This week, Brenda sits down with her dear friend Joe Byrne for a raw and honest conversation about identity, addiction and healing. Joe talks about growing up gay, dealing with homophobia and Catholic guilt, and the long road toward self acceptance.

He opens up about his struggles with alcohol addiction and Xanax addiction, his journey through addiction recovery, and the resilience that helped him rebuild his life.

Joe also reflects on his decades of kindness. From giving free haircuts to the homeless to supporting struggling families in Cork, his compassion has touched countless lives and made him a pillar of the community.

A powerful story of courage, generosity and hope.

Sponsored by Fettle. Life gets messy, and Fettle makes getting support simple. Connect with accredited therapists online at fettle.ie.

19:48 — Joe Builds a Life in Cork & Finds Community

21:05 — The Party Years & Early Signs of Addiction

21:50 — Loneliness, Vodka & the Emotional Spiral

22:59 — Xanax Enters the Picture & the Secret Double Life

25:09 — Meeting Darren & the Rollercoaster of Early Love

26:53 — The Pain of Being Unreliable in the Relationship

27:42 — Hidden Drinking, Secret Bottles & Denial

28:54 — When Darren Begins to Struggle with Joe’s Drinking

29:52 — The Fall in Douglas & Nearly Losing His Life

31:10 — Choosing Help & Entering Rehab at St. John of God’s

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

Most of you will know her as Sarah Burke, now Sarah O’Connor after marrying the love of her life, Keith. Her road to happiness was anything but simple.

In this episode, Sarah opens up about calling off her wedding six weeks before the date, going through IVF, and experiencing a devastating miscarriage. She also talks about the horrific trolling she faced and, for the first time, reads the threatening letter that was sent to her sister’s salon.

Sarah reflects on her mental health journey, counselling, grief after losing Nana Betty, and the fear that came with her father Kieran’s end of life heart failure diagnosis. Today, she is happily married and a mum to three beautiful children, including her miracle babies Isabella and Gabbie.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Introduction & first meeting Sarah on 96 FM

[00:01:40] – Weight loss journey & "Fat to Fab" Facebook page in Australia

[00:05:13] – How social media culture around weight has changed

[00:05:59] – Growing up on Cork's North side

[00:08:01] – Moving to Australia & ending long-term relationship

[00:10:49] – Learning self-worth through therapy

[00:13:27] – Falling pregnant with Luke & starting Slimming World business

[00:14:11] – Calling off wedding 6 weeks before the date

[00:17:54] – Meeting Keith on Tinder during lockdown

[00:21:52] – Online trolling & forum posts nearly ending relationship

[00:26:36] – Starting IVF journey for second child

[00:29:17] – Discovering miscarriage at 14-week scan

[00:30:48] – Losing baby Jack & burying him at Nanny Betty's grave

[00:35:10] – Dealing with cruel comments about miscarriage

[00:37:50] – D&C procedure leading to miracle pregnancy with Isabella

[00:41:22] – Pregnancy news leaked before telling family

[00:44:51] – Nanny Betty's final days in Marymount hospice

[00:49:29] – Getting married in Lanzarote with 101 guests

[00:51:10] – Receiving threatening letter 8 weeks before wedding

[00:59:45] – How Keith dealt with the harassment

[01:02:46] – Why giving up isn't an option (for the kids)

[01:03:21] – Surprise pregnancy with Gabby

[01:06:47] – Dad's cancer diagnosis & heart failure

[01:11:30] – Living with dad's end-of-life prognosis

[01:13:24] – Final reflections on happiness & self-worth

Connect With Me:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

Taking a tiny break this week… because my live show absolutely took over my life, in the best possible way. It turned out to be one of the greatest nights I have ever had - I am still floating. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported me.

Missed it? The full live show episode lands before Christmas.

Back next Monday with an amazing guest.

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

At just 20 years old, Lou Hibbert’s world changed forever. Her dad Barry, a man who had gone from growing up in a council estate to becoming the CEO of a major company, took his own life.

In this powerful conversation, Lou opens up about losing a parent to suicide, navigating bereavement, and how therapy and counselling helped her rebuild self-worth, self-love, and self-compassion.

This Movember, as we focus on men’s mental health and suicide prevention, Lou’s story is a reminder that behind every strong man, there can be silent struggles - and behind every loss, someone learning how to live again.

This week’s episode is sponsored by Damien Long Personal Training based in Glanmire, Cork. Damien helps people get stronger, fitter, and happier with a fun, balanced approach to training. He also featured on podcast earlier this year, sharing his own journey of grief, healing, and mental health awareness after the loss of his daughter Shauna. You can check him out @damienlongpersonaltraining. 

00:00:00 — Introduction and how Lou and Brenda first met

00:01:30 — Growing up in Cookham Dean and school experiences

00:03:35 — Lou’s dad’s childhood, trauma and drive for success

00:06:26 — The first business collapse and early signs of strain

00:09:19 — 2022: escalating stress and emotional decline

00:12:33 — Subtle changes at home and early warning signs

00:16:01 — The day Lou was called out of work

00:17:58 — The moment she learned her dad had died

00:21:02 — Understanding “the surge” before suicide

00:38:15 — Starting therapy and confronting anger

00:46:21 — Life before and after grief: “living two lives”

00:49:24 — Hope, healing and Lou’s final reflections

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

At just 20 years old, Harry Greaney was told he had synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. He’s battled it not once, not twice, but three times. When doctors could no longer save his arm, Harry had to undergo an amputation - a life-changing moment that would break most people.

But not Harry. Just weeks after surgery, he was already back training and even preparing for a powerlifting competition. His story is one of courage, resilience, and perspective - from managing phantom limb pain to finding motivation through fitness, and showing that discipline beats comfort every time.

This is a powerful story about choosing gratitude, strength, and comeback energy - no matter what life throws your way.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now - the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re considering an ADHD assessment or need guidance, visit adhdnow.com today.

00:00 – Introduction & Harry’s Story  

03:15 – First Symptoms and Cancer Diagnosis  

07:40 – Facing Synovial Sarcoma & Life-Changing Decisions  

12:25 – Radiation and Chemotherapy: Staying Active Through Treatment  

17:10 – Choosing Amputation: How Harry Made the Call  

21:45 – Recovery and Phantom Limb Pain  

26:30 – Returning to Training with One Arm  

32:05 – Powerlifting Goals and Adaptive Fitness  

36:50 – Mental Health, Gratitude & Finding Purpose  

41:20 – Advice for Anyone Going Through Hard Times  

45:05 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Harry

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

From struggling with his weight as a teenager to trying his first drug at his own school debs, Eoin McGrath's story is one of addiction recovery, heartbreak, and hope. 

He talks openly about his cocaine addiction, binge eating, and the moment his family discovered how bad things had become.

But this isn’t just a rehab story - it’s about grief and loss, mental health, and the sobriety journey that followed the love of his life, Carley, who died tragically.

Now one year sober, Eoin shares how he rebuilt his self-worth, overcame anxiety and depression, and learned the power of self-love, faith, and finding a higher power in recovery.

This is an inspirational recovery story about getting sober young, rediscovering who you are, and realising that it’s never too late to start again.

🎧 Proudly sponsored by ADHD Now - the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Inspiring story!

⏱️ 00:00:43 – Early Life and Family in Tipperary  

⏱️ 00:05:19 – Struggles with Weight and Seeking Validation  

⏱️ 00:07:57 – First Experience with Cocaine  

⏱️ 00:12:59 – Isolation and Addiction Deepening  

⏱️ 00:18:55 – Confrontation with Parents and Mounting Debt  

⏱️ 00:23:57 – Hitting Rock Bottom and Family Intervention  

⏱️ 00:26:55 – Decision to Go to Rehab  

⏱️ 00:27:17 – Meeting Carly in Rehab  

⏱️ 00:37:22 – Losing Carly to Overdose  

⏱️ 00:46:38 – Turning Grief into Purpose and Finding Higher Power  

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

Natasha McCarthy lost her dad, Tommy, in a tragic car fire the day before her 30th birthday in April 2024. In this powerful and deeply moving episode, she opens up about her grief journey, coping with loss, and healing after trauma as a single mother. She speaks honestly about the waves of bereavement, family trauma, and the long process of rebuilding life after such unimaginable pain.

This is a story about love, resilience, and mental health awareness - about finding strength in the darkest moments and discovering hope again after loss. Above all, it’s a daughter’s mission to make sure her dad’s life is remembered not for tragedy, but for love.

🎧 This episode is sponsored by ADHD Now - the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

00:00 – Growing up in Mayfield 

03:22 – Becoming a young mum 

05:47 – Her dad’s reaction to the news 

08:33 – Family loss and early grief 

11:12 – The last day with her dad 

13:42 – The call that changed everything 

15:55 – After the car fire 

20:28 – A funeral without a body 

23:45 – The inquest and open verdict 

28:17 – Living with grief 

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

For almost a decade, Steph lived in silence with depression, anxiety, and severe OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

Her life became smaller and smaller - until one day, she found herself confined to her room, unable to touch, eat, or even sit with the people she loved most.

In this episode, Steph opens up about the terrifying cycle of intrusive thoughts, hand-washing rituals, and anxiety disorder that controlled her every move. She talks about what it was really like to live with OCD, the breaking point that made her ask for help, and how she began her journey through therapy, to rebuild her life.

This is a story about survival, courage, and healing - and about a young woman who refused to let her illness define her.

We also speak about the impact on her family, how grief and caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease shaped her recovery, and what it truly means to find freedom after years of fear.

Steph’s comeback is one of the most honest, emotional, and inspiring stories we’ve ever shared. 

This episode is sponsored by Pharma Plus - expert supplements created by Pharmacists. Evidence-based, science-backed, and made with only what your body truly needs. Follow @pharmaplusireland and visit pharmaplus.ie to learn more.

00:02:15 — Early Signs of OCD  

00:05:40 — Intrusive Thoughts Take Over  

00:10:25 — When Handwashing Became Compulsion  

00:14:55 — Hitting Rock Bottom  

00:19:30 — Finding Help Through CBT  

00:24:10 — EMDR and Facing Trauma  

00:30:05 — Living With Grief and Alzheimer’s  

00:36:20 — Family Support and Recovery  

00:41:50 — Returning to Work and Independence  

00:47:15 — A Message of Hope

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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

This bonus episode is a little different.

After receiving a flood of messages about the women ghosting women phenomenon, I asked Lauren Golden, a psychotherapist, to join me in studio to unpack what’s really going on.

We dive into the psychology behind why women ghost each other - from friendships that suddenly end to connections that quietly fade away. We also touch on men ghosting women and women ghosting men, exploring the emotional dynamics behind it all.

Lauren is a total breath of fresh air and brings such compassion and insight to this conversation. I genuinely loved this chat and I think you will too.

If you’d like to check out Lauren and her work, you can follow her on Instagram at @laurengoldenpsychotherapy

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

At just 36, eight months married, Orlagh Winters was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer - with no lump, only pain in her breast. Her story is a powerful reminder to always get checked and trust your instincts when it comes to your health.

In this episode, Orlagh opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, the gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and the side effects that came with it - from hair loss to being put into early menopause, which shattered her dreams of having a family. She also shares the emotional fallout of discovering her husband’s affair while grieving her dad, and how she eventually found strength and self-worth through it all.

Now married to the love of her life, Luke O’Hea, Orlagh talks about finding happiness again. She’s also raised thousands for charities and continues to be a voice for awareness, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Orlagh says she lives by one motto that keeps her grounded:

“If they’re not in your head, or the heart of your bed - their opinion doesn’t matter.”

From coping with grief to finding hope after heartbreak, this is a story about courage, survival, and choosing to live life on your own terms.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now - the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

00:00 – Intro & Setting the Scene

01:00 – Early Life & Family

08:23 – Cancer Diagnosis & Chemotherapy Journey

10:24 – Medical Menopause & Infertility

11:46 – Egg Donation & Divorce

12:21 – Family Court & Misogyny in the Irish System

15:44 – Journaling, Fundraising & Finding Purpose

17:54 – Meeting Luke

25:26 – Ghosting, Boundaries & Self-Worth

29:05 – Motherhood, Regret & Reflection

31:08 – Irish Family Courts & Lockdown Impact

33:14 – Cancer Awareness & Getting Checked

35:31 – Life Before & After Cancer

37:00 – The Little Things & Love with Luke

38:28 – The Three Questions Finale

39:33 – Closing & Sign-Off

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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