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What A Woman Podcast

ByCaroline Lyons and Sarah Benner
50 episodes

Podcast Summary

Inspiring conversations with a diverse group of women that have achieved great things across different professions. Including guests like Jacqui Hurley, Carol Brick, Ciara Griffin, Louise Galvin, Louise Quill, Elaine Burrows Dillane, Caitriona O' Sullivan and more! We discuss how they achieved their goals or childhood dreams, the sacrifices they made and the resilience they needed to get to where they are now to encourage us all to get the best out of ourselves.

#1

Victoria Mary Clarke: On grief, children, addiction, spirituality and why she doesn't know if it's possible to find another soul mate like Shane MacGowan"

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is the lovely Victoria Mary Clarke, the author, artist and wife of the late Shane MacGowan, frontman of the iconic band, The Pogues, with whom she shared an incredible life & love story. It was a real privilege to meet Victoria Mary as she opened up to us about her early life and her feelings on grief, addiction, children, spirituality and why she might never find another soul mate like Shane MacGowan. She also reveals some exciting plans for the future about new music and her own career, so this is a must-listen! Follow Victoria: @victoriamaryclarke www.victoriamaryclarkeangles.com

2024-06-26•1hr 2mins
#2

Ranae von Meding: How a young woman from a strict, religious household met her now her wife & is fighting for the rights of their children to have two legal parents

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is Ranae Von Meding, a Dublin based writer, speaker and co-founder and CEO of Equality For Children, a not-for-profit organisation fighting for the rights of children born to LGBTQ+ families in Ireland. Ranae also has three children with her wife Audrey and has been campaigning for several years for her wife to be recognised as a legal parent to all of their children because of current laws in Ireland discriminating against LGBTQ+ families. We talked about: - her upbringing in an ultra-orthodox, religious household - when Ranae discovered she was queer in her early twenties - how she had to cut contact with her mother for a period after she came out as queer and how that relationship healed - going through reciprocal IVF with her wife Audrey to have their three children - the devastation of realising her wife Audrey would be a legal stranger to their children because of the laws in Ireland - how Ranae has campaigned for nine years to change legislation and is still in the position where her daughters now have two legal parents but her youngest son does not - how Ranae has equipped her children to understand how they were born to two mums and how she would feel if they want to find their donor - why it's crucial to have better representation of LGBTQ+ families in education/schools and media To follow Ranae and support this important campaign go to: www.equalityforchildren.ie @ranaevonmeding

2024-06-19•49mins
#3

Denise Phillips: How a working class girl has built a haircare empire while enduring eleven rounds of IVF & coping with hair loss

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is the Award Winning Hair Stylist and Entrepreneur, Denise Phillips. She is co-founder of Voduz, a hugely successful haircare brand and owns the hairdressing franchise, Pelo Hairdressing which is unique because it was one of first salons, in Ireland, to offer scalp camera consultations and treatments for hair loss after Denise suffered her own hair loss during fertility treatment. We talk about: - Denise's own experience of hair loss being the worst time of her career and her mission to educate the industry & her peers on this issue - The devastating impact hair loss can have and the many treatments/ solutions Denise's salons can offer - How Denise underwent eleven rounds of IVF and the toll it took on her life - Discovering she was pregnant at twenty-six weeks with her miracle second child - Where her determined spirit and work ethic comes from and how she juggles family life and two businesses - Why being true to your authentic self will always result in success Denise is currently a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in the Emerging Business category. She has also been a real champion of the IVF community sharing her story and even appearing on 'Babymakers', a television documentary which followed several couples on their IVF journeys. Follow Denise: @denise_bethphillips pelohairdressing.ie eu.voduzhair.com

2024-06-12•52mins
#4

Dr. Monica Peres: How a young girl who lost her mum in Nigeria, moved to Ireland and became a Doctor

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is Dr. Monica Peres, a GP based in Cork and an online sensation with over 110k followers on Instagram as she posts short, engaging reels on health, especially for women. We talk about: - Growing up in Nigeria and the trauma of losing her mum as a teenager - What it was like to move to Ireland age 15 to live with her father & siblings - Being the only black Irish girl when studying Medicine at Trinity - For our health, why monthly self-checks & knowing your normal is so important - Signs of breast cancer we might not be aware of - Why Ireland has such high rates of skin cancer - Lifestyle changes to improve health - The right time to consider taking HRT - Why Dr. Monica loves being a GP Dr. Monica is also currently running as a local election candidate for the Green party in the Carrigaline area with policies focused on improving access to health services and local amenities, as she's passionate about helping others and supporting her community. Follow Dr.Monica @blondieperes

2024-06-05•41mins
#5

Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan: How a poor girl raised by addicts became an award-winning academic

Dr Katriona O' Sullivan is an academic and best-selling author of 'Poor' which is the story of her life growing up in extreme poverty as the child of two heroin addicts and how she survived abuse, neglect and became pregnant and homeless at fifteen before finding an access course in her twenties at Trinity College that changed her life. We talk about: - The gruesome reality of poverty, growing up witnessing her parents injecting and overdosing and never knowing when the next meal was coming and never celebrating Christmas - Suffering abuse when her father went to prison and her mother was forced into prostitution - Becoming pregnant and homeless at fifteen and the loneliness of living in a hostel with her son without support - How the kindness of people, especially some teachers can be transformative to children in her situation - How a chance meeting with a friend led her to the access course at Trinity College that changed her life - Getting a First Class degree and being presented her Doctorate by Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland - Why we all need to use what privilege we have to help others in society Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan is an extraordinary woman but says herself, she is an anomaly and so many others in her situation cannot break the cycle of poverty which is why she has written her story to show that it's crucial to have more services in place to support people in similar situations. Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan is a married mother of three and her family and close relationships are her definition of success after what she missed out on when she was young. She has also been hugely successful in her career as a Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at Maynooth University and she also devotes her time to promoting and creating policies around access to education. Dr. Katriona was also a research fellow of Trinity College and Oxford and she has spoken at the UN to tell her story. Everyone should read her book - it is an amazing read! Follow Dr. Ka...

2024-05-29•1hr 0mins
#6

Audrey Dore Geraghty: The reality of parenting a child with Autism & profound needs

Our guest this week is Audrey Dore Geraghty who has bravely spoken out about her family's daily struggle to get the right care, respite and medication for her nine year-old son who has Autism and several mental health conditions which mean his care needs are significant and becoming unmanageable at home. We talk about: - When her son was first diagnosed and how his behaviour has escalated and become more violent - Why Audrey was forced to go to Spain for her son's treatment - How she has been failed by the country's leaders and Camhs, the Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service in Ireland and other health services - Why having a broad definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be problematic - The impact of managing her son's care on her other children and her marriage - Audrey's hopes and fears for her son's future Audrey and her husband are based in county Wexford and have two other children aged seven and nearly one. They are both dentists by profession and Audrey heads up a Cosmetic and Orthodontic department on a part-time basis when she is not caring for her son, as she and her husband share the care between them. We really admire Audrey's strength and fight in what is an unbearably hard situation for her and many families in a similar situation and we hope that by sharing these experiences, there will be change. Follow Audrey: @audz83dg

2024-05-22•54mins
#7

Lorraine Keane: 'When the stalker arrived at my front door, that was not nice'

Our guest on What A Woman podcast today is the stunning and stylish Lorraine Keane, one of Ireland’s best known and loved broadcasters, famous for being a correspondent for TV3 for over a decade and as an anchor on one of Ireland's most popular daytime shows, Xpose. We talk about: - Why Lorraine was one of the first celebrities to talk about the menopause - How Lorraine got her big break into broadcasting - Why she stepped away from her dream job - Her terrifying experience of having a stalker - What's made her successful - Why she's enjoying her career in her 50's Lorraine is also a founder of Fashion Relief which has raised over a million euros for Oxfam; she is a podcaster and a regular presenter on The Today Show. She also starred in Girls Night Out the Musical and was one of the first well known women to talk about her experience of the menopause. Follow Lorraine: @lorrainekeaneofficial @fashionreliefbci Photo: Cleanmarine

2024-05-15•40mins
#8

Deirdre O'Kane: "I love swearing, it gives me energy!"

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is one of Ireland’s biggest comedy stars, the hilarious Deirdre O' Kane who is currently selling out venues across Ireland with her latest show 'O' Kaning It'. We talk about: - Why a bit of family dysfunction is good for comedy - Deirdre's big break as an actress - Why she switched lanes into comedy - Being the only female comic in the line-up for years - Coping with her husband's cancer diagnosis - Why she's enjoying her career in her 50's more than ever before Deirdre has also been an actor on stage & screen and many will know her from her brilliant role as Christina Noble, the children’s rights campaigner, in the 2014 biopic 'Noble'. Deirdre has also hosted her own show, she co-founded Comic Relief in Ireland and she co-hosts the popular podcast, 'Keeping it Tight' with fellow comedian Emma Doran. Follow Deirdre: @deirdreokane123 www.deirdreokane.net Photo: The Irish Sun

2024-05-08•43mins

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#9

Debbie Dillon: "You grieve for the child you thought you would have"

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is Debbie Dillon, an amazing mum to four daughters, one of whom was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. We talk about: - Receiving the news her newborn daughter had Down syndrome - Her initial fears and coming to terms with the diagnosis - How Debbie coped in the early months - Finding support & advice from parents in the same situation - Why mainstream primary school has worked out well for her daughter - Her hopes and fears for her daughter's future - The experience of siblings - What people misunderstand about Down syndrome - Her advice for other parents receiving a diagnosis Debbie is a very dedicated mum to her daughters and has also had a successful career as a senior structural engineer. She is also an advocate for her daughter and the Down syndrome community so she has been a huge inspiration to us.

2024-04-17•55mins
#10

Nuala Moore: "In a split second they could lose me"

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is the highly accomplished open water swimmer, adventurer and Guinness World Record holder, Nuala Moore. We talk about: - being the first swimmer in the world to swim a mile in the most dangerous convergence of oceans through the Drake Passage - how she survives the cold after being the first Irish swimmer to swim 1000 metres at zero degrees (and the third woman in the world to do so!) - Taking part in the most dangerous open water relay swim in the world across the Bering Strait - Being part of the only team in history to circumnavigate Ireland by swimming and how on earth they did it! - Holding her nerve during a shark experiment and looking a shark in the eye! - Growing up in a fishing family and the benefits of being able to take risks as a young child Nuala is also a professional scuba diving instructor, an educator, mentor, coach, event organiser, motivational speaker and author of the amazing book which documents all these adventures called 'Limitless'. It is an astonishing account of her adventures and her phenomenal achievements. Follow Nuala @numooreswim

2024-04-10•41mins
#11

Ali Keane: "I couldn't feel anything from the neck down"

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the phenomenal Ali Keane, who is a restauranteur, entrepreneur and mum of two who has overcome some significant challenges in life after surviving a car accident when she was twenty, which left her with life changing injuries. We talk about: - The car accident that changed Ali's life - The journey of rehabilitation - Life with a wheelchair and rediscovering her independence - Becoming a mum - Her love of food and exciting plans to open a vegetarian cafe in Tralee, Country Kerry Follow Ali @alikeane

2024-04-03•46mins
#12

Helen Steele: "Being neurodiverse is a superpower"

guest today on What A Woman Podcast is Helen Steele, the award winning Irish fashion designer & entrepreneur with a hugely popular X collection of Active Wear at Dunnes Stores, featuring her signature style of funky bold prints that are comfortable, super quality and affordable too. We talk about - The challenges of growing up with ADHD but not having a diagnosis till her 30's - How Helen looks at ADHD as a superpower - Having an eating disorder and low self-esteem - How Helen got through her divorce, business troubles & being a single mum and has maintained her success - How Helen's collaboration with Dunnes Stores came about and why designing for every shape & size is important - Dating after divorce and embracing ageing Follow Helen: www.helensteele.com @helensteelefash

2024-03-27•42mins
#13

Helen Collin: "Divorce is a full-blown bereavement"

Today on What A Woman Podcast, we are joined by one of Ireland's leading Divorce lawyers, Helen Collins who has some four decades of experience in Family Law and is an expert in all aspects of divorce and a real trailblazer for women practising law. We talk about: - Divorce being a full-blown bereavement - Why Helen insists all clients have counselling - The impact of mediation - How to support children - How separation impacts property, pensions & inheritance tax - Why coercive control is still difficult to prove - Why Divorce Lawyers need Garda protection more than criminal lawyers - How Helen was a trailblazer as she was the first female solicitor in Cork in the 70's. Helen is Managing Partner of Wolfe & Co based in Clonakilty. She is a trained Mediator and author of 'A Short Guide to Divorce Law in Ireland – A Survival Handbook for the Family'. She is also the grandniece of Michael Collins which is a story we will save for another episode! Find Helen: www.wolfe.ie

2024-03-20•39mins
#14

Suzie O' Neill: "I had no fall-back, this business can't fail'

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is Suzie O' Neill, founder of AYU, a leading Irish vegan cosmetics brand. We talk about: - How failing the Leaving Cert never stood in Suzie’s way - How having her first business fail was the best thing that ever happened - Having no money & young children when she started out - How Suzie copes with the ups & downs of running a successful business - The transformative power of make-up on confidence - Suzie’s must have’s from her make-up collectionSuzie is a real inspiration as she shows how failing the leaving certificate never stood in her way and once she followed her passion into beauty, she hasn't looked back and has built a highly successful brand. AYU offers gorgeous, high quality make-up and brushes with the aim of showing women how to enhance their natural beauty rather than mask it. AYU is available online with stores in Kildare Village and Cork. Follow Suzie: @suzie.ayu www.ayu.ie

2024-03-13•42mins
#15

Nina Carberry: 'The scariest thing is the concussions I had'

Today on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by the phenomenal former Irish Champion Amateur Jockey, Nina Carberry, who won the Irish Grand National, the second only woman to do that; and the first woman in eighteen years to win at Cheltenham with several wins thereafter. She had a hugely successful seventeen year career, trailblazing a path for the women jockey's that have followed in her footsteps. We talked about: - the advantages and pressures of growing up in a racing family with a famous jockey father & brothers - the pressures of the weight room - sexism in the sport as female jockeys race equally against men - what it feels like racing in the Grand National - the dangers of the sport & her biggest fears - facing retirement after a seventeen year career - winning Dancing with the Stars - how motherhood impacted her career Nina can currently be seen as a coach on RTE's Ireland’s fittest family and she has released a children's book, ‘Ride To The Rescue' with a second book due for release in May. Follow Nina: @ninacarberry_

2024-03-06•47mins
#16

Dr Sinead Kane: "Whatever decision you make in the next few seconds can change your life"

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the indomitable Dr Sinead Kane, a double Guinness World Record Holder, Ultra Runner & Athlete and a qualified lawyer with two PhD's who is visually impaired and registered as legally blind. We talk about: - Growing up with a visual impairment - Severe bulling at school and its long-term impact - What attracted Sinead to study law - Overcoming workplace discrimination - Becoming an Ultra Runner at 30 - Being at a very low place and overcoming that - How Sinead stays motivated 'How badly do you want your goals?' This is a question you will be asking yourself after this conversation with Sinead who has had to overcome significant challenges in life to achieve the amazing goals that she set herself. Sinead has represented Ireland at ultra-distances and she is the first Irish female to compete in the World Marathon Challenge which is 7 marathons on 7 continents within 7 days. Her next challenge is to qualify for the Paralympics. Follow Sinead: www.sineadkane.ie @kanesinead777

2024-02-21•48mins
#17

Madie Wilson-Walker "It's a miracle that I'm here"

This week on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by the phenomenal Para-Athlete Madie Wilson-Walker who was given a 2% chance of survival after contracting meningitis when she was just three and due to complications she had both legs amputated below the knee, she lost four fingers and became deaf in one ear. We talked about: - The impact of being so dangerously ill as a child - Growing up as an amputee - How Madie got into sport - Her amazing achievements as an athlete - Day-to-day life living with a disability - Why people should be careful of making assumptions about disabilities - Her other career as a model Madie is currently training to qualify for the Canadian Paralympic team for Paris later this year. She is living and training in Kerry with her partner, the Irish Paralympian, Jordan lee. Follow Madie: @madiewx2

2024-01-31•36mins
#18

Grace Alice "Sleeping in separate rooms is common but there's stigma around it"

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is the amazing Sex and Intimacy Specialist, Grace Alice. We covered so many interesting topics including: - Getting the attraction back in long-term relationships - Why its not selfish to prioritise your pleasure - The symptoms of Vaginismus - Why there is no shame in scheduling sex - Why sleeping separately can be a good thing - Why quality over quantity is more important - Why sex bans can be a good thing - Sex during menopause - The shame men feel with a low libido And so much more... Grace Alice is based in Kerry, Ireland. She offers one-on-one and couples coaching sessions and workshops to groups, schools and organisations. Her experience as a sex educator led her to write the brilliant book 'Sex Educated' which you can buy at or from her website. It is a culmination of all the questions she heard when teaching young people and addressing them in a fresh, modern way with beautiful graphics. It's aimed at teens, young adults, parents and teachers but Grace is finding its popular with people who did not get a great sex education and who want a more positive understanding about sex and our sexuality in later life. To find Grace go to: gracealice.com @grace_alice_oshea

2024-01-24•1hr 2mins
#19

Anneliese Dressel: "Some additives is like giving children cocaine"

This week on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by Anneliese Dressel, a leading and highly experienced nutritional therapist, best known for her expertise on Cork's 103 FM Today Show with Patricia messenger on the Monday Health Slot. Anneliese founded the hugely popular Health Hub which offers expert advice on natural and alternative medicines and Anneliese is in high demand for her Nutritional Therapy Clinic offering clients tailored diet and health advice. She has also lectured extensively in Nutritional Therapy. We talk about: - What is an ultra processed food - What impacts these foods have on our long term health - Hidden sugars and additives and how these impact behaviour in children - Healthy breakfast and dinner ideas for children - The snacking epidemic - How diet impacts brain health - The proven diet that comes out on top for good long term health Follow Anneliese: @healthhubstore 103FM Natural Health Radio Slot - every Monday

2024-01-17•48mins
#20

Christmas Special: "All of these women have had journeys, luckily for us they've shared it"

This week on What A Woman Podcast we have a Christmas Special where we are interviewed by the amazing TV Personality, Musician & former guest Caitriona O' Sullivan, as we reflect on what has been an amazing year of hosting the podcast and meeting many of the leading women in Ireland that have shared their stories with us. It has been a privilege to meet every single one of them and we really believe there is something for everyone on the podcast. We felt really proud to look back on all these amazing conversations and are excited for what the next year brings for What A Woman Podcast! We talk about: - All of our guests & why each one stood out - Why we started the podcast - How we choose the right guests & topics - The nuggets of wisdom that have most impacted us - Who we were most starstruck by - What successful women have in common - Why more men are listening! Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-12-20•48mins
#21

Dr Joanna Fortune: Children need 'Presence' with a 'C' instead of 'Presents' with a 'T'

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the lovely Dr Joanna Fortune, a clinical psychotherapist with over twenty years’ experience; a parenting expert, appearing on a weekly slot on Parenting on Newstalk FM with Sean Moncrieff; host of the Podcast 15-Minute Parenting and writer of a weekly parenting advice column in the Irish Examiner. Dr Joanna is also a hugely successful author of the 15-Minute Parenting Series and 'Why We Play'. There was no question we put to Joanna that she could not answer with some invaluable insight and advice! We talked about Setting boundaries Impact of 'Influencers' on our children How to deal with refusal to go to school The difference between Bullying and unkind behaviour Making enough time for our children Are we too quick to label children Risk taking & Body Image in Adolescents Follow Dr Joanna: @drjoannafortune www.solamh.com

2023-12-12•42mins
#22

Nicola Tallant: "Those Middle Class Cocaine Users Don't Get To Turn A Blind Eye"

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the phenomenal Nicola Tallant, Ireland’s leading Organised Crime Journalist, the Investigations Editor for the Sunday World and three time winner of Crime Journalist of The Year of which she currently holds the title. Nicola is also the presenter of one of Ireland’s most popular podcasts: Crime World, about criminals, drugs and the sins of the underworld. She is also a successful author of books including: 'The Witness’ which was turned into a hit podcast; and her most recent release: “Cocaine Cowboys, The Deadly Rise of Ireland’s Drug Lords’ which is being adapted to a hit show that Nicola is touring across the country. We talk about: - Why we’re all obsessed with crime shows - Why cocaine is such a prolific problem in Ireland - How middle class buyers are fuelling cocaine trade - Where Nicola's interest in organised crime started - Does her job ever make Nicola fearful - Being a female journalised in a male-dominated arena - What it’s like stalking out criminals Buy tickets for her show from MCD.ie or venues. Follow Nicola: @Nicola_tallant_1 @crimeworldwithnicolatallant

2023-12-05•45mins
#23

The Fabulous Pharmacist: "Women couldn't even say the word vagina to me"

Today on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by Ireland's leading social media personality, entrepreneur and health influencer, The Fabulous Pharmacist, aka Laura Dowling. She has amassed nearly 100 thousand followers by combining her vast experience as a pharmacist and her ability to be funny to entertain and educate the masses on our health and wellbeing. After twenty years in community pharmacy, Laura took a huge risk to launch her own nutritional supplement brand, fabU, which is going from strength to strength and Laura is about to embark on a live tour across Ireland called 'Viva La Vulva' which will be an empowering evening of entertainment and women's health as you've never seen it before! Follow Laura @fabuloiuspharmacist www.fabuwellness.com This series of What A Woman Podcast is sponsored by Serenity Spa, a hidden gem inside The Rose Hotel, Tralee. We are so excited that they have an amazing offer of 10% off ELEMIS Biotec Pro-Glow+ Facial Treatments to What A Woman listeners and we, personally, absolutely love this treatment and had really good results so we cannot wait for listeners to enjoy this treatment! You can call to make an appointment (066 7199111) or email [email protected] and quote What A Woman Podcast to avail of the offer. The discount is subject to availability and does not apply to special offers or promotions. Link to the Spa Brochure, Link to the Biotec Pro Glow+ Facials:

2023-11-29•43mins

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#24

Dirt Birds: "Women say thank you for being so real and telling it how it is"

This week on What A Woman Podcast we have an absolute scream with the phenomenally successful & hilarious comedy duo, The Dirt Birds who are long-standing comedians and friends, Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins. They became an internet sensation with their hilarious sketches based on the everyday lives of women and have gone on to sell out a nationwide tour called ' Filters' and a have a hugely exciting World Tour planned with their new show 'Girls World Tour' which we cannot wait to see! Their observational comedy has really stuck a chord with Irish women as they portray real life and the everyday experiences women can relate to that are the antithesis of the 'perfect' lives we see portrayed on social media. We talk (and laugh!) about: - Our favourite sketches like Irish Women Walking and Dinner with the Girls! - Their inspiration for their sketches - Why it's time for women in comedy - How they cope when they're not feeling funny - Why audiences love them Follow Dirt Birds: www.dirtbirds.net @dirtbirdscomedy

2023-11-08•25mins
#25

Oonagh O'Hagan: "People think success leads to happiness but it's the reverse"

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is one of the leading entrepreneurs and businesswomen in Ireland, Oonagh O' Hagan who is a qualified pharmacist and the owner and MD of Meaghers Pharmacy Group with nine branches across Dublin and a hugely successful online business, exporting to seventy countries. Oonagh has won numerous accolades and awards including Irish Tatler Businesswoman of The Year, The Best Managed Companies Award by Deloitte for the ninth consecutive year & the prestigious Alliance Online Pharmacy Retailer of The Year Award 2023. Oonagh is also a champion of women's health and works with the philosophy that she wants customers to come to Meaghers to stay well, not when they're already sick. We talk about: - Oonagh's trailblazing mother and role model in life - Growing up during the troubles - Are we over-medicating? - How can we manage anxiety in our children? - What are the best supplements for mid-life? - How Oonagh's own health scare led her on a new fitness journey

2023-11-01•37mins
#26

Dr Patricia Sheahan: Patients say, "Why didn't I just enjoy the now?"

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is Dr Patricia Sheahan, a Consultant Palliative Care Physician and the Head of Palliative Care at University Hospital Kerry. Patricia has specialised in Palliative Care for almost thirty years and has been integral to the establishment of one of the best integrated palliative care services in the country. She was awarded Kerry person of the year in 2022 for her outstanding contribution to the county of Kerry and she is a Saint in families' eyes as she has touched the lives of thousands of terminally ill patients and their loved ones. We talk about: - Why Patricia chose palliative care - How Patricia copes with the emotions of this role - The regrets of the dying - Assisted Dying and whether it should be legislated - How loved ones can support the terminally ill

2023-10-25•30mins
#27

Dr Mary Ryan: "Everything was fine until I got my period. You wouldn't believe the number of women I heard that from"

Dr Mary Ryan is a highly experienced Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician in the Beacon, Limerick and she is author of "It's probably your hormones", a fantastic, accessible book which we believe should be owned by every woman in the country! It helps us to understand our hormones and how they impact our health with proactive advice about how we can stay healthier and more importantly, happier and more confident in ourselves as women. She really is a champion of women and advocates for equality in women's health by educating people around the country on issues like Menopause as well as the prevention of other diseases like Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. She has also been a Senior Lecturer with the Post Graduate School of Medicine since its commencement in 2007 and is actively involved with clinical research. We talk about: - What is a normal period? - Why we are all tired by can't sleep - How to control weight in middle-age - What are the right supplements - Why women need to learn to rest - Why self-esteem is also crucial to our long-term health Follow Dr Mary Ryan: - @drmaryryan

2023-10-18•38mins
#28

Vivienne Connolly on Modelling: 'You don't realise what prey you are... until you look back"

Vivienne Connolly is Ireland's most successful former top model and Fair City star who rose to fame in the 1990's and shared the catwalk with some of the world's top models including Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Helena Christensen. She also went through one of the country's most high-profile divorces when she split up with her former husband Mark Dunne. Vivienne spent twenty years in modelling, working with some of Ireland's top agencies and she starred in television and film. She has hosted her own very successful lifestyle events for women called Evolvewithviv and she is also a Social Media Influencer with her own youtube channel @VivienneConnolly11. We talk about - Walking the catwalk with famous top models - Exploitation in the industry - How Vivienne stays looking so good - Embracing ageing - Surviving a very public divorce - Love and life after divorce Follow Viv: @vivser (Instagram) @VivienneConnolly11 (YouTube) We are thrilled this series of the podcast is sponsored by Serenity Spa, a chic luxurious hidden gem you will find located inside the Rose Hotel, Tralee.

2023-10-10•42mins
#29

Maeve Frawley " I found myself a single mum, it was sink or swim

Our guest to begin this exciting series is Maeve Frawley, a leading Irish fitness professional, a mum and entrepreneur and a competing Strongwoman, winning Best in Show at Ireland's Strongest Woman competition earlier this year. Maeve has previously managed her own fitness studios & two professional gyms and she has been lecturer at MTU since 2007. She is now pursuing a new venture in business coaching and mentoring. Maeve is not only a competing strong woman but she also shows us all how we can be strong in life, baby-step by baby-step. This message really hit home for us and we hope it will for you too. We talk about: - Why keeping fit is a non-negotiable - Why resistance training is essential pre and post menopause - Why we must not be afraid of food - The challenges of being a single mum - How confidence can be learned behaviour - Why Maeve loves being in her forties Follow Maeve: @frawleymaeve We are thrilled this series of the podcast is sponsored by Serenity Spa, a chic luxurious hidden gem you will find located inside The Rose Hotel, Tralee.

2023-10-04•44mins
#30

Orlagh Winters: ' I was given a 20% chance of living"

Orlagh Winters is a hugely popular social media personality, a style judge for some of Ireland's biggest race meetings, a mediator and presenter for events and a businesswoman and fundraiser for charities particularly close to her heart as she is a survivor of breast cancer. Orlagh was only eight months married and aged thirty-six when she was given a twenty percent chance of living because her cancer was so aggressive and she had no lump, just pain in her left breast but something was telling her to get it checked out. She had surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy which made her extremely ill and because it was a hormone-based tumour, she was put into early menopause which shattered her dreams of having a family. Orlagh's marriage then broke down and she says of everything she has been through including cancer, divorce nearly broke her. Orlagh has been dealt some very hard blows in life but as you will hear, she doesn't take herself too seriously, she has a great sense of humour and she also has a defiant spirit. Now at fifty, she is loving life and she has her happy ending as she is about to marry the love of her life. She says, "take me as I am or don't take me" one of many brilliant mottos for life you are about to learn from the amazing Orlagh. We talk about: - Coping with her cancer diagnosis - Her biggest regret - Why divorce nearly broke her - Where her resilience comes from - Embracing her fifties - Her happy ending Follow Orlagh: @orlaghnwinters

2023-09-13•41mins
#31

Maeve Ferris: "Yoga does make you sounder"

Maeve is a highly experienced yoga practitioner and founder of Ebb & Flow where she offers a range of classes in Yoga, Pilates & Forest Bathing; she hosts many workshops and retreats and she has designed a wellbeing programme especially for women called Seasonal Soul which spans the seasons of the year. Maeve had a successful career in the corporate world before she decided to follow her heart and become a leading yoga professional. We are very grateful to Maeve for sharing her experience of being identified with ADHD as this was discovered very recently and Maeve is only just processing it herself, so we really appreciate her openness. Many girls with ADHD are missed at a young age and more women are discovering they have it later in life, so it's great to open up the conversation to understand more about ADHD and the strategies to manage it. We met at one of Maeve's favourite beaches called Banna and anyone who knows Banna is aware that it is spectacular but very windy, so please bear with a few sound glitches at times, you will feel like you were with us on the beach! Everything Maeve does is with the intention of making a difference to the world and everyone she meets and she will make a difference to all of you who are listening. Hearing her talk about yoga is almost as relaxing as doing it yourself, so sit back - or rather lie back on your yoga mat, or your own little island as Maeve calls is, breathe and enjoy! We talk about: - Why Maeve left the corporate world - Discovering she has ADHD in her 40's - Strategies she has developed to help manage her ADHD - Advice for starting your own business - The benefits of Yoga to the body and soul Follow Maeve: @ebbflow.yoga

2023-09-06•47mins
#32

Louize Carroll on anxiety: "When the 'like' button was put onto Facebook, everything changed"

Louize is a highly experienced Consultant Psychologist and a chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland with over fourteen years of experience in mental health in both in the private and not-for-profit sector. She is Co-Founder of Prism Therapy Online which was set up to help people in need of mental health support be matched with the right therapist, offering a platform of handpicked chartered psychologists to select from. She has commendably dedicated a large part of her career instigating much needed change to Ireland's mental health system for young people through her work with Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Louize is also a very talented musician and the Bassist for the well known Irish Rock Band we love, The Blizzards and she has composed music for film & television. Now just to let you know, due to some unforeseen circumstances Louize had to bring her gorgeous Italian Mastiff puppy along to the podcast recording. Her puppy is called Stevie, named after Stevie Nicks which is extremely cool and you know, they say, never to work with children and animals but Stevie was very good considering, but you will hear a few whimpers along the way, though I noticed she seemed to whimper when we spoke about the pressures on women's image and menopause, so I felt she was agreeing with us, so Stevie is definitely a feminist! During our chat we talk about: - Why anxiety is such a problem - Social media pressures and disengaging - Building more confidence - Dealing with pressures on self-image - Can people ever really change - How to stop repeating same mistakes Follow Louize: @louizecarroll

2023-08-02•47mins
#33

Geraldine Walsh on postnatal depression: "I didn't bond with my daughter until a year after she was born"

Today we are joined by the fabulous Geraldine Walsh who is an Irish Author, Editor, Book Coach & Journalist contributing to Ireland's leading newspapers including the Irish Times & parenting magazines on topics including (but not limited to) Parenting, Mental Health & Lifestyle. Geraldine has been shortlisted for a number of Writer Awards and was in the Top 100 Inspiring Irish Women in 2019. After her own experience of becoming a mum of two and going through a period of postnatal depression and anxiety, Geraldine wrote her debut non-fiction book called 'Unravelling Motherhood: Understanding your experience through self-reflection, self-care and authenticity'. It is about untangling the expectations of motherhood compared to the reality, figuring out your identity after being a mum and talks about maternal mental health and how to be more self-compassionate, so we'd highly recommend it for anyone navigating motherhood. Geraldine is passionate about having conversations about the difficult stuff to help break down any stigma or taboo and we're really grateful to her being so honest with us today and encouraging us to be a bit braver and open about ourselves. We talk about - Our expectations of motherhood versus the reality - Geraldine's experience of pregnancy and having her children - The signs of postnatal depression - Asking for help & the steps to recovery - How to reconcile your identity before and after becoming a parent - Learning to take care of yourself Follow Geraldine @geraldinewalsh You can purchase 'Unraveling Motherhood' wherever you buy books!

2023-07-26•47mins
#34

Laura Crowley on Autism: "I spent a lifetime knowing I was different"

Today we are joined by the amazing Laura Crowley to talk about Autism Spectrum Disorder with a particular focus on women and girls. Laura is an Author, Lecturer and Autism Consultant with over twenty-three years' experience in this area. Laura founded Laura Crowley Connect in 2014, an Autism Consultancy where she provides educational resources and training events for families and professionals, and mentoring of teenagers. Laura has also been a Lecturer on the Diploma in Autism Studies in UCC for nine years, a course which she was very involved in developing. Laura herself was identified as autistic at the age of forty after having her children, so she can speak from very personal experience about why autistic girls have been so overlooked and why so many women are realising they are autistic later in life. Laura says she spent a lifetime knowing she was different and after being identified as autistic she is, "so much happier and self-aware and self-compassionate". We talk about: - What is ASD (autism spectrum disorder) - Different autistic traits in boys and girls - Masking and its consequences - Sensory challenges - Laura's own identification of autism at forty - Pregnancy and parenting with autism Follow Laura's brilliant work: @laura_crowley_connect For more information about autism:

2023-07-19•53mins
#35

Orla Kirby On Her Fertility Journey: "There's a lot of pressure...and there's no guarantee it'll work'

* Content advisory - this podcast includes discussion of miscarriage. Today we are joined by a really amazing guest, Orla Kirby who very powerfully shares her fertility journey with us. Orla suffered with endometriosis from puberty but this was not diagnosed until her twenties and she was aware this could impact her fertility but like many of us, she wasn't aware quite how dramatically our fertility drops off in our mid 30's because she grew up in my generation when we were all trying not to get pregnant! She is very honest about the reality of the journey, the pressures of managing injections and how it can feel like it takes over your life, and the anxiety about what can go wrong. We are so delighted for Orla that her journey was successful and she is mum to a beautiful two-and-a-half year-old daughter and we are very grateful she shared her story and we all hope it will help anyone listening going through something similar. Just a bit about the lovely Orla - she is originally from Country Meath and is currently living in Dublin. She is a fundraiser for a national charity by profession but her passionate interest in maternal health led her become a Postpartum doula and Pregnancy Yoga Teacher and she really has found her calling so I would encourage you all to follow her @orlathedoula on Instagram. We talk about: - Suffering with Endometriosis since puberty - The pressure of managing treatment around daily life - Experiencing a pregnancy loss - Having her daughter successfully through IVF - Financial pressures of treatment - How partners and family/friends can support loved ones going through treatment

2023-07-12•53mins
#36

Loretta Dignam On Menopause: If we were forewarned, we'd be forearmed & it would demystify the whole thing

Loretta Dignam is one of Ireland's leading women's health campaigners and is Founder and CEO of the Menopause Hub, Ireland's first dedicated menopause clinic. Loretta previously enjoyed a long and successful career at Marketing Director level for leading multinational global brands including Mars, Diageo, Kerry Group & Jacob Frutifield where she won marketer of the year. Loretta has also lectured in UCD Smurfit Business School on their executive MBA and MSc Programmes and she was a board member of the Abbey Theatre and chaired their Gender Equality Committee in 2016. Loretta is a true Menopause Champion, working with businesses to create menopause policies in the workplace and lobbying the government for much needed change. Although she she says she lost her 'va va voom' for a time, she certainly brings some 'va va voom' to our conversation. During our chat we cover: - Loretta's own menopause experience & why she created the hub - How we know we're in perimenopause & the symptoms - The facts around HRT & other treatments - The three main health risks to women of menopausal age - Menopause policies in the work place - What the Menopause Hub offers Follow Loretta: @themenopausehub

2023-07-04•50mins
#37

Joanne O'Riordan: What is an accessible. livable place? That's something we're still not grasping with to this day.

In this last episode of the second season of the podcast, our guest Joanne O'Riordan is the epitome of everything what a woman is about - a powerful, extraordinary woman whose attitude to life is inspiring for us all and who is breaking down barriers for women and the disabled community. Joanne is a broadcaster, sports journalist and activist who was born with a rare condition known as Total Amelia meaning she was born without all four limbs, one of only seven people worldwide with the condition. When was born, doctors felt her life would be limited but Joanne's family wanted her to grow up with the same opportunities as everyone else, instilling a philosophy in Joanne of no limbs, no limits, the title of an excellent documentary about her early life. Joanne became known for her activism when she was just fifteen and she challenged the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny about cuts to the budget for disability payments and a year later she spoke at a UN summit in New York where she famously said 'I do not look at the word impossible and see impossible. I look at the word and my life and say I'm Possible'. Now twenty seven, Joanne's passion for sport has led to a flourishing career as a sports journalist for the Irish Times and she recently broadcast the documentary A Sporting Chance about equal opportunities for women in sport. It was absolute delight to meet Joanne as her personality and infectious laugh filled the room and I did my best to keep up with her quick wit as we talk about everything from our shared personality traits as Taureans, life plans, splitting opinions in her journalism and why its important to just be yourself. Follow Joanne: Twitter: @Joanneor_Ox Instagram- @Joanneor @rte sport - no limbs no limits

2023-05-03•51mins
#38

Sene Naoupu: Ireland's Women's 15's could win a world cup in a few cycles...it will take time, energy, investment and belief

Content Advisory - this podcast episode covers eating disorders Sene Naoupu is a former Irish Women's Rugby Union International who earned 48 caps for Ireland before her retirement in 2022. She was a member of the team that won the 2015 Women's Six Nations Championship, she represented Ireland at the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup and she was also part of the Irish women's national rugby sevens team. Sene is a Samoan New Zealander whose mother taught her to embrace the different cultures she was part of growing up and after emigrating to Ireland in 2009, she felt a strong connection with the people of Ireland and was proud to be accepted as one of their own when she became eligible to play for Ireland and made her debut in 2015. This was something of a second chance for Sene who developed an eating disorder in her twenties which might have ended her dreams of a sporting career but she has bravely spoken about her recovery and is now a member of the board of Bodywhys, a nationwide Irish charity supporting people with eating disorders. Sene has always felt a keen sense of service to others and giving back and along with her dedication to rugby on the pitch, she has worked just as hard off the pitch to promote equal opportunities in sport and she is frustrated to see the situation for the current Women's International Irish rugby team. Sene hopes that changes in leadership strategies and attitudes will allow the winning potential of the Irish Women's team to shine through. We talk about: - Why girls should give rugby a try (no pun intended!) - Growing up embracing different cultures - Experience and advice about eating disorders - Proudest moments on the pitch - The issues facing Irish Women's rugby and solutions For further information and advise on eating disorders, please visit: www.bodywhys.ie Follow Sene: @senenaoupu

2023-04-26•49mins
#39

Helen Murphy: Don't dress for others, dress for yourself

Helen Murphy is a Munster fashion influencer and model who became an overnight sensation when she went to her very first ladies day in Galway in 2014 and won best dressed lady with her Christian Dior 1950's silhouette look and a strong resemblance to the sophisticated and elegant Audrey Hepburn. Her blog Daily Diva Diary has followed her journey as she has reinvented her style since having her four children and as well as her part time career as a teacher, Helen now models for well known brands and is in demand as a judge for fashion competitions. Helen talks about being very tall as a teenager and not always comfortable in her own skin and how she lost her sense of her own style for a time but a radical haircut into a pixie style began a process of redefining her look which she describes as classic with a twist and she says we must dress to please ourselves and not anybody else. Helen also shares her advice about why we shouldn't impulse buy, her top three staples for our wardrobes and tips for adding a few gorgeous pastels to our look this season. We also talk about how confidence does grow with age but so too do the pressures to stay looking young. We also touch on juggling life's demands, where Helen talks about imagining those things most precious to us as glass balls that we can't afford to drop and this advice has really stayed with me at those times when I've been struggling to prioritise. We had a real spring in our step after this chat and we hope you will too. We talk about: - Growing into confidence - Why you shouldn't impulse buy - Reinventing yourself - Pressures of social media and ageing - Botox - What to wear for summer Follow Helen: @daily_divadiary Facebook: Daily Diva Diary

2023-04-19•42mins
#40

Annmarie O'Connor: You're never going to live a charmed life...because then you'll never learn

Annmarie O' Connor is an award winning stylist, a fashion editor and a columnist for the Irish Examiner. She is also a bestselling author of books including The Happy Closet and The Happy Medium and she has her own self-styled brand of 'wardrobe wellness' to promote a more mindful relationship with fashion. Annmarie has been featured in the Irish Examiner as one of 100 Women in Ireland Blazing a Trail and was also named one of Ireland’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in Image magazine. Annmarie is also a Parkinson’s advocate having been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons in 2021 when she was in her forties. Parkinsons disease is an incurable neurodegenerative condition affecting movement, coordination and speech and although it's usually a condition associated with older people, around one in twenty of those diagnosed will be under the age of fifty. Annemarie first noticed a pain in her shoulder which developed into a fine shake in her right hand and she suspected a trapped nerve but by the time she was diagnosed with Parkinsons, Annemarie was finding it challenging to write or put on mascara. As a condition more commonly associated with older men and their familiar stoop and shake, the diagnosis was a huge shock to Annmarie being a young and seemingly healthy woman but from the outset, she has had taken the attitude that while the condition is part of her life, she does not want it to dominate her life. By opening up about her condition and raising awareness, Annmarie hopes to show this is not a diagnosis anyone should feel they have to hide or experience alone and she would encourage anyone concerned about symptoms to seek medical advice because it is a lot to carry on your own and she says you will be surprised how those around you will step up and want to help. We talk about: - The stigma around Parkinson's Disease - Coping with symptoms and medication - Why it's not a condition to hide or experience alone - The mutual benefit of accepting and receiving help - T...

2023-04-12•46mins
#41

Caroline Reidy: There's nothing sadder than when somebody feels they haven't maximised their own potential

When Caroline Reidy came home with her Leaving Certificate exam results to her father, she was surprised that rather than congratulate her straight away, he simply asked: 'But are you happy?' It was this simple but impactful question that Caroline says stopped her in her tracks and is a question she has repeatedly asked herself on her career path to becoming a business owner. Caroline is a HR and Employment Law Expert and founder and Managing Director of the HR Suite, a human resources consultancy offering expert advice, training and third party representation to over 500 clients throughout Ireland. Caroline appears regularly on radio and television to speak on employment matters, she is a TEDx presenter, a mediator and a mentor to other female entrepreneurs as part of the ACORNS programme. Caroline says that not following a conventional graduate route in her early career and being given responsibility at a young age in companies like Kerry Group, nurtured her confidence and allowed her to learn what she was good at and to delegate the rest to a strong team to build a successful business. Caroline is author of the book: The Art of Asking the Right Questions, a 'go-to guide' for employers to maximise the talent of their employees but in this conversation you'll find that Caroline is just as brilliant at giving answers, packed full of advice and wisdom for our professional and personal lives, most importantly to have the confidence to ask for what we need and not to assume our employers know what that is; to have a great tribe of colleagues and friends around us and not to be the barriers to ourselves and our own happiness. Oh and also to keep asking ourselves the right questions! During our conversation we talk about: Why women need to ask for what they need at work Why delegating is a key to success and work life balance Why we must ask for feedback The importance of mentoring HR policies around female health Why HR needs to be centered on the individual and driv...

2023-04-05•52mins
#42

Maria Moynihan: The trauma is living without Danann..but it was a golden time, the time we had with him

Content advisory - this episode covers miscarriage and baby loss Maria Moynihan is a Features Editor with Irish Country Living of the Irish Farmers Journal and a columnist for Irish Country Magazine. As an accomplished writer and journalist, Maria is used to telling other people's stories but today she is telling us her own very personal and moving story about her beautiful son Danann who was diagnosed with Trisomy-18, a life limiting condition, during pregnancy and was stillborn in October 2019. This is a heartbreaking story but one that is also filled with hope as Maria talks about how she learned to stay in the moment as she made the most of Danann's short but very precious life and how the kindness of friends, family and strangers and the amazing care she received at Cork University Maternity Hospital from the clinical bereavement team helped Maria and her husband Danny find a way through it. We also talk about coping with pregnancy after loss after Maria had her daughter Fallon fourteen months after Danann was born and how she has coped with two recent miscarriages which she describes as a lonely experience and hard to talk about, even though she has been very open about her grief before. One in four pregnancies end in loss and yet there still seems to be a lack of information and openness about miscarriage that can allow people to be more prepared to cope when it happens. This is a very special conversation that will stay with us and we feel privileged to share it with you and be part of seeing Danann's legacy continue. To find more information and support you can go to: trisomy.org; miscarriage.ie; pregnancyandinfantloss.ie Follow Maria: Instagram: @mariamoynihan Twitter: @MoynihanMaria

2023-03-29•51mins
#43

Madeleine Griffin: I can either be a victim in this for the rest of my life or I can take control

Our guest today is Madeleine Griffin who has led an incredibly full life so far and shows us that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, even in retirement. Madeleine was born in Dublin, the 2nd youngest of five children and she experienced a difficult childhood after the death of her mother when she was very young and her life changed completely after her father remarried when she was twelve but Madeleine recalls clearly deciding that, although she could not change her situation, she could take control of the way she responded to it. Madeleine's experiences growing up and the limitations on women at the time gave her a desire to imagine more for herself and the courage to speak out and advocate for change and equality for women. This led her to do great things as a social worker, initially, and later as a Head Teacher of one one of the UK's largest schools. The thread throughout this conversation is using our imaginations to create the life that we want for ourselves and if we don't like something, change it! We talk about: - Losing her mother as a young child - Suffering abuse from her step-mother but deciding to take control - Learning to stand up for herself and say no - Imagining more for herself and the world - Valuing our individuality - How you can arrive at a positive mindset - it's a journey! - Favourite Quote - Madeleine has a quote by Charlotte Bronte beside her bed: "Better to have tried all things and found them empty rather than to have tried nothing and find life empty." - Book recommendations by Madeleine: Far From The Tree by Andrew Solomen and House of Spirits by Isabel Allende Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-03-15•47mins
#44

Caitriona O' Sullivan: Quieten the negative voice in your head because there will be nobody as harsh on you as that voice in your own head.

Caitriona O' Sullivan is a singer-songwriter from Tralee who's had number one hits on the Irish Country Music charts including her original song 'Don't say Goodbye' and her original duet co-written and performed with Johnny Brady called 'This Country Girl'. She's also just finished her nineteenth year as a resident judge on TG4's hit country music show, Glór Tíre and for her work on this show and her contribution to Irish Country Music, she is being honoured at the Hot Country Music Awards in April. We're also very excited to announce that Caitriona is releasing a new single with singer-songwriter, Sina Theil which is their own version of the Fields of Athenry and can be downloaded on iTunes from midnight on Saturday 11th March. Caitriona is also working on an upcoming TV music project stateside and details of this will be revealed very soon! Stay tuned to the end of this episode when Caitriona treats us to an amazing live performance of part of Aretha Franklin's 'You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.' We talk about: - Making music a career - Almost making it big in her twenties - Relaunching a music career in her forties - Juggling a music career with a family and job as a teacher and author - Being comfortable with your own image Follow Caitriona: @sullivancaitriona @glortiretg4 Follow us @whatawomanpodcast

2023-03-08•56mins
#45

Elaine Burrows Dillane: I won't get out (of the water) unless you take me out...I never feel like giving up

It was an honour to meet the Queen of the Seas, Elaine Burrows Dillane who holds the original Triple Crown '22 (English Channel, North Channel, Bristol Channel) and the Irish Triple Crown '21 (Fastnet, Galway Bay, North Channel) of open water swimming. Her incredible achievements were recognised when she was inducted as an Honour Swimmer in the Hall of Fame -Marathon Swimmming Ireland class of 2022. She was also awarded the 2022 Senior Female Swimmer of the year by the ILDSA (Irish Long Distance Swimming Association). She is a member of the Fenit Funky Femmes who completed a relay swim of the English Channel in 2022 and they received the ILDSA John Earls Award for the Most Arduous Swim crossing from Fenit Lighthouse to Loop Head in 2022. Elaine also won the World Cup Ireland Ice Swimming 1km Championships in 2018. It is mind blowing to think that Elaine achieved all this after only returning to swimming just seven years ago, having not swum much since she was a child. Getting back into her costume after having children was a huge challenge for Elaine but she overcame that and has gone on to conquer some of the most toughest swims in the world, showing what is possible if you can just step out of your comfort zone, follow your passion and never give up. We talked about: - How swimming brought a very shy Elaine out of herself - How Elaine got over being self-conscious in her togs (i.e. a swimming costume!) after children - What scares Elaine most about the sea (and it's not sharks!) - The training involved for a marathon swim - What happens when you hit the wall during a swim - Finding a new lease of life in your 50's - Girl power with the Fenit Funky Femmes Follow Elaine: @lainey3950 @fenit_funky_femmes Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-03-01•49mins
#46

Ciara Griffin: If you don't back yourself, how do you expect anyone else to back you?

Ciara Griffin was appointed Captain of Ireland's Women's International rugby team in 2018, aged twenty-four, just two years after she made her International debut against Wales in the 2016 Women's Six Nations Championships. During her six year tenure on the team, Ciara earned 41 international caps and said that playing for her country at the highest level was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. At the same time as being an elite athlete, Ciara supported herself by working as a Primary School Teacher, a job she still loves but managing both careers required remarkable dedication and sacrifices. Ciara held the role of Captain until she retired at the peak of her international rugby career in 2021 and although her talent and leadership have been missed on the pitch, Ciara has no regrets and is busy pursuing her other careers in education and agriculture. Main themes: - The high drop-off rate of teenage girls in sport - Why we need to change our perception of how young girls should look and reduce exposure to social media - How playing sports can help girls be less body conscious - The stigma around women playing combative sports - Why primary schools should have at least thirty minutes of PE every day - Ciara's experience as Captain - leading by actions, not words - Why Ciara retired at the peak of her career, age twenty-seven Follow Ciara: Instagram: ciara.griffin6 Twitter: @griffinciara94 Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-02-22•52mins
#47

Louise Quill: Are our children unhappier than children in Tanzania? I would say they are.

Our guest today is Louise Quill who from the moment she was nine years old and heard from a teacher that there were children in the world much less fortunate than herself, she became determined to find a way to help them. Growing up with a fascination of Africa, at the age of twenty-two, Louise volunteered in Tanzania where she first encountered an orphanage and saw the desperate conditions children were living in. This led her to create her own children's foundation Tír na nÓg, meaning 'Land of The Young', reminding us that many children in countries like Tanzania do not have the privilege of reaching adulthood. This is one of Ireland's only charities where all the staff are exclusively volunteers and Louise has worked tirelessly since 2006 to create a facility to look after and educate Tanzania's children and her latest project is to build a children's village offering more facilities to the local community. Louise is known by the children as 'Big Mama', referring to her big heart and I'm sure your hearts will be moved by her story and the difference she makes to so many childrens' lives by putting them first and loving them. We talked about: - How Louise found her life's purpose - Seeing opportunities instead of obstacles - Why Louise believes children in the developed world might be unhappier than the children in Tanzania - The heartbreaking facts behind the name of the foundation Tír na nÓg, meaning 'Land of The Young' - Why we all have a responsibility for the children in this world - Why we need more positive stories in the media to encourage people to keep giving & supporting charities Follow Louise: Website: Instagram: @tirnanogchildrensfoundation GoFundMe Link gf.me/u/y923wb Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-02-22•56mins
#48

Jacqui Hurley: Grief is terrible for a family forever ...but you have to find ways of being happy

It was so exciting to meet Jacqui Hurley who is at the pinnacle of her broadcasting career in sport after it was hot off the press that she is the new host of the iconic Sunday Game, a dream job she has wanted for a long time. We talked about everything from the secrets to Jacqui's long-lasting career after she was the first ever female to present Sunday Sport on RTE Radio 1 back in 2009; her book 'Girls Play Too' which celebrates the achievements of Irish sportswomen; how we can keep more teenage girls in sport; juggling a successful career with a young family and how a personal tragedy in her family has led Jacqui to make the most of every opportunity in her life. We hope you will take lots of inspiration from this conversation! We touched on: Why so many girls drop out of sports and how to keep them in it Encouraging kids to play sport for fun and having more B,C and D teams, not just elite level Jacqui's inspirational book 'Girls Play Too' & what it takes to achieve success How Jacqui's family have dealt with grief and how it's impacted the way Jacqui lives her life Becoming a mum and how you still need to find time for yourself Hard work, collaboration and a sense of humour - factors behind Jacqui's success in broadcasting We also talked about CRY Ireland, a charity for which Jacqui is an ambassador. The charity raises awareness about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS); provides support to families affected by sudden death or cardiac conditions; and provides screening at the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons in Tallaght, Dublin. You can find out more about this amazing charity by going to cry.ie or @cryireland. Follow Jacqui: Instagram @jacquihurley7 Twitter: @jacquihurley Buy 'Girls Play Too' for your sons and daughters - out now! Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-02-14•48mins
#49

Louise Galvin: You may not be the smartest in the class, or the prettiest girl, or have the nicest, most expensive phone... but your value can skyrocket in a team

Louise Galvin is a multi-talented Sports Star and an inspiration to all aspiring young athletes. She's represented Ireland Internationally in rugby, playing in two women's rugby world cups at sevens and fifteens level, after taking up rugby at aged twenty-five. At Sevens level, she represented her country over 120 times with the highlights being the 2018 Rugby World Cup in San Francisco and reaching the semi-final in the world series in Sydney in 2019. Louise is also an accomplished Kerry Footballer and played in an All Ireland Final in 2012 and some ten years later, she was part of the squad to reach the LGFA All Ireland Final in 2022. She has also represented her country in basketball and captained Ireland's under 20's basketball team. It was after the LGFA semi-final match in Croke Park last year that Louise hit the headlines after breastfeeding her baby son in the dressing room and she was praised for being a role model for women, showing that returning to elite level sport is an option if wanted after having a child. Louise is also multi-talented off the pitch and has been a sport's commentator and analyst on RTE and Newstalk Sport and is a qualified physiotherapis, having worked on the front line during the pandemic. We talked about: Why girls can find so much value in themselves by playing sport What it takes to play at elite level in different sports The highs and lows of sport and keeping perspective How playing sport helped Louise through grief Getting back into shape after a baby Why you should not assume female athletes want to retire after children Follow Louise: Instagram @lougalvin4 Twitter @lougalvin4 Follow us: @whatawomanpodcast

2023-02-14•1hr 0mins
#50

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Carol Brick is one of the leading business women in Ireland and founder of HerMoney, an all female business dedicated to providing financial planning to professional women throughout Ireland and for which Carol won the 2021 Network Cork Business Woman of the Year award for Established Business. She is also Managing Director of CWM Wealth Management which provides tailor-made financial solutions to self-employed contractor’s all over Ireland and she writes articles regularly in the press giving financial advice. Carol is an entrepreneur in an industry that has, historically, been more male dominated and she went through setbacks to her confidence and jobs she did not enjoy in her early career before finding her specialty in wealth management. It takes hard work and sacrifice to juggle her successful businesses whilst also raising a young son but Carol has always been willing to step out of her comfort zone to fulfil her potential. She wants to emphasize to women how important it is to put ourselves first and get our finances in order, so that we can be financially secure in the future. We talk about: - A strong work ethic - Having a good team around you - Sexism at work - Being a risk taker - Getting control of your finances - Juggling a career and family life - The challenges ahead economically - Why you need to ask for that raise - Seeking female mentorship Follow Carol: Instagram: @hermoneycwm Twitter: @HerMoneyCWM Websites: hermoney.ie /cwmwealthmanagement.ie Follow us: @whatawoman2

2023-01-30•55mins

Listen to your favourite podcasts.

Now ad-free.

Download herd and enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality podcasts without the wait.

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