In this episode of the Lonely Gal podcast, Judy Wong talks with Aisling Eyre, a resilient individual sharing her journey living with metastatic breast cancer. Aisling opens up about the transformation in her life since her diagnosis, discussing the impact on her professional and personal life.

Aisling previously worked in fashion and now has shifted to special effects makeup, finding joy and creativity in learning new skills. A significant theme of their conversation is the loneliness and isolation that can accompany living with a serious illness, despite having a supportive network. Aisling speaks candidly about the challenges of treatment, the physical and emotional toll of the disease, and the importance of learning and understanding her condition to maintain some control over her life.

Aisling shares moments of deep loneliness, particularly when making difficult decisions regarding her treatment, highlighting the complex dynamics of communication and support within her circle of friends and family. Despite the hardship, Aisling focuses on the importance of finding joy and purpose in life, showcasing her resilience and positive outlook. She also touches upon the idea of preparing for the end of life, underscoring the significance of living in the moment and making meaningful connections with others.

The episode delves into the balance between sharing one's struggles to avoid burdening loved ones and the need for support, illustrating the delicate balance of relationships in the face of serious illness. Aisling and Judy discuss the broader implications of loneliness, the importance of community, and the universal experiences of managing life's challenges.

Through her story, Aisling emphasises living with cancer rather than simply suffering from it, offering insights into coping with illness with grace and determination.

Host: Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Aisling Eyre

https://www.instagram.com/aislingeyre

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

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

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

In a compelling episode of the Lonely Gal podcast, Judy Wong sits down with Dr. Brian Penny, a neuroscience expert and author, to explore the intricate ways our brains are wired for connection, delving into the themes of loneliness, addiction, and recovery. Dr. Penny shares his personal journey, revealing how his battle with heroin addiction was both a cause and effect of profound loneliness, underscoring the critical role of emotional connections in human life. They discuss the science behind social bonds, how our nervous system reacts to isolation by increasing cortisol levels, and the importance of social homeostasis, akin to the body's need for food.

The conversation also tackles the modern dilemma of technology's impact on social interactions. While acknowledging the benefits of digital platforms in maintaining connections, they critically assess how these tools can also dilute the quality of our relationships, often replacing deep, meaningful interactions with superficial engagements. Dr. Penny emphasizes the importance of genuine connections, mindfulness, and the therapeutic power of nature in combating loneliness and fostering well-being.

Judy and Dr. Penny also reflect on the post-COVID world's challenges to social interaction, noting an increased sense of isolation even among those with close family ties. They conclude on a hopeful note, suggesting that awareness, intentional living, and embracing both solitude and community can lead to a more connected, fulfilling life.

This episode is not just a conversation but a deep dive into the essence of human connection, offering listeners valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of loneliness in today's world.

Host: Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Brian Pennie

https://brianpennie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/

https://www.youtube.com/@brianpenniephd1073/

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

In this episode of the "Lonely Gal," Judy Wong is joined by Jenni Crawford, an award-winning hairdresser from Dublin, to discuss loneliness within relationships and personal experiences.

Jenni shares her story of moving from living with friends and partners to buying her own apartment and facing loneliness head-on. She emphasises the importance of self-reliance and the realisation that being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely. Her journey from dependence to independence highlights a growth process that many can relate to, especially when transitioning through life stages.

The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining connections, especially for those who live alone. Jenni and a friend developed a practice of regular check-ins, emphasising the value of ensuring mutual safety and well-being. This practice underscores the importance of active engagement in friendships, particularly for single individuals who might not have a constant presence in their homes.

Jenni's approach to dealing with loneliness involves focusing on the positives, such as engaging in social activities alone, appreciating solitude, and avoiding self-pity. She advocates for the importance of being proactive in combating loneliness by finding joy in one's company and seeking out social interactions in comfortable settings.

The conversation shifts to relationships, where Jenni reflects on her past and the lessons learned from them. She discusses the dynamics of feeling lonely within a relationship due to mismatched expectations or needs. This segment of the podcast highlights the complexity of human connections and the importance of understanding and articulating one's needs and boundaries within relationships.

Host: Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Jenni Crawford

https://www.instagram.com/jennicrawford8405

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

In this episode of the Lonely Gal podcast, Judy talks to Jess O'Rourke, the owner of Mudbugs and a life coach business, Jessica Lee Coaching. The discussion centers around the theme of loneliness, exploring it as an emotion and the experience of feeling isolated even when surrounded by people.

Jess shares personal stories, reflecting on moments of loneliness throughout different stages of her life, including childhood, college, and motherhood, emphasising that loneliness is a universal, albeit often unspoken, emotion.

Jess discusses the concept of "masking" as a coping mechanism to make others feel comfortable, which paradoxically leads to deeper feelings of isolation. She highlights the importance of vulnerability, suggesting that being open about one's feelings can foster deeper connections with others and alleviate loneliness.

The conversation touches on the societal pressure to appear happy and successful, the impact of social media on perceptions of happiness, and the significance of finding a supportive "tribe" or community.

The episode is an insightful exploration of the multifaceted nature of loneliness, emphasising the importance of embracing vulnerability, seeking genuine connections, and understanding that loneliness is a common, transient emotion.

Jess and Judy advocate for more open discussions about feelings of loneliness, aiming to reduce the stigma and encourage individuals to share their experiences and support each other.

Host: Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Jess O'Rourke

https://www.instagram.com/jessicaleacoaching

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

In this episode Judy is joined by her guest the ever-charismatic Don Harris, a man with a wealth of life experiences and a knack for storytelling.

Judy and Don dive into a conversation that's as enlightening as it is engaging. Don shares his intriguing journey from his sales career beginnings to his adventures in pirate radio and beyond.

But here’s the real kicker – Don opens up about his personal encounters with loneliness. Despite being a social butterfly, he reveals how solitude has played a significant role in his life. It's a story that many of us can relate to, yet it's told with a fresh perspective that might just change the way you think about being alone.

From discussing the importance of 'third spaces' to understanding the difference between feeling lonely and being alone, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. And let’s not forget about those little gems of wisdom on how to deal with these feelings and the importance of reaching out to others.

So, whether you're feeling a bit solitary or just in the mood for a good story, grab your headphones and let Don's soothing voice and Judy's engaging questions take you on a journey. You might just find a piece of yourself in their stories.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Feel free to share your experiences or just drop us a note to say hi. Your stories and opinions are what make our podcast community so special!

Host:  Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Don Harris

https://www.instagram.com/donharriscoachtalk

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

In this episode Judy is joined by her guest Davina Devine, and together we delve into the topic of loneliness. We explore the often overlooked experiences of confident and successful individuals when it comes to their well-being. Davina shares her own moments of vulnerability and how she is perceived as strong and put together. We discuss the stigma surrounding mental health and the selective sharing of struggles, emphasising the importance of confiding in the right people. Additionally, we touch on the desire for vulnerability from audiences and Davina's preference for keeping certain aspects of her life private. We reflect on our long-standing friendship and how first impressions can differ from the reality.

Davina opens up about her own experiences with loneliness, both in her personal life and as a drag performer discussing the challenges of living in the shadow of her drag persona and feeling constantly on display. We emphasise the value of taking time to sit with loneliness and process emotions, as well as the importance of prioritising personal happiness. Davina reflects on how her perception of loneliness has evolved over time and stresses the understanding that external factors cannot fill the void inside.

We discuss how counselling has helped us gain compassion and understanding for ourselves and others. We emphasise the need to recognise the complexities that everyone possesses beyond what meets the eye. Davina shares her perspective as a drag performer, explaining how it allows her to bring joy and entertainment while also protecting certain aspects of her life. 

Davina's opens up about her challenging childhood and how it contributed to her feelings of loneliness. She offers advice for young people going through similar experiences, urging them to trust their instincts and believe that they will eventually find their place. We also touch on the difficulties parents may face in understanding their children's differences.

Davina highlights the significance of interactions with others in combating loneliness but also underscores the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to things that do not bring joy. We delve into the pressure to always appear happy and confident, underscoring the value of authenticity and honesty about our emotions.

Host:  Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Guest: Davina Devine

https://www.instagram.com/davina.devine

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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

In this episode, Judy shares her insights on embracing holistic approaches to work and life, and the depth of understanding she's gained from listening to the stories of others—stories that transcend job titles and social statuses. She candidly discusses her own struggles with loneliness, an emotion that became the impetus for this podcast. Her spontaneous and genuine expression on social media caught the attention of producer Graham Mulcahy from Graco Studios, leading to a partnership that aims to explore the full spectrum of emotions we all face.

"The Lonely Gal" is not just a podcast; it's a movement to challenge the false narratives of perpetual happiness peddled by online platforms. It's a call to recognising and celebrate the '360 of emotions' that make us human. From laughter to tears, from solitude to solidarity, Judy and Graham are set on bringing to light the myriad feelings that unite us all.

Judy sets the stage for a series of genuine, transformative conversations and a resolute belief that we can find comfort in knowing that in our loneliness, we are together.

Host: Judy Wong

https://www.instagram.com/judibells

https://www.instagram.com/thelonelygal_

Produced by Graco Studios

https://www.gracostudios.com

https://twitter.com/gracostudios

https://instagram.com/gracostudios

https://tiktok.com/@gracostudios

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