From becoming a mother at fifteen to navigating addiction risks, undiagnosed ADHD, and the armour built in a tough Dublin community, Senator Lynn Ruane reflects on the anger and shame cycles that shaped her, and the breakthroughs that set her free. Her ADHD diagnosis, the paradox of medication-induced “nothingness,” and a nine-month spiritual reckoning led to shedding self-loathing and rediscovering passion as a force for justice. For Lynn, real change comes through systemic levers such as social housing, universal healthcare, wealth taxes, and public health approaches to violence led by those with lived experience. Raw, vulnerable, and deeply human, this conversation shifts from personal survival to collective transformation, demonstrating how reframing our stories can create change not just for ourselves but for society. Change is possible — and Lynne’s story and work prove it.

Timestamps:

(00:00 ) Change Is Possible – Introduction

(01:00 ) Anger, ADHD & Emotional Growth

(06:00 ) Turning Anger Into Purpose

(08:30 ) Growing Up in Dublin

(12:00 ) Sensitivity and Strength

(15:00 ) Teenage Motherhood & Recovery

(19:00 ) Healing and Self-Awareness

(23:00 ) Success and Emotional Reckoning

(29:00 ) Spiritual Renewal and Authenticity

(33:00 ) Letting Go of Validation

(38:00 ) Reading, Thinking & Emotional Regulation

(43:00 ) Systems of Power and Inequality

(48:00 ) Collective Power & Radical Love

(52:00 ) Violence Prevention & Prison Projects

(55:00 ) Closing Reflections – Hope and Connection

Follow Lynn: Lynn Ruane is an Irish Senator who has served as the deputy leader of the Civil Engagement Group in Seanad Éireann since 2016. Lynn is from Tallaght - a historically underserved and neglected community in Dublin. A long-time community and drugs worker, Lynn now champions the causes most close to her heart and community in Ireland’s parliament.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/senator_lynn_ruane/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/senatorlynnruane/

Change is Possible with Brian Pennie:

⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses - https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a

⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/

⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/

⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/

Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation https://www.kynefoundation.org/Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious.