Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered : Meditation, religion, spirituality, distractions, boredom and creativity, authenticity, discernment, validation, forgiveness, death, living fully, gratitude, compassion. This week I’m delighted to welcome back a ​true friend of the podcast​.Brother Richard​ is a Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar and he first joined me three and a half years ago ​for a conversation that resonated so deeply with a lot of us and if you haven’t heard it yet, I’d highly recommend going back and listening to it.In today’s episode, he shares so much wisdom once again​; from the importance of allowing boredom into our lives in a world that constantly distracts and overstimulates us, especially important for younger people....to what true forgiveness really looks like, and how it can free us in ways we might not expect and the latter part of the conversation will comfort so many of you too.​Check out his latest book 'Calming the Storms - Meditation as a path to inner peace and happiness' and you can also listen to his podcast 'The Daily Meditation', which is really beautiful.If you’re a fan of my pod, please follow, rate and review in all the usual places. And thanks, as always, for your support of Ready to be Real​, tá mé fíor-bhuíoch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s Real Take, we step beyond the headlines with crime journalist Nicola Tallant and get a real sense of what makes her tick.​If you’re enjoying these conversations, I’d love you to follow, rate and share​...it really helps Ready to be Real grow. Míle buíochas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Crimeworld, fraudsters, the Regency Hotel shooting, The Kinahans, Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, being a mother, resilience.​I'm joined by crime journalist, author and podcaster Nicola Tallant.Nicola is a ​Mum of two and has been working in journalism since she was just nineteen and over the years she’s become one of the most respected and trusted voices in Irish crime reporting, as well as the host of the chart topping podcast Crime World.This week marks ten years since the Regency Hotel shooting ​a period that was particularly intense for Nicola​, and in this conversation we reflect on that time, what it was like covering organised crime up close, and the pressure and responsibility that comes with telling these stories.But beyond all of that, what really stood out to me was Nicola herself.She’s relaxed, compassionate​ and great craic.Honestly, the perfect guest​ and I think you’re going to enjoy this one.​Another podcast to listen to (mentioned during the chat) : Ger Redmond : Being a good role model It's a powerful listen about turning your life around.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Addiction, porn, car accident, death, family dynamics, shame, guilt, grief, forgiveness, therapy, support, compassion, healing.In this episode, I’m joined by men’s coach and author Gavin Meenan.Originally from Donegal, Gavin has been living in Sligo for the past sixteen years and is a father of two. Ariana is fifteen and Mason is eight.In this conversation, Gavin speaks with remarkable honesty about some of the most challenging and painful experiences of his life. When he was just eighteen, he was involved in a fatal car accident. He was driving too fast, and the person in the other car died at the scene.What followed, particularly the response of the woman’s family, is extraordinary. Their capacity for compassion, forgiveness and humanity is deeply moving, and it is a story that will genuinely take your breath away.Gavin also opens up about his struggle with porn addiction in the first half of the conversation. He speaks about the moment webcam footage of him was exposed, the shame and fear he experienced, and the long road towards facing himself and moving beyond it.This is a conversation about responsibility and consequence, but it is also about healing, forgiveness, and learning how to step out of shame and guilt in order to truly own your life.To connect with Gavin:​Click hereIf you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone.Help is available...​​Ireland helplines and hotlinesLive Podcast AnnouncementI’m hosting a live Ready to be Real podcast on Saturday 31st January at 2pm as part of Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, presented in partnership with Acast.I’m delighted to say my special guest will be poet, activist and healer Laura Murphy. Laura featured in RTÉ’s documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.Together, we’ll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid, and we’d love to see you there.​Buy tickets here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet I speak to broadcaster and author Clare McKenna about wellness.If you enjoy this and you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with ​Clare is available to listen to anytime now.Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm Abbey Presbyterian church as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast and I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.Our conversation will be rooted in the spirit of Brigid and we'd love to see you so bigí linn!Buy tickets here(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Moving house, dementia, grief, diet culture, anxiety, privilege, breathwork.In this episode, I’m joined by broadcaster Clare McKenna for a conversation all about wellness.(Announcement : I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast. And I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.Buy tickets here(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.)Together, we'll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid - renewal, inner fire and feminine wisdom.We'd love to see you so please join us!)Clare is married to Jonathan (who is better known as Ronnie) and they have two children, Flynn who’s 14 and Lois who’s 12. Since 2019, she’s been the voice behind Alive and Kicking the health and wellness show on Newstalk, and she’s also just written her first book, 'Would You Be Well? – Cut Through the Overwhelm to Find a Happier You.'Clare really is the epitome of calm, someone who truly walks her talk and we cover so much in this conversation around what wellness actually means in real life. She speaks about the challenges of the last few years in particular, moving house and her father's decline with dementia and his passing. She also speaks about the time she walked on fire at a Tony Robbins event!She has a retreat coming up inspired by her book 'Would you be well?' and it'll be taking place in The Deerstone in Wicklow from the 20th to the 22nd of February. It sounds like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend. For more information head to wouldyoubewell.ieOther book mentions :Still me by Dr. Sabrina Brennan Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this snippet comedian Aoife Dunne brings us back to her mothers funeral, 15 years ago.(Her Mum Maria died suddenly of a heart attack in December 2010)If you connect to this moment, I highly recommend you go back and listen to it in full. It's a gorgeous conversation.Also I'm hosting a live podcast show on Saturday 31st of January at 2pm as part of Brigit : Dublin City Celebrating Women presented in partnership with Acast.And I'm delighted to say that my special guest is poet, activist, and healer Laura Murphy.(Laura featured in RTÉ's documentary Finding Brigid and campaigned successfully to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday.)Together, we'll explore themes rooted in the spirit of Brigid...change, inner fire and feminine wisdom.Please join us!Buy tickets here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Grief, love, sudden death, comedy, trolling, ADHD, childfree by choice. I cannot tell you how much I loved this conversation. It made me belly laugh…and it made me cry.​I’m joined by comedian, poet, storyteller, and truth-teller​ - the absolute powerhouse that is Aoife Dunne.Aoife lives in Kilkenny with her boyfriend John, and​ in this conversation ​we talk about her incredible rise over the past few years, the joy and the pressure that comes with being so visible, and the abuse she receives online for speaking up.She also openly ​discusses her decision not to have children​, a part of the conversation that I​'m sure will bring a lot of comfort to many listening.But at the heart of this chat is Aoife’s relationship with her ​Mum Maria, who died suddenly of a heart attack, 15 years ago. The way she speaks about love​ and loss is raw and deeply moving​ and the funeral story will also have you in absolute stitches.Aoife’s live show ​'Good Grief​' is touring from March to May.​ Go see it!And I’d love it if you'd follow the new Instagram page for the pod@readytoberealpodcastGo raibh míle maith agaibh! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take​, a moment of honesty and wisdom from the heart of Ready to be Real.Content creator and Garda Fiona Morgan Coleman lives with an incurable form of cancer but thankfully she continues to live life fully, due to ongoing treatment.​In this snippet she offers a powerful dose of perspective as we step into a new yearAnd if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with ​Fiona is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy, axillary clearance, chemotherapy, radiation, recurrence, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, treatment, living well.For my first episode back in 2026, I’m joined by content creator, businesswoman, Garda and breast cancer survivor Fiona Morgan Coleman.Originally from Nenagh in Tipperary, she now lives in Shrule, Mayo with her husband David and their two boys, Callum (11) and Pearse (9).In this episode we talk about her cancer journey since 2019 and how, despite living with an incurable form of cancer, she is managing her symptoms with medication and continuing to live life fully and well.She has also built a loyal online community that support her every step of the way.In this conversation, we speak about the importance of staying on top of health checks, dealing with online trolls, and dancing on a stage in New York!It's a reminder to us all to truly mind ourselves this year.Book in for those bloods, go for that scan, organise that trip away, whatever it is.Life really is for living!She's a ball of sunshine and is the perfect guest to kick off the new season.If you're worried about yourself or someone you love, please reach out for professional help.You're not alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I speak to online sensation Garron Noone who shares powerful insights on how he navigates comments online, both the positive and the negative.We also reflect on the year gone by, look ahead to Christmas, and he offers genuinely solid advice for anyone who might be struggling right now.If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Garron is available to listen to anytime now.And I'll be back with brand new episodes on the 9th of January.​Nollaig Shona! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, family, music, fame. In my final episode of 2025, I’m joined by the one and only Mr. Garron Noone.He has built an incredibly loyal — and ever-growing — online community, with 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok. But behind the viral videos is someone with real depth and in this conversation, we go far beyond the comedy.Garron speaks openly about his mental health and his struggles with anxiety, and the impact it had on him through his teens and early twenties in particular. He also shares the tools and perspectives that help him navigate life today — offering genuinely grounding wisdom for anyone finding things tough.We also look back on the year gone by — including one massive highlight: performing with Robbie Williams in Croke Park in front of 80,000 people this summer. And we chat about his plans for Christmas…and what he has in store for the year ahead.I hope you enjoy it!Also, I’ll be back on the 9th of January with a brand-new season.Until then, feel free to dip into the archive, and ​thanks for the support all year.I’ll chat to yee again soon and look after yourselves.Nollaig Shona, agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.In this snippet I chat to sex educator, author and podcaster Grace Alice O'Shea about sexual compatibility and role play.And if you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Grace Alice is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.