In this episode, I’m joined by my sister Lisa Doolan, a wellness specialist, for a deep and open conversation about sobriety, self-love, and emotional health. We talk about how the work we do on ourselves shapes the relationships in our lives, the importance of community, and how to stay grounded in a fast-changing world — including the role AI now plays in our daily lives.

This is a reflective, practical, and honest chat about finding balance, staying connected, and learning to live well.

Find Lisa on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thewellbeingqueenx/

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Collie Mac — a trail runner, explorer, and someone who truly lives for the outdoors.

Collie opens up about stepping away from alcohol, finding peace in the mountains, and how getting outside completely changed his outlook on life. We talk about early morning hikes, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and why those quiet moments in nature can be so powerful for the mind.

Known on Instagram as @colimac_explores, Collie uses social media to inspire others to simplify life, embrace adventure, and reconnect with the outdoors. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the answers we’re looking for aren’t found online — they’re found outside.

Today I sit down with my good friend Ciarán McIvor, the creator of Boxing Bants. Ciarán spent six years travelling around Ireland covering professional boxing, before stepping away to focus on a much deeper journey of self-discovery.

In this episode, we talk openly about mental health, ADHD, and the challenges of understanding yourself later in life. Ciarán shares how plant medicine shifted his entire perspective, how social media shaped his identity, and what it’s been like trying to find inner peace in a noisy world.

We also touch on his role as chairperson of the Deirdre Gogarty Statue Committee, how purpose can change a person, and why connection and community matter now more than ever.

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Andrew “Mo” Mowat for an honest chat about nature, balance, and the simple habits that support our mental health. Mo talks about the power of getting outdoors, embracing Ireland’s elements, and how practising gratitude helped him through tougher moments.

We also dive into reconnecting with your inner child, bringing more play into life, and learning to be kinder to yourself. It’s a conversation about slowing down, finding joy in the small things, and building consistency with the practices that keep us well.

Find Andrew on Instagram:

instagram.com/andrewmowattcoach

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend Paul Whelan, a talented singer-songwriter from Dublin. Paul opens up about his journey from the streets of Ringsend to the stage, sharing his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and how embracing sobriety has transformed his life.

Paul is also an avid sea dipper and an active member of Blue Balls Ireland, a men’s mental-health and cold-water community that has played a huge part in his recovery. Through open and heartfelt conversation, he reflects on the role of music, community connection, and cold-water therapy in helping him rebuild his life and rediscover his true self.

This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, second chances, and the strength that comes from vulnerability, creativity, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Find Paul on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/musicpaulwhelan

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Men’s Mental-Health Support Links

Blue Balls Ireland

https://www.instagram.com/blueballsireland

(Men’s mental health and cold-water dipping community)

HSE – Men’s Mental Health Supports (Ireland)

https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men

SpunOut – Men’s Mental Health Supports in Ireland

https://spunout.ie/mental-health/getting-help/mental-health-supports-for-men-in-ireland

Men’s Development Network (MDN)

https://mensnetwork.ie/counselling

Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI)

https://www.mhfi.org/resources/mental-health.html

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Jason Byrne, founder of Ballymun Running Club and Rise Above It. Jason’s journey from addiction to sobriety is nothing short of inspiring, and he now uses his experiences to uplift others.

We explore the ripple effect of recovery — how sobriety transforms not only individuals but whole communities. From the challenges and triumphs of staying sober to the importance of mental health and the joy of unlocking untapped potential, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community.

Find Jason here: https://www.instagram.com/jason_byrne1989?igsh=MTB0Z2dwd2sweHcwcg==

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dean Davis, a remarkable triathlete, coach, and endurance athlete. Dean has completed several full-distance Ironman races, achieved the incredible milestone of going sub-9.30 hours, and continues to inspire others through his dedication to sport and sobriety.

We dive into his journey of overcoming personal challenges, discovering the power of endurance sports in recovery, and the role of community support in achieving extraordinary goals. Dean’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and transformation — both on the course and in life.

Follow Dean on Instagram: @dtricoaching

I’m joined by my sister, Lisa Doolan, a well-being specialist, to explore how recovery transforms our relationships. We talk about codependency, building healthier connections with family, friends, and partners, and how the more we work on ourselves, the stronger our relationships become.

We also share the uplifting experience of seeing Robbie Williams sober, and the practical tools Lisa uses to keep well-being and balance at the center of life.

This is a conversation about healing, connection, and creating relationships that truly last.

Today I’m joined by my very good friend, Derek Sherry — a man with one of the best tans in Ireland and a story that’s even brighter. Derek’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and community. In the 80s and 90s, he was a familiar face on Dublin’s nightlife scene — but behind the music and mayhem, he was battling trauma, addiction, and depression. A few years ago, a crippling back injury nearly left him unable to move, yet today he’s training for his second Dublin Marathon. Derek is now three years sober, a proud member of Portmarnock’s Shelters Running Club, and a regular sea swimmer. In this episode, he shares how running, swimming, and the incredible community at The Shelters have played a vital role in his sobriety and in rebuilding a life full of purpose and healing

Fresh back from a weekend in Glasgow for a sober AA convention, I share stories from the trip — including a park run that ended with me being called a jobby by local winos. Between the laughs, I dig into emotional sobriety: how to ride out the ups and downs of long-term recovery, avoid getting lost in materialism, and build the kind of self-esteem that isn’t tied to superficial things. It’s about learning to sit comfortably in your own skin, finding what truly makes you feel alive, and remembering why sobriety is about so much more than just not drinking.