The Greg Hughes Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with rally legend Garry Jennings for a conversation that is as harrowing as it is inspiring. After a horror crash at the 2025 Cavan Stages Rally left him fighting for his life, Garry’s future in the sport—and his future, period—was hanging in the balance.

Today, he joins us to share the story of his survival. We discuss the crash, his experience of "serenity" while trapped in the wreckage, and the gruelling physical and emotional road to recovery that followed. From being told he might never drive again to defying medical odds to compete in this year’s Donegal International Rally, Garry’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Incident: A candid look back at the May 2025 crash at the Cavan Stages Rally, including the moments leading up to the accident and the life-saving intervention by fellow competitors.

The "Serenity" of Survival: Garry opens up about the surreal mental state he experienced while trapped in the vehicle before being brought back to consciousness.

Road to Recovery: The immense physical challenge of overcoming life-threatening injuries and the vital importance of the rehabilitation process.

The Mental Toll: How Garry navigated the emotional aftermath of the accident and the psychological battle to get back behind the wheel.

Looking Forward: His return to the rally circuit and what it means to be lining up at the start line of this year's Donegal International Rally after such a life-altering event.

In this episode, we sit down with Carolynne Murray, Director & General Manager of the Shandon Hotel & Spa and Chairperson of the Donegal branch of the Irish Hotels Federation.

Carolynne’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. Growing up in Derry, she learned early on that true strength is often found in the quiet sacrifices made by parents to create a better future. Her path to leadership was shaped by immense personal challenges in her youth, forcing her to develop independence and a firm belief that your beginnings do not dictate your destination.

Today, Carolynne shares her perspective on modern leadership, the importance of fostering regional excellence in the Northwest, and why she now views every professional decision through the lens of legacy. We discuss how navigating life’s most difficult chapters has shifted her focus from traditional achievements to the values of safety, kindness, and security she hopes to instill in her daughters.

In this episode, we cover:

The Power of Perspective: How a childhood memory—a simple tracksuit—became a lifelong symbol of possibility and sacrifice.

Leading Through Adversity: How Carolynne’s early personal losses forged her capacity to think independently and lead with empathy.

Beyond the Resume: Why she believes professional titles take a backseat to the legacy of being a positive role model for her children.

Regional Pride: Why the Northwest is a hub for excellence and why she is passionate about proving that ambition isn't just for capital cities.

Strength & Kindness: Her philosophy on how to hold space for both high-level business goals and the human element of leadership.

 Exclusive: Katie Taylor’s Final Homecoming. 

What does it take to completely turn your life around when you're facing rock bottom?

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, Greg sits down with Donegal entrepreneur Francie, who at just 31 years old has built two thriving fitness businesses in the county: Intensity Fitness and ECA Donegal.

But his path to success was far from traditional. After being sentenced to two years in prison—a term ultimately replaced by a 240-hour community service order—Francie used that pivotal moment to completely reinvent his future. Moving from a humble setup in his mum's garage to qualifying 80 new coaches and building a massive, supportive fitness community, his story is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and redemption.

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of modern mental health, why comfort is the enemy of growth, and how a post-COVID shift toward isolation is impacting our well-being. If you need a reminder that your future self will thank you for doing the uncomfortable things today, this conversation is for you.

Over twenty years since he captured the nation’s attention on You’re a Star and represented Ireland at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest with the number-one hit “We’ve Got the World,” Mickey Joe reflects openly on the reality of sudden fame, the mechanics of the music industry, and his life off-stage.

In this candid conversation, Mickey Joe dives deep into the turning points of his career. He opens up about the industry decisions that shaped his path, including his regret over walking away from a major recording contract with Sony Music, and shares his experiences navigating prime-time television, from early reality TV to his recent stint on Dancing with the Stars.

We also explore his life at home, his immense pride in his son Percy, and his extraordinary studio collaborations—including the story behind a fascinating, as-yet-unreleased recording with the late Shane MacGowan. Looking ahead, we discuss his enduring passion for his craft and his future ambitions in an ever-changing music industry.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

The Eurovision Whirlwind: Looking back at 2003, “We’ve Got the World,” and handling the sudden weight of national expectation.

The Sony Crossroads: A raw reflection on the business side of music and the decision to exit a major label recording contract.

Television & The Spotlight: Navigating the pressures of reality television and stepping back onto the floor for Dancing with the Stars.

Family & Advocacy: Life off-stage and his pride in his son Percy’s journey.

Studio Legends: The stories behind his musical collaborations, featuring an exclusive look at an unreleased track recorded with the legendary Shane MacGowan.

The Next Chapter: Staying relevant in the modern music industry and future artistic ambitions.

What happens when the party stops, but the drinking doesn’t? This week, we sit down with well-known DJ and radio contributor Joe Decks for an incredibly raw, honest, and powerful conversation about his battle with alcohol addiction. From the early days of student life and the high-energy nightlife of the DJ booth, Joe details how a normal social habit quietly escalated into a dependency that threatened his relationships, his career, and his life.

Joe opens up about the reality of functioning alcoholism, the hidden warning signs, and the terrifying health crisis that saw him suffer four major seizures due to alcohol withdrawal. He shares the painful truth about recovery—admitting that his early stints in rehab were just to “shut people up”—and describes the exact moment he finally found true acceptance and the will to save himself.

Today, Joe is sober, focused on his music, and rebuilding his life with clarity and stability. Whether you are fighting your own battle, supporting a loved one, or just want to understand the reality of addiction, Joe’s story is a profound reminder that it is never too late for a new beginning.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

The Slippery Slope: How casual college drinking and full-time retail work funded a lifestyle of drinking until 4 AM.

The Illusion of Control: Balancing radio work at Highland while hiding the growing impact of alcohol and avoiding the warning signs.

The Ultimate Wake-Up Call: Dealing with severe panic attacks and surviving four life-threatening alcohol withdrawal seizures.

The Reality of Rehab: Moving through treatments in Galway and Whiteoaks, dealing with relapses, and the difference between going for others versus going for yourself.

The Power of Support: The vital role of AA meetings, the support of family, and the impactful advice of former addiction counsellor Hugh McBride.

Playing the Tape to the End: The daily toolkit, routines, and mental exercises Joe uses to maintain his sobriety and navigate social environments safely.

A New Track: Finding confidence without alcohol, returning to music production, and embracing a future built on stability and contentment.

Quotes from the Episode:

“The third time of treatment… I had acceptance. I knew I could try again or die.”

“I think of our motto: ‘Play the tape to the end.’ I think of the result of that one drink.”

“Now, my confidence is growing… I have stability and contentment. I’m happy.”

Support Resources:

If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes discussed in this episode, support is available:

AA Ireland (Alcoholics Anonymous): www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie

HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline: Freephone 1800 459 459 or email [email protected]

White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre: www.whiteoakscentre.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mirenda Rosenberg, the voice behind the massive “Homestead Donegal” community and a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.

Mirenda’s story is one of incredible resilience. Raised in a restrictive religious environment outside Washington D.C., she eventually moved to Ireland over 20 years ago. What was intended by her abuser to be a move of isolation instead became the foundation for a new, independent life.

Mirenda opens up about the harrowing reality of leaving an abusive marriage while raising two special needs children and the legal “nightmare” of fighting for the right to remain in Ireland. We dive deep into:

The Reality of Domestic Abuse: Mirenda shares her personal journey of survival and her 13 years of professional experience working with survivors in Derry and Donegal.

Systemic Gaps: A candid look at the current shortcomings in support systems for victims and what needs to change.

The Power of “Homesteading”: How zero-waste living and sustainable practices became a tool for healing and self-reliance.

Growth & New Beginnings: From being a top-ranked TikTok educator to her recent elopement with her partner of 17 years, Declan.

Whether you know her from her viral sustainable cooking videos or her advocacy work, this conversation is a profound look at turning trauma into a platform for education and hope.

At 95 years old, Paddy Kerrigan’s journey from south Donegal to the Snowy Mountains of Australia is nothing short of legendary. This week, we sit down with the Bundoran native to discuss his recent investiture at Government House, where he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Paddy shares stories from a life built on service and hard work—from training as a carpenter in Ireland to emigrating in 1953 to work on the historic Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. We dive into his decades of dedication to the Snowy Monaro region, which earned him the title of 2025 Cooma Citizen of the Year, and explore the many roles he has played: community leader, tourism pioneer, and local hero.

In this episode, we discuss:

Paddy’s early life in Bundoran and his work across Ireland, England, and Scotland.

The transition to life in Australia and the grit required for the Snowy Hydro Scheme.

A lifetime of community service, from water rescues to preserving local heritage.

The experience of being recognized at the highest level in Canberra.

Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite platform to hear more incredible stories from Donegal and beyond.

Imagine being told your physical organs shutting down is “all in your head.”

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, we sit down with Rosemary McFadden and Sharon Flannagan to discuss a rare, life-altering autoimmune condition that almost cost Rosemary her life: Addison’s Disease.

What started as a harrowing journey of medical misdiagnosis ended in a miraculous chance meeting between two women in Letterkenny who became each other’s greatest support.

A Diagnosis by Luck

Foureen years ago, Rosemary McFadden was fading away. Suffering from extreme fatigue and weight loss, she was told she had anxiety and depression. She was even sent to a psychiatric unit—despite knowing deep down that her struggle wasn’t mental, but physical.

The turning point came when her brother-in-law, a doctor, noticed a specific, rare physical symptom: hyperpigmentation. By looking at the “tanned” skin on Rosemary’s elbows, knees, and stomach, he recognized the signs of adrenal failure.

“Nobody takes you on board because it’s so unknown. I was being sent to a psychiatric unit when I actually needed hormones to keep my organs from failing.” — Rosemary McFadden

A Chance Encounter

Living with Addison’s can be isolating, especially in the Northwest where support groups are non-existent. However, during the lockdown, Rosemary applied for a job where she met her manager, Sharon Flannagan.

In a staggering twist of fate, Sharon revealed she also lived with Addison’s. This episode explores their unique bond and how they navigate a condition so severe that it requires lifelong steroid replacement therapy just to stay alive.

The Misdiagnosis Trap: Why Addison’s is frequently mistaken for mental health issues.

The JFK Secret: How President John F. Kennedy hid the same condition from the world.

The Daily Fight: Managing low blood pressure, kidney function, and the constant threat of adrenal crisis.

Working with Addison’s: How Rosemary manages a full-time career despite the debilitating nature of the disease.

In 1969, the heat of re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere reached nearly 3,000°C. Protecting the Apollo 11 astronauts from incinerating was a heat shield coated in a specialized resin—a resin developed by a young chemist from Inver, County Donegal.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Peter Coyle as he approaches his 89th birthday. Despite being a self-described “small cog in a big wheel,” Peter’s work at Dow Chemical on Epoxy Novolac was a linchpin in the success of the Moon Shot. We trace his journey from the University of Minnesota to the inner circles of NASA’s technical suppliers, exploring a time when physical chemistry and human grit mattered more than the limited digital tools of the day.

What We Discuss:

From South Donegal to the Space Race: The “spark” that led a young man from Inver to the United States in the 1950s and 60s.

Engineering Under Pressure: Developing the heat shield resin without the aid of modern supercomputers and the daily atmosphere of the NASA-adjacent labs.

The Apollo 11 Re-entry: The moment Peter realized his specific chemical formulations were the only thing standing between the astronauts and the vacuum of space.

The Diplomacy of Pride: The story behind the 1969 visit of the U.S. Defense Attaché to Donegal to honor Peter’s mother, Florence Dunleavy.

A View from 2026: How the man who helped build the foundations of space travel views the modern Artemis missions and the future of solar innovation.