Explore every episode of the podcast Change is Possible
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Phone Call That Saved My Darkest Day | Síle Seoige | 20 Oct 2026 | 01:08:32 | |
At 32 Síle Seoige was diagnosed with cancer, but the hardest moment of her life came a year later, when she lay on her bed unable to move. Brian sits down with Síle, broadcaster and host of the Ready to Be Real podcast, for an honest conversation about loss, vulnerability, empathy and what it really takes to find yourself again. Still under care for cancer, Síle went through the end of a long relationship and lost a radio job she loved, all at once. On her lowest morning, a friend rang and talked her down the stairs, step by step, to make a cup of tea. Then he asked the question she didn't want to hear: "Okay, what are you gonna do about it?" That question led her to a yoga therapy class where she cried at the back of the room, and into four years of deep, difficult inner work that taught her to finally like the person she was. Brian and Síle explore why pride kept her from vulnerability for so long, why sound and chant became her way into meditation, and how she holds the weight of being a deeply empathetic person. She speaks openly about her awakening to injustice in the world, why she believes self care was always meant to lead to collective care, and what she has learned from well over 200 conversations on her own podcast. There are lighter moments too: her gardening era at 47, moving home to Galway to live by the sea, and the sticky notes all over her house that she credits with helping her through two unmedicated births (with "radish sandwich" as the safe word she never needed). This is a conversation about hitting the floor, getting back up one step at a time, and being the friend who picks up the phone. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 The hardest year wasn't the cancer 3:29 A friend's call on the darkest morning 6:15 Finding refuge in a yoga class 8:06 Letting go of pride and embracing vulnerability 11:52 Four years of turning inward 18:22 Finding peace through sound and chant 22:16 Being ready to be real, and Hala's story 26:46 Living with deep empathy 35:17 Why self care was always meant to be collective care 51:36 A belief that the soul is infinite 57:53 How motherhood rewired her 1:05:47 Admitting you're not okay Spotify themes: Resilience, vulnerability, cancer, heartbreak, identity, empathy, yoga, meditation, spirituality, motherhood, community, mental health | |||
| 23 Years in Psychiatric Care, a Lifetime of Being Unheard | Breda O’Toole | 13 Oct 2026 | 01:10:17 | |
All Breda O'Toole ever wanted was someone to talk to. Instead, she was given Valium, 29 electric shock treatments and 23 years of psychiatric care. Brian sits down with Breda O'Toole, author of Unseen: A Memoir of Trauma, Ireland's Psychiatric System and a Lifetime Spent Healing, for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, loneliness, misdiagnosis and the long road back to herself. Breda grew up the eldest of seven, in a home shaped by her father's unprocessed war trauma and alcoholism, where children were to be seen and not heard. At 15 she entered a convent where silence was the rule. When she finally asked for help in her twenties, nobody asked what had happened to her. She was prescribed Valium, which led to a ten year addiction, and was later strapped into a straitjacket for 11 days. It was there, in the middle of it all, that she discovered a part of herself that could never be destroyed. Brian and Breda explore how loneliness can be the deepest wound of all, why safety matters so much for healing, and what happened when a single phone call told her to take back control of her life. She shares how she weaned herself off every medication and stayed medication free for 30 years, how writing her book brought up decades of suppressed anger, and how she is now facing multiple myeloma with faith, acceptance and a resilience she first built as a child. There are moments of real tenderness here too: a nurse who visited every day at 4pm, a father who carried her out of a hospital ward, and a reunion with two college friends 55 years later. This is a conversation about being seen, about the strength that lives inside all of us, and about Breda's simple message: be kind, be kind, be kind. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 Why Breda called her memoir Unseen 5:36 Growing up seen and not heard 11:51 From a frightening home to a silent convent 18:15 Asking for someone to talk to and being given Valium 22:25 The long road through Valium withdrawal 28:00 Finding the part of her that could never be destroyed 34:11 The day a room of doctors finally listened 40:02 Misdiagnosis and the call to take back control 47:11 Thirty years free of medication, then a new diagnosis 52:07 How suffering led her to her real self and to faith 61:18 Learning she is not alone 68:24 Why kindness matters more than we knowSpotify themes: Trauma and healing, mental health, addiction recovery, resilience, loneliness, faith and spirituality, Irish memoir, being seen and heard, unsee | |||
| Not Much Time, But Enough Time: Iain Ward, the King of Chemo, on Terminal Cancer and Finding His Mission | 06 Oct 2026 | 01:20:37 | |
At 30, Iain Ward was told he had terminal brain cancer and around five years to live. Within 24 hours, he had a new life goal. Brian sits down with Iain, known to nearly 17 million followers as the King of Chemo, for an honest and often very funny conversation about mortality, purpose and what it really takes to keep going when nothing seems to be working. Iain only found his tumour by chance, through a scan for a paid medical trial he'd signed up to for a bit of easy money. What followed was an awake craniotomy, radiotherapy, and a prognosis that would floor most people. But Iain didn't have a spiritual awakening or an ego death. Instead, he treated the diagnosis like a deadline for an assignment: not that much time, but enough time. He looked up the most money ever raised by running a marathon, and set out to break a charity world record without asking anyone to donate, by growing his social media and giving the advertising money to cancer research. Brian and Iain explore why some people meet devastating news with logic rather than collapse, the "we'll see" philosophy of life's ups and downs, and why Iain believes being playful is not the same as being immature. Iain opens up about the low point after the TikTok Awards, when a huge physical challenge, a carefully planned speech and months of effort seemed to lead to nothing, and the simple thing that brought him back: working out in his back garden. They also talk about drive and rest, finding your calling when you've never felt like you had one, and why not creating something is a way of denying the world what you could have given it. This is a conversation about living with a deadline, choosing your response, and finding meaning in the time you have. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 The moment life split into before and after 3:27 What it's like to be awake for your own brain surgery 7:02 Living with a five year prognosis, and the lucky scan that found it 17:31 Why there was no ego death, only a plan 24:37 Treating a diagnosis like a deadline 28:25 The other self and the courage to be playful again 41:18 Turning social media into a charity world record attempt 47:41 Learning to say "we'll see" to life's ups and downs 50:06 When all the effort leads to nothing 57:57 The simple practice that pulled him back up 1:09:09 Finding your calling when you've never felt you had one 1:14:49 An open invitation to companies who want to help | |||
| Bite-sized: Gabor Mate | Addiction Is Not a Choice — It’s a Response to Pain | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:04:11 | |
Dr. Gabor Maté explains why addiction is not simply a choice, but often a response to pain. In this bite-sized clip from our interview, Gabor challenges the stigma around addiction, explains why we need to ask “why the pain?” instead of “why the addiction?”, and explores why awareness and peace may be the true opposite of addiction. Taken from our full conversation, Why You Were Never Broken, available now on Change Is Possible. | |||
| Keith Barry Read My Mind, Then Revealed What Nearly Broke Him | 22 Sep 2026 | 01:21:06 | |
A head on car crash nearly cost Keith Barry his leg, and the doctors told him he'd limp for the rest of his life. Brian sits down with mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry for an honest conversation about loss, control and the power of the subconscious mind. Keith opens up about the 2007 crash that shattered his leg, the self hypnosis he used in the back of the ambulance to get through it, and the three months of brutal rehab that ended with him walking on stage with no limp at all. He also talks, for the first time publicly, about a bout of depression he went through last year in the aftermath of his father's death, and why he chose to put the medication in a drawer and go back to the tools he teaches everyone else. Brian and Keith explore what it actually means to control your own mind, why Keith deleted his social media and put himself on a permanent news detox, and the seven figure American television deal he walked away from because it didn't sit right with his values. Along the way, Keith performs a live mind reading demonstration on Brian that leaves them both stunned, and they get into hypnosis, breathwork, grief, why neither of them votes, and the chronic headaches showing up in teenagers everywhere. This is a conversation about pain, presence, and what it really takes to take back control of your own head. Connect with Keith. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 Intro, and the three losses that shaped who Keith is today 1:52 The head on crash that nearly cost him his leg 6:29 Told he'd limp forever, he booked Vicar Street anyway 12:14 The search for the best physios in Europe, and a brutal session in Liverpool 14:35 Why he's finally speaking about the depression he kept private 20:20 What "super activity mode" looks like, and why he keeps his goals quiet 24:11 Grieving his father through the stage and a nightly seance 32:28 Turning down a seven figure American TV deal 39:18 Learning to control the subconscious mind 45:49 Hypnosis, meditation and breathwork, and how they differ 62:44 A live mind reading moment between Keith and Brian 68:56 Teen headaches, the mental health crisis, and why they both skip the ballot box | |||
| 8 of the 10 Men Who Got Sober With Me Are Dead | Willa White | 08 Sep 2026 | 01:15:27 | |
Willa White sniffed glue at eight years old to escape the violence in his home, and by the time he finally asked a prison officer for help at 29, eight of the ten men who got sober alongside him were already dead. Brian sits down with the Irish comedian and playwright for an honest conversation about addiction, prison, grief, and the strange grace of survival. Willa traces his using back to a childhood of generational trauma: a father broken by his own violent upbringing, a home with no safety and no affection, and the moment sniffing glue at eight years old gave him a way to switch it all off. He talks about a suicide attempt in a London psychiatric hospital, being cut down from a window ledge by a stranger, and the prison landing where he finally asked officer Mark Farrell for help, a request that changed the entire direction of his life. Brian and Willa explore what total abstinence actually means day to day, why so many talented people never get the chance to find out what they're good at, and why Ireland's addiction crisis keeps circling back to poverty, class, and a prison system that still isn't built for rehabilitation. Willa also opens up about a hidden relapse in 2015 (no drink, no drugs, just isolation and a plan to end his life) and how getting back to meetings in Cork pulled him out of it. He speaks with real tenderness about forgiving his father, being present for his death, and losing his sister and, more recently, his mother, in the middle of the biggest year of his career: the year he became the first comedian since Billy Connolly to sell out the Gaiety. Standout moments include Willa's breakdown of what making amends actually requires, his take on why nobody wants to ask for help until they're desperate, and the small, funny way he keeps his mother's memory alive in his latest sketches. This is a conversation about how the very worst chapter of your life can become the reason you're still here to tell it. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 The moment everything changed 1:46 Why asking for help felt impossible, and choosing total abstinence 5:07 Where it all started: childhood violence and generational trauma 12:06 A window ledge in a London psychiatric hospital 17:41 Getting sober in prison, and the friends who didn't make it 24:12 Finding hope, and the difference between religion andspirituality 29:31 A word from Turas Nua 33:03 The relapse nobody could seecoming 37:15 Grief, his father's past, and making peace at the end 40:02 Ireland's addiction crisis, class, and a system that isn't working 54:29 What forgiveness actually asks of you 1:03:20 Humour as armour: "The Examination" and life on stage 1:07:59 A year of triumph and loss: the Gaiety and losing hismother 1:12:11 What's next: Dead Man Talking, a new podcast, and final thoughts | |||
| Bite-sized: The Biggest Lie You Tell Yourself About Money | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:06:04 | |
Many people tell themselves they have more money than they really do, and that if they avoid looking at the problem, it might somehow disappear. In this bite-sized conversation, financial expert and bestselling author Eoin McGee explains why financial avoidance is so common and why there is no single expense everyone should cut. The better question is whether your spending genuinely adds value to your life. Eoin also reveals one of the biggest saving mistakes people make: waiting until the end of the month to save whatever is left. Saving isn’t something you’re either “good” or “bad” at - it’s a habit you build gradually. And if you’re feeling financially trapped, Eoin offers a simple but powerful first step: talk to your best mate. Once you say the problem aloud, it becomes easier to face, share and solve. Taken from our full conversation, The Psychology of Money and Why We Always Want More, available now on Change Is Possible. | |||
| You Are Not Broken: Why Your Struggles May Be Survival Responses | Brian Pennie | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:44:29 | |
What if the parts of yourself you judge most harshly were once trying to protect you? In this solo episode, Brian explores why anxiety, addiction, anger, emotional numbness, overachievement and the need for control are not necessarily signs that someone is broken. They can be understandable adaptations to pain, uncertainty, fear and experiences that once made the world feel unsafe. Drawing on his own journey from anxiety and addiction, Brian explains why destructive behaviours can initially feel like solutions. Addiction may soothe pain. Anger may protect fear. Control may create the illusion of safety. Overachievement may become a way of searching for worth. But understanding where a pattern came from does not mean remaining trapped inside it. Brian explores the difference between knowledge and genuine self-awareness, why awareness matters most when we are under pressure, and how mindful self-observation can help us notice our thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations before they take control. He also explains why change is not only a mindset process. It is a nervous-system process. Through breathwork, movement, human connection and small promises kept consistently, we can create evidence that we are safe, capable and able to rely on ourselves. The episode includes a simple breathing practice, reflections on asking for help, facing uncomfortable truths, having difficult conversations and learning to say no so that we can protect what matters most. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Why you are not broken 02:20 Understanding anxiety and addiction as adaptations 05:30 The protective role of anger, control and numbness 08:15 The difference between knowledge and self-awareness 14:20 Practising mindful self-observation 17:30 Why lasting change begins in the nervous system 24:00 Regulating through breath and movement 26:30 Human connection as a form of regulation 29:40 Building confidence through evidence 32:05 Keeping small promises and embracing discomfort 35:45 Facing difficult truths and reaching out for help 41:15 Learning to say no to protect what matters most Keywords: Self-awareness, nervous-system regulation, anxiety, addiction recovery, survival responses, emotional regulation, trauma, breathwork, human connection, self-trust, confidence, boundaries and personal change | |||
| Bite-sized: Why You Still Feel “Not Enough” — and How to Change It | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:10:18 | |
You weren’t born believing you weren’t enough. Somewhere along the way, you learned it. In this bite-sized episode, award-winning life coach Tara Rafter explains how childhood experiences, rejection and seemingly small moments can shape the beliefs you carry into adulthood. We explore where limiting beliefs come from, why success alone rarely fixes self-doubt, and how to challenge the internal story that keeps holding you back. Tara also unpacks the idea that “someone else held the needle,” the difference between confidence and self-delusion, and why real self-belief must be built on evidence. You may not have chosen the beliefs you were given, but you can choose whether you continue living by them. | |||
| When the Medals Stop: Losing Your Identity and Finding Yourself Again | David Gillick | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:13:26 | |
What happens when the one thing that gave you identity, purpose and self-worth suddenly disappears? Brian sits down with former European champion, Olympian and broadcaster David Gillick for an honest conversation about life after elite sport, panic attacks, male mental health and learning to ask for help. When David retired, he lost far more than competition. His routine, teammates, income and sense of self were suddenly gone. Winning Celebrity MasterChef created the appearance of a successful new beginning, but privately he was struggling with anger, isolation and the question: “Who am I now?” David shares how Sunday panic attacks finally forced him to seek support, why it took time to find the right counsellor and what Hell Week later revealed about his self-worth. They also explore how David learned to love running again and why his own setbacks now help him meet athletes with empathy during the most vulnerable moments of their careers. This is a conversation about losing the person you thought you had to be, finding the courage to ask for help and building an identity beyond achievement. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with David on Instagram Check out David's book: The Race Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Losing the identity that elite sport provided 07:20 Grieving a career and becoming trapped in the past 13:10 Injury, retirement and letting go of the Olympic dream 17:10 How MasterChef temporarily filled the void 24:10 Panic attacks and the moment David knew he needed help 28:30 Counselling, acceptance and finding the right support 33:00 Bringing empathy to athletes’ most vulnerable moments 39:15 Redefining success beyond achievement 41:00 Entering Hell Week to test his strength again 48:00 The question “Who are you?” and a lesson in self-worth 54:20 Rediscovering running, peace and purpose 1:05:50 Parenthood, presence and protecting what matters 1:11:30 The Race, gratitude and making peace with the past Keywords: Identity, life after sport, male mental health, panic attacks, anxiety, counselling, vulnerability, self-worth, career transition, grief, high performance, parenthood, presence, resilience and personal growth | |||
| Bite-Sized: Why Lonely Men Are Drawn to the Manosphere | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:05:44 | |
Why are so many young men being pulled toward the manosphere? Daragh Fleming explores the loneliness, shame and disconnection behind it, and why men need better spaces to speak honestly about who they are and what they are carrying. A powerful clip from the Change is Possible podcast with Dr Brian Pennie and Daragh Fleming. | |||
| From Hidden Pain to Inner Safety: Nicoline Walsh on Trauma, Energy Healing and Self-Connection | 23 Jun 2026 | 01:13:28 | |
What happens when the pain you buried years ago starts speaking through your body, your anxiety, your depression, and your life? Brian sits down with Nicoline Walsh for an honest conversation about trauma, depression, energy healing, self-connection, Reiki, inner safety and the parts of ourselves we often leave behind. Nicoline shares how childhood sexual abuse, hidden pain and high-functioning depression shaped her life, even while she was succeeding in the corporate world and raising a family. She also speaks about the heartbreaking experience of supporting her daughter through suicidal thoughts while facing her own mental health struggles. Together, Brian and Nicoline explore what it means to reconnect with the younger parts of ourselves, how trauma can live in the body, why healing is not always easy to explain, and how practices like therapy, Reiki, body scans, forest bathing and energy work helped Nicoline find her way back to herself. They also discuss Brian’s own experience of working with Nicoline, the limits of language when talking about healing, the tension between science and mystery, and why self-connection, self-soothing and safety are at the heart of real transformation. This is a conversation about the pain we carry, the body’s quiet wisdom, and the courage it takes to finally listen. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Nicoline and her work with eling Forest on Instagram Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:30 Holding pain as both mother and daughter 05:00 Childhood trauma and the roots of depression 09:00 Moving from corporate life into healing 13:30 Understanding Reiki and energy work 19:00 Brian’s experience of trauma held in the body 24:30 How memories can carry emotion and belief 33:30 Exploring evidence, scepticism and lived experience 43:30 Why some healing is hard to put into words 50:30 Reconnecting with younger parts of ourselves 57:30 Body scans, self-soothing and feeling safe 1:03:00 Stories of transformation and release 1:11:00 Nicoline’s work and where to find her Keywords: Nicoline Walsh, Brian Pennie, Change Is Possible podcast, trauma healing, childhood trauma, inner child healing, Reiki healing, energy healing, depression recovery, suicidal thoughts, mental health, body keeps the score, somatic healing, self connection, inner safety, forest bathing, The Healing Forest, healing trauma, emotional healing, trauma and the body, anxiety, high functioning depression, spiritual healing, holistic healing, trauma recovery Ireland | |||
| Bite-Sized: Gabor Maté on Why We Always Want More | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:07:19 | |
In this bite-sized episode of Change Is Possible, Dr Gabor Maté explores why modern life keeps us chasing more. More pleasure. But beneath that constant striving is a deeper question: What pain are we trying not to feel? Gabor also reflects on addiction, trauma, modern culture, healing, and why the path to change often begins by looking at what we are running from. The full conversation with Dr Gabor Maté is available now on Change Is Possible. | |||
| From Lifespan to Soulspan: Dr Paddy Barrett on Health, Time and Living Before It’s Too Late | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:10:06 | |
What if the biggest risk to your health is not what you feel today, but what you keep ignoring over time? Brian sits down with Dr Paddy Barrett for an honest conversation about heart health, prevention, mortality, behaviour change, sleep, stress, and what it really means to live well. Paddy is a cardiologist, author of Heart: An Owner’s Guide, and a leading voice in preventative health. In this conversation, he explains why heart disease can develop silently for decades, why symptoms are often a poor warning system, and why the earlier we act, the more power we have to change the direction of our lives. Brian and Paddy explore the difference between risk factors, disease, and events, why time is one of the most misunderstood factors in health, and why prevention is not about fear... it is about creating the freedom to live with more energy, clarity, and choice. They also discuss Paddy’s idea of lifespan, healthspan, and soulspan, the problem with waiting for a wake-up call, why sleep is one of the foundations of health, and how mortality can sharpen our understanding of what really matters. This is a conversation about time, health, mortality, meaning, and learning to live before life forces you to pay attention. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Dr Paddy Barrett on Instagram and here's his website where you can join his amazing newsletter. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Listening to instinct and following the right path 06:00 Why heart disease can develop silently 10:30 Understanding risk factors, plaque and heart events 16:00 The four foundations of health 21:30 Lifespan, healthspan and soulspan 29:00 Why there are no guarantees in health 34:00 What creates a true wake-up call 39:00 Statins, risk and the long view of prevention 45:30 Building your health pension over time 50:00 Mortality, meaning and how we spend our time 56:00 Paddy’s North Star and where to find his work 59:00 Sleep, stress and the health trends worth questioning Keywords: Heart health, prevention, mortality, longevity, healthspan, soulspan, behaviour change, sleep, stress, exercise, cholesterol, purpose, meaning, living well. | |||
| The Psychology of Male Loneliness: Why So Many Men Are Quietly Falling Apart | Daragh Fleming | 26 May 2026 | 01:09:04 | |
What happens when the person who seems fine is quietly falling apart? Brian sits down with poet and writer Daragh Fleming for an honest conversation about grief, suicide, depression, masculinity, loneliness, and the emotions so many people struggle to express. Daragh opens up about losing his best friend to suicide at 17, the years of emotional numbness that followed, and how writing became a way to understand himself and help others feel less alone. Together, Brian and Daragh explore why so many men find it difficult to speak about pain, how anger often masks sadness, the dangers of the manosphere, and why emotional honesty may be one of the most powerful forms of strength. Daragh also reads two of his powerful poems, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls, offering a moving vision of masculinity, womanhood, parenting, and the kind of world we need to build. This is a conversation about loss, healing, identity, connection, and the quiet courage it takes to say what is really going on inside. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Daragh on Instagram. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction Keywords: Mental health, men’s mental health, grief, suicide, depression, loneliness, masculinity, vulnerability, emotional honesty, emotional literacy, identity, ego, self-worth, healing, poetry, spoken word, Darragh Fleming, Brian Pennie, Change Is Possible | |||
| From Paralysis to Purpose: Ryan “Chaos” Curtis on Fighting Back, Self-Belief and Never Giving Up | 12 May 2026 | 01:16:27 | |
Former MMA fighter Ryan “Chaos” Curtis joins me for one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on Change is Possible. Ryan grew up in Dublin’s inner city, surrounded by hardship, addiction, violence, and the need to fight for himself from a young age. But when he walked into an MMA gym for the first time, everything changed. He was humbled, beaten up, and somehow left knowing one thing: he was going to become a world champion. Years later, while training for a major fight and with the UFC in sight, Ryan suffered a catastrophic spinal injury. His neck broke. He was instantly paralysed from the neck down. Doctors told him this was his new way of life. Ryan refused to accept that. In this episode, we talk about the accident, the pain, the fear, the discipline, and the mindset that helped him fight his way back. We also explore self-belief, failure, masculinity, gratitude, addiction, vulnerability, responsibility, and what it really means to become someone you can rely on. This is not just a story about recovery. It is a story about identity, discipline, and refusing to be beaten by life. Click here and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Ryan on Instagram. Listen to Ryan's Podcast: Made in Chaos. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 — Ryan’s life-changing moment 04:12 — First MMA gym session 08:46 — Becoming reliable 13:35 — Growing up in Dublin 1 19:18 — Bullying and confidence 25:40 — The psychology of MMA 31:52 — Why Ryan chose fighting 36:45 — The accident 42:08 — Waking up paralysed 47:35 — Refusing to accept it 52:26 — Everything is psychological 57:40 — The accident as a gift 1:02:44 — Discipline over motivation 1:09:38 — Gratitude and Made in Chaos | |||
| The Psychology of Money: Why Chasing More Never Makes You Happy | Eoin McGee | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:24:23 | |
Most people think that more money will make them happy. They’re wrong. In this conversation, I sit down with Eoin McGee — Certified Financial Planner™, radio and TV broadcaster, best-selling author, and columnist — to break down the hidden psychology behind money. From why earning more doesn’t make you happier, to the dangerous myths keeping people broke, Eoin reveals why chasing money often leads to more stress, more pressure, and less peace... and what actually creates a fulfilling life. Eoin shares the personal story that shaped his career, alongside practical financial habits and powerful insights into the psychology behind money, happiness, and freedom. If you feel stuck financially, overwhelmed, or constantly chasing “more,” this episode will give you a completely new perspective. Connect with Eoin on Instagram. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 – The moment that changed Eoin’s life forever 03:30 – How money gave his dad 28 extra years 08:15 – Why most financial advice is wrong 12:40 – The psychology of money (and why you’re never satisfied) 17:20 – Why chasing money won’t make you happy 22:10 – What people REALLY missed during lockdown 26:30 – The truth about happiness (Harvard study explained) 31:45 – Why “I’ll be happy when…” is dangerous 36:20 – What financial freedom actually means 40:10 – The biggest mistake people make with money 43:30 – The 15-minute habit that can change everything 48:00 – How your brain keeps you bad with money 53:20 – The mindset shift: “I’m good with money” 58:10 – Why small wins beat big plans 1:02:00 – The €5 savings story (powerful) 1:06:30 – Why most people fail financially 1:10:15 – The truth about getting rich quick 1:14:40 – Investing explained simply (and why patience wins) 1:19:30 – Discipline = financial freedom 1:22:00 – What really matters in life Keywords: psychology of money, money mindset, personal finance, financial wellbeing, happiness, financial freedom, wealth, stress, self development, mindset, Eoin McGee, Brian Pennie, Change is Possible, money habits, emotional health | |||
| How to Heal Anxiety, Panic Attacks & the Fear of Fear | Caroline Foran | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:17:17 | |
What if the moment you thought you were completely broken was actually the beginning of your healing? Caroline Foran joins me for a deeply honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and what it really takes to heal. Caroline shares the moment she hit rock bottom, believing she was beyond help, and how that experience became the turning point that changed everything. We unpack what anxiety actually is, why panic attacks feel so overwhelming, and how misunderstanding your own body can make everything worse. This conversation cuts through the noise. No quick fixes. No fluff. Just real, practical insight into how anxiety works, and how to work with it instead of against it. In this episode, we cover:
If anxiety has ever made you feel broken, this episode will show you that change is possible. Connect with Caroline on Instagram and get her new book here Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Caroline’s most challenging moment with anxiety 05:30 The terror and helplessness of panic attacks 09:00 Anxiety, shame, and not knowing why you feel this way 13:00 What anxiety actually feels like in the body 16:30 Anxiety vs stress: what’s the difference? 20:00 When anxiety turns into depression 24:00 Rock bottom, surrender, and the beginning of healing 28:30 The brain, the body, and why anxiety is pre-rational 33:00 Why healing starts with the body, not just the mind 37:00 Tools for anxiety: breathwork, walking, and what works for you 43:00 There is no magic wand — only consistent tools 46:00 Panic attacks, self-criticism, and self-compassion 51:00 Caroline’s roadmap back to yourself 55:00 Why talking to someone you trust matters 58:30 Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation 1:02:00 Riding the wave of anxiety instead of fearing it 1:06:00 Anxiety as information, not a life sentence 1:09:00 Helping young people with anxiety 1:12:00 Medication for anxiety: stigma, nuance, and what helps 1:15:30 What people get wrong about anxiety 1:16:20 Final message of hope Keywords: Caroline Foran, anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety recovery, mental health, nervous system, Owning It, Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety, self compassion anxiety, breathwork anxiety, high functioning anxiety, anxiety healing, stress and anxiety, depression and anxiety | |||
| From Trauma to Inner Safety: Tara Rafter on Healing, Self-Belief & Finding Yourself | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:10:37 | |
Most people secretly believe they’re not enough. In this episode, award-winning life coach Tara Rafter explains why… and how to finally change it. Brian Pennie sits down with Tara Rafter to explore the real psychology of healing, self-belief, trauma, and personal growth. Tara shares her deeply personal story of growing up around addiction and domestic violence, caring for her mother through chronic illness, losing both parents, and how those experiences shaped her nervous system, relationships, and identity. She explains how many of our limiting beliefs were installed when someone else was “holding the needle” in our life story, and how we can rewrite them. We talk about:
If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, disconnected, or like you’re performing instead of living, this episode will change how you see yourself. Connect with Tara on Instagram and The Navigation Coach Website Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:12 Tara on the hardest challenge that shaped her 04:35 Her mum’s COPD and the loss of safety 08:42 Caregiving, grief, anger and fear 12:18 Childhood, identity and emotional survival 16:07 Addiction, domestic violence and reading the room 20:14 Building safety on the inside 23:40 Trauma, trust and opening your heart 27:18 Is full healing from trauma possible? 30:41 Becoming a mother and discovering unconditional love 34:22 Her dad’s death, forgiveness and returning from Australia 39:05 How Tara became a life coach 43:18 Therapy, self-worth and healing old beliefs 47:02 Humour as a coping mechanism 50:46 Action, mindset and changing your emotional state 54:08 Parenting, fear and letting go with love 57:30 The Navigation Coach and the Compass system 1:01:22 Daily self-check-ins, values and realignment 1:04:18 Why so many people feel not enough 1:07:05 Trusting your gut and what to do when you feel lost 1:09:18 Final thoughts and where to start Keywords: Childhood trauma healing, emotional safety, trauma recovery, self-acceptance, personal development podcast, change is possible podcast | |||
| From Violence to Transformation: Bob Cullen’s Journey Through Trauma, Addiction, Prison and Healing | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:38:34 | |
Content warning: this episode includes discussion of suicide. Please take care while listening. If you’re affected by anything raised in this conversation, Samaritans are available free, 24/7, on 116 123. What drives someone toward violence? And what helps them change? In this unfiltered episode of Change Is Possible, Bob Cullen shares the raw reality behind violence, prison, addiction, and recovery. From childhood trauma and self-hatred, to suicide attempts, armed crime and a 10-year prison sentence, Bob explains how he internalised a powerful belief that vulnerability was weakness. As bullying, exposure to violence and family breakdown compounded that belief, anger became protection, and violence became his currency. Bob speaks candidly about:
Bob’s story challenges black-and-white narratives about offenders. Beneath the violence was a young boy who felt alone, ashamed and desperate to belong. His journey illustrates how unprocessed trauma, substance abuse and societal neglect can spiral into destruction. Bob’s story is raw, confronting and deeply human. But this is not just a personal story. This conversation explores the psychology of violence, why prison often makes people worse, and how connection, not punishment, creates real change. Connect with Bob Cullen Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Bob Cullen on waking up in a Garda cell 03:45 Addiction, suicide and the night his life collapsed 08:55 Childhood trauma, violence and negative self-beliefs 12:45 Bullying, shame and why violence felt like survival 20:05 Youthreach, arrests and rejection at home 25:35 Chef by day, addict by night 33:00 Selling drugs, self-hate and total chaos 39:30 Suicide attempt and rock bottom 46:30 Trying to get help and being failed by the system 49:15 Sponsor break 50:00 Threats, crime and the path to prison 57:40 Prison sentence and where change began 66:30 Meditation, healing and personal transformation 74:15 Why prison does not rehabilitate people 82:45 Prison reform, patriarchy and changing Ireland 85:55 Masculinity, vulnerability and emotional strength 94:05 Why toxic masculinity is socially rewarded 96:45 Accountability, forgiveness and hope Keywords: Trauma recovery, addiction recovery story, prison rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, mental health and crime, masculinity and emotions, personal transformation story, life after prison, restorative justice, childhood trauma impact, resilience and healing, social inequality and crime, recovery journey podcast | |||
| You’ve Been Lied to About Food | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:15:29 | |
Why do we crave certain foods… even when we know they don’t make us feel good? In this eye-opening conversation, Sophie Morris shares how a life-changing illness at 16 shaped her relationship with health — and led her to expose what’s really happening inside our food system. We explore ultra- processed foods, behaviour change, food marketing psychology and why awareness is the first step to better physical and mental health. This episode covers:
This conversation is about more than food — it’s about empowerment, self-awareness, and how small changes can create massive transformation. Connect with Sophie Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Founded by the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling, I'm delighted to partner with Fabuwellness, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with The Kyne Foundation, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 — The story that changed Sophie’s life forever Keywords: Ultra-processed foods, food psychology, nutrition behaviour change, mental health and diet, food addiction science, healthy habits that stick, ingredient labels explained, sustainable eating habits, energy and diet connection | |||
| Dr Gabor Maté on Addiction, Trauma & Why You Were Never Broken | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:12:45 | |
What if addiction isn’t the problem — but the solution to deep emotional pain? In this powerful conversation, renowned physician and trauma expert Dr Gabor Maté joins Dr Brian Pennie to explore the true roots of addiction, healing, and human connection. When Brian shares his lived experience with heroin addiction, Gabor challenges conventional thinking. He explains why addiction is not a disease or personal failure, but an attempt to meet unmet needs like safety, warmth, love, and belonging. Gabor also shares why recovery is less about fixing what’s “broken” and more about reclaiming your authentic self—the part of you that was never truly lost. He also outlines the essential role of compassion in healing, describing four active levels of compassion that can transform how we support loved ones struggling with addiction. Together, they unpack:
If you’re interested in trauma, mental health, personal growth, or supporting someone through addiction, this short but profound interview will reshape how you understand healing—and what real change actually looks like. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Be kind to yourself, to others, and to your community. Because kindness is contagious. Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 – Recovered vs “In Recovery.” What does it actually mean to recover — and were you ever truly lost? 01:25 – “You Were Never Broken.” Why your true self was never damaged, only obscured 02:30 – What Heroin Really Gave Me. Warmth, safety, peace — and why that matters 03:45 – Addiction Is a Solution, Not the Problem. Gabor Maté reframes addiction completely 05:10 – Childhood Trauma & Being Alone With Fear. Why trauma isn’t what happened — it’s facing it alone 06:40 – Family Trauma & Addiction Across Generations. Why singling out the “addict” misses the real issue 07:50 – The Inner Shift That Changes Everything. Awakening, acceptance, and finding peace inside 09:10 – Can You Help Someone With Addiction? Why you can’t force change — and what actually helps 10:10 – The Four Levels of Compassion. From caring to seeing the person beyond their behaviour 11:30 – The Three Choices Loved Ones Have. Two sane options — and one that creates resistance 🔎 SEO Keywords: Dr Gabor Maté, addiction recovery, trauma healing, trauma and addiction, compassion in recovery, childhood trauma effects, mental health podcast, healing from addiction, emotional trauma, self-acceptance, addiction psychology, personal growth podcast, Change is Possible podcast, overcoming addiction, recovery mindset | |||
| Bonus Episode: Success Isn’t Hustle — It’s Who You Love & How You Live | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:10:29 | |
“If you died tomorrow, success wouldn’t be your career… it would be the people you made scrambled eggs for.” Those are the words of Angela Scanlon, Irish broadcaster and author known for hosting shows on the BBC and RTÉ. In this honest, reflective conversation, we unpack drive, ambition, ADHD, fear of death, and the quiet moments that end up defining a life. From chasing “best in class” in every area, to burning out on shiny achievements, this bonus episode explores how success evolves — and why relationships, presence, and joy might matter more than productivity ever could. We talk about:
🎧 If you’re questioning hustle culture, redefining success, or trying to live more intentionally — this episode is for you. Because success isn’t what you achieve — it’s how you live, who you love, and what you don’t postpone. Follow Angela on Instagram Chapters 00:00 – What does success mean now? Redefining ambition after burnout and destructive drive 01:10 – The double-edged sword of being “driven” Resilience, relentlessness, and learning when to stop 02:30 – Chasing shiny lights vs valuing solid foundations Why success can make you devalue what actually feeds you 03:55 – “Best in class” thinking & opening 7 tabs inlife Self-criticism, comparison, and impossible expectations 05:30 – The scrambled eggs moment (and why it hit so deep) Legacy, relationships, and what really matters when you’re gone 07:05 – Fear of death vs fear of regret Why imagining your deathbed now changes how you live 08:40 – Near-death experiences & losing fear of dying Freedom, clarity, and choosing life differently 09:50 – Time awareness, joy & choosing how you live Weekly reminders, sacred holidays, and “joyriding” through life Success redefined, what is success, hustle culture burnout, fear of death podcast, ADHD and ambition, redefining success podcast, joy vs productivity, near death experience, living with intention, personal development podcast, meaning of success today | |||
| Lessons on Belief, Addiction, Discomfort, and Change | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:37:54 | |
Most of us don’t discover who we really are until life pushes us to the edge. In this solo episode, Brian reflects on some of the most powerful insights from recent podcast guests, exploring what they reveal about growth, resilience, addiction, social media, human connection, and the nature of change. We discuss the “other self” — the hidden part of us that emerges through adversity — and why discomfort is often the gateway to awareness, strength, and compassion. Drawing on conversations with guests such as Jack Kavanagh, Georgie Crawford, Professor Anna Lembke, Brian McDermott, Niall Breslin, and others, this episode explores why modern life makes it harder to sit with ourselves, and how phones, dopamine, and constant comfort can disconnect us from meaning. Brian also unpacks addiction as a solution to pain rather than a moral failing, how to support loved ones without enabling, the role of self-belief and action, and why creating space for rest, gratitude, and kindness is essential in today’s world. This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in habits, or searching for deeper purpose — and for those who want to understand how challenge can become fuel for growth. Topics include: ● The “other self” and post-traumatic growth ● Why comfort can weaken resilience ● Addiction, dopamine, and avoidance ● Social media, division, and attention economics ● How to help a loved one in addiction ● Imposter syndrome and self-belief ● Nervous system regulation and breathwork ● Connection, rest, gratitude, and kindness Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Be kind to yourself, to others, and to your community. Because kindness is contagious. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & episode overview 01:20 – Finding the “other self” through adversity 04:40 – What trauma, illness, and loss can teach us 07:20 – Comfort culture and why modern life avoids discomfort 10:00 – Phones, dopamine, and emotional avoidance 12:30 – Beyond resilience: using challenge as fuel for growth 15:10 – Imposter syndrome and leaning into discomfort 17:40 – Social media, division, and attention economics 21:10 – Addiction explained: avoidance, escape, and dopamine 24:30 – Addiction as a solution, not the problem 27:10 – How to help a loved one: listening, boundaries, action 30:20 – Self-belief, action, and regulating the nervous system 33:20 – Creating space for connection, rest, and presence 35:40 – Gratitude, kindness, and the neurobiology of wellbeing 37:20 – Final reflections & closing message Keywords / Tags: Change Is Possible podcast, finding your other self, post-traumatic growth, addiction recovery, dopamine addiction, social media addiction, resilience psychology, nervous system regulation, gratitude neuroscience, compassion in addiction, modern mental health, self-belief psychology. | |||
| The Dopamine Trap: Dr Anna Lembke Explains Why Phones, Porn & Pleasure Are Making Us Miserable | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:59:56 | |
From social media to addictive foods and substances, our modern world is flooded with dopamine addictions. How do we break free? Dr Anna Lembke is Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book: Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. In this conversation, Dr Lembke joins Brian to discuss how our phones have become the modern hypodermic needle, the neuroscience of addiction, how dopamine drives compulsive behaviours, and why change is possible for every single person — even in extreme cases. She also explains why dopamine resets are essential, and how abstinence, therapy, medication, and community support work together to rewire the brain. Anna and Brian also explore why people relapse, whether someone can ever be “fully recovered,” how co-dependency sabotages healing, and what families can actually do to help a loved one struggling with addiction. The episode also tackles youth mental health, the impact of phones and online content on developing brains, and Anna’s powerful advice for parents, teens, and anyone trying to make positive change. If you’re interested in mental health, addiction recovery, dopamine, phone addiction, or personal transformation, this episode is a must-watch. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why Change Is Possible 01:12 – Jacob’s Story: Extreme Porn & Tech Addiction 05:08 – How Technology Supercharges Dopamine & Addiction 07:42 – The Neuroscience: Dopamine, Tolerance & Craving 10:55 – Rock Bottom: Despair, Consequences & Suicidal Thought 13:30 – The Road to Recovery: Abstinence & Resetting the Brain 16:45 – Self-Binding Strategies: Removing Triggers & Tools 19:18 – Medication & SSRIs: When Biology Helps Recovery 21:55 – Understanding Addiction Through the Biopsychosocial Model 25:28 – Little Addictions: Phones, Alcohol, Food & Everyday Dopamine 28:40 – Why 30 Days of Abstinence Changes Everything 31:05 – When Recovery Takes Longer: 90 Days, 12 Months & Beyond 34:20 – Addiction + Mental Health: Treating Both or Risk Relapse 37:10 – Is Recovery Possible for Everyone? Anna’s Honest View 40:15 – Why Addiction Is a Real Brain Disease 42:40 – Helping Loved Ones: Facilitating Safe Consequences 45:55 – Codependency & Enabling: The Hidden Addiction Behind Addiction 49:10 – Identity, Awareness & Whether “Recovered” Is Really Possible 52:25 – Values, Triggers & Why Relapse Happens 54:30 – Why Change Is So Hard: Uncertainty & the Human Brain 56:45 – Advice for Young People: Phones, Porn, Social Media & Dopamine 59:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Message | |||
| Busy, Wrecked & Ready for Change – Dermot Whelan on Anxiety, Purpose & Finding Space | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:18:15 | |
Do you ever put on a brave front while feeling stressed, wrecked, and broken inside? That was Dermot Whelan. On the surface, he was thriving — a TV show, a hit radio gig, and a rising stand-up career — but behind it all, he was anxious, exhausted, sleepless, and struggling with self-belief. Alcohol became his go-to coping tool until a panic attack and a drunken fall forced him to change. He had heard about meditation, decided to give it a shot, and has never looked back! In this episode, Dermot opens up about how anxiety shaped his early life, why performers chase the “flow state,” and how alcohol became an unhealthy comfort. With humour and practical wisdom, he shares how he rebuilt his nervous system, reconnected with his values, embraced silence, and started following his gut instinct toward change. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out, this conversation is packed with simple, grounded insights to manage stress, break unhelpful habits, make clearer decisions, and finally get unstuck. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 01:12 – Dermot’s lowest moment: the fall, concussion & the wake-up call 05:04 – Exhaustion, drinking culture & risky behaviour in Ireland 11:58 – Turning points, shame & the fear of being judged 15:46 – Alcohol programming, generational patterns & why we reach for numbing 19:33 – Addiction as a temporary solution: reframing judgment 23:27 – Finding space: noticing breath, gaps & the nervous system 30:42 – Performers, anxiety & chasing the flow state 34:14 – People-pleasing, responsibility & becoming the mood-setter 38:28 – Leaving Irish radio after 20 years: fear, risk & identity 42:15 – Catastrophic thinking: journaling the inner critic 45:58 – Recklessness, childhood patterns & family beliefs 49:21 – Life changes, side hustles & starting small 52:47 – The Indiana Jones moment: how to know when to jump 56:18 – Busy & wrecked: how busyness becomes avoidance 59:33 – The power of silence: why insights show up in the shower or car 1:03:09 – Values changing over time: realigning your inner compass 1:06:44 – Updating your “inner platoon”: communicating new values to yourself 1:10:12 – Inner peace, energy & recognising friction in your life 1:13:28 – Creating space to ask “What do I want now?” 1:16:22 – Final reflections & closing messages Follow Dermot: Dermot Whelan is a broadcaster and meditation teacher who was, for more than two decades, co-host of Today FM’s breakfast show, Dermot & Dave. He retired from radio in 2023 to commit fully to his wellness brand, Mind Full, with its live shows, podcast and book of the same name. Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| The Other Self: The Strength You Don’t Know You Have | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:14:04 | |
At 20 years old, Jack broke his neck diving into shallow water and instantly became quadriplegic, leaving him with 15% muscle function. In this raw conversation, Jack reveals how he rebuilt himself mentally, spiritually and physically, how he navigated grief, guilt, depression, identity collapse, and how he discovered his “other self”. From helplessness in a hospital corridor to skiing mountains and hand-biking 100km Misogi challenges, we unpack the exact mindset and tools he used to rebuild his life. We also discuss mental resilience, nervous system regulation, finding purpose again after trauma, why stories are “sticky”, how to choose different perspectives, the role of challenge and adventure, and asking “Why NOT me?” This episode is a masterclass in human change. If you’ve ever felt stuck, trapped, or broke, this episode will change how you see your life forever. 👉 Topics include: Change is possible, grief, identity shift, quadriplegic recovery, stoicism, nervous system, Misogi challenge, resilience, bonus time, neuroscience, mindset shift, perspective change, meaning rebuilding. Timestamps: 00:00 – Change Is Possible intro 02:05 – The accident that changed everything 06:32 – ICU, ventilators + facing death alone 11:10 – The guilt that hurt more than the physical injury 15:50 – Understanding grief (the real messy version, not the 5-step meme) 20:38 – “Different levels, different devils” — trauma keeps evolving 26:44 – The moment of hopelessness that broke him in rehab 31:55 – The Other Self — the version of you that only pressure reveals 36:20 – Stoicism, mindfulness, breathing, Buddhism, Frankl 40:55 – Rebuilding a life from zero / adaptive identity 46:12 – The Misogi 100KM challenge (and battery dying at the end )51:49 – Why physically choosing difficulty matters 56:22 – “Why NOT me?” — the single question that shifted everything 1:01:40 – Making adventure + meaning non-negotiables again 1:06:55 – How YOU start creating change in your life 1:11:20 – Closing message: you get one shot — live like it Follow Jack: As a Pharmacist, Speaker and Facilitator, Jack is passionate about the value of health & wellbeing as drivers for business performance, coupled with cultivating diverse & inclusive environments where people belong and are valued. Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| ADHD, Anxiety & Ambition: How Laura Dowling Turned Restlessness Into a Wellness Revolution | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:02:19 | |
What happens when a restless mind becomes your greatest gift? In this raw conversation, pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur Laura Dowling opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, how it shaped her restlessness, ambition, and self-doubt—and how she turned those traits into her greatest strengths. From struggling to accept her diagnosis to building a nationwide wellness brand, leading Viva La Vulva, and transforming conversations around women’s health and menopause, Laura’s story is equal parts honesty, hustle, and hope. You’ll hear how she balances business success with self-care, the lessons she learned from failure, and her mission to help women reclaim their health, confidence, and joy.👉 Topics include: ADHD acceptance, anxiety & hyperfocus, functional health & supplements, entrepreneurship fears, women’s empowerment, and living with purpose. Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, women in business, ADHD warriors, health professionals, and anyone chasing meaning over money. Timestamps: (0:00) – Intro: Why change is always possible (2:10) – Laura’s ADHD diagnosis: confusion, denial & relief (6:15) – Accepting her brain: anxiety, impulsivity & masking (9:40) – When ADHD becomes a superpower (and a kryptonite) (13:00) – Relationships, motherhood & hyperfocus gone too far (16:20) – From burnout to balance: learning to say no (19:00) – How pharmacy shaped her view on real healthcare (23:15) – Discovering Ayurvedic & preventative medicine in India (27:40) – Creating her first supplement formula & fighting fear (31:55) – “What will my peers think?” — launching anyway (35:10) – Mushrooms, menopause & the rise of functional health (39:00) – Building Viva La Vulva and breaking Irish taboos (43:25) – Empowering women to understand their bodies (47:40) – From Instagram stories to nationwide success (50:10) – EY Entrepreneur of the Year: imposter syndrome & lessons from Japan (54:20) – The mindset of abundance & giving back (57:00) – Advice for entrepreneurs: start now, fail fast, learn faster (1:00:10) – Finding joy, purpose & connection in the chaos (1:02:00) – Outro & reflection Follow Laura: Also known as the Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura is a passionate women's health and wellness expert. With her engaging and relatable approach, she addresses a wide range of topics, including breaking down taboos in women's health, Perimenopause, Menopause and beyond and physical and mental well-being. Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| A Premier League Manager’s Most Important Win: Sobriety - Brian McDermott | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:01:55 | |
Brian McDermott once managed on football’s biggest stage, but his greatest victory came off the field, rebuilding his life through recovery, self-awareness, and connection. In this deeply honest conversation, Brian discusses the highs of reaching the Premier League, the crushing lows of addiction and identity struggles, and the tools that brought him lasting peace. This episode explores what success truly means, the power of vulnerability, and how daily discipline and gratitude transformed his life. TimeStamps: (00:00) – Introduction & Opening (02:58) – The Wembley Defeat: Losing the Playoff Final (06:42) – Premier League Success & Emptiness (10:18) – Identity Struggles: Irish Roots, English Voice (14:37) – Addiction Begins: Coping with Shame (19:45) – The Spiral: Drinking to Escape (25:02) – Rock Bottom & Family Breakdown (31:10) – Asking for Help: The Turning Point (37:28) – Recovery & the 12 Steps (43:05) – Daily Disciplines for Peace (48:24) – Redefining Success & Gratitude (53:40) – Mental Health in Football (58:12) – Authentic Living & Connection (1:01:00) – Closing Reflections & Takeaways Follow Brian: Brian McDermott is a former Premier League footballer, manager, coach, scout, and director of football whose journey is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep love of the game. Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| Turning Anger Into a Force for Good - Senator Lynn Ruane | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:56:49 | |
From becoming a mother at fifteen to navigating addiction risks, undiagnosed ADHD, and the armour built in a tough Dublin community, Senator Lynn Ruane reflects on the anger and shame cycles that shaped her, and the breakthroughs that set her free. Her ADHD diagnosis, the paradox of medication-induced “nothingness,” and a nine-month spiritual reckoning led to shedding self-loathing and rediscovering passion as a force for justice. For Lynn, real change comes through systemic levers such as social housing, universal healthcare, wealth taxes, and public health approaches to violence led by those with lived experience. Raw, vulnerable, and deeply human, this conversation shifts from personal survival to collective transformation, demonstrating how reframing our stories can create change not just for ourselves but for society. Change is possible — and Lynne’s story and work prove it. Timestamps: (00:00) Change Is Possible – Introduction (01:00) Anger, ADHD & Emotional Growth (06:00) Turning Anger Into Purpose (08:30) Growing Up in Dublin (12:00) Sensitivity and Strength (15:00) Teenage Motherhood & Recovery (19:00) Healing and Self-Awareness (23:00) Success and Emotional Reckoning (29:00) Spiritual Renewal and Authenticity (33:00) Letting Go of Validation (38:00) Reading, Thinking & Emotional Regulation (43:00) Systems of Power and Inequality (48:00) Collective Power & Radical Love (52:00) Violence Prevention & Prison Projects (55:00) Closing Reflections – Hope and Connection Follow Lynn: Lynn Ruane is an Irish Senator who has served as the deputy leader of the Civil Engagement Group in Seanad Éireann since 2016. Lynn is from Tallaght - a historically underserved and neglected community in Dublin. A long-time community and drugs worker, Lynn now champions the causes most close to her heart and community in Ireland’s parliament. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/senator_lynn_ruane/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/senatorlynnruane/ Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses - https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/ ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/ ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/ Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation https://www.kynefoundation.org/Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| Healing Trauma Through Community and Connection - Niall Breslin (Bressie) | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:09:37 | |
Bressie (Niall Breslin) reflects on some of the most difficult chapters of his life—from living through war as a teenager on the Lebanon-Israel border to battling depression during his rugby career. He shares how these experiences shaped his relationship with anxiety, the isolating effect of loneliness, and the role of expression, language, and community in healing. The discussion broadens to examine how neoliberalism, bureaucracy, and individualism have fuelled crises in housing, healthcare, and inequality, while also deepening disconnection. Together, we explore the myths of achievement, the balance between discipline and rest, and the values that now guide Bressie’s life—family, creativity, and connection. Ultimately, the conversation highlights that true resilience and meaningful change stem not from relentless striving or medicalising social struggles, but from redefining our values, embracing community, and acknowledging the impermanence of both suffering and success. Follow Bressie: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bressie/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-breslin-730646a4/ Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses - https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation https://www.kynefoundation.org/Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. | |||
| From Self-Doubt to Unshakeable Self-Belief - Max Kennedy | 03 Sep 2025 | 01:00:18 | |
Max Kennedy shares his journey from an uncertain 18-year-old on scholarship in the U.S. to a 23-year-old rising professional golfer with unshakable self-belief. He opens up about battling homesickness, handling self-doubt, and the intense competitiveness of elite sport. Max explains how undeniable facts, work ethic, and consistency have shaped his mindset—turning setbacks into resilience and belief into action. From his turning point in college to the pressures of competing against the world's best, he reveals the sacrifices, strategies, and competitive fire fueling his ambition to become the best golfer in the world. This conversation is about more than golf—it’s about how challenges forge strength, and how belief backed by hard work can change what’s possible. Follow Max: Instagram Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. 0:00 — Moving to America at 18 & intense competition 3:30 — Homesickness, pressure & self-doubt 6:20 — Why challenges build resilience 8:40 — Acknowledging doubt instead of avoiding it 11:10 — Using evidence to fight negative thoughts 13:40 — Work ethic as confidence 16:10 — “I will become the best golfer in the world” 18:30 — Self-belief vs ego 21:00 — Actions follow identity 23:30 — Saying no to friends & social life 26:20 — Priorities and respect 29:10 — The cost of chasing excellence 31:20 — The turning point in college performance 34:40 — From average results to world rankings 37:00 — Talent vs hard work 39:10 — What flow really is 41:30 — Why routine creates performance 44:00 — Consistency over motivation 46:10 — Dealing with bad rounds & failure 48:30 — Perspective & “cosmic irrelevance” 50:10 — Controlling the controllables 52:00 — Breathwork & meditation 54:10 — Visualization & mental rehearsal 56:00 — Performing under pressure 57:30 — “Be borderline delusional” 58:30 — The importance of a plan 59:20 — Never quit high performance mindset, athlete psychology, self belief psychology, discipline habits, mental toughness, flow state performance, visualization training, resilience mindset, success habits, change is possible podcast | |||
| Cancer Gave Me More Than It Took - Georgie Crawford | 27 Aug 2025 | 01:13:32 | |
At 32, with an 8-month-old baby, Georgie Crawford heard the words no one is ever ready for: “You have cancer.” In an instant, her world burned down. But what happens when there’s nowhere left to run? In this episode, Georgie shows how sitting with her pain, instead of numbing it, became the turning point of her life. Georgie speaks with extraordinary honesty about living in survival mode, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the numbing behaviours she used to cope before illness forced her to stop running and finally stay with herself. What followed was the dismantling of identity, ego, and old coping mechanisms — and the beginning of self compassion, resilience, and deep personal growth. Together, Brian and Georgie explore:
This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted from holding it all together, stuck in busyness, or disconnected from themselves — and is ready to stop running and start listening. Georgie Crawford is an Irish media personality and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of The Good Glow podcast, and a breast cancer survivor and advocate. Follow Georgie on Instagram and her website. Change is Possible with Brian Pennie: ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Sponsors: Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious. Keywords / Tags:Georgie Crawford interview, Georgie Crawford cancer story, The Good Glow podcast guest, breast cancer journey young mother, diagnosed with cancer at 32, life after cancer recovery, cancer survivor mindset, post traumatic growth story, illness changed my life, healing after diagnosis, resilience after trauma, identity after illness, grief and growth psychology, emotional healing conversation, Brian Pennie podcast, Change is Possible podcast, Irish mental health podcast, women’s mental health Ireland, motherhood and illness story, coping with serious illness, fear of death anxiety discussion, sitting with discomfort psychology, nervous system regulation explained, trauma response people pleasing, perfectionism and trauma, burnout and busyness culture, high functioning anxiety women, self compassion journey, inner critic healing, boundaries and self worth, emotional regulation skills, self belief and confidence building, self care is not selfish, chronic self sacrifice patterns, burnt potato metaphor meaning, healing through community, connection and belonging psychology kindness and wellbeing science, gratitude after trauma, rebuilding identity after crisis, meaning and purpose after illness, living intentionally | |||