Scratching The Surface

John brings light to some sad facts about the state of our safe water on Earth, especially the scarcity of it! Those of us lucky enough to have clean, clear, running water right at our fingertips, really do need to be grateful. Listen here to learn about how both droughts and floods are affecting the planet that definitely does affect everyone. Think sea-level rises... oceans dramatically warming....

Fossil fuels are so last century! We need to see more renewables (natural alternatives) if we are going to stop climate change in it's tracks. But beware of greenwashing! John and I break down 'energy' (no pun intended), and we share some real time examples of devastation that is happening right on your doorstep.

To understand life on earth today, we have to think back to what has already happened to impact drastic change and ultimately the loss of entire species… 🦖 John and I look back at previous mass extinctions and discuss the scary reality of the quickest one yet… Happening right now before our sleepy eyes.

We didn’t want to be mean and go with “climate change for dummies”, but as we were researching, John and I realised just how much we did not know about our own planet and habitats! The stats are shocking and heartbreaking! So much so that we began recording at the start of the year and honestly it hurt my spirit to the point I’ve had to sit on it for a while before sharing. Come along for the lear...

DiscoBeard fans- you will love to hear Gareth’s back story about his other passions, hobbies, and creativity; and how the drummer became a two-piece act with singer and guitarist Ross Maguire, who was already on the local gigging scene of their shared hometown Newcastle. We hear about how the duo first met and formed their band; gigging throughout Europe and across the pond in the New York City; a...

Christina Hamilton wanted to be a teacher since she was a child- in this episode she talks us through the long journey to achieve that dream. We Scratch the Surface of reluctantly moving away from home to a city she had never heard of; extra steps that are necessary in the days of entering the working world; and the challenges of supply teaching. This episode is as much for young people considerin...

Embarking on a year journey to find my inner goddess- by learning about ancient goddesses and female healers, warriors, and givers of hope all over the world that too many of us have forgotten about. Check out Sophie Bashford on instagram for some heart-felt content and free webinars that she does throughout the year. I think the women of the early women’s rights movement would be proud to know wo...

What a bubbly, inspiring chat with Ballycastle beautician Seainin McMullan, who recently opened her very own studio after years of hard work and dreaming. This conversation is sure to inspire anyone who, like me, let’s fear and self-doubt take over too often! Entrepreneur Seainin shares the highs and lows (and some hilarious memories) of her journey from leaving school to pursue a career in beauty...

My heart is breaking.. I cannot sleep well.. but who am I to complain from my comfortable bed in a room filled with pointless things, with heat in the radiators and clean running water just steps away?! The absolute devastation that is going on in the world right now is too heavy for me to ignore. As an Early Childhood and Youth graduate I studied poverty, child soldiers, sweat shops, trauma and a...

EFT is my newest bow to my string … and this really works! It has been scientifically proven to release negative programming in the body (subconscious mind). While creating my own modality-Behind the Rainbow, a program for all to feel like their best, bright, shiniest self, I felt there was something physical missing to go alongside the affirmative positive mind work… and it was EFT Tapping… to li...

Brain cancer meets Breast Cancer and we have an absolute hoot! This episode Scratches the Surface of Katrina’s journey from folk music to choir to gigging with the guitar; her journey from being a carer to having a nursing career that she work’s around her music; and ofcourse we compare the ups and downs of our cancer stories. Despite loss, grief, and mental health battles, Katrina has such a posi...

Noeleen and I had so much fun recording this one! The most talented costume artist around, with an infectious laugh and big open heart. We Scratch the Surface of Noeleen's journey from shy schoolgirl to TikTok phenomenon, being invited onto TV shows, nominated for awards, and being offered really exciting collaborations with big brands. We didn't even plan it, but we ended the podcast by opening u...

A short brain dump today as I process big changes in my life and consider my holistic healing journey. If we are to find balance, equilibrium we must nurture all parts of ourself. If life is busy and stressful with lots of responsibilities, it is important we don't lose ourselves and our health chasing our tail. Sending big hugs and love to all who needed to hear it 💓 #itsokaynottobeokay

Maria is so knowledgeable about the body and what it needs- you are sure to take away many little nuggets of wisdom from this episode. We Scratch the Surface of rebalancing the body back to equilibrium; toxic load; and gut health. Maria and I connected on our acne journeys which will resonate with a lot of my listeners. Give Maria a follow at @mariamooneyhealth or check out her website www.mariamo...

Conor tells me all about his love for the uilleann pipes and tradition Irish music; his journey of finding the right instrument for him and the amount of practice it requires; and the amazing achievements so far. Absolutely loved diving into Conor’s passion, talking about tours and upcoming plans, and I especially loved how he talks about creating his music. Yes I got very emotional throughout the...

We dive into the mindset of young people still figuring out an uncertain future, through my very insightful eighteen year old sister. We discuss the pressures of trying to 'fit in' while simultaneously figuring yourself out. We agree that exploring, travelling, and experiencing diversity is ideal for development and personal growth. Erínn opens up about transitioning from primary school to seconda...

I say 'wavy' to describe my wellbeing, mood, mental health, life since I last published an episode. I had some incredible experiences, beautiful moments, and was surrounded by people I love dearly and I know love me back... But one of the hardest things about mental health is that when you are anywhere off-balance, away from equilibrium in your body and mind, even the most gorgeous day to be etern...

It has been said that when you feel Triggered by someone or something they say, it’s actually a mirror for something you need to look at in your life. Waow I used to get soo triggered! I literally couldn’t help it because my body was in a stress response and my nervous system and hormones were so out of whack. Now I take the ‘curious’ approach (very much a work in progress), and try my best to do...

I had a lot of thinking time lying in my sick bed for months on end, mulling over what really matters in this short life, what brings me joy and accomplishment, and what I need to cultivate and bring into my life moving forward in order to feel whole, complete, PURPOSE. Please don’t do what I did and wait for a terminal cancer diagnosis to be your reason for getting curious, dreaming a little bigg...

A few shout outs to local friends and old storytellers as Kevin McGowan shares his passion of Irish history and mythology. We Scratch the Surface of working in tourism, funding cuts, and collaboration, as Kevin gives us an insight into the reality of starting his own small business ‘Nine Glens Adventure Tours’ based on his passion. Some great storytelling, facts about the local wildlife, and Kevin...

I am a tiny bit obsessed with energy! I hope to instill abit of that enthusiasm into my listeners as it affects us all! The only reason we are here, that life is possible on earth, is because of the sun's energy. I'm no scientist and I just want to share my experience of healing energy that has got me to this point. All the learnings and teachings about earth energy, balanced masculine and feminin...

It is only when we know better that we can do better- and I do bloody know better! Yet I still find myself needing little treats. I still slip into toxic stress and go on that loop of berating myself as a result. But I am now hyper aware of these decisions, consequences, and really strive to find the balance in nurturing my body as a whole, while allowing myself the bloody dessert sometimes if it’...

Tara’s Tao - Just me and my thoughts, shared with you, my lovely listeners. I really hope to share my experience, strength and positive view on healing, listening to and then tuning in to answer your OWN BODY, can empower you to shift your mindset to CURIOSITY, GROWTH, HOPE, HEALING. I’m just an ordinary girl with an unordinary diagnosis and prognosis for my age- I want you to live a full, joyous...

Local man Andy Lofthouse encourages listeners to live out their dreams while they are young and able. This episode Scratches the Surface of becoming a high-level ski instructor in a matter of years, and choosing an alternative lifestyle of joy, fun and adventure in the great outdoors. I've been excited to record this episode since joining Andy on in his white water rafting excursion last summer in...

I have an absolute hoot with my talented, hard-working, inspiring, conscious friend Cliona Gormley, an Environmentalist with global experience. In this open, informative, truth-sharing chat, we Scratch the Surface of renewable energy, the climate crisis, and the importance of striving for your goals. Cliona is a dear friend of mine, over the years I’ve been blessed to learn about some of her wind...