The Laura Dowling Experience

In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of LifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.Timestamps00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality54:46 – Advice for Young People55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing ThoughtsThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures.Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care.This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves.Timestamps04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and PeaceThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.Timestamps02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of lifeThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Laura welcomes Melissah, whose daughter Evie has Down Syndrome. Melissa shares her personal journey from pregnancy and the unexpected postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis, to raising Evie and balancing life as a mother of three. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and education about Down Syndrome, including Melissah's efforts through the annual Purple Run fundraiser. The discussion covers various aspects of Evie's life, from her rapid birth and initial health challenges to her school experience and relationship with her sisters. Melissa also discusses societal perceptions, the importance of inclusive language, and her hopes for Evie's future. Listeners are encouraged to support the Purple Run and Down Syndrome Ireland, organisations that have played a significant role in Melissah's journey.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Melissa03:24 Discussing Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraiser04:59 Melissa’s Journey to Motherhood05:40 Evie’s Birth and Diagnosis09:48 Adjusting to Life with Down Syndrome12:14 Evie’s Development and Family Dynamics15:10 Navigating Education and Services21:07 Language Sensitivity and Advocacy24:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome25:06 Community Support and Public Perception26:25 Future Concerns and Independence27:20 Educational Talks and Menopause Awareness32:14 Fundraising and Support Services35:08 Daily Life and Personal Stories42:17 Final Thoughts and AdviceThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith Walsh is a broadcaster, writer, actor and mental heath advocate. We discuss how he self medicated with drugs, alcohol, exercise and food restriction until a diagnosis in his late forties of ADHD and autism.We chat about his childhood trauma his mental health struggles and advocacy and how he is ok with having no friends.This is a podcast for anyone who has ADHD or suspects that they or a loved one has ADHD. It is a podcast that shows you there is hope and light and love for us all. This is a podcast for anyone who is searching for something, but are unsure what that something is.Keith has an upcoming show, Kinda Mental on Saturday April 22nd 2023 in the Whale theatre in Greystones. You should check it out!The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX. A unique formulation of premium grade botanicals- ashwagandha, L-theanine from green tea, chamomile and melissa. These were blended together with magnesium and B vitamins for a less stressful day and a more restful sleep. Non-sedating and non-addictive. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com. Available on www.fabuwellness.com and pharmacies and healthfood stores nationwide.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m taking a two-week break from the podcast to complete my new book, 'Love Your Vulva', and its audiobook, which will be released on September 23rd. In the meantime, explore the podcast archives with 133 episodes on topics like menopause, ADHD, sexual wellness, cardiology, physiotherapy, and more. For new listeners, I encourage you to start from the beginning to catch some great episodes. I'll be back with a new episode on September 11th. Stay fabulous!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcoming03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness15:24 Autism Friendly Communities21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals28:39 Resources and Future Plans29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives34:43 Mental Health and Autism35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism41:27 Financial Strain on Families43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism47:58 Genetics and Autism48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress54:12 Final Thoughts and AdviceThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description:In this inspiring episode, Nicola shares her personal journey from being an anxious child and teacher to becoming a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explains the core principles of CBT and how it can help with anxiety, stress, low mood, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and more.Nicola also discusses the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience, offering practical tips you can apply to everyday life. Whether you’re managing daily stressors, navigating parenting, or seeking strategies for better mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.Key Topics:Understanding CBT and its real-life benefitsManaging anxiety, stress, and low moodCBT strategies for menopause symptomsParenting tips, including parent-led CBT for childrenResilience, self-care, and mindfulness techniquesTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Nicola00:06 – Understanding CBT: Basics and Personal Experiences02:18 – From Teacher to Therapist: Nicola’s Journey06:00 – CBT Applications: Anxiety, Parenting, and More06:37 – CBT for Menopause: Managing Symptoms and Strategies09:13 – Techniques for Brain Health and Cognitive Function12:33 – Practical CBT Techniques for Everyday Challenges22:20 – Managing Sleep and Pain with CBT34:57 – Addressing Libido and Relationship Dynamics38:04 – Balancing Life’s Demands38:50 – The Importance of Self-Care39:52 – Navigating Relationships and Communication43:48 – Understanding CBT and Low Mood50:56 – Parent-Led CBT for Children57:17 – Addressing Bullying and Anxiety in Children01:09:38 – Building Resilience and Authenticity01:14:37 – Final Thoughts and AdviceThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Ann Kenny, an academic and author, shares her profound journey through grief and mental health challenges after the sudden loss of her husband. She reveals the harrowing effects of medication-triggered psychosis that led to her hospitalization and a struggle to retain custody of her children due to misunderstandings in her care. Mary Ann masterfully discusses the stigma surrounding mental health, her experience of delusion, and her resilient recovery, ultimately transforming her trauma into the memoir 'The Episode' while advocating for compassionate mental health services.