Explore every episode of the podcast MyHealth RCSI

We explore how movement and physical activity can boost brain health and improve everyday life for people living with neurological conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s. You’ll hear powerful personal stories and learn how movement can be a source of strength, confidence, and connection. Movement isn’t just good for the body, it’s great for the brain too.   Whether you're living with a neurological condition, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about the link between movement and brain health, this episode is full of practical insights and uplifting stories.  This episode was recorded in front of a small studio audience on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.Dr Claire Behan, Lecturer and Programme Director, School of Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI, and Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Epilepsy, St James’s Hospital , hosts the discussion. Joining Claire for this important conversation are: Professor Norman Delanty, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital, Clinical Investigator with FutureNeuro, and RCSI Honorary Clinical Professor  Dr Ailish Malone, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy and Principal Investigator and Research Programme Lead, CP-Life Research Centre, and CORU Registered Physiotherapist  Ian O’Brien, husband and father living with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD)  Want to hear more?  Join the conversation at #MyHealthRCSI and subscribe to the RCSI YouTube and podcast channels for expert-led content on health and wellbeing. Catch up anytime at www.rcsi.com/myhealth, where you can watch or listen to past episodes.  MyHealth RCSI is proudly supported by PRESIDIO. Together, we are creating a space where lived experience and expert advice come together, helping everyone explore, question and understand their health on their own terms. 

We’re taking a fresh look at asthma and breaking down the latest research into simple, everyday tips that can make a difference. You’ll hear real stories from people living with asthma, learn practical advice from experts, and discover how to support someone you care about – whether it’s a child, an adult, or anyone managing asthma alongside other health challenges. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. Professor Steve Kerrigan, Deputy Head of School (Research), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences RCSI, hosts the discussion. Joining Steve for this important conversation are: Professor Richard Costello, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine RCSI and Consultant Respiratory Physician, Beaumont Hospital  Joanne Walsh, Practice Nurse at Mercer's Medical Centre with special interest in Asthma education and management  Colet Murphy, asthma advocate and person living with asthma   Caroline Madden, asthma advocate and mother to a child living with asthma  Want to hear more?  Join the conversation at #MyHealthRCSI and subscribe to the RCSI YouTube and podcast channels for expert-led content on health and wellbeing. Catch up anytime at www.rcsi.com/myhealth, where you can watch or listen to past episodes.   MyHealth RCSI is proudly supported by PRESIDIO. Together, we are creating a space where lived experience and expert advice come together, helping everyone explore, question and understand their health on their own terms. 

If you’re caring for someone you love, whether it’s a child, an older adult, or someone with mental or physical health challenges, this episode is for you. We’ll hear real stories, share practical advice, and explore the supports that can help carers stay well while caring for others.     Dr Pádraic Dunne from the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Science hosts the discussion. Joining Pádraic for this important conversation are:   Dr Trudy Meehan, Lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences   Eoin Wilson, supporting a loved one living with dementia   Tracy Carroll, mother to Willow and advocate for family carers   Want to hear more?   Join the conversation at #MyHealthRCSI and subscribe to the RCSI YouTube and podcast channels for expert-led content on health and wellbeing.  

he final episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the crucial role of sleep in our overall health, wellbeing and performance.  Despite its importance, many people struggle to achieve sufficient and restorative sleep. In this episode, we will delve into what happens to the brain and body during sleep, the key factors that influence sleep quality, and evidence-based tools to improve it. We will also examine the impact of sleep on memory, learning, and cognitive function, as well as its deep connections to mental health. This episode is chaired by Dr Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences Panellists include: Professor Richard Costello, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine RCSI & Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Beaumont Hospital    Dr Maria Pertl, Lecturer, Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI; Chartered Health Psychologist; Certified Lifestyle Medicine practitioner, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and member of the Irish Society of Lifestyle Medicine   Mr Motty Varghese, Sleep Physiologist, The Sleep Therapy Clinic 

The fifth episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the evolving landscape of diabetes, examining the latest trends in prevalence, causes, and impacts. The panel members highlight the advances in treatment and technology for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while also offering personal insights and future directions for prevention, management, and support. This episode is chaired by Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Panellists include: Dr Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research, Diabetes Ireland. Professor Edward Gregg, Head, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Professor Diarmuid Smith, Consultant Endocrinologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Professor Seamus Sreenan, Director, Graduate Entry Medicine Programme, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Listener Discretion Advised This audio contains content intended for adults and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. If you're looking for educational materials that are more suitable for younger audiences, please visit: https://johnnysambassadors.org/teachers/ This RCSI MyHealth Series event, focusing on the topic of cannabis and young minds, explores the latest research on how cannabis affects brain development and mental health in young people. This episode is chaired by Miriam O’Callaghan, Irish television presenter and current affairs presenter with RTÉ.   Panellists include:  Ms Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors. Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, RCSI and Consultant Psychiatrist, Beaumont Hospital. Professor Norman Delanty, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital, Clinical Investigator with FutureNeuro Research Centre, and RCSI Honorary Clinical Professor. Professor Colin O’Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services, St John of God Hospital. All useful resources, including all of those shared by our speakers and those that were made available to take away from the support stands present on the night, can be freely downloaded and viewed on the website www.rcsi.com/myhealth

The third episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025, focusing on emotional well-being following a cancer diagnosis, took place as an in-person event at RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus in Dublin city centre earlier this month. The event featured healthcare providers and patient advocates who shared personal insights and coping strategies for life with cancer. This episode is chaired by Dr Padraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.   Panellists included: Dr Maria Pertl, Lecturer, Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences   Dr Vicky Cooper Lunt, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Psycho-Oncology Service, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre Ms Corrinne Hasson, Director of Services, Irish Cancer Society Two guest speakers also join the panel to share their personal experience of a cancer diagnosis and a cancer diagnosis of a family member: Dr Elysha Brennan, RCSI Alumna, Paediatrics SpR and 2015 Rose of Tralee Mr Alan McGovern, Patient and Family Advocate  For more information and links to useful resources, visit www.rcsi.com/myhealth

The second episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025 will focus on the topic of understanding and managing chronic pain. This episode will explore the complex presentation of chronic pain. The panel will discuss the various management options, including the importance of therapeutic alliance and self-management to empower people living with chronic pain. This episode will be chaired by Professor Helen French, Associate Professor in Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Panellists include: Professor Suzanne McDonough, Professor and Head of School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Padraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr David Moore, Consultant Pain Specialist, Beaumont Hospital, and RCSI Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer Ms Catherine Flanagan, Patient advocate for people living with pain

As part of this discussion, the panel will discuss the emotional impact of a diagnosis from a patient advocate living with Lewy Body Dementia, raise awareness and share practical tools for maintaining brain health, as well as discuss developments in disease modifying treatments in this area.   This episode will be chaired by Professor Annie Curtis, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Panellists include:  Professor Alan Moore, Consultant Geriatrician, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Honorary Clinical Lecturer, RCSI  Professor Norman Delanty, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital, Clinical Investigator with SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, and RCSI Honorary Clinical Professor   Ms Kathleen Farrell, patient advocate for people living with dementia

As part of this discussion, the panel will raise awareness around the key risk factors for heart health, in particular, how menopause affects women’s risk of heart disease and stroke, the role of lifestyle medicine in prevention and specific supports available around maintaining cardiac health and preventing cardiovascular disease.  This episode will be chaired by Dr Sarah Barry, Director of Academic Programmes, Senior Lecturer, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Panelists include: Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin and Chair of Cardiovascular Research, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Robert Kelly, Senior Lecturer, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Consultant Cardiology & Lifestyle Medicine, Beacon Hospital Dublin Dr Una O’Neill, General Practitioner, Mercer’s Medical Centre, and GP trainer on the RCSI GP Training Programme

As part of this discussion, the panel will address the key concerns and worries that parents have around the topic of child nutrition and provide information and practical advice to support healthy growth and development.  This episode will be chaired by Professor Oran D. Kennedy, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI Panelists include: Dr Michael Riordan, Clinical Senior Lecture, RCSI and Consultant in Nephrology, CHI at Temple Street and Crumlin Dr Claire Timon, Lecturer in the School of Population Health, RCSI 

In this episode the panel will address some of the issues we are facing globally with the rise of antibiotic resistance, review new and developing research in this area, and look at prevention and control measures that can be taken to reduce the impact and limit the spread of resistance.  Chair: Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Deputy Head of School of Postgraduate Studies, RCSI,   Speakers: Professor Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Consultant Microbiologist, Beaumont Hospital and Head of Department, Clinical Microbiology, RCSI Dr Caroline McCarthy, General Practitioner and Clinical Lecturer, Department of General Practice, RCSI

In this episode, the panel will address some of the preventative measures, as well as focus on the recent developments in treatments, rehabilitation and the acute care of stroke patients, as well as sharing a personal journey with stroke. Chair: Professor Anne Hickey, Professor of Psychology and Deputy Dean for Positive Education, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Principal Investigator, Post-stroke Cognition Research Group   Speakers: Mr Martin Fahy, iPASTAR PPI champion Professor Frances Horgan, Professor at the School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Professor David Williams, Professor of Stroke Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Beaumont Hospital 

In this episode, researchers from the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences will discuss how parents and caregivers can make the start of the school year a positive experience for children and teenagers.  Chair: Professor Ciaran O'Boyle, Director, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.   Speakers: Dr Jolanta Burke, Senior Lecturer, RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Mary Collins, Chartered Psychologist & Senior Coach Practitioner, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Trudy Meehan, Senior Clinical Psychologist specialising in child and adolescent mental health and lecturer at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

In this episode, our expert panel will discuss the existing and emerging evidence on vaping and what it means for our health. Chair Professor Anne Hickey, Professor of Psychology and Deputy Dean for Positive Education, RCSI Speakers Professor Gerry McElvaney, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, RCSI Professor Donal F. O'Shea, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Chemistry, RCSI Dr Dan Wu, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, RCSI Additional recommended resources and links can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures

This episode explores 'Debunking the Myths: Talking to Teenagers About Sexual Health' – The RCSI led programme providing science based information on sexual and reproductive health to teenagers and their parents. In this episode, the panel will discuss how to find clear and reliable information about sexual and reproductive health that will help both teenagers and parents with this sometimes challenging journey. Chair: Dr Trudy Meehan, Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI Speakers: Professor Fergal D. Malone – Professor and Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RCSI and Consultant Obstetrician, Rotunda Hospital Dublin Dr Zara Molphy – Head of Research Programmes, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RCSI Dr Ronan Daly – Clinical Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RCSI Additional recommended resources and links can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures

In this episode, our panel will continue a conversation started last year, with updates from new evidence and will provide practical ideas and resources to help navigate the menopause transition and post menopause phase of life, including how to manage this transition at work. In February 2022, RCSI aired a MyHealth episode on the menopause called ‘Living Well through Perimenopause and Menopause’. During the episode, our expert panel discussed empowering women to a better menopause experience through increased awareness of their multidisciplinary, evidence-based healthcare and self-care options. In a new second part of this series, we will put a focus on the experience of older women, the longer-term effects of using HRT and equity of access to healthcare, via questions previously submitted from the audience. Panellists Louise Keating (Chair), Physiotherapist and Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy and Co-chair of RCSI Women’s Network  Dr Sumi Dunne, GP and Lecturer, Department of General Practice, RCSI Dr Lisa Mellon, Psychotherapist and Lecturer, Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI  Additional recommended resources and links can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures

In this episode, the panel will discuss the science behind obesity, as well as explore some of the common misconceptions around obesity and stigma, how we think and talk about obesity, and best practices in obesity care delivery. Chair: Dr Oran Kennedy, Lecturer at the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Speakers: Dr Grace O’Malley, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI & and Clinical Lead in the Child & Adolescence Obesity Service at CHI Dr Elaine Byrne, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Deirdre Murphy, volunteer at the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity  Additional recommended resources and links can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures 

This episode of the RCSI MyHealth Series is on the topic of ‘Positive ageing – retiring well’. As part of this discussion, the panel will explore the process of retirement from a psychological aspect and lifestyle medicine perspective, as well as sharing practical tools and strategies to prepare for a successful retirement.      Speakers:   Dr Trudy Meehan, Lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health  Professor Robert Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Medicine, RCSI, and Medical Director Lifestyle Health & WellBeing Consultant Cardiology & Lifestyle Medicine, Beacon Hospital, Dublin    Additional recommended resources and links can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures 

In this MyHealth Series episode, our panel discuss the importance of prioritising young people’s mental health, identifying early warning signs and sharing supports and things we can do to help protect young people’s mental health. This episode is chaired by Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Panelists include: Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Executive Director, Orygen; Professor of Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Professor Mary Cannon, Department of Psychiatry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lisa McCarthy, Third Year Medical Student, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Helen Coughlan, Department of Psychiatry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Additional useful resources shared during this episode can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures

The theme of learning to live well continues in this next instalment of MyHealth. In part 2, our panel show how the remaining three pillars of lifestyle medicine; diet and nutrition, stress reduction and mental health, and harmful substance reduction can help us to make positive changes in our lives to improve our physical and emotional health. This episode is chaired by Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Panelists include: Louise Tully, Researcher at RCSI and Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (UKVRN) Dr Pádraic Dunne, Immunologist, practicing psychotherapist and meditation teacher at the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, RCSI Additional useful resources shared during this episode can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures Recorded November 2021

In this RCSI MyHealth Series episode, our panel of experts provide a broad overview of cancer and address some of those most commonly asked questions about symptoms, risk factors and prevention measures, treatments and preparing for treatment, and the latest in cancer research. This episode is chaired by Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Professor at the Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Panelists include: Professor Patrick Morris, Clinical Director Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Clinical Lead in Medical Oncology Medical Director, Cancer Clinical Trials and Research Unit, RCSI Hospital Group Dr Maeve Mullooly, Senior Research Fellow and Health Research Board Emerging Investigator at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences It was recorded in March 2022.

Learning to live well is the theme of the next two episodes in the MyHealth series. In part 1, a panel of RCSI experts review the lifestyle medicine pillars of physical activity and exercise, healthy relationships and sleep to explore the strategies and tools we can use to improve our physical and emotional health. This episode is chaired by Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Panelists include: Dr Annie Curtis, Senior Lecturer in the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Dr Helen French, Senior Lecturer at the RCSI School of Physiotherapy Dr Trudy Meehan, Lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health Additional useful resources shared during this episode can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures Recorded October 2021

In May 2021, public discourse gathered pace on how perimenopause and menopause was experienced by women in Ireland and their experiences in healthcare. In this RCSI MyHealth Series episode, our expert panel will focus on moving the conversation forward to empower women to a better menopause experience through increased awareness of their person-centred, multidisciplinary, evidence-based healthcare options. This episode is chaired by Professor Tracy Robson, Professor and Head of School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Panelists include: Dr Caoimhe Hartley, GP at Menopause Health and GP Tutor at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Lisa Mellon, Lecturer, Division of Population Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Maeve Whelan, RCSI Alumnus and Practice Associate and Founder at Milltown Physiotherapy Additional useful resources shared during this episode can be found on the RCSI website www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures Recorded February 2021

RCSI MyHealth is a suite of initiatives that provides a trusted and accessible source of information on health and well-being. The series covers health and well-being topics of broad interest to patients, their families and the wider public.  Access to accurate health information is an important resource to empower people with the tools to maintain good health and well-being. The lecture series is open to those who want to learn more about common illnesses and health-related topics directly from healthcare experts.  The series aims to demystify common health concerns by drawing expertise and insight from our team of researchers and international health experts at the cutting-edge of medical and healthcare developments. If you want to learn more about common illnesses and health-related topics directly from healthcare experts, subscribe to the RCSI MyHealth podcast today. For more information on previous MyHealth lecture series events, please visit www.rcsi.com/myhealthlectures