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The Laura Dowling Experience

Author: Laura Dowling

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Conversations about health, science, wellness, life, love, sex and everything in-between. Laura is a Pharmacist who loves to talk to interesting people about their unique life and work experiences. See @fabulouspharmacist on instagram for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

161 Episodes
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🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Laura sits down with Síle Seoige to talk about a period in her early thirties when everything changed at once. Síle speaks about being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the impact that had on her work and personal life, and how it forced her to stop and reassess in a way she hadn’t before.She talks about anxiety from the inside, not recognising it at the time, only later, and how listening to other people’s stories during the making of her documentaries made her re-examine her own experiences. The conversation also moves through parenting, work, and the practical decisions Síle has made around boundaries, time away from home, and what she will and won’t say yes to now.The discussion is closely tied to Síle’s new documentary series Séalaí le Síle, filmed over several months and exploring three major themes: parenting, anxiety, and bullying. The series airs on TG4 on Wednesday nights, beginning on Wednesday 11 February, with each episode focusing on one topic. Drawing on conversations with families, experts, and people sharing their own lived experiences in Ireland and abroad, Síle describes the project as an attempt to better understand why so many people are struggling in the world as it is now.🔑 Key PointsA year that changed everythingSíle speaks about a period when illness, work, and personal life collided, forcing her to stop and take stock in a way she hadn’t before.Living with anxiety without naming itShe describes experiencing anxiety for years without recognising it at the time, only understanding it later through hindsight and listening to others.Illness as a line in the sandA thyroid cancer diagnosis brought clarity about what mattered, what didn’t, and what could no longer be ignored.Parenting in a pressured systemThe conversation looks at how modern parenting is shaped by time, money, childcare, and expectation.Learning to set boundariesSíle talks about becoming more boundaried around work, travel, and time away from home, and why saying no has become necessary.Listening to other people’s experiencesMaking the documentaries prompted Síle to reconsider parts of her own life she hadn’t fully examined before.Bullying beyond childhoodBullying is discussed as something that affects adults too, particularly in workplaces and public-facing roles.Questioning what we call ‘normal’The episode repeatedly returns to the idea that many struggles make sense when placed in the context of modern life.⏱️ Timestamps04:20 – The documentaries and why these topics mattered06:30 – Parenting, pressure, and guilt08:10 – Parenting today and the pressure parents are under17:00 – Anxiety and missing language25:10 – Illness, shock, and being forced to stop37:20 – Parenting decisions and limits44:00 – Media exposure and public life52:10 – Identity and reflectionThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Laura explores why dating so often feels exhausting, confusing, or discouraging, particularly when one person is ready for commitment and the other is not in the same place.Drawing on insight from Mairead the Matchmaker, the conversation looks at how timing, life stage, and emotional readiness shape modern relationships. It reflects on patterns that come up again and again, including men waiting until life feels secure before committing, women staying open to connection despite setbacks, and how early communication often sets the tone for what follows.Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode focuses on clarity and self understanding, recognising when a situation is not aligned with what you want, and trusting that dating should not require you to minimise yourself. It is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone navigating modern dating with honesty and intention.🔑 Key PointsReadiness matters more than chemistryStrong attraction does not lead anywhere if two people are not emotionally or practically ready at the same time.Men and women often date differentlyMen often wait until life feels stable before committing, while women tend to stay open to connection.Communication sets the tone earlyHow someone communicates at the beginning usually reflects how they will communicate long term.Dating is a numbers game, without being unkindMeeting the right person requires consistency while still treating people with respect.Not every relationship should lastStaying in something unhealthy can be more damaging than leaving.The right relationship allows you to be yourselfA healthy partnership feels supportive rather than constraining.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and why dating feels difficult03:30 – Why people are marrying later in Ireland08:00 – Readiness and timing12:00 – When one person is ready and the other is not16:00 – Using dating apps properly19:30 – Communication patterns and early red flags26:00 – Dating as a numbers game33:30 – Confidence built through action39:30 – How the wrong relationship affects wellbeing43:00 – Five questions to assess a relationship49:30 – Knowing when to walk away56:00 – Staying open without burnoutThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionLaura is joined by dental hygienist Eimear for a clear, practical conversation about oral health and why it connects to the rest of the body, not just your teeth. They talk about plaque, tartar and gum disease, what causes bleeding gums, and why brushing your teeth without brushing your gums misses half the problem.Eimear explains why interdental brushes work better than floss for most people, how electric toothbrushes remove far more plaque than manual ones, and why soft brushes are better than hard ones. She also talks about mouth breathing, tongue scraping, night guards for grinding, and what happens when plaque is left to harden under the gums.The conversation then moves into some of the less expected links between oral health and things like menopause, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes and cancer treatment. Throughout it all, Eimear keeps coming back to prevention, showing how small, realistic habits can reduce risk and protect your teeth and gums over the long term.🔑 Key PointsMost people are not cleaning where it matters mostBacteria sits along the gumline and between the teeth, which is why brushing only the visible surfaces leaves disease behind.Plaque becomes harmful when it is left too longSoft plaque hardens into tartar and creates a protected space where more aggressive bacteria can grow and damage gums and bone.Tools matter more than people realiseElectric toothbrushes and interdental brushes remove far more bacteria than manual brushing and flossing.Saliva plays a major role in oral healthDry mouth, common during menopause, illness and medication use, changes the balance of bacteria and increases the risk of decay and gum disease.Gum disease is not just a mouth problemInflammation and bacteria are linked with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy complications and Alzheimer’s.Grinding and clenching cause real damageNight-time grinding can shorten teeth, irritate gums and strain the jaw.Consistency beats perfectionRegular, simple habits protect the mouth better than occasional intense cleaning.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s01:00 – Porphyromonas gingivalis and how it damages the brain02:00 – The vicious cycle between Alzheimer’s and oral health03:00 – Why dentists avoid scaring patients with the 70% statistic17:00 – Diabetes, arthritis and bidirectional gum disease22:00 – Menopause, hormones and dry mouth26:00 – Teeth grinding, night guards and jaw damage28:00 – Mouth breathing and gingivitis30:00 – Tongue scraping and bad breath bacteria45:00 – Mouthwash, chlorhexidine and staining56:00 – Adapting dental care for people with extra needsThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura is joined by Ciara Mangan, founder of Beyond Surviving. Ciara reflects on the gaps in long-term trauma support, the challenges survivors face once formal services fall away, and why survival is so often treated as the endpoint rather than the beginning of healing.She speaks about navigating the justice process, the emotional toll of prolonged legal proceedings, and the ways trauma can ripple through families and relationships. Ciara also explores post-traumatic growth, describing how meaning, connection, and purpose became possible over time - without minimising the pain that came before.This episode centres on healing beyond crisis, the importance of survivor-led support, and the understanding that recovery is deeply personal and looks different for everyone.🔑 Key PointsSurvival is often treated as the finish lineCiara reflects on how recovery is expected to be complete once immediate danger has passed, even though healing is only beginning for many survivors.The gap in long-term trauma supportShe speaks about feeling lost once formal services fell away, highlighting how many survivors are left without guidance or connection after crisis support ends.The emotional toll of the justice processCiara shares the impact of navigating prolonged legal proceedings and how systems intended to protect can sometimes retraumatise survivors.How trauma ripples through families and relationshipsThe conversation explores the long-term effects of trauma on trust, intimacy, and family dynamics.Post-traumatic growth without minimising painCiara discusses growth as something that can emerge slowly over time, without pressure to reframe trauma as a positive experience.The importance of being believedValidation from family, professionals, and the justice system is shown to be central to rebuilding self-worth and safety.Why survivor-led support mattersCiara explains the value of spaces shaped by lived experience, where understanding, safety, and choice are prioritised.Turning lived experience into purposeThe episode closes on Ciara’s decision to found Beyond Surviving, using her experience to support others navigating life after trauma.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeBeyond Surviving – Survivor-led charity supporting healing beyond crisis. https://beyondsurviving.ie/ Beyond Surviving – Survivors Hub – Resources + community support. https://beyondsurviving.ie/survivors-hub/ Rape Crisis Ireland – 24-hour helpline + links to local support. https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/ Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) – Support services and info. https://www.drcc.ie/ ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Opening reflections on survival and recovery06:20 – Reaching the end of crisis support12:40 – Workplace response and social fallout18:00 – Telling her parents what happened25:40 – Deciding to pursue justice30:10 – The trial process35:50 – Being believed and legal validation38:40 – Why survivor-led spaces matter44:10 – The origins of Beyond Surviving45:20 – Exploring post-traumatic growth50:30 – Relationships and rebuilding self-worth57:00 – Closing reflections on healingThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionThis episode offers an unflinching look at the realities of Irish healthcare - especially child and adolescent mental health - through the eyes of someone who’s been on the front line for decades. Laura is joined by Martin Daly, a rural GP in County Galway and a TD (Teachta Dála), to explore what it feels like to advocate for children and families inside systems that are overstretched, slow, and often unresponsive.Martin shares a deeply affecting account of a nine-year-old boy experiencing severe OCD, including the barriers faced when trying to access CAMHS - from repeat assessments, to letters being returned, to referrals being deemed “not appropriate”, even as the child’s distress escalates. The story becomes a window into the human cost of rigid thresholds and administrative dysfunction, where families are left carrying fear and uncertainty while clinicians try to push against closing doors.From there, the conversation widens into the bigger picture: the lack of digitisation in the HSE and how basic inefficiencies create real harm; why housing insecurity and “stuck” young adults ripple into mental health and relationships; and what Martin believes Ireland needs to do differently if it wants to protect wellbeing, not just respond to crisis. It’s warm, candid, and grounded in lived reality - ending with a reflective final stretch on kindness, purpose, and what it means to live a good life.⸻🔑 Key PointsAdvocating for children inside broken systemsMartin describes the emotional and professional strain of repeatedly trying to secure care for children while working within rigid, under-resourced structures.When mental health support depends on thresholdsThe conversation explores how eligibility criteria can exclude children who are clearly distressed but not yet deemed to be in crisis.A nine-year-old living with severe OCDA real case highlights how delayed intervention intensifies suffering for both the child and their family.The hidden burden placed on parentsFamilies are left holding fear, responsibility, and risk while waiting for services that may never arrive.Housing insecurity and mental healthMartin connects the housing crisis to rising anxiety, stalled independence, and a growing sense of hopelessness among young people and families.HSE digitisation and administrative failureBasic inefficiencies - from paper-based systems to disconnected services - are shown to cause real harm and delay care when timing matters most.Moral injury in clinical practiceMartin reflects on the ethical toll of knowing what care is needed, but being unable to access it for patients.Social media and youth mental healthConstant exposure and online pressure are discussed as compounding factors in rising anxiety and distress.⸻📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeMartin Daly – Rural GP and TD (Teachta Dála), sharing frontline experience of Irish healthcareChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Referral pathways, thresholds, and access issuesObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Childhood presentation and impact when left untreatedADHD – Diagnosis pathways and pressures on assessment servicesHealth Service Executive (HSE) – Structure, capacity issues, and lack of digitisationHousing crisis in Ireland – Links to anxiety, delayed independence, and mental wellbeingSocial media and youth mental health – Ongoing exposure and rising emotional distress⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Martin’s opening reflections and background04:45 – Life as a rural GP on the frontline09:30 – Accessing child mental health services in Ireland15:10 – How CAMHS thresholds work in practice21:40 – A nine-year-old with severe OCD28:30 – Referrals returned and care denied35:20 – The emotional toll on families41:50 – HSE digitisation and systemic inefficiency48:10 – Housing insecurity and its impact on mental health54:30 – Social media, anxiety, and young people59:40 – Responsibility, kindness, and what a good life meansThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this reflective episode, Laura sits down with Kathryn Thomas to talk about change - the kind you choose, the kind that’s forced upon you, and the kind that quietly reshapes you over time. Kathryn shares her journey through career transitions, from national broadcasting to creative independence, and what it’s like to make bold decisions in midlife while balancing motherhood, identity, and self-trust.Much of the conversation centres on health and how our understanding of it has evolved. Kathryn speaks openly about her years on Operation Transformation, the backlash she faced, and why she felt compelled to explore the science and controversy around GLP-1 medications and Ozempic through documentary work. Together, they unpack how the obesity conversation has shifted, including the role of biology, food environments, and access in shaping long-term health.The episode also moves into ageing, menopause, sleep, aesthetics, and longevity. Kathryn reflects honestly on contradiction - wanting to age well while questioning the systems that profit from fear - and on the small, practical changes that have made the biggest difference to her wellbeing. Grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human, this is a conversation about agency, perspective, and learning when to let go of certainty.🔑 Key PointsChoosing change later in lifeKathryn reflects on making major career decisions in her mid-40s and stepping outside long-established systems.The cost of visibilityPublic scrutiny, online criticism, and resilience are explored through Kathryn’s lived experience.Operation Transformation revisitedA nuanced look back at the show’s evolution, cultural impact, and the stigma that surrounded it.Rethinking obesityThe conversation moves beyond willpower, focusing on biology, metabolic adaptation, and prevention.Food deserts and ultra-processed foodsKathryn and Laura discuss how access, environment, and the dominance of ultra-processed food shape health outcomes, particularly for children, highlighting why individual choice alone is an incomplete explanation.GLP-1 medications and OzempicKathryn explains why open, responsible discussion around these treatments matters.Health, hormones, and sleepMenopause, exhaustion, and the underestimated power of routine and rest are discussed honestly.Ageing, aesthetics, and contradictionFrom Botox to longevity science, the episode holds space for complexity rather than judgement.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introductions and setting the tone03:00 – Career longevity and public visibility06:00 – Leaving RTÉ and taking a midlife leap09:30 – Operation Transformation and public scrutiny13:30 – How the weight conversation has changed18:00 – GLP-1 medications and Ozempic23:30 – Metabolic adaptation, food environments, and prevention30:30 – Food deserts, inequality, and access35:00 – Ageing, aesthetics, and contradiction40:00 – Longevity, medicine, and living well46:00 – Menopause, sleep, and routineThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionDonal O’Shea has spent a lifetime working at the sharp end of endocrinology- and in this conversation, he brings that perspective with clarity and honesty. Laura and Donal explore how dramatically medicine has changed, from early diabetes care rooted in fear and compliance to modern treatments that prioritise quality of life and long-term health.The discussion moves through hormones, obesity, and the rise of GLP-1 medications, examining how new treatments exposed long-held misconceptions about appetite, behaviour, and responsibility. Along the way, they confront stigma, access to care, and the cultural tendency to reduce complex conditions to willpower. Thoughtful and grounded, this episode invites a more humane way of thinking about health- one led by evidence, humility, and compassion.🔑 Key PointsHow diabetes care used to work - and why it didn’tDonal reflects on fear-based approaches from earlier in his career and contrasts them with today’s technology-driven, compassionate care.Hormones quietly run the showThe episode unpacks how chemical messengers regulate appetite, mood, energy, and long-term health.GLP-1s changed more than blood sugarOriginally developed for diabetes, these treatments revealed unexpected effects on appetite and behaviour.Why “eat less, move more” falls shortObesity is explored as a biologically regulated, chronic condition rather than a failure of willpower.When medicine collides with cultureLaura and Donal discuss how effective treatments risk being misunderstood in a thinness-obsessed world.Access isn’t equalCost and prescribing rules shape who receives care and who is left behind.Weight loss doesn’t erase identityThe psychological impact of changing bodies is often overlooked.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeOSheaHoganLabs - Donal’s educational presence on TikTok and Instagram addressing medical misinformation⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - A lifetime inside changing medicine04:10 - Diabetes before technology07:30 - Why fear was never good healthcare12:00 - GLP-1 and a shift in understanding obesity17:45 - Appetite, behaviour, and biology23:30 - Stigma, thinness, and misuse of treatment30:15 - Identity after weight change36:40 - Menopause, hormones, and long-term thinking43:20 - Battling misinformation online50:00 - Who gets treatment - and who doesn’t57:00 - Looking to the next generationThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionThis conversation traces the path that brought Eoin Cluskey to where he is today- not only as the founder of Bread 41, but as someone who thinks deeply about community, responsibility, and the kind of impact a business can have. He talks openly about struggling through school, finding his footing in kitchens abroad, and eventually discovering purpose through business.Eoin also reflects on the parts of his story that don’t get talked about as often- the pressure of building something from nothing, the moment his partner told him the work was breaking their family, and the shift that followed. His stories from his work in prisons, schools, and the community show a consistent thread of noticing people who are often overlooked, and making small interventions that can have big impact.🔑 Key PointsSchool never fit, but it pushed him to think differentlyEoin explains how feeling behind in education stayed with him and later influenced how he approaches people who struggle in traditional systems.Finding belonging through craftFood became a place where he could build discipline, confidence, and a sense of identity.The personal cost of ambitionEoin names the moment he realised that relentless work was pulling him away from his family and needed to change.Understanding dignity through prison workHis experiences with incarcerated men opened his eyes to circumstance, accountability, and the meaning of opportunity.What teachers experience behind the scenesSpending time with educators gave him a clearer picture of the pressures and expectations they carry.Encouragement as a turning pointThe schoolboy who doubted his own ability shows how a few honest words can change someone’s trajectory.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeBread 41 / Breaducation Programme⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Eoin’s Background04:10 – Growing Up Outside the System08:20 – Finding Direction in Kitchens Abroad14:25 – Lessons from Ballymaloe18:40 – Starting Bread 41 from Scratch24:30 – A Family Wake-Up Call29:45 – Rethinking Ambition and Balance32:10 – Experiences Inside Mountjoy Prison42:30 – Teachers, Pressure & the Breaducation Programme48:25 – A Small Moment That Changed a Young Person’s Path54:10 – The Responsibility of Being a Business That “Sees” PeoplThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionThis episode is an emotionally rich, thoughtful exploration of motherhood, storytelling, friendship, and addiction. Sophie reflects on how her podcast began long before podcasting was popular- born out of frustration and a desire for honesty. Instead of curated perfection, she and co-host Jen offered chaos, humour, truth, and community and thousands of women saw themselves reflected, often for the first time.Sophie also shares deeply personal experiences with mental illness, alcoholism and self-loathing, describing how shame can follow us from childhood into adulthood until compassion interrupts the pattern. Through laughter, vulnerability, and storytelling, she shows how honesty can become a form of healing.⸻🔑 Key Points🎙 Podcasting with No Blueprint- A movement born from instinct, not strategy.👭 Friendship as Creative Foundation- Trust, humour, and emotional safety.👶 Motherhood Without Filters- Breaking away from curated Instagram motherhood.🧠 Postnatal Depression & Mental Health Struggles- Real emotional aftermath of motherhood.🍷 Addiction & The First Drink at 13- Relief, identity, and survival.✨ Compassion Through Seeing Children Clearly- Realising nothing was her fault.📢 Women’s Voices & The Power of Being Heard - Solidarity and storytelling.⸻📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeMother of Pod / Stop the Madness Podcast⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00- How the podcast unexpectedly began05:10- “Be my pod wife” moment08:40- Building Patreon & creative freedom13:20- Irish storytelling culture18:10- Postnatal depression & emotional reality23:50- When listeners share their truth30:20- Addiction & first drink story33:00- Breastfeeding pressure & guilt40:00- Addiction, breakdown & survival52:30- Women’s safety & public space59:00- Parenting, screens & doing our bestThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionWhat started as a simple moment in Lidl — noticing the word “style” on a yogurt label — turned into a viral movement. In this heartfelt conversation, Sophie Morris shares how her honest, practical videos helped people understand not just what’s in their food, but how to shop with confidence, protect their health, and even support small producers.Sophie explains how clever swaps, label awareness, and small decisions can lead to powerful changes — physically, mentally, and emotionally. She shares real stories from families, teenagers, and everyday shoppers who say her content didn’t just change their eating habits, but changed how they feel. This is more than food education — it’s empowerment.⸻🔑 Key PointsFrom Local Coaching to Viral ImpactSophie began by helping confused shoppers understand food labels and trends.Greek vs. Greek-Style — The Moment Everything ChangedHer first viral video showed how one tiny word can change the whole meaning of a product.Clever Swaps, Not ShameShe believes in empowering people with realistic, often cheaper swaps — not food fear.Profit vs. NutritionBig companies aren’t evil, but operate in a system built for profit, not health.Food and Mental WellbeingPeople report better mood, clarity, and energy after reducing ultra-processed foods.Responding to CriticismSophie explains why she avoids ingredient fearmongering and never singles out additives.Consumer PowerHer audience helped small Irish producers thrive — proving demand drives change.⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Greek-style yogurt and how it all began03:20 – When the videos went viral06:00 – Clever Swaps explained08:00 – Who really makes our food?10:40 – Criticism, trust, and staying independent15:00 – Why ingredient awareness matters19:00 – Real stories: food and mental health23:20 – KitKat, Activia & misleading marketing28:00 – Policy, labeling & regulation30:10 – The Sophie Effect: small brands rising31:40 – Why she refuses sponsorships40:00 – Protein hype and sugar sneaking48:20 – Food access and affordability49:50 – Where food awareness is headedThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this deeply moving and human conversation, Tammy Darcy opens up about the defining experiences that shaped her life- from the powerful bond with her sister Shona, her traumatic teenage years, bullying, and becoming a single mother at 18, to transforming pain into purpose by founding The Shona Project. She shares how her sister’s brain tumour, family breakdown, and years of emotional isolation shaped her desire to create a community of support for young girls- one rooted in courage, authenticity, and belonging.With tenderness and honesty, Tammy reflects on self-worth, shame, resilience, and why young people don't just need motivation- they need community, compassion, and a strong sense of who they are. At its core, this episode is about showing up for one another, embracing vulnerability, and believing that our greatest pain may one day serve a greater purpose.🔑 Key PointsTrauma, Loss & a Sister’s LegacyTammy shares the life-changing impact of her sister’s brain tumour, the emotional fallout, and how the loss shaped her outlook on compassion, purpose, and human connection.Turning Pain into PurposeInstead of being defined by tragedy, Tammy built The Shona Project- a nationwide movement supporting young girls through workshops, festivals, and leadership programmes.Bullying and Its Lifelong EffectsShe describes years of bullying, hiding in school toilets, and losing trust in other girls, realising that relational harm can sometimes take longer to heal than trauma itself.Courage Over ConfidenceTammy explains why we should focus on building courage rather than confidence because courage is what allows us to act even when we're unsure.Why Values Matter More Than AchievementsShe explores how helping teenagers identify their personal values gives them a lasting compass for decision-making, identity, and self-worth.Authenticity as FreedomTammy reflects on how embracing her authentic self, rather than trying to be “perfect”, has been liberating and transformative in both life and leadership.Creating Safe, Supportive CommunitiesShe shares how The Shona Project helps girls recognise that they can both harm and heal and that change begins with accountability, compassion, and kindness.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Shona Project - https://shona.ie/Shine Festival - https://shinefestival.ie/500x500 campaign https://shona.ie/500x500/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & Early Confidence08:10 – Shona’s Diagnosis & Family Breakdown13:00 – Trauma, Grief & Feeling Lost16:00 – Becoming Pregnant at 1823:00 – Bullying, Isolation & Self-Worth30:00 – How The Shona Project Was Born45:00 – 500 by 500 Vision & Community51:00 – Talking to Young People About Values57:00 – Feel the Fear and Do It AnywayThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this powerful and deeply human conversation, Breda O'Toole shares her extraordinary journey of trauma, survival, and ultimately, healing. Her life was marked by poverty, abuse, war-related family trauma, institutional mistreatment, and years of being misdiagnosed within psychiatric care. For 23 years, she was prescribed heavy medication, underwent 29 shock treatments, and spent time in psychiatric institutions — including being restrained in a straitjacket for 11 days. Yet none of it treated the real wound: trauma.Breda explains how no professional ever asked about her life or experiences — only symptoms. She felt unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. The turning point came when a priest told her: “Take back control of your life.” That moment sparked her recovery journey — off medication, back to herself, and finally into true healing.This episode is painful, inspiring, and illuminating — a moving reminder that trauma is not mental illness, and recovery is possible when we are truly seen, heard, and believed.🔑 Key PointsTrauma vs. Mental IllnessHer suffering was rooted in trauma, not a disorder.Misdiagnosis & OvermedicationShe lived under 8+ incorrect diagnoses and was on up to 15 tablets daily.Electric Shock Therapy (ECT)29 ECT sessions — each followed in her records by: “Still depressed.”The StraitjacketShe was involuntarily restrained for 11 days — until her father rescued her.Loss & GriefShe lost three baby boys — through negligence, miscarriage, and stillbirth.The Words That Changed Everything“Take back control of your life” — the moment her recovery truly began.Recovery Begins With Being HeardOne doctor finally asked: “What happened to you?” — not “What’s wrong with you?”📚 Mentioned in This Episode• Unseen — Breda’s memoir• St. Patrick’s Institution, St. Brigid’s, St. Vincent’s• Valium, Lithium, Optimax• Straitjacket institutional practices• Father Walsh, Father Pat• Tommy — Breda’s husband⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Breda & her story01:00 – Childhood trauma: war, poverty, abuse08:00 – First Valium prescription & addiction10:00 – Misdiagnosis & medication spiral13:00 – Shock therapy and lost identity16:00 – Being detained & rescued by her father24:00 – Loss of her babies & emotional impact33:00 – Straitjacket and institutional trauma40:00 – “What happened to you?” — turning point46:00 – Coming off medication & reclaiming life52:00 – Real recovery, healing, and hopeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this powerful and deeply human conversation, Miriam O’Callaghan opens up about the defining moments that shaped her life — from navigating high-pressure live television, to facing unimaginable personal loss, to raising eight children while working in the public eye.Miriam speaks candidly about the ups and downs of her pregnancies and births, the chaos of live political debates, grief, resilience, menopause, and what it’s really like to live so much of her life under intense public scrutiny. She shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister and father within weeks of each other, her legal fight against an online scam using her name, and the grounding philosophies that have kept her centred through it all.This episode is raw, emotional and filled with wisdom — a rare look at one of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, beyond the headlines and beyond the studio lights.🔑 Key PointsWriting a memoir after 20 years of hesitationWhy Miriam avoided writing her book, the emotional weight of telling her own story, and what finally pushed her to begin.The pressure and chaos of live TVBehind the scenes of major political debates, on-air confrontations, and the mental load of broadcasting to millions.The year everything changedLosing her sister at 33, losing her father shortly after, and how grief reshaped her perspective on life and motherhood.Fertility struggles, pregnancy trauma & raising eight childrenCandid reflections on secondary infertility, complex pregnancies, motherhood, and letting go of perfection.Menopause, HRT & women’s healthWhy she advocates openly for hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen, and breaking the silence around women’s health.The Facebook “face-cream” scamHow scammers used her name for years, how it affected her family, and what happened when she took Facebook to court — and won.Gratitude, grounding & implacable courtesyThe philosophies that guide her relationships and keep her anchored through chaos.📚 Mentioned in this Episode• Life, Work, Everything — Miriam’s memoir (print & audiobook)• Paul Read — the solicitor who represented Miriam in her Facebook/Meta scam case• Holles Street Maternity Hospital & The Coombe• Prof. Caher & Dr. Colm (Miriam’s obstetricians)• Evorel Conti Patch & Vagifem (HRT mentioned)• John Hume, Pantibliss (Rory O’Neill), Leo Varadkar, Tommy Tiernan, Roy Keane• Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum & key cultural moments• “Implacable courtesy” — Seamus Heaney’s advice⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & Miriam’s Early Career06:50 – The Loss of Her Sister & Father12:30 – Navigating Motherhood & Raising Eight Children16:45 – Pregnancy Complications & Birth Stories22:10 – Handling Pressure in Live Broadcasting27:55 – The Haemorrhage During Pregnancy34:40 – Surviving Public Scrutiny & Balancing Family38:10 – The Facebook Scam & Taking Meta to Court43:30 – Gratitude, Faith & Daily Grounding Rituals48:20 – Reflections on Resilience & What Truly MattersThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
📝 Episode Description:In this fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation, Laura Dowling sits down with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan, better known as The Boobie Physio, to unpack the hidden physical and emotional impact of breast weight on women’s lives.From posture and pain to sport, confidence, and hormonal changes, Siobhan reveals why so many women — regardless of cup size — are living with discomfort that’s completely preventable. She explains the science behind breast support, the myths around bra sizing, and how simple changes in alignment can boost everything from performance to self-esteem.This episode is part education, part revelation — and it might just change how you think about your body forever.⏱️ Key Points & Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Who is The Booby Physio?02:00 – Why posture still matters (and how gravity works against us)06:00 – Bone health, hormones, and how movement can prevent osteoporosis09:00 – The hidden weight women carry: breast movement in three planes13:00 – How breast pain and embarrassment push teenage girls out of sport17:00 – The psychology of confidence and body awareness23:00 – Why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size29:00 – How outdated measuring methods are still being used35:00 – The physics of breast support: posture, shape, and comfort43:00 – How to actually fit a bra properly — and why black ones feel tighter49:00 – Caring for your bras: resting elastic, avoiding fabric softener55:00 – Asymmetry, teabag tits, and why most lingerie models are wrong1:00:00 – Why wired bras aren’t the enemy1:05:00 – The link between back pain, confidence, and breast support1:10:00 – How the right bra can literally improve your performance1:15:00 – Final takeaways: lifting women up — physically and emotionally💡 Actionable Tips:Reassess your posture daily — small adjustments make a big difference.Get properly fitted for a bra (and don’t add those extra inches!).Rotate your bras to let the elastic recover and last longer.Think of breast support as part of overall musculoskeletal health.Educate daughters, nieces, and teens early — prevention starts young.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura for a funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it was really like being one of the few women in stand-up when she started out.She talks about the early days of breaking through in a male-dominated industry, finding her own voice, the reality of long-term relationships, raising kids in the age of WhatsApp chaos, and using humour to get through tough times.This is a brilliant mix of personal stories, cultural insight and big laughs.🕒  Timestamps & Key Points00:00 — Pre-chat & setup: A warm, relaxed start as Laura and Deirdre banter about microphones, lighting, and jawlines.04:00 — Wild beginnings: Boarding school, being part of “the bold gang,” and discovering performance through impersonating teachers and nuns.06:00 — Acting vs. stand-up: Early love-hate relationship with stand-up and what made it so tough starting out.08:20 — Women in comedy: Audience groans, breaking barriers, and how social media helped shift the landscape.11:00 — Self-censorship: Why she avoided certain topics early on — and how that’s changed.14:00 — Touring life: What it’s really like on the road as a comic, from long drives to late nights.17:00 — Irish vs. UK audiences: How humour translates across borders and why Irish audiences are special.20:00 — Long-term relationships: Honest reflections on discomfort, denial, and doing the work over decades together.23:00 — Expectations in love: Balancing domestic reality with romantic ideals — and keeping individuality.27:30 — The Magdalene Laundries bit: Taking on a taboo topic and walking a fine line between darkness and humour.30:00 — Phone bans and stand-up: How comics protect their material from leaking online.33:00 — Comedy as a lifeline: How stand-up kept her family afloat when her husband was ill.36:00 — Motherhood & identity: Returning to stand-up after kids and why motherhood fuelled her next show.43:00 — Modern motherhood rant: Emails, WhatsApp groups, class reps, and why it’s all too much.48:00 — Quick fire: Worst gig ever, sharing the stage, favourite punchlines, and industry reflections.53:00 — Politics & culture: A candid take on the current Irish political climate and cultural shifts.🧠 Key ThemesWomen in comedy & gender barriersFinding your comedic voiceLong-term relationships & emotional honestyModern motherhood and social pressuresComedy as both art and survivalCultural change in Ireland & beyond🪄 Actionable TakeawaysCourage comes with craft — pushing boundaries can create powerful cultural moments.Honesty in relationships matters — even the uncomfortable parts.Women’s voices in comedy are no longer the exception.Modern motherhood comes with too many expectations — and laughter helps cut through the noise.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
📝 Episode DescriptionIn this powerful episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura sits down with advanced nurse practitioner and child psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet to unpack what’s really going on for teenagers today.From self-harm and emotional dysregulation to ADHD, anxiety, and the pressure of living in an overwhelming world, Dearbhla brings deep professional insight — and a lot of heart — to the conversation.This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand and support young people.🧠 Key PointsWhy there’s no such thing as “normal” in mental healthWhy teens are feeling increasingly lost and overwhelmedUnderstanding self-harm and emotional dysregulationHow to help teens regulate their emotionsADHD medication: what parents should knowThe impact of global stress and social media on teen mental healthHow to find qualified therapists and build trust with young people🛠️ Actionable TipsLead with empathy, not solutions — acknowledge feelings before fixing.Watch for triggers and early signs of overwhelm in teens.Use metaphor (like “being a lighthouse”) to reframe parenting approaches.Explore practical supports such as Jigsaw, CAMHS, and occupational therapy.Prioritise finding the right therapist, not just the first available one.🕛 Timestamps00:00 — “There’s no such thing as normal” — Why we need to rethink mental health02:05 — Why so many young people are struggling today03:30 — Understanding self-harm and emotional overwhelm05:45 — Getting into CAMHS: criteria, challenges & real experiences08:00 — Girls vs boys: how ADHD can present differently10:00 — What anxiety really feels like for young people12:00 — Accessing services: what parents can do while waiting for support13:45 — How to teach emotional regulation (and why “fixing” doesn’t work)17:00 — What’s really behind teen anger and emotional outbursts23:00 — “Be the lighthouse, not the anchor” — A powerful parenting metaphor29:00 — Why ADHD medication isn’t a quick fix (finding the sweet spot)36:00 — Tools like ear loops & OT support that can make a difference40:00 — Motivation struggles in teens with ADD/ADHD42:00 — How to respond if your child shares or writes about dark thoughts44:00 — The emotional weight of the world on young people47:00 — How to find a qualified therapist you can trust50:00 — Why therapist fit matters more than people think53:00 — Misconceptions around “lack of empathy” in young people55:00 — Sextortion & online risks: what parents need to know58:00 — Final reflections: why connection is everythingThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of LifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.Timestamps00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality54:46 – Advice for Young People55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing ThoughtsThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures.Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care.This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves.Timestamps04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and PeaceThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.Timestamps02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of lifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Comments (1)

Aoife Gallagher

This was a fantastic episode, I've shared it with so many of my friends and know ill be replaying it a few times!

Apr 9th
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