The Mind Full Podcast

This week, I’m chatting to the absolutely brilliant Dr. Brian Pennie - a man who went from 15 years of heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist, lecturer and speaker.Brian's story is one of radical transformation, told with fierce honesty and zero fluff. We dive deep into the stuff that really matters: anxiety, addiction, identity, and the relentless inner critic we all wrestle with. We explore how early anxiety and trauma shapes us, the power of journaling to literally rewire your brain, and how spotting your inner voices can help you reclaim control. If addiction, your own or someone else’s, has touched your life, this one’s for you.Stick around to the end for a short guided meditation to help reset your mind. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you covered.If you would like to check out Brian and his work visit www.brianpennie.com. Check out his wonderful book Bonus Time, his podcast Change is Possible and most of all go to the RTÉ Player and watch the three-episode documentary he made called Hooked: How Addiction Hijacks Your Brain.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered if the way you argue could predict the end of your relationship? This week I’m joined once again by the brilliant psychologist and author Allison Keating to talk about all things conflict. And trust me, this one’s a game-changer!We dive into why couples fight, how different conflict styles can clash (or work), and whether arguing well is actually good for your relationship. Allison brings her signature warmth, wit, and razor-sharp insight to this week’s wonderful conversation about an, often tricky, topic.You’ll learn how to spot warning signs, maybe even start arguing more healthily and much more!This is the episode you’ll want to quietly text to your partner with a “thought you’d find this interesting…” message attached.For more information on Allison’s work visit www.bwell.ie.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by the man who lit a fire in my belly, not with a curry, but with his voice, his message, and perfect timing.You know that feeling when something just clicks? That was me the first time I heard davidji. I’d been circling the mindfulness space for years, searching for something deeper but most of it felt like it wasn’t meant for someone like me. Then one stressed-out night, flicking through internet radio, I stumbled on a voice that felt like a warm blanket. He was wise, hilarious, and somehow made the esoteric feel accessible. That voice belonged to davidji.Today, davidji is not only a bestselling author as well as a teacher to Navy SEALs and CEOs, he’s a great friend of mine. This week, we dive into purpose - what it means, how to find it, and why it's never too late to redefine who we are.For more information on davidji, including his forthcoming new Meditation Teacher training course, visit www.davidji.com. Don’t forget to also check out his great podcast ‘The Shadow and The Light’ which he hosts alongside Psychotherapist and Meditation Teacher Elizabeth Winkler.If you're new to this series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I sit down with the soul-sparking duo that is Miriam and Gerry Hussey - the couple who somehow manage to leave you feeling both totally inspired and weirdly unfit! But, don’t be fooled by their calm glow, they’ve walked through burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, and the chaos of modern life just like many of us. We chat about leaving the tick-box life behind, why your soul needs breathing space, and how to manage your inner madness without having to drink celery juice or move to the jungle. Miriam’s powerful new book Light Up has just been released, and Gerry continues to help thousands through his own bestselling books and life-changing work. They’re Founders of Soul Space, champions of inner transformation, and best of all, they’re really nice down-to-earth people. This episode is full of heart, humour, and practical wisdom. You're going to love it.For more information on Miriam and Gerry’s work, visit www.soulspace.ie where you’ll get all the info on their books, including Miriam’s latest release Light Up and Gerry’s I Am, I Can, I Will and all of their wonderful retreats and live events too.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David Coleman, a renowned clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, discusses the rising wave of anxiety among children and teenagers. He emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and offers practical strategies for parents, including writing down worries and practicing gratitude. Coleman highlights the impact of smartphones on mental health and stresses the need for parents to manage their own anxiety to better support their kids. His insights provide reassurance and tools to handle bedtime worries and engage with anxious teenagers.

We’ve had some unique guests on this podcast—but never one like this. I don’t even know his real name. He goes by the name of Art Riddler, he wears a mask, and until now, no one knew the story behind it. This is the first time he’s shared his personal journey and wow, what a journey it is. It’s one of grief, heartbreak, and despair, but also hope, creativity, and a deep desire to help others. You might know him as the anonymous philanthropist supporting emerging Irish artists with generous prizes and exhibitions but behind that mystery is a man who lost the love of his life, and somehow turned that pain into something truly beautiful. We talk about grief, healing, the power of art, and why Irish people still get weird about kindness. It’s raw, real, and one of the most moving conversations I’ve had on The Mind Full Podcast.As discussed in this episode, Art Riddler’s Exhibition is taking place from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th of October at 1 Charlemont Square, Dublin and I highly recommend it!If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, my incredible guest is the warm, wise, and wonderfully relatable Dr Clodagh Campbell - psychologist, bestselling author, podcast host, and proud Irish woman on a mission to help us all quiet that nagging inner critic. You know the one, the voice that tells you you’re not enough, you’ve messed it all up, or you’re getting notions.Clodagh is the brilliant mind behind The Steps, a book that breaks down big therapy ideas into 10 simple, powerful tools you can actually use: like when you’ve just roared at your kid or inhaled a pile of KitKats because you “had a feeling.”We chat about Irish shame, inner critics, World Book Day panic, and why self-compassion isn’t soft fluff,it’s essential psychological first aid. She’s open, honest, hilarious, and so reassuring for anyone who’s ever forgotten the school costume. (bin bags can be magic.)Find out more about Clodagh at thewellnesspsychologist.ieIf you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Shortt’s laugh is one of the most famous in Ireland, and you’re in for a treat in this episode as you’ll hear plenty of it! From his legendary double act D'Unbelievables alongside the late Jon Kenny to his role as the bumbling Garda in Killinaskully, Pat has been a constant in Irish comedy for decades as both a writer and performer. Pat has tackled everything from playing a saxophonist in a pub band to a lonely petrol station worker in Garage, a performance that earned him an IFTA and international acclaim. In this conversation, Pat opens up about the joy and the pressure of being funny, the power of the stage, and the way laughter can coexist with pain.We talk nerves, nostalgia, and the weight that comes with making people laugh. This episode is full of insight, heart, and, of course, plenty of laughs. Pat and Faye are on the road with their new nationwide tour ‘Shortt Stuff’ from October 3rd and tickets are available from www.patshortt.com If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this season finale of The Mind Full Podcast, we dive deep into one of my all-time favourite topics: relationships - how they shape us, challenge us, and ultimately help us grow. From romantic bonds to work dynamics and the tricky relationship we have with ourselves, it’s all on the table. And who better to explore this rich terrain with than psychologist, leadership coach, and literal rock star, Louize Carroll!Louize makes a welcome return to The Mind Full Podcast to discuss her powerful 12-week course Wisely Attached, which helps people rewire unhelpful relationship patterns. Together, we talk about the big questions: Why do we keep repeating the same arguments? Why doesn’t passive-aggressive self-help book placement work? And when is it time to walk away?This warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation offers real insights for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or just wondered why people can’t say what they’re bloody well feeling! Strap in, it’s a brilliant way to wrap up the season!If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is absolutely flying, but it’s been one hell of a ride getting here. Mark Mehigan is a comedian, author, podcaster, and former BBC social media guru, with a backstory that reads like six lifetimes packed into one. From writing songs with Westlife’s Mark Feehily to late-night benders in London, Mark’s journey has been anything but dull.These days, he hosts Mark Mehigan’s Weekly Roast, one of Ireland’s top comedy podcasts. But behind the laughs is a deeply honest story of addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and the kind of quiet desperation that can hide behind a smile. We talk about how his Monday-night wine habit spiraled, why hitting rock bottom might be the best thing that ever happened to him, and what he calls “the silence between the ears.”Mark’s chasing what so many of us are - peace of mind. In this funny, vulnerable, and no-nonsense conversation, we explore the messy path to clarity, recovery, and self-acceptance - with plenty of laughs along the way.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.