Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Marie Gleeson on baby Ciarán : Real Take 01.06.2026 19min

Former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson speaks about the most profound and heartbreaking experience of her life. During her pregnancy with her son Ciarán, Marie and her husband John received devastating news about his health. What followed was a journey marked by immense love and, ultimately, deep grief.If you'd like to hear the full conversation, Marie also speaks about life in the Navy and what the sea taught her about navigating life.  It's available to listen to anytime now.And if anything discussed in this episode feels difficult or brings up emotions for you, please know that you are not alone.Support Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss IrelandIreland helplines and hotlinesMarie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now, and it's brilliant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marie Gleeson : Be like the sea 28.05.2026 1u 42min

Topics covered : life in the Irish Navy, leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated environment, drug interdiction operations, UN peacekeeping missions, traumatic pregnancy, child loss, grief, motherhood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.(Please take care while listening, particularly if any of these topics feel sensitive or close to home.)This week, I speak to former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson.Marie lives in Tipperary with her husband John and their two daughters, Laoise and Muireann. Raised on a dairy farm as the eldest of six children, she went on to become one of the first women commissioned into the Irish Navy at a time when women had only recently been allowed into the service.Over a 21-year career, Marie served at sea and ashore in senior leadership roles and eventually became Commanding Officer of the LE Aoife. She was involved in major operations including a UN peacekeeping mission in Chad, the rescue of a Canadian submarine and a seven hundred and fifty million euro cocaine seizure during a high-stakes drug interdiction mission at sea.But behind the extraordinary career was profound personal heartbreak.In this conversation, Marie speaks openly and honestly about the devastating loss of her baby son Ciarán and how grief completely altered her understanding of strength and leadership.Marie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now and it's fantastic. Helplines :Ireland helplines and hotlinesSupport Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss IrelandYou can connect with Marie on LinkedIn, Instagram or you can email her :marie@navmarleadership.ieAnd if this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone you think might connect with it and don’t forget to follow Ready to be Real so you don't miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katriona O’Sullivan : Real Take 26.05.2026 16min

This week’s Real Take, is a powerful moment from my recent conversation with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan.Katriona speaks about growing up feeling deeply unloved and the many ways she felt hungry in childhood.Despite experiencing extreme poverty, addiction, abuse and homelessness growing up, Katriona went on to completely transform her life.Today, she uses her voice, her position and her privilege to help lift others up and advocate for inclusion, opportunity and education.She also reflects on what helps her now, the importance of affirmations and learning how to value yourself with greater compassion.Born in Coventry to Irish parents, Katriona later moved to Dublin where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University, is married to Dave, has three sons; John, Seán and Tadhg and is also a proud grandmother.You can hear my full conversation with Katriona now on Ready to be Real, where we discuss body image, hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege, diet culture, life under patriarchy and Katriona’s powerful new book Hungry: A Biography of my Body.You can also listen back to our first conversation together from November 2023.Books:PoorHungry: A Biography of my BodyFollow Ready to be Real on Instagram:@readytoberealpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan : The many meanings of hunger 21.05.2026 1u 14min

Topics covered: Body image, diet culture, good girl conditioning, life under patriarchy, poverty, trauma, hypervigilance, affirmations, self-belief, healing, ageing, motherhood, connection, privilege.In this episode I sit down once again with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author, the extraordinary Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan.When Katriona first joined the podcast in November 2023, her memoir Poor had been released and since then, the book has become a phenomenon; winning Biography of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, remaining in Ireland’s top-ten nonfiction chart for two years, being translated into seven languages and adapted into a sold-out stage production at Dublin’s Gate Theatre.Now Katriona is back to talk about her powerful new book 'Hungry: A Biography of my Body.'In this deeply honest conversation, Katriona reflects on growing up in the 80s and 90s and the culture of shame around women’s bodies and the lasting impact of extreme poverty.She also speaks about hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege and learning how to exist in your body with greater compassion.About Katriona:Born in Coventry to Irish parents, her early life was marked by poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancy and homelessness. In 1998 she moved to Dublin, where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and opportunity through education.She is married to Dave and has 3 sons: John, Seán and Tadhg and she's also a proud grandmother.Books:'Poor' and  'Hungry: A Biography of my Body'Other related episodes include conversations with Sarah Nicole Landry and Mary Kate Slattery.Follow Ready to be Real on Instagram: @readytoberealpodcastReady to be Real (@readytoberealpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misan Harriman : Real Take 18.05.2026 6min

Today’s Real Take comes from a powerful conversation I recorded in October 2024 with photographer, filmmaker and activist Misan Harriman.Misan is Chair of cultural hub, the Southbank Centre, an ambassador for Save the Children, and one of the most compassionate and courageous voices speaking up about injustice and inequality in the world today. Through his photography, filmmaking and activism, he has consistently used his platform to amplify voices that are too often ignored; especially concerning children.Over the past number of weeks, Misan has been the target of what many believe is a deeply disturbing smear campaign by sections of the UK press.I stand with Misan.If you would like to support him, please consider adding your name to this Petition To listen to the full conversation with Misan from October 2024, search 'Misan Harriman: Bridge Building' wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Pennie : The neuroscience of addiction 14.05.2026 42min

Topics covered : Addiction, shame, awareness, compassion, recovery.In this week’s episode of Ready to Be Real, I speak to Dr. Brian Pennie - neuroscientist, podcast host and former heroin addict.I first met Brian back in 2020 when his memoir Bonus Time was released, and I remember being completely blown away by his honesty and insight. Since then, life has continued to evolve for Brian. He’s now living a very fulfilled life with his partner Natalie, continuing his work in neuroscience, delivering talks, hosting his own podcast and helping people better understand addiction, behaviour and recovery.Brian spent 15 years addicted to heroin before getting clean in October 2013. In this conversation, we explore addiction from both a neuroscience point of view and through Brian’s lived experience - what happens in the brain when addiction takes hold, why recovery can be so difficult, and what can genuinely help somebody who is struggling.Following on from last week’s conversation with Tony O’Reilly about gambling addiction, this feels like a really important companion episode.You can find Brian online BrianPennie.com – Change is Possible and through his podcast Change is Possible. And as always, thank you so much for supporting the podcast.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and review Ready to Be Real wherever you get your podcasts - it really helps.Watch Brian's documentaries :Hooked: How Addiction Hijacks Your Brain - RTE PlayerOther episodes to listen to on addiction : Tony O'Reilly, Nikki Hayes and Gavin Meenan.Books :Bonus Time - A true story of surviving the worst and discovering the magic of every moment by Brian PennieIn the realm of hungry ghosts by Dr. Gabor MatéDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeTony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It AllResources & SupportIf you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone.Support links:Samaritans IrelandIreland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony 10 : Real Take 11.05.2026 22min

This is The Real Take and in this snippet, Tony O’Reilly — co-author of the bestselling book 'Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All' — speaks about the point where his gambling addiction escalated into stealing €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager.It’s a shocking and deeply heartbreaking insight into the reality of gambling addiction and the lengths a person can go to when completely consumed by it.Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm.You can connect with him here: Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & WorkshopsIreland is in the grip of a gambling crisis that many people still don’t fully recognise.Gambling addiction is insidious because it can remain hidden for years, devastating lives behind closed doors.If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available and you are not alone.Resources & SupportIf you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone.Support links:Extern Problem Gambling - Free Counselling for Problem GamblingGamblers Anonymous IrelandHome - Cuan MhuireSamaritans IrelandIreland helplines and hotlinesFollow the pod on Instagram@readytoberealpodcastTo hear the full two-hour conversation with Tony O’Reilly, listen anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony O'Reilly : Gambling €10 million and losing everything 07.05.2026 2u 5min

Topics covered: insecurities, psychology of addiction, secrecy, manipulation, shame, suicide ideation, finding meaning.My first guest of this brand new season of Ready to be Real is someone I’ve wanted to sit down with since the podcast launched back in 2019.Tony O’Reilly is the co-author of the bestselling book Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All  - the extraordinary true story of how a one pound bet in his early twenties spiralled into a devastating online gambling addiction that completely consumed his life.Over time, Tony gambled more than €10 million and stole €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager and ultimately losing almost everything: his job, his marriage, his peace of mind and very nearly, his life.But behind the sensational headlines is a real story.In this conversation, Tony speaks with extraordinary honesty about the psychology of addiction - the secrecy of online gambling, the lies, the manipulation, the fear and the chaos happening quietly behind closed doors - and the moments that still haunt him today.We also discuss recovery, accountability and understanding the “why” behind addiction, along with the enormous amount of work Tony has done on himself in recent years. He also shares how his teenage daughter has become his greatest motivation to stay on track and keep moving forward.This is a powerful and deeply important conversation about addiction, shame, and healing.Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm.You can connect with him here: Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & WorkshopsResources & SupportIf you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone.Support links:Extern Problem Gambling - Free Counselling for Problem GamblingGamblers Anonymous IrelandHome - Cuan MhuireSamaritans IrelandIreland helplines and hotlinesBook :Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It AllDocumentaries :All bets are off/RTÉAll Bets Are Off Baz and Tony  Finné/TG4 Finné Sr 2 Ep 2 Tony O'Reilly | TG4 | Súil Eile | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deirdre Nicole Hegarty : An adoption story 27.03.2026 1u 20min

Topics covered : Mother and Baby home, adoption, grief, faith, taboo, shedding shame, transgenerational trauma, therapy, holotropic breathwork, motherhood, inner child healing, compassion.  In the final episode of this season, I speak to psychotherapist Deirdre Nicole Hegarty, who shares her adoption story with us.Deirdre lives in Donegal with her husband Noel and their baby boy, Conall.She was adopted at three months old from a mother and baby home, into a loving family where her adoption was always known and spoken about openly.But as she grew older, and especially when she began searching for her birth parents, her story became more complex.What she discovered challenged her sense of identity in a profound way. Her birth parents were first cousins...something that carried deep layers of secrecy and shame.In this conversation, Deirdre speaks with great honesty about reconnecting with her birth parents, the emotional impact of those connections, and the confusion and trauma that unfolded.She also shares the work that has helped her make sense of her experience, particularly inner child healing, and how she’s come to understand the impact of transgenerational trauma, and the importance of breaking patterns and releasing shame.This is a deeply personal conversation, and I’m really grateful to her for sharing it so openly.To connect with Deirdre : Email: slanudeirdrehegarty@gmail.comInstagram: @slanu_deirdrehegarty* This is the final episode of this season, but I’ll be back with a new batch of conversations on the 8th of May.In the meantime, you can dive into the archive and listen to over 200 episodes anytime and thanks so much for listening to Ready to be Real.Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change and answers with Niamh Ennis : Real Take 23.03.2026 6min

In this snippet, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis speaks about the power of change, whether it arrives suddenly in our lives or is something we choose and how both can lead us closer to the life we truly want, if we’re willing to ask ourselves the right questions…and really listen to the answers.If you enjoyed this snippet, you can listen to my full conversation with Niamh Ennis now, wherever you get your podcasts.To connect with Niamh:www.niamhennis.comShe is the founder of The ChangeMakers Mastermind where she supports ambitious, heart led business founders.More here...www.niamhennis.com/tcmmastermind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niamh Ennis : How grief changes you 20.03.2026 1u 6min

Topics covered : Pancreatic cancer, grief, sympathy, therapy, good girl conditioning, life changes, intuition, journaling. This week, business mentor and change coach Niamh Ennis is my guest.She lives in Galway with her husband Michael and their rescue dog Bella.She’s the author of 'Get Unstuck: Ditch Your Drama and Move from Pain to Power' but long before the work she does now, Niamh went through an incredibly difficult period in her life.In her late 30s and early 40s, she experienced profound loss; her fiancé Tony died just nine days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only 6 months before they were due to be married. Not long after, she also lost her dad…and then, a number of years later, her Mum passed away.In this conversation, Niamh shares what that time was like, how it changed her, and how it ultimately led her to completely rethink her life and her career.We also talk about what it really means to feel stuck…and how to begin finding your way back to yourself , especially in midlife, when so many of us are questioning what we want and what comes next.To connect with Niamh:www.niamhennis.comShe is the founder of The ChangeMakers Mastermind where she supports ambitious, heart led business founders.More here...www.niamhennis.com/tcmmastermindIf you enjoyed this episode, please do share it, rate it or leave a review...it really helps the podcast to grow.And you can find the pod on Instagram @readytoberealpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sheela's (Síle's) Day and the Divine Feminine : The Real Take 16.03.2026 7min

In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet of my recent conversation with Celtic wisdom teacher and guide Mari Kennedy.Here she talks to us about the coming days, Síle's day on the 18th and later in the week, we'll be celebrating the Spring Equinox.I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Mari anytime now, it's a beaut!To connect with her :https://www.marikennedy.com/https://www.instagram.com/marikennedywisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mari Kennedy : Sovereign Queen 13.03.2026 1u 18min

Topics covered : The dark feminine/An Chailleach, infertility, grief, good girl conditioning, masculine and feminine forces, patriarchy, menopause, 4 (not 3) stages of womanhood - Maiden, Mother, Sovereign Queen and Crone, Friday the 13th, Síle's day, year of the Fire Horse, Spring Equinox, Sinéad O'Connor, rebellion, new age wellness, Síle na gig, feminine rising. For this special Friday the 13th episode, I’m joined by a teacher and guide in the Celtic Wisdom tradition, the wonderful Mari Kennedy.Mari lives in her home county of Sligo with her partner writer Eugene O'Brien, and she works with the Celtic Wheel of the Year, an ancient framework that invites us to live in deeper alignment with nature, cyclical wisdom and the cycles of life.Her work centres on women’s relationship to power, wisdom and remembering who we truly are.The question she keeps returning to, and that runs through everything she does, is: how do we respond wisely and powerfully to the chaos and collapse of this time?In this conversation we cover a lot...from Mari’s own personal story that is so powerful, to conversations around feminine and masculine energies, the impact of living under patriarchy and unlearning the 'good girl' conditioning, along with the different stages of womanhood.We also explore the magic of Friday the 13th, Síle's day and the Spring Equinox.I adored this conversation and I hope you do too.The magic of Friday the 13th - 46 mins approxSíle's Day, Spring Equinox, the balance of the masculine and feminine - 1 hour 11 mins approxTo connect with Mari :https://www.marikennedy.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marikennedywisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Harding : Real Take 09.03.2026 22min

I'm dipping into the Ready to be Real archive for this week's Real Take.In this snippet, I speak with the wonderfully reflective Michael Harding, as he shares his love of religion and spirituality...from Buddhism to Christianity...with the philosophical curiosity and earthy wisdom he’s so well known for.And if you enjoy this, I highly recommend you listen to the full conversation with Michael from December 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iza Clarke : Strength training, nutrition and recovery 06.03.2026 41min

This week I'm joined by personal trainer and online coach Iza Clarke.Originally from Poland, Iza has been living in Ireland for the past 18 years. She’s married to Odhran and they have two tween daughters, Lanah and Keira.I recently started training with her and I love how encouraging and knowledgeable she is, so I wanted to sit down with her for an honest and informative conversation about strength training, nutrition, and how our approach to fitness needs to change as we move through different decades of life.* To be clear, this isn’t an ad, I’m a very happy paying client who thought this conversation might resonate with listeners.Connect with IzaIzabela Clarke PT (@iza.clarke)You can sign up to her monthly program and she’s also launching a perimenopause plan on the 16th of March, with a particular focus on training, nutrition and education during this often challenging stage of life.I would highly recommend connecting with her, she is fab! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family Dysfunction : Real Take 02.03.2026 16min

Topics covered : toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, healing.For this week's Real Take, Josh Connolly talks about the unspoken truth of family dysfunction and how toxic systems are often invisible to the outside world.He is a father of six and his book 'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful online following and years of lived experience behind his work, he speaks openly about growing up with an alcoholic and abusive parent.And in the wake of recent public conversations around family estrangement, due to Brooklyn Beckham’s revelations, I wanted to explore what dysfunction in a family system actually looks like. The roles people can fall into, the patterns that follow on into adulthood, and why boundaries can feel so difficult and yet are so necessary.Josh on InstagramHis Dublin workshop on Sunday April 26th 2026Tics hereYou can listen to the full conversation anytime now and if you're struggling right now, there is help available...Ireland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Connolly : Family Dysfunction 27.02.2026 1u 6min

Topics covered : Alcoholism, toxic family systems, boundaries, living grief, compassion, healing.This week I speak to author Josh Connolly about family dysfunction.Josh is a father of six and his book 'It’s Them, Not You: How to Break Free from Toxic Parents and Reclaim Your Story' is a bestseller.With a powerful online following and years of lived experience behind his work, he speaks openly about growing up with an alcoholic and abusive parent.And in the wake of recent public conversations around family estrangement, due to Brooklyn Beckham’s revelations, I wanted to explore what dysfunction in a family system actually looks like. The roles people can fall into, the patterns that follow on into adulthood, and why boundaries can feel so difficult and yet are so necessary.Josh on InstagramHis Dublin workshop on Sunday April 26th 2026Tics hereIf you're struggling right now, there is help available...Ireland helplines and hotlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Tiernan : The Real Take 23.02.2026 39min

For today’s Real Take, we’re dipping into the archive. Back in May 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions, I recorded a remote conversation with comedian, actor and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan...he was in Galway, I was in Dublin, but despite the distance, the connection was magic. He spoke about his fascination with religion and philosophy, we learn more about what makes him tick...which includes his love of strong coffee and cigars, his brilliant TV show and of his experience on a silent retreat. You can also listen t0 the full conversation anytime now.And if you liked this chat you might appreciate others here with the likes of Brother Richard and Gelong Thubten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toys and Aggressive Play : What's healthy for kids? 20.02.2026 32min

This episode is aimed at parents of young children through to preteens and I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). For context, I have two children as well, Cathal (8.5) and Clíodhna (4), so this conversation felt particularly relevant.Debbie first joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply, for me personally and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.This is Debbie’s third time on the pod, and in this episode we delve into all things kids and toys. What supports healthy development, the importance of aggressive play in childhood, which toys need clear boundaries around them…and one personal rule she stands firmly by: no unsupervised YouTube.Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™ (Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach, a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.You can join their parenting hub, you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.If you enjoy what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.Go raibh míle maith agat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Real Take : Brother Richard on dying 16.02.2026 18min

In today’s Real Take, Brother Richard speaks about death in a deeply comforting way, drawn from his years of accompanying people at the end of their lives.If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you’d like to hear more from Brother Richard, the full conversation is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.