As the COVID 19 situation in Ireland worsens, the pressure on our hospitals has never been greater. With this in mind, I thought we needed to hear what life on the front line is like today. Who better to speak to, then my very own cousin, who is now based in University Hospital Limerick. Derek came on to The Big Nose podcast, to speak to me about his journey in nursing.

In this week’s episode, you will hear how Derek found himself on a path to a most unlikely career as a nurse. He recalls how “holidays” to Lourdes played a very pivotal role in his formative years. Derek reflects on how when one door in life closes, it often allows an another one to open. Listen in to find out exactly what happened.

In his pursuit in nursing, Derek had to leave Ireland to get his qualification. Derek details the options he had, challenges he came up against and ultimately what life was like living in London as a student nurse.

Coming home in the early 2000's. Derek talks about a hectic lifestyle of a medical profession. Finding a place to live, a busy family life and the need to adapt to an Irish way of delivering health care which was very different to what he found in London.

Listen in to hear Derek talk about what life is like for a senior Emergency Department nurse and his wider team. He explains in detail, how the Emergency Department functions in UHL. Given the size of the catchment area, Derek explains how quickly the situation can escalate. Derek gives an insight into the mindset sometimes required to face such horrendous circumstances on a daily basis.

Talking on the impact of COVID 19, Derek gives a first hand, raw account, of how exhausting the past 10 months have been. He talks about how standard operating procedures have had to change, how first instincts had to change in the delivery of care and how sometimes, the role of playing God, is a reality for them. Listen in to hear Derek speak so frankly about the unenviable situation he finds himself in now.

In truth, this chat with Derek was very much an eye opener to the realities of the people behind the desensitised phrase "front line worker". They have real frustrations, real fears and real personal circumstances that come into the equation when having to go to work.

If you listen to nothing else this week, listen to the words Derek speaks. He delivers his story in such a simple way that anyone can understand the points he is making. The story he shares gives a terrifying example of what life is like for teams at the cold face of this battle.

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This week on The Big Nose Podcast, I chatted to the wonderful Fran Tobin of Luna Soul Time. Fran, by her own definition is a ‘Giver’. This became very obvious to me once we began to chat. During the podcast you will learn of Fran’s journey. Fran shares how one accident, while on a running trip with the Rock & Roll Marathon started a chain of events that left her at a point of extreme self-reflection.

Frans speaks very openly about the need to make changes with her own life and how she challenged herself to do something different every month to grow and learn. This is where the avenue of Reiki cleared itself in the meadow of life. Fran speaks to me about this journey and what this path looked like to her.

Like Fran, I was new to Reiki before I spoke to her. From listening to the podcast, you will go away with a better understanding of what it is all about. As a Reiki Master, Fran was able to give me a front seat to everything that happens at Luna.

Luna is a space that Fran has created to allow participants to feel warm, safe and secure. In this space, Fran explains how you can expect to receive a ‘massage for the mind’, which will allow you to go way with a better balance in your being.

The Big Nose podcast implores everyone to check out Fran at Luna Soul Time. Tune in to hear Fran’s personal story of change and growth. Listen to the passion that Fran speaks with about the power of Reiki. Allow this podcast to open your mind to the power of positive energy and mindfulness. 

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It’s that time of the year again, ‘New Year, New Me’. However, less than two weeks in, with record breaking Covid numbers each day and freezing temperatures outside, it’s hard to know how to get started. That’s even before you think about trying to motivate yourself. Nonetheless, thousands of us will endeavour to get in shape (me included). Eat healthier and get more active. With that in mind, I thought the first episode of Season 2 of The Big Nose Podcast should try help get everyone on the right track.

In an effort to get professional advice on this, I reached out to Dublin native Darren Kavanagh. From the outside, Darren would probably be defined as a personal trainer. This definition would not be wrong. However, to his clients, Darren is much more. For many, Darren provides a service that cannot be provided by just a personal trainer. Darren, for many is a coach, a confidant and in his own words, very often an agony aunt (or in his case uncle). Darren gets invested in every client he comes in contact with. Darren will take you under his wing, he will listen to what you want to achieve and break it down for you into understandable parts that can be achieved with hard work and commitment. 

In this podcast, you'll hear the story of Darren. How he started out on his journey from a few bits and pieces of equipment, to a large client base today. Darren gives an insight into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He speaks about the importance of community which hasn’t left what he strives to achieve in his line of work.

I speak to Darren about approaches to take to the ‘New Year, New Me’. I ask him about the biggest pit falls that he comes across each year. We discuss the importance of my Mum’s old phrase, ‘you are what you eat’ and try to tease out the truth in it. Like a lot of chats, we spoke over Zoom. In his case, Zoom has enabled him to continue working. I asked how he has adapted his service and what challenges he faced. 

Darren is associated with Muscle and Mind Fitness in Coolock. Over the past year they have put in massive investments to enable them to remain open for their clients. We spoke about the purpose of these facilities, outside of just being a place to get fit and how they have adapted into more social hubs.

So, if you’re interested in what it takes to become a personal trainer. If you want to embrace the ‘New Year, New Me’ mindset. Perhaps you want to know what mistakes to avoid starting out on your own fitness journey. Even if you want to hear about the best foods to eat, then listen to Darren’s story, it promises to get you in the best frame of mind to make changes to improve your well-being.

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This week we begin advent, the count down to the celebration of the birth of the Baby Jesus.

In my family, this week begins the final countdown to a day we all thought was still a good few year away. Dave Cromwell aka Dad is retiring from the Dublin Airport Authority. With almost 35 years of service under his belt; I thought now was an ideal opportunity to get him front of the Big Nose Podcast mic.

In the conversation, we begin at the very start, a story of childhood as the eldest of five and what it was like growing up in 1960s Dublin. David recalls what it was like to be an introverted teenager in the 70s; but explains, maybe surprisingly how he found himself in Coachella Valley in California for a year in 1980.

Before starting his career in Dublin Airport, he calls on a memory of his first job. He shares in detail how one morning after getting off the bus he ends up in the River Liffey.

When the conversation moves to talking about his at Aer Rinta , now the Dublin Airport Authority, the fondness for the organisation is clear for all to hear. David shares his story, this journey from the cleaning crew with his Father Eddie onto the car parks, followed by the cash office to finishing his days with Platinum Services. His story is one uniquely told in his own words, how he grew as Dublin Airport grew. How an organisation on the most Western front of Europe became an international hub of aviation and continues to be so.

As Father and Son we reflect on heartbreak along the way. 35 years of services has not gone by without scars. Those scars of course inflicted through firstly the untimely death of his Father Eddie at the turn of the Millennium. A man, in his own right had a worthy contribution to airport life. However, David talks candidly of the loss of his youngest son Aidan, at 11 years of age back in 2008. He reflects on the impact on him, this family and comments on the strength he found in his work family throughout Dublin Airport.

In the podcast, David talks about the changes he has seen with the organisation, the industry and of course in Ireland. He mentions also some interesting stories, including how shuffling like a penguin is the best method if you want to shake the Popes hand.

In truth, when December 5th does come, Dublin Airport will of course be losing a valued servant of 35 years, but, I feel after talking with Dad, that he will be losing a friend of 35 years.

I implore one and all to give it a listen, a truly epic conversation of much laughter; joy and insight.   

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This week on the Big Nose Podcast, I review what the new movement to level 3 restrictions in the coming week. What it means for now and how it might affect the start of 2021.

In the highlight of the week, and maybe the year. I reflect on the RTE Late Late Toy Show. The approach of managing the demands of socially distant era while still managing to produce a live show with children is something to behold. I review the approach of RTE to focus on the important things this year, A truly magical night.

In a new segment, reviewing the first twenty years of this century. I pick moments that stand out as very significant. In this episode I revisit the visit of the Queen of England to Ireland in 2011.

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This week on the show, I take a look back on the events surrounding Bloody Sunday, 1920.

I try to identify how the terrible murders happened and open my own eyes to new information around these events.

In the show I set out how the IRA used its members to conduct murders in a time of war for Irish independence.

I set out the role of Michael Collins and his intelligent use of the GAA for his own success.

Nothing happens in a vacuum is what I believe. I explore how important it is to be objective with history and how we must sometimes challenge our own preconceived notions of history in an effort to seek out the truth.

Turning to problems of the modern day. It has been approximately 11 hours since the Republic of Irelands soccer team has put the ball in the oppositions net. As Ireland drew nil all with Bulgaria in their last Nation Leagues this week, I reflect on the state of Irish soccer. I question whether the pressure coming on international coach Stephen Kenny is unfounded. Given that it's only 8 games in to his tenure. Granted he is yet to secure a win, but calls for him to be moved on due to his lack of high end managerial experience is a little far fetched, no? In the show I draw comparisons with the last Irish team to qualify for a World Cup finals. The team of Duff, Keane and Given. A hard comparison some might say.

Finally in this weeks show, I introduce a new segment I will be running for the remainder of 2020. A reflective nostalgic piece looking back on world and domestic event of the first 20 years of this century. This is in an effort to create an all encompassing list of the top 20 events.

For this. I am seeking listeners to the podcast to put forward their own thought on this, through my Instagram page. You never know you might even end up on the show yourself.

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This week on the show I will be reviewing the message on travelling home this Christmas. As Leo Varadkar strongly suggests not to be booking flights home this year. I'll be giving my own opinion on this.

In some good news, I'll be updating you all on the latest in the delivery of a possible vaccine or vaccines.

I will focus on the work being carried out by Pfizer and BioNTech and the latest news we got this week.

I'll explore what it may mean going in 2021.

And finally, did anything go wrong for you on Friday? Well maybe it had to do with the fact that it was Friday the 13th.

I'll be exploring where the superstitions may have originated and investigate if any bad has ever happened on a Friday the 13th.

Join me in my BIg Nose

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The Big Nose looks back on the key events of the week that was.

On the domestic front I reflect on Tanaiste Leo Varadkar address to the Dail.

I detail the events that brought the Tanaiste to his feet to apologies for his involvement in the sharing of government documents.

I set out my thoughts on what this mean for Leo going forward.

Turning to the United States or perhaps at the moment the dis-United States. I rake over the coals of the election results.

I lay out how the past week unfollowed and how unusual it was in terms of pervious elections.

At the time of recording, I identify what challenges lay before President Elect Biden after four years of the Trump administration.

Finally, I explain, why in my household we have decided to take the plunge early into Christmas.

I share a small anecdote about the first purchase of a Christmas tree in our current home and try, with a little research,

to justify that we have not gone completely mad and we are not alone.

Have a listen and you decide

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With @realdonaldtrump and @joebiden on the final push across swing states, I break down who the candidates are, how the electoral college vote system works, explain what a swing state is and give my prediction on who might win and how election night could play out. As always this episode will be available on usual platforms and so go give it a listen and let me know your thoughts ⁣

#election2020 #conservativememes #democrats #gop #conservative #biden2020 #trumpsupporters #draintheswamp #alllivesmatter #vote2020 #keepamericagreat #voteblue #trumptrain #walkaway #joebiden #kamalaharris #bidenharris2020 #liberal #kag #makeamericagreatagain #republicans #election #democrat #republican #kag2020 #trump2020 #americafirst #bluelivesmatter #maga2020 #president

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In exciting news for *The Big Nose* podcast.

I will release my first feature length episode with my very special guest Ciaran Byrne.

Ciaran recently became an ambassador for the Bone Marrow Leukaemia Trust. This is after his own battle with AML in early 2019. With support from his devoted wife Denise and surrounded by friends and family; Ciaran is now focused on the future and sharing his own experiences with others.

From learning of Ciaran’s journey through Instagram, I felt he had an important story to tell. The quickest thing you learn about Ciaran from chatting with him is that there is much more to the man, the son, the husband than being a cancer survivor.

Ciaran is a wave of positivity, chatty as they come and very much a seeker of a good time. This week he joined me via Zoom to share in detail the story of his journey so far. I feel when you listen to it, Ciaran and the words he speaks, has a message in them that we can all take into our own lives.

This inaugural feature episode is my first try at a one to one interview on a feature basis.

I'd like to thank Ciaran firstly for his time and agreeing to do this with me.

I hope you all enjoy it and please click the subscribe button for more

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