The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy – Details, episodes & analysis

Delighted to have Neil Prendeville as the very first person to feature on my podcast. For anyone who knows my story, you might guess why Neil was such an important choice. He gave me my first break in radio — and later, when I needed it most, a second chance.

This episode sets the tone for The Comeback — sharing my story through an open, honest conversation with someone who’s played a key part in it. Neil brings a depth and warmth that captures what this podcast is all about.

[00:00:00] – Intro

[00:01:00] – Rock bottom & job loss

[00:04:00] – Public relapse

[00:08:00] – Childhood patterns

[00:12:00] – Early recovery

[00:20:00] – Career rebuild

[00:24:00] – Relapse & denial

[00:26:00] – Gratitude & mindset

[00:30:00] – Running & sobriety

[00:32:00] – Grief & resilience

[00:36:00] – Family & independence

[00:40:00] – Self-worth & closure

Instagram: @brendasbits

Contact: thecomebackpod@gmail.com

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

In this episode I’m joined by the incredible Ashling Thompson, a GAA camogie star with six All-Ireland titles and four All-Stars to her name. Ashling is one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport.

In this conversation, Ashling opens up about her journey, including hitting rock bottom at just 19, experiencing coercive control, losing a close friend to suicide, and captaining Cork to an All-Ireland victory just a year after facing these challenges. Ashling also shares her personal story of facing rock bottom again in 2019 after an incident on a night out, and how she picked herself up to play the best camogie of her career at 35.

This episode is a testament to Ashling’s unbreakable spirit. I left this conversation feeling on top of the world, and I’m sure you will too.

Trigger warning: Death by suicide, grief and coercive control.

[00:00:00] – Intro & childhood

[00:03:00] – First rock bottom

[00:06:00] – Abusive relationships

[00:10:00] – Substance use & control

[00:13:00] – Suicidal thoughts & escape

[00:16:00] – Recovery through sport

[00:19:00] – Partner’s suicide

[00:23:00] – Support from Frankie

[00:26:00] – Cork captaincy & media

[00:30:00] – Mental health advocacy

[00:34:00] – Second rock bottom

[00:38:00] – Acceptance & forgiveness

[00:41:00] – Social media break

[00:44:00] – Comeback & focus

[00:47:00] – Final reflections

If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode — including abuse, mental health struggles, or suicidal thoughts — please know you’re not alone.

You can reach out to Pieta for free, 24/7 support in Ireland:

📞 Call 1800 247 247

💬 Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

🌐 Visit www.pieta.ie for more information

Pieta provides professional support for those in crisis and for anyone impacted by suicide.

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

The Comeback with… Nicola Fitzgerald

This week, I sit down with the incredible Nicola Fitzgerald, also known as All Things Dogs and Home on Instagram. Nicola’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation.

At just 16, she rebelled, turning to drugs, and became a teen mother. Her journey led her to become addicted to heroin. Despite the hardships, Nicola’s amazing mother, Sally, never gave up on her, and her grandmother, Peggy, helped her wean off heroin to get into treatment.

Now, a proud mother of 6, Nicola has dedicated her life to her kids. She is a qualified personal trainer, care assistant, and thriving content creator. She has been sober for 17 years and considers herself lucky, as she reflects on how many of the people she used to be with have sadly passed away.

Nicola’s inspiring story is a testament to strength, determination, and the power of family.

You can follow her journey on Instagram at @all_things_kids_dogs_and_home

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Nicola’s early life and teenage rebellion

06:00 – Her descent into addiction and becoming a teen mum

15:00 – Hitting rock bottom and losing custody

25:00 – Treatment, relapse, and recovery

35:00 – The turning point: a call to her grandmother

40:00 – Life in Coolmine Recovery Centre

47:00 – Life today: motherhood, sobriety, and purpose

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, here are some confidential support services in Ireland:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Ireland

📞 Phone: +353 1 842 0700

🌐 Website: alcoholicsanonymous.ie

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Ireland

📞 Helpline: 1800 624 262

🌐 Website: na-ireland.org

Pieta House – Suicide and self-harm support

📞 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247

📱 Text ‘HELP’ to: 51444

🌐 Website: pieta.ie

Instagram: @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

This week I am joined by Christine Kavanagh, a mother from Cork who has lived through the unimaginable - losing four sons, three of them to drug-related causes.

In January of this year, Christine lost two of her sons, Dillon and Damien, just fifteen days apart. They were laid to rest in a double funeral - one open coffin, one closed. Another son, Leon, died of a heroin overdose in 2021. Her pain is immeasurable, but Christine has chosen to speak out, not stay silent.

In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, Christine shares her story of grief, addiction, and resilience. She opens up about the devastating impact of heroin addiction, the lack of mental health support, and the urgent need for harm reduction services like supervised injection centres in Ireland - services she believes could have saved her sons.

We also talk about her ongoing strength: returning to work just three days after her sons' funeral, raising her grandchildren, and becoming an advocate for overdose prevention and addiction recovery.

Christine’s voice is one of love, pain, and fierce determination - and her story is one I will never forget.

This episode is dedicated to Dillon, Damien, Leon, and Ross.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mill Confectionery - Handmade Irish cakes and treats, established in Cork over 40 years ago. Christine shared how their team went above and beyond while catering her sons’ funeral - a gesture she’ll never forget. You can find them on Instagram: @oldmillconfectionary

[00:00:28] – This Pain Will Never Leave Me

[00:01:26] – Why I Keep Going for My Family

[00:01:54] – Losing Ross to Epilepsy

[00:03:13] – Leon’s Struggle With Addiction

[00:08:34] – Campaigning for an Injection Centre

[00:25:06] – Two Sons Buried Together

[00:24:03] – They Were Sick, Not Bad

[00:21:27] – Helping a Stranger on the Street

[00:22:09] – Flashbacks and Street Advocacy

[00:30:01] – If I Can Save One Family

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

This week, I’m joined by Nicola Guilfoyle, a 40-year-old mum of three from Clonmel who’s lived through more than most - addiction in the family, the loss of her mother, brother, and father, and her own struggles with grief, mental health, and struggling with her weight.

We talk about childhood trauma, losing her brother just weeks before giving birth, and saying goodbye to her dad - her best friend - after he died from sepsis.

Nicola shares what it’s like to raise a child with autism, lose nearly 13 stone, and train for two marathons - all while navigating deep loss. 

This episode is about bereavement, autism, addiction, weight loss, and finding your way through the darkest days.

This week’s sponsor is AutismCare — an Irish organisation offering neuroaffirming assessments and lifelong supports, co-designed with Autistic individuals. Their team is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and genuine inclusion. You can visit them at autismcare.ie.

00:00 – Intro: grief, addiction, autism  

01:15 – Brother’s addiction  

03:15 – Mum’s cancer diagnosis  

06:30 – Christmas family conflict  

09:25 – Brother’s death  

14:00 – Autism diagnosis journey  

19:30 – Dad’s sudden illness  

25:50 – Coping with loss  

30:10 – Marathon training  

32:00 – Weight loss + sobriety

If you're struggling with grief, addiction, mental health, or family trauma, here are some trusted Irish support services you can contact:

- **Pieta House** – Support for suicide, self-harm, and bereavement  

 📞 1800 247 247 (24/7)  

 🌐 [www.pieta.ie](https://www.pieta.ie)

- **HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline** – Free, confidential advice and support  

 📞 1800 459 459  

 📧 helpline@hse.ie  

 🌐 [www.drugs.ie](https://www.drugs.ie)

- **Samaritans Ireland** – 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress  

 📞 116 123 (Free)  

 🌐 [www.samaritans.ie](https://www.samaritans.ie)

- **Aware** – Support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder  

 📞 1800 80 48 48  

 🌐 [www.aware.ie](https://www.aware.ie)

- **Family Carers Ireland** – Support for people caring for loved ones  

 📞 1800 24 07 24  

 🌐 [www.familycarers.ie](https://www.familycarers.ie)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available. ❤️

You can follow Nicola here: orangenic_life_fun_food

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

This week, I’m joined by someone whose courage, honesty, and strength will stay with you long after the episode ends — Dessie Fitzgerald.

In 2011, Dessie’s world was turned upside down by a spinal cord injury, paralysis, and the loss of his brother. But instead of giving up, he chose to rebuild. Today, he’s a life coach, motivational speaker, and a powerful voice on resilience, healing, and purpose.

- Mental health and depression

- Life after a spinal cord injury

- Grief, trauma, and recovery

- Finding peace and post-traumatic growth

- How Dessie now supports others as a coach

Dessie’s story is full of honesty and hope - and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward.

More about Dessie: dessiefitzgerald.com

This episode is proudly sponsored by Queen B Athletics

Premium sportswear for women.

A sustainable Cork brand and proud partners of Cork Camogie and Hockey Ireland.

Follow them on Instagram at @queenBathletics.

And if you ever need help or have a question, just drop them a message -

Customer service is their obsession, and they genuinely love to help.

[00:01:00] – Childhood & Hurling

[00:07:30] – Mike’s Death

[00:10:50] – Life-Changing Injury

[00:15:40] – First Signs of Movement

[00:20:30] – Wedding Goal

[00:25:30] – Depression & Struggle

[00:29:45] – James’ Death

[00:34:00] – Rock Bottom

[00:36:45] – Breakthrough Workshop

[00:41:00] – Coaching Journey

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

This week on the podcast, Rio Fennell’s incredible journey is told through the eyes of his amazing mother, Melanie O’Sullivan - a story of a 7-year-old boy’s fight against a brain tumour, and the love that carried them through it.

When Rio began showing symptoms, they were dismissed as “probably viral.” But Melanie’s instincts told her something more serious was going on. She trusted her gut, kept pushing for answers - and she was right.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, we talk about:

• The early brain tumour symptoms in children that often go unnoticed
• Why parental instinct can be life-saving
• Rio’s journey through proton beam therapy, stem cell transplant, and countless MRI scans
• Life inside Crumlin Children’s Hospital and the strength required to keep going
• The emotional toll of chemo hair loss and the reality of pausing your life to support your child
• How Melanie stood by Rio’s side through every test, treatment and sleepless night

This is a powerful story about a mother’s love and instinct. A reminder that even when the odds feel overwhelming, determination, hope, and connection can shine through.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now

ADHD Now is an online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. They empower people with fast, affordable access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support.

To learn more or to book your own assessment, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro: Meet Mel & setting the context for Rio’s story

[00:02:00] – First symptoms: Rio’s headaches, vomiting & GP visits

[00:07:30] – Mel’s gut feeling & fears of a tumour

[00:12:00] – Hospital visit & pushing for further tests

[00:17:00] – The diagnosis: tumour detected on MRI

[00:22:00] – Emergency transfer to Dublin & worsening condition

[00:30:00] – Tumour type revealed & start of treatment plan

[00:36:00] – Chemotherapy, stem cells & surgery journey

[00:45:00] – Ringing the bell, coming home & epilepsy scare

[00:52:00] – Life after treatment: recovery, school, and moving forward

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

This week on The Comeback, I sit down with Andy Goulding - a champion marathon runner, devoted husband and son, and someone whose story of addiction and recovery will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

Five years ago, Andy’s life was turned upside down by a crippling cocaine addiction that nearly cost him his life. In a moment that can only be described as miraculous, he survived - and today, he shares his raw, honest, and powerful story of what it took to rebuild.

Andy opens up about:

* Spending over a decade in denial that his drug use was destroying his life

* The terrifying moment he experienced psychosis

* How his father had to step in, bail him out, and beg him to get help

* The pain his addiction caused to those around him -especially his wife Sarah, who spent weeks alone during Covid while Andy sought treatment

* His time in rehab at Cuan Mhuire and what true recovery looks like

Now clean and thriving, Andy’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the power of choosing to live.

Whether you’ve struggled with addiction, depression, or simply want to hear an inspiring comeback, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode is proudly sponsored by AND Hair & Co, a vibrant salon in Glanmire run by best friends Aoife McGrath and Donna Kelleher. With over 15 years of experience, they opened the salon they always dreamed of in 2019 after returning home from Australia.

📲 Book via Instagram: @andhairnco or call +353 21 482 2545

[00:00:00] – Childhood, hurling, and identity

[00:04:30] – Losing direction after leaving sport

[00:07:45] – First experience with cocaine and early use

[00:12:30] – Descent into addiction and financial struggles

[00:17:10] – Relationship strain and denial of problem

[00:21:50] – Suicide attempt and rescue in Limerick

[00:28:00] – Entering psychiatric care and accepting help

[00:32:40] – 20 weeks in treatment and early recovery

[00:39:00] – Running, relapse fears, and building a new identity

[00:44:50] – Reflections on rock bottom, gratitude, and final message

• Samaritans Ireland – Free 24/7 emotional support
• 📞 Call 116 123
• 🌐 samaritans.ie
• Drugs.ie – Support, info & treatment options
• 🌐 www.drugs.ie
• 📧 Email: support@drugs.ie
• HSE Addiction Services – Find local treatment services
• 🌐 www.hse.ie/services/addiction
• Narcotics Anonymous Ireland
• 📞 Call 01 672 8000
• 🌐 www.na-ireland.org

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Natasha O’Byrne, or as she’s fondly known, Tasha - a 25-year-old mum of two from Cork who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

Tasha shares her powerful story of facing cancer as a young mother, after losing her own mum to cancer at just 46. She is now the third generation in her family to be diagnosed, and her courage and clarity shine through as she opens up about life in the midst of treatment.

* The early symptoms that were missed

* Life with cancer as a young mum in her 20s

* The physical and emotional toll of chemo side effects

* The importance of mental health and staying strong

* A family history of genetic cancer

* Her incredible fundraising work for the Irish Cancer Society

Tasha has also organised the upcoming Concert for Hope, taking place at Cork City Hall on July 30, headlined by country star Nathan Carter - all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Tickets are available now at eventbrite.ie - just search “Concert for Hope Cork” or follow the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concert-for-cancer-nathan-carter-tickets-1361732441389?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro & Tasha’s powerful email

[00:03:00] – Family cancer history & early exposure

[00:07:00] – Losing her mum during COVID

[00:12:00] – Diagnosis & hearing the word ‘cancer’

[00:18:00] – Staying positive for her kids

[00:24:00] – First scan results & mindset shift

[00:29:00] – Gratitude & daily routines

[00:33:00] – Chemo days & support on the ward

[00:38:00] – Advice for the newly diagnosed

[00:42:00] – Concert for Cancer & giving back

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Email: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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

In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Cole, a special education teacher from Carrigaline whose life changed overnight after a classroom assault left her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – one of the world’s most painful and incurable conditions.

Sophie opens up about living with chronic nerve pain, the trauma of PTSD, and the many surgeries she’s endured – from spinal cord stimulators to discussions around amputation. Just nine weeks before her wedding, she underwent major surgery, spending her recovery in bed while preparing to walk down the aisle. Through it all, her husband Shane has been a rock of support.

I’m in awe of Sophie’s strength and resilience – despite everything, she continues to push forward and advocate for change. She also shares how her Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy, has helped her cope on the hardest days.

Sophie speaks so openly about the isolation of dealing with an invisible illness, the lack of disability support, and the broken system around public sector sick leave and state benefits in Ireland.

Her story is powerful, painful, and important - please give this one a listen and share.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

[00:00:00] – Intro & Sophie’s background

[00:01:00] – Dream job & the classroom incident

[00:04:00] – Perfect life before the injury

[00:06:00] – Diagnosis: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

[00:10:00] – Realising it’s lifelong

[00:12:00] – Financial shock & campaign begins

[00:16:00] – Living with chronic pain

[00:20:00] – Petition, politics & slow progress

[00:24:00] – Treatment setbacks & pre-wedding crisis

[00:30:00] – The wedding & resilience

[00:33:00] – Career loss & grief

[00:36:00] – Love, support & future hope

[00:40:00] – Final message: you will get through it

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

👉 Follow Sophie at @special_education_muinteoir

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