Scratching The Surface

Brianna is an inspiration for anyone struggling with cravings; their relationship with food; or body image. We Scratch the Surface of getting in tune with our body, our hormones, and the root cause of ‘feeling stuck’. Brianna is very open about her personal story of transformation, which is now helping so many others. You can find Brianna on Instagram @brianna.mcateer.coaching, where you will also find links to her upcoming events, courses, and how to become a client. ENJOY!

This episode concludes my three-part re-introduction to ‘Scratching the Surface of the life behind the podcaster’. I couldn’t have done it without the talented and very patient John Ralph encouraging me to go into more detail. This episode deep-dives into my cancer journey, with some potentially triggering content, but we try to keep it lighthearted. We conclude the episode with my hopes and aspirations for the future, and a unanimous agreement that Noah and Allie in The Notebook really does depict the ‘Real Deal’ of love; which you could compare with Stephen’s unwavering strength, care and love at the beginning of this episode. It took me a few weeks to release as I had to process and ‘be ok’ with such vulnerability and ‘baring all’. Serendipity has it that I have released this out to the ether, the collective, to YOU on the exact week of the third anniversary since Stephen and I sat in the Royal Hospital oncology ward receiving my diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, with the prognosis of sixteen months IF I agreed to gruelling treatment. This is a message of hope, a message of awakening. If you have been affected by this heavy content, I would be honoured to chat with you. Please feel free to contact me on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow or my Facebook page @weerainbowoils. I have created a short program for overcoming, growth, and gaining more awareness of self, and I would love to work with you. Take care, lots of love, Tara xo

We continue to Scratch the Surface of religion in Ireland, which leads onto an open discussion about the Troubles, spirituality, and my belief in angels. In this episode I share my personal experience of loss, coping with mum’s MS diagnosis, mental health, concluding with another cliffhanger as I link these early-adulthood events to my almost-fatal delayed diagnosis of cancer.

*Trigger warning*

Please feel free to reach out to me @lifebehindtherainbow on Instagram if you would like to discuss any of the issues covered in this episode. Lots of love, Tara xo

A very warm welcome back to Scratching the Surface, where I like to keep things real and authentic. I’ve been M.I.A for a while as I was moving house, travelling, and figuring out my next steps in life. I thought it was appropriate to reintroduce myself, and my lovely, talented friend John suggested he interviews me in order to squeeze everything out of my conscious that listeners might want to know… and definitely some little secret gems that will surprise you about this voice behind Scratching the Surface. We had so much fun recording this from across the Atlantic to each other. John asks all the right questions in such a sensitive way to encourage me to be vulnerable, open, and really get the crux of “little Tara”. Part one reveals my childhood experiences.. the good and the bad (mostly good!) Which now as an Early Childhood with Youthwork Graduate, I know is the springboard to the rest of your life. Part two dives deep into my turbulent teens which led to some poor choices in early adulthood. Part three shares what I learned (and am still always learning) from surviving terminal brain cancer beyond the prognosis I was given in 2020. Thanks for the support and love, If anything I talk about on my podcast resonates with you or sparks something in you, please reach out on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow , Tara xo

An old school friend, Owen Turner, informs us about the amazing voluntary work of First Responders in our local Moyle area. We just scratch the surface of the training they complete with N.I.A.S, the fatal calls they receive, the community spirit, and how vital this service is, especially in rural areas. The message of ‘Giving back’, ‘learning something new’, ‘being able to help’, emanates living a purposeful human experience and I think all of us can take some inspiration from Owen (and ‘lovely James‘ the founder). If you enjoyed this episode, Please follow on Facebook and donate to this much needed charity… you might save a life.

I love talking to Yan, a Cancer Health Coach from Singapore (@therealyanhuang)- it feels so resonating. Although I have been given a terminal prognosis by my oncology team, talking with Yan, a fifteen year survivor, makes me feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. Yan talks about 'pillars' to health referring to her 'toolkit for wellbeing', which translates for me to into the seven steps to getting behind that rainbow (@lifebehindtherainbow incase you don't know what I am on about). Together, we Scratch the Surface of past relationships and trauma, nourishing our bodies, and transformation that is inevitable after harsh cancer treatment rules your life for a matter of months. Yan compares Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western treatment, and like me, used both alongside each other. There is a lot to be said for natural, ancient practices- they would have died out otherwise.

We are planning to do a series of short, informative videos together about optimum health and wellbeing on instagram soon, so keep up to date on our pages.

Feel free to connect with both of us on instagram, and if you have cancer or are a survivor, I am sure Yan would love you to be involved in her research.

John Ralph is here with me to Scratch the Surface of Vancouver living; being part of the LGBTQI+ global community; changing careers by using transferable skills; working in ‘Hollywood North’ Film Industry; and sharing some foresight into his upcoming podcast content. John is one of those friends that I don’t see often, but when I do we pick up exactly where we left off- his voice and mannerisms are so welcoming and warming “like a hug”. John and I are here to tell you, it is never too late to try something new. Thank you John, a kindred spirit, for being so open and sharing so many intricate parts of your exciting life with us. People like you are teaching the world to be open, liberal, true to themselves. In John’s own words talking about working in the film industry: “It got my blood, sweat and tears.. but no regrets.. Change can be daunting.. but that’s ok.. it’s a bit addictive.. Just go do it!” John’s Podcast The Irish Crimes can be found on all major podcast platforms.

Shauna Corr, who currently works in the corporate world, found a passion for holistic healing when her baby daughter was very unsettled and she started to seek alternatives to lifetime medication. Shauna has been a qualified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner for seven years and hopes to share this simple, clinically proven, non-invasive well-being tool with the masses. I for one am a huge fan! Listen to us Scratch the Surface of the science and studies behind EFT; my recent session with Shauna in which I released so much past emotional baggage that I cried; and how it really can work for all ages from young children bickering on the street to grown men just home from war. We had a few technical issues, so excuse a few mini glitches (I blame the powerful energetic shift that occurred last week!) If you would like to get in touch with Shauna for a clarity call about anything from low confidence, goal-setting, and money blocks, to releasing past trauma and long-held negative beliefs, Shauna believes that EFT Tapping “allows people to shine”. Email: [email protected] or check out her very positive Instagram: @tappingintosuccess

Deirdre Maguire is one of greatest teachers, as when I first heard her on a podcast while on chemotherapy, my ears pricked up and I resonated so much with her heart-wrenching story. I have followed her inspiring videos and stories on instagram @deirdre.maguire, watched youtube 'Deirdre Maguire' for healing techniques, and listen to her therapy sessions on U105 radio. Today I had the honour of chatting to Deirdre about her journey through life, reasons to be happy, positive language (especially when talking to yourself!), and how cold water therapy has changed her life. Deirdre is bubbly, laidback, and totally living in her truth. The proof is in the pudding- if myself and Deirdre can keep ourselves well and excited for life after everything we have been through, YOU CAN DO IT TOO. We literally Scratch the Surface of how we are not only surviving, but thriving- a great excuse to connect with this beautiful, wise woman again.

Love and Light to you all!

(Video call recorded on Zoom)

Lauren, on Instagram as @laurensaramc, is sure to inspire listeners to try something new, to never give up, and to listen intuitively to your own body. We Scratch the Surface of competitive power-lifting; the ups and downs of dedicated training; the equality found in this sport; and how finding purpose and confidence in a chosen hobby really can start a ripple effect for everything else in your life. Follow Lauren’s journey on her Instagram to be inspired, and for her uplifting, motivational, REAL-TALK reels.