In this episode, I explore how we can protect ourselves in a food environment that’s designed to overwhelm us. I talk about why eating well can feel so hard - not because we lack willpower, but because we’re living in a system that constantly cues us to eat and rarely gives our brains a break. I’ll share practical, psychology-based strategies to reduce your exposure to food triggers, set up helpful defaults for when you’re tired or stressed, and support your mental health so you’re not relying on willpower alone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing when it comes to making food choices this episode is for you. If you'd like to work with me on a 1-1 basis, visit headfirst.ie or drop me an email at joe@headfirst.ie.

After a 3-year break, I'm back and diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in psychology and nutrition: control over food. In this episode, I unpack why so many of us feel out of control with our eating, and why that has much more to do with our food environment than with willpower. From the structure of the brain to the layout of your local Tesco, I break down how our behaviour around food is driven by powerful, automatic processes evolved to keep us alive. If you've ever felt shame around your eating habits, or told yourself “I should just try harder,” this episode is for you.  For any professional enquiries contact joe@headfirst.ie  Take care. 

In this podcast, I explore the reasons why people might make excuses or come up with reasons not to engage in health behaviours.    Of course, people's reasons are valid, however we sometimes try and poke holes in the reasons. I wanted to dive into some of the deeper reasons why someone may, consciously or subconsciously, come up with a reason not to engage in a health behaviour.    IG: @headfirst0 Website: www.headfirst.ie Podcast: The Head First Podcast

On this episode I speak to renowned Eating Disorder Researcher, Dr. Jake Linardon.    We speak about binge eating treatment, diagnostic issues, sub clinical binge eating, weight loss and predictors of eating issues, amongst many others. Jake has been someone I've been wanting to speak to for a long, long time so I'm really excited to hear how this one goes! You can also reach Jake at his website www.breakbingeeating.com and his IG: @break.binge.eating   IG: headfirst0 www.headfirst.ie joe@headfirst.ie

In this episode I speak to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sophie Mort, who speaks to me about emotions, the purpose of them, the importance of paying attention to them and also the harm in neglecting them.  Sophie's book is called "A Manual for Being Human". Her book explores all aspects of life, from birth to where you are right now, giving us an entire foundation of understanding the human experience.    joe@headfirst.ie

On this episode I'm lucky to be joined by Dr Mike Banna. Personally, I really enjoy Mike's discussions online - he adds so much nuance and balance to very black or white conversations and this is no different!  I think Mike is a really great example of how weight loss is not ALWAYS a bad thing for people, while recognising the harm it has for others.    joe@headfirst.ie

On this episode, I speak to Dr Sara Oroz, a Counselling Psychologist who has completed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology as well as a Masters in Advanced CBT.  We dive into what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is, and all you need to know about it!  Honestly, this is one of my favourite episodes so far and is a wonderful answer to a lot of the questions I get about CBT!    joe@headfirst.ie

This week, I'm answering a question that I received on Instagram.   Q - I binge in response to weight gain. What can I do?    A lot of people come to me and talk about weight loss and binge eating, and this episode dives into some of the topics we might discuss in sessions.   For professional enquiries: www.headfirst.ie Instagram: @headfirst0   joe@headfirst.ie  

In this episode, I speak with Emilia Thompson who is a Nutrition Consultant, founder of EIQ, and a former bodybuilding competitor. We speak about what needs to change in the health and fitness industry, the role of a coach in supporting clients, and why so many nutritionists are retraining in psychology. I must say, this is one of my favourite episodes so far!    For professional enquiries: www.headfirst.ie Instagram: @headfirst0 joe@headfirst.ie

In this new short series, I dive into some of the things that mental health professionals commonly hear in the therapy room!   Just as a precursor to the podcast, these are general things that therapists might hear from clients and they are not specific to the people I work with or the clinicians I work worth.     joe@headfirst.ie In addition, it’s important to remember that everyone is at a different stage of their journey when it comes to mental health and it’s important not to compare where you’re at with what is discussed in these podcasts.   IG: headfirst0 Email: joeobrien@mentalhealth.ie

In this episode, I speak with Bethany Francois who is a Registered Dietitian and specialises in the treatment of Eating Disorders. We speak about the role of a dietitian in treating a range of eating disorders, from inpatient to outpatient - from binge eating to anorexia. This one is worth a listen!   You can find Beth on Instagram @theeddietitian or through the Rhitrition Clinic on Harley Street, London.   joe@headfirst.ie   You can find me on Instagram @headfirst0 Email: joeobrien@mentalhealth.ie Spectrum Mental Health.   

This is Sophie's story of her journey with anorexia. Sophie is a friend of mine who talks me through the challenges of struggling with anorexia, her treatment, the misconceptions around eating disorders and the message of hope.    For professional enquiries: Email: joe@headfirst.ie Instagram: @headfirst0 www.Mentalhealth.ie

In this episode, I talk to Counselling Psychologist Dr. Mollie-Kate Richardson about people's greatest fears when it comes to therapy.    When I asked you on Instagram, these were your biggest concerns:  - Cost - Concerns about opening up - Not knowing what to say or where to start - Not knowing what therapy or therapist is right - Worried about opening a can of worms - Worried your problem isn't big enough - Worried your therapist thinking your crazy - Worried about time   If you wish to book in with Mollie-Kate, feel free to contact us by the Spectrum Mental Health website - www.mentalhealth.ie   joe@headfirst.ie

This one is a Q&A format. I collected questions on my Instagram and I've put together the most popular for this podcast on psychology as a career.    Instagram: @headfirst0  Email: joe@headfirst.ie

In this episode, I talk to Clinical Paediatric Psychologist, Dr. Martha Deiros Collado about parenting and children's mental health. I feel like every parent needs to listen to this!   If you want to find Martha, check out her Instagram @drmdc_paediatric_psychologist   joe@headfirst.ie

Obesity is one of the biggest public health concerns at the moment, and often the conversation centres around how the individual is personally responsible.  In this episode I speak with Jenny Rosborough where we explore all of the different factors that play into obesity and weight management. Jenny is a registered nutritionist who specialises in public health. Jenny works with Jamie Oliver as the Head of Nutrition and works in Public Health to change the conversation when it comes to obesity and public health.    joe@headfirst.ie

We often hear the term “disorder” used in mental health, which can insinuate that our brains are not functioning correctly or that they are “abnormal”. In this video, I offer another perspective on how some mental health issues that would generally be classed as “disordered” may just be part of the human experience.   For professional enquiries, reach me at - joe@headfirst.ie   IG: headfirst0 The Head First Podcast

In this episode, I'm speaking about why psychology is an important factor to consider when changing your diet. The psychology of behaviour change and habits is becoming more recognised as an important factor to consider when making changes, however we still don't see the importance of it, in first wave interventions.    This episode covers why psychology is an important factor to consider for making dietary changes.    IG: @headfirst0 joe@headfirst.ie

In this episode, I speak to relationship therapist Nicole Banner about building a better relationship with your partner.  With approximately 200 questions submitted, this podcast was highly anticipated! I hope you get as much from it as I did.   Nicole Banner is a therapist with Spectrum Mental Health who works in Dublin City. She has recently set up her own Instagram page (nbanner.therapy) to talk about these topics, as well as mental health more broadly.    joe@headfirst.ie

In this episode, I speak with Chartered Counselling Psychologist Nicole Paulie who works as an onsite workplace psychologist and offers private counselling in Dublin. I have collected questions from my Instagram page (headfirst0) about what people struggle with at work, and we’ve addressed them on this episode!   I found it really interesting talking to Nicole because so many people who have difficulty with their mental health cite work issues as a significant contributor. Check it out if you have difficulty with workplace stress or if you find it difficult to balance work and life.   Instagram: headfirst0 Email: joe@headfirst.ie