The Mind Full Podcast is the latest offering in comedian, broadcaster & best-selling author Dermot Whelan’s highly successful Mind Full adventure. The Mind Full Podcast is a home for people whose minds are...well, full! Dermot explores the topics that can help us to calm a frantic mind, understand our behaviour and explore our own potential.
With a new topic of focus each week in discussion with an exciting array of guests ranging from Hollywood stars, musicians and broadcasters to expert technical contributors from the world of science, listeners will get the best information to help them make positive changes in their lives and create that mental space to live their days with more joy.
As a certified meditation teacher, Dermot also presents his own expertise through weekly guided meditations and answering listener's questions.
It's serious transformation, without being too serious!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Mind Full Podcast is the latest offering in comedian, broadcaster & best-selling author Dermot Whelan’s highly successful Mind Full adventure. The Mind Full Podcast is a home for people whose minds are...well, full! Dermot explores the topics that can help us to calm a frantic mind, understand our behaviour and explore our own potential.
With a new topic of focus each week in discussion with an exciting array of guests ranging from Hollywood stars, musicians and broadcasters to expert technical contributors from the world of science, listeners will get the best information to help them make positive changes in their lives and create that mental space to live their days with more joy.
As a certified meditation teacher, Dermot also presents his own expertise through weekly guided meditations and answering listener's questions.
It's serious transformation, without being too serious!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I am joined by Josh Wood, a US-born, Tasmania-based behaviour change expert who somehow makes healthy living feel normal. You might know Josh from his brilliant TEDx talk on emotional eating, which has been shared far and wide, and for good reason. He’s got this wonderfully shame-free, common-sense approach to wellness, with a healthy dose of humour, which is always appreciated!
In our chat, we dive into everything from the surprisingly effective “Apple Test” for real hunger, to why perfection isn’t exactly perfect in itself! Josh explains why “good enough” is genuinely good enough, and he shares the nugget of wisdom that made his entire TEDx audience gasp.
We also get a sneak peek at Macro Masala, Josh’ new Indian-inspired cookbook full of big flavours and simple prep. If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, food guilt, secret fizzy-jelly stashes, or the all-or-nothing mindset, you’ll love this one.
He’s smart, sound, and refreshingly real. This conversation is just a reminder that small, conscious choices add up. Enjoy!
For more information on Josh, his coaching and more you can visit www.strongforlife.online
To view Josh’s TEDx talk ‘Six Habits to Eat Like an Adult’ click here
For Josh’s Macro Masala cookbook click here
You can also follow Josh on @coachjoshwood on socials.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I sit down for an exceptionally powerful and moving conversation with Roseanna Ruane to share the story of her extraordinary daughter Saoírse who touched hearts across Ireland after appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020, and whose light continues to shine brightly after her passing last year after a long battle with cancer at just 12 years of age.
Roseanna speaks with honesty, love, and courage about navigating life after unimaginable loss. This is a raw and deeply human conversation about grief, love and legacy.
If you’d like to honour Saoírse’s memory while also supporting Cancer Fund for Children and Hand in Hand in Galway, you can purchase from the BPerfect x Saoírse & Mamma range at www.bperfectcosmetics.com. You can also follow Roseanna on social media on @saoirseandmamma
If you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, please see the details below:
Anam Cara Parental & Sibling Bereavement Support
Web: www.anamcara.ie
Ph: (ROI) 01 404 5378/(NI) 0044 28 9521 3120
Irish Hospice Foundation - Bereavement Support Line
Web: www.hospicefoundation.ie/
Ph: 1800 80 70 77
Childline (for young siblings affected by bereavement)
Web: www.childline.ie
Ph: 1800 66 66 66
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve ever thought “I should be doing more” while simultaneously seeing how many prawn crackers you can fit in your mouth, this one’s for you! My guest this week is the brilliant Karl Henry: fitness expert, Operation Transformation legend, podcaster, and author.
Karl’s been transforming lives on Irish TV for over 15 years, and his Real Health Podcast has reached millions of downloads. In this chat, we dive into why you’re always wrecked! We talk burnout, bad sleep, and the sneaky energy drainers hiding in your so-called “healthy” diet. Karl shares how walking, sleep, and simple habits can transform your energy and maybe even your mindset.
This is a truly valuable conversation with someone who makes all of this, potentially daunting, stuff so accessible for us to absorb, take on board and put into action.
For more information on Karl’s work visit www.karlhenry.ie, Karl’s award-winning podcast is Real Health with Karl Henry and his brand new book is The Walking Effect: The Magic of Walking for Wellbeing and the Best Places in Ireland to Do It is available in bookstores now.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today I’m joined by the brilliant neuroscientist, psychologist, author, and all-round brain whisperer, Dr Sabina Brennan. Sabina has an incredible gift for explaining why we humans do the weird things we do - especially our teenagers! We dive into what’s really going on in the teenage brain: why they’re not lazy (just biologically allergic to mornings), how screens and sleep are tangled in a messy science experiment, and the worrying truth about early alcohol exposure.
If you’re raising teens, were once one yourself, or just want to understand your brain better, this episode’s for you!
To learn more about Sabina's Work go to www.sabinabrennan.ie and check out her wonderful books 100 Days to a Younger Brain, Beating Brain Fog, The Neuroscience of Manifesting and her latest wonderful compassionate book It's Still Me: A Neuroscientist's Guide to Caring for Someone with Dementia. Sabina’s podcast Super Brain is also available wherever you get your podcasts.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, I’m chatting to the absolutely brilliant Dr. Brian Pennie - a man who went from 15 years of heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist, lecturer and speaker.
Brian's story is one of radical transformation, told with fierce honesty and zero fluff. We dive deep into the stuff that really matters: anxiety, addiction, identity, and the relentless inner critic we all wrestle with. We explore how early anxiety and trauma shapes us, the power of journaling to literally rewire your brain, and how spotting your inner voices can help you reclaim control. If addiction, your own or someone else’s, has touched your life, this one’s for you.
Stick around to the end for a short guided meditation to help reset your mind. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you covered.
If you would like to check out Brian and his work visit www.brianpennie.com. Check out his wonderful book Bonus Time, his podcast Change is Possible and most of all go to the RTÉ Player and watch the three-episode documentary he made called Hooked: How Addiction Hijacks Your Brain.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever wondered if the way you argue could predict the end of your relationship? This week I’m joined once again by the brilliant psychologist and author Allison Keating to talk about all things conflict. And trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
We dive into why couples fight, how different conflict styles can clash (or work), and whether arguing well is actually good for your relationship. Allison brings her signature warmth, wit, and razor-sharp insight to this week’s wonderful conversation about an, often tricky, topic.
You’ll learn how to spot warning signs, maybe even start arguing more healthily and much more!
This is the episode you’ll want to quietly text to your partner with a “thought you’d find this interesting…” message attached.
For more information on Allison’s work visit www.bwell.ie.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by the man who lit a fire in my belly, not with a curry, but with his voice, his message, and perfect timing.
You know that feeling when something just clicks? That was me the first time I heard davidji. I’d been circling the mindfulness space for years, searching for something deeper but most of it felt like it wasn’t meant for someone like me. Then one stressed-out night, flicking through internet radio, I stumbled on a voice that felt like a warm blanket. He was wise, hilarious, and somehow made the esoteric feel accessible. That voice belonged to davidji.
Today, davidji is not only a bestselling author as well as a teacher to Navy SEALs and CEOs, he’s a great friend of mine. This week, we dive into purpose - what it means, how to find it, and why it's never too late to redefine who we are.
For more information on davidji, including his forthcoming new Meditation Teacher training course, visit www.davidji.com. Don’t forget to also check out his great podcast ‘The Shadow and The Light’ which he hosts alongside Psychotherapist and Meditation Teacher Elizabeth Winkler.
If you're new to this series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I sit down with the soul-sparking duo that is Miriam and Gerry Hussey - the couple who somehow manage to leave you feeling both totally inspired and weirdly unfit!
But, don’t be fooled by their calm glow, they’ve walked through burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, and the chaos of modern life just like many of us. We chat about leaving the tick-box life behind, why your soul needs breathing space, and how to manage your inner madness without having to drink celery juice or move to the jungle.
Miriam’s powerful new book Light Up has just been released, and Gerry continues to help thousands through his own bestselling books and life-changing work. They’re Founders of Soul Space, champions of inner transformation, and best of all, they’re really nice down-to-earth people. This episode is full of heart, humour, and practical wisdom. You're going to love it.
For more information on Miriam and Gerry’s work, visit www.soulspace.ie where you’ll get all the info on their books, including Miriam’s latest release Light Up and Gerry’s I Am, I Can, I Will and all of their wonderful retreats and live events too.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today’s guest is a man many of us have quietly adopted as Ireland’s national therapist - Dr David Coleman. With over 20 years’ experience as a Clinical Psychologist working with children, teens and families, David joins me to chat about all things anxiety: why it’s on the rise, how to help our kids cope, and how not to panic when they panic.
We cover everything from tantrums to tech, praise to panic attacks, and why self-regulation is a skill we can all learn. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just trying to keep your own head straight, this episode is packed with gold. David is warm, wise, wonderfully relatable and he’ll leave you feeling reassured, not judged.
You can get tickets for Dr David Coleman’s talk ‘Helping Children and Teenagers Cope With Anxiety’ (which is followed by a live Q&A) at The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin on Thur 23rd Oct 2025 at the link below:
https://thelark.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173659570
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve had some unique guests on this podcast—but never one like this. I don’t even know his real name. He goes by the name of Art Riddler, he wears a mask, and until now, no one knew the story behind it. This is the first time he’s shared his personal journey and wow, what a journey it is. It’s one of grief, heartbreak, and despair, but also hope, creativity, and a deep desire to help others.
You might know him as the anonymous philanthropist supporting emerging Irish artists with generous prizes and exhibitions but behind that mystery is a man who lost the love of his life, and somehow turned that pain into something truly beautiful.
We talk about grief, healing, the power of art, and why Irish people still get weird about kindness. It’s raw, real, and one of the most moving conversations I’ve had on The Mind Full Podcast.
As discussed in this episode, Art Riddler’s Exhibition is taking place from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th of October at 1 Charlemont Square, Dublin and I highly recommend it!
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, my incredible guest is the warm, wise, and wonderfully relatable Dr Clodagh Campbell - psychologist, bestselling author, podcast host, and proud Irish woman on a mission to help us all quiet that nagging inner critic. You know the one, the voice that tells you you’re not enough, you’ve messed it all up, or you’re getting notions.
Clodagh is the brilliant mind behind The Steps, a book that breaks down big therapy ideas into 10 simple, powerful tools you can actually use: like when you’ve just roared at your kid or inhaled a pile of KitKats because you “had a feeling.”
We chat about Irish shame, inner critics, World Book Day panic, and why self-compassion isn’t soft fluff,it’s essential psychological first aid. She’s open, honest, hilarious, and so reassuring for anyone who’s ever forgotten the school costume. (bin bags can be magic.)
Find out more about Clodagh at thewellnesspsychologist.ie
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pat Shortt’s laugh is one of the most famous in Ireland, and you’re in for a treat in this episode as you’ll hear plenty of it! From his legendary double act D'Unbelievables alongside the late Jon Kenny to his role as the bumbling Garda in Killinaskully, Pat has been a constant in Irish comedy for decades as both a writer and performer.
Pat has tackled everything from playing a saxophonist in a pub band to a lonely petrol station worker in Garage, a performance that earned him an IFTA and international acclaim. In this conversation, Pat opens up about the joy and the pressure of being funny, the power of the stage, and the way laughter can coexist with pain.
We talk nerves, nostalgia, and the weight that comes with making people laugh. This episode is full of insight, heart, and, of course, plenty of laughs.
Pat and Faye are on the road with their new nationwide tour ‘Shortt Stuff’ from October 3rd and tickets are available from www.patshortt.com
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this season finale of The Mind Full Podcast, we dive deep into one of my all-time favourite topics: relationships - how they shape us, challenge us, and ultimately help us grow. From romantic bonds to work dynamics and the tricky relationship we have with ourselves, it’s all on the table. And who better to explore this rich terrain with than psychologist, leadership coach, and literal rock star, Louize Carroll!
Louize makes a welcome return to The Mind Full Podcast to discuss her powerful 12-week course Wisely Attached, which helps people rewire unhelpful relationship patterns. Together, we talk about the big questions: Why do we keep repeating the same arguments? Why doesn’t passive-aggressive self-help book placement work? And when is it time to walk away?
This warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation offers real insights for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or just wondered why people can’t say what they’re bloody well feeling! Strap in, it’s a brilliant way to wrap up the season!
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week’s guest is absolutely flying, but it’s been one hell of a ride getting here. Mark Mehigan is a comedian, author, podcaster, and former BBC social media guru, with a backstory that reads like six lifetimes packed into one. From writing songs with Westlife’s Mark Feehily to late-night benders in London, Mark’s journey has been anything but dull.
These days, he hosts Mark Mehigan’s Weekly Roast, one of Ireland’s top comedy podcasts. But behind the laughs is a deeply honest story of addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and the kind of quiet desperation that can hide behind a smile. We talk about how his Monday-night wine habit spiraled, why hitting rock bottom might be the best thing that ever happened to him, and what he calls “the silence between the ears.”
Mark’s chasing what so many of us are - peace of mind. In this funny, vulnerable, and no-nonsense conversation, we explore the messy path to clarity, recovery, and self-acceptance - with plenty of laughs along the way.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, we ask ‘how do we handle that person who seems to have a knack for getting under our skin at work?’
I'm joined by Dr Richard Hogan, a Psychotherapist who sees this kind of thing all the time. He’s a bestselling author, the star of RTÉ’s Raised by The Village, and co-host of the hit podcast They F**k You Up with Dr Ciara Kelly. In this conversation, we explore how to navigate challenging relationships at work (but, of course, this can be applied in many environments!). We talk about managing stress, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout - all while keeping your cool and doing your best.
Richard helps us rethink those difficult people in our lives, encouraging us to view them not as tyrants, but as potential teachers. Whether you're dealing with a work bully or just someone who causes you stress, this conversation offers practical advice for surviving and thriving in challenging relationships.
You can find Richard on www.therapyinstitute.ie. Pick up his books Parenting the Screenager & Home is Where the Start is and don’t forget to check out his podcast with Dr Ciara Kelly They F**k You Up.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Please note: This episode contains references to sexual abuse, which some listeners may find triggering.
My guest this week is the best-selling author & psychologist Katriona O’Sullivan. Not only does Katriona have a life-story that is nothing short of exceptionally powerful, she is the author of the phenomenal book Poor, which spent over 40 weeks at No.1 on the Irish non-fiction charts, won Biography of the Year and the Listeners' Choice Award at the Irish Book Awards, and is now being adapted for the stage at the Gate Theatre during the Dublin Theatre Festival from Sep 26.
Katriona speaks openly about her childhood journey, which was marked by extreme poverty, neglect, and abuse, to becoming a respected academic and advocate for educational equity. In this fascinating conversation we look at healing from trauma (with a big and little ‘t’) , how mindfulness can be harmful if not approached correctly, and Katriona shares her own healing journey through therapy and much more. This is a powerful conversation about compassion, purpose, and how just surviving isn’t enough - we need to build a world where more people don’t have to.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chat Shows, Donald Trump & Unruly Roommates!
This week I’m joined by comedy legend, bestselling author, and mindfulness teacher Ruby Wax.
From HBO to Oxford, chat shows to silent retreats, Ruby has done it all and brought her razor-sharp wit with her. She’s faced down depression (or her “unruly roommate,” as she calls it), taken on fame, and even once roasted Donald Trump at 33,000 feet!
Ruby’s no stranger to the chaos of the mind, and in this episode we dive into how she’s learned to manage hers with humour, honesty, and a Master’s Degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford. We chat about mental breakdowns, people-pleasing, 30-day silent retreats and much more.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I’m joined by Sexologist, Educator and quite possibly Ireland’s most joyful advocate for pleasure - Jenny Keane.
Having first featured on The Mind Full Podcast last year in Season One, Jenny is making a welcomed return to the series. Jenny communicates the topic of pleasure in a wonderfully accessible and articulate way. So it’s no wonder why her workshops are so popular and why her live shows always sell out in an instant!
This week, we’re talking about why pleasure has fallen off of the To-Do List and how to bring it firmly back. Jenny and her creation Oh! Moment has a commitment to enhancing sexual wellbeing through holistic sex education workshops, events, body-safe sex toys and more. Jenny uses a trauma-informed approach and, with her PhD studies in clinical sexology, enriches the content and practices she shares with such delightful ease and humour.
So, if your libido has gone into hibernation or your idea of foreplay is syncing Google Calendars, this episode is for you - it’s about making time for what matters, starting with ourselves!
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For this extra special bonus-length live episode, I’m joined by Comedians and Actors Willa White and Eric Lalor. The lads sit down with me on stage at the fantastic Púca Festival in Trim, Co. Meath to talk about their very unique experiences with mental struggles, the power of friendship, life lessons and a home birth that went very very weird!
Willa White is living proof that you can come back from anything — with a bit of reflection, a lot of humour, and the kind of honesty that stops you in your tracks. He’s battled addiction, transformed his life, and now uses laughter and his award-winning acting chops— not just as punchlines, but as a path to healing. His hugely successful and powerful one man show the Examination has played in theatres across the world and, in recent times, he sold out both the 3Olympia Theatre and The Gaiety Theatre (the first comedian to do so in over 10 years), making him the first Irish man to play the venue since it was built back in 1939.
Eric is a multi award-winning comedian and his latest one man show, Lol’er By Nature was a sell out success at Dublin’s Liberty Hall Theatre. You also might know him as the loveable rogue Cathal Spillane from Fair City but off-screen and stage he’s one of the funniest, soundest, and most razor-sharp comedians in the country.
Check out one of Willa’s Work in Progress shows on the 18th & 19th June in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun, in the National Stadium in Dublin on Aug 2nd, or on Oct 1st in the TLT, Drogheda. Make sure you tune into the lads’ award-winning You Must Be Jokin’ podcast and follow @ericlalor and @willawhitecomedy on Instagram.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My incredible guest this week has got a heart the size of a Great Dane, the determination of a Jack Russell, and the Instagram account that’s made millions ugly cry before breakfast!
Niall Harbison is a Tyrone man but later moved to Dublin where he became a chef with a career that saw him cooking for the likes of rock stars and business moguls often on luxury yachts! But beneath all of this lay troublesome deep seated mental health issues that culminated in chronic addiction and a traumatic breakdown in Thailand in 2020.
Niall’s journey since then is nothing short of fascinating and inspiring. Niall dedicates his time to rescuing dogs and is the author of not one but two wonderful books. First, there was ‘ - how street dogs taught me the meaning of life” and now—he’s back with a brand new book ‘Tina: The Dog Who Changed The World’, a follow-up that proves our greatest teachers can appear in the unlikeliest places. And they may love tennis balls.
In this lovely conversation you’ll hear how the high-adrenaline chef culture enabled his addiction, what he identified as his 3 drinking triggers, the pressures of a global online following, the celebs whose hearts his work has touched and how special dogs Tina, Hank the Tank & Cindy Crawford all carry stories that mirror his own healing journey.
If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!
Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.