Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

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.

Topics covered : vaginismus, shame, libido, faking orgasm, sexual compatibility, body image, acceptance, masturbation, sexual confidence, sex toys, anal sex, role play, freedom, pleasure.  This week, I’m joined by sex educator, author and podcaster, the brilliant Grace Alice O’Shea.She lives in Limerick with her boyfriend Ivan and their two dogs, and in this episode she answers your questions (I put up a question box on Instagram)— on everything from libido, gaining sexual confidence, sex toys, role play, and so much more.But before we got into all of that, she began by sharing her own story and her past struggles with vaginismus.There is so much in this episode and as always with the topic of sex we easily could have talked for another hour.The first 20 minutes - her own story and we discuss THAT Kylie tweet of mine from 14 years ago.Don't worry if you know nothing about it, I explain it. Wild!Grace answering questions from 20 mins onwards -We spent a long time on libido.50 mins onwards - sexual confidence, faking orgasm, sex toys, anal sex, role play, sexual compatibility, dirty talk.If you'd like to hear more conversations about sex here on Ready to be Real check out the following episodes :Sex educator Jenny Keane ​(2022) and Sexologist Emily Power Smith (2021​).And definitely listen to Grace's pod 'The G spot' too. Please listen, like, follow, share and all the other stuff...I really appreciate the support.Next week will be my last episode of 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Life in Gaza, living under occupation, murder, grief, trauma, injustice.I am revisiting this conversation as the incredible Hala Sourani was honoured at the Shine Mental Health Media Awards today in Dublin.She won the Special Recognition award for th​is podcast and ​everyone in the room w​ere on their feet ​for her.A truly deserving standing ovation for her courage, her dignity and her truth. This conversation was my last of 2024 and yet heartbreakingly, a year on, Gaza is still being attacked.(Her mother and her sister and her children are still in Gaza.)In October 2023, Hala was married to Mohammad and they had 2 girls, Shahd who was 6 and Rahaf who was 5 and they lived in Gaza.In November of that year, they tried to flee but, in the process, both Mohammad and Rahaf were murdered by Israelis. As you can imagine, this is a harrowing account of that time so please be aware before you listen but I really hope you do stay with this conversation as intense as it is and that you allow yourself to connect with Hala and the pain and injustice that she and so many have been, and continue to be, subjected to.She came to Ireland with her daughter Shahd in February​ 2024 and has been working as a volunteer here and remarkably she completed a MBA ​that year too.I wish we never had to have this conversation.I wish she was still in Gaza with her husband and girls, but that is unfortunately not the case.This is without a doubt one of the most important conversations I’ve ever had on Ready to be Real and I am honoured that she trusted me with it.She’s not comfortable speaking about the Go Fund Me that has been set up to help her but I’m going to ask you to please consider donating what you can so that she and her daughter can try and rebuild their lives here in Ireland.They need and deserve our support. Any and all donations would be gratefully received.Fundraiser by Sarah Costello : Urgent Help For Halla & Chahd (Gazans in Ireland)Go raibh mile maith agaibh.A special word of thanks to the wonderful Kate O’Dwyer, the founder of 'Pals for Palestine' for all her help in connecting Hala and I and for all her love and guidance behind the scenes.Saoirse don Phailistín. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.I’m speaking with Vanessa Ogbonna, one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland.She once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change of course.In this snippet she speaks about her experience of racism in Ireland — starting with how she felt during the Dublin riots in 2023.If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with Vanessa is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : The Traitors, growing up in Direct Provision, football career, injury, grief, Lupus diagnosis, faith, 2023 Dublin riots, racism.This week, I’m joined by one of the winners of the very first series of The Traitors Ireland — Vanessa Ogbonna.But her story stretches far beyond reality TV.Vanessa once chased a bright future in football until injury and illness forced a dramatic change of course.In this conversation, while she touches briefly on her time on The Traitors, she mainly opens up about the moments that shaped her life: navigating a lupus diagnosis that altered everything, losing her father, growing up in Direct Provision, and her experience of racism in Ireland.You can catch her every week on United FC on RTÉ alongside Jordan Conroy, and you can also catch up with episodes on the RTÉ Player. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Make sure little ears aren't listening!Topics covered : Unpacking 'calm' parenting, navigating meltdowns (for adults and kids)​, the power of play in building connection with kids, dropping the threats, slapping, resilience building, unlearning, rupture and repair, positive modelling.This week, 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). She 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.In today’s conversation, Debbie shares practical, compassionate guidance on becoming as regulated as we can as parents; what our children truly need to thrive (it may surprise you); how to navigate stressful moments with more ease; the power of play in building connection; and why unlearning certain old habits is such vital work.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 kids.You can join their parenting hub - you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.If you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.And thank you, as always, for supporting Ready to be Real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse into the honesty, wisdom and connection at the heart of every episode of Ready to be Real.Today, I’m revisiting a conversation I recorded six years ago with the incredible Seán Boylan — a fifth-generation herbalist and a true sporting legend.During his 23 years as Meath Football Manager, he led the county to four All-Ireland titles and cemented his reputation as an iconic leader.In this clip, he reflects on holding training sessions at the ancient and sacred Hill of Tara — the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.​If you’d like to hear more, the full conversation with the truly brilliant Seán Boylan is available to listen to anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : AI in today's world, awareness.In this episode, I speak to technology consultant and author Joanne Griffin.She's married to Mark, they have two teenage boys, and they live in Navan.She left the mainstream corporate world just before Covid to pursue a career in tech, and a few years later, she wrote a book called “Humology – How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology.”In our conversation, we talk about the reality of living in an increasingly tech-reliant world, the overwhelm that can often come with it, the importance of being mindful of our AI use, and why technology itself isn’t the enemy — if we use it with intention.Human-Centric Technology Design | Humology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Leukaemia, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, pregnancy, birth story, positive mindset, exercise, faith, gratitude.  This episode is in partnership with giveblood.ie — a service that truly saves lives.I speak with Laura Murphy, whose husband Dave was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia eleven years ago.Throughout his treatment, he needed multiple blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant — and the most difficult time of all came when Laura was pregnant with their son.Together, they’ve faced enormous challenges, but today, Dave is thriving, and they’re soaking up family life with their three-year-old, Joshua.Their story is one of resilience and deep gratitude for the donors who made his recovery possible.If this conversation resonates with you, please rate it, leave a comment, or share with a friend who needs to hear it.Míle buíochas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : rape, trauma, living in fear, self harm, PTSD, reclaiming. Bláthnaid Raleigh is from Mullingar, and her world changed forever after a night out in Galway in July 2019, when she was attacked and raped by a man from her hometown, Johnny Moran.As you can imagine, this conversation is intense at times, so please take care while listening.For five long years, as Bláthnaid tried to rebuild her life, he continued to live his, as normal — while she and her family were left in limbo, waiting for justice.Finally, in July 2024, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, without ever showing an ounce of remorse.Bláthnaid’s book Aftermath is a powerful and devastating account of what it means to survive — and of the failings of a system that left her feeling forgotten and silenced. But it’s also a story of extraordinary strength, courage, and the slow process of reclaiming herself.If you’ve been affected by what you’ve heard, please know that you’re not alone and there is help available.Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) - Rape Crisis Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a Ready to be Real revisit from 2020 — recorded during the height of the Covid restrictions.In it, I speak to folklorist, artist and musician Dr. Billy Mag Fhlionn (Pagan Rave) about Samhain and the old Irish traditions that still shape how we celebrate Halloween today.Billy lives in Dingle with his wife Muireann and their daughters, Sadhbh and Líse.In this conversation, he shares the deeper meaning behind our Halloween customs — the stories of old, the sense of connection to our ancestors, and the games that have stood the test of time.We talk about trick or treating, 'bobbing for apples', 'shave the fryer' (the flour mountain), and 'snap apple' and he reveals what was originally hidden inside the báirín breac (you might be surprised!).Resources :https://tradition.iehttps://www.duchas.ie/enhttps://www.muireann.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Gaeilge, music, heritage, culture, shame, colonisation, Irish Americans, Samhain, An Chailleach​.In this special Oíche Shamhna episode, I speak with musician, broadcaster, academic and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.Doireann is the daughter of TG4 political correspondent Sorcha Ní Riada (and granddaughter of legendary Irish composer Seán Ó Riada) and fiddle player and retired Garda Kevin Glackin of the renowned Glackin musical family. Between podcasting (How to Gael), TV presenting, MC'ing, playing music, having a string of live shows and being awarded a PhD in oral Irish poetry recently, she is an incredibly impressive and productive woman.She currently splits her time between New York and Ireland, and we spoke ​last week, the day after I saw her perform on stage in An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, with her show The Cailleach.In our chat, we talk about the rich heritage​ she has on both sides of her family, and about An Chailleach — and this reflective​, liminal time of year.We also discuss the moment on Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show in February 2024, when former TD Ivan Yates said he “couldn’t be arsed” in reference to the Irish language — and one of the presenters stood up to shake his hand in agreement.We explore how deeply insulting that was to Irish speakers, how it reflects a colonised mindset, and how passionately Doireann feels about being a Gael.A self-confessed girls’ girl, she describes herself as introspective — and simply put, I loved chatting to her.Bainigí sult as! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Fertility, multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriage, acceptance, magic.​This is a re-release of a conversation I recorded with business woman Denise Phillips back in April 2021 when she had just come from an appointment in the Coombe hospital where she found out she was 29 weeks pregnant!It's the most incredible story.Now 4.5 years on, her daughter Beth is 10 and her son Jude is 4 and she just announced that she is pregnant again!So I thought it was the perfect time to reshare this gorgeous conversation that is sure to resonate with a lot of you.Original shownotes...Denise Phillips lives in Newbridge, Co. Kildare with her husband Mark, their 6 year old daughter Beth and she’s also step mother to 16 year old Ellie.She’s hugely successful in her career as the owner of Pelo hairdressing and the co-owner of Irish hair brand Voduz and last week she got the surprise of her life when she found out she was over 6 months pregnant!For the past 10 years, she had lived with unexplained infertility, no periods, no ovulation and the lining of her womb was very thin.On their 9th cycle of IVF she went on to have their little girl and when Beth was a baby, she also took part in TV documentary ‘The Babymakers’, which followed the lives of couples for over a year, who were trying to conceive and showed the reality of IVF.This was one of my favourite chats ever on the podcast, it’s full of wisdom and practical advice, especially for those who are navigating the often-challenging road to parenthood. She speaks about acceptance and gratitude and the importance of staying in your own lane.And when we spoke on Tuesday when she had just come from all her pregnancy appointments in the Coombe hospital, where she found out she was almost 29 weeks pregnant!Book mentions:Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessVishen Lakhiani’s The Code of the Extraordinary MindIf you enjoyed this chat please show your support by leaving a rating or a little comment on Apple and by clicking follow on Spotify, I’d be so thankful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Grooming, childhood sexual abuse, shame, addiction, survival, recovery, therapy, healing, acting, Palestine, censorship, collective care, Andor.This is the second part of my conversation with multi award-winning Irish actor — and all-round gorgeous human — Denise Gough.In this episode, Denise speaks openly about the painful experiences of grooming and abuse in her childhood — experiences that led to her being homeless in London as a teenager, addicted to drugs and alcohol.Since getting sober at 27, she’s gone on to thrive — both in her acting career and in life.She's an incredibly strong, open-hearted woman, and her story is one of survival, strength, and deep healing.If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, I really encourage you to go back and do so.You might also want to hear my conversations with Gabor and Daniel Maté, Róisín El Cherif, Farah Nabulsi, and Hala Sourani, as well as the episode I released in May with Jack Fitzgerald, where he speaks so bravely about surviving childhood sexual abuse.These stories aren’t easy to hear, but they are necessary and they remind us of the strength of the human spirit.Book mentions:'Perfect Victims' (and the Politics of Appeal) by Mohammed El-Kurd'The Message' and 'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi CoatesIf you need support, please reach out — you are not alone, and help is available:One In FourSupport – Mental Health IrelandAnd if you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate, and review Ready to Be Real wherever you listen.Míle buíochas, as always, for your support.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is The Real Take — a glimpse of the honesty, wisdom and connection you’ll find in every episode of Ready to be Real.​In this snippet Irish actor Denise Gough speaks about her recent visit to The West Bank...she speaks about what she saw and how it has deepened her commitment to ​Palestine. ​- you can hear the full episode with Denise ​anytime now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Acting, celebrity culture, Palestine, grief, Zionism, solidarity.This week, I’m honoured to speak with award-winning Irish actor Denise Gough, who has gained a whole new audience thanks to her chilling and complex portrayal of the fascist officer Dedra Meero in the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor.But Denise is so much more than a brilliant actor — she’s a deeply compassionate and courageous human being.She has spoken openly about painful chapters of her life — including experiences of grooming and childhood abuse, and her struggle with addiction.Now, almost two decades sober, she has built a career defined not by glamour, but by emotional truth, talent and integrity.In this first part of our conversation (part two coming next week), Denise reflects on her recent visit to the West Bank — how witnessing life there challenged her, changed her, and deepened her commitment to the cause.She also shares her thoughts on celebrity culture, the importance of connecting with like-minded people, and how she strives to use her public profile for good.We also talk about the time she filmed a movie in Jordan — 'The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall' — which tells the story of a young British peace activist killed by the Israeli army, and how, even as a child, she was deeply affected by the Holocaust and wrote to world leaders like Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War.These moments reveal a restless compassion and a lifelong instinct to speak up — even when it’s not easy.If this episode resonates with you, please follow, subscribe, or share it with someone who might appreciate it.Part 2 coming next week.Míle buíochas agus ​Saoirse don Phalaistín. Makan - Education for liberationHome - MakanPals for Palestine - resourcesResources* You can also listen to other conversations exploring Palestine on Ready to Be Real from December 2023 onwards, with guests including Ruth Smith, Daniel Maté, Dr Myriam François, Caoimhe Butterly, Róisín El Cherif, Sarah Durham Wilson, Farah Nabulsi, Misan Harriman, Hala Sourani, Dr Gabor Maté, Raeeka Yassaie, Fintan Drury, Catherine Connolly, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short clip, I revisit the powerful words of Dr. Gabor Maté — words that are resonating so deeply with me right now, especially in light of the devastating news of the murder of Palestinian journalist ​Salah Al Jafarawi yesterday.Gabor’s words are a reminder to ​us to stay human — to stay connected, compassionate, and awake — even when the world feels overwhelming.​If you’d like to hear more, you can listen back to my full conversation with him​ anytime ​here on Ready to be Real.​* Dr. Gabor Maté is a retired physician and bestselling author known and loved for his ground-breaking medical work and writings. ​In ​our full conversation we also explore parenting, we talk about illness and the lessons to be learnt through these often very difficult experiences and he also shares his insights regarding Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Shedding shame, pubic hair, pelvic floor muscles, UTI's, periods, STI's, birth, constipation and the importance of fibre. This week, I sit down with the brilliant Laura Dowling — better known online as The Fabulous Pharmacist!It’s Laura’s second time joining me on the pod, and I’m delighted to have her back. She lives in Dublin with her husband Frank and their three boys, and after working as a pharmacist for over 20 years, she’s now the founder and CEO of fabÜ nutritional supplements.I absolutely love ​her — she’s smart, funny, and refreshingly honest — and in this chat we ​talk all things vulvas, as her brilliant new book ​'Love Your Vulva​' has just been released. It’s a celebration of women, our bodies, and the importance of understanding and embracing them.A fun, empowering, and educational conversation about women’s health, body confidence, and breaking taboos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.