Scratching The Surface

Natasha Majella, from Ballycastle (my hometown) wrote and self-published the children’s book ‘The Magical Merchaun’s- The Great Escape’ from Sydney, Australia, with her faraway niece and nephew in mind. In this episode we scratch the surface of how Natasha’s imagination and vision of Toothy-Joe the nasty pirate and Mariella the queen of the sea became a top selling storybook on Amazon within month...

I get the lowdown on Iceland from my friend Lizzie, who has been to this “majestic”, “chilled out”, “stunning” place twice now. We scratch the surface of activities, trips and natural phenomena to discover, and Liz shares a few anecdotes about accidentally taking her daughter into a phallic museum and finding her hubby Gareth (aka drummer of local band The Discobeard’s) dobbleganger in the Viking...

I reminisce about our dreamy road trip around South Greece- the detailed itinerary that we completely winged as we drove. I scratch the surface of what we got upto day by day, including some totally unnecessary details. I am honest about how I managed to cope with such a busy trip by taking lots of rest among the parties, hikes, exploring, long drives, and excitement, but I hope to inspire those w...

Listen in to be inspired by solo-global-traveller Elizabeth Murphy as we Scratch the Surface of nannying and studying abroad; the societal pressures of today that can be eased by simple conversation, kindness, and valuing yourself enough to follow your own desires; and her amazing, interesting, trauma-informed work as a Drama Therapist. I could talk to Elizabeth all day about her Masters, groundbr...

I chat with Lisa and Katherine about something I’ve been literally dipping a toe in for a while now. We just scratch the surface of the healing benefits of dipping in freezing water no matter if it is the sea, a lake or a waterfall; the love for the whole experience of going to the beach, psyching themselves up before going in and the exhilarating feeling after coming out; and the absolute necessi...

Tune in to hear Julie, as a Historian, compare her trips within Europe to holidays in America. We scratch the surface of our mini-break together to Krakow, and Julie has some history tips for East Coast America cities. This episode is sure to have you craving a little magical trip to DISNEY! I know I sure am!

I thoroughly enjoyed recording this episode with Amy, an old friend from Liverpool, as you can hear from the multiple times I cannot speak for laughing! It was so refreshing to look back on fun, life-changing, mind-opening experiences, especially to Scratch the Surface of just how much growth, learning, and cultural awareness we both gained in our shared Eastern experience. We discuss the impact o...

Brona Alexander, from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, is one authentic, mindful, inspiring lady for young women. In an exciting chat about travels, volunteering, and working abroad, Brona opens up about coming out in her early twenties; transitioning to veganism; how she keeps her anxiety in check; and how she found and uses her gut instinct no matter how difficult the decision is. We just Scratch...

Starting off the new year and podcast chats with my favourite topic- TRAVELLING THE WORLD! I scratch the surface of a once-in-a-lifetime, dream trip to Africa with my good friend Laura Farren. Hear us chat about the beautiful people, views, activities, and culture that can only be experienced in Africa. All I can say is WOW! When is South Africa out of the Red List ‘til I Hakuna Matata my way over...

Hello lovely people, I've missed you! I really enjoy this little hobby of podcasting and talking about all the things I find meaningful in life. Welcome to 2022, and my new format of EVERYTHING GOES! As you will hear in this episode, I'm not one for sticking to the beaten path, so same goes for a structured, perfect creation.. A bit like my perfectly imperfect self, personality and life... Scratch...

Just an inspired, hopeful Irish girl Scratching the Surface of what I am learning on my brain cancer journey. Thanks for all your support, I aim to spread some inspiration, hope (and a few giggles). See you all for an exciting change up in Season Two. Love and Light to you all, Tara.

For the finale episode of the Holistic Healing Series, I chat with OMS (OvercomingMS) Nutritionist Sam Josephs. We scratch the surface of the seven-step recovery program, which I believe is the optimum lifestyle for ALL, not just those with an autoimmune disease. Sam reinforces the importance of exercise, getting outdoors in the sunshine, minding our mind, and she is a fountain of knowledge on all...

Claire is a fountain of knowledge in so many areas! Listen to us just scratching the surface of a holistic lifestyle: fitness, treatments, recovery, diet, self worth, boundaries and striving for overall wellbeing. Claire is so positive and inspiring, despite a difficult past. Her laugh alone will have you smiling.

I talk with the lovely Dora Sek about how yoga transformed her anxious mind, and therefore her life. Dora is very open about her life journey which led her across the continent and to take the leap in starting her own yoga instructing business. Dora shares her expertise on different types of yoga, and encourages everyone to find some peace of mind through the practice of Yoga Nidra. We discuss how...

Continuing my quest to discover alternative healing, I chat with Susan O’Brien from @tutusgarden about some of her hobbies and passions. This star girl has an infectious zest for life; and listening to her personal experience of connecting with the world around her is sure to inspire others. We scratch the surface of how to flip the narrative on the current climate crisis, the benefits of connecti...

I chat with an old friend Aaron Kelly, who is a counsellor in Edinburgh and a member of the pastoral care team at Edinburgh University. To date, I have spoken to professionals working with adults, children, teenagers- join me as I continue my series on exploring mental health. I scratch the surface of how our student population are coping with these uncertain times. Aaron is very forward thinking...

I chat with two past colleagues about how teenagers in our society are coping with the effects of the pandemic, and why mental health is on the increase. I just scratch the surface with Sophia and Val (family support workers in Northern Ireland), about what I class as much a pandemic as Covid-19... YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.

I chat with Jade McCormick from Jade’s Holistic’s and Skin Care about massage, skin analysing, self-care, and beautiful treatments that are becoming ever more popular now that lockdown restrictions are lifting and people are becoming more aware of the need to mind their mental health. We scratch the surface of pregnancy treatments and men finally starting to check in with their holistic wellbeing.

For the third episode in my holistic healing series, I strip it back to where my interest and passion in Holistic’s began- on Jenny Morris’ reflexology bed! We discuss the benefits of reflexology from prenatal right through to elderly, and all in between. Jenny is so knowledgeable and open, I know her light will reach each and every listener.

Welcome to the second episode in my holistic healing series! I chat with Leigh Telford about all things “woo woo” that we ALL have the ability to tap into for our own well-being journey. I see Leigh as my mentor for understanding all parts of myself and not just focusing on the physical body. We scratch the surface of self-care; energy transfer; balancing our individual masculine and feminine ener...

I chat with my teacher pals Fran and MaryJane about the reality of teaching in these uncertain times. We discuss the pros and cons of the recent lockdown(s!!!) We address the impact the pandemic has had on education and the mental health of our tiny loved ones. We share our vision of a better society for all children (the adults of tomorrow)!

Welcome to the first episode in my Holistic Healing series, which I will be releasing alongside my conversations on all things real and current. I think it is so necessary right now as we slowly come out of lockdown. I chat with Christine Russell from @essentialsisters, my doTERRA essential oil mentor, all about why and how these oils really are the best! We scratch the surface of our individual h...

I talk with Julie Mulvaney, Master of History, all things real about our past, our ancestors, and the troubles that they faced (no pun intended). Julie, founder of @helpfulhistories gives us an insight to the reality of mental health throughout history, the common beliefs that were held, and gruesome treatments that were carried out until not that long ago! We discuss Royals; the treatment of wome...

I chat with Jack Sheehan, an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist about the reality of lockdown and isolation, which we all know too well. Jack gives good insight into the psychology of our fluctuating moods in these uncertain times, and shares tips that listeners can start to implement in their daily lives today!

It's been a while in the making, as I am very much still recovering from Brain Cancer and all the nasties that come with that diagnosis. Be prepared to be shocked, maybe cry, hopefully laugh, and the main thing open up your mind and learn something new. This is an introduction to me, my crazy life journey so far, and scratching the surface of all the things I'm truly passionate about.