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In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back podcast, we sit down with John Paul Long, the youngest of the Long brothers, for an intimate and emotional conversation about his life journey. Growing up in poverty and navigating an unstable childhood, John Paul shares what it was like to be brought to counselors at a young age and how the words he heard during those formative years impacted him deeply.
He opens up about his delayed entry into drug use, his harrowing battle with heroin addiction, and his heartbreaking experiences with relapse. John Paul also shares the pain of losing family members to suicide, his multiple near-death experiences from overdoses, and the spiritual moments that guided him through.
This is a raw and real account of addiction, relapse, and ultimately finding hope and faith on the long road to recovery. Don’t miss this gripping story of survival, resilience, and redemption.
Tune in for an unforgettable conversation.
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In this episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Cork's own satirist extraordinaire, Tadhg Hickey! Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless storytelling, Tadhg joins us for a raw and deeply insightful conversation about the journey of recovery and self-discovery.
Topics we dive into:
🌟 The transformative power of the 12 steps
🙌 Surrendering to a Higher Power
😌 Finding relief from character defects
😓 Navigating the pain of spiritual growth
🤝 Letting go of ego and the trap of people-pleasing
Tadhg brings his trademark humor and honesty as we explore the tools that have helped him, and countless others, find peace and purpose. If you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or just a fresh perspective on the recovery journey, this episode is for you.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support the pod!
#Recovery #Satire #SpiritualGrowth #Podcast #TadhgHickey
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In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, Paul Budden, a Northsider with a remarkable recovery story, joins us to share his journey. Paul opens up about growing up in a tough environment that became his norm, facing mental health struggles within his family, and navigating a difficult upbringing. He discusses the challenges he faced in school, dealing with anger issues during childhood, and being educated by the Christian Brothers. By age 13, Paul found himself caught up in drug use and on the wrong side of the law. His story is one of resilience, recovery, and the strength it takes to turn your life around.
Join us as we explore Paul's path from adversity to transformation.
#Recovery #MentalHealth #DrugAddiction #FamilyStruggles #Resilience #TheLongWayBack
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In this episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Dave Kennedy! 🚜🌱 Dave is not just a personal development coach but also a farming advocate and a passionate supporter of mental and physical health.
Dave shares his remarkable weight loss journey, offering insights into the challenges and victories that come with transforming one’s life. From shedding pounds to building resilience, he reveals how he turned personal struggles into a mission to help others thrive.
We also dive deep into the connection between farming and well-being, discussing how life on the land can nurture both mind and body. 🌾 Whether you’re on your own health journey or seeking motivation to push through obstacles, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartfelt inspiration.
🎧 Tune in for a powerful discussion on growth, grit, and finding your way back to the best version of yourself. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the message of hope and transformation!
#WeightLossJourney #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #FarmingAdvocate #TheLongWayBackPodcast
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In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Robin Grace, a Garda from Tipperary now living in Clare, to discuss his powerful journey of overcoming personal struggles while dedicating his life to helping others. As a dyslexic individual, Robin has navigated the academic world with determination, holding a BA in Arts and an MSc in Human Rights. His commitment to suicide prevention and intervention stems from his deep desire to support those in crisis.
Robin opens up about his own battles, including being a victim of sexual abuse, and his path to understanding the complexities of guilt and shame. He shares how his experiences have shaped his outlook, from his travels in India to his work advocating for children's rights. Join us as we explore his insights on emotional triggers, mental health, and the transformative power of resilience and service.
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In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Ollie O’Regan from Skibbereen, West Cork, to explore his incredible journey of survival, self-discovery, and growth. Ollie shares raw and unfiltered stories from his youth, navigating the challenges of growing up in a small town, and the impact of a system lacking education around cannabis and its safe usage.
Together, we dive into:
Ollie’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of knowledge, and the transformative power of alternative therapies. Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, personal growth, or just looking for a story of hope and healing, this conversation is not to be missed.
Tune in for an episode filled with heart, wisdom, and insights that might just change the way you see the world.
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In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we're joined by Dr. David Luke, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, who has extensive expertise in the field of consciousness, psychedelics, and parapsychology. Dr. Luke leads the "Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience" module, exploring the mysteries of extraordinary human potential since 2009. He also contributes to the MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Transpersonal Psychology, leading a course on psychedelics and entheogens.
Dr. Luke's groundbreaking work includes collaborations with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, along with past roles at institutions like Buckingham New University, Schumacher College, and the Beckley Foundation. As a former President of the Parapsychological Association and recipient of multiple teaching and research awards, Dr. Luke brings a wealth of knowledge on the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human experience.
Join us as we dive deep into his fascinating research on the mind, psychedelics, and the science of the extraordinary.
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In this episode of *The Long Way Back*, Kevin Clancy, an esteemed sports psychologist with over 15 years of experience, delves into the transformative role psychology plays in enhancing athletic performance. Kevin's background, rooted in the world of psychology from a young age due to his psychotherapist parents, allows him to take a holistic approach to sports psychology. His expertise spans not only supporting athletes and teams but also guiding parents to ensure that children's involvement in sports remains focused on enjoyment, growth, and development, rather than pressure and achievement.
One of the key points Kevin raises is the importance of balancing competitiveness with personal growth. He emphasizes that many parents may inadvertently place too much pressure on their children, which can detract from the core values of sports—fun, learning, and resilience. His approach encourages parents to foster a positive, supportive environment, where children are motivated by self-improvement rather than external validation.
Kevin’s work with championship teams, Olympic athletes, and even global organizations underscores the value of psychology in achieving peak performance. He stresses that psychological resilience, leadership, and effective communication are just as critical as physical skills in achieving success, whether on the playing field or in life.
The Role of Mindfulness in Sports Psychology
Mindfulness plays a significant role in Kevin’s approach, as he integrates it into the training and development of athletes. In high-pressure sports environments, athletes often face stress and anxiety, which can hinder performance. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment, helps athletes cultivate mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Through mindfulness techniques, athletes can learn to manage distractions, maintain focus, and recover quickly from setbacks, whether it’s a missed shot or a loss. By staying present, athletes can also tap into the “flow state,” a psychological condition where performance is optimized, and they are fully immersed in their activity. This approach is especially valuable not only for elite athletes but also for young athletes learning how to cope with the mental demands of competition.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
In addition to individual performance, Kevin focuses heavily on team dynamics. Successful teams are built on trust, communication, and shared goals, all of which can be improved through psychological strategies. Leadership is another critical area where psychology plays a pivotal role. Kevin works with both coaches and athletes to develop leadership skills that foster a positive team culture. By applying psychological principles, teams can improve not just their physical strategies but also their mental cohesion.
Donal Clifford’s Perspective
Panelist Donal Clifford adds a valuable perspective to the conversation, stressing the importance of showing up as the best version of ourselves, not just in sports but in life. His approach complements Kevin’s emphasis on mindfulness and leadership by encouraging self-awareness and personal responsibility, which are key aspects of both athletic and personal development.
Together, Kevin and Donal’s insights remind us that sports are not just about winning but about growth, resilience, and building meaningful connections with others.
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#SportsPsychology #Mindfulness #AthleteWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCohesion #KevinClancy #TheLongWayBackPodcast #ParentingInSports
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Exploring Somatic Intimacy: Sex, Trust, & Emotional Safety w/ Brigid Ayah Llie & Donal Clifford**
In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of intimacy, shame, and sexual healing with our special guest, Brigid Ayah Llie (@SacredSomatica), a Somatic Intimacy Mentor, and guest panel speaker Donal Clifford.
Together, we explore critical and often overlooked topics like:
- Dealing with never being in a relationship and how it impacts self-worth.
- Sexuality and self-pleasuring, embracing yourself without shame.
- The role of parents in guiding their children through sexual shame and using accessible, non-judgmental language.
- How adults can navigate sexual shame, healing their relationship with intimacy.
- The importance of being present with your partner, creating real emotional connections.
- Understanding that intimacy is more than just physical, it's about trust, safety, and being fully seen.
- Feeling safe in relationships and staying connected to your body.
- Learning how to meet your own needs and understanding that it’s okay to cry.
- Tackling porn addiction, consent, and trauma, along with the damaging impact of unhealthy portrayals of sex and intimacy in pornography.
Whether you’re looking for ways to heal past trauma, deepen intimacy with your partner, or reconnect with yourself, this episode offers insightful tools and guidance. Join us as we unravel these topics with authenticity and care. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations!
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In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back*, we sit down with Tammy Dunahey, a public speaker and advocate from Finglas, Dublin, who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of addiction, mental health, and adversity. Raised by her grandparents and having spent time in foster care, Tammy grew up in a family affected by addiction and incarceration. Yet, through it all, she emerged as a force for change and healing in her community.
Tammy shares her incredible story of resilience, from struggling in school to excelling in college, and how she now serves on the Board of Directors for both the Mental Health Commission and Jigsaw, championing the well-being of young people.
Tammy’s message is one of hope and understanding: "Everyone does the best with what they have in that moment." Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back.
Join us for this inspiring conversation on overcoming life's toughest challenges and finding purpose in helping others.
🔗 **Listen now** and don't forget to **like**, **subscribe**, and **share**!
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocate #Resilience #FinglasPride #Jigsaw #CrumlinAddictionCentre #TammyDunahey #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #CommunitySupport
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In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we sit down with Ger Redmond, an Irish professional triathlete with an extraordinary life story. From chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer to enduring a two-year term in Mountjoy Prison, Ger’s journey is filled with incredible highs and crushing lows.
After his prison sentence, Ger turned his life around through triathlon and has become a multiple IRONMAN finisher. Now, he's dedicated to inspiring young people, leading initiatives like the Coolock Running Club, Another Way 5k, and coaching in the Oberstown Detention Centre for young offenders. Ger’s mantra is to transform negativity into positivity through the power of sport.
Join us at the Crumlin Recovery Centre for an inspiring conversation where Ger shares his mission to motivate the next generation and how he continues to overcome life's challenges. Don't miss this insightful episode!
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In this episode of The Long Way Back, we welcome Sascha Roos, a leading dyslexia specialist, author, and advocate. With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with dyslexia, Sascha has transformed how parents, students, and educators understand and approach this learning difference. She is the author of At Home with Dyslexia (for parents) and the upcoming At School with Dyslexia (for teenagers), both designed to offer practical, dyslexia-friendly advice.
In this episode, Sascha shares her journey as a dyslexia expert, discussing the challenges dyslexic students face in school and offering strategies for success. She introduces us to her work with students like Georgie and Timmy, shedding light on how families can foster strengths and overcome obstacles.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with dyslexia, Sascha’s insights will provide hope and practical tools for navigating the world with dyslexia. Don’t miss this empowering conversation as we challenge the misconceptions and embrace the abilities that dyslexia brings!
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In this compelling episode, we sit down with John Boland from Dublin, a man who grew up in a family of nine and has faced a long, difficult journey to recovery. John opens up about his struggles with addiction and mental health, reflecting on a life marked by challenges and personal transformation.
He speaks about his complicated relationship with his father and the deep desire for attention that shaped much of his early life. John touches on the tension between being perceived as a "street angel" while struggling as a "house devil," and how alcoholism and depression became central battles for him. After 30 years of addiction, John found himself trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing, feeling as though no one truly cared.
His story also highlights the impact of love from his parents and how that experience influenced his own approach to parenting. He reflects on the profound ways adult actions can affect children's minds and how his relationship with his own children has become all about love and understanding. Despite multiple relapses, John’s recovery came in fractions, and his battle with addiction and mental health was deeply tied to his sense of reputation and how it dictated his life circumstances.
He also shares a deeply personal account of his suicide attempt, discussing the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness, emphasizing how these struggles can be ongoing, but recovery is possible.
John's honest and moving story is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, understanding, and a greater insight into the complexities of addiction and recovery.
#Recovery #Addiction #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Parenting #Crumlin
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In this episode of *The Long Way Back Podcast*, we sit down with Niall O’Carroll, an extraordinary leader, consultant, and sports psychologist with a deep passion for the psychology of success, neurodiversity, and high-performance leadership. With over a decade of experience working with world-class athletes, Olympic teams, and corporate giants, Niall brings a wealth of insight on what it takes to drive excellence across diverse fields.
From his roots in Limerick and his early career in the Gardaí to his current role as a creative L&D consultant and Senior Associate at BTAS, Niall’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his ACCORD leadership model, which emphasizes Appreciation, Connection, Communication, Ownership, Respect, and Direction as the foundations of great teams.
Niall also shares powerful insights on:
- The importance of mindset and distraction control in high-pressure environments.
- The role of neurodiversity in creating more inclusive and successful workplaces.
- Helping athletes transition from the spotlight into life after sport.
- The challenges of finding purpose, overcoming addiction, and living authentically.
- How leaders can build trust and deliver impactful feedback.
Whether you're a leader looking to connect better with your team, an athlete preparing for life after competition, or someone fascinated by the intersection of psychology and leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.
Tune in to hear Niall’s unique perspective on what it means to get comfortable being uncomfortable and why embracing our differences can lead to stronger, more successful teams. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on leadership, neurodiversity, and personal growth!
**Listen now and subscribe for more inspiring stories on The Long Way Back!**
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In this empowering episode of *The Long Way Back*, we’re joined by Rosie Bissett, CEO of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, as she shares her personal and professional journey with dyslexia. From overcoming challenges in school to discovering her strengths, Rosie sheds light on the realities of living with dyslexia and how it can shape a person’s path.
Rosie talks about the critical role of early identification, the right supports, and how important it is to empower individuals with dyslexia. She also discusses the systemic challenges faced, including delays in diagnosis, the complexities of exam accommodations, and the slowness of change in the Irish education system, particularly within government and civil service sectors.
Key highlights:
- Importance of literacy supports and workshops provided by the Dyslexia Association of Ireland.
- The power of assistive technology in overcoming learning barriers.
- Why it’s okay to be dyslexic and how to embrace your unique strengths.
- The need to amplify the voice of the child in education and decision-making.
Rosie also dives into the work her organization is doing to advocate for the rights of people with dyslexia and provide vital resources, including toolkits for managing dyslexia. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand dyslexia, advocate for change, or find practical ways to support those with learning difficulties.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!
#Dyslexia #Education #RosieBissett #TheLongWayBack #DyslexiaAssociationOfIreland #LearningDifferences #AssistiveTechnology #Empowerment #LiteracySupport #EducationReform #Advocacy
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In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back, we are honored to be joined by Eddie Mullins, the newly appointed CEO of Merchants Quay Addiction Services in Ireland. Eddie brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Irish Prison Service and is now at the forefront of addiction recovery, taking on this vital role to address Ireland’s growing addiction crisis.
Eddie shares his personal journey, growing up in inner-city Dublin and rising to leadership as Governor of five of Ireland’s prisons, including Mountjoy and Portlaoise. He reflects on his time working within the prison system, where he spearheaded innovative programs like the first social enterprise in Loughan House and the groundbreaking Parkrun at Mountjoy Prison.
We delve into important issues facing Ireland today, such as the development of new detox centers like Frances Farm, the opening of a new injection clinic, and Eddie's advocacy for increased aftercare and recovery services. He passionately discusses the critical need for more recovery beds and support systems for those overcoming addiction.
Now leading Merchants Quay, Eddie is focused on bringing his expertise to addiction services, ensuring people have access to the care and rehabilitation they deserve. We also explore his vision for education and apprenticeship programs within prisons and their role in reducing recidivism.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Eddie Mullins as he shares his vision for a better future
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In this insightful episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Amy Winter, an experienced emotional regulation therapist and founder of Little Kneaders. Amy specializes in helping neurodivergent children develop crucial emotional regulation skills, using creative tools like breathing techniques and sensory play.
With years of experience, Amy works with children facing school trauma, refusal, and even suicidal ideation. She’s deeply passionate about guiding young, traumatised individuals on their journey toward healing and self-regulation. From building resilience to reclaiming confidence, Amy’s compassionate approach makes a real difference.
Join us as we dive into Amy's unique methods, the importance of emotional well-being, and her personal experiences working with children and schools through Little Kneaders. You won’t want to miss this empowering and heartfelt conversation.
🔗 Connect with Amy Winter: hello@littlekneaders.ie
✨ Learn more about Little Kneaders: Helping children grow through sensory tools like putty and mindful practices.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content! 🌟
#EmotionalRegulation #NeurodivergentSupport #ChildTherapy #SchoolTrauma #SuicidalIdeation #LittleKneaders #MentalHealth #Podcast
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In this episode of "The Long Way Back" podcast, we sit down with Caitlyn Dunlea, a remarkable mother of four, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience and recovery. Caitlyn opens up about her profound weight loss journey, the challenges of raising three neurodiverse children, and the heartbreaking loss of her sibling to suicide. After a 12-year break, Caitlyn shares her inspiring return to playing for her local football club and how it has reignited her passion for the game. We also delve into her experiences with various pregnancy-related illnesses, including eclampsia, and the enduring love that fuels her as a mother. This is an episode filled with strength, hope, and the powerful story of a woman who has faced life's toughest challenges head-on. Don't miss it!
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
