Episode Description:

In this episode I am joined by legendary Irish radio presenter Nikki Hayes - a voice many will remember from her days on RTÉ 2FM, Spin 1038, Classic Hits Radio, and now East Coast FM.

Nikki bravely opens up about her journey through alcohol addiction, mental health struggles, bulimia, and depression, and how it all spiralled during the pandemic while she was broadcasting from home.

She shares what it was like to go from national fame to becoming homeless in Dublin, losing her job, and fighting her way back with the help of Tiglin rehab and addiction support in Ireland. She speaks powerfully about the guilt she still feels as a mother, her ongoing healing, and how Christianity and the Bible have now become guiding forces in her recovery journey.

We also talk about:

- Life after the media storm around her court case

- Rebuilding self-worth and embracing sobriety

- How she's staying grounded after 18 months of sobriety

This is a raw, real, and inspiring recovery story - one that shows just how far you can come with support, faith, and relentless honesty.

This episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE, Ireland’s go-to for unique hand painted essentials. A beautiful Irish brand born out of a love for Limerick and Ireland, LiKE prioritises sustainability -from personalised Kidswear to Oversized totes.

LiKE Local

LiKE Sustainable

LiKE Style

Check them out at www.lk.ie

Timestamps:

01:14 – Introduction

01:49 – Early Life & First Drink

04:31 – Discovering Radio

07:54 – Life at 2FM

13:54 – Losing Her Dream Job

19:23 – Classic Hits & COVID

24:55 – Homelessness & Rock Bottom

35:07 – Turning Point

40:27 – Recovery & Faith

52:05 – Full Circle

Photo Credit: Jenny McCarthy

Connect With Me:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description:

From prison to personal trainer: Mikey Power’s raw story of addiction, arrests, and turning it all around

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Mikey Power, who shares the unfiltered truth about his addiction recovery, run-ins with the law, and the breakthrough moment that turned his life around.

From teenage drinking to prison and multiple arrests, Mikey opens up about how grief, anger, and self-destruction nearly consumed him - and how fitness and routine helped him rebuild everything from the ground up.

Now a successful personal trainer and gym owner, Mikey talks about taking full responsibility, rebuilding relationships, and finding a sense of peace and purpose he never thought possible.

Whether you're struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking self improvement, or just in need of a reminder that comebacks are real, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

Arrests, grief, and hitting rock bottom

The dark spiral of alcohol and addiction

A near-suicide and the moment that changed everything

Prison life and discovering gym motivation

Building a new life through fitness and discipline

Turning pain into purpose

Living with gratitude and staying sober

This episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE - a beautiful Irish brand born out of love for Limerick and Ireland. All products are handprinted in Ireland using sustainable materials, blending creativity with meaning.

Explore the collection at

www.lk.ie

Timestamps

01:34 – Becoming a father and naming his son Janjo

02:22 – Struggles with school and clashing with authority

06:00 – First drink and early exposure to alcohol culture

11:00 – Death of Joe and the start of serious addiction

16:46 – Suicide attempt and being pulled from the bridge

24:35 – Finding purpose through prison and fitness

33:24 – Rock bottom: choosing drink over love

35:13 – First AA meeting and a vision for change

38:48 – Powerful mindset shift: owning his potential

40:48 – “Hike with Mike” and raising funds through challenge

Connect With Me:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I am joined by Christine Kavanagh, a mother from Cork who has lived through the unimaginable - losing four sons, three of them to drug-related causes.

In January of this year, Christine lost two of her sons, Dillon and Damien, just fifteen days apart. They were laid to rest in a double funeral - one open coffin, one closed. Another son, Leon, died of a heroin overdose in 2021. Her pain is immeasurable, but Christine has chosen to speak out, not stay silent.

In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, Christine shares her story of grief, addiction, and resilience. She opens up about the devastating impact of heroin addiction, the lack of mental health support, and the urgent need for harm reduction services like supervised injection centres in Ireland - services she believes could have saved her sons.

We also talk about her ongoing strength: returning to work just three days after her sons' funeral, raising her grandchildren, and becoming an advocate for overdose prevention and addiction recovery.

Christine’s voice is one of love, pain, and fierce determination - and her story is one I will never forget.

This episode is dedicated to Dillon, Damien, Leon, and Ross.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mill Confectionery - Handmade Irish cakes and treats, established in Cork over 40 years ago. Christine shared how their team went above and beyond while catering her sons’ funeral - a gesture she’ll never forget. You can find them on Instagram: @oldmillconfectionary

[00:00:28] – This Pain Will Never Leave Me

[00:01:26] – Why I Keep Going for My Family

[00:01:54] – Losing Ross to Epilepsy

[00:03:13] – Leon’s Struggle With Addiction

[00:08:34] – Campaigning for an Injection Centre

[00:25:06] – Two Sons Buried Together

[00:24:03] – They Were Sick, Not Bad

[00:21:27] – Helping a Stranger on the Street

[00:22:09] – Flashbacks and Street Advocacy

[00:30:01] – If I Can Save One Family

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by Nicola Guilfoyle, a 40-year-old mum of three from Clonmel who’s lived through more than most - addiction in the family, the loss of her mother, brother, and father, and her own struggles with grief, mental health, and struggling with her weight.

We talk about childhood trauma, losing her brother just weeks before giving birth, and saying goodbye to her dad - her best friend - after he died from sepsis.

Nicola shares what it’s like to raise a child with autism, lose nearly 13 stone, and train for two marathons - all while navigating deep loss. 

This episode is about bereavement, autism, addiction, weight loss, and finding your way through the darkest days.

This week’s sponsor is AutismCare — an Irish organisation offering neuroaffirming assessments and lifelong supports, co-designed with Autistic individuals. Their team is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and genuine inclusion. You can visit them at autismcare.ie.

00:00 – Intro: grief, addiction, autism  

01:15 – Brother’s addiction  

03:15 – Mum’s cancer diagnosis  

06:30 – Christmas family conflict  

09:25 – Brother’s death  

14:00 – Autism diagnosis journey  

19:30 – Dad’s sudden illness  

25:50 – Coping with loss  

30:10 – Marathon training  

32:00 – Weight loss + sobriety

If you're struggling with grief, addiction, mental health, or family trauma, here are some trusted Irish support services you can contact:

- **Pieta House** – Support for suicide, self-harm, and bereavement  

 📞 1800 247 247 (24/7)  

 🌐 [www.pieta.ie](https://www.pieta.ie)

- **HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline** – Free, confidential advice and support  

 📞 1800 459 459  

 📧 [email protected]  

 🌐 [www.drugs.ie](https://www.drugs.ie)

- **Samaritans Ireland** – 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress  

 📞 116 123 (Free)  

 🌐 [www.samaritans.ie](https://www.samaritans.ie)

- **Aware** – Support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder  

 📞 1800 80 48 48  

 🌐 [www.aware.ie](https://www.aware.ie)

- **Family Carers Ireland** – Support for people caring for loved ones  

 📞 1800 24 07 24  

 🌐 [www.familycarers.ie](https://www.familycarers.ie)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available. ❤️

You can follow Nicola here: orangenic_life_fun_food

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by someone whose courage, honesty, and strength will stay with you long after the episode ends — Dessie Fitzgerald.

In 2011, Dessie’s world was turned upside down by a spinal cord injury, paralysis, and the loss of his brother. But instead of giving up, he chose to rebuild. Today, he’s a life coach, motivational speaker, and a powerful voice on resilience, healing, and purpose.

- Mental health and depression

- Life after a spinal cord injury

- Grief, trauma, and recovery

- Finding peace and post-traumatic growth

- How Dessie now supports others as a coach

Dessie’s story is full of honesty and hope - and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward.

More about Dessie: dessiefitzgerald.com

This episode is proudly sponsored by Queen B Athletics

Premium sportswear for women.

A sustainable Cork brand and proud partners of Cork Camogie and Hockey Ireland.

Follow them on Instagram at @queenBathletics.

And if you ever need help or have a question, just drop them a message -

Customer service is their obsession, and they genuinely love to help.

[00:01:00] – Childhood & Hurling

[00:07:30] – Mike’s Death

[00:10:50] – Life-Changing Injury

[00:15:40] – First Signs of Movement

[00:20:30] – Wedding Goal

[00:25:30] – Depression & Struggle

[00:29:45] – James’ Death

[00:34:00] – Rock Bottom

[00:36:45] – Breakthrough Workshop

[00:41:00] – Coaching Journey

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, Rio Fennell’s incredible journey is told through the eyes of his amazing mother, Melanie O’Sullivan - a story of a 7-year-old boy’s fight against a brain tumour, and the love that carried them through it.

When Rio began showing symptoms, they were dismissed as “probably viral.” But Melanie’s instincts told her something more serious was going on. She trusted her gut, kept pushing for answers - and she was right.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, we talk about:

• The early brain tumour symptoms in children that often go unnoticed
• Why parental instinct can be life-saving
• Rio’s journey through proton beam therapy, stem cell transplant, and countless MRI scans
• Life inside Crumlin Children’s Hospital and the strength required to keep going
• The emotional toll of chemo hair loss and the reality of pausing your life to support your child
• How Melanie stood by Rio’s side through every test, treatment and sleepless night

This is a powerful story about a mother’s love and instinct. A reminder that even when the odds feel overwhelming, determination, hope, and connection can shine through.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now

ADHD Now is an online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. They empower people with fast, affordable access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support.

To learn more or to book your own assessment, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro: Meet Mel & setting the context for Rio’s story

[00:02:00] – First symptoms: Rio’s headaches, vomiting & GP visits

[00:07:30] – Mel’s gut feeling & fears of a tumour

[00:12:00] – Hospital visit & pushing for further tests

[00:17:00] – The diagnosis: tumour detected on MRI

[00:22:00] – Emergency transfer to Dublin & worsening condition

[00:30:00] – Tumour type revealed & start of treatment plan

[00:36:00] – Chemotherapy, stem cells & surgery journey

[00:45:00] – Ringing the bell, coming home & epilepsy scare

[00:52:00] – Life after treatment: recovery, school, and moving forward

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Comeback, I sit down with Andy Goulding - a champion marathon runner, devoted husband and son, and someone whose story of addiction and recovery will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

Five years ago, Andy’s life was turned upside down by a crippling cocaine addiction that nearly cost him his life. In a moment that can only be described as miraculous, he survived - and today, he shares his raw, honest, and powerful story of what it took to rebuild.

Andy opens up about:

* Spending over a decade in denial that his drug use was destroying his life

* The terrifying moment he experienced psychosis

* How his father had to step in, bail him out, and beg him to get help

* The pain his addiction caused to those around him -especially his wife Sarah, who spent weeks alone during Covid while Andy sought treatment

* His time in rehab at Cuan Mhuire and what true recovery looks like

Now clean and thriving, Andy’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the power of choosing to live.

Whether you’ve struggled with addiction, depression, or simply want to hear an inspiring comeback, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode is proudly sponsored by AND Hair & Co, a vibrant salon in Glanmire run by best friends Aoife McGrath and Donna Kelleher. With over 15 years of experience, they opened the salon they always dreamed of in 2019 after returning home from Australia.

📲 Book via Instagram: @andhairnco or call +353 21 482 2545

[00:00:00] – Childhood, hurling, and identity

[00:04:30] – Losing direction after leaving sport

[00:07:45] – First experience with cocaine and early use

[00:12:30] – Descent into addiction and financial struggles

[00:17:10] – Relationship strain and denial of problem

[00:21:50] – Suicide attempt and rescue in Limerick

[00:28:00] – Entering psychiatric care and accepting help

[00:32:40] – 20 weeks in treatment and early recovery

[00:39:00] – Running, relapse fears, and building a new identity

[00:44:50] – Reflections on rock bottom, gratitude, and final message

• Samaritans Ireland – Free 24/7 emotional support
• 📞 Call 116 123
• 🌐 samaritans.ie
• Drugs.ie – Support, info & treatment options
• 🌐 www.drugs.ie
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• HSE Addiction Services – Find local treatment services
• 🌐 www.hse.ie/services/addiction
• Narcotics Anonymous Ireland
• 📞 Call 01 672 8000
• 🌐 www.na-ireland.org

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Natasha O’Byrne, or as she’s fondly known, Tasha - a 25-year-old mum of two from Cork who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

Tasha shares her powerful story of facing cancer as a young mother, after losing her own mum to cancer at just 46. She is now the third generation in her family to be diagnosed, and her courage and clarity shine through as she opens up about life in the midst of treatment.

* The early symptoms that were missed

* Life with cancer as a young mum in her 20s

* The physical and emotional toll of chemo side effects

* The importance of mental health and staying strong

* A family history of genetic cancer

* Her incredible fundraising work for the Irish Cancer Society

Tasha has also organised the upcoming Concert for Hope, taking place at Cork City Hall on July 30, headlined by country star Nathan Carter - all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Tickets are available now at eventbrite.ie - just search “Concert for Hope Cork” or follow the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concert-for-cancer-nathan-carter-tickets-1361732441389?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro & Tasha’s powerful email

[00:03:00] – Family cancer history & early exposure

[00:07:00] – Losing her mum during COVID

[00:12:00] – Diagnosis & hearing the word ‘cancer’

[00:18:00] – Staying positive for her kids

[00:24:00] – First scan results & mindset shift

[00:29:00] – Gratitude & daily routines

[00:33:00] – Chemo days & support on the ward

[00:38:00] – Advice for the newly diagnosed

[00:42:00] – Concert for Cancer & giving back

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Cole, a special education teacher from Carrigaline whose life changed overnight after a classroom assault left her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – one of the world’s most painful and incurable conditions.

Sophie opens up about living with chronic nerve pain, the trauma of PTSD, and the many surgeries she’s endured – from spinal cord stimulators to discussions around amputation. Just nine weeks before her wedding, she underwent major surgery, spending her recovery in bed while preparing to walk down the aisle. Through it all, her husband Shane has been a rock of support.

I’m in awe of Sophie’s strength and resilience – despite everything, she continues to push forward and advocate for change. She also shares how her Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy, has helped her cope on the hardest days.

Sophie speaks so openly about the isolation of dealing with an invisible illness, the lack of disability support, and the broken system around public sector sick leave and state benefits in Ireland.

Her story is powerful, painful, and important - please give this one a listen and share.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro & Sophie’s background

[00:01:00] – Dream job & the classroom incident

[00:04:00] – Perfect life before the injury

[00:06:00] – Diagnosis: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

[00:10:00] – Realising it’s lifelong

[00:12:00] – Financial shock & campaign begins

[00:16:00] – Living with chronic pain

[00:20:00] – Petition, politics & slow progress

[00:24:00] – Treatment setbacks & pre-wedding crisis

[00:30:00] – The wedding & resilience

[00:33:00] – Career loss & grief

[00:36:00] – Love, support & future hope

[00:40:00] – Final message: you will get through it

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

👉 Follow Sophie at @special_education_muinteoir

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe McCaul, who many of you will remember for representing Ireland in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest alongside his sister Donna. Joe's journey took him nationwide after the song "You're a Star," but his life took unexpected turns, including his time in the spotlight and the challenges that followed. This is Joe’s very first podcast, as he’s shied away from the media following difficult times in his life.

I was deeply moved by his story, especially when he shared how the media made a fool of him, how he was harassed, and even verbally abused while walking down the street. Joe opens up about one of his lowest moments while on tour with Westlife and how Caroline Flack came to his aid during that incredibly hard time. Joe is incredibly engaging, and we really hit it off - there were so many laughs, and I truly hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

00:00 – Joe’s chaotic energy and why he finally said yes

03:30 – Childhood in Athlone, fear of abandonment, and being HSP

07:45 – Early suicidal thoughts and hiding his pain

10:20 – Fame after You’re a Star and tour with Westlife

13:40 – Verbal abuse in public and substance misuse

16:00 – Emotional dysregulation, therapy, and DBT tools

21:50 – Shame and trauma after The X Factor

28:30 – Multiple sclerosis diagnosis and fighting back

35:10 – Finding peace, love, and purpose as a teacher

39:00 – Advice for anyone struggling with mental health

If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, you’re not alone. Please reach out:

• Pieta House – 24/7 Crisis Support
• 📞 1800 247 247 | 📱 Text ‘HELP’ to 51444 | 🌐 pieta.ie
• Samaritans Ireland – 24/7 Listening Service
• 📞 116 123 | 🌐 samaritans.org/ireland
• HSE YourMentalHealth – Mental health support and services
• 🌐 yourmentalhealth.ie
• LGBT Ireland – Support for LGBTQ+ individuals
• 📞 1800 929 539 | 🌐 lgbt.ie

Instagram: @brendasbits

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.