Brain cancer meets Breast Cancer and we have an absolute hoot!

This episode Scratches the Surface of Katrina’s journey from folk music to choir to gigging with the guitar; her journey from being a carer to having a nursing career that she work’s around her music; and ofcourse we compare the ups and downs of our cancer stories. Despite loss, grief, and mental health battles, Katrina has such a positive outlook on life, which she tells us was instilled by the strong women around her. Katrina talks openly about breast cancer; the understandable worry about coming off hormone treatment; and she shares with listeners how to thoroughly ‘cop a feel’.

A quick online search will bring up lots of helpful images to help you check your breasts, and Katrina advises you can get a visual shower hangers to help.

Follow Katrina and her music on @katrinaturnermusic where you can book her for your special occasions in life.

Noeleen and I had so much fun recording this one! The most talented costume artist around, with an infectious laugh and big open heart. We Scratch the Surface of Noeleen's journey from shy schoolgirl to TikTok phenomenon, being invited onto TV shows, nominated for awards, and being offered really exciting collaborations with big brands. We didn't even plan it, but we ended the podcast by opening up about our personal mental health- Noeleen is so brave in sharing her experience of Post Natal Depression and wants to help break the stigma for struggling mums.

We hope you enjoy and gain something from listening to our open chat. #itsokaynottobeokay

If you aren't already, you can follow Noeleen on many platforms noeleenmakeupandbeauty

A short brain dump today as I process big changes in my life and consider my holistic healing journey. If we are to find balance, equilibrium we must nurture all parts of ourself. If life is busy and stressful with lots of responsibilities, it is important we don't lose ourselves and our health chasing our tail. Sending big hugs and love to all who needed to hear it 💓

#itsokaynottobeokay

Maria is so knowledgeable about the body and what it needs- you are sure to take away many little nuggets of wisdom from this episode. We Scratch the Surface of rebalancing the body back to equilibrium; toxic load; and gut health. Maria and I connected on our acne journeys which will resonate with a lot of my listeners. Give Maria a follow at @mariamooneyhealth or check out her website www.mariamooneyhealth.com

Conor tells me all about his love for the uilleann pipes and tradition Irish music; his journey of finding the right instrument for him and the amount of practice it requires; and the amazing achievements so far. Absolutely loved diving into Conor’s passion, talking about tours and upcoming plans, and I especially loved how he talks about creating his music. Yes I got very emotional throughout the episode as we scratched the surface of how powerful and healing music can be. I am a huge advocate for EVERYONE living a life they love, rather than for material things- recording this podcast episode gave me so many chills and so much inspiration! Check out Conor’s album Unearthed if you haven’t already, and be sure to vote for the Northern Ireland Music Prize, share and give him a follow @conor_mallon01. Thank you Conor, you absolute gent.

We dive into the mindset of young people still figuring out an uncertain future, through my very insightful eighteen year old sister. We discuss the pressures of trying to 'fit in' while simultaneously figuring yourself out. We agree that exploring, travelling, and experiencing diversity is ideal for development and personal growth.

Erínn opens up about transitioning from primary school to secondary; comparison culture; and her struggles with body image.

We connect on a shared worry about the state of the environment and the state of education- how frustrating it is that many people are ignorant, actually harmful.

This episode is for adults and young people alike to become more aware of their actions and choices- just be kind, you never know what others are going through.

Please feel free to message me on Instagram if you want some support around any triggers that may have come up for you in this episode.

I say 'wavy' to describe my wellbeing, mood, mental health, life since I last published an episode. I had some incredible experiences, beautiful moments, and was surrounded by people I love dearly and I know love me back... But one of the hardest things about mental health is that when you are anywhere off-balance, away from equilibrium in your body and mind, even the most gorgeous day to be eternally grateful for, feels like a blur and not real. Summer was busy with plans, lots of long car journeys, lots of time creating on screens (sore head incoming), not enough rest and restore time. But I'm back, I always honour my health before diving back into projects like podcasting. If I wasn't doing it myself, what kind of a wellness podcast host would I be?

I'm here to ask what inspires you? What would you like to see do better in the world?

https://youtu.be/tLrG-QjH2Gs?si=IcfofTXjvUBS7zZ6 for my youtube meditation.. it's not even 7mins I told a big fat lie in the episode saying to was over 8minutes!

Get belly breathing and meditating- here we go Autumn season!

As always, feel free to get in touch on my Instagram Scratching the Surface.

It has been said that when you feel Triggered by someone or something they say, it’s actually a mirror for something you need to look at in your life. Waow I used to get soo triggered! I literally couldn’t help it because my body was in a stress response and my nervous system and hormones were so out of whack. Now I take the ‘curious’ approach (very much a work in progress), and try my best to do a little self-inquiry before bursting like Loony Tunes Tasmanian devil.

I had a lot of thinking time lying in my sick bed for months on end, mulling over what really matters in this short life, what brings me joy and accomplishment, and what I need to cultivate and bring into my life moving forward in order to feel whole, complete, PURPOSE. Please don’t do what I did and wait for a terminal cancer diagnosis to be your reason for getting curious, dreaming a little bigger, and going after all the amazing opportunities that might bring you more happiness than you can currently imagine. Dharma is described in early eastern texts as laws that bring order to a universe that would otherwise be in chaos- everyone is born with individual gifts; are shaped by situation; are shaped by personal needs; and are shaped by the needs of others, to whom we are all connected. You choose your happy. Please feel free to contact me on Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow

A few shout outs to local friends and old storytellers as Kevin McGowan shares his passion of Irish history and mythology. We Scratch the Surface of working in tourism, funding cuts, and collaboration, as Kevin gives us an insight into the reality of starting his own small business ‘Nine Glens Adventure Tours’ based on his passion. Some great storytelling, facts about the local wildlife, and Kevin even shares his intel on projects and employment opportunities coming up on Rathlin Island. If you have decided you would like to get back to nature and our ancestral roots like us ‘spiritual folk’, this episode is sprinkled with subtle ways you can begin to ease away from modern societal norms. Kevin and the Team at Nine Glens Adventure Tours can be found on Facebook, Instagram and on their website.