Sober Mess Podcast

Denis O’Reilly is a runner, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate who rebuilt his life after a serious car crash that forced him to confront trauma, anxiety, and deep self-doubt. Through running, Pilates, therapy, and honest conversations about mental health, Denis now helps others reconnect with themselves and find strength through vulnerability.
Denis is currently taking on a charity run to raise funds for an important cause, using his journey to give back and inspire others who may be struggling.
Follow Denis on Instagram:
📲 @pommpilates
https://www.instagram.com/pommpilates/
Support Dennis’ charity run:
🏃‍♂️ https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/denisoreilly

Denis O’Reilly is a runner, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate who rebuilt his life after a serious car crash that forced him to confront trauma, anxiety, and deep self-doubt. Through running, Pilates, therapy, and honest conversations about mental health, Denis now helps others reconnect with themselves and find strength through vulnerability.
Denis is currently taking on a charity run to raise funds for an important cause, using his journey to give back and inspire others who may be struggling.
Follow Dennis on Instagram:
📲 @pommpilates
https://www.instagram.com/pommpilates/
Support Denis’ charity run:
🏃‍♂️ https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/denisoreilly

In this episode, I sit down with Ciara, who is 22 years old and is celebrating two years sober today!

Ciara shares honestly about how her drinking started when she was around 15. What began as typical teenage drinking slowly became more and more problematic, and over time alcohol and other substances started to take over her life. She talks about how she was living for the weekends, where drinking became the centre of everything and nothing else really mattered.

After an honest conversation with a friend, Ciara realised something needed to change. Around that time a member of AA noticed she was struggling and offered to bring her to a meeting. That decision ended up being one of the most important turning points in her life.
We talk about what it’s like getting sober at such a young age, how Alcoholics Anonymous helped her rebuild her life, and the pride she feels today in the person she’s becoming.

We also talk about Irish Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (IREYPAA). IREYPAA is a community for young people in recovery across Ireland that organises events, conventions and gatherings where young people in sobriety can connect, support each other and show that recovery can still be full of life and fun.

The next convention, IREYPAA 8, will take place at the Shearwater Hotel & Spa from 27–29 March 2026.

📍 Location: Marina Point, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Ireland (H53 F5P9)

If you want to learn more about IREYPAA or find upcoming events, you can visit:
https://ireypaa.org/⁠

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Sean, who shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life.
Sean opens up about his struggles with both substance use and a serious gambling problem, and how these challenges affected his relationships, mental health, and sense of self. He speaks honestly about the battles he faced along the way, the turning points that helped him change direction, and the support that helped him stay on the path of recovery.
Now six years sober, Sean reflects on the lessons he’s learned, the importance of connection and community, and how recovery has given him a new outlook on life.
It’s a raw and honest conversation about addiction, resilience, and the possibility of change — a reminder that no matter how difficult things get, recovery is always possible.
If you are struggling with addiction and would like support, you can find more information here:
Cocaine Anonymous Ireland –
https://cocaineanonymous.ie⁠
Gamblers Anonymous Ireland –
https://gamblersanonymous.ie⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by my sister Lisa Doolan, a wellness specialist, for a deep and open conversation about sobriety, self-love, and emotional health. We talk about how the work we do on ourselves shapes the relationships in our lives, the importance of community, and how to stay grounded in a fast-changing world — including the role AI now plays in our daily lives.
This is a reflective, practical, and honest chat about finding balance, staying connected, and learning to live well.

Find Lisa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thewellbeingqueenx/