Today I'm grateful to be joined by my very good friend Darren Scanlon, a man who turned his life around and is now living proof of the power of determination and community. Darren opens up about how he faced the harsh reality that if he didn’t change his health, drinking habits, and lifestyle, he wouldn’t live long enough to see his kids grow up. That realization sparked his journey to transformation.

He found inspiration through Andy Ramage’s One Year No Beer and joined several hiking groups, where he built strong connections and found his tribe. These communities were key in helping him stay sober and rebuild his life.

Today, Darren is eight years sober and thriving. He even ran the Dublin Marathon in 2024, proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. This episode is about resilience, mental health, personal growth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

You can follow Darren and his inspiring journey on Instagram at @the_sober_hiker. Be sure to check out his page for more on his hikes, sobriety journey, and the amazing work he’s doing with the Celbridge Boys Club.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend, Jason Brophy — a man who wears many hats: transformation coach, entrepreneur, and dedicated father of two. With 15 years of sobriety, Jason shares his incredible journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful online coaching business, and previously running Men’s Hair Co.

We dive into what it takes to balance work, parenting, and personal wellbeing while staying committed to sobriety. Jason opens up about the struggles he’s faced along the way, the lessons learned in recovery, and why being a dad has been the greatest gift of his life.

This conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration for anyone navigating the delicate balance of family, work, and self-care. Jason has been a huge support to me on my sober journey, and I’m honored to call him a friend.

Tune in for an uplifting chat about life’s most meaningful challenges — and the rewards that come when you show up for yourself and the people you love.

Find Jason here:

https://www.instagram.com/jasonbrophyfitness?igsh=ZGF1d3R4dXVjOGly

In this episode, I sit down with Dom Rea, stand-up comedian and owner of Dun Laoghaire’s legendary Miami Cafe, a fish and chip shop that’s been serving the community for over 100 years. Dom shares his journey into comedy, how he overcame the fear of failure, and the surprising ways working in one of Dun Laoghaire’s busiest chippers helped sharpen his comedic skills. We dive into the lessons learned from failure, the importance of staying positive and focused, and how enduring through setbacks can eventually lead to success. Whether you're chasing a dream or just need a good laugh, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a dash of humor. Tune in!

You can find Dom's Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/domenicoreashow?igsh=ZWVkaGptajVrODEw

Today, I was joined by my friend Sarah Lawlor, an inspiring figure in the world of mental health advocacy. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse and Daffodil Nurse, Sarah brings her clinical expertise and genuine compassion to each role, focusing on empowering others to take charge of their mental health. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, she is also certified in Creative Mindfulness for Kids, helping to introduce young minds to the power of mindfulness and self-awareness.

In this episode, we explore practical mental health strategies, the benefits of mindfulness, and Sarah’s insights on how tools like CBT can build emotional resilience. We dive into techniques and practices anyone can use to strengthen their mental well-being, whether they’re just beginning their journey or looking to deepen their understanding.

You can connect with Sarah and follow her inspiring journey on her social media: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sarah_lawlor___?igsh=NGtjejI5cXFmYWI=).

In this episode, I sit down with one of my closest friends, the incredibly inspiring Liam MacGearailt. Liam opens up about his journey to sobriety, starting at just 21 years old. After hitting rock bottom and moving around the country, he eventually found himself in a treatment program that changed his life. Now, nearly two years sober, Liam shares how he’s turned his life around—building healthy relationships, prioritizing his well-being, thriving in a fulfilling career, and, most importantly, finding peace of mind.

We dive into Liam’s story, discussing the challenges he faced along the way. We also explore the healing power of nature, from the invigorating effects of cold plunges and saunas to the calming embrace of the sea. Tune in to hear how sobriety has opened up new possibilities for Liam, and discover the many gifts this journey has brought into his life.

In today’s episode, I'm honored to have Deirdre Gogarty, Ireland’s first female world champion boxer and a true pioneer in women’s boxing. Hailing from Drogheda, Deirdre broke through legal barriers that once prohibited women from competing in the ring in Ireland. Now, with a statue recently unveiled in her hometown in her honor, she reflects on her groundbreaking career and the obstacles she had to overcome both in and out of the ring.

Deirdre opens up about her personal experiences growing up around her father's alcoholism and how Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of those struggling with alcohol, played a pivotal role in her life. She offers insight into the impact of co-dependency and the power of support networks in healing and recovery.

In this episode, we explore the essential role that support networks play in recovery, the transformative power of gratitude, and the journey toward acceptance.

For listeners interested in learning more about Al-Anon, a 12-step program offering mutual support for those affected by a loved one’s drinking, visit their website for resources, meeting details, and contact information: [https://al-anon.org/](https://al-anon.org/)

In this episode, I'm joined by Maggie Klassens, founder of The Sober Summit, as she shares her personal journey to sobriety and the creation of her impactful virtual event.

The Sober Summit September 25 - 27, 2024

The Free 3-day online virtual event bringing together the best authors, podcasters, experts and influencers in the sober community to show you the benefits of living an alcohol free life.

https://www.instagram.com/thesobersummit?igsh=MTl4aDRyYnlveWNlcg==

Maggie opens up about her transition from being a casual wine enthusiast to realizing she had fallen into the grips of "mommy wine culture." A pivotal moment came when she noticed her daughter's growing awareness of her drinking habits, coupled with the anxiety she felt when her husband drank without her.

Determined to change, Maggie turned to "quit lit" books and sobriety podcasts, which gave her the inspiration and courage to take on a 100-day sobriety challenge. The experience transformed her life so much that she never looked back. From this turning point, she created The Sober Summit, a free online event that gathers experts and inspiring voices from the sober community. With its mission to motivate, educate, and uplift those seeking or maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle, the summit provides invaluable resources for anyone on their sobriety journey.

Sober Summit - September 25 - 27, 2024

This is a free event - sign up here:

https://www.instagram.com/thesobersummit?igsh=MTl4aDRyYnlveWNlcg==

Find Sober Summit's Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/thesobersummit?igsh=MTl4aDRyYnlveWNlcg==

Today, I’m joined by my good friend Martin Shaw, an adventurer and endurance athlete who has embarked on incredible expeditions around the world, including reaching Everest Base Camp. He’s currently training for the Marathon des Sables, a grueling 250km race across the Sahara desert.

In this episode, Martin opens up about his journey through addiction, discovering a passion for adventure, and finding purpose in life.

We chat about challenges of recovery, the healing power of nature, and the beauty of simplicity. Together, we also explore our mutual love for endurance sports, hiking and the amazing communities that form around them.

In this episode, I'm joined by Rowan O'Shea, a Kerry native now based in Dundee, Scotland, and the founder of Results 4 Life. Rowan shares his inspiring journey from battling addiction to becoming a dedicated coach, husband, and father of three. We dive deep into the power of sober communities, the role of health in recovery, and the natural resources that uplift and energize us. Rowan's story highlights the profound transformation that comes with sobriety, as he reflects on the joy of being a present and supportive father.

Connect with Rowan on Instagram: [@rowan_results4life](https://www.instagram.com/rowan_results4life?igsh=MWZ1eG0wdmpoYXJ3eA==)

Today I'm joined by my good friend Kim Bellas. Kim tells her inspiring story of a devoted mother who chose to quit drinking for the love of her son. Meet Kim Bellas, an extraordinary woman who proved that alcohol isn't necessary to have a great time.

Kim's youngest son, Matthew, faces the challenges of living with epilepsy, which makes drinking alcohol a dangerous option for him. Watching her son struggle with feelings of exclusion during social events, Kim made a bold decision: she would give up drinking too. What started as a three-month personal challenge has turned into an incredible eleven-year journey of sobriety.

Through her unwavering commitment, Kim has become a powerful role model for her children and countless others. She even trademarked the phrase "Sober Is The New Cool," capturing the essence of her mission. Her positive energy is contagious, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she meets.

You can find Kim here:

https://www.instagram.com/sober.is.the.new.cool?igsh=MWhkcWZhczE2N29laQ==