The Laura Dowling Experience – Details, episodes & analysis

In this fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation, Laura Dowling sits down with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan, better known as The Boobie Physio, to unpack the hidden physical and emotional impact of breast weight on women’s lives.

From posture and pain to sport, confidence, and hormonal changes, Siobhan reveals why so many women — regardless of cup size — are living with discomfort that’s completely preventable. She explains the science behind breast support, the myths around bra sizing, and how simple changes in alignment can boost everything from performance to self-esteem.

This episode is part education, part revelation — and it might just change how you think about your body forever.

00:00 – Introduction: Who is The Booby Physio?

02:00 – Why posture still matters (and how gravity works against us)

06:00 – Bone health, hormones, and how movement can prevent osteoporosis

09:00 – The hidden weight women carry: breast movement in three planes

13:00 – How breast pain and embarrassment push teenage girls out of sport

17:00 – The psychology of confidence and body awareness

23:00 – Why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size

29:00 – How outdated measuring methods are still being used

35:00 – The physics of breast support: posture, shape, and comfort

43:00 – How to actually fit a bra properly — and why black ones feel tighter

49:00 – Caring for your bras: resting elastic, avoiding fabric softener

55:00 – Asymmetry, teabag tits, and why most lingerie models are wrong

1:00:00 – Why wired bras aren’t the enemy

1:05:00 – The link between back pain, confidence, and breast support

1:10:00 – How the right bra can literally improve your performance

1:15:00 – Final takeaways: lifting women up — physically and emotionally

• Reassess your posture daily — small adjustments make a big difference.
• Get properly fitted for a bra (and don’t add those extra inches!).
• Rotate your bras to let the elastic recover and last longer.
• Think of breast support as part of overall musculoskeletal health.
• Educate daughters, nieces, and teens early — prevention starts young.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura for a funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it was really like being one of the few women in stand-up when she started out.

She talks about the early days of breaking through in a male-dominated industry, finding her own voice, the reality of long-term relationships, raising kids in the age of WhatsApp chaos, and using humour to get through tough times.

This is a brilliant mix of personal stories, cultural insight and big laughs.

00:00 — Pre-chat & setup: A warm, relaxed start as Laura and Deirdre banter about microphones, lighting, and jawlines.

04:00 — Wild beginnings: Boarding school, being part of “the bold gang,” and discovering performance through impersonating teachers and nuns.

06:00 — Acting vs. stand-up: Early love-hate relationship with stand-up and what made it so tough starting out.

08:20 — Women in comedy: Audience groans, breaking barriers, and how social media helped shift the landscape.

11:00 — Self-censorship: Why she avoided certain topics early on — and how that’s changed.

14:00 — Touring life: What it’s really like on the road as a comic, from long drives to late nights.

17:00 — Irish vs. UK audiences: How humour translates across borders and why Irish audiences are special.

20:00 — Long-term relationships: Honest reflections on discomfort, denial, and doing the work over decades together.

23:00 — Expectations in love: Balancing domestic reality with romantic ideals — and keeping individuality.

27:30 — The Magdalene Laundries bit: Taking on a taboo topic and walking a fine line between darkness and humour.

30:00 — Phone bans and stand-up: How comics protect their material from leaking online.

33:00 — Comedy as a lifeline: How stand-up kept her family afloat when her husband was ill.

36:00 — Motherhood & identity: Returning to stand-up after kids and why motherhood fuelled her next show.

43:00 — Modern motherhood rant: Emails, WhatsApp groups, class reps, and why it’s all too much.

48:00 — Quick fire: Worst gig ever, sharing the stage, favourite punchlines, and industry reflections.

53:00 — Politics & culture: A candid take on the current Irish political climate and cultural shifts.

• Women in comedy & gender barriers
• Finding your comedic voice
• Long-term relationships & emotional honesty
• Modern motherhood and social pressures
• Comedy as both art and survival
• Cultural change in Ireland & beyond

• Courage comes with craft — pushing boundaries can create powerful cultural moments.
• Honesty in relationships matters — even the uncomfortable parts.
• Women’s voices in comedy are no longer the exception.
• Modern motherhood comes with too many expectations — and laughter helps cut through the noise.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.

Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming

03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis

04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life

06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education

09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy

11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work

13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness

15:24 Autism Friendly Communities

21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis

26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals

28:39 Resources and Future Plans

29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support

30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism

30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives

34:43 Mental Health and Autism

35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare

39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism

41:27 Financial Strain on Families

43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends

44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism

46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism

47:58 Genetics and Autism

48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+

51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy

53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress

54:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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Find out how Lucy went from overwhelmed “yes girl” to helping corporate female leaders to create better balance, success, and true inner happiness. 


The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you today by fabÜ FOCUS BRAIN. 

Find your FOCUS and get the job done by feeding your brain! For superwomen & supermen 🦸🏻‍♀️ 🦸🏼‍♂️ 

fabÜ FOCUS BRAIN is based on the edible mushroom Lion’s mane, blended with amino acids and vitamins. Lion’s mane mushroom has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine for brain health,  cognitive function, memory & concentration. This blend supports mental performance, psychological function and can reduce tiredness and fatigue.

🧬 L-tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in the synthesis of essential proteins within the human body. 

⚙️Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter that plays a role in brain functions such as memory and muscle function such as muscle contraction. 

✨Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant. It is a small molecule which easily crosses the blood brain barrier and has been studied for its protective effects on the brain and neural tissue. 

🤓Vitamin B5 contributes to normal mental performance

🤯Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function

😴Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal functioning of the nervous system

🍄 By incorporating the Lion’s mane mushroom extract into your routine, you can tap into the time-honored wisdom of ancient medicinal practices while embracing the cutting-edge insights of contemporary research.

Available on www.fabuwellness.com and pharmacies & health food stores nationwide.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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Back due to popular demand, my good pal Kevin is here with us to share his humour, wisdom and insights!

The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN GLOW.

Radiate Beauty from Within with fabÜ SKIN GLOW

Based on the edible mushroom Reishi and blended with vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and zinc, fabÜ SKIN GLOW was developed to nourish your skin from the inside out and defy oxidative stress.  This supplement supports normal collagen formation, skin function, cell division and protects skin cells from oxidative stress using a range of potent ingredients.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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TW- this podcast discusses sexual assault which some listeners may find upsetting. 

 As well as being a fantastic comedian Kyla is a truly beautiful soul.  I am so honoured to have sat down with her to listen to her story- from feeling stupid in school to riding the highs of the comedy circuit.  Kyla is one of a kind and full of wisdom.

 The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX- a beautiful blend of premium grade botanicals with magnesium and B vitamins for stress relief, calm and a more restful sleep. Formulated and developed by Laura Dowling, fabulous pharmacist. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com. 

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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An inspirational, profound conversation with Norah. We talked about life, love and her business career. There are learnings for everybody in this one!

The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN GLOW.

Radiate Beauty from Within with fabÜ SKIN GLOW

Based on the edible mushroom Reishi and blended with vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and zinc, fabÜ SKIN GLOW was developed to nourish your skin from the inside out and defy oxidative stress.  This supplement supports normal collagen formation, skin function, cell division and protects skin cells from oxidative stress using a range of potent ingredients.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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Did you know that you can access safe surgeries in Spain , paid for and vetted by the HSE,  if you can’t access affordable surgery in a timely manner in Ireland? 

Well, neither did I , until my friend Paul Byrne had his surgery. Here we discuss the ins and outs, the dos and don’ts of the EU Cross Border Directive.

Believe me , you will not want to miss this.

The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX- a beautiful blend of premium grade botanicals with magnesium and B vitamins for stress relief, calm and a more restful sleep. Formulated and developed by Laura Dowling, fabulous pharmacist. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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One of my favourite podcasts to date.  A wonderful conversation with former Tánaiste Mary Harney.  Mary spent 17 years in government and served as Tánaiste for no less than 9 years, became the first woman to lead a political party in Ireland and held many important ministerial portfolios.  She was also notably the longest serving female Government minister and TD in the state's history.

The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN GLOW.

Radiate Beauty from Within with fabÜ SKIN GLOW

Based on the edible mushroom Reishi and blended with vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and zinc, fabÜ SKIN GLOW was developed to nourish your skin from the inside out and defy oxidative stress.  This supplement supports normal collagen formation, skin function, cell division and protects skin cells from oxidative stress using a range of potent ingredients.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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

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Join consultant dermatologist, Prof. Nicola Ralph and myself as we talk about melanoma, how to actually protect your skin from sun damage, the best treatment for acne and rosacea , hair loss and thinning ,fungal infections, anti ageing  (or pro ageing!) treatments and a whole lot more!

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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