IMAGE The Motherload

Author, maternal mental health advocate and mum of three Tracy Holmes joins Dominique this week for a conversation about motherhood, diagnosis and real resilience.Tracy is mum to three boys, including twins Harry and Freddie. Shortly after they were born, Freddie was diagnosed with Down syndrome. What followed was one of the most difficult periods of Tracy’s life. With one newborn at home and another still in hospital, she found herself pulled between two worlds, all while she was navigating the shock of diagnosis. The pressure resulted in the quiet collapse of her mental health. In this episode, Tracy speaks with the most extraordinary honesty about that year. The grief for the life she had imagined, the stigma around admitting struggle as a mother and the moment she realised she needed help. But she also speaks about the love that has grown since. About the bond between her boys, the joy Freddie brings to their lives and the way he has changed how their whole family sees the world.She speaks about the power of language (Freddie has Down syndrome, he is not a Down syndrome child), and also about the gaps that still exist in Ireland for families raising children with individual needs. Something we both hope conversations like this might help change.Tracy is extraordinarily strong. But what moved us most was her willingness to show the moments where she wasn’t. We are so grateful to her for sharing her story with us.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Avoca, Revive Active, Aptamil Advanced and Tigers Childcare.

Psychologist, author and mum of three Dr. Clodagh Campbell joins Dominique this week, for one of the most personal conversations of the season.Dominique and Clodagh share powerful parallels in their lives. Both are adopted. Both lost their beloved fathers too early.Together they explore how adoption can shape identity across a lifetime and why questions around belonging often become louder once we become parents ourselves.Clodagh also opens up about her experience with postnatal depression. As a psychologist, she didn’t initially recognise the signs in herself. It arrived slowly and quietly, and by the time she realised what was happening she was already struggling.The conversation also explores the nervous system, maternal exhaustion, the invisible cognitive load many parents carry and why small moments of awareness can make such a difference in our busy lives.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Avoca, Revive Active, Aptamil Advanced and Tigers Childcare

This week on IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique sits down with Coleen Rooney for a real conversation about family life. Coleen opens up about her childhood, the loss of her sister Rosie, her and Wayne’s experience of miscarriage, and occasionally shouting at the boys in McDonalds. She shares the brilliant chaos of raising four boys, the realities of parenting in the public eye, and why family is ultimately so important to her. This is Coleen Rooney in her own words.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Avoca, Revive Active, Aptamil Advanced and Tigers Childcare

This week on IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique is joined by Councillor Yemi Adenuga. Broadcaster, community organiser, mother of four and the first Black woman elected to public office in Ireland, Their conversation covers Yemi’s extraordinary childhood as one of 27 children in Nigeria, her journey to Ireland, the realities of motherhood while building a public life, and the strength it takes to remain open hearted in the face of serious racism.This is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and Yemi’s deep belief that people can change the world around them.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Avoca, Revive Active, Aptamil Advanced and Tigers Childcare

This week on IMAGE The Motherload, beauty editor, content creator and mum of two Triona McCarthy joins Dominique for an honest and often very funny conversation about modern motherhood.Triona opens up about her ADHD diagnosis and how that shows up in her day-to-day life, the reality of parenting tweens, managing the mental load when your nervous system is already busy, navigating public visibility, and the lasting impact of losing her sister at just 30. Plus, because she is Triona McCarthy, she shares the beauty and tweakment advice every tired mum needs.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Avoca, Revive Active, Aptamil Advanced and Tigers Childcare.

In this deeply honest episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique McMullan speaks with award winning podcast host and coach Laura Guckian about the reality behind modern motherhood. From her psychiatric hospital admission when her first baby was ten months old to her late diagnoses of autism and ADHD, Laura shares the moments that reshaped her life and her mission to support other mothers. Together they unpack matrescence, maternal mental health, neurodivergent parenting and the practical tools every overwhelmed mum needs. IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca and Aptamil Advanced 

In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, recorded live last November, Dominique McMullan is joined by Tara Rafter, Rosemary MacCabe, Daniella Moyles and Danielle Garner for a down to earth conversation about why so many mums feel depleted and overlooked in their own lives.They talk honestly about guilt, identity, exhaustion and the pressure to keep going, as well as the small, realistic ways they try to protect their energy and themselves.If you’ve ever felt like you can’t seem to keep yourself on the priority list, this episode is for you.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca and Aptamil Advanced  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique McMullan is joined by Sonya Lennon for a conversation about what it really takes to create change for women and families in Ireland.Together, they explore why issues like the childcare crisis and the gender pay gap cannot be solved by asking women to cope better, but by redesigning the systems that created the problems in the first place. As Sonya puts it, “We spend so much time reacting to the damage downstream. Real change comes when we throw the pebble further upstream.”From workplace equity and flexible working to leadership, money and the invisible mental load carried by mothers, this episode invites listeners to look beyond individual struggle and towards collective responsibility. It’s a potent reminder that change is possible… when we ask better questions and build better systems.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca and Aptamil Advanced  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at IMAGE The Motherload’s final event before Christmas, this conversation with Miriam O’Callaghan didn’t go the way host Dominique McDermott expected.Funny, disarmingly honest and deeply grounded, Miriam reflects on motherhood across decades, parenting adult children, grief, resilience, and what it really means to “just get on with life.” She speaks candidly about the collision of work and family, the importance of her village, and why having something that is just yours (for her, a lifelong career) is so essential for mothers.This is a conversation about staying true to yourself, even through loss, pressure and change, and why honesty matters more than perfect answers.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Liffey Valley, Revive Active, Avoca and Aptamil Advanced  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosanna Davison’s journey to motherhood is a story of loss, love and the most extraordinary resilience. The former Miss World sits down with Dominique McMullan for one of the most emotional and honest conversations ever shared on IMAGE The Motherload.Rosanna opens up about the heartbreak of fourteen miscarriages, the moment she watched her longed-for baby girl being born from another woman, and the shock and joy of welcoming twins. She also reflects on the strain it placed on her relationship, and for the first time, talks about helping her surrogate escape war and set up a new life in Ireland. With time has come perspective and healing. Today, Rosanna is a proud mum of three, with a home and career she loves, and a happiness that feels so richly deserved.**A gentle note: this episode discusses baby loss. Please take care while listening, and skip this one if it’s not for you today.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca and Liffey Valley – thank you for helping us tell these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique sits down with Tammy Darcy, founder and CEO of The Shona Project. Tammy shares the powerful story behind her movement to empower the young women of Ireland, revealing how her relationship with her late sister, Shona, shaped her life's mission.Tammy also opens up about the realities of creating The Shona Project while raising her own children, the key values she hopes to instill in them, and discusses the struggles faced by teenage girls today and how we can better connect with them. Join us as we work hard to lighten the load for the next generation.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca and Liffey Valley – thank you for helping us tell these stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please note: This episode contains a trigger warning for miscarriage In this intimate episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique chats to Danielle Garner, the founder of Wildflower Hair Studio. Danielle's story is one of incredible resilience and reinvention.She opens up about her journey, from living with an alcoholic parent, to navigating the grief of a second-trimester miscarriage during a time of global isolation. Danielle shares how these experiences have shaped her as a mother to her two beautiful boys and how she's channeled her resilience into her work and her life.They also chat about Danielle’s distinctive, natural aesthetic, the beauty she finds in both her work and in nature, and how she's raising her sons to be compassionate and strong. This episode is an honest conversation about finding beauty… even in the hardest moments.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca and Liffey Valley – thank you for helping us tell these stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique is joined by artist and mother of three, Emma Flynn, for one of the most powerful conversations the podcast has ever hosted. Together they talk about Emma’s years as a midwife, her experience of postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts (TW), the role of medication and therapy in her healing, and the hope she’s found in creativity, faith, and community.This is a conversation about darkness, yes, but also about love - the kind that transforms us and carries us through.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca and Liffey Valley - thank you for helping us to tell these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Kane has built two successful businesses - reuzi and Pragmatica - but her story is about far more than entrepreneurship. A Brazilian-born, Dublin-based mum of two, Pat is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.In this tender, powerful conversation, Pat opens up about her healing journey, how motherhood has shaped her perspective, and what it takes to raise open-hearted boys in today’s world.Trigger warning: this episode touches on childhood sexual abuse. If that feels too much right now, we understand - feel free to come back when you’re ready.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca and Liffey Valley – thank you for helping us tell these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique sits down with LGBTQI+ rights campaigner, speaker, CEO and proud mum-of-three, Ranae von Meding, for a powerful, moving, and deeply personal conversation.Nearly a decade on from Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum, Ranae reflects on the wins, the gaps that still remain, and the emotional toll of raising a family that isn’t yet fully recognised under the law. They talk about the joys of queer motherhood, the realities of burnout, the vulnerability of advocacy, and the hope that drives her forward.With heart and honesty, Ranae reminds us that the most radical thing we can do is raise our voices… and our children… with love.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca, Revive Active and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlene Flanagan thought she had to do it all. She co-founded beauty brand Ella & Jo, raised two children and ran herself into burnout.In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Charlene joins Dominique McMullan to talk about surviving that season, her mental health struggles and how they led her to redefine everything.She shares why kindness and soundness are her business superpowers, how she’s building a workplace that supports mothers, and why success isn’t worth it if it costs you yourself.This conversation is a reminder that you’re allowed to build your life differently.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca, Revive Active and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Doran became a mum at 18. At 30, she started a stand-up career. Now a mother of three and one of Ireland’s most loved comedic voices, she joins Dominique to talk about the journey in between.Emma talks about what it was like to become a mum at 18, to sit the Leaving Cert pregnant, and to raise three children while building a career as one of Ireland’s most loved comedic voices.Emma also opens up about using humour to reclaim her identity after years of putting her kids first, why maternal rage is so very real, and what she’s learned from parenting across two very different decades of her life.This episode is honest in a way you don’t often see with Emma, and of course it’s laugh-out-loud funny too. IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca, Revive Active and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like raising triplets? Ali Deasy joins Dominique McMullan for an episode that’s as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.Ali talks about the shock of a triplet pregnancy, the chaos of raising four kids, surviving potty training three at once, and why asking for help as a mother still feels *so* hard.This is a conversation about the beautiful mess of family life – and how to soften your inner critic when motherhood feels overwhelming.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca, Revive Active and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dominique is joined by renowned psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor to explore the impact of smartphones and technology on childhood, parenting and how we connect as humans.Together, they unpack the mental health trends of the past decade, the loss of offline play, and the subtle shifts happening in how our children (and we) are developing emotionally and socially. But this isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness. From opportunity cost to dopamine traps, Colman gives us the tools to think critically, build resilience, and take back some control… without shame or scaremongering. IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot, and sponsored by Revive Active, its4women, Avoca, and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emotional and deeply honest episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique is joined by content creator and mum of three, Jodie Wood. Jodie opens up about her road to baby Sadie - a journey marked by tertiary fertility challenges, moments of heartbreak, and a quiet but steady resilience. They talk about mum guilt, the pressure to look perfect after giving birth, and how to ask for help (and accept it). Jodie also shares what it’s like to be a mother in the public eye, how she kept going through uncertainty, and why she’s learning to hold space for both her public persona and her private self.Trigger warning: This episode discusses fertility issues.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca, Revive Active and Liffey Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.