Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia

In this deeply honest episode of Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia, Sophia speaks openly about the torment of feeling pushed away by the people she loved, and the emotional weight that comes with rejection, grief, and healing old wounds.We also share the excitement and the sadness behind our move to Bali - navigating the emotional pull of leaving loved ones while stepping into a new chapter. We talk candidly about our experiences with plant medicine, the emotions it stirred, and what it taught us about connection, loss, and self-compassion.Peter reflects on what Christmas can be like for people in recovery - the loneliness, the triggers, the quiet battles - and offers grounded, compassionate insight into how friends and family can truly support loved ones during this time.This is a conversation about love, grief, growth, and staying connected - even when change hurts.

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Peter and Sophia open up about healing in real time- not the polished version, but the messy, honest, beautifully human reality of recovering from trauma, addiction, dissociation, and destructive cycles.Together they explore:What spirituality really is (and isn’t) Coming to terms with who you are as a survivor - across every age and version of yourselfWhat it’s like being in a relationship when both partners have lived through abuse, triggers, and emotional shutdowns - and how they communicate through itRevisiting childhood memories, flashbacks, and the painful reconnection with the inner childEgo, masks, and why the body protects itself even long into adulthoodAttachment wounds, early neglect, and learning how to soothe the self from the inside outThe ripple effect of generational trauma and the weight of one person's actions across decadesThe resurfacing of old memories during healing practices and the body’s instinct to protect itself from vulnerabilityBurnout, emotional collapse, and the frightening experience of losing connection with yourself completelyWhy destructive behaviours, addiction, and escape make sense in the context of severe childhood trauma - and how survival mechanisms become lifelong patternsThis episode is heavy, real, and full of moments most people never talk about, but should.It’s a conversation about love after trauma, about healing that isn’t linear, and about finding your way back to yourself piece by piece.If you’ve lived through trauma, dissociation, relationship struggles, addiction, or inner-child wounds… this episode will sit deeply with you.

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.

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.

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