The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

The Comeback with Caoimhe McGinley 12.07.2026 38m

This week, I'm joined by one of Ireland's most recognisable content creators, Caoimhe McGinley also known as The Big Hill House on Instagram.From building one of Ireland's best loved lifestyle pages to rebuilding her own life behind the scenes, Caoimhe shares an honest conversation about love, loss, divorce, motherhood, grief, and finding the strength to start again.She also speaks publicly for the first time about a defamation case she says changed her life, and why she's ready to tell her story.A powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and discovering strength through life's toughest moments.🎧 Proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you're seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com.

Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden 07.07.2026 47m

Welcome to Comeback Confidential, the bonus series of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore powerful stories submitted by listeners.Together, they discuss the realities of love bombing, domestic abuse, and the heartbreaking impact addiction can have on families.We also hear from one listener whose sibling has lived with addiction for decades. She shares the emotional toll of loving someone you can't save, the fear her elderly parents live with every day, and the lifelong impact addiction has had on her entire family.Together, Brenda and Lauren unpack the complexities behind these stories, offering insight, compassion, and hope to anyone who may see themselves in them.A raw and honest conversation about the realities so many people live with behind closed doors.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.If you'd like to share your story anonymously, email thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com.

The Comeback with Humphrey O' Driscoll 05.07.2026 47m

What happens when years of bullying, shame and addiction convince you that you're not worthy of being yourself?In this episode, Humphrey O'Driscoll shares his remarkable journey of growing up gay in Carrigaline, the relentless bullying he endured, and how alcohol and cocaine became his way of escaping the pain.He opens up about losing the love of his life to addiction, hitting rock bottom, and the moment he chose recovery over a life that was destroying him.Today, Humphrey is sober, comfortable in his own skin, and determined to help others know that there is hope.This is a powerful conversation about identity, addiction, recovery and self-acceptance.If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Lisa O' Sullivan Shaw 28.06.2026 49m

Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw's life has been anything but ordinary.Born with a heart condition, she underwent open heart surgery as a baby before growing up to become Miss Universe Ireland. But behind the glamour were years of relentless bullying, a life changing health battle, and the fear of facing open heart surgery again while raising four young boys.In this episode of Lisa shares the moments that shaped her, the lessons she's learned, and why she no longer lets other people's opinions define her.A powerful conversation about resilience, motherhood, and finding strength through life's toughest moments.If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Grace O' Connor 21.06.2026 1h 12m

James O'Connor kissed his family goodbye and headed off on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday in December 2023.He never came home.Just 100 metres from the summit, James passed away, leaving behind his wife Grace and their three young children.In one of the most emotional conversation Grace opens up about the moment she received the phone call that changed her life forever, the unbearable pain of losing the love of her life, and the reality of becoming a widow at just 35 years old.This is a heartbreaking story of love, loss, grief and survival, but it is also a story of courage, resilience and a mother's determination to keep going for her children when her world fell apart.If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Rachel Forde 14.06.2026 55m

This week on the podcast, Brenda sits down with Rachel Forde for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast.Many people may remember the headlines surrounding Rachel several years ago, but few know the story behind them.What started as an addiction to codeine-based painkillers spiralled into a nightmare that saw Rachel taking up to 90 tablets a day, experiencing drug-induced psychosis, and ultimately finding herself at the centre of a Garda raid on her home.In this deeply personal conversation, Rachel speaks openly about addiction, motherhood, shame, fear, recovery, and the long road back from rock bottom. She shares the devastating impact addiction had on her life and family, and how she fought her way back when everything seemed lost.Today, Rachel is rebuilding her life, helping others in recovery, and proving that no matter how far someone has fallen, there is always a way back.If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Colin Tobin 07.06.2026 49m

From working from the age of 12, to building businesses, losing almost €1.3 million, Colin Tobin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination.Despite the setbacks and failed ventures along the way, there is no bitterness. Instead, Colin believes the secret to life is giving back, helping others, and expecting nothing in return.We chat about business, loss, work ethic, welfare, community, and why he believes what you put out into the world comes back tenfold.A fascinating conversation with a man who simply refuses to give up.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now. For ADHD assessments and support across Ireland, visit adhdnow.com.

The Comeback with Dr. Brian Pennie 30.05.2026 47m

In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie, neuroscientist and author.He speaks honestly about being €50,000 in debt, falling asleep at work because his body was shutting down, suffering a violent seizure during detox, and the moment he realised he could not continue living the way he was.But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It's about resilience, healing and proving that no matter how broken someone feels, there is always a way back.If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share it. Your support helps these important stories reach more people.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland, If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit: Adhdnow.com today. 

The Comeback with Jennifer McCarthy 17.05.2026 57m

Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments.But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing battles of her own.Divorce. Betrayal. Critical illness. Medical retirement. Losing her identity. Becoming a single parent. And surviving moments where she genuinely believed she might die.In this episode, Jennifer speaks openly about losing everything she thought defined her, and the resilience it took to rebuild.This is a powerful conversation about burnout, survival, identity loss and finding yourself again after life changes forever.Jennifer is now passionate about resilience, health and wellbeing, and uses her lived experience to support others through change and rebuilding. You can follow her on Instagram @thehealthandwellbeingadvocate to see some of the amazing work she’s doing.If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share the podcast.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden 13.05.2026 38m

Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between compassion and accountability.A raw and honest conversation about life on the other side of addiction.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.If you’d like to share your story anonymously, emailthecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

The Comeback with Mags Harty 10.05.2026 40m

This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally.There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but she kept fighting.And after everything, Mags got her miracle baby, Isla.A raw and honest story of loss, resilience and never giving up.Please note: there are some minor sound issues in parts of this episode, but we hope you stay with it as Mags’ story is incredibly powerful.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.For more information, visit adhdnow.com.

The Comeback with Eimear Coffey 04.05.2026 48m

From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything seemed complete.But behind closed doors, her world was falling apart.Betrayal. Narcissistic abuse. The fear of her child facing life-changing disabilities.And then, in the middle of it all - a breast cancer diagnosis.This is a raw and powerful story of heartbreak, survival, and finding strength when you have nothing left.If this episode resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit subscribe, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Ciarán O’Driscoll 27.04.2026 48m

Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption.Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were twins.From his first drink as a young teenager, to drug use, prison sentences, and deep self-hatred, his life spiralled quickly. In and out of Cork Prison, Mountjoy, and other institutions, addiction took nearly everything from him.But this is not where his story ends.Now a father of four, Ciarán speaks about the impact of his children on his life, especially his youngest, Elsie May, who was born in May 2020 during a worldwide pandemic.This is a story about turning a life around, finding faith and purpose, and taking full responsibility.A raw and powerful conversation about addiction, grief, and the possibility of a comeback, no matter how far you’ve fallen.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Leona Macken 19.04.2026 54m

Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023.After major surgery and intensive treatment, Leona was told in 2025 that her cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.In this episode, she speaks about the moment everything changed, the heartbreak, and the reality of living with a diagnosis that should never have happened.Now on a trial drug that is already showing signs of working, her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Behind the Scenes on The Neil Prendeville Show 14.04.2026 35m

Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country?As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside over the past few weeks, bring you inside The Neil Prendeville Show and how it all comes together.We chat about behind-the-scenes secrets, how Seamus may or may not have thrown me under the bus whilst on air, and what Neil is really like to work with day to day.Hope you enjoy!

The Comeback with Daragh Fleming 12.04.2026 44m

Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls.Daragh speaks openly about living with depression without realising it, describing a time when he felt completely numb and thought that was normal.A deeply emotional part of the conversation focuses on the loss of his best friend, Erbie, and how that moment changed his life, becoming a turning point that led him to speak more openly about mental health through his writing.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment, it really helps.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.Visit adhdnow.com for more.

A Small Break, A Big Thank You 23.03.2026

After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break.Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you.I’ll be back very soon with some amazing guests.

The Comeback with Richie Herlihy 15.03.2026 47m

Cork TikTok creator Richie Herlihy (Richie’s Food and Nature) joins Brenda for a powerful and honest conversation about the reality behind his viral food reviews.Richie opens up about the recent devastating loss of his close friend Ryan Dunphy, learning about his death while he himself was in hospital. He also clears up online rumours about his health and explains what really happened.Richie also speaks openly about his gambling addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the road to recovery.We also revisit the controversy around his Electric Picnic food truck and the realities of running a food business at major festivals.A raw, emotional and eye opening episode that reveals the real Richie behind the viral videos.The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival, March 21st at St Luke’s. Limited tickets available here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331🎧 Sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. Visit adhdnow.com.

The Comeback with Helena Brosnan 09.03.2026 42m

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry fashion blogger and influencer Helena Brosnan, known to many as Super Betty.Last year, Helena received a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer after attending a routine smear test, despite having no symptoms at all.Throughout her treatment, she shared her journey openly with her followers, bringing honesty, positivity, and encouragement to thousands of women.Now she’s using her platform to spread one very important message: don’t fear the smear.Helena joins me to talk about the moment she got the news, how she stayed strong through treatment, and why something that takes just a few minutes could truly save your life.And just a reminder, The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

The Comeback with Danny Buckley 02.03.2026 41m

This week, I sit down with Danny Buckley for a powerful and honest conversation about grief, addiction and recovery.Raised in Knocknaheeny on Cork’s northside, Danny shares the unimaginable loss of his wife Simone, his childhood sweetheart, and how her final words changed the way he lives his life today.From heartbreak came purpose, leading Danny to understand his own ADHD and create ADHD Now, helping others access the support he once struggled to find.A story of loss, resilience and learning how to live again.The Comeback Live comes to the Cork Podcast Festival on March 21st at St Luke’s. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-comeback-with-brenda-dennehy-tickets-1977022103331.🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.