In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of Having the Chats with Peter & Sophia, we sit down with Professor Marie Keenan.

World-renowned restorative justice practitioner, psychotherapist, and researcher.

Together, we explore the life-changing impact of restorative justice in cases of sexual violence.

Sophia shares her own transformative journey of sitting face-to-face with her father in a restorative process that became a turning point in her healing.

Peter opens up about how that experience changed his own understanding of justice and humanity.

Professor Keenan offers profound insight into how restorative justice challenges conventional legal systems, centers the voice of the survivor, and facilitates deep accountability and healing, even in the most complex and painful circumstances.

This episode is not only a conversation, it’s an invitation to rethink justice, healing, and what it means to take our power back.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, trauma, and personal stories of abuse. Please listen with care.

📚 Professor Keenan’s book Sexual Violence and Restorative Justice: Addressing the Justice Gap is available free online — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380756032_Sexual_Violence_and_Restorative_Justice_Addressing_the_Justice_Gap

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help these vital conversations reach those who need them.

In one of our most emotional and courageous episodes yet, we’re joined by Mark Rickard.

An incredible man who shares the raw, unfiltered truth about his experiences with childhood sexual abuse, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and the painful process of healing.

From the age of five, Mark’s identity was shaped by trauma. He opens up about the confusion, shame, and destructive patterns that followed him into adulthood, and how therapy helped him begin to piece himself back together.

This conversation covers everything:

• The silence surrounding male sexual abuse

• Living with BPD and navigating intense emotions

• Addiction as a form of slow suicide

• The struggle for self-worth, self-forgiveness, and trust

• How turning pain into purpose can light the path forward

Now a youth coach and fierce advocate for mental health, Mark’s story is one of unimaginable hurt, but also one of strength, honesty, and hope.

If you’ve been affected by the themes in this episode, here are some free and confidential services in Ireland:

• Men’s Aid – www.mensaid.ie / info@mensaid.ie

• RCNI (Rape Crisis Network Ireland) – 1800 77 8888 / www.rcni.ie

• Pieta House – 1800 247 247 / www.pieta.ie

• Samaritans – 116 123 / jo@samaritans.ie

• Aware – 1800 80 48 48 / supportmail@aware.ie

• Turn2Me – www.turn2me.org

• GROW Mental Health – 1890 474 474 / www.grow.ie

• Childline (under 18) – 1800 66 66 66 / www.childline.ie

👉 If you're in immediate danger, call 999.

Please like, comment, and share this episode—because these conversations matter.
You could be the reason someone reaches out.

In this sacred and soul-nourishing episode of Having the Chats with Peter and Sophia, we sit in deep conversation with the radiant and grounded Dr. Bláithín Sweeney, known to many in her community as a healer, guide, space holder, and the heartbeat behind the Having a Laugh charity.

Bláithín’s journey is a unique and powerful one.

From the structured world of synthetic organic chemistry, where she earned her PhD, to the intuitive, heart-led realm of spiritual healing and community care. She is a woman who walked away from titles and expectations to walk others home to themselves.

Today, she offers her gifts through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, holding space for people to reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and essence. Whether on the mat, in ceremony, or through laughter and movement, Dr. B is deeply committed to helping others remember who they are beneath the noise.

🌿 In this episode, we explore:

• Her evolution from academic intellect to embodied wisdom

• What it means to hold space for others on their healing path

• The magic of breath as a bridge between pain and peace

• The importance of community, service, and showing up with love

• Her work with Having a Laugh, a beloved charity rooted in joy, connection, and healing through creative outlets

• Releasing the pressure of labels and choosing a softer, more truthful life

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t always look how we expect it to, and that often, the most powerful medicine is presence, compassion, and the courage to let go of who we were taught to be.

✨ If you’ve ever longed to merge science with soul, intellect with intuition, or if you’re simply craving a conversation that feels like a deep exhale, this one’s for you.

🌀 About Dr. Bláithín Sweeney

Bláithín is the founder of Havin’ a Laugh, a Sligo-based charity established in 2013. The organization aims to promote positive mental health through life-enhancing activities. By providing activity vouchers for pursuits like surfing, yoga, and art classes, the charity supports individuals in mental health recovery, helping them reconnect with joy and community .

In our conversation, we explore:

• 🧪 Bláithín’s transition from the world of chemistry to holistic healing

• 🌬️ The power of breathwork and somatic practices in trauma recovery

• 🤝 The mission and impact of Havin’ a Laugh in the community

• 🎨 How creative and physical activities can aid mental health recovery

• 💬 The importance of community support and open conversations about mental health

This episode is a testament to the healing power of community, the importance of accessible mental health support, and the incredible work being done by individuals like Bláithín.

🔗 Learn more about Havin’ a Laugh:Website: www.havinalaugh.comInstagram: @havin.a.laugh🔗 Learn more about Your Wellbeing Warrior:Website: www.yourwellbeingwarrior.comInstagram: @your_wellbeing_warrior

🧡 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, addiction, suicide, and grief. Please listen with care.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Having the Chats with Peter and Sophia, we open our hearts like never before.

Originally set to feature a guest, we found ourselves with an unexpected space, and we chose to fill it by sharing the raw truth of our own stories.

From childhood abuse, addiction, and prison to the loss of loved ones and the long road to healing, this is an unfiltered conversation about the pain we've lived through, the resilience we’ve found, and the love that now guides our lives.

Sophia shares the harrowing experiences of abuse she endured growing up, the impact of addiction, and the profound loss of her sister, and how recovery has helped her rebuild.

Peter reflects on his journey from abandonment, emotional disconnection, and criminality to finding peace, identity, and purpose.

This episode isn’t easy, but it’s real. And it’s needed. Because when stories like these are told, they break silence, reduce shame, and remind others that healing is possible.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your pain, or wondered if things could ever change, this one’s for you.

📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, someone you know may need to hear this.📩 Follow us on Instagram @peterandsophiahavingthechats

In this raw and powerful episode of Having the Chats with Peter & Sophia, we sit down with Gareth McGuirk, the inspiring voice behind Find Motivation With Gareth.

At just 19, Gareth has already lived through intense trauma, cannabis-induced psychosis, family upheaval, homelessness, and the pull of street life in Dublin.

What sets Gareth apart isn’t just his survival-it’s his mission. Through honesty, humour, and heart, he opens up about what it’s like growing up surrounded by addiction, violence, and normalized chaos, and how he's finding his way out through self-awareness, real talk, and community motivation.

We cover:

• The dangers of synthetic cannabis and substance misuse

• What psychosis actually looks and feels like

• Growing up in an environment of addiction

• The reality behind social media success

• His drive to break cycles and build community support

This episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a mirror held up to youth, resilience, and the power of purpose.

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to make sense of the chaos around you-this one's for you.

Connect with Gareth:
Follow him on Instagram & TikTok: @findmotivationwithgareth

Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses topics around sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, recovery, and healing.

Please take care while listening. 💛

It’s okay to take breaks while listening.

In this special and deeply personal episode, Sophia sits down with Loretta Brosnan McDonagh, Director of Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, ahead of Loretta’s retirement.

Together, they have an open and powerful conversation about the vital services provided not just by Mayo RCC, but by Rape Crisis Centres across Ireland.

Sophia shares her own personal connection to the work being done, and the profound importance of raising awareness around the realities of sexual violence, recovery, and the supports that exist.

Loretta brings years of experience, compassion, and advocacy to this conversation, discussing everything from the history of Mayo RCC, to the process of reaching out for help, the misconceptions around sexual violence, and the critical need for community support.

This conversation shines a light on services that are often misunderstood or unseen, services that change and save lives.

If this episode resonates with you, we encourage you to share it to help raise awareness.

These conversations matter.

Survivors matter.

Support matters.

Thank you to Loretta, the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, and all Rape Crisis Centres across Ireland for the life-changing work you do.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:

📞 Mayo Rape Crisis Centre:

• Freephone Helpline: 1800 234 900

• Website: www.mrcc.ie

• Email: info@mrcc.ie

  
  

📞 24-Hour National Rape Crisis Helpline (Ireland):

• Freephone: 1800 77 88 88

• Website: www.rapecrisishelp.ie
  (Find your local centre through the Rape Crisis Ireland network.)

  
  

🌐 Other Supports:

• Rape Crisis Centres are located all across Ireland, offering free, confidential support for survivors of sexual violence, their families, and loved ones.

• You do not need to go through this alone. Reach out in whatever way feels safest for you, a call, an email, or even just a message to begin.

In Episode 4 of Having the Chats with Peter and Sophia, we’re coming to you from a very grey and windy Montenegro, and let’s just say, this holiday hasn’t gone quite as planned.

From hay fever and chest infections to dodgy gym setups and brain fog from sugar overload, we open up about the challenges that come with stepping out of routine.

But it’s not all chaos, there’s deep chats too.

We share the story behind our surprise engagement, reflect on a powerful school talk we gave before leaving, and dive into the importance of routine, gratitude, and emotional awareness in recovery and life.

It’s real, it’s messy, it’s honest… and yeah, it’s still us.

In this episode of Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia, we dive into something truly close to our hearts—UR Pace Recovery Hub.

We share the vision behind the community, why it was created, and why having a space where everyone feels welcome, no matter their pathway to recovery, is so important.

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is this hub, it’s about connection, support, and finding what works for you.

We also take a moment to reflect on a personal milestone, our one-year anniversary together.

From the journey we've shared to the lessons we've learned, we chat about love, growth, and what it’s been like building both a relationship and a movement side by side.

Join us for a real, open conversation about community, recovery, and celebrating the moments that matter.

Welcome to the very first episode of Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia! In this special introduction, we dive into the intention behind our podcast and share why we’re so passionate about this journey.

Through our own stories of navigating trauma, overcoming challenges, and rebuilding our lives, we explore:

Our goal? To create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're in recovery, seeking hope, or just curious about life’s deeper conversations, this podcast is for you.

Experience this episode in a whole new way. Watch the video and see the heart behind the conversations.

👉 Click here to listen and watch on Spotify.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and help us spread the message of hope and healing.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. ❤️

#HavingTheChats | #PowerOfTalk | #StorytellingHeals

In this very first episode of Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia, we open up about the emotional challenges we faced during the Christmas and New Year period, a time that unearthed some difficult and unexpected feelings for both of us.

Recorded just two weeks after the holidays, we reflect on what we went through, how we dealt with it, and where we are now. 
This episode offers a raw and honest glimpse into the emotional complexities that can surface around these periods, whether you’re in recovery or not.

We discuss the importance of embracing the tough times, pushing through discomfort, and finding strength in the lessons learned. It’s a reminder that while these moments can be challenging, they don’t have to define or derail your journey.

In this episode, we explore:

• The emotions we experienced over the holiday season and how they affected us.
• The strategies we used to navigate difficult feelings and stay grounded.
• Why facing challenges head-on can lead to growth, resilience, and a healthier outlook.

Whether the holiday season brings joy, difficulty, or a mix of both, this conversation is for anyone looking to find strength in vulnerability and move forward with purpose.

We’re so grateful you’re here to join us on this journey. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia.

Email - petersophiahtc@gmail.com
TikTok - @chatswithpeterandsophia
Instagram - @peterandsophiahavingthechats
YouTube - @PeterandSophiaHavingTheChats