Pockets of Joy with Niamh O'Connell

Today on Pockets of Joy my guest is Jody O’Neill, writer of the award-winning play “What I don’t know about Autism”. Dive into this pocket of Joy as we discuss our shared neurodivergence, our experiences of labour and birth as women on the spectrum, how Jody makes time for self-care, her writing process, creating accessible experiences in the arts, and the social model of disability. The video ver...

This episode I speak to Dr. Anthony Delaney, historian, broadcaster and actor about his upcoming book Queer Georgians, queer Irish history, trans rights, gender identity and Ireland's same sex marriage referendum. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss the Georgian period of Enlightenment, some fascinating characters from Irish history and our shared love of pizza! His book will be published w...

This episode I speak to award-winning Irish comedian, Shane Daniel Byrne about his career to date. You might know his podcast Young Hot Guys. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss his sell-out success at Edinburgh, his self-care routine during show season and his visions for the future.  Follow Shane here: https://aviarytalent.com/shane-daniel-byrne https://www.tiktok.com/@shanedanbyrne_...

This episode I speak to the multitalented Clare O'Malley, Irish actor, singer and songwriter who has worked transatlantically for most of her career. After decades of bringing other people's work to life, Clare is writing her own material now. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss her career off-Broadway, having confidence and courage in the performance industry, songwriting, creative express...

This episode my guest is Dublin native, actor and writer Lauren Larkin, whose short film One More Round just premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last month. This film deals with a young couples struggles during IVF treatments, showing their emotional and financial strain with beautiful depth.  Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss family dynamics, juggling careers and motherhood, the San...

Mari Kennedy, a Wise Woman in the Celtic Tradition, joins me to discuss her Next Stage Celtic Wheel, drawing on the ancient wheel of the year, a framework for working within the changing seasons to get the best use of our natural energy and rhythms. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh this August, having the "wild craic", insights about our perception of ti...

Starting off Season 2 with one of my greatest joys: Disney!! Nerding out with Disney Expert Andrea McLeod, who goes to Florida x3 per year to get her Disney fix! Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss tips and tricks to get the most from your Disneyland holiday, the magic and music of the movies, our favourite characters, Pixar, Loungefly collectables, home decor, Disney weddings and more!! Sh...

Rounding off Season 1 is the multi-talented creatrix Lucy H. Pearce. Her books "Burning Woman", "Moon Time", "The Kitchen Witch Companion" are regulars on my bookshelves and I recommend her work to everyone I know. Her books are life-changing, transformational and inspirational. She opened Womancraft Publishing house to give voice to the oft-silenced works that traditional publishers were ignoring...

I am delighted to introduce my guest for this episode: Dublin-based actor and writer Mags McAuliffe who wrote and toured her one-woman show The Humours of Bandon for the last eight years. This play explores what happens when we leave behind a childhood passion that was our everything. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss beginning a career as an "older" graduate, motherhood, Mags' writing pr...

Ciarán McCarthy of Eyeful Things Optical in New Brunswick, Canada has built a sustainable business with an “underground / speakeasy” vibe. In this episode he talks about the “adventure” of entrepreneurship and the organic, intuitive way he is building his business.  Ciarán sources vintage deadstock and fine eyewear for his business. He has followed his intuition and created a career path that...

My guest for this episode is character specialist, creator of Strawberry Shortcake & the Care Bears, Muriel Juneberry Fahrion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Muriel’s characters meant so much to me growing up, they really captured my imagination, and I think I speak for so many 80s children when I say they gave me whimsy, escapism and joy as a child. Let’s dive into this pocket of joy and hear Muriel’s me...

Nicola is a mum of 5, and an IBCLC registered Lactation Consultant with a background in pediatric nursing. Nicola supports mums who want desperately to breastfeed, and those who are finished their breastfeeding journey and ready to wean. She is non-judgemental, realistic and focused on results. She began her training with Cuidiu, and became an IBCLC lactation consultant in 2005. Nicola not only he...

Lisa Kelly of Celtic Woman & Riverdance fame joins Niamh O'Connell to discuss her current business "The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy", her podcast "Middleage-ish", her past career touring with stage shows and young children, and how her career took off in the early 2000s. Lisa's four children are extremely talented: champion Irish dancers / actors and we talk motherhood, "the juggle" of every work...

Ben Murnane discusses the writer's life, Chat GPT, his biography of transhumanist US presidential candidate Zoltan Istvan and the idea of extending life expectancy using technology and medical innovation. We discuss Ayn Rand and her philosophy influencing Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, if the future of human writing jobs is threatened by AI, the wild escapades of Zoltan Istvan and how he and Ben ca...

Anna Day of Wild Simplicity joins Niamh O'Connell to discuss paring back the non-essentials to let our true self shine through. From decluttering your physical spaces to improving your mental health, letting go of what's holding us back and coming into our power, Anna describes her work with women's circles in the most powerful way. (Timestamps below) We discuss being the Good Girl / Perfectionist...

Anne Harper from Co. Down discusses her music & storytelling career. Anne shares her love of Irish heritage & history, folklore & nature. She describes the campaign to save a neolithic burial place from destruction. We discuss our shared neurodivergence in the context of being a creative entrepreneur & feminine power. We discuss birth and the power of Mother Nature in the face of "...

Fiona Ferris joins us on Pockets of Joy from New Zealand to discuss her creative life as author of the popular "How to be Chic" blog and books "The Peaceful Life" and "Loving your Epic Small Life". Her books espouse self-development, positive mindset and living a luxuriously elegant life on a budget. Pockets of Joy is designed to bring you happiness every week through our conversations with inspir...