The Long Way Back

In this episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Cork's own satirist extraordinaire, Tadhg Hickey! Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless storytelling, Tadhg joins us for a raw and deeply insightful conversation about the journey of recovery and self-discovery.Topics we dive into: 🌟 The transformative power of the 12 steps 🙌 Surrendering to a Higher Power 😌 Finding relief from character defects 😓 Navigating the pain of spiritual growth 🤝 Letting go of ego and the trap of people-pleasingTadhg brings his trademark humor and honesty as we explore the tools that have helped him, and countless others, find peace and purpose. If you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or just a fresh perspective on the recovery journey, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support the pod! #Recovery #Satire #SpiritualGrowth #Podcast #TadhgHickey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Dave Kennedy! 🚜🌱 Dave is not just a personal development coach but also a farming advocate and a passionate supporter of mental and physical health.Dave shares his remarkable weight loss journey, offering insights into the challenges and victories that come with transforming one’s life. From shedding pounds to building resilience, he reveals how he turned personal struggles into a mission to help others thrive.We also dive deep into the connection between farming and well-being, discussing how life on the land can nurture both mind and body. 🌾 Whether you’re on your own health journey or seeking motivation to push through obstacles, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartfelt inspiration.🎧 Tune in for a powerful discussion on growth, grit, and finding your way back to the best version of yourself. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the message of hope and transformation!#WeightLossJourney #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #FarmingAdvocate #TheLongWayBackPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Ollie O’Regan from Skibbereen, West Cork, to explore his incredible journey of survival, self-discovery, and growth. Ollie shares raw and unfiltered stories from his youth, navigating the challenges of growing up in a small town, and the impact of a system lacking education around cannabis and its safe usage.Together, we dive into:The medical and therapeutic potential of cannabis, including CBD and THC.Mental health and well-being in the context of addiction, recovery, and personal growth.The emerging world of functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, and their role in mental clarity and resilience.Profound experiences with psychedelic mushrooms and ayahuasca, and the spiritual journeys they can unlock.Ollie’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of knowledge, and the transformative power of alternative therapies. Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, personal growth, or just looking for a story of hope and healing, this conversation is not to be missed.Tune in for an episode filled with heart, wisdom, and insights that might just change the way you see the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of *The Long Way Back*, Kevin Clancy, an esteemed sports psychologist with over 15 years of experience, delves into the transformative role psychology plays in enhancing athletic performance. Kevin's background, rooted in the world of psychology from a young age due to his psychotherapist parents, allows him to take a holistic approach to sports psychology. His expertise spans not only supporting athletes and teams but also guiding parents to ensure that children's involvement in sports remains focused on enjoyment, growth, and development, rather than pressure and achievement.One of the key points Kevin raises is the importance of balancing competitiveness with personal growth. He emphasizes that many parents may inadvertently place too much pressure on their children, which can detract from the core values of sports—fun, learning, and resilience. His approach encourages parents to foster a positive, supportive environment, where children are motivated by self-improvement rather than external validation.Kevin’s work with championship teams, Olympic athletes, and even global organizations underscores the value of psychology in achieving peak performance. He stresses that psychological resilience, leadership, and effective communication are just as critical as physical skills in achieving success, whether on the playing field or in life.The Role of Mindfulness in Sports PsychologyMindfulness plays a significant role in Kevin’s approach, as he integrates it into the training and development of athletes. In high-pressure sports environments, athletes often face stress and anxiety, which can hinder performance. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment, helps athletes cultivate mental clarity and emotional regulation.Through mindfulness techniques, athletes can learn to manage distractions, maintain focus, and recover quickly from setbacks, whether it’s a missed shot or a loss. By staying present, athletes can also tap into the “flow state,” a psychological condition where performance is optimized, and they are fully immersed in their activity. This approach is especially valuable not only for elite athletes but also for young athletes learning how to cope with the mental demands of competition.Team Dynamics and LeadershipIn addition to individual performance, Kevin focuses heavily on team dynamics. Successful teams are built on trust, communication, and shared goals, all of which can be improved through psychological strategies. Leadership is another critical area where psychology plays a pivotal role. Kevin works with both coaches and athletes to develop leadership skills that foster a positive team culture. By applying psychological principles, teams can improve not just their physical strategies but also their mental cohesion.Donal Clifford’s PerspectivePanelist Donal Clifford adds a valuable perspective to the conversation, stressing the importance of showing up as the best version of ourselves, not just in sports but in life. His approach complements Kevin’s emphasis on mindfulness and leadership by encouraging self-awareness and personal responsibility, which are key aspects of both athletic and personal development.Together, Kevin and Donal’s insights remind us that sports are not just about winning but about growth, resilience, and building meaningful connections with others.---#SportsPsychology #Mindfulness #AthleteWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCohesion #KevinClancy #TheLongWayBackPodcast #ParentingInSports Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back*, we sit down with Tammy Dunahey, a public speaker and advocate from Finglas, Dublin, who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of addiction, mental health, and adversity. Raised by her grandparents and having spent time in foster care, Tammy grew up in a family affected by addiction and incarceration. Yet, through it all, she emerged as a force for change and healing in her community.Tammy shares her incredible story of resilience, from struggling in school to excelling in college, and how she now serves on the Board of Directors for both the Mental Health Commission and Jigsaw, championing the well-being of young people.Tammy’s message is one of hope and understanding: "Everyone does the best with what they have in that moment." Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back.Join us for this inspiring conversation on overcoming life's toughest challenges and finding purpose in helping others.🔗 **Listen now** and don't forget to **like**, **subscribe**, and **share**!#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocate #Resilience #FinglasPride #Jigsaw #CrumlinAddictionCentre #TammyDunahey #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #CommunitySupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Long Way Back, we welcome Sascha Roos, a leading dyslexia specialist, author, and advocate. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with dyslexia, Sascha has transformed how parents, students, and educators understand and approach this learning difference. She is the author of At Home with Dyslexia (for parents) and the upcoming At School with Dyslexia (for teenagers), both designed to offer practical, dyslexia-friendly advice.In this episode, Sascha shares her journey as a dyslexia expert, discussing the challenges dyslexic students face in school and offering strategies for success. She introduces us to her work with students like Georgie and Timmy, shedding light on how families can foster strengths and overcome obstacles.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with dyslexia, Sascha’s insights will provide hope and practical tools for navigating the world with dyslexia. Don’t miss this empowering conversation as we challenge the misconceptions and embrace the abilities that dyslexia brings! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of *The Long Way Back Podcast*, we sit down with Niall O’Carroll, an extraordinary leader, consultant, and sports psychologist with a deep passion for the psychology of success, neurodiversity, and high-performance leadership. With over a decade of experience working with world-class athletes, Olympic teams, and corporate giants, Niall brings a wealth of insight on what it takes to drive excellence across diverse fields.From his roots in Limerick and his early career in the Gardaí to his current role as a creative L&D consultant and Senior Associate at BTAS, Niall’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his ACCORD leadership model, which emphasizes Appreciation, Connection, Communication, Ownership, Respect, and Direction as the foundations of great teams.Niall also shares powerful insights on:- The importance of mindset and distraction control in high-pressure environments.- The role of neurodiversity in creating more inclusive and successful workplaces.- Helping athletes transition from the spotlight into life after sport.- The challenges of finding purpose, overcoming addiction, and living authentically.- How leaders can build trust and deliver impactful feedback.Whether you're a leader looking to connect better with your team, an athlete preparing for life after competition, or someone fascinated by the intersection of psychology and leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.Tune in to hear Niall’s unique perspective on what it means to get comfortable being uncomfortable and why embracing our differences can lead to stronger, more successful teams. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on leadership, neurodiversity, and personal growth!**Listen now and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Long Way Back!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back, we are honored to be joined by Eddie Mullins, the newly appointed CEO of Merchants Quay Addiction Services in Ireland. Eddie brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Irish Prison Service and is now at the forefront of addiction recovery, taking on this vital role to address Ireland’s growing addiction crisis.Eddie shares his personal journey, growing up in inner-city Dublin and rising to leadership as Governor of five of Ireland’s prisons, including Mountjoy and Portlaoise. He reflects on his time working within the prison system, where he spearheaded innovative programs like the first social enterprise in Loughan House and the groundbreaking Parkrun at Mountjoy Prison.We delve into important issues facing Ireland today, such as the development of new detox centers like Frances Farm, the opening of a new injection clinic, and Eddie's advocacy for increased aftercare and recovery services. He passionately discusses the critical need for more recovery beds and support systems for those overcoming addiction.Now leading Merchants Quay, Eddie is focused on bringing his expertise to addiction services, ensuring people have access to the care and rehabilitation they deserve. We also explore his vision for education and apprenticeship programs within prisons and their role in reducing recidivism.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Eddie Mullins as he shares his vision for a better future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "The Long Way Back" podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Dunlea, a remarkable mother of four, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience and recovery. Caitlyn opens up about her profound weight loss journey, the challenges of raising three neurodiverse children, and the heartbreaking loss of her sibling to suicide. After a 12-year break, Caitlyn shares her inspiring return to playing for her local football club and how it has reignited her passion for the game. We also delve into her experiences with various pregnancy-related illnesses, including eclampsia, and the enduring love that fuels her as a mother. This is an episode filled with strength, hope, and the powerful story of a woman who has faced life's toughest challenges head-on. Don't miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we are honored to welcome Catherine O'Halloran, a highly respected psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and passionate individual who focuses on Ex-offenders. Catherine brings a wealth of experience as the Managing Director of Limerick City Build and Draw Out Ltd., and as the founder of The Unconventional Therapist. With a deep commitment to humanistic and integrative psychotherapy, Catherine shares insights into her work with trauma, her innovative approaches to therapy, and her dedication to empowering youth and communities. Join us for a compelling conversation that explores the intersections of mental health, trauma, and community development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, hosts Timmy and Tommy sit down with their old friend Adrian Bowen, a man four years into his recovery journey. Hailing from the Northside of Cork, Adrian shares an unfiltered look into his life, shaped by a challenging upbringing filled with poverty, addiction, and the heartbreaking loss of a family member to suicide.Adrian opens up about growing up without a father, battling the cycles of alcoholism and addiction within his family, and finding hope and strength through recovery. He reflects on the transformative impact of his time in Bruree Rehab, the support he found in recovery meetings, and how he uses motivation and mental health awareness to push himself forward every day.This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the struggles of mental health and well-being, offering hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar battles. Tune in to hear Adrian’s story of resilience, recovery, and the long road back from the brink. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Daragh Fleming—author, poet, public speaker, and passionate mental health advocate. Daragh opens up about his personal journey through the darkest times, sharing his depression and his ongoing battle with mental health challenges. We dive deep into the realities of mental health, discussing the stigma that surrounds it, the importance of having a support system, and the routines Daragh has developed to manage his well-being. His insights offer hope and encouragement to anyone who may be struggling.Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation that sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness and the steps we can take to support ourselves and others on the long way back to recovery.Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more episodes!#MentalHealth #DaraghFleming #TheLongWayBack #Depression #SuicideAwareness #Author #Podcast #Recovery #MentalHealthAdvocate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.