What A Woman Podcast

Our guest this week is Audrey Dore Geraghty who has bravely spoken out about her family's daily struggle to get the right care, respite and medication for her nine year-old son who has Autism and several mental health conditions which mean his care needs are significant and becoming unmanageable at home. We talk about: - When her son was first diagnosed and how his behaviour has escalated and become more violent - Why Audrey was forced to go to Spain for her son's treatment - How she has been failed by the country's leaders and Camhs, the Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service in Ireland and other health services - Why having a broad definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be problematic - The impact of managing her son's care on her other children and her marriage - Audrey's hopes and fears for her son's future Audrey and her husband are based in county Wexford and have two other children aged seven and nearly one. They are both dentists by profession and Audrey heads up a Cosmetic and Orthodontic department on a part-time basis when she is not caring for her son, as she and her husband share the care between them. We really admire Audrey's strength and fight in what is an unbearably hard situation for her and many families in a similar situation and we hope that by sharing these experiences, there will be change. Follow Audrey: @audz83dg

Our guest on What A Woman podcast today is the stunning and stylish Lorraine Keane, one of Ireland’s best known and loved broadcasters, famous for being a correspondent for TV3 for over a decade and as an anchor on one of Ireland's most popular daytime shows, Xpose. We talk about: - Why Lorraine was one of the first celebrities to talk about the menopause - How Lorraine got her big break into broadcasting - Why she stepped away from her dream job - Her terrifying experience of having a stalker - What's made her successful - Why she's enjoying her career in her 50's Lorraine is also a founder of Fashion Relief which has raised over a million euros for Oxfam; she is a podcaster and a regular presenter on The Today Show. She also starred in Girls Night Out the Musical and was one of the first well known women to talk about her experience of the menopause. Follow Lorraine: @lorrainekeaneofficial @fashionreliefbci Photo: Cleanmarine

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is one of Ireland’s biggest comedy stars, the hilarious Deirdre O' Kane who is currently selling out venues across Ireland with her latest show 'O' Kaning It'. We talk about: - Why a bit of family dysfunction is good for comedy - Deirdre's big break as an actress - Why she switched lanes into comedy - Being the only female comic in the line-up for years - Coping with her husband's cancer diagnosis - Why she's enjoying her career in her 50's more than ever before Deirdre has also been an actor on stage & screen and many will know her from her brilliant role as Christina Noble, the children’s rights campaigner, in the 2014 biopic 'Noble'. Deirdre has also hosted her own show, she co-founded Comic Relief in Ireland and she co-hosts the popular podcast, 'Keeping it Tight' with fellow comedian Emma Doran. Follow Deirdre: @deirdreokane123 www.deirdreokane.net Photo: The Irish Sun

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is Debbie Dillon, an amazing mum to four daughters, one of whom was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. We talk about: - Receiving the news her newborn daughter had Down syndrome - Her initial fears and coming to terms with the diagnosis - How Debbie coped in the early months - Finding support & advice from parents in the same situation - Why mainstream primary school has worked out well for her daughter - Her hopes and fears for her daughter's future - The experience of siblings - What people misunderstand about Down syndrome - Her advice for other parents receiving a diagnosis Debbie is a very dedicated mum to her daughters and has also had a successful career as a senior structural engineer. She is also an advocate for her daughter and the Down syndrome community so she has been a huge inspiration to us.

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is the highly accomplished open water swimmer, adventurer and Guinness World Record holder, Nuala Moore. We talk about: - being the first swimmer in the world to swim a mile in the most dangerous convergence of oceans through the Drake Passage - how she survives the cold after being the first Irish swimmer to swim 1000 metres at zero degrees (and the third woman in the world to do so!) - Taking part in the most dangerous open water relay swim in the world across the Bering Strait - Being part of the only team in history to circumnavigate Ireland by swimming and how on earth they did it! - Holding her nerve during a shark experiment and looking a shark in the eye! - Growing up in a fishing family and the benefits of being able to take risks as a young child Nuala is also a professional scuba diving instructor, an educator, mentor, coach, event organiser, motivational speaker and author of the amazing book which documents all these adventures called 'Limitless'. It is an astonishing account of her adventures and her phenomenal achievements. Follow Nuala @numooreswim

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the phenomenal Ali Keane, who is a restauranteur, entrepreneur and mum of two who has overcome some significant challenges in life after surviving a car accident when she was twenty, which left her with life changing injuries. We talk about: - The car accident that changed Ali's life - The journey of rehabilitation - Life with a wheelchair and rediscovering her independence - Becoming a mum - Her love of food and exciting plans to open a vegetarian cafe in Tralee, Country Kerry Follow Ali @alikeane

guest today on What A Woman Podcast is Helen Steele, the award winning Irish fashion designer & entrepreneur with a hugely popular X collection of Active Wear at Dunnes Stores, featuring her signature style of funky bold prints that are comfortable, super quality and affordable too. We talk about - The challenges of growing up with ADHD but not having a diagnosis till her 30's - How Helen looks at ADHD as a superpower - Having an eating disorder and low self-esteem - How Helen got through her divorce, business troubles & being a single mum and has maintained her success - How Helen's collaboration with Dunnes Stores came about and why designing for every shape & size is important - Dating after divorce and embracing ageing Follow Helen: www.helensteele.com @helensteelefash

Today on What A Woman Podcast, we are joined by one of Ireland's leading Divorce lawyers, Helen Collins who has some four decades of experience in Family Law and is an expert in all aspects of divorce and a real trailblazer for women practising law. We talk about: - Divorce being a full-blown bereavement - Why Helen insists all clients have counselling - The impact of mediation - How to support children - How separation impacts property, pensions & inheritance tax - Why coercive control is still difficult to prove - Why Divorce Lawyers need Garda protection more than criminal lawyers - How Helen was a trailblazer as she was the first female solicitor in Cork in the 70's. Helen is Managing Partner of Wolfe & Co based in Clonakilty. She is a trained Mediator and author of 'A Short Guide to Divorce Law in Ireland – A Survival Handbook for the Family'. She is also the grandniece of Michael Collins which is a story we will save for another episode! Find Helen: www.wolfe.ie

Our guest on What A Woman Podcast today is Suzie O' Neill, founder of AYU, a leading Irish vegan cosmetics brand. We talk about:  - How failing the Leaving Cert never stood in Suzie’s way  - How having her first business fail was the best thing that ever happened  - Having no money & young children when she started out  - How Suzie copes with the ups & downs of running a successful business  - The transformative power of make-up on confidence - Suzie’s must have’s from her make-up collectionSuzie is a real inspiration as she shows how failing the leaving certificate never stood in her way and once she followed her passion into beauty, she hasn't looked back and has built a highly successful brand. AYU offers gorgeous, high quality make-up and brushes with the aim of showing women how to enhance their natural beauty rather than mask it. AYU is available online with stores in Kildare Village and Cork. Follow Suzie: @suzie.ayu www.ayu.ie

Today on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by the phenomenal former Irish Champion Amateur Jockey, Nina Carberry, who won the Irish Grand National, the second only woman to do that; and the first woman in eighteen years to win at Cheltenham with several wins thereafter. She had a hugely successful seventeen year career, trailblazing a path for the women jockey's that have followed in her footsteps. We talked about: - the advantages and pressures of growing up in a racing family with a famous jockey father & brothers - the pressures of the weight room - sexism in the sport as female jockeys race equally against men - what it feels like racing in the Grand National - the dangers of the sport & her biggest fears - facing retirement after a seventeen year career - winning Dancing with the Stars - how motherhood impacted her career Nina can currently be seen as a coach on RTE's Ireland’s fittest family and she has released a children's book, ‘Ride To The Rescue' with a second book due for release in May. Follow Nina: @ninacarberry_

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the indomitable Dr Sinead Kane, a double Guinness World Record Holder, Ultra Runner & Athlete and a qualified lawyer with two PhD's who is visually impaired and registered as legally blind. We talk about: - Growing up with a visual impairment - Severe bulling at school and its long-term impact - What attracted Sinead to study law - Overcoming workplace discrimination - Becoming an Ultra Runner at 30 - Being at a very low place and overcoming that - How Sinead stays motivated 'How badly do you want your goals?' This is a question you will be asking yourself after this conversation with Sinead who has had to overcome significant challenges in life to achieve the amazing goals that she set herself. Sinead has represented Ireland at ultra-distances and she is the first Irish female to compete in the World Marathon Challenge which is 7 marathons on 7 continents within 7 days. Her next challenge is to qualify for the Paralympics. Follow Sinead: www.sineadkane.ie @kanesinead777

This week on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by the phenomenal Para-Athlete Madie Wilson-Walker who was given a 2% chance of survival after contracting meningitis when she was just three and due to complications she had both legs amputated below the knee, she lost four fingers and became deaf in one ear. We talked about: - The impact of being so dangerously ill as a child - Growing up as an amputee - How Madie got into sport - Her amazing achievements as an athlete - Day-to-day life living with a disability - Why people should be careful of making assumptions about disabilities - Her other career as a model Madie is currently training to qualify for the Canadian Paralympic team for Paris later this year. She is living and training in Kerry with her partner, the Irish Paralympian, Jordan lee. Follow Madie: @madiewx2

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is the amazing Sex and Intimacy Specialist, Grace Alice. We covered so many interesting topics including: - Getting the attraction back in long-term relationships - Why its not selfish to prioritise your pleasure - The symptoms of Vaginismus - Why there is no shame in scheduling sex - Why sleeping separately can be a good thing - Why quality over quantity is more important - Why sex bans can be a good thing - Sex during menopause - The shame men feel with a low libido And so much more... Grace Alice is based in Kerry, Ireland. She offers one-on-one and couples coaching sessions and workshops to groups, schools and organisations. Her experience as a sex educator led her to write the brilliant book 'Sex Educated' which you can buy at https://sexualhealthwest.ie/shop/ or from her website. It is a culmination of all the questions she heard when teaching young people and addressing them in a fresh, modern way with beautiful graphics. It's aimed at teens, young adults, parents and teachers but Grace is finding its popular with people who did not get a great sex education and who want a more positive understanding about sex and our sexuality in later life. To find Grace go to: gracealice.com @grace_alice_oshea

This week on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by Anneliese Dressel, a leading and highly experienced nutritional therapist, best known for her expertise on Cork's 103 FM Today Show with Patricia messenger on the Monday Health Slot. Anneliese founded the hugely popular Health Hub which offers expert advice on natural and alternative medicines and Anneliese is in high demand for her Nutritional Therapy Clinic offering clients tailored diet and health advice. She has also lectured extensively in Nutritional Therapy. We talk about:  - What is an ultra processed food  - What impacts these foods have on our long term health  - Hidden sugars and additives and how these impact behaviour in children  - Healthy breakfast and dinner ideas for children  - The snacking epidemic - How diet impacts brain health  - The proven diet that comes out on top for good long term health Follow Anneliese: @healthhubstore http://www.healthhubstore.comCork 103FM Natural Health Radio Slot - every Monday

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the lovely Dr Joanna Fortune, a clinical psychotherapist with over twenty years’ experience; a parenting expert, appearing on a weekly slot on Parenting on Newstalk FM with Sean Moncrieff; host of the Podcast 15-Minute Parenting and writer of a weekly parenting advice column in the Irish Examiner. Dr Joanna is also a hugely successful author of the 15-Minute Parenting Series and 'Why We Play'.  There was no question we put to Joanna that she could not answer with some invaluable insight and advice! We talked about   Setting boundaries Impact of 'Influencers' on our children How to deal with refusal to go to school  The difference between Bullying and unkind behaviour Making enough time for our children Are we too quick to label children Risk taking & Body Image in Adolescents Follow Dr Joanna: @drjoannafortune www.solamh.com

Our guest today on What A Woman Podcast is the phenomenal Nicola Tallant, Ireland’s leading Organised Crime Journalist, the Investigations Editor for the Sunday World and three time winner of Crime Journalist of The Year of which she currently holds the title. Nicola is also the presenter of one of Ireland’s most popular podcasts: Crime World, about criminals,  drugs and the sins of the underworld. She is also a successful author of books including: 'The Witness’ which was turned into a hit podcast; and her most recent release: “Cocaine Cowboys, The Deadly Rise of Ireland’s Drug Lords’ which is being adapted to a hit show that Nicola is touring across the country. We talk about:  - Why we’re all obsessed with crime shows  - Why cocaine is such a prolific problem in Ireland  - How middle class buyers are fuelling cocaine trade  - Where Nicola's interest in organised crime started  - Does her job ever make Nicola fearful  - Being a female journalised in a male-dominated arena  - What it’s like stalking out criminals Buy tickets for her show from MCD.ie or venues. Follow Nicola: @Nicola_tallant_1 @crimeworldwithnicolatallant

Today on What A Woman Podcast we are joined by Ireland's leading social media personality, entrepreneur and health influencer, The Fabulous Pharmacist, aka Laura Dowling. She has amassed nearly 100 thousand followers by combining her vast experience as a pharmacist and her ability to be funny to entertain and educate the masses on our health and wellbeing. After twenty years in community pharmacy, Laura took a huge risk to launch her own nutritional supplement brand, fabU, which is going from strength to strength and Laura is about to embark on a live tour across Ireland called 'Viva La Vulva' which will be an empowering evening of entertainment and women's health as you've never seen it before! Follow Laura @fabuloiuspharmacist www.fabuwellness.com This series of What A Woman Podcast is sponsored by Serenity Spa, a hidden gem inside The Rose Hotel, Tralee. We are so excited that they have an amazing offer of 10% off ELEMIS Biotec Pro-Glow+ Facial Treatments to What A Woman listeners and we, personally, absolutely love this treatment and had really good results so we cannot wait for listeners to enjoy this treatment! You can call to make an appointment (066 7199111) or email spa@therosehotel.com and quote What A Woman Podcast to avail of the offer. The discount is subject to availability and does not apply to special offers or promotions.   Link to the Spa Brochure, https://catalog.therosehotel.com/the-rose-hotel/serenity-spa-brochure?pid=MjA202568&v=2.2 Link to the Biotec Pro Glow+ Facials: https://catalog.therosehotel.com/the-rose-hotel/serenity-spa-brochure?pid=MjA202568&p=7&v=2.2,

This week on What A Woman Podcast we have an absolute scream with the phenomenally successful & hilarious comedy duo, The Dirt Birds who are long-standing comedians and friends, Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins. They became an internet sensation with their hilarious sketches based on the everyday lives of women and have gone on to sell out a nationwide tour called '#No Filters' and a have a hugely exciting World Tour planned with their new show 'Girls World Tour' which we cannot wait to see! Their observational comedy has really stuck a chord with Irish women as they portray real life and the everyday experiences women can relate to that are the antithesis of the 'perfect' lives we see portrayed on social media. We talk (and laugh!) about: - Our favourite sketches like Irish Women Walking and Dinner with the Girls! - Their inspiration for their sketches - Why it's time for women in comedy - How they cope when they're not feeling funny - Why audiences love them Follow Dirt Birds: www.dirtbirds.net @dirtbirdscomedy

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is one of the leading entrepreneurs and businesswomen in Ireland, Oonagh O' Hagan who is a qualified pharmacist and the owner and MD of Meaghers Pharmacy Group with nine branches across Dublin and a hugely successful online business, exporting to seventy countries. Oonagh has won numerous accolades and awards including Irish Tatler Businesswoman of The Year, The Best Managed Companies Award by Deloitte for the ninth consecutive year & the prestigious Alliance Online Pharmacy Retailer of The Year Award 2023. Oonagh is also a champion of women's health and works with the philosophy that she wants customers to come to Meaghers to stay well, not when they're already sick. We talk about: - Oonagh's trailblazing mother and role model in life - Growing up during the troubles - Are we over-medicating? - How can we manage anxiety in our children? - What are the best supplements for mid-life? - How Oonagh's own health scare led her on a new fitness journey

Our guest this week on What A Woman Podcast is Dr Patricia Sheahan, a Consultant Palliative Care Physician and the Head of Palliative Care at University Hospital Kerry. Patricia has specialised in Palliative Care for almost thirty years and has been integral to the establishment of one of the best integrated palliative care services in the country. She was awarded Kerry person of the year in 2022 for her outstanding contribution to the county of Kerry and she is a Saint in families' eyes as she has touched the lives of thousands of terminally ill patients and their loved ones. We talk about: - Why Patricia chose palliative care - How Patricia copes with the emotions of this role - The regrets of the dying - Assisted Dying and whether it should be legislated - How loved ones can support the terminally ill