Alan MacDonald reflects on the small rituals and places that bring calm — the Angelus bell, empty churches and cathedrals, a quiet café, cherished music, and weekly gatherings — and reads a few poems about these "sacred pauses."

He explores how brief moments of reflection, music, family and friends help him detach from busy thoughts and find contentment in ordinary life.

In this episode of the Rooted Soul podcast Brian Clarke interviews Alan McDonald, who takes the mic to share his life story — from a carefree childhood and a high-pressure banking career to chronic insomnia, buried childhood trauma, and a personal collapse that forced change.

Alan describes his struggle with sleeplessness, isolation, therapy, medication, and the people who carried him through the darkest times. He explains how writing poetry became a way to process grief and reclaim a sense of self, leading to his first collection and plans for more work and live shows.

The conversation closes on recovery, self-forgiveness, and hope: Alan is now steadier, creatively driven, and focused on passing on the support he received while pursuing new projects and a more grounded life.

Between yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Irish music and literature and storytelling

Good evening — the host of The Rooted Soul shares updates about the book and website, opens up about a recent struggle with insomnia and therapy, and offers encouragement about mental fitness and leaning on loved ones.

The episode features readings of new and published poems including the war poem "Killing Time," selections from the first book, and Thomas Moore's "The Last Rose of Summer," plus news about upcoming interviews and plans to revamp the website.

Host Alan McDonald reflects on two decades in London and the upcoming second poetry collection, sharing personal memories and the evolution from struggle to creative renewal.

The episode features readings of original poems (including “London Bridge,” “Normal Wisdom,” and “Blue Sky Thinking”), Irish favourites, and updates on live events and how to purchase the book at therootedsoulbooks.com.

In this episode Alan McDonald shares the journey behind his upcoming poetry collections, his six-month plan with the publisher, and the daily habits that fuel his writing. He discusses themes in the new manuscript, the editing process, and the mix of humor, reflection and gothic influence that shapes his work.

Alan reads sample poems (including "Called War" and pieces from his gothic phase), reflects on influences and writing routines, and outlines plans for live shows and building his author presence. For feedback and more, he points listeners to therootedsoulbooks.com and his Instagram handle.

In this episode Alan MacDonald shares the journey behind his upcoming poetry collections, his six-month plan with the publisher, and the daily habits that fuel his writing. He discusses themes in the new manuscript, the editing process, and the mix of humor, reflection and gothic influence that shapes his work.

Alan reads sample poems (including "Called War" and pieces from his gothic phase), reflects on influences and writing routines, and outlines plans for live shows and building his author presence. For feedback and more, he points listeners to therootedsoulbooks.com and his Instagram handle.