Mind Your Self - Four Swans

We are joined by Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack of An Garda Síochána to explore the emotional reality of policing. Drawing on over 30 years of service, Sé shares the unseen pressures Garda members face, how the culture around mental health has evolved, the importance of compassion, and why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We discuss trauma, resilience, stigma, public perception, and the vital role of wellbeing for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. An honest, thought-provoking conversation that offers insight not only for Gardaí, but for anyone interested in mental health, empathy, and the human side of public service. This episode of Mind Your Self is proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Kingsbridge is one of Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare providers, offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and surgery across a wide range of specialities. People living in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access treatment through private…

No parent imagines receiving difficult news about their child. In this emotional episode, Vicky Fitzpatrick shares her family's journey after learning about her son Connor's disability. Together, we explore grief, acceptance, resilience, maternal mental health and the unexpected joy that can emerge through life's greatest challenges. This is an honest conversation for parents, carers and anyone navigating uncertainty.

Siobhain Rushe Gibbons, owner of Aibhilin Consulting, shares her journey through grief, redundancy, motherhood, identity and starting again. After losing her sister and later experiencing redundancy following maternity leave, Siobhain found herself questioning not only her career, but the identity she had built around it. She opens up about what it feels like when life doesn’t follow the plan you had imagined and how those unexpected chapters can ultimately create space for something new. We talk about the different forms of grief, rebuilding confidence, balancing motherhood and career, taking the leap into business, and the pressure we put on ourselves to have everything figured out. Siobhain also shares the importance of self-compassion, recognising that some days are about achieving and others are simply about getting through. A conversation about loss, resilience, identity, hope and the courage to begin again.

What happens when creativity becomes a lifeline? In this episode of Mind Your Self, we sit down with Rebecca Griffin and Sophia Whelan, founders of Rock & Soul Sisters, to explore loneliness, friendship, grief and the healing power of creativity. Together, they discuss why making friends as adults can feel so difficult, how creative spaces foster genuine connection, and why community has never been more important. Whether you've ever felt isolated, struggled to find your people, or simply need reminding that you're not alone, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful.

Episode 35 The Waiting Game In this episode of Mind Your Self, we speak with Deirdre McKenny, GP Liaison Manager with Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group's Cross Border Healthcare Pathways, about the emotional impact of long healthcare waiting times. Drawing from her own experience of cancer, career change, and recovery, Deirdre shares why knowing your options, advocating for yourself, and accessing timely care can make all the difference. A powerful conversation about hope, resilience, and taking back control. This episode of Mind Your Self is proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Kingsbridge is one of Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare providers, offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and surgery across a wide range of specialities. People living in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access treatment through private health insurance, self-pay options or the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, with eligible patients able to apply for HSE reimbursement. With…

In this episode of Mind Your Self, we chat with Nicoline C. Walsh, Transformation Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner and co-founder of The Healing Forest. Nicoline shares her perspective on energy blocks, emotional wellbeing, and personal development, exploring how self-awareness and practices such as Reiki, nature connection and guided meditation can support people who feel stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we discuss healing, curiosity, and the importance of finding an approach that feels right for each individual. Topics include energy healing, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, nature, self-awareness, and mindfulness.

What does life as a creative really look like behind the scenes? In this episode, we sit down with actor, writer, director and producer Baz Black to have an honest and open conversation about mental health in the creative industries. Baz shares personal insights into navigating rejection, anxiety and the pressures of an industry where uncertainty and comparison can become part of everyday life. We explore the reality behind the polished version of creative life often presented on social media, and why it's so important to remember that what we see online rarely tells the whole story. We talk about resilience, self-worth, boundaries, and the importance of knowing that you are not alone, particularly during the difficult periods that aren't visible to the outside world. A candid, relatable conversation for anyone working in, aspiring to work in, or simply passionate about the creative world.

Gambling addiction is often described as the hidden addiction, affecting not only finances but mental health, relationships and families. In this episode of Mind Your Self, psychotherapist Daniel Coulter shares his personal journey from gambling addiction to recovery, offering honest insight into the emotional impact of addiction, the power of seeking help, and why recovery is always possible. A compassionate conversation filled with hope for anyone affected by gambling addiction.

What happens when your reputation, confidence and livelihood feel under attack? In this deeply personal episode, aesthetics practitioner Melanie O'Brien shares her experience of workplace bullying and the profound impact it had on her mental health, confidence and family life. Rather than focusing on individuals, Melanie reflects on what it feels like to have your professional identity challenged, how anxiety can affect every aspect of your life, and the resilience it takes to rebuild. She also shares her passion for lifelong learning, the strength she draws from her children and why she refuses to let adversity define her future. This is an honest conversation about courage, resilience and finding your voice after difficult experiences.

Our skin can influence far more than our appearance. It can affect confidence, identity and mental wellbeing. This week, we speak with skin practitioner Meghan Kiely about her personal experience with acne, overcoming self-doubt, and building the business she'd always dreamed of. Meghan also shares how a serious heart health scare transformed her outlook on life and inspired her to stop waiting for the "perfect time." A powerful conversation about resilience, women's health and believing in yourself.

This week on the Mind Your Self podcast, we're joined by Davitt Meenaghan and Euan Callow, co-founders of Luma Health, to explore the science behind recovery, chronic pain, stress and preventative health. We unpack infrared therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, photobiomodulation, PEMF, and the simple everyday habits that can make a real difference to our wellbeing. The Luma Wellness Suite at Four Swans in Duleek Co Meath offers both these therapies in a beautiful safe and welcoming environment.

Episode 28 of the Mind Your Self podcast "The Silent Struggle" is now live on Spotify ✨️✨️TW✨️✨️ Trigger warning: this is a powerful episode that includes themes that some may find distressing including miscarriage and pregnancy loss, hysteroscopy and internet trolling 🤍 In this episode of Mind Your Self, we are joined by Siobhán O'Neill-White, founder of mams.ie, to discuss the realities of women's healthcare, motherhood and self-advocacy. Together, we explore miscarriage, endometriosis, menopause, medical trauma, motherhood, and why women deserve to be heard, believed and treated with dignity. A powerful, honest conversation about resilience, compassion and creating change.

In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Lorraine Hogan opens up about her personal journey through motherhood, burnout, and hormonal transition, and how these experiences led her to create transformative spaces for women across Ireland. As founder of Festival Mná and multiple wellness platforms, Lorraine speaks about the rising call for connection, community, and a return to slower, more holistic ways of living. She shares how women’s circles and gatherings are helping individuals move from isolation to empowerment, and why wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity.

Actor and filmmaker Cian Doyle shares his remarkable journey from addiction and adversity to recovery, purpose, and personal growth. Cian speaks openly about getting sober, navigating the devastating loss of his mother, and learning to face life's challenges without returning to old coping mechanisms. We explore grief, resilience, imposter syndrome, counselling, spirituality, and the role creativity has played in his healing, including the making of his first short film, Bereavement. Cian's story is an honest reminder that recovery is about much more than giving something up—it's about building a life worth staying present for. Whether you are navigating loss, supporting someone through addiction, or simply trying to find your way, this conversation is filled with hope, wisdom, and the message that it's never too late to change your story.

In this episode of the Mind Yourself Podcast, Tara Thompson of The Quest Yoga shares her personal journey through trauma, dissociation and healing. Drawing on both lived experience and her work in trauma-informed yoga, Tara discusses the connection between childhood trauma and the body, the challenges of recovery, and the hope that can emerge through reconnecting with ourselves. A powerful conversation about resilience, healing and finding your way back to life beyond survival.

Accredited psychotherapists Tina Leonard and Laura Mc Hugh Harrington from Lighthouse Wellness Events explore the often misunderstood reality of narcissistic abuse. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, they discuss how manipulation, gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional abuse can profoundly impact a person's mental health and sense of identity. Together, we unpack the warning signs of narcissistic relationships, challenge common misconceptions, and examine why survivors often struggle to leave or even recognise the abuse they are experiencing. The discussion highlights the importance of trauma-informed support, healthy boundaries, self-compassion, and the possibility of healing and recovery. Whether you are a survivor, supporting a loved one, a helping professional, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of trauma and recovery, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Above all, it reminds listeners that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, psychotherapist and breathwork practitioner Krystle Phelan shares her lived experience of grief, parental loss, estrangement, and navigating motherhood without family support. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, Krystle explores the hidden layers of grief including living loss, fractured family relationships, and the long shadow of COVID bereavement. Together, we discuss how grief evolves over time, the loneliness many people quietly carry, and the unexpected clarity, resilience, and growth that can emerge through loss. This conversation offers validation, hope, and a reminder that grief and joy can coexist, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting.

In this powerful and reflective conversation, we meet with Darren Reilly, founder of Brotherhood, to explore modern masculinity, emotional intelligence, purpose, and the growing need for deeper connection among men. Darren shares his personal journey through healing, leadership, psychotherapy training, and transformational work, offering insight into what healthy masculinity truly looks like in today’s world. Together, we discuss brotherhood, nervous system regulation, accountability, identity, and why so many young men are searching for meaning beyond surface-level success. This episode is an honest conversation about growth, community, and becoming the man you are meant to be.

We welcome former heroin addict turned neuroscientist Dr. Brian Pennie and his sister Anne Pennie, a trainee psychotherapist, for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, recovery, resilience, and the impact of addiction on families. Together, they reflect on their shared journey, the challenges they faced as siblings, and the lessons they've learned about healing, hope, and personal growth. Drawing on both lived experience and professional insight, they explore why recovery is possible and how even the darkest chapters can lead to transformation. A powerful episode for anyone affected by addiction whether personally or through someone they love.

In this episode, we sit down with outdoor business owner and digital creator Max Cody to explore the healing power of the outdoors, the rise of adventure culture in Ireland, and why more young people are stepping away from traditional nightlife. Max shares his personal journey from long nights working in Dublin’s bar scene to building a life centred around sea swimming, hiking, connection, and wellbeing. Together, we discuss adventures, finding meaning in everyday life, and how nature can support both mental and emotional health

What happens when the version of you that’s been holding it all together starts to fall apart? In this powerful conversation, Myles McKenna shares his journey through burnout, hidden work addiction, and the quiet pressure many men carry to stay strong at all costs. Together, we explore how emotional suppression shapes our lives, why vulnerability still feels out of reach for so many, and what it really means to come back to yourself. From breathwork and body awareness to the subtle ways trauma lives within us, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with small, honest shifts. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re running on empty, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are

We sit down with Lisa Browne, founder of My Mind and Me Kids, to explore children’s emotional wellbeing, modern parenting pressures, and the courage it takes to reconnect with yourself. Drawing from her experience as a primary school teacher, mother of three, and now wellbeing entrepreneur, Lisa shares why so many children are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation and how simple tools rooted in connection, creativity, mindfulness, and emotional safety can make a powerful difference. Lisa also opens up about the deeply personal journey that led her to walk away from a permanent teaching career to follow a path that felt truly aligned with her purpose. Together, we discuss burnout, perfectionism, identity, self-worth, and the importance of slowing down long enough to ask: Who am I outside of the roles I play for everyone else? This episode is for parents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone navigating change, seeking balance, or longing to live more authentically.

Mum to triplets and a teen, Emma Lennon shares her journey through survival mode, motherhood, therapy, neurodivergence, and healing. From navigating a high-risk pregnancy during Covid lockdown to raising neurodivergent children while learning to understand herself, Emma speaks openly about chaos, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep going when life feels overwhelming. Together, we explore emotional exhaustion, ADHD, single motherhood, and the transformative role that therapy can play in helping us reconnect with ourselves. This episode is a reminder that even in the middle of the storm, brighter moments can still exist. A powerful conversation for mothers, women carrying invisible loads, and anyone trying to find themselves again after difficult seasons of life.

In this honest and deeply human conversation, Tracy Martin, author of So Not Me, shares her lived experience of trauma, chronic pain, and life-changing disability. Becoming a wheelchair user at 18, Tracy reflects on loss, identity, and the long journey of finding her voice after years of staying small. This episode explores the realities behind disability, the weight of layered trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life with truth, resilience, and compassion, while still reaching for light.

<span;>In this episode, we are joined by Veronica Martinez, a psychotherapist specialising in perinatal mental health, to explore the often unspoken realities of becoming a mother. <span;>Veronica shares both her professional insight and personal experience of postpartum anxiety, shedding light on the pressures, expectations, and emotional challenges many new mothers face. She explores topics like intrusive thoughts, identity shifts, and the myth that mothers should be able to do it all. <span;>A must-listen for new and expecting parents, therapists, and anyone navigating the challenges of parenting, this episode offers reassurance, understanding, and a powerful reminder that you are not alone

In this powerful and grounding episode with a focus on men's mental health, we sit down with Niall McHugo of The Breathwork Project to explore the life-changing impact of Conscious Connected Breathwork. From the intense pressures of school leadership to experiencing deep burnout, Niall shares his personal journey back to balance and how breathwork became a tool that didn’t just help him cope, but helped him truly reset We dive into the simplicity behind breathwork, why something so basic is often overlooked, and how just a few minutes a day can calm your nervous system, improve sleep, and reduce stress.. anytime, anywhere. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, constantly switched on, or simply curious about breathwork, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a new perspective on how to find calm in a chaotic world.

We sit down with psychotherapist Ciara Conlon, founder of Clear the Clouds Counselling, to explore what it really means to lose, and rebuild, your sense of self. Ciara shares her personal journey through identity loss, weight gain, and the emotional challenges that followed becoming a mother of three. From reaching her heaviest point to making the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery in Latvia, she opens up about the mindset shifts, resilience, and inner work that led her to take back control of her body, mind, and life. Together, we unpack the often misunderstood reality of bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery (most common procedures being gastric sleeve or gastric by-pass) challenging the idea that it’s an easy way out and reframing it as a long-term tool that requires commitment, courage, and self-compassion. This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled with self-worth, body image, or feeling disconnected from themselves. It’s a reminder that change is possible and that…

Friend of Four Swans Therapy Dr. James O’Shea shares both his professional insights on grief and deeply personal experience of losing his wife Anne Marie to cancer aged just 56. We explore how grief doesn’t ever disappear, but instead gradually shifts and softens over time. This episode gently challenges the idea that we should move on when a partner dies and offers a more compassionate perspective, one where grief can coexist with growth, meaning and hope. For anyone working through loss, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance, honesty, and hope that life can be lived fully again, even after heartbreak.

Psychotherapist Alan Dignam opens up about his personal journey of growing up feeling different, and how that path led him into psychotherapy and teaching. He speaks candidly about identity, resilience, and the importance of creating safe, informed spaces for LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse clients. This episode is a powerful reminder that what once made us feel isolated can become our greatest strength.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, we are joined by Aine Whelan, Movement and Healing Facilitator and founder of Heart & Soul studio. Aine shares her journey of navigating mental health and spiritual awakening from a young age, challenging the idea that we are our diagnoses rather than experiencing them. Through honest reflection, she explores the importance of soul-searching, movement, and the power of plant medicines as pathways to healing. Expect a heartfelt conversation that is grounding, empowering, and soulful, reminding you of your own limitless potential.

A powerful, honest conversation offering hope to anyone struggling with addiction, or supporting someone who is. Alan O’Brien shares his raw and transformative journey from early addiction and inner turmoil to over 20 years in recovery. An alcoholic by the time he reached his teens, he speaks openly about the emotional and psychological root causes of his addiction, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the painful experiences that lie beneath the surface.With clarity and compassion, he speaks about the turning points that led him to seek help, and the ongoing commitment required to stay on a path of healing. Alan challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution and instead highlights the deeply personal nature of recovery. This conversation goes beyond addiction. It explores resilience, self-awareness, and what it truly means to rebuild a life and offers reassurance that change is possible.

In this deeply powerful and inspiring episode, we are joined by Joanne O’Dwyer, psychotherapist, author, and manager of Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response as she shares her extraordinary journey from addiction to recovery, and from survival to leadership. Joanne speaks with raw honesty about her early life, experiences of trauma, and a long battle with addiction that began in her teens and spanned over a decade. From homelessness, mental health struggles, and criminal convictions to becoming a respected professional working on the frontline of addiction services, her story is a testament to the power of change. Together, we explore the deep connection between trauma and addiction, the stigma faced by women in addiction and recovery and why recovery is not just about treatment but about community, connection, and support. We learn about the importance of shifting from shame to self-worth and growth and why no one is beyond recovery, no matter how far they feel they’ve fallen. Joanne also challenges…

In this deeply grounding and heart-led conversation, we are joined by Enda Greene, Kundalini yoga teacher and energy healer, who shares her journey of finding peace, purpose, and connection later in life. Enda speaks openly about the challenges she has faced from difficult early life experiences to navigating fear, disconnection, and uncertainty, and how discovering practices like Kundalini yoga, Reiki, and energy healing transformed the way she experiences herself and the world around her. Together, we explore what it means to move out of the mind and into the heart, how energy practices can support grounding, connection, and inner peace, and the power of the present moment in a fast-paced, overwhelming world. We learn how to let go of self-criticism and accept yourself as you are and how it is never too late to change direction and follow what brings you joy. Enda also gently challenges misconceptions around spirituality and invites listeners to see these practices not as something “out there,” but as…

In this deeply honest and powerful episode, we sit down with Aileen White, who shares her lived experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 38. Aileen brings us through the shock of diagnosis, the reality of treatment, and the emotional and physical toll that cancer can take. Her story challenges common misconceptions, including the belief that breast cancer only affects older women, and highlights how unpredictable and life-altering a diagnosis can be. Together, we explore the impact of treatment both physically and psychologically and its lasting effects, and the vital role of support systems and cancer support centres. Aileen speaks with courage, warmth, and honesty about her emotional journey of navigating fear, uncertainty, and resilience. This episode is for every woman, every family member, and anyone supporting a loved one through cancer.

In this powerful conversation, we are joined by Andrea O’Grady, Wellness and Mindset Coach and founder of The Wellness Edge, to explore the truth behind what it really means to be “well.” From the outside, someone can look like they have it all together, but beneath the surface, many are carrying stress, burnout, anxiety, and overwhelming pressure. Andrea shares her own lived experience of burnout, parenting an autistic child, and navigating life’s demands, alongside the insight she’s gained through her work supporting others. Together, we unpack the dangerous misconception that looking well means being well, how and why we “mask” our struggles in everyday life, the rising impact of stress and burnout in modern life and the importance of reaching in, rather than waiting for others to reach out. We also explore practical ways to build resilience through nervous system support. This episode is for anyone who feels the weight of doing it all and struggles to ask for help.

In this episode, we are joined by holistic life coach and hypnotherapist Christina Goetz, who shares insights into one of the most overlooked aspects of mental health — the nervous system. Many people today are living in a constant state of stress, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion. A dysregulated nervous system can contribute to anxiety, burnout, panic attacks, depression, and addictive coping patterns, yet many people don’t realise that these experiences are deeply connected to how safe or unsafe our nervous system feels. Christina also shares parts of her own journey, from struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout in her twenties and thirties to discovering holistic approaches that helped her regulate her nervous system and rebuild her wellbeing. In this conversation, we explore what nervous system regulation actually means, why so many of us are chronically “switched on,” and how small practices can help us feel calmer, safer, and more grounded in our everyday lives.

In this episode, we are joined by life coach, speaker, and Pilates teacher Karen Doherty-Cooke, who shares a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and rebuilding a life after unimaginable change. At the age of 41, Karen became a widow and a solo parent to three children. In the midst of grief, she found herself at the lowest point of her life — yet over time she discovered something powerful: grief doesn’t disappear, but it can be carried, understood, and even befriended. In this conversation, Karen speaks openly about learning to look grief in the eye, rebuilding her life piece by piece, and discovering a new purpose helping others navigate loss, trauma, and life’s unexpected turns. This episode is a reminder that grief and happiness can coexist, and that hope can be found even in the darkest moments.

In this episode we explore the changing relationship many women experience with alcohol in midlife. Joining us is hypnotherapist Yuki Fragariani from MindWorks Hypnotherapy, who works with women navigating the emotional, physical, and psychological shifts that can happen after 40 Many women don’t identify as having an addiction, yet they begin to notice that alcohol is no longer serving their sleep, mood, mental health, or overall wellbeing. Midlife often brings hormonal changes, heavier responsibilities, and emotional stress — and alcohol can quietly become a coping strategy. In this conversation, we look beyond shame and labels to understand why these patterns form, why willpower alone often isn’t the answer, and how women can begin to build a healthier, more conscious relationship with alcohol.

In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Gardiner, civil funeral celebrant, death doula, and founder of Echoes of Life. Sarah’s work focuses on helping people approach death, dying and grief in a more human, honest and compassionate way. For many of us, conversations about death only happen in moments of crisis. Yet avoiding the topic can often leave people feeling more isolated, fearful, and unprepared when loss inevitably touches our lives. Sarah invites us into a different kind of conversation — one that explores legacy, reflection, and the importance of speaking about death before we have to. We talk about living alongside grief rather than trying to fix it, how storytelling and remembrance can help steady us in times of loss, and why gentle, open conversations about mortality can actually deepen how we live and connect with one another. This episode offers a thoughtful and compassionate space to reflect on loss, memory, and what it means to live meaningfully while we’re here.