In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction

00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards

00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise

01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison

02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun

02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing

03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back

04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days

06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact

08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates

10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy

12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants

13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives

15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding

18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs

24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens

31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece

34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey

41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford

44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery

48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality

54:46 – Advice for Young People

55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care.

This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves.

04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey

04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change

05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots

07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness

09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness

13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges

14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences

16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma

17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions

18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation

19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul

21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion

24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul

35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System

36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion

37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating

39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating

44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work

48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods

01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself

01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and Peace

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.

02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science

03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing

04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan

06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect

09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection

11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span

16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health

24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits

31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity

34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health

39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research

47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity

59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats

1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change

1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs

1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of life

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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In this episode, Laura welcomes Melissah, whose daughter Evie has Down Syndrome. Melissa shares her personal journey from pregnancy and the unexpected postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis, to raising Evie and balancing life as a mother of three. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and education about Down Syndrome, including Melissah's efforts through the annual Purple Run fundraiser. The discussion covers various aspects of Evie's life, from her rapid birth and initial health challenges to her school experience and relationship with her sisters. Melissa also discusses societal perceptions, the importance of inclusive language, and her hopes for Evie's future. Listeners are encouraged to support the Purple Run and Down Syndrome Ireland, organisations that have played a significant role in Melissah's journey.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Melissa

03:24 Discussing Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraiser

04:59 Melissa’s Journey to Motherhood

05:40 Evie’s Birth and Diagnosis

09:48 Adjusting to Life with Down Syndrome

12:14 Evie’s Development and Family Dynamics

15:10 Navigating Education and Services

21:07 Language Sensitivity and Advocacy

24:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome

25:06 Community Support and Public Perception

26:25 Future Concerns and Independence

27:20 Educational Talks and Menopause Awareness

32:14 Fundraising and Support Services

35:08 Daily Life and Personal Stories

42:17 Final Thoughts and Advice

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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Keith Walsh is a broadcaster, writer, actor and mental heath advocate. We discuss how he self medicated with drugs, alcohol, exercise and food restriction until a diagnosis in his late forties of ADHD and autism.

We chat about his childhood trauma his mental health struggles and advocacy and how he is ok with having no friends.

This is a podcast for anyone who has ADHD or suspects that they or a loved one has ADHD. It is a podcast that shows you there is hope and light and love for us all. This is a podcast for anyone who is searching for something, but are unsure what that something is.

Keith has an upcoming show, Kinda Mental on Saturday April 22nd 2023 in the Whale theatre in Greystones. You should check it out!

The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX. A unique formulation of premium grade botanicals- ashwagandha, L-theanine from green tea, chamomile and melissa. These were blended together with magnesium and B vitamins for a less stressful day and a more restful sleep. Non-sedating and non-addictive. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com. Available on www.fabuwellness.com and pharmacies and healthfood stores nationwide.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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I’m taking a two-week break from the podcast to complete my new book, 'Love Your Vulva', and its audiobook, which will be released on September 23rd. In the meantime, explore the podcast archives with 133 episodes on topics like menopause, ADHD, sexual wellness, cardiology, physiotherapy, and more. For new listeners, I encourage you to start from the beginning to catch some great episodes. I'll be back with a new episode on September 11th. Stay fabulous!

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.

Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming

03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis

04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life

06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education

09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy

11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work

13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness

15:24 Autism Friendly Communities

21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis

26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals

28:39 Resources and Future Plans

29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support

30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism

30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives

34:43 Mental Health and Autism

35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare

39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism

41:27 Financial Strain on Families

43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends

44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism

46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism

47:58 Genetics and Autism

48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+

51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy

53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress

54:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode, Nicola shares her personal journey from being an anxious child and teacher to becoming a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explains the core principles of CBT and how it can help with anxiety, stress, low mood, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and more.

Nicola also discusses the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience, offering practical tips you can apply to everyday life. Whether you’re managing daily stressors, navigating parenting, or seeking strategies for better mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.

Key Topics:

• Understanding CBT and its real-life benefits
• Managing anxiety, stress, and low mood
• CBT strategies for menopause symptoms
• Parenting tips, including parent-led CBT for children
• Resilience, self-care, and mindfulness techniques

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Nicola

00:06 – Understanding CBT: Basics and Personal Experiences

02:18 – From Teacher to Therapist: Nicola’s Journey

06:00 – CBT Applications: Anxiety, Parenting, and More

06:37 – CBT for Menopause: Managing Symptoms and Strategies

09:13 – Techniques for Brain Health and Cognitive Function

12:33 – Practical CBT Techniques for Everyday Challenges

22:20 – Managing Sleep and Pain with CBT

34:57 – Addressing Libido and Relationship Dynamics

38:04 – Balancing Life’s Demands

38:50 – The Importance of Self-Care

39:52 – Navigating Relationships and Communication

43:48 – Understanding CBT and Low Mood

50:56 – Parent-Led CBT for Children

57:17 – Addressing Bullying and Anxiety in Children

01:09:38 – Building Resilience and Authenticity

01:14:37 – Final Thoughts and Advice

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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What happens when grief collides with a broken mental health system? In this raw and powerful conversation, Mary Ann Kenny shares the devastating journey that began when her husband died suddenly, leaving her alone with two young children. What followed was unimaginable - a psychotic episode triggered by medication side effects that led to her hospitalisation and a harrowing fight to keep her children.

Mary Ann reveals with striking clarity how a single "false confession" made under duress transformed her from grieving mother to perceived threat, resulting in her children being placed on an at-risk register until adulthood. Her account of being questioned by teams of professionals without therapeutic support, experiencing severe physical suffering that went untreated, and fighting to reclaim her identity as a mother challenges everything we believe about mental healthcare.

What makes this conversation extraordinary is Mary Ann's ability to articulate her experience of psychosis from the inside - the delusional conviction of guilt she developed, her eventual recovery, and her painstaking work to understand what happened by obtaining her medical records. Beyond the trauma, this is ultimately a story of incredible resilience, as Marianne not only recovered but transformed her experience into her memoir "The Episode."

This discussion goes far beyond a personal story to expose critical gaps in mental healthcare and question how we support those experiencing psychosis. For anyone who has faced mental health challenges, supported someone through crisis, or simply believes in more compassionate care, Marianne's journey offers profound insights into the human capacity to shatter and rebuild. Her voice speaks not just for herself, but for countless others who haven't found the words to tell their stories.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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Journalist and beauty editor Edwina Ings-Chambers shares her refreshingly honest take on body image and the concept of body ownership rather than confidence. She opens up about feeling she's never had full agency over her body, even when slim, and how menopause has brought both new challenges and unexpected freedom.

Key Points:

• Why Edwina rejects “body neutrality” in favour of body ownership
• Growing up with a critical, image-focused mother
• Emotional eating vs exercise as coping strategies
• Menopause changes: loss of body familiarity but newfound freedom
• Working in fashion while battling body image issues
• A lifelong love of vintage fashion and old Hollywood glamour
• Career highlights at The Financial Times and beyond

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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