The Happy Pear Podcast

Dr Nitu Bajekal is back with a special episode for National Women's Health Day! An expert in women's health and menopause. This is the second time she's joined us on the podcast, and we're thrilled to be launching our online menopause course with her. Get ready for an informative and lively conversation full of takeaways that both men and women of all ages should listen to.Key takeaways:Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, and it's essential to recognise and manage its symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health conditions, making it vital to take care of overall health and well being.Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play a significant role in managing menopause symptoms and reducing health risks.Dr. Nitu emphasis's the importance of self-care and self-compassion during menopause, as it can be a challenging time both physically and emotionally.The hosts and Dr. Nitu discuss common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding menopause and encourage open and honest conversations about women's health.The most important takeaway of all, let's start talking more openly and honestly about women's health! Enjoy!Lots of love,Dave & SteveCheckout our Happy Menopause Course https://offers.thehappypear.ie/happy-menopauseWe're currently offering the course for €75 (usually €150) as we'd like to get the information to as many people as we can as we think it's such an important discussion that isn't thought enough. We hope it helps you or a loved one become more informed on all stages of the menopause and we can help de-stigmatize the menopause and make it as normalized a part of life as it's supposed to be. Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"No fungi no forest no future. Fungi are as important as oxygen and yet we only think of them as icky things”The mycelium network, is vast, diverse, intelligent and everywhere! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Fungi Guy, the popular YouTuber, as our special guest.Fungi Guy, also known as Ali, is a passionate forager and mushroom enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has been foraging for over a decade and has a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity, importance and beauty of mushrooms.In this episode, Fungi Guy shares his vast knowledge on mushrooms, his approach to foraging, from identifying different species to selecting the best specimens for cooking. He also shares some of his favorite mushrooms and explains why they're so special to him.One of the things we love about Fungi Guy is his infectious enthusiasm for mushrooms and his commitment to sustainable foraging practices. He truly embodies the spirit of The Happy Pear, and we're honored to have him as our guest.So, if you're a mushroom lover or just curious about the world of foraging, this episode is not to be missed! Tune in to hear from Fungi Guy and learn more about the fascinating world of mushrooms.Lots of love,Dave & SteveTo find out more about Fungi Guy check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thefungiguyProduced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slow aging and improve your health with water!This week we speak to holistic doctor and author of Quench, Dr Dana Cohen.For over two decades, Dr. Dana Cohen has been on the leading edge of integrative and functional medicine, guiding thousands of patients through protocols that initiate cellular repair and restore balance to the body.Her unyielding devotion to her patients has helped countless patients on the brink of giving up hope to finally improve, recover, or completely heal from a variety of severe and chronic health issues.We jump straight into her recent research and book Quench and discuss in detail the magical healing power of water.“Proper hydration is the key to unlocking optimal health. But we need to start looking at hydration for what it is: the very essence of your health.”The benefits of proper hydration can have a dramatic effect on your health, your vitality, and your overall quality of life, according to Dr Dana. Quench will help you determine how to hydrate the right way (hint: it doesn’t involve chugging a gallon of water every day), and then how to get the water you do drink deep into your muscles, cells, and fascia (the connective tissue of your body), where it’s needed most.A brilliant episode, that will leave you stuffing your face with fruit, veg and lemon infused water!Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A life not reflected is a life not worth living.”This is the second time we have had our friend and very own life coach, Gerry Hussey on the podcast.Gerry is a performance psychologist and also in more recent times been coined ‘The Soul Coach’. He has been in the human health and performance Field for almost 20 years.Gerry has been at the forefront of building high performance teams and individuals in Olympic and Professional, sport and corporate organisations. His vast experience has seen him prepare and lead teams for success at Olympic Games, Heineken cups, World cups, and World and European championships.He has worked and currently works with some of the world’s leading sport and business teams as well as coaching for high performing individuals.Gerry is a leading voice that is challenging us to rethink health and performance in a whole new way and his integrated approach is one of honesty, simplicity and authenticity.Another brilliant episode with Gerry, he really is the modern day sage! Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel optimistic about the future? When a class of 200 graduates were asked to raise their hand if they felt optimistic about the future - No one did. Are you surprised?This week we speak to Matthijs Schouten, the biologist, ecologist, lecturer and author of Nature’s mirror; the image of nature in a cultural-historical perspectiveMatthijs G.C. Schouten B.Sc., M.Sc. D.Sc. studied biology and comparative religion at the University of Nijmegen and Celtic studies at the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands).He has worked as lecturer at the University of Nijmegen and as ecological project leader for the Wildlife Service (Dublin). He was the leader of the international campaign for the conservation of Irish bogs. Since 1992 he is senior ecological officer at the National Forest Service of the Netherlands; since 1995 he also is a visiting professor of nature and landscape conservation at University College Cork and University College Galway (Ireland); in 1999 he furthermore accepted the chair of restoration ecology at Wageningen University (the Netherlands).In 1990 he was awarded the International Award for Conservation Merit by the World wide Fund for Nature and in 1992 the National University of Ireland granted him a honorary doctorate.He has published widely in the fields of ecology and nature philosophy. His latest book Spiegel van de natuur; het natuurbeeld in cultuurhistorisch perspectief  (Nature’s mirror; the image of nature in a cultural-historical perspective) has formed the basis for the exhibition World Nature Art in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.In this episode we explore the meaning of nature, how we have become detached and obsessed with the individual, driven by ego, how we need to reinstate rituals of contemplation, the power we all posses to make change, the importance of enchantment, connection and falling in love. “Unless we accept how destructive we can be we can’t move ahead constructively.”We loved this episode so much, Dave has already booked a trip to have lunch with Matthijs!Enjoy!Lots of Love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we get you to keep scrolling?This is the aim of the applications on your phone. The more they can steal your focus and attention the more profitable they are.So how can you take advantage of the benefits of technology whilst not letting it take advantage of you?This week we speak to Johann Hari, the author of the New York Times bestseller: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention. Johann is an author, executive producer and Tedtalk speaker. His books have been translated into 40 languages, and been praised by a broad range of people, from Oprah to Noam Chomsky, from Elton John to Naomi Klein.Johann’s first book, ‘Chasing the Scream: the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs’, was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film ‘The United States Vs Billie Holiday’. His second book, ‘Lost Connections: Uncovering The Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions’ was described by the British Journal of General Practice as “one of the most important texts of recent years”, and shortlisted for an award by the British Medical Association.Johann’s TED talks have been viewed more than 93 million times. He has written over the past decade for some of the world’s leading newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Guardian, the Spectator, Le Monde Diplomatique, the Sydney Morning Herald, and Politico. He has appeared on NPR’s All Thing Considered, HBO’s Realtime With Bill Maher, The Joe Rogan Podcast, the BBC’s Question Time, and many other popular shows.Johann was twice named ‘National Newspaper Journalist of the Year’ by Amnesty International. He has also been named ‘Cultural Commentator of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Commentator of the Year’ at the Comment Awards.A fascinating person who lives half the year in London, and spends the other half of the year traveling to research his books. We caught up with Johann one sunny afternoon and delved deep into what it means to loose focus, the effects it has on the brain, how our children are being affected by technology, and how we can regain focus and become more present.A great episode!Enjoy!Lots of love,Dave & SteveProduced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be an explorer?What are the sacrifices one must take?What are the benefits of putting yourself through such hard physical challenges?This week we speak to Damian Browne, an extreme adventurer, peak performance athlete and International keynote speaker from Galway, Ireland. For the last 25 years Damian has pursued his human potential, relentlessly pushing his body & mind to their perceived limits; forging himself & his character in what he deems “a crucible life”. During a 16-year career as a professional rugby player, Damian donned the colours of some of rugby’s European elite, including Northampton Saints & Leinster; where he won club rugby’s biggest prize, The Heineken Cup. Since retirement from professional rugby, Damian has become one of the World’s foremost extreme adventurers; undertaking some of the most demanding physical and mental challenges on the planet, including the 257km Sahara Desert ultra marathon, The Marathon des Sables,  climbed 5 of the 7 Summits, a renowned mountaineering feat & most recently created history by becoming the first person ever to row from New York City to Galway, taking 112 days and in the process become one of only a handful of people to have rowed the Atlantic in both directions.Damian's drive to explore his physical & mental limits is not exclusive to ultra endurance events and he is a multi-time Irish indoor rowing champion, holding all-time, all-category records for the 500m and 1000m distance.We were lucky to have had Damian in the studio with us for this episode, a brilliant and deep character, we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.Lots of love,Dave & Steve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s lean into the discomfort by plunging into cold water or sweating through a hot sauna with metabolic scientist and author of Winter Swimming, Susanna Søberg.We have been jumping into the sea for the last 8 years, we knew it was good for us, simply by how it made us feel: Elevated, alive, new, refreshed, giddy, more connected to those around us and overall a feeling of happiness. Now after so much research we are aware of how truly beneficial cold water and heat exposure is for us, from the serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin hits, to the longevity benefits and the effect it has on our metabolism. We discuss it all with Susanna and even take things a step further into the community benefits. Susanna Søberg, PhD., earned her doctorate researching metabolism and has worked for many years designing and conducting clinical studies. Her most recent research and the background for this book have been on fat reduction through winter swimming at the Tryg Foundation's Center for Physical Activity, Denmark. Winter Swimming, now published in thirteen languages, is her first book.Founder and CEO of www.soeberginstitute.com . Susan has also created a course, The Thermalist Cure, all about how and why to get started with cold, heat and breathwork for better health. The course launches on the 24th January and she has kindly offered our listeners a 10% discount with the code THEHAPPYPEAR A brilliant episode that is on a topic close to our hearts.Enjoy!Lots of love,Dave & SteveThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dating, partying, socialising, special occasions, holidays… without alcohol does this sound difficult to you?Could you imagine going sober at the age of 26 without using the excuse “I am on antibiotics” or “I am working tomorrow”?This week we spoke to the founder of the Sober Girl Society and one of the leading voices on the sobriety movement, Millie Gooch.At the age of 26 Millie decided to make a big lifestyle change, she quit drinking. After too many binge drinking nights that left her feeling anxious, and insecure. She realised she needed a change. Millie has written for a range of publications, and her campaigning work has been featured everywhere from ELLE and Stylist to the BBC and Evening Standard.In this episode, Millie gives us practical advice for how to date, party and socialise sober. We debunk the myths surrounding sobriety and how having a healthier relationship with alcohol can massively improve your confidence, relationships, productivity and your relationship with yourself.We loved chatting to Millie, she is a brilliant voice for the movement.Enjoy!Lots of Love,Dave & SteveTo find out more about Millie and her work check out her Instagram: @milliegoochThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we bring you, New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important public health issues, Dr Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM.He wrote the book on How Not To Die & also How Not To Diet! A legend in the nutrition world, Dr. Greger and his team set up Nutritionfacts.org, a science-based nonprofit organisation. That provides free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. A strictly non-commercial public service health charity. Dr. Greger has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Bird Flu Summit, among countless other symposia and institutions; testified before Congress; has appeared on shows such as The Colbert Report; and was invited as an expert witness in defense of Oprah Winfrey at the infamous "meat defamation" trial. In 2017, he was honored with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine with its Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award.In this episode, we debunk the myths around diet culture and break down how to sustain a healthy weight and lifestyle.Lots of love,Dave & Steve xThis episode is sponsored by Vivobarefoot Footwear. Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 15% discount when you enter the code HAPPYPEAR15  Genuinely these are the only shoes you will see Dave & Steve wearing!Produced by Sean Cahill & Sara Fawsitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.