The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between compassion and accountability.A raw and honest conversation about life on the other side of addiction.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.If you’d like to share your story anonymously, emailthecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything seemed complete.But behind closed doors, her world was falling apart.Betrayal. Narcissistic abuse. The fear of her child facing life-changing disabilities.And then, in the middle of it all - a breast cancer diagnosis.This is a raw and powerful story of heartbreak, survival, and finding strength when you have nothing left.If this episode resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit subscribe, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023.After major surgery and intensive treatment, Leona was told in 2025 that her cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.In this episode, she speaks about the moment everything changed, the heartbreak, and the reality of living with a diagnosis that should never have happened.Now on a trial drug that is already showing signs of working, her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls.Daragh speaks openly about living with depression without realising it, describing a time when he felt completely numb and thought that was normal.A deeply emotional part of the conversation focuses on the loss of his best friend, Erbie, and how that moment changed his life, becoming a turning point that led him to speak more openly about mental health through his writing.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.Visit adhdnow.com for more.

Cork TikTok creator Richie Herlihy (Richie’s Food and Nature) joins Brenda for a powerful and honest conversation about the reality behind his viral food reviews.Richie opens up about the recent devastating loss of his close friend Ryan Dunphy, learning about his death while he himself was in hospital. He also clears up online rumours about his health and explains what really happened.Richie also speaks openly about his gambling addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the road to recovery.We also revisit the controversy around his Electric Picnic food truck and the realities of running a food business at major festivals.A raw, emotional and eye opening episode that reveals the real Richie behind the viral videos.The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival, March 21st at St Luke’s. Limited tickets available here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331🎧 Sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. Visit adhdnow.com.

This week, I sit down with Danny Buckley for a powerful and honest conversation about grief, addiction and recovery.Raised in Knocknaheeny on Cork’s northside, Danny shares the unimaginable loss of his wife Simone, his childhood sweetheart, and how her final words changed the way he lives his life today.From heartbreak came purpose, leading Danny to understand his own ADHD and create ADHD Now, helping others access the support he once struggled to find.A story of loss, resilience and learning how to live again.The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s bonus episode tells an extraordinary story that unfolds in a matter of hours.Eimir Burke had no idea she was pregnant until the day she gave birth. Having previously been told she had polycystic ovaries, she believed having children might not be possible. There were no obvious signs, and everything felt completely normal, until sudden pain led to a scan that changed everything.By the end of that same day, her life had completely changed.Eimir sat down with me in London to share a raw and emotional account of shock, disbelief, and becoming a mum overnight to her daughter Harriett.🎟️ The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I sit down with Irish comedian Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly for a powerful and honest conversation.Best known for his comedy, online sketches, and appearances on Hardy Bucks, Stephen has built a strong following across stand-up, live shows, and social media. In this episode, he goes beyond the laughs to share a much deeper story.Stephen speaks openly about nearly dying three times, including suffering a heart attack in his twenties and collapsing with a bleed to the brain. He reflects on being rushed to ICU, being medically dead, and the moments that forced him to reassess his life and priorities.This episode explores survival, resilience, and the mindset required to come back when everything is on the line.A very big thank you to Legacy Studios for hosting the recording of this episode.🎧 Proudly sponsored by ADHD Now. For ADHD assessment and support across Ireland, visit adhdnow.com.🎟️ The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. You can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Comeback, I sit down with Jason Byrne.Jason grew up in Ballymun, Dublin, and first encountered drugs at 16. What began as curiosity escalated and shaped many years of his life. Now almost three years sober, he reflects honestly on addiction, recovery, and change.Jason is the founder of Rise Above It, a community built around movement, connection, and support through running, hiking, and sea dips. We talk about why recovery is something you do together, not alone.Despite the seriousness of the topic, there is warmth, humour, and real joy throughout this episode.The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All good things, in time.Some returns look different than departures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Year can be a difficult time.In this special episode, I revisit the final three questions I ask every guest on the podcast. Not the polished answers, but the honest ones. The words shaped by grief, addiction, illness, loss, recovery, and survival.This episode opens with a tribute to Natasha O’Byrne, who passed away last week. Natasha was one of the very first people to reach out when this podcast launched, and her words felt especially important to share at the start of a new year.What follows are reflections from guests across the year, offering perspective, resilience, and hope. This episode is a reminder that no matter how heavy things feel, there is always a comeback.This episode contains themes of mental health, addiction, suicide, and grief. Please listen with care.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. For ADHD assessment or support, visitadhdnow.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with Timmy Long, whose story of addiction and recovery left the room in silence when he shared it at my live show in November.Timmy grew up in poverty on the north side of Cork City and experienced trauma from a young age. Years later, he fell into addiction and soon after served time in prison. While incarcerated, he received devastating news that his mother had died, a moment that became the turning point in his recovery journey.What followed were years of hard work and healing. Timmy learned to read and write in his thirties, committed to sobriety, and rebuilt his life. Today, he is a father, a husband, and a man deeply proud of who he has become.This is a raw, honest conversation about addiction, trauma, prison, recovery, and hope.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now - the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.The Comeback Live returns on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at St Luke’s following the success of my sold out show in November. It will be another night of honest conversations, powerful stories, and real hope. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and the link in my social media bio.Timestamps01:44 - Welcome & The Impact of Timmy's Live Show Appearance04:42 - Growing Up in Holly Hill: Poverty, Violence & No Father Figure09:57 - The Moment I Emotionally Shut Down as a Child11:37 - Wanting to Die at Six Years Old15:45 - Finding Drugs & Alcohol: Feeling Alive for the First Time23:15 - Relapse at 19 & Years of Chaotic Addiction32:40 - My Mother's Death While I Was in Prison38:52 - The Breakthrough: When I Stopped Fighting My Thoughts46:16 - Learning to Read & Write in Prison at 3658:58 - Final Questions: Advice for Anyone Who Feels They'll Never Make It OutConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of you will know her as Sarah Burke, now Sarah O’Connor after marrying the love of her life, Keith. Her road to happiness was anything but simple.In this episode, Sarah opens up about calling off her wedding six weeks before the date, going through IVF, and experiencing a devastating miscarriage. She also talks about the horrific trolling she faced and, for the first time, reads the threatening letter that was sent to her sister’s salon.Sarah reflects on her mental health journey, counselling, grief after losing Nana Betty, and the fear that came with her father Kieran’s end of life heart failure diagnosis. Today, she is happily married and a mum to three beautiful children, including her miracle babies Isabella and Gabbie.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction & first meeting Sarah on 96 FM[00:01:40] – Weight loss journey & "Fat to Fab" Facebook page in Australia[00:05:13] – How social media culture around weight has changed[00:05:59] – Growing up on Cork's North side[00:08:01] – Moving to Australia & ending long-term relationship[00:10:49] – Learning self-worth through therapy[00:13:27] – Falling pregnant with Luke & starting Slimming World business[00:14:11] – Calling off wedding 6 weeks before the date[00:17:54] – Meeting Keith on Tinder during lockdown[00:21:52] – Online trolling & forum posts nearly ending relationship[00:26:36] – Starting IVF journey for second child[00:29:17] – Discovering miscarriage at 14-week scan[00:30:48] – Losing baby Jack & burying him at Nanny Betty's grave[00:35:10] – Dealing with cruel comments about miscarriage[00:37:50] – D&C procedure leading to miracle pregnancy with Isabella[00:41:22] – Pregnancy news leaked before telling family[00:44:51] – Nanny Betty's final days in Marymount hospice[00:49:29] – Getting married in Lanzarote with 101 guests[00:51:10] – Receiving threatening letter 8 weeks before wedding[00:59:45] – How Keith dealt with the harassment[01:02:46] – Why giving up isn't an option (for the kids)[01:03:21] – Surprise pregnancy with Gabby[01:06:47] – Dad's cancer diagnosis & heart failure[01:11:30] – Living with dad's end-of-life prognosis[01:13:24] – Final reflections on happiness & self-worthConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.