In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Ger Redmond, an Irish professional triathlete with an extraordinary life story. From chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer to enduring a two-year term in Mountjoy Prison, Ger’s journey is filled with incredible highs and crushing lows.

After his prison sentence, Ger turned his life around through triathlon and has become a multiple IRONMAN finisher. Now, he's dedicated to inspiring young people, leading initiatives like the Coolock Running Club, Another Way 5k, and coaching in the Oberstown Detention Centre for young offenders. Ger’s mantra is to transform negativity into positivity through the power of sport.

Join us at the Crumlin Recovery Centre for an inspiring conversation where Ger shares his mission to motivate the next generation and how he continues to overcome life's challenges. Don't miss this insightful episode!

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In this episode of The Long Way Back, we welcome Sascha Roos, a leading dyslexia specialist, author, and advocate. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with dyslexia, Sascha has transformed how parents, students, and educators understand and approach this learning difference. She is the author of At Home with Dyslexia (for parents) and the upcoming At School with Dyslexia (for teenagers), both designed to offer practical, dyslexia-friendly advice.

In this episode, Sascha shares her journey as a dyslexia expert, discussing the challenges dyslexic students face in school and offering strategies for success. She introduces us to her work with students like Georgie and Timmy, shedding light on how families can foster strengths and overcome obstacles.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with dyslexia, Sascha’s insights will provide hope and practical tools for navigating the world with dyslexia. Don’t miss this empowering conversation as we challenge the misconceptions and embrace the abilities that dyslexia brings!

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In this compelling episode, we sit down with John Boland from Dublin, a man who grew up in a family of nine and has faced a long, difficult journey to recovery. John opens up about his struggles with addiction and mental health, reflecting on a life marked by challenges and personal transformation.

He speaks about his complicated relationship with his father and the deep desire for attention that shaped much of his early life. John touches on the tension between being perceived as a "street angel" while struggling as a "house devil," and how alcoholism and depression became central battles for him. After 30 years of addiction, John found himself trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing, feeling as though no one truly cared.

His story also highlights the impact of love from his parents and how that experience influenced his own approach to parenting. He reflects on the profound ways adult actions can affect children's minds and how his relationship with his own children has become all about love and understanding. Despite multiple relapses, John’s recovery came in fractions, and his battle with addiction and mental health was deeply tied to his sense of reputation and how it dictated his life circumstances.

He also shares a deeply personal account of his suicide attempt, discussing the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness, emphasizing how these struggles can be ongoing, but recovery is possible.

John's honest and moving story is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, understanding, and a greater insight into the complexities of addiction and recovery.

#Recovery #Addiction #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Parenting #Crumlin

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In this episode of *The Long Way Back Podcast*, we sit down with Niall O’Carroll, an extraordinary leader, consultant, and sports psychologist with a deep passion for the psychology of success, neurodiversity, and high-performance leadership. With over a decade of experience working with world-class athletes, Olympic teams, and corporate giants, Niall brings a wealth of insight on what it takes to drive excellence across diverse fields.

From his roots in Limerick and his early career in the Gardaí to his current role as a creative L&D consultant and Senior Associate at BTAS, Niall’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his ACCORD leadership model, which emphasizes Appreciation, Connection, Communication, Ownership, Respect, and Direction as the foundations of great teams.

Niall also shares powerful insights on:

- The importance of mindset and distraction control in high-pressure environments.

- The role of neurodiversity in creating more inclusive and successful workplaces.

- Helping athletes transition from the spotlight into life after sport.

- The challenges of finding purpose, overcoming addiction, and living authentically.

- How leaders can build trust and deliver impactful feedback.

Whether you're a leader looking to connect better with your team, an athlete preparing for life after competition, or someone fascinated by the intersection of psychology and leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Tune in to hear Niall’s unique perspective on what it means to get comfortable being uncomfortable and why embracing our differences can lead to stronger, more successful teams. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on leadership, neurodiversity, and personal growth!

**Listen now and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Long Way Back!**

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In this empowering episode of *The Long Way Back*, we’re joined by Rosie Bissett, CEO of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, as she shares her personal and professional journey with dyslexia. From overcoming challenges in school to discovering her strengths, Rosie sheds light on the realities of living with dyslexia and how it can shape a person’s path.

Rosie talks about the critical role of early identification, the right supports, and how important it is to empower individuals with dyslexia. She also discusses the systemic challenges faced, including delays in diagnosis, the complexities of exam accommodations, and the slowness of change in the Irish education system, particularly within government and civil service sectors.

Key highlights:

- Importance of literacy supports and workshops provided by the Dyslexia Association of Ireland.

- The power of assistive technology in overcoming learning barriers.

- Why it’s okay to be dyslexic and how to embrace your unique strengths.

- The need to amplify the voice of the child in education and decision-making.

Rosie also dives into the work her organization is doing to advocate for the rights of people with dyslexia and provide vital resources, including toolkits for managing dyslexia. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand dyslexia, advocate for change, or find practical ways to support those with learning difficulties.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!

#Dyslexia #Education #RosieBissett #TheLongWayBack #DyslexiaAssociationOfIreland #LearningDifferences #AssistiveTechnology #Empowerment #LiteracySupport #EducationReform #Advocacy

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In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back, we are honored to be joined by Eddie Mullins, the newly appointed CEO of Merchants Quay Addiction Services in Ireland. Eddie brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Irish Prison Service and is now at the forefront of addiction recovery, taking on this vital role to address Ireland’s growing addiction crisis.

Eddie shares his personal journey, growing up in inner-city Dublin and rising to leadership as Governor of five of Ireland’s prisons, including Mountjoy and Portlaoise. He reflects on his time working within the prison system, where he spearheaded innovative programs like the first social enterprise in Loughan House and the groundbreaking Parkrun at Mountjoy Prison.

We delve into important issues facing Ireland today, such as the development of new detox centers like Frances Farm, the opening of a new injection clinic, and Eddie's advocacy for increased aftercare and recovery services. He passionately discusses the critical need for more recovery beds and support systems for those overcoming addiction.

Now leading Merchants Quay, Eddie is focused on bringing his expertise to addiction services, ensuring people have access to the care and rehabilitation they deserve. We also explore his vision for education and apprenticeship programs within prisons and their role in reducing recidivism.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Eddie Mullins as he shares his vision for a better future

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In this insightful episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Amy Winter, an experienced emotional regulation therapist and founder of Little Kneaders. Amy specializes in helping neurodivergent children develop crucial emotional regulation skills, using creative tools like breathing techniques and sensory play.

With years of experience, Amy works with children facing school trauma, refusal, and even suicidal ideation. She’s deeply passionate about guiding young, traumatised individuals on their journey toward healing and self-regulation. From building resilience to reclaiming confidence, Amy’s compassionate approach makes a real difference.

Join us as we dive into Amy's unique methods, the importance of emotional well-being, and her personal experiences working with children and schools through Little Kneaders. You won’t want to miss this empowering and heartfelt conversation.

🔗 Connect with Amy Winter: [email protected]

✨ Learn more about Little Kneaders: Helping children grow through sensory tools like putty and mindful practices.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content! 🌟

#EmotionalRegulation #NeurodivergentSupport #ChildTherapy #SchoolTrauma #SuicidalIdeation #LittleKneaders #MentalHealth #Podcast

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In this episode of "The Long Way Back" podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Dunlea, a remarkable mother of four, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience and recovery. Caitlyn opens up about her profound weight loss journey, the challenges of raising three neurodiverse children, and the heartbreaking loss of her sibling to suicide. After a 12-year break, Caitlyn shares her inspiring return to playing for her local football club and how it has reignited her passion for the game. We also delve into her experiences with various pregnancy-related illnesses, including eclampsia, and the enduring love that fuels her as a mother. This is an episode filled with strength, hope, and the powerful story of a woman who has faced life's toughest challenges head-on. Don't miss it!

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.