Brian Kennedy – ‘Dancing with the Scars’

Brian Kennedy – ‘Dancing with the Scars’

From The Mario Rosenstock Podcast by Mario Rosenstock

February 14, 2026 · 59 min

About this episode

Brian Kennedy shares his inspiring journey of overcoming health challenges and his successful music career.

I have to say that I was genuinely moved by Brian Kennedy’s recent appearance on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars. In the last few years Brian has really been through the ringer - he has had cancer, a massive heart attack, and quadruple bypass surgery. He literally had to learn how to walk again three times after surgery – and then he goes dancing on national television. That takes guts and resilience and a whole lot of positive mental attitude, and I found him so inspiring to watch. Brian has an incredible life story – raised on the Falls Road in Belfast at the height of the troubles, Brian had a difficult, even traumatic childhood. But he went on to forge a very successful music career, performing in venues like Madison Square Gardens with legends like Van Morrison.  He has represented Ireland at the Eurovision, sang at George Best’s funeral, and was a coach on The Voice of Ireland. Brian is also a great storyteller and serious craic, as you’re about to hear. COMEDY - Lots of people enjoyed listening to financial planner Eoin McGee on the last episode, but now they all reckon they’ve got great money advice to share. too. Check out some of the message’s we’ve been getting from…

People in this episode

Host: Mario Rosenstock

Guest: Brian Kennedy

Topics covered

  • resilience
  • cancer
  • music career
  • storytelling
  • Dancing with the Stars
  • inspiration

Keywords

  • Brian Kennedy
  • Dancing with the Stars
  • cancer
  • resilience
  • music career
  • Eurovision
  • storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RTE, The Voice of Ireland

Books & works: Madison Square Gardens

Places: Falls Road, Belfast

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