Are We There Yet ? with Kathryn Thomas

Katriona O’Sullivan - “Shame dies in the light.” 02.06.2026 47min

This week Kathryn is joined by the incredible Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan.You may know Katriona best as the bestselling author behind the literary sensation ‘Poor’ - she joins Kathryn to discuss her new book ‘Hungry’ which is currently at the top of the charts. Katriona and Kathryn discuss the harmful beauty standards inflicted on girls and women of all backgrounds, a recurring theme of the book.Katriona bravely opens up about the childhood trauma and sexual abuse she experienced, and how it changed her view of the world, herself, and others. She shares how her early years kept Katriona in survival mode and consequently fueled a relentless hunger in many aspects of her life that ultimately led to a breaking point. But Katriona's journey truly is a story of hope and healing - she discusses the power of therapy, the bravery it takes to ask others for help and forgiveness, and finally, the power of accepting real love.Presented in association with Mater Private Network.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier “We need to be curious with young people.” 26.05.2026 58min

Kathryn Thomas is joined by bestselling author, psychotherapist and former professional footballer Richie Sadlier to discuss his new project - Let’s Talk SPHE.Richie has spent more than a decade working directly with young people through school workshops on mental health, relationships and masculinity. Alongside his campaigning work, Richie runs a psychotherapy practice working predominantly with adolescents and their parents. He joins Kathryn to talk about his advocacy work with young people, unexpectedly becoming a father after some initial IVF setbacks and transitioning from football to mental health. Together, they discuss the challenges young men and women now face in a digital world and why a Social Media Ban might not be the answer.To find out more about Richie’s Let’s Talk SPHE, please visit:https://letstalksphe.com/ Presented in association with Mater Private Network.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gwen Phelan “There’s life on the other side of abuse.” 19.05.2026 48min

*Please note this episode contains references to domestic abuse and sexual violence*In an emotional and raw conversation, author Gwen Phelan talks about surviving domestic abuse and challenging misconceptions of violent relationships. Gwen recently self-published a novel entitled ‘The Quiet Place’ inspired by her harrowing experiences. From losing her mother early and learning how to deal with low self-esteem, Gwen shares with Kathryn all about her journey to healing and acceptance. Finally, Gwen shares her wisdom on how to live your life to the fullest and how to be present for her children despite all she endured.If you've been affected by issues raised in this podcast, please visit these sites for advice:https://www.gov.ie/en/victims-charter/publications/domestic-violence-support-services/https://www.womensaid.ie/https://www.safeireland.ie/https://aoibhneas.ie/https://domesticabuse.ie/https://barnardos.ie/support-and-information/work-with-families/childhood-domestic-violence-abuse/https://www.mensaid.ie/'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Martin Smith - Breast Reconstruction Explained 12.05.2026 45min

Ever felt overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis? Here’s how plastic surgery can help reclaim your confidence. On a special episode presented in association with Mater Private Network, Kathryn is joined by Jamie Martin-Smith, an experienced consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon.Jamie tells Kathryn what to expect when going for breast reconstruction - either after a cancer diagnosis or breast augmentation. He talks about the emotional and physical impact of breast surgery, plus the innovative techniques that are changing the landscape of plastic surgery in Ireland.Kathryn discovers that breast reconstruction is not just about aesthetics; Jamie explains how the timing of reconstruction can vary based on individual circumstances, emphasising that each woman's journey is unique. Join us for a fascinating conversation wherever you get your podcasts or watch in full on YouTube.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dearbhla Mescal "Nobody's gonna make you happy." 05.05.2026 56min

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network.What happens when your children become some of the most talked-about faces in the world, just as your own life is turned upside down by a sudden diagnosis?In this heartfelt conversation, bestselling-author Dearbhla Mescal joins Kathryn Thomas to pull back the curtain on a life lived between the ordinary and the extraordinary. From raising a family in the "creative chaos" of Maynooth to navigating the global spotlight at both Wimbledon and the Oscars, Dearbhla shares how she learned to find beauty in the small things—long before she had to fight just for simple everyday pleasure.Together, Kathryn and Dearbhla get honest about career guilt, the pressure to be a "perfect" parent and why we need to stop judging our difficult choices.Dearbhla’s acclaimed book of poetry “Finding Joy: Words to Capture the Beauty of Ordinary Life” is out now on all bookshops.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Dowling "Women Just Want to Talk." 28.04.2026 57min

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network.This week Kathryn is joined by the outspoken and empowering Laura Dowling! They sit down for an honest and illuminating chat about intimate female health - from vulva puppets to vaginal dryness, nothing is off limits when Laura Dowling is in the studio. Kathryn and Laura discuss the lesser known impacts of menopause, the relationship benefits of prioritising self-care and breaking taboos across the country.Meanwhile, Kathryn confesses to a problematic dating preference while Laura shares some of her wildest confessions she’s received. 'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doireann Garrihy "Motherhood is a Roller Coaster.” 21.04.2026 51min

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network. To kick off Season Two, Kathryn is joined by broadcast icon: Doireann Garrihy.Doireann opens up the small joys of motherhood and tells Kathryn what she's got planned for her big podcast tour that kicks off next month. Doireann explains why her husband making her laugh literally causes her pain, her secret to booking podcast guests, and how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on her work ethic. Kathryn asks for essential tips on dealing with morning radio hygiene, while Doireann elaborates what days not to ask her mother for help! Doireann will be visiting the following cities on ‘The Laughs of Your Life 2026’ tour:Cork Opera House - Thursday 7th May 2026Kerry Gleaneagle Arena - Saturday 9th May 2026Mayo TF Royal Hotel & Theatre - Saturday 16th May 2026Dublin 3Olympia Theatre - Thursday 28th May 2026Limerick University Hall - Saturday 30th May 2026For more information on how to book tickets, please visit:https://www.doireanngarrihy.com/ 'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Soon - Season Two! 16.04.2026

Kathryn Thomas and her hit podcast 'Are We There Yet?' is back next Tuesday with special guest Doireann Garrihy!Presented in association with Mater Private Network, Kathryn and Doireann talk about the joys of motherhood and so much more. Season Two launches next Tuesday 21st April wherever you get you podcasts.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St Patrick's Day with Donal Fallon 17.03.2026 48min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Happy St Patrick’s Day! To celebrate this important date in the Irish calendar, Kathryn Thomas is delighted to chat to Irish historian and author Donal Fallon for a special bonus episode all about pubs. Fresh from publishing his best-selling book, ‘The Dublin Pub: A Social & Cultural History’, Kathryn and Donal have a hilarious chat about the importance of pubs to Irish women, why they need to be recognised as significant cultural spaces, and how they both met their respective partners in Dublin’s iconic drinking spots!Season Two of ‘Are We There Yet?’ will return very soon with some impressive guests - stay tuned for more details…'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Lorraine Walsh: “Some People Get Cancer, Some Don’t.” 10.02.2026 45min

This week is the Season Finale of Season One of ‘Are We There Yet! On a special episode, Kathryn sits down with radiation oncology expert Dr Lorraine Walsh to talk about all your questions about the big c -  Cancer.As a Radiation Oncologist specialised in Breast Cancer at Mater Private Network in Limerick,  Dr. Walsh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As she tells Kathryn, Lorraine has dedicated her career to advancing cancer treatment in Ireland - with her main areas of focus including breast, gynaecological and lung cancers with a special interest in cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes.Dr. Walsh has a keen interest in MRI-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancers, reirradiation of gynaecological malignancies, and the adoption of novel radiotherapy technologies such as intensity-modulated (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) to reduce normal tissue toxicity during breast, lung and pelvic irradiation. Get ready for an insightful discussion on her work, her research, and the future of cancer care in Ireland, all taking place at Mater Private Network.For more info on Dr. Walsh’s work, please visit: www.materprivate.ie'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samantha Mumba "I’ll Stand Up for Myself.” 03.02.2026 1h 1min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. This week, Kathryn Thomas has an in-depth, extended chat with Irish pop icon Samantha Mumba!  Samantha exploded on to the world stage in 2000 with her breakout single “Gotta Tell You” that went rocketed to the tops of the charts.From her early days at Dublin’s legendary Billy Barry stage school, Samantha talks about her early ambitions as a budding pop-star and how she remained sane in a cruel industry that often didn’t look after its young talent. Samantha reflects back on her sudden rise, where she found herself starring in a Hollywood blockbuster produced by Steven Spielberg, no less.She tells Kathryn all about the close bond she had with her father, as well as her experiences of racism - what it’s really like to identity as a mixed-race woman in Ireland? Samantha opens up her outspoken Eurovision journey and finally what’s next…Next week: Kathryn chats to Dr Lorraine Walsh from the Mater Private Network.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Shane O'Hanlon "Five Ways to Live Longer." 27.01.2026 36min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.In a special episode, Kathryn Thomas talks to consultant geriatrician Dr Shane O’Hanlon about one of her favourite subjects: ageing! Dr. O’Hanlon provides Kathryn with expertise on all aspects of healthy aging - with the aim of improving quality of life and longevity.  Dr. O’Hanlon explains how simple changes in your lifestyle can make a huge difference to the quality of your life and potentially help you live longer. Unsurprisingly, exercise plays a huge part, alongside a healthy diet, which is music to Kathryn’s ears.Shane explains the latest groundbreaking treatments available to treat Alzheimer's, how hearing loss and loneliness can have adverse effects on your mental health and why our use of AI might not be a completely bad thing.Dr. Shane O’Hanlon is a Consultant Geriatrician at Mater Private Network Dublin, for more info visit: www.materprivate.ieFor more information on the new medication mentioned in the episode, please visit:https://alzheimer.ie/creating-change/research/new-treatments/Or contact: Alzheimer Society of Ireland Helpline 1800 341 341 (free & confidential) Next week: Kathryn chats to pop icon Samantha Mumba !'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eunice Power “I would be lost without my work.” 20.01.2026 50min

***Please note - this episode features conversations around grief and bereavement.***Presented in association with Mater Private Network. In this powerful and emotional conversation, Kathryn Thomas sits down with her friend and celebrated cook Eunice Power to chat about surviving the toughest year of her life.Fresh from publishing her best-selling cookbook, Eunice chats about her passion for working with the freshest Irish ingredients and talented local food producers in her hometown of Dungarvan, which remains one of the most beautiful and exciting cultural spots in the country.Recorded just before Christmas, Eunice candidly shares thoughts on her recent divorce and being newly single in her 50s, alongside the tragic death of her son Jerome last May. Together, Kathryn and Eunice talk about the real power of sharing stories, humour and friendship to overcome the hardest moments in their lives.If you’ve been affected by issues raised in this episode, we recommend the following resources for dealing with Grief:https://www.textaboutit.ie/https://firstlight.ie/https://www.alittlelifetime.ie/https://anamcara.ie/Next week: Dr Shane O’Hanlon talks to Kathryn about mysteries of ageing and how exercise really is the most powerful treatment out there.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Hogan "We're living in an individualistic era" 13.01.2026 54min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Kathryn Thomas is joined by celebrated psychologist Dr Richard Hogan for a big chat on how to raise healthy and resilient kids, unrealistic parenting standards, plus more importantly, inside gossip from working on The Traitors Ireland.Richard is the author of the best-selling book ‘Parenting the Screenager’ - a practical guide for parents of the modern child, while his recent publication ‘Home is Where the Start is’ was a national bestseller. He is the clinical director of the award-winning counselling service, Therapy Institute. Richard hosts Virgin Media’s hit series ‘Dinner with the Enemy’ and regularly appears on shows such as Drivetime on RTÉ Radio 1, Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder and Ireland AM.Watch their full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnicOriginals'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Morris “We're not getting the balance right” 06.01.2026 56min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Fresh from her win at the Irish Book Awards for Lifestyle Book of the Year, health expert Sophie Morris talks about her best-selling book and becoming huge online here she has built a name debating the abundance of ultra-process foods in our supermarkets. Kathryn and Sophie talk about how hard it is to eat healthy on a budget, why it’s important to be informed about your food choices and why schools need to do more about food education. Sophie also discusses her failures, where her food business imploded despite years of grafting away and what she learned from it.Next week: Dr Richard Hogan talks about working on The Traitors Ireland and how to best raise independent kids. 'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alison Spittle "Fat People Cannot Win" 23.12.2025 54min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.In an hilarious and emotional conversation, comedian Alison Spittle sits down with Kathryn Thomas to talk about her award-winning show BIG, which is touring across Ireland and the UK for next few months. Alison reveals the origin of her new show, which is all about weight loss, misogyny, classism, as well as being hysterically funny too. Kathryn and Alison debate weight loss, the end of body positivity and how anyone with weight issues can never make anyone happy, no matter they do. Alison recounts going viral old-school style, her comedy career, flatmates from hell and what’s next for her in 2026.We’ll be back on Tuesday 6th January 2026 with a New Year special with food expert Sophie Morris! Merry Christmas for everyone at Onic Originals.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Varadkar "You Die, You Lose or You Resign" 16.12.2025 56min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network.Kathryn Thomas sits down for a revealing chat with her old classmate and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. They chat about their first memories of meeting each other years ago as school friends, his rapid rise in politics from ambitious student where he the country through Brexit and Pandemic. Leo talks about the pressure of being a politician  including coming out publicly in 2015 and why he decided to resign so unexpectedly two years ago. He also reveals his love of an unexpected pop legend and what’s next for him - would he do reality TV again? Find out more on this week’s episode.Next week: hilarious comedian Alison Spittle talks about her weight-loss journey.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annmarie O’Connor "Share Your Story" 09.12.2025 55min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. In an emotional episode, Kathryn Thomas speaks with Irish Examiner fashion editor and author Annmarie O’Connor about her best-selling book Twitch which details her life living alongside Parkinson’s Disease - a neurological condition. Annmarie talks about her Irish-American upbringing in Long Island and later life in Cork, styling Irish stars like Kathryn and many others, plus the onset of her Parkinson’s diagnosis back in December 2021. They debate the importance of empathy over pity and why Annmarie believes it’s important to share personal stories, free of shame. Though Annmarie is no longer working as a stylist due the complications of the condition, she tells Kathryn how she is now an agent of change, an established author and how she embraces life in all forms.Next week: Kathryn’s old classmate - former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cecelia Ahern "Life Just Tests You" 02.12.2025 53min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Over some healthy home-baked snacks, Kathryn Thomas chats with bestselling author Cecelia Ahern. Fresh from her big win at The Irish Book Awards, Cecelia tells Kathryn all about the phone call that changed her life just at the age of 21 when Cecelia signed a book deal for her beloved novel, P.S I Love You. Yet despite selling millions of books and producing countless movies, Cecelia’s most proud of her ability to manoeuvre a forklift (!). Long before she was an author, Cecelia explains how she was also a jazz-tapping, pantomime-performing, competition-winning dancer, plus she reveals more about her girl band era put together by Louis Walsh for Eurovision. Kathryn and Cecelia talk about how they deal with anxiety while also running a busy household and business, while being inspired by strangers all over the world.Whether she’s driving a forklift, whipping up protein snacks or manifesting, Cecilia Ahern suggests that life and literature are best served when you mix in a little ambition, a dash of resilience, and the odd chicken recipe from San Francisco.Next week: writer and stylist Annemarie O’Connor talks about her emotional Parkinson’s journey.'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Day "I can be at peace living alongside the sadness" 25.11.2025 50min

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Kathryn Thomas sits down with her hero - writer, broadcaster, and host of How to Fail podcast Elizabeth Day, whose honesty and intelligence have made her one of the most compelling voices out there. Elizabeth opens up about the extraordinary ethos behind the How to Fail podcast, sharing how she persuaded guests like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kate Winslet, and Monica Lewinsky to offer some of the most powerful conversations of her career. Kathryn learns what those moments taught Elizabeth and why failure has become such a transformative lens for so many of her listeners. In a deeply personal and moving conversation, Elizabeth reflects on her long and painful road through unexplained infertility, miscarriages, and IVF struggles. She talks candidly about coming to terms with not having a child of her own, and why open conversations around fertility and women’s health matter more than ever. Plus, how a conversation with a physic changed Elizabeth’s life in more ways than one. From navigating life as a stepmother to embracing regrets without letting them define you, this is an episode filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of honesty that stays with you. New episodes of Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas are released every Tuesday morning on Onic Player, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and you can watch this conversation on YouTube. Next week: writer extraordinaire - Cecelia Ahern!'Are We There Yet? with Kathryn Thomas' is an Onic Original podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.