Sober Mess Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dom Rea, stand-up comedian and owner of Dun Laoghaire’s legendary Miami Cafe, a fish and chip shop that’s been serving the community for over 100 years. Dom shares his journey into comedy, how he overcame the fear of failure, and the surprising ways working in one of Dun Laoghaire’s busiest chippers helped sharpen his comedic skills. We dive into the lessons learned from failure, the importance of staying positive and focused, and how enduring through setbacks can eventually lead to success. Whether you're chasing a dream or just need a good laugh, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a dash of humor. Tune in! You can find Dom's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/domenicoreashow?igsh=ZWVkaGptajVrODEw

Today, I was joined by my friend Sarah Lawlor, an inspiring figure in the world of mental health advocacy. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse and Daffodil Nurse, Sarah brings her clinical expertise and genuine compassion to each role, focusing on empowering others to take charge of their mental health. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, she is also certified in Creative Mindfulness for Kids, helping to introduce young minds to the power of mindfulness and self-awareness. In this episode, we explore practical mental health strategies, the benefits of mindfulness, and Sarah’s insights on how tools like CBT can build emotional resilience. We dive into techniques and practices anyone can use to strengthen their mental well-being, whether they’re just beginning their journey or looking to deepen their understanding. You can connect with Sarah and follow her inspiring journey on her social media: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sarah_lawlor___?igsh=NGtjejI5cXFmYWI=).

In this episode, I sit down with one of my closest friends, the incredibly inspiring Liam MacGearailt. Liam opens up about his journey to sobriety, starting at just 21 years old. After hitting rock bottom and moving around the country, he eventually found himself in a treatment program that changed his life. Now, nearly two years sober, Liam shares how he’s turned his life around—building healthy relationships, prioritizing his well-being, thriving in a fulfilling career, and, most importantly, finding peace of mind. We dive into Liam’s story, discussing the challenges he faced along the way. We also explore the healing power of nature, from the invigorating effects of cold plunges and saunas to the calming embrace of the sea. Tune in to hear how sobriety has opened up new possibilities for Liam, and discover the many gifts this journey has brought into his life.

In today’s episode, I'm honored to have Deirdre Gogarty, Ireland’s first female world champion boxer and a true pioneer in women’s boxing. Hailing from Drogheda, Deirdre broke through legal barriers that once prohibited women from competing in the ring in Ireland. Now, with a statue recently unveiled in her hometown in her honor, she reflects on her groundbreaking career and the obstacles she had to overcome both in and out of the ring. Deirdre opens up about her personal experiences growing up around her father's alcoholism and how Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of those struggling with alcohol, played a pivotal role in her life. She offers insight into the impact of co-dependency and the power of support networks in healing and recovery. In this episode, we explore the essential role that support networks play in recovery, the transformative power of gratitude, and the journey toward acceptance. For listeners interested in learning more about Al-Anon, a 12-step program offering mutual support for those affected by a loved one’s drinking, visit their website for resources, meeting details, and contact information: [https://al-anon.org/](https://al-anon.org/)