What Makes You Tick?

Damien Wildes is a normal guy on the surface. Married, a Dad, from a loving family background, sporty. Nothing surprising, until he talks about the water, his obsession with putting himself in the most uncomfortable situations he's known to date.

What you don't know from the surface view is that he has prone paddle boards across the Irish see for nearly 15 hours, where he navigated through jellyfish, battle demons in his mind, felt like his shoulders were about to fall off and fuelled by Percy Pigs which ended up seizing his stomach while in the middle of the sea and no where to go.

I spoke to Damien about his desire for adventure, what family means to him and why he enjoys placing himself in dark, tortuous to many situations, all for the opportunity to grow.

Damien loves the water and encourages everyone on this island of Ireland to route themselves in the water, understand the benefits and enjoy the abundance we are spoiled with every day.

The art of suffering is something that stems from the Shaolin Monks and is embodied in Damiens pursuit of purpose and adventure.

His love for his family is undeniable, and his honesty about being a parent is refreshing.

If you want to reach out to Damien to learn more about swimming and prone paddle boarding check him out on @flowstateswimming

Shane Lennon has experienced more in his 40 years than some people do in two or three lifetimes.

Shane is now a superb Yoga Instructor who have found a way to take life and everything it throws at him, and enjoy it by helping people and following a passion and love that he has through Yoga.

At 7 years old, Shane experienced the death of his brother and never knew how to manage that loss at such a young age. He then turned to drugs early teens which eventually took a hold of him and nearly took his life. At 16 the birth of his daughter helped refocus his mind and now at the young age of 40, Shane shares his journey in life.

This is an episode of honesty, compassion, love and hope. Never give up and never be afraid or too proud to ask for help.

Check out Shane on IG at @ShaneMarkLenn

This episode is with USA Eagles rugby international Dylan Fawsit who speaks to me about his journey to becoming a professional rugby player.
His route to making a career in the game he loves was not straight forward. The initial dream was to play for Ireland, to put on that green jersey, however, after finishing school he didn't get the breaks or opportunities he was hoping for. Leinster didn't see a future, so Dylan decided to forge his own future and leave the Emerald Isle for American.
Like many Irish men and women before him, Dylan saw hope and opportunity in the states. A scholarship to university was the opening he needed.
Dylan talks to me about his passion for the sport and how grateful he is for his Irish community, his friends and old teammates for playing their role at the early stages of his life.
Dylan is a family man and met the love of his life on a plane back to Ireland one Christmas. Their story is one of fairytales, just like the movies.
We can take for granted where we are today, but when we look back at our journey in life, there are people who stand out for all the right reasons. Dylan is one of those people - his can do attitude and drive are to be admired. He takes pride in everything he does both as a player and a father.

This conversation is honest, warm and gives an insight to the kind determined human this man is.

Joy Neville is going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup as a Television Match Official. What people may not know is that Joy has 70 caps for Ireland, won a Grand Slam and is now an official referee and that is how Joy want's to be known.

However, Joy has come to notoriety within the mens rugby circles as the first female to ref a senior mens professional rugby match and subsequently the first female to ref a mens international. What Joy would like society to focus on is the fact that she is there on merit, because of her skills and ability as a ref, not because she is a woman. Joy is determined to represent her family and friends in the most positive way, and to do so it means preparing as best as she possibly can.

That is why Joy is quoted for saying "THE WORK STARTS NOW" - there will be moments in the upcoming World Cup where ref and TMO decisions will come into question, the most important thing for Joy is to know that she has done everything possible to perform on the world stage.

Joy aims to pave a way for others to become a referee. Our chat is more than just sport, we speak about Joy's family, the recent loss of her fantastic Dad, the challenge she had sharing her sexuality with family and friends and the anxiety and fear she built up over 12 years.

Now married and with a wonderful son, Joy is a prime example of how to be a good human being. She takes time to reflect on her actions, her initial responses to ensure she is prepared for the next similar interaction and be proud of her response.

This conversation unpacks a lot of areas that may not be so well known and Joy's honesty is a breath of fresh air. Thank you Joy and good luck at the World Cup. You are without a doubt there on merit as one of the best referees in the world.

Mel Deane is one of those humans you need in your life. He sat down with me to talk about his career as a Personal Trainer, how he found the way to take what he loved from playing rugby at a high level to applying it to his everyday.
Mel takes us down memory lane when he lived in Longford and how the actions of his father, influenced his life forever. A bit of a brawler when needed, a kind sole at times and highly respected among his peers, we get a taster of this energetic bundle of testosterone and how he takes on the world every day.
Mel shares a story as he calls it his 'Twist of fate' story which will forever link Mel and his family to December 21st 1988, the day Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Scottish town of Lockerbie.
Speaking with Mel, it's clear that he lives in the moment because for him, that is where the greatest rewards are experienced. Yes it is important to plan for the future, but we can tend to think too far ahead and miss the magic of the here and now.
Mel is a personal trainer to some of the most famous entertainers and personalities and it's completely understandable why. He is infectious in all the right ways and cements his approach to life on doing what you love and treating people with kindness and decency. Yes we all make mistakes and that happens from time to time. However, we learn from them, we take on board the feedback and plough on.
This episode is a long time coming and one I'm very proud of. If you want to enjoy some light hearted comedy mixed in with some intense training and simple instructions how to go about it, then follow Mels Instagram page - you will not be disappointed @meldean12 - you'll see him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Niall Horan, Gabby Logan, the wonderful Kirsty Gallagher and you'll get clients like Stevie becoming featured personalities on his page.
Mel, thank you for your time and honest, you're a gent.

Today's guest is Commandant Brian Cahil who is currently serving in the Irish Army and stationed in Syria as part of a UN mission.
Brian is a father of two young girls and married to my cousin Sarah who is a previous guest on the show. Brian speaks to me about his experience in the Irish army with over 20 years experience working through the ranks.
Brian's biggest challenge as a young 22 year was commanding troops on his first ever mission, where people of all ages, older and younger were looking to him for leadership and direction. The safety of his troops was in his hands and it was there he found that leaders are those who take action and responsibilities for their actions - while others follow and implement what is required of them.
Normally on tours Brian is gone for 6 months however this tour is a 12 month stint and he found this tour the hardest, his kids are that bit older, they are more in-tune with their emotions and how to express them.
What's more, Brian shares his unquestionable desire to learn and grow, as you'll hear from the books and leadership quotes he recommends in the episode.
While he makes some fantastic points, he walks away with a few key points of note such as - looking in the mirror and asking yourself, are you proud of what you've done. That is his litmus test of his day and his approach to life.
A wonderful friend with countless tales and unquestionable desire to learn and grow. Here are some of the links to the books and quotes he spoke about
Invictus by William Ernest Henley
The Mission, the men and me - Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander - Pete Blaber
"Steel My Soldiers' Hearts: Hopeless to Harcore Transformation US Army, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry ": The Hopeless to Hardcore Transformation of U.S. Army, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, Vietnam. Col (Retd) David Hackworth
About Face - Odyssey of an American Warrior. Col (Retd) David Hackworth
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major (Retd) Dick Winters
Never Let Go: A Philosophy of Lifting, Living and Learning. Dan John
Gates Of Fire. An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae. Steven Pressfield

Todays guest is the first person in Ireland to own the look and feel of iconic comic hero Superman. Cian Tormey speaks to me about his journey from Art Director in a creative agency to comic artist and living in a world where he loves his job.
Cian shares learnings along the way, the challenges he faced when a close friend of his died while Cian was finding his way through college and life. He speaks about the lack of support he received from those who's role is to look after and support young adults.
Cian has a beautiful outlook on life now that he has gotten to understand himself and what he wants, who we surrounds himself with and facing challenges head on. Cian loves helping others and sharing his experiences with others, especially those who are young and in fairly informative times of their lives.
The big learning from this conversation is to work on opening yourself to opportunities because they may lead you on a journey of brilliant possibilities.
Cian is happy to share his knowledge of being a comic artist, equally to speak about how he manages his mental health and can be reached on all social channels @ciantormey

Caelan Doris is the present and future of Irish Rugby. At 23 years old he is wise beyond his years, yet commands a warmth and understanding that is unexpected for such a young man in the prime of his life.
Caelan spoke to me about his how he found his way into rugby and what life was like growing up. He shares some keen insights of life in the west of Ireland as son of parents who are qualified therapists.
After bursting onto the scenes for Leinster at an early age, Caelan was propelled into the Irish squad and made his anticipated debut against Scotland. A debut that lasted 4 minutes as a result of a knock to the head which left Caelan concussed. little did we know that concussions would become prevalent in the coming year or so. Caelan's main concern was his long term health and if he was causing some longstanding damage.
In a year where he was a strong favourite to play for the British and Irish Lions, Caelan made a very mature decision to take a step back from rugby and do whatever it took to ensure his brain and body were healthy and able to play the game he loves. With an undergrad in psychology from UCD and considering his experience with his family along with the latest documentation of previous world cup winners diagnosed wtih dementia Caelan knows all too well how important it is to protect his brain.
This discussion is a reminder of how important it is to do what is right for you and your life. What's more, to share any issues or worries you may have with others, and to remember that a problem shared is a problem halved.
Caelan is working closely with Childline and looking ahead to an awareness campaign in the coming months.
An inspiration to all, this is Caelan Doris story

Born and raised in Washington DC, Ellie Walton is passionate about honouring and sharing stories of everyday revolutionaries.
She picked up a video camera for the first time at eleven years old and never looked back. Ellie has a lifelong commitment to amplifying voices fighting for justice.
In this episode Ellie shares some key moments in her life that set her on a path of curiosity, exploration, and adventure. I was introduced to Ellie by a former guest of mine Tina Kothari who is the founder of Another Way Now, an organisation that shines a light on human rights issues from all over the world.
It was here where Ellie's documentary Brave Girls was aired. This hour-long documentary was shot over four years and explores the day-to-day life of young women in India who are bound to Indian norms and the tradition of arranged marriages. It is through the documentary we see who brave these girls were to go against tradition and follow their hearts and desires to further their education.
Ellie describes the experience, shares some behind-the-scenes moments, and exudes her passion for life and the freedom of storytelling.
Ellie's bright lust for life is unquestionable. It is through empathy and having a curious mindset that she is able to bring to the screen a world we may never have known otherwise.

In part two of my conversation with Sarah Cahil, we talk about what we can learn from kids, the perspective she got when they wound up Eat Like Apes, and also the inspiration behind Sarah’s book Elsie’s Arabian Adventures.
Sarah speaks about the benefits of exploring with kids and giving them time to be curious about the world. Teaching them breath work and meeting kids where they are at. The opportunities to learn with them are endless.
For more head to @playlikeapes on Instagram or following @whatmakesyoutickpod for the latest news and episodes.
#family #entrepreneur #vison #children #creativity #inspiration #fun #whatmakesyoutick

My guest on this episode is Sarah Cahill. Sarah is a mum of two amazing girls Lucy and Ellen and married to Brian a fantastic person who works in the Irish Army.
Sarah epitomises the phrase entrepreneurial spirit. Having qualified as a special needs assistant, Sarah took time out to focus on her family and raise the two girls. IN doing so, Sarah found a love for play, for fun and this was made evident through the actions and mindset of her two girls.
It was from their Sarah created a primal food company called Eat Like Apes, she then went on to create another company called Play Like Apes which introduces Yoga and movement to kids at a young age.
Through the influence of her kids and her desire to try new things, Sarah decided to write a children’s book, Elsie’s Arabian Adventure.
It’s here we talk about anxiety in young kids, the fact that they worry quite a bit, and how we should ensure we acknowledge their feelings so they don’t linger.
In part 1 we set the scene with Sarah’s family and background, where her inquisitive mind came from.
This episode highlights the trials and tribulations of families, however, it shines a light on giving life your best shot, regardless of the situation you are in. If you at least try, you’ll potentially open up doors in your life that may not have been possible.
Reach out to Sarah on Instagram @playlikeapes.
#family #entrepreneur #vison #children #creativity #inspiration #fun #whatmakesyoutick

Eleanor Roosevelt said - You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." In this episode, I speak to the entrepreneur and creator of VanessaRee jewelry, Vanessa Murtagh.
Vanessa opens up about facing her fears and following her passion. What makes this story even more inspiring is that from the outside Vanessa’s life looked like it was plain sailing.
She was one of the leading success stories in the world of creative advertising, married raising two boys Vanessa and her husband Barry we living the stereotypical typical life approved by society.
Yet underneath all this, Vanessa’s happiness had been neglected. Her time was spent working in a highly pressurised job which was taking away from her relationship with her children, her husband, and herself.
It was in jewelry that Vanessa found her passion, but not simply by wearing it, but by crafting bespoke pieces of jewelry born out of the thoughts and ideas of her customers that would mean far more than something purchased over a counter.
As you listen to Vanessa, you’ll hear the warmth and passion in her voice but you’ll hear someone I think we all can relate to. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 something of 40 something, if you’re not happy then it is up to you and you alone to make a change.
This life is not a dress rehearsal, so make sure you give it your best shot.
#family #fear #bravery #family #business #entrepreneur #creative

Here Riona describes her struggle with mortality and her fight to stay alive and much more. One thing shines through, Riona’s message is clear, ‘Lead with Love’ and the world will start responding in a more positive way to you.
What I learned from our chat was no matter how hard life gets, or how deep into the rabbit hole of sadness you go, there is always someone who wants you to fight, there is always more to share with people in this world and there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
So let’s not waste any time and get straight back into part two with Riona Kelly.
Paralysis, loneliness, heartbreak, depression, there are all words that could be used to describe a part of Riona Kelly’s life. But equally, words like hope, happiness, loving, family, mother, inspiration, determination, real, honest, paint a picture of the woman she is today.
Listening to this you might find that you’re having a tough day, and that’s ok. We all have tough days. It is people like Riona who are brave enough to share their ups and downs with the world normalise hard times and in doing so provide hope that tomorrow will be better.

#family #friendship #love #honesty #hope

In part two we talk about what real messages Tina would share with the world and she advises us on how to take on the challenges of 2021.
TIna really hit home to me to embrace that level of madness we all have in our lives, and always continue to learn, no matter what. If you take on each day with the mindset of ‘what am I going to learn today’ it opens up so many possibilities that we may have closed off from before.
Tina is doing amazing things with Anotherwaynow. Please add them on Instagram and reach out if there’s anything from the topics we discussed in this episode, you’d like to understand more.
Don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date.

In this part we delve into his battle with getting back to playing rugby. What his catalyst was to motivate him to make the most of what he has and the people he has around him.
We talk about mental struggles, having a strong family unit and ultimately what drives him to be the best he can be.
We speak about him pioneering the way for goggles to be worn while playing rugby, how he needed people in his life to help him through very difficult times. If you would like to follow Ian and his story, check out his documentary Look Beyond on Amazon Prime
Or follow Ian’s instagram page Ianmck7

My guest today is an international rugby player, Ian McKinley. Ian’s journey is not straight forward. Like most of my guests, Ian has had to face a number of challenges throughout his life.
He speaks openly and honestly to me about a life changing injury that shattered a boyhood dream to play for Ireland one day. He shares some of his darkest moments and how he managed to fight through them to turn his life around.
Through resilience and an unwavering determination, Ian found his way back onto the rugby pitch, this time in Italy where he managed to work his way back to professional status, and play international rugby.
There is so much to take away from this conversation, never give up, always push forward and the bravest thing of all, is asking for help.
I know for one that my pride sometimes gets in my way, when I need help the most, and it is something I work on regularly.
Ian reminded me how important it is to share your struggles with people especially when they overwhelm you.
We speak about him pioneering the way for goggles to be worn while playing rugby, how he needed people in his life to help him through very difficult times. If you would like to follow Ian and his story, check out his documentary Look Beyond on Amazon Prime
Or follow Ian’s instagram page Ianmck7

Jade Jordan is an Irish actress, born and bred in Dublin. Jade’s approach to life is one with empathy, honesty, and have fun along the way.
Jade and I sat down to speak about her career, how she became an actress, but also, more importantly, what it was like for her growing up in Ireland when racism was alive and well and is to this day.
Jade comes from a mixed-race Irish and she speaks to me about the racism her grandmother and mother faced after her grandmother returned from England having married a Jamaican man.
Jade has soared to prominence having shared her family's experience on her Instagram page. A story that was sparked to life following the death of an African American man, George Floyd lost his life to the hands of a police officer in 2020. This for Jade and many the world over was the catalyst for change in a global society that requires systemic change.
His death sparked a pain in Jade that she has only ever experienced once in her life, and it motivated her to share the stories of her grandmother and her mum.
Jade speaks openly about traits of old Ireland and how stories get pushed under the carpet, however, she believes that the recent protests and on movement relating to Black Lives Matter are now moments in history that began the erosion of systemic racism.
I asked Jade to join me to help educate myself and others on what racism is on a local level, among friends and peers, and if it's possible to remove racism once and for all from people's minds. We discuss the importance of removing a preface before words we use to describe others and the importance of educating people at a young age that people are people, not black, white, or mixed race, leaders are leaders not female, transgender, or gay.
Is it possible to remove racism, by first removing words that cause subtle divisions in society and business? In doing so, encouraging respect, kindness, and empathy around the way we speak and treat others.
If you'd like to reach out to Jade you can find her on Instagram @jadejordan_88

This episode I speak to rugby international, board director, leader of people, all-round great human Sene Naoupu. We spoke about Sene's journey from New Zealand to Ireland, her roots in Samoan culture, and how her mum helped her understand the power of community in a person's life.
Sene opens up to me about a challenging time in her life when she realised she had an eating disorder. We talk about how she has become self-aware to understand what she needs to do to ensure she stays on top of it.
From our discussion it is obvious why Sene is respected so much, her kindness shines bright and I am grateful to have had the chance to speak to Sene, learn from her the challenges she faced. I'm inspired by her attitude to life and people, She is a role model for all people.
We talk about:
Sene's journey to Ireland
relationship with food and managing an eating disorder
rugby and representing Ireland
embracing culture
understanding racism
board director, advisor and her vision
Most importantly Sene reflects on something her mum said to her many years ago which she lives by to this day.
To reach Sene, follow her on Instagram @senenaoupu
Thank you for reading and listening. as always.