Meg Talks - The MWM Irish Dance Podcast

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the impact of social media on dancers and their mental health. They explore how social media can be both a positive and negative influence, emphasising the importance of managing social media habits. The conversation covers the need for open communication between parents and dancers, the dangers of comparison, and the significance...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the pros and cons of the prelim and pre-open levels in Irish dancing. They explore the mindset of dancers striving to progress, the pressures associated with transitioning to open championship, and the importance of reframing the prelim experience as a valuable stage of development. The conversation also touches on the impact of co...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan addresses dancers who may not be participating in the World Championships this year, encouraging them to focus on their personal growth and preparation for future competitions. She introduces her 'Move Like a Champion' mini course, emphasising the importance of understanding corrections in dance and how to work smarter, not just harder. Megan shares her...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the crucial role of parents in the development of young dancers. They explore the balance between support and pressure, the importance of fostering a positive mindset, and the need for open communication. The conversation emphasises the significance of creating a supportive home environment that prioritises effort over results, emp...

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan discusses five essential steps to unlocking higher kicks for dancers. She emphasises the importance of understanding personal restrictions, learning how to improve, creating a personalised plan, maintaining consistency, and tracking progress. The episode also highlights the benefits of joining the Kick Height Challenge for faster results and community support. &nbsp...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss essential strategies for dancers preparing for competitions, focusing on the importance of refining training, strengthening mental resilience, and managing nerves. They emphasise the need for quality training over quantity, the power of visualisation, and the significance of self-care and nutrition in the lead-up to performance day...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the importance of kick height in dance, sharing her personal journey and the mindset shifts that helped her overcome limitations. She emphasises the significance of understanding the physical factors affecting kick height, the necessity of consistency in practice, and the resources available for dancers to improve. Megan also introduces upcomi...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the mindset of dancers who are not competing in the World Championships. They explore how these dancers can find motivation, inspiration, and community support during this busy time. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of local competitions, learning from peers, coping with injuries, and managing social...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the topic of periods, sharing her personal experiences and insights on how the menstrual cycle impacts training and performance for dancers. She emphasises the importance of understanding one's body and using the menstrual cycle to one's advantage in training, while also addressing common questions and providing practical advice for managing p...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the importance of mindset in Irish dance, particularly in the lead-up to the World Championships. They explore how dancers can prepare mentally and physically, manage expectations, and deal with both successes and disappointments. The conversation emphasises the significance of goal setting, maintaining a positive mindset, and the...

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan shares her personal journey and experiences leading up to her first World Championships in Irish Dance. She discusses the emotions and pressures dancers face, the importance of goal setting, and how to manage expectations. Megan emphasises the significance of enjoying the moment and offers practical tips for first-time competitors. She also introduces the World Spri...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the often-overlooked role of dance parents in the mindset and training of their dancers. They explore how parents can support their children, the impact of dance on parents' lives, and the importance of building a community for dance parents. The conversation also highlights the need for parents to work on their own mindset and emo...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses the upcoming All Irelands Championships, emphasising the importance of preparation and mindset for dancers. She shares insights on managing competition pressure, the significance of solo recalls, and practical tips for success on the day of the event. Megan also highlights her upcoming masterclass designed to help dancers feel more prepared an...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the importance of local Feises in preparing dancers for major competitions. They explore how to optimise Feis experiences, the significance of using them as learning opportunities, and the role of curiosity in enhancing performance. The conversation also touches on the mindset strategies for both dancers and their parents, emphasis...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan reflects on her journey as an Irish dance movement and mindset coach over the past six years. She shares her excitement for the new year and discusses the evolution of her coaching methods, emphasising the importance of flexibility, mobility, and mindset in dance training. Megan introduces her 'What, Why, How' method, which helps dancers understand thei...

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan reflects on the past year and sets intentions for 2025. She discusses the importance of recognising achievements, learning from experiences, and embracing change. Megan shares personal insights about work-life balance, the significance of mentorship, and the joy of new beginnings as she steps into a role as a stepmum. She encourages listeners to take actionable step...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan and Annabelle discuss how to end the year with a positive mindset, emphasising the importance of taking breaks, reflecting on past experiences, and setting actionable goals for the new year. They encourage dancers and parents to engage in open conversations about their journeys, learn from their experiences, and create a supportive environment for growth. The ep...

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan discusses how Irish Dancers can navigate the festive season, emphasising the importance of taking a break from Dancing to recharge and spend quality time with family. She shares her personal experiences of Christmas, the significance of rest, and the potential challenges Dancers face during this time. Megan encourages listeners to engage in non-dance activities and...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the importance of mindset for dancers preparing to qualify. They share personal experiences, emphasise focusing on controllables, the role of parents, setting alternative goals, and the necessity of rest and recovery. The conversation aims to guide dancers and their parents through the mental challenges of competitive dance, provid...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses how to prepare for the upcoming Oireachtas season in Irish dance. She shares key tips focusing on reflection, planning, maintaining a champion mindset, and staying focused on performance day. Additionally, she highlights common mistakes dancers make leading up to the event, such as neglecting rest and sleep, and emphasises the importance of co...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan shares her insights and experiences from the Great Britain Championships, focusing on the importance of dancer confidence, managing expectations, and the role of nutrition and parental support in a dancer's journey. She emphasises the need for positive self-talk, the significance of mindset in competitions, and practical advice for dancers and parents t...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle discuss the challenges dancers face when dealing with disappointing results. They explore the emotional impact of these experiences, share personal stories, and provide insights on how to manage disappointment effectively. The conversation emphasises the importance of setting performance-based goals, open communication, and finding support...

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan shares her personal journey from being a competitive Irish dancer to becoming a professional dancer in Lord of the Dance. She discusses the challenges she faced during auditions, the transition to show dancing, and the importance of preparation and self-confidence. Megan emphasises the need for dancers to embrace opportunities, work hard, and not undere...

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan reflects on the journey of Move With Meg, detailing its origins, the impact of lockdown on dance training, the evolution of her coaching business, and the importance of community in supporting dancers. She shares insights on building a team, shifting focus from one-on-one training to community engagement, and her aspirations for the future of the Gold Club, emphasis...

In this episode, Megan explores the themes of vulnerability, emotional regulation, and personal growth through her experiences in Irish dance and therapy. She discusses the impact of emotional responses during competitions, the importance of boundaries, and the role of parents in supporting their dancers. Megan emphasises the need for authenticity and awareness in the dance community, aiming to cr...