At just 18 years old, Chris Redhead lost his father. In the grief that followed, alcohol became a way to numb the pain.

But what started as a way of coping soon began to take over his life.

In part one of this powerful SatNaving Life conversation, Chris speaks to Carol McGirl about losing his father, his struggle with addiction, homelessness, and some of the darkest moments of his life.

Chris shares openly how alcohol affected his mental health, his relationships and the person he had become. 

This is a story about grief, addiction, family and mental health, but it is also a story of hope.

Because even when Chris couldn’t see a way forward, his story was far from over.

He lost his home. He lost contact with his children. He almost lost his life.

For years, alcohol took everything from Francis Shiels. What started as a way of coping with childhood trauma slowly became an addiction that cost him his relationships, his family, and his sense of who he was.

In this moving episode of SatNaving Life, Francis speaks to Carol McGirl about growing up in a home affected by alcohol, the devastating grip addiction had on his life, and the moment he realised he had to ask for help before it was too late.

This conversation explores childhood trauma, addiction, homelessness, recovery, and the stigma that prevents so many people from reaching out. Most importantly, it reminds us that recovery is possible, help is available, and no one should have to face addiction alone.

It was a beautiful summer's day and Dzintra McConnon was enjoying an ordinary swim with a friend when something in the distance caught her attention. A teenage boy was disappearing beneath the water.

Within minutes, a regular day at the lake had become a race against time.

In this powerful episode of SatNaving Life, Dzintra speaks to Carol McGirl about trusting her instincts, raising the alarm, and performing CPR alongside fellow rescuer Johnny as they fought to give the young boy a chance of survival.

She shares what happened that day, the emotional impact it had on her afterwards, and the moment she learned that the young boy she had helped was alive.

Together, they explore water safety, CPR, the importance of acting quickly in an emergency, and the emotional impact that traumatic events can have on those who step in to help. It's a reminder to trust your instincts, learn the skills that could save a life, and never be afraid to act when something doesn't feel right.

The messages stopped, and the calls went unanswered. Then came the phone call that changed Julieanne Lynch’s life forever.

In part two of this powerful SatNaving Life conversation, Julieanne speaks to Carol McGirl about the devastating days following her daughter Kelly’s disappearance, the moment she learned Kelly had died, and the heartbreaking journey that followed.

Julieanne shares the unimaginable reality of losing a child, the trauma of unanswered questions, and her determination to seek truth, accountability, and justice for Kelly.

This emotional episode explores grief, trauma, resilience, the impact of sudden loss on an entire family, and the strength it takes to keep going when life changes in an instant.

It is a story of a mother’s love, a family’s heartbreak, and the unwavering hope that one day the truth will be known.

One ordinary goodbye at the front door, then a phone call no parent should ever receive.

What followed left Julieanne Lynch searching for answers, fighting for justice, and living with a loss no family should have to face.

In this emotional episode of SatNaving Life, Julieanne speaks to Carol McGirl about her daughter Kelly, a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend, and the devastating events that changed her family's life forever.

Part one of this powerful conversation explores love, family, coercive control, domestic abuse, mental health, and the warning signs that can often go unnoticed.

It’s a story of heartbreak, strength, and the importance of staying connected to the people we love, because sometimes an ordinary goodbye becomes a memory you'll carry forever.

He was only three years old.

Drinking litres of water. Losing weight. Clinging to his mum.

Everyone knew something wasn’t right and what Ruth noticed early may have saved her son’s life.

In this episode of SatNaving Life, Carol McGirl speaks with Ruth and her son, Fiachra, about his diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at just three and a half years old and the challenges, fears, and resilience that followed.

From recognising the warning signs to navigating injections, hospital stays, school, sport, and independence, this episode combines a deeply personal story with practical information that every parent, teacher, and caregiver should know.

This is a conversation that could help someone spot the signs before it's too late.

Just a normal bank holiday Monday.

Then one question changed everything: “Where’s Therese?”

What followed was a race against time, a fight for life, and moments no family could ever prepare for.

In this deeply emotional episode of SatNaving Life, Melinda Hickey speaks to Carol McGirl about the day her 18-month-old daughter was pulled lifeless from a garden pond - and the extraordinary chain of events that followed.

This powerful conversation explores trauma, survival, faith, CPR, and the reality of living in fight-or-flight long after the crisis ends.

It’s a story about resilience and the life-saving importance of knowing what to do when every second counts.

He told his dad he’d walk home.

45 minutes later… his life was gone.

What happened that night changed Barry Aughey’s life forever.

In this deeply powerful episode of SatNaving Life, Barry talks to Carol McGirl about the moment no parent should ever face - losing his 16-year-old son, Luke.

This episode blends real-life experience with practical tools to help you recognise when someone is struggling, and what to do next.

This is a conversation that could help save someone’s life.

Welcome to SatNaving Life - the podcast that helps you navigate whatever road life puts you on.

Some days feel bright and easy. Others feel stressed, overwhelmed, or just plain heavy. No matter where you are, we all move through different “roads” in life, and each one teaches us something.

In this podcast, Carol McGirl, a qualified nurse and health and safety trainer, speaks to people who’ve faced tough, unexpected, and life-changing moments. Along the way, you’ll pick up simple, practical skills to help you stay calm, think clearly, and handle whatever comes your way.

It’s about building confidence, resilience, and knowing what to do when life doesn’t go to plan.

So… wherever you are right now - let’s figure it out together