The Bear Podcast

In this episode we are joined with Glen Smith where he tells his tale of paramilitary attacks, daring robberies, courtroom dramas and multiple prison escapes; Glen Smith takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he dodges the IRA punishment squads and cops on both sides of the border.

A tale of tragedy, domestic violence, addiction and recovery, all this, laced with humour, love and laughter. Glen's is a story you will never forget...

In this emotional episode, Dermot O'Kelly shares his son’s battle with autoimmune encephalitis, where the immune system attacks the brain. His son suffered severe seizures, dislocated shoulders, a fractured spine, and spent two months in the hospital, including 16 days in the ICU. The family faced saying goodbye as he was resuscitated.

His son experienced psychosis, violent outbursts, catatonia, and absence seizures. He lost the ability to read, write, and speak and had to be spoon-fed. Despite undergoing multiple treatments and facing complications like osteoporosis and a compressed spine, he is now home and making progress, though still struggling with memory issues and fatigue. His immune system is suppressed for two years to prevent further attacks. Eoin's story is one of resilience and hope amid great adversity.

In this powerful and emotional episode, we are joined by Chantelle Nicholls. Chantelle bravely shares her harrowing journey through the emotional and physical abuse inflicted by her ex-partner. Her story reaches a critical turning point during a trip abroad, a holiday she had hoped would be a much-needed respite.

 Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers. For more information and resources on supporting survivors of domestic abuse in the UK, please visit: Women's Aid: A leading organization working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Helpline: 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Refuge: Providing support and information for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.

WE ARE BACK! Catch up with us in this episode as we dive into Shauns previous summer holidays, sports days... And MUCH much more!

In this episode, we are joined by Joan Corrigan, who delves into her story. Joan details the events leading up to her whistleblowing on the NHS, an act that ultimately cost her, her job. Now, she is fighting for justice.

Step into an extraordinary episode as we sit down with Colm Cunningham, a courageous individual who shares his poignant journey. From encountering his abuser at the young age of 13, Colm's life took a harrowing turn, with his innocence stolen and "2/3 of his life" snatched away. As he fought for justice in court, the outcome - a mere one-year sentence for his abuser - prompts a sobering question: Is this justice?

Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers.

NHS Drug Addiction: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/

Talk to Frank: https://www.talktofrank.com/

UK Addiction Treatment Centres: https://www.ukat.co.uk/

Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.

In this compelling episode, we're privileged to be joined by Sabrina Oprey, who bravely opens up about her journey, delving deep into the challenges of her upbringing marked by an abusive father. Sabrina shares candidly how these experiences have left lasting imprints not only on her life but also on the lives of her sisters. Sabrina recounts the tragic loss of her boyfriend to a senseless act of violence while they were enjoying a night out with friends at a nightclub.

Join us as Sabrina shares her story of resilience, offering insights into the profound impact of trauma and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers.

For more information and resources on supporting survivors of domestic abuse in the UK, please visit:

Women's Aid: A leading organization working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Refuge: Providing support and information for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.

In this heartbreaking episode, we are honored to have Yvonne Maria share her courageous journey. She takes us through the emotional turmoil of living with an abusive partner, spanning continents from Australia to Ireland. Yvonne bravely confronts the awful tactics of gas-lighting, enduring emotional and mental abuse, and grappling with multiple challenges.

As she navigates the aftermath of their separation, Yvonne sheds light on the harrowing reality that the abuse has tragically extended to her children, casting a shadow over their lives.

Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers.

For more information and resources on supporting survivors of domestic abuse in the UK, please visit:

Women's Aid: A leading organization working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Refuge: Providing support and information for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.

In this gripping episode, we're honored to host Malachy Turner, who courageously shares his harrowing journey of purchasing a restaurant filled with hope for a good future for himself and his family. However, his dreams were shattered when he encountered the terrifying reality of being threatened by paramilitaries...

Losing my father was the saddest and the happiest day of my life...

In this episode we are joined with Malachy Turner, Malachy delves into his emotional story from losing his father at 7 years of age, to growing up through the troubles and eventually venturing into starting his own businesses but things didn't go as planned...