The Grief Pod

Jack Ebbs is running this years Dublin Marathon in memory of his cousin Jenny O’Riordan, who passed away aged just 26, to sudden cardiac death. In this episode Jack talks about his passion for raising awareness to save others, the symptoms to look out for and the incredible work of CRY Ireland to help support those affected.

TV Presenter and Panto Star, Alan Hughes was just 10 years old, when he lost both his Mum and Dad within 6 months of each other. In this weeks episode of The Grief Pod, Alan talks about how he survived the trauma of losing both his parents at such a young age, his subsequent heartbreak at losing his sister Doreen and his brother David, his mission to make memories for families at the Panto and how...

Author Julia Kelly’s Mum, Delphine passed away swimming in The Galápagos Islands in 2012. While her new book Still is a memoir of her Mum, it is also her way of saying, goodbye. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Julia talks about her Mum and how she embraced life following the death of Julia’s Dad, John. She also talks about the trauma of giving birth to her baby, Lucia, 17 weeks into her pregnanc...

Dr Suzanne Crowe is a consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, President of the Irish Medical Council, and Author of a new book ‘Intensive Care, True stories of healing, heartache and hope from inside Irish children’s medicine’ In this weeks episode of The Grief POD, Suzanne describes how the death of her baby daughter, Beatrice affected her, and changed her purpose as a doctor, the impact of losi...

Tony Griffin, a GAA All Star in hurling, stepped aside from his career to cycle 7,000km across Canada, as he tried to come to terms with the death of his Dad, Jerome. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Tony openly talks about the difficulty he had understanding his grief and expressing it, and how that period in his life inspired ‘Saying Goodbye’ a chapter in his new edition of ‘The Teenagers Book...

In this episode of The Grief Pod, Businesswoman, Entrepreneur and Journalist Norah Casey talks about balancing life and loss, after the death of her husband Richard, the physical exhaustion of grief and the importance of looking forward and not back.

Alan Fletcher played Dr Karl Kennedy in the iconic soap Neighbours for 30 years. In this weeks episode he talks about the challenges of acting out bereavement scenes and the impact the end of the series had for some viewers. Alan also talks about his late Mum’s spirituality, how she inspires his music, the loss of his two dogs Lola and Teddy and our need to be kinder. Alan will be performing with...

‘Ambiguous Loss’ refers to a loss that remains unclear, making it impossible to grieve in a ‘traditional’ way. This is the sort of grief, many experience when a loved one goes missing. On this weeks episode, Jean Mahon talks about her brother Richard Doolan, who has been missing for 24 years.

Grief and loss run through the core of Author, Liz Nugent’s novels. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Liz talks about her own personal grief, how losing her Dad has impacted on her life, and the connection she has with the struggles of her characters.

Purple House, was founded in 1990 to help families for whom cancer has become part of their daily lives. On this weeks episode of The Grief Pod, Louise Mulgrew talks about losing her Dad, Mum and Sister to cancer, in a very short space of time, how her loss inspired the fundraising Beirne 3 Peaks Challenge, and her work for Purple House

A few weeks ago broadcaster Nikki Hayes spoke openly and honestly about her struggles with addiction, homelessness and her recent journey of recovery. On this weeks episode, Nikki shares what the reaction has been like, the guilt and grief of the lost years with her daughter, the trauma of her Dads passing and the kindness of people she met whilst living on the streets.

The senseless murder of Kathleen Chada’s two boys Eoghan 10, and Ruairi 5, at the hands of their father almost 12 years ago, is a story that still continues to shock and sadden. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Kathleen talks about her campaigning for victims, and the laws that need to change, her struggle during COVID and how her love for her two boys keeps her going

Ten years ago, Joanne Ryan returned one evening to find her partner, Killian had died suddenly at home. He was 31. In this weeks episode, Joanne talks about Killian’s death from sudden cardiac failure, the complexities of trying to move forward and the support she found through Cry Ireland

Singer Paul Harrington, lost his Mum and four of his siblings to cancer, in a short space of time. In this weeks episode of The Grief Pod, Paul discusses the impact such tremendous loss has had on his life, his feelings of anger and regret, and his search for positivity.

On this episode of The Grief Pod, Life and Health Coach, Helen Walsh talks about how to find a ‘new kind of normal’ after a bereavement, how to start over when all you want is for things to stay the same, how grief affects the nervous system and the importance of self care.

Victoria Mary Clarke, lost her husband Shane McGowan 18 months ago. After having been together for nearly 40 years, talks about the coping strategies that get her through the deep dark days, the importance of supporting people going through grief in your community and how Shane would like to be remembered

On this weeks episode, Life Celebrant Conor Clear talks about the alternative ways to celebrate the memory of a loved one, in a way that is fitting to them. Conor also talks about the need for us all to plan ahead, and let our loved ones know how we would like to be remembered, and how we all can create meaningful ceremonies to reflect our unique lives.

One of Ireland’s most beloved singers, Christy Dignam lost his long battle with cancer, 2 years ago next month. On this weeks podcast, his daughter Kiera talks for the first time about the day her Dad died, his reactions to false press reports of his passing, and her continuing journey to come to terms with his death.

Behavioural Psychotherapist, Child bereavement Expert & Founder of Zest Life Therapeutic Services, Stuart Wilson is Venetia's guest on this episode of The Grief Pod. As part of his non profit children’s charity, Stuart has travelled to Eastern Europe, Africa and India, helping Child Prisoners, former Child Soliders and girls sold into slavery, over come their trauma and grief. They also talk about...

When Stocktons Wing’s, Mike Hanrahan lost his Mum four years ago, he found a new calling to focus his life on Dementia, and how the creative arts could vastly improve the quality of life for those suffering from the disease. In this episode Mike talks about the ‘living grief’ for those with Dementia and their loved ones, the stigma that surrounds it and the importance of contact for those who suff...

Actress, Comedian & Talk Show host, Rosie O’Donnell is my guest on this week’s episode of The Grief Pod. Rosie talks to me about losing her Mum, a few days before her 11th birthday, and how since moving to Ireland in January, she feels her presence more than ever. She also talks about her new documentary, highlighting the importance of service dogs for children with autism ‘Unleashing Hope’, her w...

In December 2012, Sally Anne Parker Clarkes son Andrew, took his own life at aged 16. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Sally Anne, talks about the continuing stigma around suicide, the everyday grief that his her new normal and the importance of organ donation.

Four years ago, Jason Pooles sisters Jennie, was stabbed to death in her apartment, by her ex partner , while her 4 year old son was the other side of the hall door. On this weeks episode of The Grief Pod, Jason recalls the domestic abuse Jennie suffered in the year leading up to her murder, the absence of any remorse by the perpetrator, and the campaign to bring ‘Jennies Law’ to fruition.

The death of a pet, can be for some, every bit as devastating as the loss of a loved one. For Laoise Downes McGurk, Founder of Outpaws, losing her constant companion, Brokagh 18 months ago was heartbreaking. On this weeks episode Laoise talks about the guilt of having your pet put down, the need for Pet Bereavement Leave, and hw to support someone grieving their pet

Just over 10 years ago, Laura Farrington, Founder of Unbrella Wellness and Host of the ‘Are ya well? Podcast, lost her Dad to suicide. Just a few years later, her Mum passed away from cancer. In this episode of The Grief Pod, Laura discusses losing both her parents, how people can struggle to show support, when somebody takes their own life, and how her Dads suicide encouraged her to change her li...