Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia

• Restorative Justice, Real Healing: A Conversation with Professor Marie Keenan

  In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of Having the Chats with Peter & Sophia, we sit down with Professor Marie Keenan.World-renowned restorative justice practitioner, psychotherapist, and researcher.Together, we explore the life-changing impact of restorative justice in cases of sexual violence. Sophia shares her own transformative journey of sitting face-to-face with her father in a restorative process that became a turning point in her healing. Peter opens up about how that experience changed his own understanding of justice and humanity.Professor Keenan offers profound insight into how restorative justice challenges conventional legal systems, centers the voice of the survivor, and facilitates deep accountability and healing, even in the most complex and painful circumstances.This episode is not only a conversation, it’s an invitation to rethink justice, healing, and what it means to take our power back. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, trauma, and personal stories of abuse. Please listen with care.📚 Professor Keenan’s book Sexual Violence and Restorative Justice: Addressing the Justice Gap is available free online — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380756032_Sexual_Violence_and_Restorative_Justice_Addressing_the_Justice_GapDon't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help these vital conversations reach those who need them.

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• Breaking the Silence: Mark Rickard on Trauma, Recovery & Men’s Mental Health

  In one of our most emotional and courageous episodes yet, we’re joined by Mark Rickard.An incredible man who shares the raw, unfiltered truth about his experiences with childhood sexual abuse, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and the painful process of healing.From the age of five, Mark’s identity was shaped by trauma. He opens up about the confusion, shame, and destructive patterns that followed him into adulthood, and how therapy helped him begin to piece himself back together.This conversation covers everything:The silence surrounding male sexual abuseLiving with BPD and navigating intense emotionsAddiction as a form of slow suicideThe struggle for self-worth, self-forgiveness, and trustHow turning pain into purpose can light the path forwardNow a youth coach and fierce advocate for mental health, Mark’s story is one of unimaginable hurt, but also one of strength, honesty, and hope.If you’ve been affected by the themes in this episode, here are some free and confidential services in Ireland:Men’s Aid – www.mensaid.ie / [email protected] (Rape Crisis Network Ireland) – 1800 77 8888 / www.rcni.iePieta House – 1800 247 247 / www.pieta.ieSamaritans – 116 123 / [email protected] – 1800 80 48 48 / [email protected] – www.turn2me.orgGROW Mental Health – 1890 474 474 / www.grow.ieChildline (under 18) – 1800 66 66 66 / www.childline.ie👉 If you're in immediate danger, call 999.Please like, comment, and share this episode—because these conversations matter.You could be the reason someone reaches out.

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• From Science to Soul: A Journey of Healing with Dr. Bláithín Sweeney

  In this sacred and soul-nourishing episode of Having the Chats with Peter and Sophia, we sit in deep conversation with the radiant and grounded Dr. Bláithín Sweeney, known to many in her community as a healer, guide, space holder, and the heartbeat behind the Having a Laugh charity.Bláithín’s journey is a unique and powerful one.From the structured world of synthetic organic chemistry, where she earned her PhD, to the intuitive, heart-led realm of spiritual healing and community care. She is a woman who walked away from titles and expectations to walk others home to themselves.Today, she offers her gifts through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, holding space for people to reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and essence. Whether on the mat, in ceremony, or through laughter and movement, Dr. B is deeply committed to helping others remember who they are beneath the noise.🌿 In this episode, we explore:Her evolution from academic intellect to embodied wisdomWhat it means to hold space for others on their healing pathThe magic of breath as a bridge between pain and peaceThe importance of community, service, and showing up with loveHer work with Having a Laugh, a beloved charity rooted in joy, connection, and healing through creative outletsReleasing the pressure of labels and choosing a softer, more truthful lifeThis episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t always look how we expect it to, and that often, the most powerful medicine is presence, compassion, and the courage to let go of who we were taught to be.✨ If you’ve ever longed to merge science with soul, intellect with intuition, or if you’re simply craving a conversation that feels like a deep exhale, this one’s for you.🌀 About Dr. Bláithín SweeneyBláithín is the founder of Havin’ a Laugh, a Sligo-based charity established in 2013. The organization aims to promote positive mental health through life-enhancing activities. By providing activity vouchers for pursuits like surfing, yoga, and art classes, the charity supports individuals in mental health recovery, helping them reconnect with joy and community .In our conversation, we explore:🧪 Bláithín’s transition from the world of chemistry to holistic healing🌬️ The power of breathwork and somatic practices in trauma recovery🤝 The mission and impact of Havin’ a Laugh in the community🎨 How creative and physical activities can aid mental health recovery💬 The importance of community support and open conversations about mental healthThis episode is a testament to the healing power of community, the importance of accessible mental health support, and the incredible work being done by individuals like Bláithín.🔗 Learn more about Havin’ a Laugh:Website: www.havinalaugh.comInstagram: @havin.a.laugh🔗 Learn more about Your Wellbeing Warrior:Website: www.yourwellbeingwarrior.comInstagram: @your_wellbeing_warrior

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• The Stories We Thought We'd Never Share

  🧡 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, addiction, suicide, and grief. Please listen with care.In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Having the Chats with Peter and Sophia, we open our hearts like never before.Originally set to feature a guest, we found ourselves with an unexpected space, and we chose to fill it by sharing the raw truth of our own stories. From childhood abuse, addiction, and prison to the loss of loved ones and the long road to healing, this is an unfiltered conversation about the pain we've lived through, the resilience we’ve found, and the love that now guides our lives.Sophia shares the harrowing experiences of abuse she endured growing up, the impact of addiction, and the profound loss of her sister, and how recovery has helped her rebuild. Peter reflects on his journey from abandonment, emotional disconnection, and criminality to finding peace, identity, and purpose.This episode isn’t easy, but it’s real. And it’s needed. Because when stories like these are told, they break silence, reduce shame, and remind others that healing is possible.If you’ve ever felt alone in your pain, or wondered if things could ever change, this one’s for you.📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, someone you know may need to hear this.📩 Follow us on Instagram @peterandsophiahavingthechats

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• Trapped in the Trap: Gareth's Story of Psychosis, Survival & Purpose

  In this raw and powerful episode of Having the Chats with Peter & Sophia, we sit down with Gareth McGuirk, the inspiring voice behind Find Motivation With Gareth. At just 19, Gareth has already lived through intense trauma, cannabis-induced psychosis, family upheaval, homelessness, and the pull of street life in Dublin.What sets Gareth apart isn’t just his survival-it’s his mission. Through honesty, humour, and heart, he opens up about what it’s like growing up surrounded by addiction, violence, and normalized chaos, and how he's finding his way out through self-awareness, real talk, and community motivation.We cover:The dangers of synthetic cannabis and substance misuseWhat psychosis actually looks and feels likeGrowing up in an environment of addictionThe reality behind social media successHis drive to break cycles and build community supportThis episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a mirror held up to youth, resilience, and the power of purpose. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to make sense of the chaos around you-this one's for you.Connect with Gareth:Follow him on Instagram & TikTok: @findmotivationwithgareth

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