Sober Mess Podcast

In today's episode I sit down with the incredible Peter Priestley, the driving force behind Tigh 'N Alluis Sauna, the Irish Sweat House nestled amidst the breathtaking Wicklow mountains within Glencullen Adventure Park. Peter wears many hats: Sauna Master, Yoga Instructor, and Breathwork Teacher. He shares his personal odyssey of how the age-old rituals of sauna and breathwork became transformative beacons in a dark period in his life, ultimately leading him to establish his own sauna sanctuary to guide others on their wellness journey. Together, we delve into the profound realm of mental well-being, exploring the natural avenues such as exercise, breathwork, and cold therapy that pave the way to inner peace. To book into a sauna or their upcoming retreats & festivals check out the Tigh 'N Alluis page here: https://www.instagram.com/tighnalluis?igsh=emR3dHM1ZHNmbzF5 Website: https://bookwhen.com/tigh-n-alluis?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaSMJtPpR7TsqgAnNT_QBhCTkDr5UCYamNJ7EGrbiFFIewMGkJ-uqDLrpo_aem_AZxh835hQnGH1Re3ZNym9T-pscFsDvzzRtbgw9Ljw6L6dUbs4prbf9OU4E9CNDN8XUtkwV66Q-Wu0fWweXPvw8u9

Today I was joined by Kate Taylor, a writer, author and podcaster. Kate, whose journey into sobriety not only reshaped her life but also redefined her creative process. Discover how embracing sobriety became the catalyst for unlocking new levels of creativity and authenticity in Kate's work. From navigating the challenges of addiction to harnessing newfound clarity and inspiration, Kate shares invaluable insights into the transformative power of sobriety for creatives. Tune in for an illuminating conversation on personal growth, artistic expression, and the profound impact of choosing sobriety. You can find Kate here: https://www.instagram.com/walking_the_straight_line?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Gary Mairs, a former musician who has transitioned into a Sobriety Mentor and the creator behind SoberNSound, a thriving social sober community. With over 9 years of sobriety under his belt, Gary shares insights into the transformative power of living alcohol-free and how it has positively impacted both his life and those around him. We chat about the joys and benefits of embracing sobriety, and the profound changes it can bring to one's journey towards a fulfilling and enriching life. You can find Gary & SoberNSound here: https://www.instagram.com/sobernsound?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Today I spoke to Damian Browne (Auld_Stock), an extreme adventurer, peak performance endurance athlete, and International keynote speaker from Galway, Ireland. For the last 25 years Damian has pursued his human potential, relentlessly pushing his body & mind to their perceived limits; During a 16-year career as a professional rugby player, Damian donned the colours of some of rugby's European elite, including Northampton Saints & Leinster; where he won club rugby's biggest prize, The Heineken Cup. Since retirement from professional rugby, Damian has become one of the World's foremost extreme adventurers; undertaking some of the most demanding physical and mental challenges on the planet, including the 257km Sahara Desert ultra marathon, The Marathon des Sables climbed 5 of the 7 Summits, a renowned mountaineering feat & most recently created history by becoming the first person ever to row from New York City to Galway, taking 112 days and in the process become one of only a handful of people to have rowed the Atlantic in both directions. Damian's drive to explore his physical & mental limits is not exclusive to ultra endurance events and he is a multi-time Irish indoor rowing champion, holding all-time, all-category records for the 500m and 1000m distance. Damian's Website - https://www.damianbrowne.com/ Damian's Instagram - https://instagram.com/auld_stock?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ== Ironmind Institute - https://instagram.com/theironmindinstitute?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==

Today I was joined by my great pal Adam Weafer. Adam is an actor, musician and writer, having appeared in a range of series in Ireland and abroad as well as performing at music gigs all over the country. In this episode we talk about anxiety, panic attacks & the strategies we use to help manage this. Adam tells the story of how inspiration & hope can come from the most beautiful things in life.

I was chuffed to welcome the amazing Cara Byrne on the Podcast this week. Cara has combined her love of hiking with her passion for psychotherapy & created Hike Psych, Ireland's only Hiking Psychotherapy Practice. We discussed how Cara came up with the idea for Hike Psych, the benefits of therapy in the outdoors, things that can help our mental health and the things that can affect us negatively. You can find Cara on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehikepsych?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== And get in touch with her via her website here https://www.hikepsych.ie/

Today, I had the pleasure to chat with Ben Craughwell. Ben is an Entrepreneur, World Class Powerlifter, Health Coach and founder of the Better Man Project. Ben specializes in men's health and fitness, but this was a very deep and honest conversation about life. We chat about the ups & downs, accepting the things we can't control and taking constructive action to change the things we can. Ben opens up about how the hard times in his life helped him to become the person he is today and how weight lifting became a coping mechanism for him when he was going through a difficult period in his life and how family is the most important thing we have. You can find Ben & more information on the Better Man Project here: https://instagram.com/bencraughwell?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==

Today I was joined by the sister and one of Ireland's leading Wellbeing Coaches and Corporate Wellness Facilitator in Microsoft Ireland, Lisa Doolan aka the Wellbeing Queen. We talk about the gifts and the challenges of sobriety. We also chat about the recent Ironman in Barcelona & tips for de-stressing and keeping wellbeing a priority. If you've any questions or want further info, find Lisa on Instagram @wellbeingqueen https://instagram.com/thewellbeingqueenx?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==

Telling my story at the European Convention of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous - Berlin, Germany, July 2023. I'm grateful for my life today to be 10 years sober and for all the incredible people I've met along this journey. If you ever feel you're in a dark place, please reach out for help, you're never alone. You can find more information on AA & YPAA here: https://www.icypaa.org/about-icypaa https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/new-to-aa/

Today, I was joined by Olivia Farrelly, Olivia is known as The Grey Area Drinker and is a Alcohol Free Mentor. She has an Msc in Psychology & Addiction studies and is 5 years alcohol-free. We chst about Grey Area Drinking, Grey area drinking is mild alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by rewarding yourself with a drink after a stressful day or noticing how much alcohol you have at home so you "Don't run out." Or feeling mild anxiety when someone leaves half a glass of wine on the table at dinner. You're not dependent on it yet, but you find reasons for drinking it. It doesn't get impact your relationships or career, but alcohol is often/always around. Maybe you feel defensive if someone mentions your alcohol intake. For more information on Grey Area Drinking follow Olivia on @greyareadrinker on Instagram https://instagram.com/greyareadrinker?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==

June Curtin is the founder of Snámhaí Sásta (Happy Swimmers) – and over the last 4 years, she has gained thousands of followers on social media and raised awareness of the benefits of sea swimming, for the mind and the soul. She found sea swimming after a tragedy in her life. She now leads a community of swimming who take to the sea each day in Spanish Point in Co Clare.

Find June's page here and info on upcoming sea swims all around Ireland - https://www.instagram.com/snamhaisasta/?hl=en

Today I was joined by my pal Kate Baily. Kate is an ICF Accredited  trauma-informed Sobriety, Behavioural Health  and Life Coach specialising in habit change,  holistic well-being for women, midlife, perimenopause transition and stress management. She is a Specialist Coach Trainer for The Coaching Academy in Addictive Behaviours & Habit Change. She also holds certificates in The Science of Happiness Theory and Facilitation, the Neurobiology of Stress,  Counseling & Advanced Menopause Support Find Kate's website here https://www.lovesober.com/

Today I was joined by my sis Lisa Doolan. Lisa is the Corporate Wellbeing Executive for Amazon & Microsoft, a Yogi instructor and a Breathwork Facilitator. We chat about my recent trip to Everest Basecamp and all things wellbeing. Find more about Lisa here: https://www.instagram.com/thewellbeingqueenx/

Today I was joined across the pond, by my friend Glenn Dougherty Jr. Glenn is a personal development coach, who is 4 years sober, who helps people get rid of their vices, become sober, and get in peak physical shape all by improving their mindset.  Glenn and his wife are the hosts of the About This Life podcast. We talk alcohol free living, mending relationships after getting sober and what we can do to improve our health & mindset. You can find Glenn's Social here: https://instagram.com/glenndoughertyjr?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Today I was joined by my friend Doireann Barrett. Doireann is the founder of the award winning Gluten Free Kitchen Company and Cneasú (Irish word for healing). Post diagnosis of Coeliac Disease in 2004 at the age of 25 & 12 months later with Stage 4 Endometriosis she began her journey to develop a service that could support people with similar health issues so in 2011 she set up The Gluten Free Kitchen Company which is now a multi award winning food and wellness brand offering many services in the Health & Wellbeing Sector. Find more about Doireann here: https://thegfkitchenco.ie/cneasu/?fbclid=PAAabjd431dA10ytIzniEM6B4HbTQVl_y_L9obk4aJeTF9QZx-POCZxiAzOws

Today I was joined by Maureen Duke, who is a member of Al-Anon and is also my mammy! We talk about how Alcoholism and Addiction can impact families. Maureen who a member of Al-Anon, Al-Anon members are people, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. These hold meetings all over the world & provide support to anyone who is been affected by another's drinking. She tells her own story and how Al-Anon gave her support and to accept the people, places and things we're powerless over. For more information on Al-Anon and where to find local meetings check out their website here: here:https://al-anon.org/newcomers/faq/

Today I was joined by my good friend Shane Finn who is an endurance Athlete. He previously completed a 12 marathons in 12 days and 24 marathons in 24 days challenge for charity. He has also biked & run across the USA, starting in California and finishing in New York in 36 days, all for charity.l! He is also the host of the Pushing limits Podcast. A Podcast about pushing your mindset and bringing out the best in yourself. He comes from the beautiful land of Dingle in Co Kerry. Find Shane on Instagram @_ShaneFinn

Today I was joined by my pal Lorraine Hogan. Lorraine is a Holistic and Empowerment coach, a Yoga & Cocao practitioner and avid sea dipper! Lorraine's passion is to empower you to step into your power starting with upgrading your self-care and self-worth. Find more about Lorraine here https://linktr.ee/thewellnesscoach2020?fbclid=PAAaYOJJS9d9sl2Vzdg-9Y1WGBZOlRUzOQ_uZjCKM7MRmcPVWWB0K8Ib1b-b0