Sober Mess Podcast

James Lumumba joins The Sober Mess Podcast for an honest conversation about mental health, vulnerability, healing, and the power of speaking openly. We explore resilience, recovery, and why meaningful conversations can change lives. Be sure to check out James' podcast, Don't Be Afraid to Talk, and follow him on Instagram: @dontbeafraidtotalk

Jonathan Miller is a leadership coach, team facilitator, and Managing Director of Human Engineering. With over 20 years of experience working with leaders and teams around the world, he helps people improve communication, performance, self-awareness, and leadership effectiveness. We discuss leadership, Carl Jung personal growth, mindset, and what it takes to create lasting change.

Lisa Doolan is a wellbeing coach, speaker, and founder of Healing Hikes. She helps people improve their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing through nature, movement, community, and personal development. We discuss wellbeing, healing, faith, nature, eating disorders, sobriety and why your past does not have to define your future. Follow Lisa: @thewellbeingqueenx

Denis O’Reilly is a runner, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate who rebuilt his life after a serious car crash that forced him to confront trauma, anxiety, and deep self-doubt. Through running, Pilates, therapy, and honest conversations about mental health, Denis now helps others reconnect with themselves and find strength through vulnerability. Denis is currently taking on a charity ru...

In this episode, I sit down with Ciara, who is 22 years old and is celebrating two years sober today! Ciara shares honestly about how her drinking started when she was around 15. What began as typical teenage drinking slowly became more and more problematic, and over time alcohol and other substances started to take over her life. She talks about how she was living for the weekends, where drinking...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Sean, who shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life. Sean opens up about his struggles with both substance use and a serious gambling problem, and how these challenges affected his relationships, mental health, and sense of self. He speaks honestly about the battles he faced along the way, the...

In this episode, I’m joined by my sister Lisa Doolan, a wellness specialist, for a deep and open conversation about sobriety, self-love, and emotional health. We talk about how the work we do on ourselves shapes the relationships in our lives, the importance of community, and how to stay grounded in a fast-changing world — including the role AI now plays in our daily lives. This is a reflective, p...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Collie Mac — a trail runner, explorer, and someone who truly lives for the outdoors. Collie opens up about stepping away from alcohol, finding peace in the mountains, and how getting outside completely changed his outlook on life. We talk about early morning hikes, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and why those quiet moments in n...

Today I sit down with my good friend Ciarán McIvor, the creator of Boxing Bants. Ciarán spent six years travelling around Ireland covering professional boxing, before stepping away to focus on a much deeper journey of self-discovery. In this episode, we talk openly about mental health, ADHD, and the challenges of understanding yourself later in life. Ciarán shares how plant medicine shifted his en...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Andrew “Mo” Mowat for an honest chat about nature, balance, and the simple habits that support our mental health. Mo talks about the power of getting outdoors, embracing Ireland’s elements, and how practising gratitude helped him through tougher moments. We also dive into reconnecting with your inner child, bringing more play...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend Paul Whelan, a talented singer-songwriter from Dublin. Paul opens up about his journey from the streets of Ringsend to the stage, sharing his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and how embracing sobriety has transformed his life. Paul is also an avid sea dipper and an active member of Blue Balls Ireland, a men’s mental-hea...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Jason Byrne, founder of Ballymun Running Club and Rise Above It. Jason’s journey from addiction to sobriety is nothing short of inspiring, and he now uses his experiences to uplift others. We explore the ripple effect of recovery — how sobriety transforms not only individuals but whole communities. From the challenges and triu...

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dean Davis, a remarkable triathlete, coach, and endurance athlete. Dean has completed several full-distance Ironman races, achieved the incredible milestone of going sub-9.30 hours, and continues to inspire others through his dedication to sport and sobriety. We dive into his journey of overcoming personal challenges, discover...

I’m joined by my sister, Lisa Doolan, a well-being specialist, to explore how recovery transforms our relationships. We talk about codependency, building healthier connections with family, friends, and partners, and how the more we work on ourselves, the stronger our relationships become. We also share the uplifting experience of seeing Robbie Williams sober, and the practical tools Lisa uses to k...

Today I’m joined by my very good friend, Derek Sherry — a man with one of the best tans in Ireland and a story that’s even brighter. Derek’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and community. In the 80s and 90s, he was a familiar face on Dublin’s nightlife scene — but behind the music and mayhem, he was battling trauma, addiction, and depression. A few years ago, a crippling back injury...

Fresh back from a weekend in Glasgow for a sober AA convention, I share stories from the trip — including a park run that ended with me being called a jobby by local winos. Between the laughs, I dig into emotional sobriety: how to ride out the ups and downs of long-term recovery, avoid getting lost in materialism, and build the kind of self-esteem that isn’t tied to superficial things. It’s about...

Today I was joined by my good friend Ronan Sharkey. Ronan was born with Cerebral Palsy and given just 48 hours to live. As a kid, he was told he’d never ride a bike or play sports, and was pushed toward special education. But Ronan didn’t let any of those labels stick. He fought through every barrier — physical, mental, and social — and today, he’s out conquering some of the toughest trail ultrama...

This is a short solo episode where I talk about the importance of taking action and not getting stuck in procrastination. I share my thoughts on how the past isn’t something to use to beat ourselves up — it’s there to guide us. I also dive into how the struggles and hard times we go through can actually help us connect with others on a deeper level. They make us better communicators, better listen...

In this episode, I talk about my experience doing the 14 Peaks Ultra and then walking the Camino de Santiago soon after. I share what both of these challenges taught me — about slowing down, gratitude, and being present. I also chat about the importance of keeping good things in the toolbox. Life gets tough sometimes, and when it does, it helps to have healthy coping mechanisms to turn to. Whether...

Today I'm joined by I’m by Patrick-Joseph — founder of Breathe Trust Flow, facilitator of men’s circles and Moonstock gatherings, Wim Hof Method instructor, and a deeply grounded voice in the world of holistic healing. But before the breathwork, retreats, and spiritual leadership, there was a moment — standing in a room, looking down at the floorboards after another night of partying — when someth...

In this episode of The Sober Mess, I’m joined by Lisa Mullarney — a holistic life coach, spiritual guide, and passionate advocate for the sober lifestyle. Nearly 8 years sober, Lisa shares her powerful journey of transformation, healing, and self-discovery. We dive into her early struggles with addiction, what led her to choose sobriety, and how that decision sparked a deeper journey into energy w...

In this episode of The Sober Mess, I’m joined by my good friend Amy Cassidy — a brilliant stand-up comedian based in Dublin and an advocate for autism awareness. Amy shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 31, and how it helped her make sense of a lifetime of low energy, burnout, and emotional struggles that went unrecognised for years. We dive into the challenges sh...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with one of my best friends, Conor Byrne — a runner, mental health advocate, and five years sober after getting sober at the age of 20. Conor opens up about his journey through addiction, psychosis, and time spent in treatment centers, and how he slowly rebuilt his life through recovery, running, and sea dips. From the depths of despair to crossing the finish l...

In this episode, I’m joined by Séamus, aka The Mindful Rambler—a yoga, martial arts, and mindfulness instructor based in Dublin. Séamus shares his powerful journey through sobriety and how it led him to a more grounded, connected life. We talk about the healing power of movement, breath, and presence, and how these tools can support mental wellness and personal freedom. It’s an honest, inspiring c...

Today in joined by my very good friend Will Boyle. Will is a rising force in the endurance world, recently smashing a 2:39 marathon in Barcelona. A committed runner and proud member of the sober community, Will believes the true secret to performance isn’t just in the training—it’s in the people you surround yourself with. His journey is one of discipline, self-discovery, and connection, both on a...