really is as catty and cut throat as we have seen in the likes of The Devil Wears Prada.

Colin, who is now working from his showroom in Ardfert, just recently finished filming RTE’s Glow Up Ireland appearing alongside Ireland’s best make up artists and the iconic Maura Higgins. He also speaks very honestly about the struggles he has and continues to face in the business and the knock to his ego that in the end led him to where he is today.

It was so, so nice speaking with Colin and getting an insight into the crazy world of the fashion industry so I really hope you enjoy this episode!

Check out Colin's brand on Insta @colinhorgan

**This episode is proudly sponsored by St. Patrick’s Bar, Valencia. 

Thankfully travel is now on the cards again for most of the world and hopefully will be resumed for us here in Australia very shortly. So, if you are looking to get away for a city break but also top up your tan by the beach then look no further than Valencia, voted the best city to live in the world for expats recently. 

There are two sister bars to choose from- St Pat’s Scholars Bar and the original St. Patrick’s Pub, the home of craic in Valencia. If you are travelling from any part of the world make sure to pop in for guaranteed craic with live music every night and fun events throughout the week. You will arrive as a customer but leave as a friend.  It is their passion to ensure their customers experience an authentic taste of Irish tradition and culture when they walk through the doors  – and leave with not just a smile on their faces, but memories of a great experience. 

Valencia is just one hour drive away from Alicante airport so make sure to take a trip on to St. Patrick's in Valencia while away on your travels. They’re are direct flights to and from Dublin, Belfast, London, Glasgow and many other cities. 

@stpatsscholars on Insta. **

As mentioned in the podcast, here is the link for our fundraiser for Comfort for Chemo Kerry - https://www.gofundme.com/f/3-girls-300-miles-out-of-our-comfort-zone-in-oz?member=14205413&utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2Binviteacceptedemailtoteammember

I hope you enjoy the episode x

Instagram: @aislinndowling

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn

Website: aislinn-dowling.com

Part 2 of Ciara's story of the tragic loss of her partner David who sadly drowned in an accident while they were living in Vancouver. After months of searching for David's body and essentially grieving twice when they finally found his body, Ciara speaks about how David pushed her forward to find happiness again. Ciara is so grateful to be exactly where she is today and although it was far from an easy journey, she is proof that you CAN get to the other side of things and feel happy again. 

Since the accident, Ciara has written her own book called ‘Miracles Appear When Loved Ones Are Near’ and she speaks with such honesty and rawness about the emotions and tough times she went through over the months that they searched for David’s body and the years following that. She is living proof that everything happens for a reason and loved ones are always guiding us. She is honestly one of the nicest and more caring people I have encountered and I encourage everyone to listen to her positivity because if she can come out the other side of a tragedy like that mentally and go on to help others then we all have the ability to overcome whatever battles we face.

Thanks again to Ciara for sharing her story and if you would like to purchase her book in Ireland click this link: https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/batshit-not-so-crazy-axing-anxiety-in-7-steps/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20book%20about,you%20truly%20believe%20in%20miracles.

For outside of Ireland: https://www.amazon.com.au/Miracles-Appear-When-Loved-Ones/dp/1838169199/ref=asc_df_1838169199/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463556995101&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3525021368706972124&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1000286&hvtargid=pla-1418934926589&psc=1  

Ciara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciara.omalley_author_wellness/ 

**This episode is proudly sponsored by Cupan Caife. If you are looking for a taste of home with a modern twist then follow Sydney’s best mobile Irish Cafe and grab yourself some wheaten bread, jambons, scones, hot chicken rolls and Barry’s Tea to name a few! 

Gary and Niamh will be blogging their whole experience on their socials so make sure to follow Cupan Caife on Instagram to see where you can find their food truck. 

They do click and collect orders and they also cater for any parties and events. Whether you’re a sunrise or sunset person they have you covered with sunrise boxes with scones and caramel slices and sunset boxes with wheaten bread, ham, coleslaw and so much more. They have thought of everything and if you are looking for a gift idea for someone living in Sydney then look no further as they offer gift cards on their website which I will link here - https://cupancaife.com/ 

Thanks so much to Cupain Caife for sponsoring this episode of the podcast and make sure to support this lovely small Irish business.**

https://www.instagram.com/cupan.caife/ 

I hope you enjoy the episode x

Instagram: @aislinndowling 

Facebook: @dowlingaislinn

Twitter: @dowlingaislinn 

Website: aislinn-dowling.com