In this episode, Monica speaks with Hannah Miller — professional musician, festival director, and goat herder. Hannah’s journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up on her family farm in County Wexford to performing with orchestras across Europe and New York, to working with 24 goats in the Dublin Mountains, Hannah has found unique ways to combine her passions for music, nature, and community.
We talk about:
The winding path from playing the French horn for the Wexford Sinfonia orchestra and international orchestras and Principal Horn for the Irish National Opera to eco-grazing projects in Dublin
How goats are helping to prevent wildfires and protect biodiversity in Ireland
The balance between an intense, performance-driven music career and working outdoors with animals
What it means to create a “handmade life” by following curiosity and saying yes to new opportunities
How small steps, listening inward, and trusting yourself can open unexpected pathways to purpose
Hannah’s story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line — sometimes it’s found in surprising, life-changing combinations.
In this episode, Monica is joined by Rita Fagan, a lifelong activist, artist, and community leader from Dublin’s Liberties.
Rita left school at 13½ to work in a sewing factory, where early experiences of inequality sparked her political awakening. She went on to the Simon Community, learning the importance of “taking people as they are,” before dedicating over three decades to radical community development at St. Michael’s Estate. Along the way, she brought her activism to Latin America and Palestine, weaving global solidarity with local struggles.
In this conversation, Rita shares:
How the factory floor and the Simon Community shaped her purpose
Why “care is moral, and care is political”
The role of art as a voice for protest and change
The importance of building community and investing in people with patience
Rita’s story is a reminder that purpose is found in the everyday — in courage, creativity, and the communities we build together.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:28 Meet Rita Fagan: Community Activist
01:25 Rita's Early Life and Purpose
03:06 Factory Life and Political Awakening
04:58 Involvement with Simon Community
08:14 Journey to Latin America
11:50 Building Community and Activism
15:13 Art and Activism
17:07 Reflections on Purpose and Activism
28:04 Advice for Finding Your Purpose
31:12 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
In this episode of 'Finding Your Purpose' podcast, host Monica Haughey, a psychotherapist and conscious coach, discusses finding and living one's purpose with Máirín Murray founder of TechFoundHer.
Máirín shares her non-linear career journey from studying philosophy and working in various fields to founding TechFoundHer, an organisation that supports women in building tech ventures by offering a network, know-how, and capital.
Máirín emphasises the importance of community, diversity, and inclusion in the tech industry and stresses the need for systemic change. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, the importance of finding what excites one, and the value of persistence.
The episode also addresses themes such as unlearning societal restrictions, recognising one's inherent confidence, and the significance of saying no to pursue meaningful endeavours.
Máirín encourages women to build and innovate in tech, highlighting the power of collective support and authentic progress.
Episode 1 – Joseph McGuire: Dropping the Masks to Discover True Strength
In this opening episode of Finding Your Purpose, Monica Haughey sits down with Joseph McGuire, a facial profiler and communication expert, to explore what purpose really means in today’s world.
Joseph shares how his ability to “read behind the mask” has shaped his work across different careers, from shiatsu practitioner to leadership mentor. Together, they discuss:
✨ Why unmasking ourselves actually makes us stronger✨ How our purpose evolves as we do✨ Journaling and body awareness as tools for clarity✨ The need for authentic leadership in workplaces today✨ How loneliness can be an invitation to stretch and grow
Joseph reminds us that while success matters, many people are searching for something deeper: meaning, fulfilment, and a sense of connection.
The importance of dropping the masks we wear in work and life
Practical tips for reconnecting with your inner truth
Why employees today want leaders they can trust
How gratitude and journaling can unlock clarity about your purpose
About Monica
As a psychotherapist and conscious coach, Monica Haughey works with purpose-led individuals and creative entrepreneurs who feel stuck, unfulfilled, or ready for change. She supports clients in:🌿 Discovering their true purpose🌿 Releasing self-limiting beliefs🌿 Building confidence to take their next step🌿 Aligning personal values with professional direction
✨ If you’d like support in finding your purpose—or guidance on your next courageous step—you can connect with Monica here:
🔗 Website: www.monicahaughey.ie📧 Email: monica@monicahaughey.ie📱 Instagram: @monicahaughey
If this episode resonated with you, reach out to Monica to explore how conscious coaching can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
