Real Talks with Alan O'Mara

In this episode, we sat down with Irish sports journalist and television presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn, and had an honest and heartfelt chat about her career and so much more. We talked about Evanne's book,  The Great Irish Book of Gaelic Games ,  and how she loves a challenge. We also discussed the current state of women's sports, sharing and storytelling, and her journey through grief, IV...

In this week’s episode, host Alan O'Mara and producer Mary Kate Boylan sit down to talk about topics including asking for help, how they feel about the word 'resilience' and turning awareness into action. Using last week’s interview with comedian Emman Idama as a jumping off point, Alan and Mary Kate chat through their reflections from the week. Trigger warning for the episode: Emman i...

Emman Idama is a Nigerian Irish comedian, and a rising star on the comedy scene. Emman MC’s at In Stitches Comedy Club in Dublin, and has been seen on Comedy Central. He’s won Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year twice, and was a Chortle Comedy Finalist in 2019. He co-hosts the Acting the Maggot podcast. We’re sitting down with Emman in person, while he’s in New York for his US debut, which was a...

During this week’s episode, host Alan O'Mara and producer Mary Kate Boylan sit down to talk about quitting. Using last week’s interview with musician Ciarán Moran as a jumping off point, Alan and Mary Kate chat through their reflections from the week. We also have an exciting giveaway thanks to Connemara Marble. To enter, just make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and follow the @heyrealta...

In this week’s episode, we sat down with musician Ciarán Moran.  Ciarán Moran is a rising star on the Irish music scene, and a native of North Inner City Dublin. The singer songwriter has toured and performed with Damien Dempsey, and gained praise from Irish music pioneers including Christy Moore, Glen Hansard and Finbar Furey. His 2023 single ‘It’s OK’ hit #1 on the Irish iTunes charts. We chatte...

In this week’s episode, Alan and producer Mary Kate sit down to talk self-compassion, journaling and the power of listening. Using last week’s interview with Olympian Emmet Brennan as a jumping off point, Alan and Mary Kate chat through their reflections from the week. Subscribe to the Real Talks newsletter at www.realtalks.news, and follow us on social media @heyrealtalks.

We sat down with Olympian and Irish boxer Emmet Brennan after his victorious US debut in New York City’s Sony Hall. Emmet talked about hitting his post-Olympics rock bottom with alcohol, and reflected on his journey, getting sober, and chasing his dreams. If you enjoy this episode, please rate or review the show on whatever podcast platform you prefer. You can also sign up for our newsletter here,...

Alan and Mary Kate sat down to chat and reflect on last week's conversation with Katie Boyle. They also discuss their experiences of starting therapy on different sides of the Atlantic, hitting rock bottom and talk about the importance of good friends. Our newsletter is available at www.realtalks.news and includes helpful resources as well as the name of next week's podcast guest!

Katie Boyle is an Irish comedian living in New York City. Her debut album “I’ll Do it Myself” dropped in June 2023, hitting number * one* in the iTunes charts. It’s been streamed more than 330,000 times on Youtube. She tours all over the US and Ireland. She is the host of The Shift podcast and has been heard on Sirius XM. Katie’s been featured in the Hollywood Reporter, Irish Independent and The I...

Host Alan O'Mara and producer Mary Kate Boylan discuss the return of the podcast and what listeners can expect from weekly episodes. This series, which originated in Ireland and is now based in New York, will celebrate leading figures from music, sport, art and life. Each episode will feature vulnerable discussions that empower listeners to live happier, healthier and more successful lives. Si...

A message from Real Talks Founder Alan O'Mara! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Alan

For this special Christmas episode of the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland wellbeing series, we were joined by Stephen Lynch. Earlier in 2023, Stephen raised an incredible €70,000 for SOSAD Ireland and Mental Health Ireland by running the length of the island. It was a gruelling challenge of 563km, full of highs and lows, that tested him physically, mentally and emotionally. If you enjoy this episode...

**This interview by Alan O'Mara was first published as part of The Players Voice series.** Kerry GAA goalkeeper Martin Stackpoole joined host Alan O’Mara to open up in great detail about his gambling addiction and his recovery. Martin talks about his struggle to reach out for help, what he learned from spending time in a treatment centre and how much he is enjoying living life on his own terms aga...

**This interview by Alan O'Mara was first published as part of The Players Voice series.** During this powerful and insightful conversation, Kildare footballer Mary Hulgraine reflects on her well-being journey and recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. She talks about the importance of accepting help and shares some of the highs and lows of life in recovery. Mary also chats about learning to lo...

This is a clip from my recent conversation with Liverpool and Ireland footballer Leanne Kiernan. During our full conversation, Leanne reflects on the ups and downs of her journey so far and explains how tough times have helped her to build resilience and confidence. Leanne also shares her experience of grief and discusses the importance of friendship, family and reaching out for professional suppo...

We were joined by Leanne Kiernan for the latest episode of the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series. A brilliant footballer from Bailieborough in Cavan, Leanne has represented Ireland at the highest level. She is also the reigning player of the year for Liverpool Football Club. Leanne reflects on the ups and downs of her journey so far and explains how tough times have helped her to bui...

What is Growth Mindset and why is it important? How can you develop Growth Mindset in your day to day life? A mindset is a mental attitude that determines how we understand and respond to situations. In a growth mindset, people believe that what they are capable of can be developed by putting in time and effort. Growth mindset empowers us to move through setbacks, develop resilience and improve ou...

Authenticity is matching what is going on inside of us, in our thoughts and feelings, to what we express outwardly through our words, actions and choices. Being authentic supports holistic well-being and encourages happiness, fulfilment, and high self-esteem. Being authentic makes us more likely to pursue our passions and believe in ourselves. In this mini mental skills masterclass, performance an...

This clip is a short extract from the recent episode with David Balfe (aka For Those I Love). During the conversation, the Irish album of the year winner gave some fascinating insight into his experience of panic attacks and talks about the practical strategies he learned in therapy that have helped him to cope, deal and control panic attacks. You can find the full conversation with David over at...

This episode is the second part of a conversation with David Balfe (aka For Those I Love). David discussed how he struggled with grief and depression. He talks about the importance of therapy and reaching out for professional support. Each episode of the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series is hosted by Real Talks Founder Alan O’Mara, who is also a former Cavan GAA player, an author and...

What is self-compassion and why is it important? How can you develop self-compassion? Self-compassion is a crucial mental skill at the centre of the well-being journey. Life challenges us all in different ways but self-compassion can help us to be kinder to ourselves when experiencing hardship. This video with Performance and Well-being Coach Alan O'Mara is part of the Real Talks with SOSAD Irelan...

Welcome to the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series. This episode is with David Balfe (aka For Those I Love). David is a renowned musician that has featured on some of the world’s biggest stages. His self-titled album, For Those I Love, won Irish album of the year. In this episode, David talks about self-worth, depression and panic attacks. He talks about the power of counselling and th...

Welcome to the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series. This is a teaser clip from our upcoming conversation with David Balfe (aka For Those I Love), which will be released on October 6. David talks about self-worth, depression and panic attacks. He talks about the power of counselling and the long and winding process of learning to cope, survive and live again after mental health challeng...

What is resilience and why is it important? How can you develop resilience? Resilience is a crucial mental skill at the centre of the well-being journey. Life challenges us all in different ways but resilience can help us to both survive and thrive. This clip with Performance and Well-being Coach Alan O'Mara is part of the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series. Visit www.sosadireland.ie/...

What is self-awareness? Why is self-awareness important? How can you develop self-awareness? This clip with Performance and Well-being Coach Alan O'Mara is part of the Real Talks with SOSAD Ireland well-being series. Visit www.sosadireland.ie/real-talks/ to learn more about mental skills and listen to in-depth conversations with Rory’s Stories, Leanne Kiernan and For Those I Love.