Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life.
02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science
03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing
04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan
06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect
09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection
11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span
16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health
24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits
31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity
34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health
39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research
47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity
59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats
1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change
1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs
1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of life
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Laura welcomes Melissah, whose daughter Evie has Down Syndrome. Melissa shares her personal journey from pregnancy and the unexpected postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis, to raising Evie and balancing life as a mother of three. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and education about Down Syndrome, including Melissah's efforts through the annual Purple Run fundraiser. The discussion covers various aspects of Evie's life, from her rapid birth and initial health challenges to her school experience and relationship with her sisters. Melissa also discusses societal perceptions, the importance of inclusive language, and her hopes for Evie's future. Listeners are encouraged to support the Purple Run and Down Syndrome Ireland, organisations that have played a significant role in Melissah's journey.
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Melissa
03:24 Discussing Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraiser
04:59 Melissa’s Journey to Motherhood
05:40 Evie’s Birth and Diagnosis
09:48 Adjusting to Life with Down Syndrome
12:14 Evie’s Development and Family Dynamics
15:10 Navigating Education and Services
21:07 Language Sensitivity and Advocacy
24:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome
25:06 Community Support and Public Perception
26:25 Future Concerns and Independence
27:20 Educational Talks and Menopause Awareness
32:14 Fundraising and Support Services
35:08 Daily Life and Personal Stories
42:17 Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keith Walsh is a broadcaster, writer, actor and mental heath advocate. We discuss how he self medicated with drugs, alcohol, exercise and food restriction until a diagnosis in his late forties of ADHD and autism.
We chat about his childhood trauma his mental health struggles and advocacy and how he is ok with having no friends.
This is a podcast for anyone who has ADHD or suspects that they or a loved one has ADHD. It is a podcast that shows you there is hope and light and love for us all. This is a podcast for anyone who is searching for something, but are unsure what that something is.
Keith has an upcoming show, Kinda Mental on Saturday April 22nd 2023 in the Whale theatre in Greystones. You should check it out!
The Laura Dowling Experience is brought to you by fabÜ R&R RELAX. A unique formulation of premium grade botanicals- ashwagandha, L-theanine from green tea, chamomile and melissa. These were blended together with magnesium and B vitamins for a less stressful day and a more restful sleep. Non-sedating and non-addictive. Read the reviews on www.fabuwellness.com. Available on www.fabuwellness.com and pharmacies and healthfood stores nationwide.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m taking a two-week break from the podcast to complete my new book, 'Love Your Vulva', and its audiobook, which will be released on September 23rd. In the meantime, explore the podcast archives with 133 episodes on topics like menopause, ADHD, sexual wellness, cardiology, physiotherapy, and more. For new listeners, I encourage you to start from the beginning to catch some great episodes. I'll be back with a new episode on September 11th. Stay fabulous!
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Adam Harris, an influential autism advocate from Ireland, shares his personal journey from childhood through to establishing the organisation 'As I Am'. The discussion touches on his early life, the challenges he faced as a child with autism, his education experience, and the development of his advocacy to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Adam highlights the significant progress made in Ireland, the ongoing need for better support and services, and the various societal and personal challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. He also talks about the impact of autism on family life, the intersectionality of being autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of continued advocacy and education in ensuring equality and acceptance for autistic people.
Find all the information on the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress, taking place in Dublin from 11th-13th September 2025, here: https://autismcongress2025.org/
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming
03:36 Early Childhood and Autism Diagnosis
04:58 Challenges in School and Social Life
06:51 Transition to Mainstream Education
09:16 Adolescence and Self-Advocacy
11:48 Founding 'As I Am' and Advocacy Work
13:44 Progress and Challenges in Autism Awareness
15:24 Autism Friendly Communities
21:19 The Importance of Data and Diagnosis
26:33 Support for Non-Verbal Autistic Individuals
28:39 Resources and Future Plans
29:14 Funding Challenges and Community Support
30:08 Addressing Misinformation About Autism
30:43 Public Attitudes and International Perspectives
34:43 Mental Health and Autism
35:57 Structural Discrimination in Healthcare
39:24 Personal Experiences with Autism
41:27 Financial Strain on Families
43:43 Supporting Autistic Families and Friends
44:59 Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism
46:01 Debunking Myths About Autism
47:58 Genetics and Autism
48:31 Intersectionality: Autism and LGBTQ+
51:17 Corporate Support and Advocacy
53:07 Upcoming Autism Europe Congress
54:12 Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Description:
In this inspiring episode, Nicola shares her personal journey from being an anxious child and teacher to becoming a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explains the core principles of CBT and how it can help with anxiety, stress, low mood, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and more.
Nicola also discusses the power of self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience, offering practical tips you can apply to everyday life. Whether you’re managing daily stressors, navigating parenting, or seeking strategies for better mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Key Topics:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Welcoming Nicola
00:06 – Understanding CBT: Basics and Personal Experiences
02:18 – From Teacher to Therapist: Nicola’s Journey
06:00 – CBT Applications: Anxiety, Parenting, and More
06:37 – CBT for Menopause: Managing Symptoms and Strategies
09:13 – Techniques for Brain Health and Cognitive Function
12:33 – Practical CBT Techniques for Everyday Challenges
22:20 – Managing Sleep and Pain with CBT
34:57 – Addressing Libido and Relationship Dynamics
38:04 – Balancing Life’s Demands
38:50 – The Importance of Self-Care
39:52 – Navigating Relationships and Communication
43:48 – Understanding CBT and Low Mood
50:56 – Parent-Led CBT for Children
57:17 – Addressing Bullying and Anxiety in Children
01:09:38 – Building Resilience and Authenticity
01:14:37 – Final Thoughts and Advice
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when grief collides with a broken mental health system? In this raw and powerful conversation, Mary Ann Kenny shares the devastating journey that began when her husband died suddenly, leaving her alone with two young children. What followed was unimaginable - a psychotic episode triggered by medication side effects that led to her hospitalisation and a harrowing fight to keep her children.
Mary Ann reveals with striking clarity how a single "false confession" made under duress transformed her from grieving mother to perceived threat, resulting in her children being placed on an at-risk register until adulthood. Her account of being questioned by teams of professionals without therapeutic support, experiencing severe physical suffering that went untreated, and fighting to reclaim her identity as a mother challenges everything we believe about mental healthcare.
What makes this conversation extraordinary is Mary Ann's ability to articulate her experience of psychosis from the inside - the delusional conviction of guilt she developed, her eventual recovery, and her painstaking work to understand what happened by obtaining her medical records. Beyond the trauma, this is ultimately a story of incredible resilience, as Marianne not only recovered but transformed her experience into her memoir "The Episode."
This discussion goes far beyond a personal story to expose critical gaps in mental healthcare and question how we support those experiencing psychosis. For anyone who has faced mental health challenges, supported someone through crisis, or simply believes in more compassionate care, Marianne's journey offers profound insights into the human capacity to shatter and rebuild. Her voice speaks not just for herself, but for countless others who haven't found the words to tell their stories.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Journalist and beauty editor Edwina Ings-Chambers shares her refreshingly honest take on body image and the concept of body ownership rather than confidence. She opens up about feeling she's never had full agency over her body, even when slim, and how menopause has brought both new challenges and unexpected freedom.
Key Points:
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in Ireland, yet our mortality rates are falling faster than anywhere else in Europe. What's driving this paradox? Professor Deirdre Murray, Director of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, pulls back the curtain on how cancer data is transforming healthcare in this country.
Every year, the Registry captures data on approximately 24,000 new invasive cancer cases, plus 11,000 skin cancers. While this might sound alarming, Murray explains how this comprehensive collection method actually provides Ireland with more accurate statistics compared to countries that only sample portions of their population. The registry tracks three vital metrics: incidence rates, mortality figures, and survival statistics – all essential for effective cancer control.
The conversation takes fascinating turns through Ireland's screening programmes, where cervical screening has already begun reducing cancer incidence, and the revolutionary impact of the HPV vaccine, which is projected to make cervical cancer a rare disease by 2040. Murray dismantles common misconceptions about cancer, explaining why most patients are over 60 despite media portrayals focusing on younger patients, and why early diagnosis remains so crucial: "The earlier you go to get things checked out, the earlier the stage you are diagnosed, the less treatment you're going to need."
Perhaps most striking is Murray's revelation about Ireland's technological challenges. Despite being a tech-literate nation, Ireland ranks last among 22 developed countries for health digital policy and data linkages. With over 800 different systems operating across our public health sector alone, the fragmentation prevents the seamless information flow that could transform cancer care. As Murray puts it, "My local Tesco knows more about me than my local hospital does."
Whether you're concerned about cancer risk factors, curious about screening programmes, or interested in how data shapes healthcare policy, this episode offers invaluable insights into the present and future of cancer control in Ireland. Listen now to understand the remarkable progress we've made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Natasha Langan, a chartered clinical psychologist and accredited psychosexual therapist, explores how childhood sexual abuse impacts intimacy, and how ADHD in women can increase vulnerability to traumatic relationships and sexual exploitation.
• Women with ADHD face higher rates of sexual victimization, unplanned pregnancies, and relationship dissatisfaction
• Trauma includes both major events (sexual assault) and smaller experiences that accumulate over time (public humiliation, feeling "different")
• Shame plays a central role in both ADHD and sexual trauma, creating beliefs that "something is wrong with me"
• Compassion-focused therapy helps address shame by understanding our "tricky brains" that evolved for survival, not happiness
• Vaginismus involves involuntary pelvic floor muscle spasms making penetration painful or impossible
• Women's pain has historically been dismissed by healthcare providers, creating barriers to proper treatment
• Sexual healing requires broadening ideas about what constitutes sex beyond penetration
• A multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, psychology, and sometimes medical care is most effective
• Sexual health is a fundamental human right that includes pleasure, not just prevention of STIs or pregnancy
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Navigating separation and divorce is emotionally charged and legally complex, requiring careful consideration of finances, children’s needs, and your own well-being throughout the process. Family law solicitor Hilary O’Connor offers clear guidance on managing this challenging life transition.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Darragh McCashin joins us to explore how the online world affects our boys' mental, emotional and social development, offering insights on navigating digital challenges while supporting healthy masculinity.
• Different responses to toxic online content: some boys consume and ignore, others parrot without understanding, some believe and embody, and some gradually adopt beliefs over time
• Research shows social media bans don't reduce overall usage—children simply "make up for lost time" outside restricted hours
• Critical digital literacy is more effective than restriction, teaching young people to recognize manipulation and question sources
• The term "toxic masculinity" can be counterproductive, potentially pathologizing boyhood itself
• "Pre-bunking" techniques can help children identify misinformation patterns before encountering them
• Open conversations about masculinity provide space for boys to develop healthy perspectives
• Screen time is less important than what it's replacing—sleep, physical activity, in-person social connections
• Collaborative approaches to setting digital boundaries work better than unilateral restrictions
• The psychological impact of digital communication patterns on Gen Z's workplace preferences and social interactions
• Prevention strategies for online harms must consider individual differences and family dynamics
Check out the Anti-Bullying Centre website and search "Masculinity Influencers" for free resources to help navigate these conversations with the young people in your life.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rereleasing this podcast as it was so popular and really demystified genital health!
Dr. Aisling Loy, consultant in genitourinary medicine, debunks common misconceptions about sexual health and provides practical advice on addressing genital concerns with compassion and expertise.
In this episode, we explore some of the most common myths and overlooked truths in vaginal and sexual health. From the misdiagnosis of chronic candida to the effects of grooming habits on vulval skin, we discuss how everyday routines can impact intimate wellbeing. We cover the sharp rise in STI rates among young women, the importance of HPV vaccination for both boys and girls, and why regular testing is essential, even when there are no symptoms. We also look at conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and herpes, and how changes in condom use are influencing infection rates, all through the lens of the vaginal microbiome.
Book your STI screening at guideclinic.ie or sticlinicdublin.ie. Home testing kits are available through SH24.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Niamh Tallon, founder of Her Sport, is on a mission to change how we see women in sport through media coverage, education, and challenging the gender gap that exists across all levels of sport.
• One in five girls drop out of sport between primary and secondary school compared to one in twenty boys
• 94% of women in executive managerial positions have a background in sport, showing the professional benefits of athletic participation
• Body image concerns, period stigma, and lack of appropriate facilities are major barriers for female athletes
• Female athletes face disproportionate focus on their appearance rather than their performance in media coverage
• Her Sport has featured over 900 different female athletes, creating visibility and representation across all sports
• Women's teams at all levels frequently receive less resources, poorer facilities, and fewer opportunities than male counterparts
• The Her Sport Foundation provides workshops, grants, and advocacy to support female athletes from grassroots to high performance
Our vision is equal opportunity in sport, regardless of gender. Support female athletes by following Her Sport, joining our MVP platform, or getting in touch at hello@hersport.ie.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vicki Notaro shares her journey from leading magazine editor to successful novelist with two published books and a third on the way. She discusses how she always knew she wanted to be childless by choice and normalizing this decision for women.
• Moving from journalism to fiction writing after experiencing burnout in the publishing industry
• Finding medication helpful for managing anxiety and prioritizing mental health
• Being offered a publishing deal from Penguin at the perfect moment after leaving her job
• Drawing inspiration from growing up as an only child and her fascination with friendship dynamics
• Creating characters in her novels who reflect aspects of her personality and experiences
• Exploring the theme of being childless by choice in her debut novel "Reality Check"
• Finding inspiration from authors like Marion Keys, Judy Blume, and Jackie Collins
• How her second novel "Long Story" explores the complexities of long-term friendships
• Valuing real connection over constant social media engagement
If you like this podcast and I know so many of you do, you could really help me out by giving it a nice rating, sharing it with your friends and subscribing to the podcast.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Micheál O'Rourke takes us through the fascinating world of eye health, sharing insights from cataracts and macular degeneration to aesthetic procedures and vision preservation.
• Eyes constantly move and blink even during sleep, requiring high energy and thin skin for optimal function
• Cataracts are an inevitable part of aging, involving protein misalignment in the lens requiring surgical removal and prosthetic lens replacement
• Macular degeneration comes in dry (less treatable) and wet (treatable with injections) forms that affect central vision but preserve peripheral sight
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is becoming popular at younger ages, removing excess skin around the eyes for a refreshed appearance
• Women experience a dramatic drop in tear production during menopause, making HRT one of the most effective treatments for menopausal dry eye
• Increased screen time reduces our blink rate and contributes to vision problems including the evolutionary shift toward myopia in children
• Thyroid eye disease primarily affects young women, causing protruding eyes and altered appearance that can be addressed with surgery
• Eye floaters result from changes in the eye's jelly-like vitreous humor and should be evaluated if they suddenly increase or appear with flashing lights
• The eye cannot be temporarily removed during surgery as once believed, as nerve tissue damage is permanent
For more eye health insights, follow proper eye protection practices, get regular check-ups, and be aware of symptoms that might indicate serious conditions.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sinéad Hingston-Green shares her heartbreaking journey of losing her husband Jeff while 19 weeks pregnant and how she rebuilt her life through grief, motherhood, and eventually finding love again. Her powerful story illustrates how we can honor those we've lost while still embracing new beginnings and finding purpose in our pain.
• Sinead's husband Jeff died suddenly during a boat trip in Portugal when she was 19 weeks pregnant
• The traumatic experience of witnessing his medical emergency and the aftermath of being kept away from him
• Challenges of bringing Jeff's body home to Ireland and navigating funeral arrangements while pregnant
• Birth complications resulting in severe physical trauma alongside the emotional trauma of grief
• Finding love again with Michael ("Green") two years after Jeff's death
• Balancing honoring Jeff's memory while building a new life and blended family
• Multiple pregnancy losses before having their third child, which led to creating the "Spark a Life" initiative
• The importance of finding the right grief counsellor and support system
• How Ireland's culture handles funerals well but struggles with long-term grief support
• Advice on trusting that your power is in your reaction to life's challenges
Join Sinead on the Camino walk this September with Good Grief, her initiative to help others through grief by creating community and understanding.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James Green's honest conversation reveals how movement and authenticity can transform both physical and mental wellbeing. His personal journey through chronic illness, grief, and sexuality creates a powerful narrative about finding strength in vulnerability.
• Athletic therapy specializes in musculoskeletal care, focusing on injury assessment and rehabilitation
• Most effective rehabilitation comes from education and rebuilding strength rather than passive treatments
• Progressive overload through increased weight, reps, or time under tension is key for continued strength gains
• Exercise significantly benefits chronic illness management beyond physical improvements
• Living with ulcerative colitis taught James how to navigate triggers while maintaining quality of life
• Losing his sister at age 27 forced a reevaluation of priorities and authentic living
• Coming out as gay after years of hiding brought tremendous relief and freedom
• Sports and fitness environments can perpetuate homophobic attitudes through casual language and locker room culture
• Teaching cadaveric anatomy provided unique perspective on mortality and human individuality
• Life's meaning ultimately comes down to loving and being loved by those closest to us
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"What if your darkest moment became the catalyst for your greatest transformation?"
This question lies at the heart of my profound conversation with Niall Harbison, whose remarkable journey from corporate success to rock-bottom alcoholism to purposeful revival might just change your perspective on what truly matters in life.
Niall's story begins as a private chef for billionaires aboard luxury yachts, where million-dollar fuel bills and private jets delivering Italian cheese were commonplace. He witnessed firsthand the hollow nature of extreme wealth before returning to Dublin to build his own successful businesses. Yet beneath this veneer of achievement lurked depression, anxiety, and a growing dependence on alcohol.
When COVID struck, Niall's life spiraled into a six-week bender in Thailand that nearly killed him. Lying in a hospital bed, certain he was dying, he experienced a revelation that would transform everything: the corporate success, social media followers, and material possessions he'd chased meant absolutely nothing. What flashed through his mind instead were simple moments of childhood joy and connection.
That rock-bottom moment became what Niall now calls "the best thing in my life." Upon recovery, he discovered purpose in rescuing Thailand's street dogs. What began as feeding a few hungry canines has expanded into a charity that feeds 1,200 dogs daily, performs thousands of sterilizations monthly, and has built a hospital named after Tina, a special rescue who lived just six months in freedom after a lifetime of abuse.
Niall's transformation at age 41 stands as powerful testament that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. His advice resonates with brutal honesty: "Follow your own path. Take risks. You don't have to do the life that's mapped out for you."
Whether you're questioning your purpose or just need a reminder of what truly matters, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. Subscribe now and join the thousands finding inspiration in these authentic human stories of transformation.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Being Dismissed by Doctors to Revolutionising Menopause Care in Ireland – Loretta Dingham’s Journey Is One Every Woman Needs to Hear
When Loretta experienced her first hot flushes after her periods stopped at age 49, she thought she must be the youngest woman in Ireland to go through the menopause. Little did she know that the constellation of symptoms she had battled throughout her 40s – headaches that led to brain scans, recurrent urinary tract infections, dry eyes that landed her in A&E three times, weight gain, and skin breakouts – were all connected to perimenopause, a term she had never even heard before.
After years of medical gaslighting and being told she was simply “having a bad run of things,” Loretta decided to take matters into her own hands. Her frustration turned into determination after meeting a successful professional woman who had been suffering with menopausal symptoms for over a decade without knowing where to turn.
Within months, Loretta founded The Menopause Hub – Ireland’s first dedicated menopause clinic – long before celebrity campaigns and public discourse made menopause a mainstream topic. What began as a personal mission has become a nationwide movement.
Today, The Menopause Hub provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care through clinics in Dublin and Cork, with virtual consultations available across the country. But Loretta’s vision goes well beyond clinical care. Through The Menopause Hub Academy, she is transforming workplaces to better support women going through the menopause, aiming to halt the alarming exodus of experienced female talent from the workforce.
Her pioneering efforts have not gone unnoticed. Loretta was recently recognised by Forbes as one of their Top 50 Over 50, honouring her groundbreaking work and continued advocacy.
In this eye-opening conversation, Loretta discusses the barriers women still face in accessing proper menopause care, the life-changing benefits of personalised treatment, and her campaign for free women’s health checks. Her message is clear and urgent: women deserve better, and no one should suffer in silence.
Whether you're navigating menopause yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with invaluable insights into reclaiming your vitality and advocating for your health. Subscribe now and share this conversation with every woman in your life.
Thanks for Listening!
You can watch the full episode on YouTube [here].
Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review – it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
