Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, nature, bardic storytelling, performing.My guest this week is musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic, who many of you will know online as 'Smalltown Seanchaí'.The son of the late writer and folklorist Eddie Stack, Aindrias grew up immersed in stories. But this conversation isn't simply about where he comes from, it's about the life he's lived.We talk about his childhood, his parents' separation, his struggles with alcohol and addiction, and what it has taken to reach 20 years of sobriety. He speaks openly about receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, his mental health, and how gardening, growing his own food and reconnecting with nature have become central to his wellbeing.And along the way, we explore the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition, the importance of play, creativity and finding flow.Please note: This episode contains personal experiences and opinions relating to ADHD, mental health, addiction and recovery. Any discussion around medication, herbs or other approaches reflects Aindrias' personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice.To connect with Aindrias, you can find him on Instagram :Aindrias de Staic (@smalltownseanchai) • Instagram photos and videosSupport :If anything discussed in this episode has affected you, or if you're struggling with your mental health or addiction, support is available.Ireland• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) or visit www.samaritans.ie• Pieta – Call 1800 247 247, text HELP to 51444, or visit www.pieta.ie• Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland – www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie• HSE Mental Health Services – www.yourmentalhealth.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered include:​ Alcoholism​, domestic violence​, hypervigilance​, compassion​, motherhood​, self-abandonment​, being a carer​, death and loss​, grief​, faith​, spirituality​, forgiveness​, love​, safety​, self-worth​, self-sabotage​, overwhelm​, healing​.This week I'm joined by Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Executive Coach and founder of The Navigation Coach, Tara Rafter.Tara lives in Mayo with her husband Kevin and their son Kai.In this deeply honest conversation, Tara shares the story of her childhood growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence. She speaks candidly about the hypervigilance she developed from a young age, the lasting impact those experiences had on her life, and the remarkable compassion she holds for her father despite the challenges her family faced.Tara's story is one of resilience, but also of love, forgiveness and understanding. She reflects on her relationship with both of her parents, who died far too young. Her father passed away at the age of 58, while her beloved mother​, who was her anchor throughout life​, lived with COPD for several years before she died.We also explore motherhood, self-abandonment, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm​ and what it means to truly feel safe in yourself.Alongside the more difficult chapters, this conversation is full of warmth and humour. Tara talks about her love of music​ and heading off to gigs on her own, her deep faith and the practices that have helped her navigate life's challenges.You can connect with Tara here:Website: thenavigationcoach.comEmail: tara@thenavigationcoach.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is aimed at parents of young children through to preteens and I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). For context, I have two children as well, Cathal (8.5) and Clíodhna (4), so this conversation felt particularly relevant.Debbie first joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply, for me personally and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.This is Debbie’s third time on the pod, and in this episode we delve into all things kids and toys. What supports healthy development, the importance of aggressive play in childhood, which toys need clear boundaries around them…and one personal rule she stands firmly by: no unsupervised YouTube.Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™ (Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach, a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.You can join their parenting hub, you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.If you enjoy what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.Go raibh míle maith agat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.