Ryan sits down with John McCarron, a local historian, artist, and storyteller from Buncrana, Donegal, to explore the fascinating story of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway — once the lifeline of the northwest.John brings to life the rise and fall of the Donegal railways, from their ambitious beginnings in the 1800s to their quiet disappearance in the 1950s. He traces how the rail lines shaped communities, connected isolated towns, and even carried generations of emigrants on their journeys to new lives abroad.We explore:• The origins of the Lough Swilly line and how it transformed life in Donegal• The golden years of travel, trade, and tourism between Derry and Buncrana• How the partition and the arrival of cars and lorries led to the railway’s decline• The folklore of the “Ghost Train” and other local legends• The rebirth of the railway’s spirit through the modern Inishowen Greenway Project• John’s personal mission to preserve local heritage through storytelling and public artThis episode is more than a journey through railway history — it’s a love letter to Donegal’s past, a reminder of how deeply our landscapes are tied to memory, movement, and meaning.
Ryan sits down with Jenna McCusker, host of My Life and Me and founder of House of Sense. Jenna shares her extraordinary story of resilience — from the pain of divorce and emotional abuse to the unimaginable challenge of being told she would never walk again after a spinal injury.What began as tragedy became transformation. Through faith, humour, and an unbreakable love for her son, Jenna rebuilt her life — learning to walk again, confronting OCD, and turning her experiences into platforms for healing and connection.Jenna’s story is one of survival, grace, and humour in the face of hardship. Her journey reminds us that even when life breaks us — body, heart, or mind — we can still rise, rebuild, and find purpose again.
Ryan sits down with Seamus McDaid, the fourth-generation Irish entrepreneur behind McDaid’s Football Special, the craft soda from Donegal that’s been part of local celebrations for decades.The McDaid family turned a small family business into one of Irelands most iconic drinks, poured into trophy cups across generations and forever linked with Donegal heritage and community pride.Seamus shares what it’s like to carry a four-generation legacy, to modernise a brand without losing its heart, and to balance innovation with authenticity. From stories of his childhood around the family factory to his reflections on leadership, identity, and tradition, this conversation uncovers the human side of building something that truly lasts.We also dive into how McDaid’s continues to compete with global powerhouses like Coca-Cola, the challenges of staying independent in a market dominated by giants, and the importance of storytelling, resilience, and purpose in sustaining a local Irish brand on a global stage. It’s a story about legacy, family, and what it means to build something that outlives you, a true story with lessons for anyone chasing their own dream.
It was an honour to sit down with Terry Crossan, a man whose life is deeply entwined with the modern history of Derry and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.Born on William Street in 1952, Terry grew up at what would later be dubbed “Agro Corner” by the British Army, a hotspot during the Battle of the Bogside. As a young man, he found himself on the frontlines of the civil rights movement, navigating a city filled with tension, inequality, and daily conflict.Terry was present at the peaceful march that became one of the darkest days in Irish history, Bloody Sunday. When the British Army opened fire, killing 13 unarmed civilians, Terry ran for his life. That moment, and its trauma, would shape everything that followed.Terry reflects on the chaos and complexity of those years, the loss of life, the blurred lines between resistance and survival, and the human cost of the conflict. We speak openly about the murders of IRA volunteers, British soldiers, and innocent civilians.Following a truce that was broken by the British Army, Terry went on the run. Just 12 weeks after marrying his wife, he was arrested alongside Martin McGuinness and charged with conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life. Eight weeks into his detention, he received word that his wife was pregnant.He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, ultimately serving 6 years, one of the most infamous prisons of the time. While incarcerated, Terry used the time to educate himself, learning Irish and developing a deeper understanding of the culture and history he was fighting to preserve.Before politics, Terry was also a talented footballer, playing alongside future international star Martin O’Neill at youth level, earning an Ulster Colleges medal in GAA and representing Derry in both Gaelic and soccer.This episode goes beyond headlines. It’s not just the story of a man, it’s the story of a city, a conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of division and oppression.
In this honest and down-to-earth conversation, Ryan talks with Barbara Doherty about travel, healing, and figuring out life along the way.Barbara shares her journey from the chaos of Rio’s Carnival to quiet moments in the Amazon jungle — where she explored plant medicine, nature, and the idea of finding balance. She opens up about how these experiences changed the way she sees herself and the world.They talk about:• How plant medicine opened her eyes to connection and surrender• What nature teaches us about peace and perspective• Why the sound of birds makes us feel safe• The search for meaning and how it all comes back to love• Letting go of old versions of ourselves and learning to just beBarbara’s story is about slowing down, paying attention, and realizing that every moment — even the hard ones — can wake us up to who we really are.
In this powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Darragh Kelly, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars in MMA. Known for his grit, humility, and undefeated record, Darragh opens up about the sacrifices, struggles, and breakthroughs that have shaped his journey from a small town in Donegal to fighting on the world stage.Darragh reflects on how he discovered MMA as a teenager with no martial arts background, the doubts he carried about starting “too late,” and the brutal training that transformed his life. He shares the reality of living in gym dorms to sharpen his edge, the discipline it takes when motivation fades, and the mental battles every fighter faces.Together, they explore:• Why Darragh walked away from partying, smoking, and unhealthy habits at 18 to pursue fighting• The difference between motivation and discipline — and how discipline wins every time• His mindset on winning and losing, and why embracing risk keeps him sharp• The role of mindset coaching and how it unexpectedly unlocked new levels of performance• What it’s really like training alongside world-class fighters at SBG in Dublin• Business ventures outside the cage, including saunas and long-term plans in property• The wild story of training in Thailand, a fight with Dagestani fighters, and a mushroom-fueled shift in perspectiveDarragh’s story is one of relentless drive, calculated risk-taking, and unshakable belief. From his late start in MMA to his rise on the Bellator and PFL stages, this conversation reveals the reality of chasing greatness — the sacrifices behind the spotlight, and the mental toughness it takes to keep showing up.Connect with Darragh Kelly:Instagram: @darraghkellymma
Ryan sits down with Stephen McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Services at White Oaks, a residential rehab center in Donegal. With decades of experience — and a past life as a Catholic priest — Stephen brings wisdom, compassion, and honesty to the difficult but vital topic of addiction and recovery.Stephen shares his perspective on what addiction truly looks like — not just for the individual, but for families and communities — and why rehab is not a cure, but a courageous first step on a lifelong journey. He opens up about the importance of group therapy, the role of routine and structure, and the hidden harm often carried by children growing up in homes affected by addiction.Together, they explore:• The origins of White Oaks and its peer-support model built on community and compassion• The reality of shame, secrecy, and stigma around addiction — and how to break it• Why families must also heal, not just the person in treatment• The rise of cocaine and gambling addictions, and their devastating ripple effects• Powerful, real-life stories of transformation — and moments of heartbreaking loss• Stephen’s own journey from priesthood to addiction treatment, and why he feels called to this workStephen’s story is one of service, resilience, and deep humanity. From raw stories of tragedy to inspiring accounts of second chances, this conversation offers a rare look inside the world of recovery — and the strength of the human spirit to rise again.Connect with Stephen & White Oaks:Website: whiteoakscentre.comLocation: Muff, Co. Donegal, IrelandSupport Line: +353 (0)74 938 4400
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ryan sits down with Lee Tedstone, a global business leader, entrepreneur, and investor whose journey has been shaped by both personal loss and professional triumphs.Lee opens up about losing his father at just nine years old, an event that profoundly shaped how he approaches life, leadership, and resilience. He reflects on how only in recent years he has been able to truly process that experience and the ways in which emotional intelligence has transformed his career and relationships.Together, they explore:• Growing up with loss and how it forged a deep sense of drive and resilience• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and motivating teams• Lessons from building and selling his own business before moving into global corporate leadership• Life in America, living outside the Irish community, and what ultimately drew him back home• His current work in AI and innovation, and how technology continues to shape business and society• The constant challenge of balancing health, work, and priorities in a busy lifeLee’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and purpose. From boardrooms to personal reflection, he brings honesty and depth to what it means to lead — in business and in life.Connect with Lee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leetedstone/
Ryan sits down with George Houston, a rising folk-rock artist from Burt, Donegal whose music blends storytelling, genre-bending experimentation, and unapologetic honesty.George opens up about his journey into music — from picking up instruments as a child, to secretly combining poetry with melodies, to finally finding the courage to share his songs with the world. He reflects on the struggle of self-doubt, the “cringe” of putting yourself out there, and how the pandemic unexpectedly gave him the space to release his debut album.• How family influence and childhood solitude shaped George’s creativity• His transition from writing in secret to performing on festival stages• Touring America with Paul Weller and playing on the Jools Holland Show• The challenges of being a self-managed artist, balancing passion with burnout• Why specific, authentic storytelling — from heartbreak to queer identity — matters in music todayFrom viral music videos to recording at Paul Weller’s studio, George’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of staying true to your voice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream, battling self-doubt, or searching for meaning through creativity.Connect with George:https://www.instagram.com/georgehoustonarts/linktr.ee/georgehouston
A Global Award Winning Chef with his book “Donegal Table”, a broadcaster, and a proud Donegal man Brian McDermott takes us far beyond the kitchen, sharing the stories, struggles, and lessons that have shaped his life.From a childhood in a three-bedroom council house with 14 family members, to nearly losing his big toe in a farmyard accident, to finding his way into professional kitchens through a mix of mischief, discipline, and sheer determination — Brian’s journey is as human as it is inspiring.We explore:• Growing up in rural Ireland — the resilience, resourcefulness, and nourishing power of his mother’s cooking.• A chef’s unlikely beginnings — from making scones as school punishment to discovering the energy of a professional kitchen.• Food as medicine — Brian’s candid account of living with heart disease, the role of mindful eating, and how simple food choices can transform health, mood, and longevity.•Family, heritage, and Donegal pride — why he sees himself not just as a chef, but as a voice for Irish producers, food culture, and community.• Mindfulness and authenticity — how breathing, presence, and staying true to himself fuel his work on stage, on air, and in life.Brian’s story is one of grit, passion, and giving back. Whether he’s developing products with Irish farmers, presenting on radio and TV, or encouraging us all to slow down and reconnect with food, his message is clear: food is life, food is mood, and food connects us to who we are.If you’ve ever wondered how food can shape health, identity, and even community pride — this is an episode not to miss.Connect with Brian:https://www.instagram.com/chefbrianmcdermott/https://chefbrianmcdermott.com/
In this raw and uplifting conversation, Ryan sits down with Glenda Dowling from Buncrana, Donegal. Glenda is a holistic practitioner blending spinal energetics, kinesiology, breathwork, and nutrition to help people reconnect with their body’s innate ability to heal.Glenda shares her powerful personal journey — from being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in her 20s to refusing medication and instead exploring nutrition, gut healing, and energy work. What began as her own search for wellness grew into a mission to help others find balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Together, we explore:- The role of gut health in overall wellbeing and the foundations of true healing- How unresolved emotional patterns and nervous system dysregulation can manifest in physical illness- Glenda’s experiences with breathwork, kinesiology, and spinal energetics- The challenges of motherhood and relationships, including the lessons she learned through couples counselling- Why embracing both darkness and light is essential to living fullyGlenda’s story is one of resilience, awakening, and alignment. Her work reminds us that healing isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about reconnecting with ourselves, body and soul.Connect with Glenda:https://www.instagram.com/glenda_dowling_wellness/
From facing homelessness to building a thriving business, Jen Healy shares her powerful journey of transformation. She opens up about battling addiction, trauma, and financial hardship as a single mother — and how discovering she was pregnant became the life-changing catalyst that set her on a new path. Jen talks about overcoming years of scarcity, rewiring her mindset around money, and the profound lessons she learned from mentors like Kim Calvert and Bob Proctor. We dive into healing the nervous system, shifting deep-rooted beliefs, building wealth from the inside out, and finding purpose after pain. Today, Jen not only leads a growing business but also empowers others through her community to create the lives they deserve. Her story is raw, inspiring, and a living testament that true change is possible for anyone ready to step into their power.Follow Jen:https://www.instagram.com/jenhealymindsetandmanifest/00:00 Single Parent & Homeless04:36 Discovering I was Pregnant Changed Everything08:22 Understanding Why I was Poor15:44 How I Earn 50K a Month20:18 The Changes Required to Become Abundant26:09 Helping Others in My Community33:55 Our Thoughts & Emotions Determine What We Earn39:17 Therapy Shows Us the Parts We Don't See44:16 Results and Vibe of the Community47:23 My First Business Venture49:06 Helping Kids in Africa53:26 The Importance of Gratitude
Former Wexford Hurling Captain Diarmuid Lyng opens up in one of the most honest and powerful conversations I've had yet. We dive deep into what it means to be a man in today’s world — the struggles, the silence, the shame, and the strength. Diarmuid speaks about the fear of fatherhood, the weight of responsibility, and the wildness that modern men have forgotten but deeply crave.We explore grief, letting go, the pressure to hold it all together, and the quiet collapse so many men face alone. Diarmuid shares stories from the forest, the sweat lodges, and the circles where men drop their masks and remember who they are. He talks about joy, play, Hurling, Jiu Jitsu, relationships, ancient Irish rituals, and the power of softening without losing your edge.If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to life, more to you, or that you’re carrying something too heavy to speak about — this episode will speak to you. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a portal.Connect with Diarmuid Lynghttps://www.instagram.com/diarmuidlyng/00:00 Family Life06:17 Responsibility of being a Father12:58 The Importance of Letting Go19:03 The Dark Truth about Men22:55 Why Men are Afraid to Change29:54 Facing Your Fears Head On37:26 Community & Returning to Hurling in My 40s43:51 The Value my Wife Brings to My Life47:24 How & Why Men are Healing 53:54 What Men are Learning about Themselves54:53 Why I'm Passionate about Healing & Ireland01:00:32 Working with Mens GAA Teams01:05:04 Being at the Forefront of Mens Work In Ireland01:10:18 Understanding The Value of Being Irish01:13:02 The Magic of the Retreats
Founder of Junk Kouture: Troy Armour opens up and shares his struggles and wins and ultimately what has got him to where he is today.Troy is a man who built success from the ground up — only to lose everything. What begins as a story of business ambition soon reveals layers of childhood trauma, identity loss, and the silent struggles of life.From surviving a harsh upbringing, being bullied which followed him everywhere he went to achieving power and recognition, he lived in a world that rewarded ego and punished vulnerability. But behind the scenes, he was burning out — disconnected from himself and running from the pain he never faced.After speaking out against injustice, he was unexpectedly kicked out of the country, exiled with no warning. Stripped of everything familiar, he was forced to confront the void — no titles, no distractions, just silence.One of the most revealing, emotional, and honest episodes yet.00:00 Biggest Challenge in Life07:07 Why I Spoke out about UAE12:05 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity17:16 Struggles of Growing Up in a Small Town21:13 My First Business26:35 People Running Me Down30:54 People Thought I was “Gay”34:30 Helping the Homeless38:33 I Surrounded Myself with Millionaires42:19 Why I’m Tough to Work With47:47 I was Bullied at a Kid49:04 How I Connected with Elton John, Lad Gaga and Robbie Williams51:49 Why I Want to Create Impact56:15 What I Learned from Self Development and Healing01:02:14 The Important Aspects of Being a Leader01:09:47 How Being Vulnerable Creates Followers01:12:59 The Impact of Junk Kouture01:17:13 Changing your Perspective from “What if” to “Even if”01:21:20 What I’m Still Working on01:28:52 Public Speaking01:31:04 What I Would Tell My Younger Self01:33:57 How I Networked with Hollywood StarsConnect with Troyhttps://www.instagram.com/troy.armour/https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyarmour/
Eoin Sheehan joined me for a raw, honest conversation about how food changed everything in his life. From chasing a career in rugby and studying chemical engineering to accidentally building a meal prep business — it all started with trying to lose weight and cooking a few dinners for friends.We dive into the struggles of starting a business while still in college, burnout, panic attacks, and what it’s like to feel completely overwhelmed trying to make it all work. Eoin shares the truth behind the highs and lows — from crying in the kitchen to landing a spot on national TV as a chef.We also talk about body image, validation, confidence, disordered eating, and learning how to have a healthy relationship with food. There’s so much in here — about identity, purpose, presence, pressure, and finding balance again.It’s a conversation about much more than food. It’s about doing something real with your life.00:00 Catch-Up & Creating Content07:18 Early Beginnings13:30 Why Food?15:51 How Losing Weight Made me Attractive20:12 Starting Country Munch27:32 Falling Apart34:22 Starting Country Munch Over38:14 How I started to Look after Myself41:22 Why Food is so important to me47:53 Having the Courage to Try TV51:46 The Importance of Your Brand59:59 The Benefits of Living a Simple Life01:06:16 Quick Fire Question Round
What if working harder isn’t the answer? In this episode, I sit down with Ross Culliton, a former Big Four consultant turned entrepreneur, who shares the hard-hitting truths about success, failure, and finding balance.Ross opens up about how he built a business, lost it all, and why that failure became his greatest asset. We dive into the myths around hustle culture, why most people can’t do more than a few hours of deep work, and the unexpected ways his mindset shifted along the way.We also talk about ego, self-doubt, and whether caring what people think is holding you back from doing what you’re really meant to do. Ross shares powerful insights on why he stopped chasing numbers and started focusing on impact—and how that shift changed everything.If you've ever questioned your definition of success, felt burned out, or struggled with setbacks, this episode is for you.00:00 Intro00:53 Early Lessons in Business07:55 What Changed Everything16:20 Quitting My Job to Start a Business22:24 Understanding Failures26:16 The Role of Self Doubt30:41 Why College Failed Me36:31 Changing my Mindset Changed Everything41:03 The Importance of Looking After the Environment47:07 Letting go of Caring What Other People Think53:12 Why Setbacks are Your Greatest Teachers1:00:21 Reflections
Sharon, who has been Ryan’s Therapist, Mentor & Guru for years is back for Round No 2.In this deep and powerful conversation, we explore the silent force that holds so many of us back—judgment, fear, and self-doubt. Why do we let fear dictate our lives? Why do we silence ourselves to avoid rejection? And most importantly, how can we break free?Sharon shares her raw and transformative journey, revealing how the pain of the past shaped her and how embracing her authentic self led to true freedom. We dive into the origins of the inner critic, the fear of judgment, and how these stories keep us from stepping into who we truly are. This episode is an invitation to challenge the narrative you've been telling yourself, to shift from fear to love, and to lean into the possibility of what could go right.If you’ve ever felt trapped by self-doubt, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and that your story is still being written. It’s time to stop holding yourself back and start showing up as your true self.00:00 Greetings03:00 - Self Doubt Creeping In09:00 - Opening up for the first time15:25 - Understanding Judgement26:39 - How to overcome Judgement33:02 - Using Fear as a Motivator38:36 - Changing a Negative Outcome to Positive43:53 - The Difference between Fear & Love49.19 - Why we need Fear57:04 - Why its never too late
I welcome one of my good friends, Harry Girvan. An Entrepreneur from Belfast, Founder of Mantis, President of EO, a Husband and Father of 2. Born and Raised in Belfast, we explore his childhood and his story of survival instinct. The complexity of scaling businesses globally, the importance of building a strong team, looking after yourself and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Exploring themes of work ethic, personal growth, and the balance between business and family life, this episode also highlights the impactful role of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in shaping the speaker's entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation offers a treasure trove of insights on resilience, leadership, and the significance of staying true to your values.00:00 Intro09:46 Early Business Lessons13:16 Lessons from the Past16:54 Building a Resilient Business24:33 Leadership and Team Building30:16 Find your Tribe32:11 The Power of Experience Sharing32:56 The Loneliness of Leadership33:43 Building a Supportive Community35:33 Managing Multiple Roles36:51 Scaling and Vision46:38 How to Listen54:34 Work Ethic
Gunter Pauli, a renowned Belgian entrepreneur and pioneer of the Blue Economy, discusses the critical importance of sustainability and the urgent need for actionable change. Pauli highlights the flaws in current business models and encourages a shift towards a more holistic, nature-inspired approach. He shares his visionary ideas on organic farming, biodegradable plastics, and interconnected systems thinking, all aimed at creating a better balance between humanity and nature. Throughout the discussion, Pauli emphasizes the significance of action over analysis and the necessity of learning from nature to build resilient and sustainable communities. The episode concludes with reflections on education, cultural wisdom, and the enduring importance of keeping our inner child alive.00:00 Introduction: The Need for Change01:59 Personal Journey04:31 The Role of Individuals in Change06:56 Leadership10:21 Business and Social Responsibility13:03 Innovations in Bioplastics31:05 The Future of Plastics40:50 The Problem with Conformism43:29 Conflicts in Organic Farming45:09 The Business Model of Organic Farming49:22 Innovative Uses of Organic Waste01:01:45 Learning from Nature01:09:21 The Wisdom of Indigenous Cultures01:16:56 The Importance of Staying Connected to Nature
It's been a while, longer than I expected, but here I am, back behind the mic. In this solo episode, I reflect on my journey with the podcast so far, the break I needed to take, and what brought me back.I talk about the weight of deep conversations, the challenges of balancing business and creativity, and the personal growth that’s shaped my perspective along the way. From changing my podcast setup to structuring my life for consistency, discipline, and flow, this is an open, unfiltered look at where I'm at and why I keep coming back to this.I also touch on psychedelics, the power of nature, my evolving relationship with alcohol, and the importance of leaning into fear rather than letting it hold you back. If you've ever questioned your path, struggled with self-doubt, or felt the pull to step into something bigger, this one's for you.Thanks for listening. Keep learning.