Podcast Episodes
The complete list of all our episodes. Click on each episode to see extensive show notes & unique workbooks. Available on all podcast platforms.
#72: Fiona Bowman - Overcoming Domestic Abuse
Fiona Bowman is a successful businesswoman who has spoken publically about overcoming domestic abuse. Fiona was in an abusive relationship in Scotland and it took her years and the help of her colleagues to flee her abusive partner and start a new life down south. Ever since she has taken every opportunity to speak about domestic abuse and inspire others who may be suffering to believe that things can be better and there is always a way out.
#71: Roisin Kiberd - A Journey Through the Internet
Roisin Kiberd is an author, journalist and internet traveller. This year her book “The Disconnect: A Personal Journey through the internet” was published to widespread acclaim. We asked her on the podcast to discuss some of the big issues we face collectively with the internet and to learn more about Roisin’s personal relationship with the internet and its impact on her physical and mental health. I feel like I say this almost every week but we truly covered a lot in these 90 mins! I hope it flows somewhat coherently and you enjoy the unplanned yet viral Kanye West detour. Roisin’s enthusiasm made this a real pleasure for Seb and me. Be sure to check out Roisin’s book at all good book stores!
#70: Emma Swan - Till Death Do Us Part
In this episode, we to Emma Swan, Tom Swan’s childhood sweetheart and now tragically widow. Emma talks openly about her own struggles watching Tom’s battle with terminal brain cancer, how it affected their relationship for better or worse, her own moments of doubt and fear and what life without Tom looks like going forward. Emma’s bravery, strength and compassion are just some of the reasons why Tom fell in love with her and those characteristics are there for all to see in the podcast! Thank you, Emma.
#69: Jim & Seb - Italia, Ti Amo
In this episode, we talk about Italy and Italian culture and why we are so fond of it all (even if we do recognise that it's not all rosy). Hopefully, you guys enjoy this podcast that has a slightly different rhythm to our usual ones! Grazie!
#68: Rick Yount - Warrior Canine Connection
In this episode, Seb talks to Rick Yount, the founder and creator of the Warrior Canine Connection which is is a pioneering organization that utilizes its Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.
#67: John Tougher - Lessons Learnt From a Grueling 18 Months
This week I was honoured to get my good friend John Tougher back in the hot seat, almost 18 months after his last appearance. A lot has changed since then, and we try to break down what were the key lessons during the emotional time for everyone. We focus on working from home, relationships and difficult conversations which I’m sure will resonate with every listener in one way or another. This conversation was cathartic for both of us and we’d love to hear what you thought.
#66: Kiana Fitzgerald - Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Kiana Fitzgerald is an American journalist, podcaster, DJ, and mental health awareness, advocate. I actually linked with her nearly a year ago after I read her fantastic piece on Kanye West’s public statements surrounding his bipolar diagnosis and how his unveiling of this was important for her own development. Kiana has a very active social media presence which she uses to share her personal experience of bipolar and de-stigmatise non-ordinary states of consciousness. Hearing her take on episodes of mania is something I find fascinating and beautiful and I think many of you will also! She describes these episodes as portals towards a deeper truth, and touching this truth has made her feel closer to God while eradicating a fear of death. Kiana’s honesty around this still misunderstood condition will certainly help expand one’s understanding.
#65: Rose Yavneh Taylor - A Relationship With Grief
Finally, after over a year of rescheduling thanks to COVID we got to sit down and talk to the wonderful Rose Yavneh Taylor about her book “365 days past the traffic lights” and her relationship with grief after her dad passed suddenly due to cancer. Rose has had time to reflect on her father’s passing and what she felt in the moment and subsequently as well as how her feelings have evolved over time. Her book is a great help for anyone going through something similar as it is honest and raw and clearly written by someone who knows grief intimately.
#64: Paul Biddulph - The Importance of Therapy
Paul and Jim come from similar stock, in the sense that a big chunk of their perspective was cultivated over 4 years with the help of the same few lecturers in IADT Dun Laoghaire. Paul is now a practicing counsellor, who holds the majority of his sessions online. During this conversation, we cover the state of Irish mental health services, what Paul would recommend if one is struggling in the midst of these services, along with some of his favourite modes of inquiry and practices that have worked for him and his clients. Paul is a warm soul and it was a true delight having him on.
#63: João Esteves - Social Prescribing
It is becoming increasingly accepted that our environment, our relationships, and our lifestyle have a huge say on our overall health. These are areas where your local GP cannot help so much. This is not a critique, GP’s play a significant role in the community however there are plainly some areas where a prescription or some advice might not have such a big positive impact. Social prescribing has evolved in acknowledgment of this and seeks to help those in our community that do not need medication but rather need connection, exercise, and to feel a part of something bigger. Joao Esteves is Mr. Social Prescribing and a very kind man. Joao spent several years helping the social prescribing movement off the ground in Ireland and now resides in his hometown in Portugal. Here, Joao explains this approach to mental and physical health and provides numerous examples of how it has changed people’s lives. If you want to learn more you can check out the link below and if you’re in Ireland or the UK, ask your GP for some information.
#62: Rhian Mannings MBE - Choosing Life After Death
It’s very rare you come across someone like Rhian. Her ability to speak about death, grief, and bereavement in such an honest and open manner made this difficult conversation profoundly memorable and inspiring. In this hour, Rhian tells us about the passing of her son and husband in the same week, how the initial days and weeks unfolded, and the process of post-traumatic growth which contributed towards the establishment of the bereavement charity 2WishUponAStar. Rhian provides a perspective on bereavement that we haven’t fully explored on the podcast before and certainly facilitated some catharsis for me and I hope for you. We’ve provided links below for Rhian’s charity if you’d like to learn more about her work. We really appreciate Rhian sharing her experience with us.
#61: Grace Ogden - Tales of a Midwife
Join Seb as he talks to his great friend Grace Ogden. Grace grew up with a passion (or a calling) for midwifery and is now a practicing midwife in Lincolnshire. We talk about the ups and downs of such a vital job within the NHS and how she manages life-making decisions and the stress but also the beauty that comes with it.
#60: Dr Stephen Ilardi - How to Overcome Depression
Join the guys as they talk to Dr Stephen Ilardi about overcoming depression without drugs. Dr Stephen Ilardi, is an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas and the author of over 40 professional articles on mental illness, as well as the highly acclaimed book “The Depression Cure”. We talk to Dr Stephen about his 6-step program to beat depression without drugs which can be found in his life-changing book. These simple steps can help you overcome depression or help prevent it if implemented correctly.
#59: Dr Gaétan Chevalier - Earthing; Mother Nature's Cure?
Join the guys as they talk to Dr Gaétan Chevalier about Earthing. Earthing is a fairly recent scientific discovery which basically means that we need to be in direct contact with the Earth’s surface (land or sea). Research shows that connecting to the Earth’s natural energy can improve our health!
#58: Anna Fiona Keogh - Healing Properties of Dance
Anna Fiona Keogh is an experienced dance movement therapist and researcher based in Ireland. In this conversation, we explore how she came across this underground yet emerging field of therapy, how she approaches sessions as well who could benefit from this healing practice.
#57: Erin Herle - Confidence Through Martial Arts
Join Seb as he talks to Erin Herle, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt world champion who is now embarking on her MMA career. Erin talks candidly about how BJJ helped her overcome some struggles she had with her mental health and how it’s a great hobby for people to pick up because the grounding and constant humbling it gives you are great tools for us to enhance our human potential and grow. Erin explains that BJJ can very easily become a way of life as opposed to just a hobby, even if you don’t pursue professional competition, but this is no bad thing, in fact, it’s rather beautiful! Oss!
#56: Mary-Jane Rubenstein - Our Understanding of God and Why it Matters (even for atheists)
GOD.
This word terrifies a lot of young people in the west. It’s certainly a loaded word in Ireland and the UK. This word angers, frustrates, and often generates a response of eye-rolling when it’s mentioned. And with good reason. The monotheistic idea of God that is oh so common around these parts has not stopped Wars, famines, corruption, or heinous immoral acts by those who are apparently closest to or working in the name of this God. Professor of Religion, science in society, feminist, gender and sexuality studies at Weslyn University, Mary Jane Rubinstein is keenly aware of this. Her work encourages us to contemplate redefining what God could be and what that could mean for society and how we interact with the world. What if we saw God disentangled from religious dogma and corruption? There’s so much in this hour and I’m guessing if you clicked play you’re open to hearing a discussion about God that you might not have heard before, so enjoy and please let us know what you think!
#55: Eimear Burke - Druidery & Spiritual Reconnection
This week, Seb and Jim speak with the Druid and Psychologist: Eimear Burke. Druidry is often clouded in misconceptions so we wanted Eimear, who is the current chief of order of Bards Ovates and Druids to clear up some misconceptions and tell us how she found her way into this ancient spiritual tradition. We also cover the Druid relationship with nature and why she believes Druid membership is on the rise. Eimear has had a fascinating life, initially working as a nurse, then learning more about shamanism facilitated a wider, more holistic perspective on wellbeing for her. We often forget that Druidry has steep roots in Ireland and the U.K., and it was a real pleasure having Eimear recount some of this ancient wisdom.
#54: Buck Angel - A Trans Movement Pioneer
In this episode, we talk to Buck Angel, a real pioneer of the trans movement. Buck has called himself a guineapig as he transitioned back when surgeons had no previous experience with such procedures. We talk about dealing with feeling as though he belonged in a boy’s body despite being born a biological female. Working through such complicated feelings is never easy, but it was even harder back in the 60/70/80’s as there was no reference point for Buck. Thankfully this has changed and there are now numerous references, Buck being a key figure, for people going through similar struggles nowadays. We talk about how a therapist helped him come to terms with his identity before he ever considered transitioning medically. Buck also gives his thoughts on the woke movement and how it is inadvertently damaging the very thing it is trying to protect and push forwards. This was a fascinating conversation filled with raw honesty and compassion. Hopefully, this helps people understand what can sometimes be seen as prickly or even dangerous topic for outsiders looking in.
#53: Jennifer Moss - The Burnout Epidemic
In this episode, The Earthly Delights’ duo speak with burnout expert, Jennifer Moss. Jennifer is an award-winning journalist, author and speaker who has a remarkable ability to swim within the nuances of work culture and what gives us greater well-being. During this conversation, we cover the symptoms of burnout, how to recover from burnout and how to avoid it. We also discuss what the impact of the mass move towards working from home is doing to our health and how the future of work can be. Other areas of discussion include: zoom fatigue, being ‘ourselves’ at work, and feeling stuck in our job/career.