Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna

Kate McDaid on going from performance on the basketball court and football pitch to performance nutrition. Clare speaks to three women involved in cancer research, from the laboratory to clinical trials, to the people at the forefront of advances. And Niall Breslin on his epic physical challenge to raise money to bring mental health programmes to our schools.

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Cormac Ryan on how a health issue ended his GAA career, moving on from an eating disorder, and his unique take on his work as a physio. Chef Erica Drum returns with what’s in season and some left-field suggestions for the barbecue. And Brian Crooke of 'Workplace Wellbeing' on the first-of-its-kind research in Ireland on the impact wellness in the corporate world could make.

On the Alive & Kicking Podcast this week: Marie McCarthy looked in the mirror at 39 and wondered why she wasn’t further along in life. Even though she had a good salary, a family, a home, and a fancy car there was something not quite fulfilling her. Her journey out of this led her to retrain as a mindset coach to empower others to take control of their lives - she joins Clare to discuss. Clare met Naoise Ni Bhroin in D Light studios in Dublin to give techno yoga a try. And the Irish Life marathon takes place in Dublin on October 29th and many people will run for a host of different reasons – one of those will be Venetia Quick who began running after he life was turned upside down following the loss of her husband Martin - she joins Clare to tell her more.

On the Alive & Kicking Podcast this week: Siobhan O’Hagan on the power of values and why it’s OK to change course. Professional matchmaker, Feargal Harrington & Irish Daily Mail features editor and columnist, Lisa Brady of the 'Is This Why You're Single' Podcast. And Lorraine Boyce, the 'Down Below Physio' on taking the taboo out of our health.

On the Alive & Kicking Podcast this week: Mark Fennell, an Irish life coach joins Clare to discuss how he was contacted by the BBC to take part in a documentary exposing a cult that took people in under the guise of mentoring and life coaching. Clare will be talking about men’s health and "Dad Bods" with medical exercise expert, Andrew Dunne. Spencer Matthews and John Belton return triumphant from their Jungle Ultra. And 'Street Feast' - the national day of street parties and community celebrations - takes place next Sunday 25th June; Clare is joined by campaign director, Mary Fleming.

On Alive and Kicking this Sunday. Lilly Higgins on cooking through the chaos – her go to foods for busy lives, how to be skin safe this Summer with Eavanna Breen, Eimer Daly on some health and wellness news and Guy O’Leary on defying the odds, coming back from cancer and raising 100s of thousands of Euro.

Catherine O'Keefe is the founder of Wellness Warrior, Ireland's first menopause coach, and a regular contributor to the show. She has helped countless women through her online courses, The Menopause Success Summit, and now her book "All You Need to Know About Menopause." Catherine joins Clare to discuss the evolving definition of leadership and empowering people to lift Ireland. LIFT Ireland is a social enterprise aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in the country. LIFT, which stands for 'Leading Ireland's Future Together,' was built on a desire to change the country for the better by changing the way people view leadership. Clare is joined by co-founders Joanne Hession and Sonya Lennon, as they delve into the importance of leadership and their mission to inspire and empower individuals to make a positive impact in Ireland.

In this episode special, Clare addresses the pressing issue of long waitlists for mental health treatment for young people in Ireland and their profound consequences. Our guests include Professor Jim Lucey, a renowned psychiatrist and former Medical Director of St Patrick's University Hospital, Niall Breslin (Bressie), a mental health advocate and founder of Lust for Life charity, and Lottie, a brave teenager currently waiting eight months for therapy. Together, we explore the reasons behind these lengthy waitlists and shed light on the urgent need for early intervention.

On this week's Alive and Kicking podcast: Clare speaks to Dermot Goode from Total Health Cover about 'navigating the high seas of insurance'. Tv Chef Erica Drum on cooking for the summer months and getting past the 'hungry gap'. And Poet G.M Elinor on the release of her new book 'Pinch Me, I'm Breathing'.

On this week's Alive & Kicking podcast: Clare speaks to Christine Clinton, founder of the 'Christine Clinton Cancer Care' who is also chair of the 'Christine Clinton Wellness For Children' initiative and is the woman behind the inaugural 'Children Health Summit'. Together they discuss reaching our children in the formative years and teaching them the benefits of being healthy. David Brennan on continuing the legacy of his lifelong friend, Vicky Phelan, by telling her story, educating young people on cervical cancer, and raising funds for charity. And radio star Christian O'Connell appeared to have it all but not everything was as it seemed. He joins Clare to talk about his experience with panic attacks, reassessing what his goals were in life, and how breathing exercises helped him along the way.