Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.

We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.

Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between compassion and accountability.

A raw and honest conversation about life on the other side of addiction.

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

If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email
[email protected]

This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.

Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally.

There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but she kept fighting.

And after everything, Mags got her miracle baby, Isla.

A raw and honest story of loss, resilience and never giving up.

Please note: there are some minor sound issues in parts of this episode, but we hope you stay with it as Mags’ story is incredibly powerful.

🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
For more information, visit adhdnow.com.

From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.

A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything seemed complete.

But behind closed doors, her world was falling apart.

Betrayal. Narcissistic abuse. The fear of her child facing life-changing disabilities.

And then, in the middle of it all - a breast cancer diagnosis.

This is a raw and powerful story of heartbreak, survival, and finding strength when you have nothing left.

If this episode resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit subscribe, it really helps.

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

Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption.

Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were twins.

From his first drink as a young teenager, to drug use, prison sentences, and deep self-hatred, his life spiralled quickly. In and out of Cork Prison, Mountjoy, and other institutions, addiction took nearly everything from him.

But this is not where his story ends.

Now a father of four, Ciarán speaks about the impact of his children on his life, especially his youngest, Elsie May, who was born in May 2020 during a worldwide pandemic.

This is a story about turning a life around, finding faith and purpose, and taking full responsibility.

A raw and powerful conversation about addiction, grief, and the possibility of a comeback, no matter how far you’ve fallen.

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

Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.

A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023.

After major surgery and intensive treatment, Leona was told in 2025 that her cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.

In this episode, she speaks about the moment everything changed, the heartbreak, and the reality of living with a diagnosis that should never have happened.

Now on a trial drug that is already showing signs of working, her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope.

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

Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country?

As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside over the past few weeks, bring you inside The Neil Prendeville Show and how it all comes together.

We chat about behind-the-scenes secrets, how Seamus may or may not have thrown me under the bus whilst on air, and what Neil is really like to work with day to day.

Hope you enjoy!

Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.

In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls.

Daragh speaks openly about living with depression without realising it, describing a time when he felt completely numb and thought that was normal.

A deeply emotional part of the conversation focuses on the loss of his best friend, Erbie, and how that moment changed his life, becoming a turning point that led him to speak more openly about mental health through his writing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment, it really helps.

🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
Visit adhdnow.com for more.

After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break.

Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you.

I’ll be back very soon with some amazing guests.

Cork TikTok creator Richie Herlihy (Richie’s Food and Nature) joins Brenda for a powerful and honest conversation about the reality behind his viral food reviews.

Richie opens up about the recent devastating loss of his close friend Ryan Dunphy, learning about his death while he himself was in hospital. He also clears up online rumours about his health and explains what really happened.

Richie also speaks openly about his gambling addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the road to recovery.

We also revisit the controversy around his Electric Picnic food truck and the realities of running a food business at major festivals.

A raw, emotional and eye opening episode that reveals the real Richie behind the viral videos.

The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival, March 21st at St Luke’s. Limited tickets available here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331

🎧 Sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. Visit adhdnow.com.

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry fashion blogger and influencer Helena Brosnan, known to many as Super Betty.

Last year, Helena received a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer after attending a routine smear test, despite having no symptoms at all.

Throughout her treatment, she shared her journey openly with her followers, bringing honesty, positivity, and encouragement to thousands of women.

Now she’s using her platform to spread one very important message: don’t fear the smear.

Helena joins me to talk about the moment she got the news, how she stayed strong through treatment, and why something that takes just a few minutes could truly save your life.

And just a reminder, The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331

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