Saoirse Rafferty

A Good Kind of Scary

Health EN ↓ 100 episodes

AGoodKindofScary explores the positive ways we can challenge our fears. Saoirse Rafferty has an MA in Creative Writing & a background in Journalism and Psychology. She chats about health and wellbeing, books, traveling & her blog: a goodkindofscary.com

Author

Saoirse Rafferty

Category

Health

Podcast website

sites.libsyn.com

Latest episode

Jan 19, 2026

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Episodes

EP 25: Finding Balance in Fitness & Life with Eoin Dobbin Catto 17.05.2023

In this episode, I'm chatting with lifestyle specialist ( @eoindobbincatto ) who helps people get strong, lean and confident without having to sacrifice their social life. Eoin explains how we can find the middle-ground between the extreme highs and lows in fitness & in life. We speak about why people are so quick to please others and to judge themselves. Eoin provides advice on how to be 'selfles...

EP 24: Supporting Cancer Patients & Their Families at Sláinte an Chláir 10.05.2023

In this episode, I chat with Marie Kelly about the heartwarming facilities provided at my local cancer support centre — Sláinte an Chláir . Marie is a therapist whom I have had the privilige of working with. We discuss the stigmas that are often linked to a health diagnosis and why it's so important to reach out for help. Marie provides practical tips for doing so and explains how humans are natur...

EP 23: Bring More Silence Into Your Life 03.05.2023

In this week's episode, I talk about how you can bring more silence into your life; this could mean slowing down your mornings, being kinder to yourself and other people — especially by looking at the everyday language you use, or simply turning your phone off. If you are an overworker or constant stresser, this one is for you. I delve into what I learnt from having to sit still on a silent retrea...

EP 22: Therapeutic Benefits of Reading & Journaling with Bibliotherapist Bijal Shah 28.04.2023

This week I'm joined by Bijal Shah. Bijal is a bibliotherapist, counsellor, author and poet. We chat about how books and journaling can be used as an effective form of therapy. Bijal explains why it's important to figure out your personal values so you can live a happier life. If you're after some reading tips or life advice, give this episode a listen. More Information on Bijal: She is the founde...

EP 21: Donal Ryan on Writing Novels: The Good, The Bad, and The Beauty. 17.04.2023

Award-winning Irish novelist Donal Ryan speaks about why he writes and the range of emotions he encounters during the creative process. We discussed how sharing your art can be like revealing a part of your soul & why writers are so sensitive to criticism. Donal has published seven novels and is a professor of creative writing at the University of Limerick, yet still struggles to tell people he is...

EP 20: Slowing Down & Embracing Your Femininity With Alexandra Marie Wild 06.04.2023

In this week's episode I'm joined by women's coach & movement therapist — @ alexandramariewild . Alex's job is helping women reconnect with their bodies through pleasure, play and movement. We discuss why pleasure is necessary for women, especially in a modern work-oriented society. Alex explains the difference between feminine vs masculine energy and how you can identify both in yourself. I hope...

EP 19: Body Image & Accepting Imperfection 30.03.2023

In this episode, I talk about the pressure to be perfect in today's modern world and question our use of Instagram. Do we actually care about appearing perfect or are we just conforming to what everyone else seems to be doing? I offer advice to make your life easier by asking you to take a look at your daily habits and what you focus your energy on. Doing this can help you discover what you care a...

EP 18: Muay Thai, Drunken DMCs & Belonging to a Tribe with Jack Tighe 24.03.2023

This week I'm joined by a college friend — Jack Tighe. Our conversation flows in multiple directions ranging from our Top 16 on Bebo to angry auld fellas complaining about parking tickets on Facebook. Jack speaks about his dedication to Muay Thai for years and the importance of belonging to a tribe.  A main takeaway point: working with a group towards a goal can bring joy especially in fitness and...

EP 17: Understanding Rejection & Overcoming The Fear of It 15.03.2023

Rejection. There is nothing pleasant about that feeling (and let's be honest, we all feel it). This week's episode explores why rejection is so painful and how we can cope with that pain. But more importantly, I examine the fear of rejection and how we hold ourselves back from trying new things because of it.  Click play to hear 3 tips for overcoming your fear of rejection!   Follow @ agoodkindofs...

EP 16: For My Brother — Rohan Rafferty 08.03.2023

This episode is inspired by my very brave brother, Rohan, who passed away in September 2022. He is the first guest I would have on the show if I could. I talk about our sibling relationship, his brain tumor diagnosis & how he and our family dealt with that. I include a short interview clip with Rohan at the end about his love of football. He will always be a role model for facing fears and handlin...

EP 15: The Social & Emotional Cause of Pain with Robbie Cassidy 28.02.2023

This week I'm joined by Robbie Cassidy ( @themobilitytutor ). Robbie is qualified in physiotherapy and runs an online business helping clients overcome long-term injuries. Follow his podcast 'Rebalanced' if you enjoyed today's episode. Episode Discussion points:           Why do people only focus on the 'quick fix' physical aspect of pain but ignore the emotional side?           How much do emotio...

EP 14: Calm Overthinking With 1 Simple Technique 21.02.2023

Episode Discussion Points: I provide a personal visual technique used to calm overthinking I discuss how you can use this technique when your mind is focused on the past VS when you are imagining the future Pat Divilly's Book: 'Fit Mind' and why it's worth checking out to help your mental health Toxic Positivity VS Acceptance   Resources: Pat Divilly's Book: https://www.patdivilly.com/fitmind Nial...

EP 13: Should I stay or should I go? Hanoi during the pandemic. 14.02.2023

Points of Discussion           My experience locked down in Hanoi during a pandemic.           How panic can influence everyone in a social circle.           Leaving a job: the anxiety and how to know when it's right for you.      Why does it often take reaching desperation to make a change?           Being broke when living away from home.           Settling down in a foreign country VS backpacki...

EP 12: The Real World — Is Work All That Matters? 08.02.2023

Episode Discussion Points:           3 pieces of advice related to career choice.           Breaking stigmas associated with certain jobs / unemployment / not knowing what to do with yourself.           Feeling pressured to find a socially acceptable job.           When a job becomes your identity.           Why do we praise a certain way of living?           Why is there a drive to constantly con...

EP 11: Travelling Through Time Zones: Life on Board with Ashley Healy 01.02.2023

This week I'm joined by Ashley Healy — one of my closest friends. Ashely has worked as a cabin crew member for over three years now. We discuss living a life of constant change and embracing the 'good kind of scary' when moving abroad. Episode Discussion Points: - Working as a cabin crew member on board and off board: what are the advantages and disadvantages. - Can you establish a routine when yo...

EP 10: Health Anxiety? Google It. 25.01.2023

Episode Discussion Points: Why can awaiting health results cause more anxiety than the results? Googling symptoms & confirmation bias. My recent stressful experience after a health check. How can we get in sync with our bodies and trust our intuition? Why a diagnosis shouldn't define your life. Can having too much information be a bad thing? Avoiding check-ups because of shame and fear.   Resource...

EP 9: Should Comedy Be Censored? 17.01.2023

Points of discussion: Should comedians joke about sensitive topics or can they take it 'too far'? How do we define 'too far'? The vulnerability of being an artist. What does 'artist' mean? Points in history when censorship was abused to dictate societies. Why laughing at our pain can be cathartic. Is excluding certain topics from comedy a form of ignorance? Examples of comedians who have received...

EP 8: Public Speaking 10.01.2023

Points of discussion: One of my biggest fears (public speaking) and how I grew more confident in my abilities. Physical changes when feeling nervous: reddening, stuttering, heart racing & why they are normal. Secondary school: ducking the head down during readings, running to the toilet & avoiding speaking out. Cultural differences with vocalizing opinions. Liking the sound of your voice vs Expres...

EP 7: Solo Travel & Connecting Cultures 02.01.2023

Episode Discussion Points: - The culture shock that comes with moving abroad (less talked about elements of travel) - 3 Advantages of Solo traveling (which can be applied to traveling in general) - Is 'finding yourself' as easy as hopping on a plane? - Personal stories from studying abroad in America & teaching English in Vietnam - Advice on how to meet people when abroad - Why is it important to...

EP 6: The Fear 27.12.2022

Episode Discussion Points: - What is 'the fear' in relation to drinking alcohol? - Stigma of being 'Irish' linked to partying - Personal anecdotes from nights out and having 'the fear' - How to cope with overthinking: moving from inside your head --> outside world - What could getting 'the fear' regularly be telling you? - Why do we feel guilt and regret? Acknowledging feelings + learning from the...

EP 5: Christmas abroad, breaking traditions & why it's OK to hate festivities 19.12.2022

Episode Discussion Points: - Being a spoilt brat at Christmas & the expectations with gifts - Comparing your life to other people's over the holidays: Instagram VS Reality - How the drastic change of our lifestyle at XMAS can impact our emotions - Being open to breaking traditions & trying new things - Keeping in touch with loved ones throughout the year instead of meeting for one day - When the d...

EP 4: Making Gratitude a Daily Practice 13.12.2022

Episode Discussion Points: Benefits of being grateful everyday, especially when life feels really difficult. How using a gratitude journal for a year changed my perspective on life and helped time slow down. Why sharing compliments/words of appreciation works both ways and improves relationships (WHEN IT'S GENUINE!) Is it okay to allow yourself to fully accept compliments/rewards and say 'thank yo...

EP 3: Man Up vs Calm Down 06.12.2022

Episode Discussion Points: Why are male suicide rates in the UK and Ireland considerably higher than women? Does the language we use in our culture impact people's ability to open up? How can we respond to friends approaching us when feeling down? Or can we? The positive influence of letting your loved ones know you are thinking of them. Gender expectations placed on men and women from a young age...

EP 2: Settling out of fear vs Living your ideal life 24.11.2022

Episode Discussion Points: - How I used gratitude and hope during a year of uncertainty. - Living in a state of anxiety vs living in the present: what's the difference and what are the benefits of both? - Manifesting: what is it and does it work? - Why we need to consider privilege when we talk about manifesting our dream life. - Settling out of safety vs Waiting for what you deserve. - Why do so...

Embracing Discomfort: Getting Over What Others Think 17.11.2022

Episode Discussion Points: - Introduction to the podcast and the inspiration behind the name. - How do we measure fear & challenge our individual perception of fear? - Why do we need to be more vulnerable and allow discomfort? - My personal fears and how I learnt to embrace them. - My personal interests & why I started a blog.   Resources Discussed: Brene Brown's TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks...

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