The Laura Dowling Experience

Episoder

• Bitesize Moment: "We Cured Your Cancer. You Should Be Grateful." — Dr Deirdre Lundy on HRT after breast cancer 02.06.2026 7min

  In this bitesize moment pulled from the Laura Dowling Experience back catalogue, menopause specialist Dr Deirdre Lundy walks Laura through how decisions about HRT and family history of breast cancer actually get made in clinic — and why a blanket "no" rarely tells the full story. If you've ever been handed that flat refusal, this is for you.She unpacks the difference between "a family history" and a strong family history, why outdated fears around HRT and breast cancer have cost women years of their lives, and why surviving cancer shouldn't mean accepting a wrecked quality of life with no support.🔑 Key PointsWhat "strong family history" really means — and why it isn't a blanket noHow specialists balance risk versus quality of life in real clinic conversationsWhy so many women have been wrongly told HRT is off the tableThe wider point: survivorship deserves more than "you should be grateful"What to ask for if you've been refused HRT and want a second look🎧 Listen to the full episode here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• #171 Pamela Deasy | Trusting Her Gut: A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Story 28.05.2026 52min

  Pamela Deasy was in her early 40s, working full time and volunteering with the RNLI, when fatigue started dragging her back into bed in the middle of the day. Her bloods were clear. She was told it was perimenopause, then depression. Months passed before a kinesiologist, of all people, pointed at her pancreas — and within days she was in a Cork hospital being told she had a tumour.In this episode, Pamela sits down with Laura to walk through what happened next: the chemotherapy that made her legs turn to jelly, the five and a half weeks of daily radiotherapy that put her on her back in hospital, and the Whipple surgery that took out the head of her pancreas, part of her stomach, part of her intestine, her gallbladder and her spleen. Then the slower, quieter battle that came after — the seven and a half stone she lost, the survivor guilt nobody warned her about, the Survive and Thrive programme that helped her step back into the world, and the small camping toilet she now keeps in her car because that is the honest reality of life after Whipple surgery.Pamela also shares why she co-founded Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, what the signs of pancreatic cancer actually look like, and why "listen to your gut and keep going back" might be the most important sentence you hear this week.🔑 Key PointsWhy fatigue was Pamela's only consistent symptom — and how easy it was to put down to a busy life, perimenopause and then depressionThe signs of pancreatic cancer worth knowing: persistent tiredness, pain in the tummy that radiates to the back, floaty stools, dark urine, jaundice, an itch with no rash, new pre-diabetesWhat Whipple surgery actually involves, and why it is described as life-saving but life-alteringThe realities of life after a rewired digestive system, from packing a change of clothes to always knowing where the toilet isThe chemotherapy side effects that have lingered for years — neuropathy, Raynaud's, cold intoleranceSurvivor guilt, the drop-off in support after the "all clear", and finding her way back through the Survive and Thrive programmeWhy pancreatic cancer is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030Pamela's everyday philosophy: advocate for yourself, listen to your gut, and treasure the ordinary days📚 ResourcesPancreatic Cancer IrelandSurvive and Thrive⏱️ Timestamps00:00 — Welcome00:27 — Blackrock Health Women's Health Centre01:34 — Introducing Pamela and trusting your gut02:13 — 2018: fatigue, busy work and the RNLI03:04 — Going back to the GP again and again05:01 — A kidney scan and "the good news is there's no cancer"06:00 — Being told she might be depressed06:16 — A kinesiologist who pointed at her pancreas07:17 — Jaundice and the alarm bell08:51 — Friday 7th December: into hospital in Cork09:22 — "You have a tumour in your pancreas"12:02 — What Whipple surgery actually is13:00 — Six rounds of chemotherapy13:30 — Side effects: falling, neuropathy, Raynaud's17:48 — Radiotherapy, gemcitabine and six weeks in hospital21:51 — Whipple surgery on 15 August 201923:20 — What was removed during Whipple24:17 — Losing seven and a half stone and severe cachexia26:14 — Ascites and the slow road back29:48 — From patient to survivor30:23 — Survivor guilt and finding therapy31:11 — The Survive and Thrive programme31:38 — Life after a rewired digestive system34:55 — Pancreatic cancer statistics in Ireland36:00 — The signs and symptoms worth knowing42:00 — Setting up Pancreatic Cancer Ireland47:58 — Where to find Pamela49:25 — Advice for younger people, and the meaning of life51:38 — Blackrock Health Women's Health CentreThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bitesize Moment: "The Second Christmas Nearly Broke Me." — Dr Mary Ryan on grief 26.05.2026 6min

  In this bitesize moment pulled from the Laura Dowling Experience back catalogue, endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan opens up about losing her husband unexpectedly while raising three small children, and what grief actually looked like for her in the years that followed.She tells Laura about the shock, the anger, and the long fog of those first two years — and the small, practical things that helped: leaning into bonding routines with her kids, accepting help from family, friends and even her own patients, and letting people in when every part of her wanted to push them away.🔑 Key PointsWhy grief, in her experience, takes around two years — and why the second Christmas is often the hardestThe "dark hole" she fell into, and what slowly pulled her outHow she kept life moving day-to-day for three young childrenThe quiet role of family, friends and patients in keeping her goingA gentle, honest take on how you don't really "get over" loss — you come through it🎧 Listen to the full episode here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• #170 Caroline Foran | The Nervous System, Anxiety & PDA Parenting 21.05.2026 1t 8min

  Anxiety author Caroline Foran joins Laura for a deeply personal conversation about parenting a young son recently diagnosed as autistic with a PDA profile, alongside her own long history with anxiety.Caroline talks openly about the years before the diagnosis, the blame she turned inward, and everything she has had to unlearn about parenting. She explains what PDA — Pervasive Drive for Autonomy — actually looks like day to day, why traditional approaches can make things worse, and the social pressure of being seen to "manage" a child whose nervous system is set on high alert.She also shares her own anxiety story, from a frightening breakdown at sixteen in Italy through to the severe physical anxiety that took over her twenties. Caroline talks about medication, CBT, and the years of work behind her new book Everything I Wish I'd Known About Anxiety, and why so much of recovery came from showing her body safety rather than trying to outthink her own mind.🔑 Key PointsDiscovering a PDA profile — Caroline explains Pervasive Drive for Autonomy and what it means for her son's nervous system day to day.Why traditional parenting backfires — Holding firm boundaries can push a PDA child straight into fight or flight, even at five.Lowering the demands — A low-demand, declarative-language approach has reshaped everyday life at home.Performative parenting — The urge to respond to her son for the benefit of onlookers, even with close friends.The years before the diagnosis — A bumpy COVID start, severe separation anxiety and two preschool attempts that left him distressed.Caroline's anxiety story — A breakdown at sixteen in Italy and a severe physical episode at twenty-five.Medication, CBT and self-compassion — Prozac, behavioural therapy and learning to respond to anxiety with kindness rather than self-attack.Showing the body safety — Why walking, rhythm and bottom-up regulation worked better than trying to master her thoughts.The cost of constant stimulation — Social media, the pleasure–pain balance and collective anxiety since COVID.📚 ResourcesEverything I Wish I'd Known About AnxietyOwning ItPDA SocietyCasey Ehrlich (Peace Parents)Dr Anna Lembke — Dopamine Nation⏱️ Timestamps02:00 — "Is he non-verbal?" introducing her son02:30 — Autism with a PDA profile03:00 — What PDA stands for04:30 — Nervous system disability and perceived demand06:00 — Why traditional parenting can backfire08:00 — Performative parenting in public10:00 — A pillow on the grass and what dysregulation looks like13:00 — Blaming herself before the diagnosis17:00 — Sensory overwhelm and rethinking exposure20:00 — Preschool, school and what comes next30:00 — Family life, marriage and never a date night33:30 — Caroline's anxiety story begins in Italy39:00 — A severe breakdown at twenty-five45:00 — Starting medication and what Prozac actually did51:00 — CBT, behavioural experiments and getting her life back56:00 — Showing the body safety59:00 — Social media and the pleasure–pain balance01:04:00 — Caroline's new book01:05:30 — Advice and the meaning of lifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bitesize Moment: "I Thought I Was Fine. I Wasn't." — Kyla Cobbler on getting sober 19.05.2026 6min

  In this bitesize moment pulled from the Laura Dowling Experience back catalogue, comedian Kyla Cobbler shares an honest, no-frills account of how her drinking quietly turned into dependency — while she was still training, working, and gigging five nights a week.She tells Laura how being a regular performer in Barcelona blurred the lines between socialising and self-medicating, and how Dry January cracked the whole thing open. What started as a simple challenge ended in withdrawal, therapy, AA, and a completely new relationship with fear, nerves, and joy on stage.🔑 Key PointsHow "high-functioning" drinking can hide a much bigger problemThe cycle of running, gigging, free drinks — and waking up groggy every single morningWhat withdrawal actually felt like by day two of Dry JanuaryWhy it was never about the red wine — it was about wanting to feel differentPerforming sober for the first time, and learning to feel everything instead of numbing it🎧 Listen to the full episode here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• #169 Barbara Scully | The Things They Don't Tell You About Getting Older 14.05.2026 1t 30min

  Barbara Scully sits down with Laura for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with her own recent run-in with the medical system and opens out into what it actually means to age as a woman in Ireland today.Barbara talks about months of hip pain, a string of MRIs, a suspected stroke that turned out to be nothing, and the moment she decided to step off the treadmill of tests, hand back the prescription and rebuild her strength in the gym. She also shares her type 2 diabetes diagnosis in her mid-50s and the two years of remission she achieved through diet and exercise before her mother died and life became harder again.The conversation moves into menopause, brain fog, mood swings and the language used about older women. Barbara reframes brain fog as an information retrieval slowdown, makes the case that women's anger after menopause is real and warranted, and argues that being underestimated as you get older is closer to a superpower than to invisibility.There is also room for the story behind it all. Growing up tall in a male-dominated house. Becoming an unmarried mother in 1987 and listening to politicians and clergy describe women like her as a scourge on the radio. The close, unconventional friendship she had with her mother, who set up her own business teaching women word processing in the late 1980s. And the comedy career she fell into in her 60s, now touring with her one-woman show Older Bolder Wiser. Her best-selling book ‘Wise Up’ is available now in Irish bookstores nationwide & on Amazon.ie 📚🔑 Key PointsTrusting your gut with healthcareAfter months of MRIs and a hip replacement referral, Barbara declined the surgery and rebuilt her strength through physio and the gym.A diabetes diagnosis as a wake-up callA type 2 diagnosis in her mid-50s pushed her into healthier habits and into remission for two years.Brain fog reframedWomen in their 60s have decades more information stored than younger people; what is labelled brain fog is information retrieval slowdown.Anger after menopause is realAs life pressures lift, you have the headspace to notice ongoing inequalities, and that anger is not a hormonal mood swing.Underestimated, not invisibleBeing overlooked as an older woman gives you the element of surprise and the freedom to take risks without caring what people think.The cost of conformityA senior CEO told Barbara she would love to let her hair go grey but feared not being taken seriously at work.Becoming an unmarried mother in 1987Barbara remembers her father going upstairs to be sick, three weeks of silence, then a quiet "we'll stand by you" on a snowy morning.A friendship with her motherHer mother bought her her first baby cham at 12, set up her own business in her 50s and was a collaborator throughout Barbara's life.📚 ResourcesWise Up — Barbara ScullyMemoir reflecting on the years after menopause.Older Bolder WiserBarbara's one-woman comedy show currently touring Irish theatres.Funny Women IrelandSet up by Orla Doherty and Val Troy to promote women in comedy.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 — Hip pain and the MRI run-around03:00 — Stepping off the treadmill of tests07:30 — Type 2 diabetes and remission09:30 — Why brain fog is not what we are told11:00 — Anger after menopause is real13:00 — Underestimated rather than invisible17:00 — Letting the hair go grey22:00 — The freedom of getting older28:00 — A first smear test in the 80s36:00 — Growing up tall and the slow set44:00 — Giving up red wine and finding gin48:00 — Her mother as collaborator56:00 — Losing her mother in 2022Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bitesize Moment: "I Haven't Felt Right in Three Years." — Dr Sarah Callaghan on how perimenopause sneaks up 12.05.2026 6min

  In this bitesize moment pulled from the Laura Dowling Experience back catalogue, GP and menopause specialist Dr Sarah Callaghan explains why perimenopause so rarely arrives with a bang — and why so many women spend years "muddling through" before they realise what's actually going on.She tells Laura about the slow, sneaky creep of symptoms, the patterns she sees most often in clinic, and the women who mistake their perimenopause for postnatal anxiety, burnout, grief, or "just life". It's a powerful reframe: if something feels off, you deserve more than "just cope".🔑 Key PointsWhy perimenopause symptoms rarely arrive all at once — and why that mattersThe fluctuating, "good week / bad week" pattern that makes women doubt themselvesCommon mislabels: postnatal anxiety, stress, grief, COVID, burnoutThe "I just don't feel like myself" phrase she hears in clinic over and overWhy you don't need to be in crisis to ask for help — even a 20–30% drop in functioning is worth investigating🎧 Listen to the full episode here.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• #168 Maria Walsh | Deepfakes, Politics and Women's Health 07.05.2026 1t 18min

  Laura sits down with MEP Maria Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation about women, power and what is shifting in Europe right now. Maria has just returned from the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, where for the first time in seventy years member states could not agree a final text on access to justice for women.She talks honestly about online misogyny, the deepfakes already circulating in Irish secondary schools, conversion therapy, and the website created about her during the 2019 election that is still live today. Alongside that, she opens up about internalised homophobia, the loneliness of political life, and growing up as the gay Rose of Tralee at a time when Ireland was shifting on marriage equality.The conversation also moves through period poverty, FGM, the underfunding of women's healthcare, the pink tax, and what it would take to close the gap on cardiovascular care, menopause and reproductive health. It is a frank look at the work still ahead and the toll it takes on the women trying to do it.🔑 Key PointsThe UN couldn't agree on access to justice for women — For the first time in seventy years the Commission on the Status of Women failed to find consensus, after the US tabled eight late amendments including the definition of a woman.Deepfakes are already in Irish secondary schools — 99% of generated deepfakes are pornographic and 96% of victims are women and young girls, with nudification apps making explicit content from a single photo.Online attacks follow women in politicsA website created during the 2019 election is still live, and Coco's Law catches those who share content but not those who build or host the apps.Conversion therapy is still legal in most of the EUOnly eight EU countries have banned it, and Ireland's commitment sits inside the programme for government.Women's healthcare is underfundedMore research funding has gone into male baldness than endometriosis, and there are only six menopause clinics across Ireland.Cardiovascular care is still built around menHeart attack symptoms are taught through male presentation, leaving women under-treated when it matters.The pink tax keeps quietly costing womenRazors, dry cleaning and a 23% VAT rate on sunscreen all add up across a lifetime.Politics takes a real personal tollMaria speaks openly about loneliness, comfort eating, and learning to take up space in Brussels.📚 ResourcesUN Commission on the Status of WomenCoco's LawILGA-EuropeBelong ToWomen for ElectionSee Her ElectedRileyHope FoundationRuhamaEsker HouseHer Last Search (Croí)⏱️ Timestamps03:39 — Back from the UN Commission on the Status of Women07:33 — Why the US tabled eight amendments at the eleventh hour12:37 — Deepfakes, disinformation and the 90% statistic15:04 — Conversion therapy and the EU debate19:23 — The Burke website that is still live27:38 — Deepfakes in Irish secondary schools35:43 — What policy needs to do, and Ireland's chance to lead40:53 — Cardiovascular care and Her Last Search45:06 — Pink tax, menopause clinics and the funding gap49:29 — Why women are still underrepresented in politics53:01 — Period poverty, Riley and Any Time of the Month58:25 — Loneliness and learning to take up space59:30 — Calcutta, Hope Foundation and human traffickingThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• #167 Michelle Flynn on Why Some Experiences Stay With Us 30.04.2026 58min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Michelle Flynn shares her deeply personal and professional insight into birth trauma, and why it’s not always about what happens, but how it’s experienced.Drawing on her own journey through pregnancy anxiety and her work as a perinatal psychotherapist, Michelle explains how trauma can live in the nervous system, showing up long after the moment has passed. From hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts to sensory triggers that bring the body straight back into the experience, she breaks down why these reactions happen and what they actually mean.Together, Michelle and Laura unpack the importance of feeling safe, seen and supported, both for patients and for healthcare professionals. This really comes back to understanding your body and how trauma can show up differently for each of us.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodePostnatal DepressionA type of depression that can occur after childbirth, affecting mood, energy, and ability to care for yourself or your baby.Postnatal AnxietyA condition involving excessive worry, fear, or intrusive thoughts during the postpartum period.Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)A mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours, which can present during pregnancy or postpartum.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)A condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, including childbirth.Perinatal Mental HealthMental health during pregnancy and the early years after birth, typically up until a child is around two years old, when individuals may be more vulnerable to anxiety and mood disorders.Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine)A body-based trauma therapy focused on how the nervous system stores and processes traumatic experiences.The Body Keeps the Score - Dr Bessel van der KolkA widely recognised book exploring how trauma is stored in the body and how it can be treated.EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)A psychotherapy approach used to help people process and recover from traumatic memories.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)A structured therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.MBRRACE-UK ReportA UK report examining maternal deaths and inequalities, including higher risks among Black and ethnic minority women.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - What is birth trauma02:00 - Michelle’s personal pregnancy experience04:00 - Pregnancy anxiety and early fears07:30 - Feeling dismissed and unsupported10:30 - Who is more vulnerable to trauma20:00 - PTSD in healthcare professionals24:00 - Communication and consent in care28:00 - Can trauma be prevented36:00 - The lemon experiment and body response45:00 - Understanding somatic therapy50:00 - Why CBT may not work for traumaThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Mary Ryan | The Things We Ignore About Women’s Health 23.04.2026 42min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionHow many women have been told that pain is just part of being a woman?For many women, painful or heavy periods become something they learn to live with. In this conversation, periods are reframed as something far more important - a vital sign that reflects what’s happening across the whole body, not just a monthly inconvenience.Through real clinical stories, we hear how women can spend years feeling exhausted, run down, or unwell without ever realising the root cause. These symptoms are normalised, when in reality they need to be recognised and supported much earlier.Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Mary shares how early intervention can prevent long-term conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. The discussion also expands into menopause, hormone therapy, and the importance of lifestyle - from nutrition and sleep to stress and daily habits - in supporting the body.Alongside the science, the episode reflects on modern life - the pressure to do too much, the importance of boundaries, and the need to delegate and share the load.At its core, this episode is about listening to your body, questioning what doesn’t feel right, and giving yourself permission to take your health seriously.🔑 Key PointsYour period is a vital signYour menstrual cycle reflects overall health, yet many women are never taught what is normal and what isn’t.Severe pain and heavy bleeding aren’t normalSymptoms like prolonged periods, extreme pain, or vomiting are often dismissed, but they signal underlying imbalance that should be investigated.Early intervention changes everythingAddressing irregular periods in teenage years can prevent long-term conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.Hormones affect the whole bodyImbalances don’t just impact periods - they influence energy, mood, weight, skin, and long-term health outcomes.Lifestyle is the foundation of hormone healthNutrition, sleep, exercise, and gut health all play a key role in regulating hormones and supporting the body.Conditions like PCOS are often missedWeight gain, acne, and irregular cycles are common early signs, yet many women go undiagnosed for years.Hormonal support can restore balanceTreatments like progesterone and metformin can help regulate cycles and improve symptoms when used appropriately.Women are doing too muchChronic stress, over-responsibility, and lack of boundaries can impact hormone health and overall wellbeing.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeIt’s Probably Your Period by Mary RyanMary’s book focused on understanding menstrual health and early interventionPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)A hormonal condition that can affect periods, weight, skin, and fertilityEndometriosisA condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe painHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)Treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing hormonesProgesteroneA hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancyMetforminA medication commonly used for type 2 diabetes, also used in managing PCOSInsulin ResistanceA condition where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin, often linked to PCOSProstaglandinsHormone-like substances that can cause inflammation and menstrual cramps⏱️ Timestamps01:00 – Periods as a vital sign02:30 – What a normal period looks like04:00 – Severe pain and inflammation06:30 – Early intervention and prevention08:30 – PCOS, weight gain and acne11:30 – Treatment and metformin14:30 – Hormone balance and long-term health16:30 – Menopause and progesterone18:30 – Spotting, flooding and hormone changes20:30 – HRT and hormone therapy22:30 – Testosterone and brain fog24:00 – Fibroids and prevention25:30 – Women doing too much27:00 – Delegation and sharing the load28:30 – Relationships, stress and health impact30:00 – Raising resilient children31:30 – Loss, grief and perspective33:30 – Life lessons and self-worth35:00 – Final advice for young peopleThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life 16.04.2026 1t 16min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionHannah Daly talks openly about the long path to understanding her brain. Growing up, she knew she experienced the world differently, but dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time. It wasn’t until much later that she began to question whether there was more to it.A period of intense physical and cognitive symptoms during perimenopause became a turning point. As her ability to cope and mask began to unravel, it led her to seek answers - and eventually to diagnoses of ADHD and autism. What follows is a process of looking back, reinterpreting her life, and starting to understand herself in a completely different way.🔑 Key PointsGrowing up feeling different without the language for itHannah describes always experiencing the world differently, but early diagnoses of dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time.Masking and the effort of trying to fit inMuch of her life was shaped by adapting to environments and expectations, often suppressing her own needs.Perimenopause as a turning pointA sudden wave of physical and cognitive symptoms made it harder to cope and brought everything to the surface.The link between hormones and neurodivergenceHormonal changes intensified underlying ADHD and autistic traits, including memory issues, overwhelm, and sensory sensitivity.Late diagnosis of ADHD and autismThrough seeking answers, Hannah went through an assessment process and received both diagnoses.Looking back with new understandingShe began to reinterpret her life, recognising patterns that had always been there but previously misunderstood.Unmasking and redefining identityDiagnosis allowed her to move away from people-pleasing and start living more in line with who she is.Understanding your brain as self-compassionLearning how her brain works helped her develop better strategies and a more supportive way of living.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and energy regulation.Autism (Autism Spectrum Condition)A lifelong condition affecting communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.PerimenopauseA hormonal transition phase that can impact mood, cognition, and physical wellbeing.ADHD, Autism, and Hormones (Emerging Research Area)Growing research explores how hormonal changes can intensify neurodivergent traits.ADHD Ireland - Support & U-Map ProgrammeResources and support for ADHD in Ireland.Autism and Menopause (Further Reading)Explores how menopause can affect autistic individuals.Odd Girl Out - Laura James (Book)A memoir about late autism diagnosis.Dr Mary Doherty - Autistic Doctors InternationalAdvocate and founder supporting autistic professionals.Wim Hof MethodBreathing and cold exposure techniques.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Asking for accommodations and sensory needs02:30 – What masking looks like in everyday life04:00 – Growing up feeling “othered”07:00 – Finding purpose through occupational therapy10:30 – Writing her book and sharing her story11:30 – Sudden health episode and onset of symptoms14:30 – Perimenopause, HRT, and turning point17:00 – ADHD and autism diagnosis19:00 – Reframing her life after diagnosis23:00 – Sensory needs, routines, and daily coping27:00 – ADHD traits, focus, and conversation style31:00 – Energy, burnout, and pacing36:00 – Managing overwhelm and regulation strategies42:00 – Sleep, routines, and nervous system support47:00 – Parenting, relationships, and support systems52:00 – Medication, exercise, and what helps56:00 – Final reflections and helping other womenThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Reality of School Meals in Ireland Today with Ger Killian 09.04.2026 1t 14min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionThis conversation with Ger Killian offers a thoughtful and honest look at what it really means to feed children in today’s world. As co-founder of The Lunch Bag, Ger has spent years navigating the realities of school meals - from supply chains and budgets to the emotional responses of parents and children alike.What emerges is a story not just about food, but about trust. Trust from parents who want reassurance their child will eat. Trust from children learning to try new things. And trust in a system that is still evolving, trying to balance immediate needs with long-term impact.This episode gently challenges assumptions, reminding us that meaningful change takes time. It invites us to think more deeply about how we support children - not just nutritionally, but emotionally and socially too.🔑 Key PointsWhy “safe foods” matterRemoving familiar foods like chicken goujons revealed how important predictable meals are for children, especially those under stress.The complexity of feeding children at scaleDelivering meals involves logistics, cost pressures, regulations, and nutritional standards that most people never see.The unintended consequences of a welfare modelTargeting meals at certain children can create stigma and affect how children engage with food in school.The role of culture in what children eatHistorical and cultural influences shape how children respond to unfamiliar foods and new meals.Parental instinct and food securityParents often send extra lunches not out of distrust, but from a deep instinct to ensure their child is fed.The importance of education around foodWithout teaching children what they are eating, meals can feel unfamiliar and disengaging rather than supportive.A long-term opportunity for changeSchool meals have the potential to improve not just nutrition, but equality, behaviour, and future outcomes.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Lunch BagA leading Irish school meal provider delivering fresh, nutritionally balanced lunches to schools nationwide.Website - https://www.thelunchbag.ie/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelunchbag_/Healthy Ireland GuidelinesNational nutritional standards that define what a balanced school meal should include in terms of protein, vegetables, and overall health.World Food ProgrammeA global organisation that highlights how access to school meals, particularly for girls, can improve education and long-term outcomes.EU Child GuaranteeA European initiative focused on ensuring children have access to essential services, including nutritious food and education.BallymaloeAn Irish food producer and cookery school that supported the development of nutritious sauces for school meals.Spice of Life (Cork)A food supplier that helped create large-scale, nutritionally balanced sauces for school meal programmes.Willowbrook (Belfast)A supplier providing fresh fruit and vegetables used in school meals across Ireland.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Ger and The Lunch Bag03:00 - Building a school meal service from scratch07:00 - The rollout of free school meals10:00 - Welfare vs progressive school meal models13:00 - Why children disengage from meals over time18:30 - How school meals are produced and delivered27:00 - Food culture and food neophobia in Ireland32:00 - The chicken goujon controversy36:00 - Reformulating “safe foods” for children40:00 - Nutrition, lentils, and hidden improvements48:00 - Food waste and misunderstanding the system54:00 - What needs to change moving forwardThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Dr Andy Hogan on How the Immune System Shapes Your Health 02.04.2026 1t 27min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionThis episode traces Dr Andy Hogan’s path into immunology, from a childhood curiosity to a career exploring how the immune system shapes our health. Growing up in a challenging environment, the Access Programme gave him a route into higher education - highlighting the impact of support and opportunity.Alongside his story, Andy explains the immune system not just as a defence against illness, but as something deeply involved in everyday health. He explores how obesity, ageing, and chronic inflammation affect immune function, and how these links connect to conditions like diabetes, cancer, and infection.There’s also reflection on COVID-19, vaccines, and the future of medicine - from why pandemics were expected to how immunity develops over time. It’s a conversation that blends scientific insight with real-world impact.🔑 Key PointsA single opportunity can reshape a futureThe Access Programme gave Andy a pathway into higher education.A childhood moment led to a scientific careerEarly curiosity about genetics sparked a lifelong interest in biology.The immune system shapes everyday healthIt regulates metabolism, tissue health, and overall balance - not just infection.Obesity and immune ageing are linkedObesity can accelerate immune decline and affect disease response.COVID-19 exposed immune vulnerabilitiesThe pandemic showed how differently populations respond to new threats.Medical research is opening new possibilitiesImmunology is unlocking new treatments for complex diseases.Vaccines protect communities, not just individualsThey play a key role in protecting the most vulnerable.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeAccess Programme – Supports students from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education.Donal O’Shea – Endocrinologist focused on obesity and metabolic health.Fiona Walsh – Researcher in antibiotic resistance and global health.GLP-1 medications – Drugs that regulate appetite and blood sugar.NK cells & macrophages – Immune cells that destroy threats and clear debris.CAR-T therapy & CRISPR – Technologies advancing cancer treatment and gene editing.HPV – Virus linked to several cancers; preventable through vaccination.Spanish flu, SARS, MERS, H1N1 – Major outbreaks shaping our understanding of pandemics.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Andy’s work in immunology01:30 – Obesity and immune health02:30 – GLP-1 therapies04:00 – Early life and biology06:00 – Access Programme10:30 – Finding immunology14:30 – Immune system basics18:30 – COVID-19 insights21:00 – Age and immune response24:00 – Vaccines28:00 – Future of medicineThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Power of Posture: Dignity in Later Life 26.03.2026 1t 1min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionOccupational therapist Martina Tierney joins the podcast to share how something as ordinary as a chair can profoundly shape a person’s health, independence and dignity.After witnessing older people being sold expensive but inappropriate equipment, Martina set out to change the system. What followed was the creation of Seating Matters, a company grounded in clinical evidence, compassion and respect. In this conversation, she explains how posture affects breathing, swallowing, pressure injuries, cognition and even a person’s sense of self.From the woman who could finally lift her head and make eye contact, to the man who believed he would die in bed until he was helped into a supportive chair and wheeled outside, this episode is a powerful reminder that dignity is often found in the smallest details.🔑 Key PointsFrom Frustration to InnovationMartina recognised that people were being sold expensive equipment without proper assessment, sparking the creation of Seating Matters.The Woman Who Could Finally Lift Her HeadA properly fitted chair restored eye contact, safety and dignity to someone previously slumped and disengaged.“I Thought I Was Going to Die in Bed”A hospice patient’s simple wish to sit outside highlighted how seating can transform end of life experience.The Psychological Power of Sitting UprightBeing out of bed shifts someone from passive patient to active participant in their own care.Reframing Dementia BehavioursWhat is labelled as aggression may be sensory disorientation. Understanding this changes how we respond.Health Consequences We OverlookPoor seating can contribute to pressure injuries, swallowing difficulties and recurrent urinary infections.Equity in EquipmentPeople of size deserve equipment that fits them properly and respectfully.Family, Loss and PerspectiveMartina reflects on building the business with her husband and the importance of not postponing life.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeSeating Matters - A global seating and posture company founded by occupational therapist Martina Tierney, focused on improving dignity, independence and clinical outcomes through proper supportive seating.https://seatingmatters.com/gb-iePressure Injuries - National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) - Also known as bed sores, pressure injuries occur when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to skin and underlying tissue, most commonly around bony areas such as the sacrum and coccyx.https://npiap.com/page/PressureInjuryStagesWorld Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - The international body representing occupational therapists worldwide, promoting the role of OT in enabling independence, participation and meaningful daily life.https://wfot.org/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - From Frustrated OT to Founder06:00 - “What Matters to You?” The OT Philosophy12:00 - A Family Business Is Born15:10 - The Man Who Thought He Would Never See Outside Again18:45 - The Woman Who Could Finally Lift Her Head21:10 - Why Getting Out of Bed Changes Everything27:20 - Understanding Dementia Differently33:00 - Designing Chairs for People of Size40:45 - Losing James and Rethinking Work51:10 - What Really Matters in LifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Women in Politics: Online Misogyny and the Fight to Be Heard 19.03.2026 1t

  🎧 Episode DescriptionWhat does it really take for women to enter politics today?In this special edition from the European Parliament, Laura Dowling speaks with MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú on International Women’s Day about their experiences of political life and the wider landscape for women entering leadership roles.Through personal stories and candid reflections, they discuss how they each found their way into politics and why there is no single blueprint for women who want to lead. The conversation explores the growing issue of online misogyny, the importance of representation in shaping policy on issues such as domestic violence, and the role Irish political parties must play in supporting more women to participate and progress into leadership positions.Together, they reflect on the resilience required to remain in public life and why creating a more inclusive political culture matters not only for women, but for democracy itself.🔑 Key PointsThe reality of online misogyny in politicsBoth guests speak openly about the misogynistic abuse female politicians face online and how social media harassment has become a serious barrier discouraging women from entering public life.There is no single path into politicsKathleen Funchion and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú reflect on their personal journeys into politics, showing that women often arrive through very different life experiences and career paths.Why representation in politics mattersThe conversation highlights how having more women in political leadership influences the issues that receive attention, including policies that directly affect women’s lives.The impact of abuse on families and future candidatesOnline harassment does not only affect politicians themselves - many women hesitate to run for office because they worry about the impact on their families and children.Turning experience into political actionRather than ignoring abuse, the guests discuss how they channel these experiences into advocacy and policy work aimed at addressing misogyny and harassment.The role of political parties in supporting womenIrish political parties, they argue, must do more to actively encourage and support women who want to enter politics and progress into leadership roles.Domestic violence and policy responsibilityThe discussion touches on how political representation can shape legislation and awareness around issues such as domestic violence and safety for women.Resilience in public lifeRemaining in politics often requires resilience and support networks, especially for women navigating hostility in public spaces.⏱️ Timestamps05:10 - Kathleen and Cynthia share how they first entered politics11:40 - Why there is no single blueprint for women entering political life14:10 - Confidence, opportunity, and why women hesitate to run19:20 - Online misogyny and the abuse women face on social media28:10 - The impact of online harassment on families and future candidates36:50 - The importance of representation in politics and policymaking49:00 - Domestic violence and the role of policy leadership55:00 - Encouraging more women to participate in political leadership59:20 - Resilience, public service, and the future of women in politicsThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Aoife Dunne: Ayahuasca, Grief and an Unexpected Route into Comedy 12.03.2026 2t 8min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionLaura sits down with comedian Aoife Dunne for an honest and humorous conversation about everything from grief and fear to the unexpected turns life can take.Aoife opens up about the sudden loss of her mum while she was backpacking in her early twenties - a moment that changed the course of her life. After spending time in therapy and trying to make sense of the fear she carried, she eventually travelled to Brazil and took part in an ayahuasca ceremony with the hope of letting go of something she felt was holding her back.Alongside moments of humour, Aoife speaks candidly about fear, self-doubt, and what can happen when we stop trying to control every step of the journey. She shares how her unusual route into comedy emerged from years of searching, reflection, and gradually learning to trust where life might lead her.🔑 Key PointsLosing her mum while travellingAoife reflects on receiving the news of her mother’s death while backpacking in her twenties and the shock of navigating grief far from home.Learning to live with lossAoife talks about how grief shaped her twenties and how it continued to influence the way she approached life and relationships.The fear that held her backAoife talks about the deep sense of fear she carried for many years - something she felt stopped her from fully pursuing the things she wanted in life.Travelling to Brazil for an ayahuasca ceremonyAoife explains why she eventually chose to take part in the ceremony and what she hoped to release.An unusual route into comedyAoife reflects on how she ended up performing comedy despite never initially seeing it as her path.A new perspective on what mattersAoife reflects on how grief and reflection helped her appreciate the deeper value of love, relationships and everyday life.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeAoife Dunne – Official Website & Tour DatesFind Aoife’s upcoming shows, including her stand-up show Good Grief, and buy tickets here:https://aoifedunnecomedy.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGncw1_OANO5trgzPuPL8lgOyBgmPgZt5OmJPMsxM0zj5P22v0kv5jsSqtynaw_aem_CrTmYABNtRBRDzzKsiU62gAoife Dunne on InstagramFollow Aoife for updates, clips and tour announcements:https://www.instagram.com/aoife_is_never_dunne/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and meeting Aoife Dunne06:00 – Growing up, family stories and humour12:30 – “Aoife Dunne is a slut”18:40 – Losing her mum while travelling in South America27:00 – The lasting impact of grief33:10 – Argentinian men vs Irish men44:00 – Deciding to try ayahuasca in Brazil50:30 – The emotional experience during the ceremony58:20 – A new way of seeing her life01:11:40 – An unusual path into comedy01:28:00 – Not needing a perfect life plan01:45:30 – The pressure of expectations in your thirtiesThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why I Left Stockbroking to Sell Cars From My Drive with Nadia Adan 05.03.2026 1t 7min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionArriving in Ireland from Somalia as a child after years of displacement, Nadia grew up watching her mother sacrifice everything to create stability through education. That path led her into finance and onto a trading floor surrounded by high earners and high pressure — a version of success that looked impressive but never fully felt aligned.What began with selling her own 08 BMW after a disappointing dealer offer gradually turned into something bigger. From selling cars on her drive to leasing a yard just before the pandemic, Nadia shares the discipline, doubt, criticism and resilience behind building Ashford Motors.🔑 Key PointsDisplacement and DeterminationNadia shares how early instability and migration shaped her resilience.The Weight of ExpectationGrowing up with a mother who sacrificed everything created both pressure and motivation.Success That Didn’t Feel Like SuccessDespite qualifying as a stockbroker, something felt missing.An Accidental Entrepreneurial SparkSelling her own BMW revealed a different path.Building From Her Own DriveBefore Ashford Motors, she was learning, reinvesting, and doing everything herself.The Shock of the PandemicOpening a yard just before lockdown threatened the business before it had momentum.Visibility Through Social MediaTurning to TikTok became a lifeline when no one knew who she was.Choosing Belief Over ApprovalReceiving SIMI accreditation marked a turning point in confidence.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeAshford Motors – Founded by Nadia, a luxury and premium car dealership.https://www.ashfordmotors.ie/Ashford Approved (AM Approved) – Nadia’s second garage, offering more affordable and accessible vehicles alongside her premium range.https://www.amapproved.ie/SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) – The official representative body for the motor industry in Ireland, providing accreditation and governance standards for dealerships and motor businesses.https://www.simi.ie/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – From Somalia to Ireland06:30 – Education and the Path Into Finance13:00 – Inside the High-Pressure Trading Floor21:00 – Reselling the 08 BMW29:00 – Reinvesting Profits and Learning the Trade36:00 – Opening Ashford Motors41:00 – Lockdown Shock46:00 – Marketing Through Social Media54:00 – Reputation, Criticism and Credibility01:01:00 – SIMI Accreditation01:08:00 – Building a Business With DisciplineThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Understanding Eating Disorders - Control, Shame, and Recovery with Laura Casey 26.02.2026 1t 11min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionEating disorders are complex, layered, and often hidden in plain sight. In this episode, psychiatric nurse Laura Casey helps us understand the difference between disordered eating and a clinically diagnosed eating disorder - and why that distinction matters.Drawing on years of frontline experience, Laura explores the psychological roots of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. She explains how these illnesses are not about vanity, but instead are coping mechanisms linked to trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and the need for control. She also sheds light on the physical risks - from refeeding syndrome to bone density loss - and why early intervention dramatically improves the chances of full recovery.Alongside clinical insight, this episode gives voice to the lived experience of those struggling in silence. It addresses stigma within healthcare, the pressure of social media, the rise in cases during COVID, and the heartbreaking reality that Ireland currently has only three public adult inpatient beds.🔑 Key Points1. When Food Becomes an Internal BattleEating disorders often involve a powerful internal voice that overrides rational thinking and drives secrecy, rigidity, and isolation.2. ARFID and NeurodivergenceAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is increasingly recognised, particularly in neurodivergent individuals, and deserves equal seriousness and support.3. The Role of Trauma and AnxietyExperiences such as grief, bullying, family breakdown, or suppressed emotions can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours.4. The Hidden Physical TollMalnourishment affects cognition, heart function, bone health, sleep, fertility, and digestion - and purging behaviours can cause serious internal damage.5. Why Families MatterFamily dynamics can influence recovery - both positively and negatively - and family therapy can play a crucial role in long-term progress.6. Relapse Is a Blip, Not a FailureRecovery can include setbacks. Early warning signs and relapse prevention planning are key to sustaining progress.7. Stigma Within HealthcareMany people feel dismissed or reduced to their diagnosis when seeking treatment - highlighting the need for holistic, compassionate care.📚 Mentioned in This EpisodeDSM-5 - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersICD Codes - International Classification of DiseasesEating DisordersAnorexia nervosa/Bulimia nervosa/Binge Eating Disorder/Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - ARFIDhttps://www2.hse.ie/conditions/anorexia-nervosa/Refeeding SyndromeCBT - Cognitive Behavioural TherapyDBT - Dialectical Behaviour TherapyBodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Irelandhttps://bodywhys.ie/+353 01 210 7906Samaritans Irelandjo@samaritans.ieFreephone: 116 123Pieta HouseFreephone: 1800 247 2470818 111 126HSE Eating Disorder Teams (Public Health)1800 111 888(Referral must be made through GP)Lois Bridges (Private/Self pay/HSE funding)manager@loisbridges.iewww.loisbridges.ie+353 87 653 9747CARED Ireland(Caring About Recovery from an Eating Disorder)CAREDireland@gmail.comSupporting Familieszuzanna.deirdre@gmail.comFamily TherapistLana Galkovskajainfo@loisbridges.ie⏱️ Timestamps03:00 – Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders07:00 – ARFID and Sensory Restriction13:00 – Trauma, Perfectionism and Control18:30 – Medical Risks and Refeeding24:00 – Specialist Therapies and Medication29:30 – The Gap in Irish Services34:00 – What Parents and Friends Can Do40:00 – Relapse Prevention and WRAP Planning46:00 – Hope at Any Stage of LifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Liz Dwyer on When the System Keeps You Married 19.02.2026 1t 10min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionLiz Dwyer joins the podcast to discuss what life looks like when separation doesn’t bring closure. Still legally married six years on, she reflects on the gaps in Ireland’s divorce process and the contradictions of being asked to co-parent calmly while fighting legal battles behind the scenes.Beyond the courtroom, Liz talks about the coping tools that kept her going, from the books that helped her make sense of what she was living through to the unexpected fun of dating again.Liz also speaks about later marriage and family-building in Ireland, and her work on the Future Fertility Show, which focuses on education, access, and support around fertility and reproductive health. Key PointsHonest discussion about cosmetic and pelvic health treatments — what works and what doesn’tWhy pelvic floor strength matters more than cosmetic proceduresHow Ireland’s divorce system is slow, opaque, and outdatedThe emotional and financial toll of being stuck in long-term legal limboLack of transparency and consistency in family court decisionsBeing forced to co-parent while legally positioned as adversariesTotal absence of structured support for people going through divorceComparison with faster, more straightforward divorce systems abroadDating after separation as an unexpected source of healing and perspectiveThe need for real support networks around divorce, fertility, and family change📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeBroken Open – Elizabeth LesserA reflective book about how major life upheavals such as divorce, loss, or illness can break familiar structures and open the door to growth, meaning, and change. It explores resilience, identity, and rebuilding after rupture.Future Fertility ShowA fertility-focused event covering education, clinics, talks, and support services.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futurefertilityshow.com/Future Beauty ShowA medical-led beauty and health event focused on hormones, wellbeing, and evidence-based education.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://futurebeautyshow.com/Future Men’s Health ShowAn event dedicated to men’s health, hormones, longevity, and wellbeing, developed in response to growing demand for accessible expert-led information.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futuremenshealth.com/⏱️ Timestamps03:10 – Trying beauty treatments to give honest advice06:05 – Why divorce in Ireland is so difficult14:10 – Court delays and legal limbo17:45 – Co-parenting pressures26:30 – Psychological toll of uncertainty31:10 – Lack of support structures36:45 – Books and coping tools45:50 – Dating after separation50:40 – Future Fertility ShowThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Building, Leading & Letting Go With Anne Heraty & Eimear McCrann 11.02.2026 50min

  🎧 Episode DescriptionThis conversation brings together Eimear McCrann, Director EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and Anne Heraty, EOY Judge and Founder CPL Resourced, to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship from two deeply experienced perspectives – one from building and leading a business over decades, and the other from supporting hundreds of founders through every stage of growth.Anne reflects on the long arc of her entrepreneurial journey, from early beginnings to international expansion, public markets, and ultimately stepping back from the business she built. She shares honest insights into resilience, leadership under scrutiny, and the personal trade-offs that come with responsibility.Eimear shares what she has learned from working at the heart of the Entrepreneur of the Year programme, including why women often hesitate to put themselves forward despite strong businesses. Together, they explore how community, shared learning, and trusted relationships can make entrepreneurship more sustainable – especially during periods of uncertainty and change.🔑 Key PointsLeadership Requires Comfort With UncertaintyEntrepreneurs must make decisions without full information, learning to respond rather than react when things change.Building Through Cycles of ChangeBusinesses move through booms, crashes, and reinvention, requiring resilience and adaptability at every stage.Confidence Gaps Still Affect Female FoundersWomen tend to underestimate their readiness, particularly when recognition or visibility is involved.Peer Networks Accelerate Better DecisionsAccess to founders with lived experience helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges more effectively.Letting Go Is a Leadership SkillStepping back from a business requires trust, planning, and an identity shift, not just financial readiness.Entrepreneurship Is Ultimately About PeopleTeams, trust, and shared values shape sustainable businesses.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeCPLFounded by Anne Heraty in 1990, CPL grew from a small recruitment firm into a large international recruitment and outsourcing group employing thousands of people across multiple countries.EY Entrepreneur of the YearIreland’s flagship entrepreneurship programme supporting founders through a year-long process focused on community, learning, and long-term impact.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Focus on Female Entrepreneurship03:10 – What the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programme Really Is06:20 – Anne Heraty’s Early Business Beginnings10:15 – Scaling, Market Crashes, and Reinvention15:30 – Confidence, Timing, and Women Putting Themselves Forward20:10 – The Value of Entrepreneurial Community24:40 – Expanding Into New Markets and Cultural Differences29:30 – Leadership, Uncertainty, and Decision-Making33:45 – Letting Go of a Business and Life After Exit38:10 – Advice for Young People and Building Relationships42:30 – Reflections on Meaning, Legacy, and ImpactThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.