Exploring Somatic Intimacy: Sex, Trust, & Emotional Safety w/ Brigid Ayah Llie & Donal Clifford** In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of intimacy, shame, and sexual healing with our special guest, Brigid Ayah Llie (@SacredSomatica), a Somatic Intimacy Mentor, and guest panel speaker Donal Clifford.  Together, we explore critical and often overlooked topics like: - Dealing with never being in a relationship and how it impacts...

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back*, we sit down with Tammy Dunahey, a public speaker and advocate from Finglas, Dublin, who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of addiction, mental health, and adversity. Raised by her grandparents and having spent time in foster care, Tammy grew up in a family affected by addiction and incarceration. Yet, through it all, she emerged as a force for change and healing in her community. Tammy shares her incredible story...

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Ger Redmond, an Irish professional triathlete with an extraordinary life story. From chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer to enduring a two-year term in Mountjoy Prison, Ger’s journey is filled with incredible highs and crushing lows. After his prison sentence, Ger turned his life around through triathlon and has become a multiple IRONMAN finisher. Now, he's dedicated to inspiring young people, leading...

In this episode of The Long Way Back, we welcome Sascha Roos, a leading dyslexia specialist, author, and advocate. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with dyslexia, Sascha has transformed how parents, students, and educators understand and approach this learning difference. She is the author of At Home with Dyslexia (for parents) and the upcoming At School with Dyslexia (for teenagers), both designed to offer practical, dyslexia-friendly advice. In this episode, Sascha...

In this compelling episode, we sit down with John Boland from Dublin, a man who grew up in a family of nine and has faced a long, difficult journey to recovery. John opens up about his struggles with addiction and mental health, reflecting on a life marked by challenges and personal transformation. He speaks about his complicated relationship with his father and the deep desire for attention that shaped much of his early life. John touches on the tension between being perceived as a "street...

In this episode of *The Long Way Back Podcast*, we sit down with Niall O’Carroll, an extraordinary leader, consultant, and sports psychologist with a deep passion for the psychology of success, neurodiversity, and high-performance leadership. With over a decade of experience working with world-class athletes, Olympic teams, and corporate giants, Niall brings a wealth of insight on what it takes to drive excellence across diverse fields. From his roots in Limerick and his early career in the...

In this empowering episode of *The Long Way Back*, we’re joined by Rosie Bissett, CEO of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, as she shares her personal and professional journey with dyslexia. From overcoming challenges in school to discovering her strengths, Rosie sheds light on the realities of living with dyslexia and how it can shape a person’s path. Rosie talks about the critical role of early identification, the right supports, and how important it is to empower individuals with...

In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back, we are honored to be joined by Eddie Mullins, the newly appointed CEO of Merchants Quay Addiction Services in Ireland. Eddie brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Irish Prison Service and is now at the forefront of addiction recovery, taking on this vital role to address Ireland’s growing addiction crisis. Eddie shares his personal journey, growing up in inner-city Dublin and rising to leadership as Governor of five of Ireland’s...

In this insightful episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Amy Winter, an experienced emotional regulation therapist and founder of Little Kneaders. Amy specializes in helping neurodivergent children develop crucial emotional regulation skills, using creative tools like breathing techniques and sensory play. With years of experience, Amy works with children facing school trauma, refusal, and even suicidal ideation. She’s deeply passionate about guiding young, traumatised individuals on...

In this episode of "The Long Way Back" podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Dunlea, a remarkable mother of four, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience and recovery. Caitlyn opens up about her profound weight loss journey, the challenges of raising three neurodiverse children, and the heartbreaking loss of her sibling to suicide. After a 12-year break, Caitlyn shares her inspiring return to playing for her local football club and how it has reignited her passion for the game. We also...

In this episode of *The Long Way Back Podcast*, we sit down with Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist and the mind behind @therapod and @therapix. Banu shares her deep insights on neurodiversity, learning difficulties, and the crucial role of interoception in understanding and supporting individuals with these challenges. Join us as we explore her unique approach to therapy, the importance of recognizing neurodiversity, and how interoception can change the way we view learning...

In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we are honored to welcome Catherine O'Halloran, a highly respected psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and passionate individual who focuses on Ex-offenders. Catherine brings a wealth of experience as the Managing Director of Limerick City Build and Draw Out Ltd., and as the founder of The Unconventional Therapist. With a deep commitment to humanistic and integrative psychotherapy, Catherine shares insights into her work with trauma, her...

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Aislinn Pierse, an experienced occupational therapist, join us as a special guest. Aislinn has dedicated her career to working with children, adolescents, and their families, with a particular focus on sensory emotional regulation. She shares her deep curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and passion for truly connecting with others by understanding their lived experiences. Together, we...

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, hosts Timmy and Tommy sit down with their  old friend Adrian Bowen, a man four years into his recovery journey. Hailing from the Northside of Cork, Adrian shares an unfiltered look into his life, shaped by a challenging upbringing filled with poverty, addiction, and the heartbreaking loss of a family member to suicide. Adrian opens up about growing up without a father, battling the cycles of alcoholism and addiction within his family,...

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back*, we’re joined by award-winning documentary filmmaker Pamela Drynan, whose deep passion for uncovering human resilience has fueled a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Originally from Scotland and now based in Dublin, Pamela has made a lasting impact with her gripping films like *Unbreakable: Survivors of Sexual Violence*, *Chancers*, and *Gutted*—the latter earning her two Scottish BAFTA awards. Pamela sits down with hosts Timmy Long...

In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Daragh Fleming—author, poet, public speaker, and passionate mental health advocate. Daragh opens up about his personal journey through the darkest times, sharing his depression and his ongoing battle with mental health challenges.  We dive deep into the realities of mental health, discussing the stigma that surrounds it, the importance of having a support system, and the routines Daragh has developed to manage his...

Join us as we welcome yoga expert Christine Love to discuss the benefits of yoga for everyone, including those with physical and learning difficulties. Christine shares her personal journey, explores how yoga improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and offers practical tips for adapting yoga to all abilities. Discover inspiring stories of transformation and the power of inclusive yoga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with special guests Foufu Flobater and Abanoub Fares, two brothers from Blackpool with a shared dream: to conquer the MMA world. Foufu, the European Bantamweight Champion, and Abanoub, a rising professional MMA fighter, share their incredible journey from humble beginnings to fighting on some of the sport's biggest stages. Listen as they delve into their unique mindset, the mentality needed to succeed in MMA, and what it's like to have your...

Today we have two dedicated educators with a passion for making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse children. With years of experience in special education, we’re here to share our insights, challenges, and triumphs as we navigate the unique journey of teaching and supporting neurodiverse students. In each episode, we dive into the world of neurodiversity, discussing strategies, sharing success stories, and exploring the latest research and trends in education. Whether you’re a fellow...

In this enlightening episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Jane Mulcahey, a renowned Research, Policy, Advocacy, and Legal Consultant. Jane, who completed her PhD in Law at UCC, explores the profound impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on individuals and society. Jane's pioneering research, "Connected Corrections and Corrected Connections," sheds light on how ACEs shape life trajectories, including involvement in criminal justice systems. We...

Welcome to another episode of The Long Way Back Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to have special guests from the Comeragh Wilderness Academy, an innovative program transforming the lives of young people through wilderness therapy. About Comeragh Wilderness AcademyNestled in the breathtaking Comeragh Mountains of Waterford, Ireland, the Comeragh Wilderness Academy offers a unique wilderness therapy model inspired by American practices. Their mission? To support boys struggling with mental...

Welcome back to the Long Way Back Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Sharon Hourihane, a dedicated primary school teacher from Hill View Schoolhouse, join us. Sharon brings her extensive experience in special education to the conversation, sharing insights into her journey and the unique challenges and rewards of teaching in a private school setting. Tune in as Sharon delves into her approach to special education, the innovative methods she employs, and the impact of her work...

Join us for a profound and inspiring episode as we sit down with Anthony Breen, a Lead Red Cross facilitator, and born-again Christian. Anthony shares his incredible journey from his upbringing in Limerick and Glanmire, through his time in prison, to his remarkable recovery over the past three years. In this episode, Anthony opens up about his traumatic childhood and the deep emotional scars that have left a lasting impact. He discusses the residue of emotional trauma and how adversity shaped...

Join us on this insightful episode of The Long Way Back as we delve deep into the journey of psychotherapy with our esteemed guest, Master Psychotherapist Gus Murray. We begin by unraveling the roots of psychological and emotional problems, exploring how these issues often start and why drugs are commonly seen as an attempted solution to psychological pain. Gus shares how his understanding of psychotherapy and counseling has transformed over the years, offering a unique perspective on the...