Sober Mess Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dylan Evans, a two-time cancer survivor who refuses to let adversity define him. After first overcoming Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018, Dylan faced a relapse in 2024, enduring chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to get back into remission. Now, he’s taking on an immense physical challenge—the English ROC Triathlon—to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a char...

I went to Japan to mark 12 years sober, not just to celebrate not drinking, but to embrace the freedom sobriety has given me. From flying across the country on bullet trains, trying skiing for the first time, and fully embracing 7-Eleven’s elite food, this trip was all about new experiences. Sobriety has taken away the fear, and now anything feels possible. Grateful everyday.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Roostar, whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Originally from Essex, England, Rooster now lives his in Galway. He shares his powerful story of loss, addiction, and redemption—starting with the devastating loss of his sister at a young age, which led him to alcohol as a way to cope. Caught up in trouble and gang life, Rooster eventually mo...

Today, I’m joined by my great friend Lee Tutty, who shares his powerful journey through addiction and the path he took to recovery. With hope, courage, and faith, Lee overcame his struggles and found a new way forward. He talks about the people who supported him along the way and the role they played in his sober journey. Now working in education, Lee is passionate about helping young people, usin...

Today I'm grateful to be joined by my very good friend Darren Scanlon, a man who turned his life around and is now living proof of the power of determination and community. Darren opens up about how he faced the harsh reality that if he didn’t change his health, drinking habits, and lifestyle, he wouldn’t live long enough to see his kids grow up. That realization sparked his journey to transformat...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend, Jason Brophy — a man who wears many hats: transformation coach, entrepreneur, and dedicated father of two. With 15 years of sobriety, Jason shares his incredible journey of overcoming challenges, building a successful online coaching business, and previously running Men’s Hair Co. We dive into what it takes to balance work, parenting, and personal w...

In this episode, I sit down with Dom Rea, stand-up comedian and owner of Dun Laoghaire’s legendary Miami Cafe, a fish and chip shop that’s been serving the community for over 100 years. Dom shares his journey into comedy, how he overcame the fear of failure, and the surprising ways working in one of Dun Laoghaire’s busiest chippers helped sharpen his comedic skills. We dive into the lessons learne...

Today, I was joined by my friend Sarah Lawlor, an inspiring figure in the world of mental health advocacy. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse and Daffodil Nurse, Sarah brings her clinical expertise and genuine compassion to each role, focusing on empowering others to take charge of their mental health. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, she is also certifie...

In today’s episode, I'm honored to have Deirdre Gogarty, Ireland’s first female world champion boxer and a true pioneer in women’s boxing. Hailing from Drogheda, Deirdre broke through legal barriers that once prohibited women from competing in the ring in Ireland. Now, with a statue recently unveiled in her hometown in her honor, she reflects on her groundbreaking career and the obstacles she had...

In this episode, I'm joined by Maggie Klassens, founder of The Sober Summit, as she shares her personal journey to sobriety and the creation of her impactful virtual event. The Sober Summit September 25 - 27, 2024 The Free 3-day online virtual event bringing together the best authors, podcasters, experts and influencers in the sober community to show you the benefits of living an alcohol free life...

Today, I’m joined by my good friend Martin Shaw, an adventurer and endurance athlete who has embarked on incredible expeditions around the world, including reaching Everest Base Camp. He’s currently training for the Marathon des Sables, a grueling 250km race across the Sahara desert. In this episode, Martin opens up about his journey through addiction, discovering a passion for adventure, and find...

In this episode, I'm joined by Rowan O'Shea, a Kerry native now based in Dundee, Scotland, and the founder of Results 4 Life. Rowan shares his inspiring journey from battling addiction to becoming a dedicated coach, husband, and father of three. We dive deep into the power of sober communities, the role of health in recovery, and the natural resources that uplift and energize us. Rowan's story hig...

Today I'm joined by my good friend Kim Bellas. Kim tells her inspiring story of a devoted mother who chose to quit drinking for the love of her son. Meet Kim Bellas, an extraordinary woman who proved that alcohol isn't necessary to have a great time. Kim's youngest son, Matthew, faces the challenges of living with epilepsy, which makes drinking alcohol a dangerous option for him. Watching her son...

In today's episode, I sit down with my friend Dean Reddy, a passionate public speaker and advocate for addiction recovery. Dean is the co-host of the @lockstockand2jokingaddicts Podcast and the founder of @run4yourlifetoday, a running club focused on fostering community and healthy connections. Dean shares his powerful story, opening up about his challenging childhood experiences in gangs and the...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Jamie Dean, a gifted musician who recently released his latest single, Wonder. Jamie is also the founder of Spir Sauna, a space known for fostering deep connections and meaningful conversations. We reflect on our shared journey of sobriety, inspired by our own dads who were good friends that got sober together and how that shaped our lives in sobriet...

Today I was joined by the sister and one of Ireland's leading Wellbeing Coaches and Corporate Wellness Facilitator in Microsoft Ireland, Lisa Doolan aka the Wellbeing Queen. We talk about the gifts and the challenges of sobriety. We also chat about tips for de-stressing and keeping wellbeing a priority. If you've any questions or want further info, find Lisa on Instagram @wellbeingqueen https://in...

In today's episode, I am joined by Ciaran Mason, a dedicated health coach and ambassador for the charity Suicide or Survive. This year, Ciaran is undertaking the impressive challenge of running and cycling 500 kilometers to raise crucial funds for the charity, and he has already reached nearly half of his fundraising goal. Ciaran shares his deeply personal journey, discussing his battles with ment...

In this episode, I chat with the incredible and hilarious Aideen McQueen. Aideen is a stand-up comedian, Gaeilgeoir, Irish Teacher and proud Kilkennian. Aideen shares her experiences growing up on a farm in Kilkenny with her teacher parents and discovering her love for comedy through the iconic Cat Laughs Comedy Festival going on to perform in venues such as Vicar street, Edinburgh comedy festival...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Romano (Mano) O'Kane, a dynamic Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, and Co-Host of the immensely popular Podcast Lock Stock and Two Joking Addicts. Hailing from Sligo Town, Romano shares his remarkable journey from a past entangled in crime and addiction to a present filled with sobriety and newfound purpose. With candid honesty, Romano recounts hitting rock...

In today's episode I sit down with the incredible Peter Priestley, the driving force behind Tigh 'N Alluis Sauna, the Irish Sweat House nestled amidst the breathtaking Wicklow mountains within Glencullen Adventure Park. Peter wears many hats: Sauna Master, Yoga Instructor, and Breathwork Teacher. He shares his personal odyssey of how the age-old rituals of sauna and breathwork became transformativ...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Mary Hulgraine, the Kildare goalkeeper and Two-Time All Ireland winner, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming mental health struggles and addiction. As a certified Personal Trainer, Life Coach, and group facilitator in an addiction treatment center, Mary's authentic story resonates deeply. From her challenging childhood to battling addiction while excelli...

In this episode, I sit down with Seanie Smyth, the Founder of Mindyourself365, to delve into his remarkable journey from building his yoga business from scratch to leading 200 individuals in yoga sessions on Portmarnock beach. We explore the origins of his passion for yoga, tracing back to his early life experiences and his transformative trek to India. From reminiscing about his rugby days to dis...

Today I was joined by Kate Taylor, a writer, author and podcaster. Kate, whose journey into sobriety not only reshaped her life but also redefined her creative process. Discover how embracing sobriety became the catalyst for unlocking new levels of creativity and authenticity in Kate's work. From navigating the challenges of addiction to harnessing newfound clarity and inspiration, Kate shares inv...

In today's episode, I'm joined by my friend Seamus Fox, a Mindset Coach, Mentor, Author, Human Behaviour Specialist and owner of SF Fitness in Derry, who also hosts the Seamus Fox Podcast. Together, we delve into our personal sober journeys of overcoming the belief that alcohol enhanced our lives, when in reality, it served as an unhealthy coping mechanism, hindering our growth. We explore the pro...

Today, I had the pleasure of hosting my friend Mikey Power on the podcast. Mikey hails from Innishannon, known as the gateway to West Cork, and he's a proud Cork man (although born in the mighty Dublin!). Mikey tells his inspiring story of his struggles with addiction, being sentence to prison and the moment he turned his whole life around. Now, he serves as a coach and trainer, dedicating himself...