Empathic Exchange

In this deeply moving episode, Dan sits down with Anne Marie who shares her experience of being an unmarried mother in Ireland over 40 years ago. She reflects on the societal pressures, stigma, and institutional forces that led to her baby being taken for adoption. Through her story, we explore a time when silence was expected, shame was imposed, and countless women were left to carry a lifelong l...

This Episode is in honour of: Alice and her Special Babies in the Sheridan & Hagan family. For all the Women who felt Unseen, Unheard in their immeasurable loss, for you, your beautiful babies, and what should have been.  Dan's Cousin, his wife and their daughter - Sydney Brennan - Born sleeping on the 30th of March 2026.   In this episode of Empathic Exchange, Dan sits with Alice as we f...

This Episode is a deep conversation exploring what it means for men to feel lost, vulnerable, and burdened by shame, and why expressing emotions is not just healthy but essential for growth, connection, and identity. Dan sits down with Chris for a deep and honest conversation about male vulnerability, the feeling of being lost, and the quiet weight of shame many men carry. Together, they explore w...

In this moving and intimate episode, Chantelle shares the deeply personal story that shaped her life and guided her toward the work she does today. She opens up about growing up with a mother who lived with severe mental health challenges, spending long stretches in hospital and creating a childhood filled with uncertainty, fear, and emotional complexity. At just 15, Chantelle experienced the deva...

In this episode, we dive into the emotional and psychological transformation that happens when a person becomes a mother. Joining me is Martina, who has not only studied this transition but lived it. Together, we explore the identity shifts, inner conflicts, and profound moments of reckoning that shape matrescence, the often‑unnamed journey into motherhood.  This conversation is raw, compassionate...

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin as we explore why humans instinctively turn toward nature when life feels overwhelming. From the concept of biophilia —our innate pull toward the natural world, to the science that shows how nature restores our minds and calms our bodies, we break down what’s really happening when a walk outside suddenly helps everything feel a little lighter. You’ll hear ho...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with someone who transformed their life by healing a dysregulated nervous system through body-led therapy. From living in a constant state of overwhelm and anxiety to finding peace, clarity, and resilience, our guest shares their raw and inspiring journey. We explore the emotional toll of nervous system dysregulation, the turning point that led them to so...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa, who openly shares their journey through periods of depression and how it has shaped their outlook on life. From the early signs they didn’t recognise at first, to the challenges of seeking help, and the small but powerful steps that supported their healing, this conversation offers an honest and compassionate look at what it means to live with depression. Wh...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tara, a survivor of narcissistic abuse to uncover what life is really like behind the facade. She shares her journey from the subtle beginnings of manipulation to the deep emotional toll of control and gaslighting. We discuss the struggles of breaking free, the challenges of healing, and the strength required to reclaim one’s voice and identity, as well a...

In this episode, two licensed therapists sit down to explore the importance of seeking appropriate, evidence-based support for mental health. From navigating emotional overwhelm to managing long-term challenges, they break down what therapy is and what it isn't. While acknowledging the value some may find in alternative approaches like self-help books, wellness influencers, or spiritual pract...

In this moving and inspiring episode, we sit down with Emily, a brave woman who opens up about her battle with addiction and the powerful path she forged to recovery. With unflinching honesty, she shares the pain of hitting rock bottom, the turning point that sparked her healing, and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up. Her story is not just about survival—it's about transformation, h...

In this special bonus episode, we flip the script as one therapist interviews another to unpack a lesser-known mental health challenge: Seasonal Affective Disorder in the summer months . While most associate SAD with winter's gloom, some individuals experience increased depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion when the sun is shining brightest. Together, our two therapists explore the sc...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Margaret, who not only embraces a childfree life but also works as a therapist supporting others in their journeys of choice and identity. She shares her personal decision to remain childfree, the societal expectations she’s navigated, and how her work helps individuals process their feelings around parenthood, fulfilment, and self-definition. With bo...

In this powerful episode, we follow Jacinta’s deeply personal journey through cancer—a story of resilience, fear, hope, and transformation. She shares the raw realities of diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional toll, as well as the moments of strength and grace that carried her forward. This is more than a story of illness; it’s a testament to the human spirit, the power of love, and the courage...

In this profoundly moving episode, John shares the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter Eibhlin, navigating the depths of bereavement, and finding a way forward through unimaginable grief. With raw honesty and profound love, he reflects on the pain, memories, and how his daughter’s presence endures. This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bond...

We are joined in this episode by Kristina Moore, who explores her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Struggling with self-doubt and an overpowering inner critic, she shares how therapy became a pivotal tool in reshaping her self-perception and rebuilding their confidence. Through candid reflections, we discuss the impact of childhood experiences, societal press...

In this episode, we sit down for an honest and insightful conversation with Eirnín, who shares her personal journey with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). From navigating intense emotions to challenging relationships and self-perception, Eirnín opens up about the daily realities of living with BPD, and how she learned to manage the ups and downs. We explore the stigma surrounding the disorder...

On this episode of Empathic Exchange, host Dan welcomes Rachel Ennis, a counselling-psychotherapy student in training at PCI College. During this conversation, Rachel sheds light on her experiences in education so far, and her experience of being diagnosed with Autism during adulthood. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of living with Autism, fostering empathy and understa...

In this heartfelt episode of Anxiety the Frenemy , we dive deep into the complexities of living with anxiety. Our guest, Karen O'Neill, shares her deeply personal journey — from the first signs of unease to the everyday challenges they face. Through her candid storytelling, we explore the tools and strategies discovered along the way, the role of support systems, and the lessons they’ve learn...

Welcome to Empathic Exchange , a new podcast brought to you by PCI College and PCI College Lecturer Dan O'Mahony! We have dedicated our first episode to exploring the depth and complexity of emotions we often avoid or label as "negative." Dan is joined by Jena Masterson Murphy, both practising therapists as they discuss a blend of clinical expertise and personal storytelling, we unp...