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Dr Natasha Langan, a chartered clinical psychologist and accredited psychosexual therapist, explores how childhood sexual abuse impacts intimacy, and how ADHD in women can increase vulnerability to traumatic relationships and sexual exploitation.

• Women with ADHD face higher rates of sexual victimization, unplanned pregnancies, and relationship dissatisfaction
• Trauma includes both major events (sexual assault) and smaller experiences that accumulate over time (public humiliation, feeling "different")
• Shame plays a central role in both ADHD and sexual trauma, creating beliefs that "something is wrong with me"
• Compassion-focused therapy helps address shame by understanding our "tricky brains" that evolved for survival, not happiness
• Vaginismus involves involuntary pelvic floor muscle spasms making penetration painful or impossible
• Women's pain has historically been dismissed by healthcare providers, creating barriers to proper treatment
• Sexual healing requires broadening ideas about what constitutes sex beyond penetration
• A multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, psychology, and sometimes medical care is most effective
• Sexual health is a fundamental human right that includes pleasure, not just prevention of STIs or pregnancy

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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Navigating separation and divorce is emotionally charged and legally complex, requiring careful consideration of finances, children’s needs, and your own well-being throughout the process. Family law solicitor Hilary O’Connor offers clear guidance on managing this challenging life transition.

• Mediation should be the initial step in separation proceedings as it is free and enables couples to resolve issues collaboratively.
• Living “separate and apart” for one year qualifies for separation in Ireland, while divorce requires two years out of the last three.
• Emotions run high during separation – being “too mad and too sad” can impair decision-making and needlessly prolong the process.
• The family home often becomes a central issue, but financial realities mean that one household budget must now support two homes.
• Pensions are just as important as property in settlement discussions, yet are frequently overlooked.
• Access to children is the child’s right to see both parents, not a “gift” the primary carer can withhold.
• The legal process includes submitting affidavits of means and welfare, with full financial disclosure required for settlements.
• Qualified cohabitants (those living together for 2+ years with children or 5+ years without) have similar, though not identical, rights to married couples.
• Maintenance for children continues until the age of 18 (or 23 if in full-time education), while spousal maintenance may be lifelong.
• Self-care is essential – seek counselling, surround yourself with supportive people, and “stock up on vitamins” as your immune system will be affected.

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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Dr. Darragh McCashin joins us to explore how the online world affects our boys' mental, emotional and social development, offering insights on navigating digital challenges while supporting healthy masculinity.

• Different responses to toxic online content: some boys consume and ignore, others parrot without understanding, some believe and embody, and some gradually adopt beliefs over time
• Research shows social media bans don't reduce overall usage—children simply "make up for lost time" outside restricted hours
• Critical digital literacy is more effective than restriction, teaching young people to recognize manipulation and question sources
• The term "toxic masculinity" can be counterproductive, potentially pathologizing boyhood itself
• "Pre-bunking" techniques can help children identify misinformation patterns before encountering them
• Open conversations about masculinity provide space for boys to develop healthy perspectives
• Screen time is less important than what it's replacing—sleep, physical activity, in-person social connections
• Collaborative approaches to setting digital boundaries work better than unilateral restrictions
• The psychological impact of digital communication patterns on Gen Z's workplace preferences and social interactions
• Prevention strategies for online harms must consider individual differences and family dynamics

Check out the Anti-Bullying Centre website and search "Masculinity Influencers" for free resources to help navigate these conversations with the young people in your 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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Rereleasing this podcast as it was so popular and really demystified genital health!

Dr. Aisling Loy, consultant in genitourinary medicine, debunks common misconceptions about sexual health and provides practical advice on addressing genital concerns with compassion and expertise.

In this episode, we explore some of the most common myths and overlooked truths in vaginal and sexual health. From the misdiagnosis of chronic candida to the effects of grooming habits on vulval skin, we discuss how everyday routines can impact intimate wellbeing. We cover the sharp rise in STI rates among young women, the importance of HPV vaccination for both boys and girls, and why regular testing is essential, even when there are no symptoms. We also look at conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and herpes, and how changes in condom use are influencing infection rates, all through the lens of the vaginal microbiome.

Book your STI screening at guideclinic.ie or sticlinicdublin.ie. Home testing kits are available through SH24.

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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Niamh Tallon, founder of Her Sport, is on a mission to change how we see women in sport through media coverage, education, and challenging the gender gap that exists across all levels of sport.

• One in five girls drop out of sport between primary and secondary school compared to one in twenty boys
• 94% of women in executive managerial positions have a background in sport, showing the professional benefits of athletic participation
• Body image concerns, period stigma, and lack of appropriate facilities are major barriers for female athletes
• Female athletes face disproportionate focus on their appearance rather than their performance in media coverage
• Her Sport has featured over 900 different female athletes, creating visibility and representation across all sports
• Women's teams at all levels frequently receive less resources, poorer facilities, and fewer opportunities than male counterparts
• The Her Sport Foundation provides workshops, grants, and advocacy to support female athletes from grassroots to high performance

Our vision is equal opportunity in sport, regardless of gender. Support female athletes by following Her Sport, joining our MVP platform, or getting in touch at [email protected].

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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Vicki Notaro shares her journey from leading magazine editor to successful novelist with two published books and a third on the way. She discusses how she always knew she wanted to be childless by choice and normalizing this decision for women.

• Moving from journalism to fiction writing after experiencing burnout in the publishing industry
• Finding medication helpful for managing anxiety and prioritizing mental health
• Being offered a publishing deal from Penguin at the perfect moment after leaving her job
• Drawing inspiration from growing up as an only child and her fascination with friendship dynamics
• Creating characters in her novels who reflect aspects of her personality and experiences
• Exploring the theme of being childless by choice in her debut novel "Reality Check"
• Finding inspiration from authors like Marion Keys, Judy Blume, and Jackie Collins
• How her second novel "Long Story" explores the complexities of long-term friendships
• Valuing real connection over constant social media engagement

If you like this podcast and I know so many of you do, you could really help me out by giving it a nice rating, sharing it with your friends and subscribing to the podcast.

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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Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Micheál O'Rourke takes us through the fascinating world of eye health, sharing insights from cataracts and macular degeneration to aesthetic procedures and vision preservation.

• Eyes constantly move and blink even during sleep, requiring high energy and thin skin for optimal function
• Cataracts are an inevitable part of aging, involving protein misalignment in the lens requiring surgical removal and prosthetic lens replacement
• Macular degeneration comes in dry (less treatable) and wet (treatable with injections) forms that affect central vision but preserve peripheral sight
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is becoming popular at younger ages, removing excess skin around the eyes for a refreshed appearance
• Women experience a dramatic drop in tear production during menopause, making HRT one of the most effective treatments for menopausal dry eye
• Increased screen time reduces our blink rate and contributes to vision problems including the evolutionary shift toward myopia in children
• Thyroid eye disease primarily affects young women, causing protruding eyes and altered appearance that can be addressed with surgery
• Eye floaters result from changes in the eye's jelly-like vitreous humor and should be evaluated if they suddenly increase or appear with flashing lights
• The eye cannot be temporarily removed during surgery as once believed, as nerve tissue damage is permanent

For more eye health insights, follow proper eye protection practices, get regular check-ups, and be aware of symptoms that might indicate serious conditions.

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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Sinéad Hingston-Green shares her heartbreaking journey of losing her husband Jeff while 19 weeks pregnant and how she rebuilt her life through grief, motherhood, and eventually finding love again. Her powerful story illustrates how we can honor those we've lost while still embracing new beginnings and finding purpose in our pain.

• Sinead's husband Jeff died suddenly during a boat trip in Portugal when she was 19 weeks pregnant
• The traumatic experience of witnessing his medical emergency and the aftermath of being kept away from him
• Challenges of bringing Jeff's body home to Ireland and navigating funeral arrangements while pregnant
• Birth complications resulting in severe physical trauma alongside the emotional trauma of grief
• Finding love again with Michael ("Green") two years after Jeff's death
• Balancing honoring Jeff's memory while building a new life and blended family
• Multiple pregnancy losses before having their third child, which led to creating the "Spark a Life" initiative
• The importance of finding the right grief counsellor and support system
• How Ireland's culture handles funerals well but struggles with long-term grief support
• Advice on trusting that your power is in your reaction to life's challenges

Join Sinead on the Camino walk this September with Good Grief, her initiative to help others through grief by creating community and understanding.

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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James Green's honest conversation reveals how movement and authenticity can transform both physical and mental wellbeing. His personal journey through chronic illness, grief, and sexuality creates a powerful narrative about finding strength in vulnerability.

• Athletic therapy specializes in musculoskeletal care, focusing on injury assessment and rehabilitation
• Most effective rehabilitation comes from education and rebuilding strength rather than passive treatments
• Progressive overload through increased weight, reps, or time under tension is key for continued strength gains
• Exercise significantly benefits chronic illness management beyond physical improvements
• Living with ulcerative colitis taught James how to navigate triggers while maintaining quality of life
• Losing his sister at age 27 forced a reevaluation of priorities and authentic living
• Coming out as gay after years of hiding brought tremendous relief and freedom
• Sports and fitness environments can perpetuate homophobic attitudes through casual language and locker room culture
• Teaching cadaveric anatomy provided unique perspective on mortality and human individuality
• Life's meaning ultimately comes down to loving and being loved by those closest to us

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 if your darkest moment became the catalyst for your greatest transformation?"

This question lies at the heart of my profound conversation with Niall Harbison, whose remarkable journey from corporate success to rock-bottom alcoholism to purposeful revival might just change your perspective on what truly matters in life.

Niall's story begins as a private chef for billionaires aboard luxury yachts, where million-dollar fuel bills and private jets delivering Italian cheese were commonplace. He witnessed firsthand the hollow nature of extreme wealth before returning to Dublin to build his own successful businesses. Yet beneath this veneer of achievement lurked depression, anxiety, and a growing dependence on alcohol.

When COVID struck, Niall's life spiraled into a six-week bender in Thailand that nearly killed him. Lying in a hospital bed, certain he was dying, he experienced a revelation that would transform everything: the corporate success, social media followers, and material possessions he'd chased meant absolutely nothing. What flashed through his mind instead were simple moments of childhood joy and connection.

That rock-bottom moment became what Niall now calls "the best thing in my life." Upon recovery, he discovered purpose in rescuing Thailand's street dogs. What began as feeding a few hungry canines has expanded into a charity that feeds 1,200 dogs daily, performs thousands of sterilizations monthly, and has built a hospital named after Tina, a special rescue who lived just six months in freedom after a lifetime of abuse.

Niall's transformation at age 41 stands as powerful testament that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. His advice resonates with brutal honesty: "Follow your own path. Take risks. You don't have to do the life that's mapped out for you."

Whether you're questioning your purpose or just need a reminder of what truly matters, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. Subscribe now and join the thousands finding inspiration in these authentic human stories of transformation.

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.