The Grounded Way Podcast

Episodes

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  Episode 93 - Inside the Mind with Dr Alan McInerney 24.05.2026 1h 20m

  In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr Alan McInerney for an honest and insightful conversation about psychology, therapy, fear, relationships, and the challenges facing young people today. Alan shares his journey into psychology and how his own experience with therapy inspired his passion for helping others.We explore the struggles many students and young people face when opening up about their mental health, even to family, and why support systems and therapy can be so important. Alan also discusses the impact of social media, including the harmful content children are exposed to online and the effect platforms like TikTok can have on mental wellbeing.The conversation dives into fear and anxiety — from fight-or-flight responses to the fear that comes with starting something new. Conor opens up about the mental battles involved in starting a business, while Alan explains how we can regulate emotions, retrain negative thought patterns, and build healthier mindsets.We also talk about the trust between therapist and client, the rewarding nature of Alan’s work, and practical tools people can use to improve their lives, relationships, and self-awareness — whether they attend therapy or not.This is a powerful and thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating mental health, relationships, personal growth, or wondering whether therapy could help them. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it.
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  EPISODE 92: Tayem Mercer - The Discipline of Growth: Mindset, Setbacks, and Success 27.03.2026 1h 11m

  In this week’s episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and mental health advocate Tayem Mercer.Originally from the Congo, Tayem moved to Ireland at just eight years old. His journey since then has been anything but ordinary—spanning a decade in sales, a deep involvement in fitness and sports, and a powerful calling toward mentoring and public speaking, which he first discovered during his time in college.At the heart of this conversation is mental health—particularly among young men. Tayem shares insights from his work and upcoming involvement with Hard Conversations Ireland, challenging the idea that struggles with mental health are always visible. He emphasizes the importance of equipping people with the right tools to navigate difficult times, drawing from his own experiences of adversity and growth.We explore the setbacks Tayem faced as an entrepreneur, including a period of intense personal and professional challenges. What seemed like a downward spiral ultimately became a turning point—leading, within just weeks, to an unexpected opportunity with Virgin Media on Dinner With The Enemy. For Tayem, these struggles weren’t setbacks, but necessary moments that shaped who he is today.Our discussion also dives into why many men find it difficult to open up, sharing honest perspectives on vulnerability, emotional expression, and the importance of support. Tayem offers practical advice for anyone going through a tough time, encouraging listeners to seek help and stay resilient.On the business side, Tayem breaks down his journey in the motor sales industry, highlighting the importance of attention to detail, strong marketing, clear vision, and smart pricing. He speaks candidly about risk-taking, personal growth, and the mindset required to succeed—emphasizing that adaptability and continuous learning are key traits of any entrepreneur.We also touch on the complex and often heated topic of immigration in Ireland. Tayem shares his personal perspective—balancing criticism of government policies with deep gratitude for the country that gave him a second chance. His reflections are passionate, honest, and rooted in both lived experience and a genuine love for Ireland.This episode is a powerful mix of personal story, hard truths, and motivating insight. We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, and we hope you do too.“Problems make you stronger.”“Success doesn’t care who you are—it cares about what you do, and how you respond to the challenges in front of you.”
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  Episode 91: From 13-Year-Old Support Act to 3Arena – Ciaran Moran’s Story 06.03.2026 1h 4m

  In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dublin singer-songwriter Ciaran Moran to talk about his journey into music and the experiences that shaped his sound.Ciaran shares how his passion for music began at just nine years old when his uncle first taught him guitar. Growing up in a musical family—his brother Keith played in No Angels DC, who toured with Sinéad O'Connor and Meat Loaf—Ciaran was surrounded by the music industry from an early age. At 13, a songwriting course helped him find his voice and learn how to write about difficult subjects. That same year he worked with Christy Moore and Roddy Doyle, and even toured with Damien Dempsey.Growing up in Dublin’s inner city heavily influenced Ciaran’s music, leading him to write about social issues like addiction and the realities of life around him. He also reflects on playing his first gig supporting Damien Dempsey at Whelan's at just 13 years old.Ciaran speaks about the influence of the late Christy Dignam, performing at the 3Arena, and the challenges of breaking into the music industry. We also discuss self-belief, the Irish mentality around success, and the importance of staying authentic as an artist.Ciaran performs two songs live during the episode, giving listeners a real taste of his raw, honest style. It’s a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and staying true to yourself.
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  Episode 90: The Leap That Changed Everything - Michaela Kelly 20.02.2026 1h 16m

  This week, Conor sits down with his dear friend Michaela Kelly for a powerful and honest conversation about courage, creativity, and building a life that feels truly aligned.Michaela shares her journey from teaching English in China to completing her degree at home, moving to London, and ultimately finding her heart in Barcelona. Along the way, she travelled to India for yoga teacher training, reconnected with her love of singing, and began teaching yoga — all guided by what she describes as a “fire within” pushing her to explore more.She opens up about the confidence it took to quit a job and step into the life she once only envisioned, how living abroad reshaped her perspective on Ireland after 2020, and why she resonates so deeply with Barcelona’s slower, more intentional way of living. We also dive into ego, resilience, self-awareness, and her bigger vision of using her voice professionally while building a spiritual business centred around expression and helping others.We wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions to finish.An inspiring episode about trusting your instincts, taking bold leaps, and creating a life on your own terms.
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  Episode 89 : The Psychology of Entrepreneurship with Farzana Maudarbaccus 12.02.2026 1h 1m

  In this week’s episode, we sit down with inspiring business psychologist Farzana Maudarbaccus, originally from Mauritius and now living in Greystones, Ireland.Farzana shares her journey from Mauritius to France and eventually Ireland, and how her daily sea swimming ritual mirrors the resilience and courage required in entrepreneurship. We explore the mindset, tools, and self-awareness needed to start and grow a business, along with the challenges that come with taking that leap.We also discuss our growing addiction to screens, the importance of maintaining human connection in a digital world, and the evolving role of AI in our lives — and why critical thinking matters more than ever.Farzana opens up about her path to delivering a TED Talk, the work behind it, and the excitement of stepping onto that stage. As a mother of two, she also shares how she balances business and family life, reminding us of the importance of making time for what truly matters.A thoughtful and motivating conversation about ambition, resilience, and staying human in a fast-changing world.
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  Episode 88: Emotional Intelligence, Cash Payments & The Yup Bro Era 29.01.2026 49m

  In this week’s episode, we spin the wheel once again with Topic Roulette, diving into a wide range of conversations that have been on our minds — from the things that quietly shape our everyday lives to the topics we experience often but rarely speak about out loud.We explore emotional intelligence and the importance of being able to read and understand the emotions of others, as well as how people’s perceptions of us can shape expectations around how we “should” act based on past interactions. We talk honestly about the struggle of showing up as our true selves, why it’s okay not to always be upbeat or high-energy, and why other people’s opinions shouldn’t dictate who we are or how we behave.The conversation takes a lighter turn as we discuss the awkwardness many of us feel when paying with cash in restaurants and businesses — and why stepping away from cards might matter more than we think in a world drifting toward a cashless society.We also touch on some timely cultural and social issues, including the rise of Dublin’s so-called “Yup Bro” culture, the increasing dangers posed by electric scooters on our streets, and concerns around public spending — from the controversial skate park in Wicklow Town to the Irish government’s €100 million aid package to Ukraine and how that money could have been invested in Ireland’s healthcare system.To wrap things up, we reflect on the everyday conversations we have and the random characters we meet along the way, leading into a story from our time in Killarney and an intense (and unforgettable) breakfast conversation with our good friend Raj Bruv.We had a lot of fun recording this episode of Topic Roulette, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed talking it through.
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  Episode 87:  How Physiotherapy, Trauma & the Nervous System Are Connected with Urja Shah 13.01.2026 1h 12m

  In this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Urja Shah, a physiotherapist with a truly global story. Of Indian descent, born in Kenya and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Urja shares how her background and life experiences led her to discover the world of physiotherapy and the powerful benefits it can bring to our lives.Urja explains what first drew her to study physiotherapy — her love of human movement and sport, and a deep desire to care for others and help them heal. She takes us through the many ways physiotherapy can improve our overall wellbeing, while also exploring how past trauma, mindset, and lived experiences influence how the body feels and functions.We dive into the biopsychosocial approach to pain, a framework widely discussed within the physiotherapy community, which looks beyond symptoms to understand why pain is happening in the first place. Urja also breaks down the role of the nervous system, describing it as the body’s central computing unit, and explains how pain and injuries can feel louder and more intense when the nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Along the way, she touches on the importance of the vagus nerve in regulation and recovery.Urja also opens up about her decision to leave Australia and begin travelling — a journey that saw her visit 24 countries — and what ultimately brought her to Ireland. We discuss how social media can often create an illusion of reality, and how life behind the camera can be very different from what we see online.This episode highlights how physiotherapy is about far more than treatment alone. It’s about understanding the whole person — their trauma, experiences, relationships, and environment — and how all of these elements come together to support true healing.
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  Episode 86: The Many Layers of Friendship: Loyalty, Trust & Auditing Your Circle With Raj Singh 11.12.2025 1h 37m

  This week's episode dives into the complexities of friendship with returning guest Raj Singh. We explore the different categories of friendship, from trust and loyalty to positivity and support, and what true friendship really means to each of us.We also tackle some tough questions: Is your friendship worth keeping if your circle is having a negative influence on your life? How do you handle friends whose values or lifestyles don't align with your own?We talk about the importance of auditing your friendships, especially when someone in your life might be heading down the wrong path. Plus, we discuss a hot topic—can men and women be just friends, either while single or in a relationship?The conversation also touches on the importance of female energy and how it contributes to our lives, as well as the value of friendships at different stages—whether with younger or older friends.One controversial topic we dive into is lending and borrowing money between friends, and the impact it can have on your relationships. We also touch on how to build meaningful connections, the role of growth in friendships, and the lessons we've learned over the years.This episode is full of deep, thought-provoking insights with plenty of laughs along the way. If you're looking for an honest, open conversation about the highs and lows of friendship, this is a must-listen!
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  Episode 85: Topic Roulette with The Original Three - Spin, Talk , Repeat! 28.11.2025 1h 3m

  This week’s episode is a special one — the original crew is finally back together, and it feels just like the good old days. The three of us dive straight into the classic banter you know and love, but with a fresh twist: our brand-new segment, “Topic Roulette.”In true Grounded Way fashion, we toss surprise topics at each other and break them down with our own mix of honesty, humour, and quick-fire wit. Nothing is off-limits — from dating someone with kids, to dealing with fake people, to childhood memories that shaped us — and plenty more that reveal our real personalities.This episode genuinely feels like a sneak peek at what our future radio show could be. We joke, we debate, we agree, we roast each other… all while giving you a look into who we are as a group and as individuals.If you’re after real laughs, real talk, and a real sense of who we are, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.
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  Episode 84 : Finding Purpose: The Inspiring Comeback Story of Andrew Mowatt 14.11.2025 1h 11m

  In this week’s episode, Conor sits down with returning guest Andrew Mowatt, who shares what life has been like since his last appearance on the show. Andrew opens up about his early struggles with dyslexia, the feeling of being excluded and isolated, and how those challenges eventually led him down a rebellious path. Seeking belonging, he found himself influenced by the wrong crowd, which ultimately led to trouble with the law.But Andrew didn’t let his troubled past define him. Over time, he made a conscious decision to change his mindset and embrace a healthier lifestyle. By distancing himself from negative influences and adopting new habits like regular exercise, he transformed his life in ways he never imagined.From the chaotic party scene of his younger years to becoming an entrepreneur running a successful food truck for eight years, and eventually transitioning into content creation, Andrew’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this heartfelt conversation, he discusses the importance of life, passion, ambition, spirituality, and money—how they all play a crucial role in shaping our lives.If you’re feeling stuck or lacking motivation, and you’re looking for a spark to help you chase your goals, this episode is a must-listen.
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  Episode 83 Halloween Special : Demons, Exorcists & Dark Forces with Irish Demonologist Gavin Canavan 31.10.2025 1h 57m

  In this spine-chilling Halloween Special, we sit down with Irish Demonologist Gavin Canavan for an intense two-hour conversation about the dark world of demons and exorcisms. With over 20 years of experience, Gavin reveals the truths behind demonology, far removed from TV portrayals. Trained under expert Pastor Philip Oliver, Gavin shares how his mission is to help, not profit, and why faith, Bible study, and church attendance are essential for anyone working in this field.Gavin explains the secretive nature of exorcisms in Ireland and the shocking ways demons manipulate and oppress families. He reveals how demons can wait decades to strike, picking victims based on their reactions to unexplained phenomena. Gavin also shares some of his most harrowing cases, including children being dragged from their beds and objects violently thrown across rooms.We delve into the dangerous world of exorcists, the toll these cases take on their health, and the extreme risks they face. Gavin recounts his own terrifying experiences, from being attacked by an entity after collecting haunted objects to hearing children laughing at 3 AM and windows shattering from the inside.This episode pulls back the curtain on the true nature of demonic forces, offering a rare and unsettling look at the battle between good and evil. It’s a must-listen… if you dare.
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  Episode 82: Inside “The Traitors Ireland” – With Nick O’Loughlin & Patrick O’Mahony 23.10.2025 1h 1m

  This week on The Grounded Way Podcast, we sit down with two of Ireland’s very own contestants from the hit TV show The Traitors — Nick O’Loughlin and Patrick O’Mahony!Nick and Pat chat with us about what life was really like inside The Traitors — from the mental challenges and mind games to the strategies and surprises that kept everyone guessing. They share some great behind-the-scenes stories, including what it was like being blindfolded and led in silence to the set… talk about suspense! We also get to know the lads beyond the show. Pat talks about his journey into the casino world of Las Vegas, while Nick shares a bit about his career in real estate . Together, they reflect on how being on national TV can change your perspective — on yourself and how others see you.This one’s full of laughs, insight, and some brilliant storytelling from two great guys. We had a blast recording it, and we think you’ll love listening just as much!Don't forget to check us out now on Patreon for behind the scenes content : https://www.patreon.com/c/TheGroundedWayPodcast
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  From FM104 to Opinions Matter: Jeremy Dixon’s Radio Journey 09.10.2025 1h 13m

  This week on The Grounded Way Podcast, we’re joined by Irish radio legend Jeremy Dixon.Jeremy co-hosted the iconic @FM104 Phone Show alongside @adrienfkennedy for 17 years before moving to @98FM, where he stayed for another 8 years. When the pandemic hit, the duo launched their own hugely successful podcast, Opinions Matter—now one of Ireland’s most listened-to shows.In this episode, Jeremy @jerdixondj takes us behind the mic to share stories from his career: the highs and lows of live radio, unforgettable moments with callers, and one life-changing experience where he helped talk a man down from a bridge—a call that still stays with him today.We dive into his views on free speech, how radio needs to evolve, and why it’s so important to speak your mind—on air or off. Jeremy also gives us a peek into how he and Adrien create their weekly show, from brainstorming wild listener topics to transforming them into live radio magic.On the lighter side, we debate the great glass vs. plastic bottle question, reminisce about ringing in the New Year with Jeremy as he DJed at The Martello in Bray (where you can still catch him every Saturday night), and wrap things up with a hilarious round of “What Would You Do?”It was an absolute pleasure having Jeremy on the show—lots of laughs, plenty of insights, and some brilliant stories along the way. Be sure to check out his podcast with Adrien Kennedy, @opinionsmatterpodcast.
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  Episode 80 : From Third Class to the Presidency - Ireland’s Big Questions 03.10.2025 59m

  In this week’s episode, Nathan makes his return to the show and takes us along on his journey abroad — from working in Zante, Greece, to exploring the streets of Athens, and experiencing unforgettable adventures in Egypt.Back home, the focus shifts to Ireland’s political landscape, where the government has hand-picked just three candidates for the next presidential election. We ask the tough question: is democracy in Ireland still alive and well?We also dive into the controversial changes to sex education, with Minister for Education Helen McEntee moving lessons from sixth class down to third class. This sparks a passionate debate as we share our thoughts, concerns, and what we’d do if we were parents faced with this shift — with most of us strongly opposing the move.From picturing ourselves at the pyramids through Nathan’s travel stories to grounding ourselves in the political and social challenges at home, this episode is packed with adventure, strong opinions, and lively debate.
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  Episode 79 : Blood, Politics, and the Battle for Free Speech 25.09.2025 1h 3m

  In this week’s episode, we sit down to reflect on some of the serious events that have taken place over the past two months. We catch up after Richie’s time away in Edinburgh and share our thoughts on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, as well as the brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically stabbed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our discussion also turns to gun laws in the United States and who we believe should — and shouldn’t — have access to firearms.We touch on Jimmy Kimmel’s recent cancellation over his expressed opinions, raising wider questions about freedom of speech in the U.S. and how similar restrictions have appeared in the U.K. over online comments. We also share our thoughts on the Prime Minister, while exploring what free speech should mean in practice. To help listeners better understand the current climate, we compare left- and right-wing movements in Ireland and outline the differences between the two.This is an episode we felt needed to be recorded — a chance to express our views at a time when the world feels more unsettled than we’ve ever seen it. We hope you enjoy listening, and we’d love to hear your own thoughts on these issues.
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  Episode 78: George Hutton on Touring Canada, Joining The Celtic Tenors & Working with Hugh Jackman 12.09.2025 1h 17m

  Conor sits down with returning guest George Hutton, who has had an incredibly busy and exciting year since his last appearance on the show. George has collaborated with actor Hugh Jackman, become a member of the world-renowned Celtic Tenors, toured across Canada while working on a brand-new album, and even stepped into the film industry—writing and starring in his own short film Scáth, which is now making waves on the festival circuit.In this conversation, George opens up about his experiences in Canada, the journey that led him to join the Celtic Tenors, and what it’s like performing as part of an ensemble compared to being a soloist. He also reflects on his time working alongside Hugh Jackman, shares his ambitions for the future, and discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people to grow both personally and professionally.The discussion also explores wider topics, including Ireland’s complex relationship with alcohol, the impact it has on society, and the challenges we face as a nation. George gives his perspective on the controversial debate around whether flying the Irish flag can be considered racist—a conversation that naturally branches into a broader reflection on racism and its continued presence in today’s world.To round things off, Conor introduces a new segment designed to uncover the real George Hutton through a series of fun and thought-provoking questions—leading to plenty of laughs along the way.
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  Episode 77 : Why Putting Yourself First Changes Everything 04.09.2025 1h

  In this episode of The Grounded Way Podcast, we’re back in the studio for a raw, unfiltered chat about what’s been weighing on us lately. From frustrations with irresponsible parenting and the chaos of today’s society, to conspiracy theories and everyday struggles, nothing’s off-limits.But at the core of it all, we dive deep into why putting yourself first truly matters — why self-care isn’t selfish, how saying “no” can actually strengthen your relationships, and how prioritizing your own goals is the key to real growth.Along the way, we open up about work, friendships, dating, social media pressures, and the lessons we’re still learning as modern men navigating it all.Funny enough, this was an episode we hadn’t planned on releasing… but after listening back, we knew it was one people needed to hear.
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  Episode 76 : Nature, Nourishment, and the Wisdom of David Flynn 21.08.2025 59m

  In this week’s episode, we have the absolute joy of sitting down with the wonderful David Flynn — identical twin, co-founder of The Happy Pear, and a man filled with passion, purpose, and soul.Together, we explore the world of entrepreneurship through the lens of Dave’s twenty years in business. He shares insights into the essential role of nature in our lives and how he and his brother brought this vision to life by launching their own farm four years ago. From the connection between our food systems and the soil beneath our feet, to the importance of biodiversity, organic produce, and the regeneration of the land, Dave offers a profound perspective on how deeply intertwined nature and nourishment truly are.Dave also opens up about the companies that inspire him—those working with a more sustainable, people-and-planet-first mindset rather than a purely capitalistic one. With honesty and openness, he reflects on life, shares his personal coping strategies for staying balanced in a busy world, and gives us a glimpse into the practices that keep him grounded and aligned.And of course, it’s not all serious! We round off the conversation with a few lighthearted (and hilarious) questions from our “What Would You Do” segment.This was a rich, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation—full of wisdom, laughter, and moments that will leave you reflecting long after it ends. We loved recording it, and we’re sure you’ll love listening just as much.
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  Episode 75: Life, Laughter & Low Confidence — Jason Kirwan Unplugged 14.08.2025 1h 20m

  In this weeks episode we sit down with long time friend of Richie's , Jason Kirwan from Tipperary who shares his life story with us from being a chef since he left school and getting into acting and his pursuit of the industry. Jay and the lads share their ambitions to get into radio and their frustrations at their struggle to break into the industry. Recently Jason has dipped into stand-up comedy, suffering with ADHD and low confidence he describes how he has managed to handle that and to be on stage in front of a live audience. We discuss with Jason, how important it is to love ourselves and to have the confidence to excel in life, even though we struggle every single day. We end the episode with a round of "What Would You DO" and Jason shares hilarious stories of his past. We ask him what character would play him in life and if he could rid the world of one thing what would it be. Tune in for a fun filled, heartfelt episode and one that is sure to be full of laughs and crazy stories.
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  Episode 74: From the Heart of Ireland to the State of the World 07.08.2025 59m

  In this week’s episode, we’ve got some great banter between us as we have the craic and laughs chatting about the beautiful thing that is Ireland — the music, the laughs, the best pints of Guinness — as we share some of our favourite spots close to home.We chat about what it truly means to be Irish, both as a nation and as a people across the world, and touch on our arts, culture, and everything in between.Then we move on to a question that needs asking — something we’ve both noticed in our daily lives and in our work: are the IQ levels of mankind actually dropping? Basically… are we getting dumber? We talk about the drop in IQ points, how reliant we’ve become on technology, and how everyone seems glued to screens and phones. We ask the big one — how do we disconnect from this technological doom?One thing we all have in common is emotion — and this week, we finally dive into it. It’s something we haven’t really spoken about before, but it’s right at the heart of being human.Also, there’s a little surprise waiting for you at the start of the episode — one we think you’ll enjoy!So buckle in, sit back, and get ready for a hell of a laugh and a good bit of entertainment. This episode was an absolute belter — and we honestly think it might just be the funniest one we’ve done together yet!