E166: Dean Davis – How Triathlon and Sobriety Transformed My Life
In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dean Davis, a remarkable triathlete, coach, and endurance athlete. Dean has completed several full-distance Ironman races, achieved the incredible milestone of going sub-9.30 hours, and continues to inspire others through his dedication to sport and sobriety. We dive into his journey of overcoming personal challenges, discovering the power of endurance sports in recovery, and the role of community support in achieving extraordinary goals. Dean’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and transformation — both on the course and in life. Follow Dean on Instagram: @dtricoaching
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E165: Lisa Doolan - Relationships, Recovery & Real Connection
I’m joined by my sister, Lisa Doolan, a well-being specialist, to explore how recovery transforms our relationships. We talk about codependency, building healthier connections with family, friends, and partners, and how the more we work on ourselves, the stronger our relationships become.We also share the uplifting experience of seeing Robbie Williams sober, and the practical tools Lisa uses to keep well-being and balance at the center of life.This is a conversation about healing, connection, and creating relationships that truly last.
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E164: Derek Sherry - Sobriety, Running and Resilience
Today I’m joined by my very good friend, Derek Sherry — a man with one of the best tans in Ireland and a story that’s even brighter. Derek’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and community. In the 80s and 90s, he was a familiar face on Dublin’s nightlife scene — but behind the music and mayhem, he was battling trauma, addiction, and depression. A few years ago, a crippling back injury nearly left him unable to move, yet today he’s training for his second Dublin Marathon. Derek is now three years sober, a proud member of Portmarnock’s Shelters Running Club, and a regular sea swimmer. In this episode, he shares how running, swimming, and the incredible community at The Shelters have played a vital role in his sobriety and in rebuilding a life full of purpose and healing
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A Gander in Glasgow & the Art of Emotional Sobriety
Fresh back from a weekend in Glasgow for a sober AA convention, I share stories from the trip — including a park run that ended with me being called a jobby by local winos. Between the laughs, I dig into emotional sobriety: how to ride out the ups and downs of long-term recovery, avoid getting lost in materialism, and build the kind of self-esteem that isn’t tied to superficial things. It’s about learning to sit comfortably in your own skin, finding what truly makes you feel alive, and remembering why sobriety is about so much more than just not drinking.
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E163: “They Said He’d Never Walk” — Now He Runs Ultramarathons - Ronan Sharkey
Today I was joined by my good friend Ronan Sharkey. Ronan was born with Cerebral Palsy and given just 48 hours to live. As a kid, he was told he’d never ride a bike or play sports, and was pushed toward special education. But Ronan didn’t let any of those labels stick. He fought through every barrier — physical, mental, and social — and today, he’s out conquering some of the toughest trail ultramarathons in Ireland and Backyard Ultras. He’s also a proud volunteer and regular runner with I.M.R.A., the Irish Mountain Running Association.This chat is all about grit, resilience, and refusing to let others define your limits. Ronan's journey is not just inspiring — it's a reminder that with the right mindset, you can go far beyond what anyone thought was possible.
A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys.
Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q
Ireland