Radiate Realness

• Miriam Moriarty Owens, Author of Shh Don’t Tell: A True Story of Survival

  In this deeply moving episode of Radiate Realness, host Geraldine McGrath welcomes Miriam Moriarty Owens, a survivor of Ireland’s industrial school system. Miriam bravely shares her harrowing journey, from enduring years of institutional abuse to reclaiming her voice and identity. Born in 1957, Miriam was placed in Nazareth House in Tralee, where she spent nearly 12 years experiencing the harsh realities of an industrial school. Stripped of her name and reduced to a number, she grew up in an environment devoid of love and care. At 14 years old, she left the institution and began working in Denny’s Bacon Factory. A new chapter unfolded when she moved to London in 1979, where she found kindness, met her husband, and built a family. Throughout her life, Miriam has faced immense hardship, domestic abuse, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the battle for justice and acknowledgment. But her story is not just one of pain; it is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. From becoming a grandmother and going back to college to writing her autobiography and producing a film on domestic violence, Miriam has turned her pain into power. Her mission is clear: to ensure survivors’ voices are heard, their stories are honored, and the past is not forgotten. She continues to advocate for those who have suffered in silence, proving that healing and hope are possible. Key Takeaways from This Episode Surviving the Industrial School System Miriam spent almost 13 years in the industrial school system. Abuse was rampant, and children were stripped of their identities. She was given a number instead of a name, symbolizing the loss of self. The Irish government’s apology in 1999 felt hollow and insincere. The long-term impact of childhood trauma extends into every aspect of life. Finding Strength Through Life’s Challenges Motherhood was a turning point for Miriam, she finally felt like somebody. Her marriage provided initial stability, but struggles with alcoholism created challenges. A life-changing call from her sister led her to leave her marriage and seek safety. Miriam’s return to Ireland was met with unexpected support and new opportunities. She found healing in storytelling, community, and advocacy. The Power of Healing & Advocacy Healing begins with acknowledging the past and breaking the silence. Intergenerational trauma affects not only survivors but their families. Memorials and storytelling are crucial in honoring victims and ensuring history remembers them. Survivors deserve justice, acknowledgment, and a place in history books. Healing is a collective effort, requiring community support, connection, and self-love. Final Thoughts from Miriam Moriarty Owens   “No child should ever feel invisible. We were not just numbers, we were children with dreams, pain, and hope. Speaking out is not just about my story; it’s about ensuring no one else has to endure what we did.”         Connect with Miriam Moriarty Owens Book: Shh Don’t Tell: A True Story of Survival   Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miriamowens Facebook Page: Johnny’s Cottage Facebook Page     Advocacy Work: Domestic violence awareness, survivor support, and historical justice.   Connect with Geraldine McGrath Podcast: Radiate Realness Emotional Freedom Pathways   Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldine_mcgrath_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geraldine.mcgrath.54/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-mcgrath/   Listen Now & Share – If Miriam’s story resonated with you, please share this episode.   Let’s continue the conversation about healing, justice, and resilience.

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  1:17:44
• Tovè’s Transformative Journey: From Iron Man to Laugh Therapy

  In this deeply inspiring episode, I sit down with Tovè as she takes us through her incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and self-discovery. We dive into her story, starting with her intense training for the Iron Man, and the life-altering moment when her heart unexpectedly stopped. This event marked a dramatic turning point in Tovè’s life, reigniting a period of depression that had first appeared many years earlier, after a complete breakdown of her life. Tovè opens up about how the depression resurfaced following the heart incident, taking her back to the emotional struggles she faced years before. She shares the journey of working through these deep emotions while finding strength in the face of immense change. In addition, Tovè discusses the profound grief of losing her mum unexpectedly while she was on holiday in Australia, and how this loss became another pivotal moment in her life. She speaks with raw vulnerability about navigating grief and honoring her mum’s memory while continuing to move forward. We also explore her experience with menopause, discussing the often-overlooked aspects of this transformative phase of life and the unexpected beauty that comes with it. Tovè reveals how she shifted her perspective, learning to let go of things she once worked tirelessly for, and the liberating power of no longer giving a FOG about societal expectations. As we wrap up the episode, Tovè introduces us to “laugh therapy”, a simple yet powerful technique to release stress and boost your mood. This fun, uplifting practice can be easily integrated into your daily routine, making it a perfect tool for embracing joy and living authentically. If you’re seeking inspiration to shift your mindset, break free from the things that no longer serve you, and laugh your way through life, this episode is for you! Where to find Tove Kane: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.tovekane.com/   Mobile Ireland: +353871658826 Mobile UK: +447722906281       Published SPEAKer Watch Tové on the SPEAK Stage   Book Available on Amazon  Video What is Laughter Yoga?  Video Unveiling the Power of Laughter Yoga   Freebies: 1. How to overcome camera shyness. https://bit.ly/overcomecamerashyness   2. Laughter and Mindfulness Meditation https://bit.ly/3YP1ou4   3. Guide to Stop People-pleasing https://bit.ly/3X4aP6G  How to Get in Touch with Geraldine McGrath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldine_mcgrath_/  

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  1:01:49
• A Bird Set Free, Whose Story Are You Living?

  Have you ever paused to ask yourself, Whose story am I truly living? In this deeply personal and transformative episode, I take you through my 2024 inward journey, a year of self-reflection, self-awareness, and deep transformation. I explore: ✅ The power of self-reflection and how it reveals hidden patterns. ✅ Self-awareness as the raw fuel for personal growth. ✅ Self-acceptance as the gateway to emotional freedom. But transformation doesn’t just happen, it requires tools and action. I also share some of the practices that anchored me through my journey: ✨ Gratitude – Shifting my perspective to abundance. 🧘‍♀ Meditation – Deepening my connection with self. 🌿 Grounding – Staying present and aligned with my purpose. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on ‘A Bird Set Free’, the profound realisation that true freedom isn’t found outside of us, but in breaking free from old stories, beliefs, and conditioning that no longer serve us. ✨ Take the Next Step in Your Transformation ✨ 🌟 Join me at The Emotional Freedom Experience LIVE 2025 🔥 This is YOUR moment to step into your power and rewrite your story. ➡ Click here to grab your ticket 💫 Experience A February Transformation with Geraldine 💡 If you’re ready for a deeper shift, I invite you to join me for a month of transformation where you’ll gain tools, clarity, and breakthroughs. ➡ Start your journey here 🎙 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! 💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts! After listening to this episode, take a moment to reflect: 🔹 What story have you been living that no longer aligns with your truth? 🔹 Where in your life are you ready to break free? 📩 Send me a DM or share your reflections on Instagram – Tag me at [@yourhandle] so I can connect with you! 📝 Journaling Prompt: Take 5-10 minutes to journal on this question: “If I were truly free to live life on my terms, what would that look like?” ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate & review the podcast – your support means the world and helps others find this message. 🎧 Listen now and take the first step towards living YOUR truth.

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  22:50
• A Journey from Emotional Pain to Emotional Freedom

  A Journey from Emotional Pain to Emotional Freedom, A Personal Journey of Healing In this episode.  I share a deeply personal reflection on my journey from emotional pain to emotional freedom, inspired by a moment of contemplation while watching my daughter during her swimming lessons. On World Mental Health Day, I feel called to speak from my heart about the emotional pain I’ve carried, the trauma I’ve unconsciously lived with, and the weight of perfectionism that shaped much of my life. There were many days when the burden felt too heavy to bear, and I considered turning to medical help. But something inside me resisted the pharmaceutical path. I craved something deeper, something that could lead to lasting emotional stability and true freedom. And so began my inward journey. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with supportive people and a group of powerful women practicing healing modalities that have nurtured my growth. But the greatest lesson I’ve learned is this: no matter how supportive your circle is, true change must come from within. In this episode, I discuss the struggles, the isolation, and the deep inner work that helped me uncover strength I never knew I had. I talk about the importance of healing, how we all carry trauma, often unconsciously, and how reconnecting with your inner child can lead to profound transformation. I also share an analogy: our current system is like being thrown into a swimming pool, expected to swim without any instructors. We’re left to struggle, without the education and tools of emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, anti-fragility, trauma awareness to help us stay afloat. This makes the journey harder and longer than it needs to be. The truth is, emotional pain will always be part of life, but so is emotional freedom. It’s a journey, not a destination. The power to heal is within each of us. Join me as I share my story and offer hope to those who are still carrying the weight of emotional pain. Together, we can all find our own pathways to emotional freedom. To explore further: https://gmcgrath.kartra.com/page/Pathwaytoemotionalfreedom  

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  26:37
• A Journey of Hope, Health & Healing: How Sarah McCabe Transformed Her Life

  In this deeply moving and inspiring episode with Sarah McCabe, a 40-something mother of three, Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Practitioner, and business owner based in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Sarah shares her remarkable journey from surviving a life-altering road traffic accident in her early 20s to finding hope, healing, and emotional freedom through the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Key Discussion Points: Defining Emotional Freedom: Sarah delves into what emotional freedom means to her, highlighting it as a state of being where one is no longer bound by the pain, trauma, or limitations imposed by past experiences. She shares how her understanding of emotional freedom evolved through her healing journey, emphasising its importance in leading a fulfilling and abundant life. A Life-Changing Moment: Sarah recounts the pivotal moment when she had to confront her GP with the words, “If something can’t be done, I will not be here next week.” This powerful statement led to her referral to a pain management clinic, where she was first introduced to acupuncture, a decision that would ultimately change the course of her life. The Transformative Power of Acupuncture: From the very first acupuncture session, Sarah felt a profound difference, a knowing that something had shifted for the better. This experience sparked her interest in Chinese medicine and set her on the path to becoming a specialist in the field. Sarah discusses how acupuncture not only helped her manage physical pain but also played a crucial role in her emotional and spiritual healing. Overcoming the Odds: Despite being told she would never walk again, advised against having children, and warned of a life dominated by excruciating pain, Sarah’s resilience and determination led her to defy the odds. She shares the challenges and triumphs of her journey, offering listeners a powerful message of hope and the belief in the body’s incredible capacity to heal. A Lifelong Commitment to Healing: Sarah’s dedication to learning about natural healing methods and living with ease and abundance is evident in her continued education and practice. She shares insights from her training and experiences, aiming to inspire others to find their own path to healing and emotional freedom. Vulnerability and Strength: This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Sarah’s willingness to share her story with raw honesty provides listeners with a sense of connection and encouragement, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. Key Messages  The journey to emotional freedom is deeply personal and often begins in the most unexpected places. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer profound healing, not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, hope, determination, and a willingness to explore alternative paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Connect with Sarah McCabe: Hope Health Healing Acupuncture  https://www.hopehealthhealing.co.uk/about Sarah McCabe’s story is one of true grit, hope, and the transformative power of believing in your ability to heal. Whether you’re struggling with physical pain, emotional wounds, or simply seeking a more abundant life, this episode is sure to inspire and empower you on your own journey.

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