Change the Conversation

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Crooke, founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland, to explore the transformation of workplace wellbeing—from a peripheral perk to a central business priority. We discuss the key drivers behind this shift, the challenges organisations face in embedding wellbeing into their culture, and what the future holds for employee wellbeing initiatives. 

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Elke Smeets, an internationally recognised expert in positive psychology, to explore the power of self-compassion. We discuss practical ways to cultivate self-awareness, practice mindfulness, and be kinder to ourselves. Together, we delve into the importance of self-forgiveness, acceptance, and building a practice to improve our negative inner dialogue, helpin...

Modern parents are under pressure from many sides, so we turned to mother-of-three Aoife Lee, a certified parenting coach and founder of Parent Support, for her top parenting advice. She recommends trusting your instincts, setting boundaries, harmonising different parenting styles, and practising self-care to avoid burnout – all of which is easier said than done! Find out more about Aoife at Paren...

Ireland’s Centre for Positive Health Sciences is one of only a few in the world exploring the integration of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine. Chartered psychologist Dr Mary Collins works at the centre, and in this wide-ranging discussion she shares some evidence-backed principles and practices that are key to a fulfilling and flourishing life.   You can connect with Mary on LinkedIn to...

Occupational health psychologist Dr Juliet Hassard joins us from Queen’s University Belfast to discuss her research into the design and development of psychologically safe and healthy workplaces, and the need for a paradigm shift in how workforces are managed. You can connect with Juliet on LinkedIn to follow her work, and check out daraandco.com for more resources on wellbeing, personal growth an...

Have you ever thought about how much your surroundings can impact your mindset, your productivity or even your mental health? Maia Lemlij and Sebastian Sandler certainly have, and they apply neuroscience research to how they build homes and workspaces for XUL Architecture, their north London architecture practice. Find out more about XUL and neuroarchitecture at XULarchitecture.co.uk, and check ou...

In this episode, professional speaker and communication coach Camilla Long offers her advice on communicating confidently and having hard conversations. And, it turns out, one of the key skills you need for effective communication doesn’t involve speaking at all. Find out more about Camilla’s work at BespokeComms.net, and check out daraandco.com for more resources on building better relationships...

Did you know that Ireland was recently named the loneliest country in the EU? That’s why we sat down to speak to Dr Ann-Marie Creaven, a research psychologist who has looked into loneliness across the lifespan.   Ann-Marie explains loneliness in all its forms and why we need a community-based approach to tackling this issue. She also has some suggestions on how workplaces can get creative when it...

This episode Elaine is talking to Nichola Leech, a professional singer, vocal coach and, most recently, a voice habilitation specialist. Nichola founded Voice Care Ireland after discovering the lack of support for the therapy she needed following a vocal trauma, and now she helps other people to rehabilitate their voice.  Nichola gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the world of professional si...

We sat down for a chat with Yemi Adenuga, a Nigerian-Irish community leader and social justice advocate who, in 2019, became the first elected black female public representative in Ireland. We spoke to Yemi about the challenges that come with being a ‘first’ in any case, and the specific issues she faces as a public figure, such as trolling and abuse. We also talked about family values and what it...

We sat down for a chat with Dympna Little, better known by her online handle @dimplestilskin, about how she deals with internet fame, her tendency to take things to extremes and her experience with post-natal depression. You can join Dympna’s legions of followers @dimplestilskin on TikTok and Instagram. Find more resources and information for building a better life on daraandco.com. CONTENT NOTE:...

In this wide-ranging discussion with The Dead Rabbit co-founder Jack McGarry, we follow his journey through the shock of being unfulfilled after achieving a dream, the issues and identity crisis that followed, and his renewed love of life as an internationally renowned – and sober – publican. You can check out The Dead Rabbit if you ever find yourself in New York and you can follow their updates @...

Chip Somers, a psychotherapist, addiction expert and podcaster, explains the difference between excess and addiction and takes us through the tough steps on the road to recovery. You can hear more from Chip on the Soberful podcast and in the Big Fish and Chip episodes of Spencer Matthews’ podcast, or check out ChipSomers.com. Find more resources and information for building a better life on daraan...

In this episode, Elaine sat down with life coach and personal development specialist Mark Fennell to discuss the journey of self-improvement. Find Mark @markfennell.ie on Instagram or at MarkFennell.ie, and check out his masterclass on confidence daraandco.com. 

We sat down for a chat with Sam Stewart about the labels we give ourselves regarding sexuality and gender, why they feel so important, and how they can evolve. Find out more about Sam’s Collective and SamsCollective.com and @samscollective on Instagram, and check out their masterclass on coming out on daraandco.com. 

We speak to conflict coach and mediation specialist Davina Clements to get advice on how to manage conflict, rather than avoid it. You can find Davina on LinkedIn and @relationshipconflictsolutions on Instagram, or check out her website: RelationshipConflictResolution.co.uk. And you can find more resources and information at daraandco.com. 

Cyberpsychology researcher Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton shares what she has learned about how people behave in the world of online dating, and how this knowledge can be used to improve your experiences. Check out NicolaFoxHamilton.com to find Nicola’s audiobook, the Psychology of Online Behavior, and check out her masterclass on online dating on daraandco.com. 

Today, we’re talking about sex and why it’s good to talk with sex educator and intimacy specialist Grace Alice Ó Sé. Educate yourself further at GraceAlice.com and with Grace Alice’s masterclass on daraandco.com. You can also follow her @grace_alice_oshea on Instagram.

In this inaugural episode of Change the Conversation, host Elaine Burke speaks to dara & co CEO Naomh McElhatton about the platform, what it’s about and how her personal journey led her here.