Sober Mess Podcast

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/

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Collie Mac — a trail runner, explorer, and someone who truly lives for the outdoors.

Collie opens up about stepping away from alcohol, finding peace in the mountains, and how getting outside completely changed his outlook on life. We talk about early morning hikes, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and why those quiet moments in nature can be so powerful for the mind.

Known on Instagram as @colimac_explores, Collie uses social media to inspire others to simplify life, embrace adventure, and reconnect with the outdoors. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the answers we’re looking for aren’t found online — they’re found outside.

Today I sit down with my good friend Ciarán McIvor, the creator of Boxing Bants. Ciarán spent six years travelling around Ireland covering professional boxing, before stepping away to focus on a much deeper journey of self-discovery.

In this episode, we talk openly about mental health, ADHD, and the challenges of understanding yourself later in life. Ciarán shares how plant medicine shifted his entire perspective, how social media shaped his identity, and what it’s been like trying to find inner peace in a noisy world.

We also touch on his role as chairperson of the Deirdre Gogarty Statue Committee, how purpose can change a person, and why connection and community matter now more than ever.

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Andrew “Mo” Mowat for an honest chat about nature, balance, and the simple habits that support our mental health. Mo talks about the power of getting outdoors, embracing Ireland’s elements, and how practising gratitude helped him through tougher moments.

We also dive into reconnecting with your inner child, bringing more play into life, and learning to be kinder to yourself. It’s a conversation about slowing down, finding joy in the small things, and building consistency with the practices that keep us well.

Find Andrew on Instagram:
instagram.com/andrewmowattcoach

In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend Paul Whelan, a talented singer-songwriter from Dublin. Paul opens up about his journey from the streets of Ringsend to the stage, sharing his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and how embracing sobriety has transformed his life.

Paul is also an avid sea dipper and an active member of Blue Balls Ireland, a men’s mental-health and cold-water community that has played a huge part in his recovery. Through open and heartfelt conversation, he reflects on the role of music, community connection, and cold-water therapy in helping him rebuild his life and rediscover his true self.

This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, second chances, and the strength that comes from vulnerability, creativity, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Find Paul on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/musicpaulwhelan

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Men’s Mental-Health Support Links

Blue Balls Ireland
https://www.instagram.com/blueballsireland
(Men’s mental health and cold-water dipping community)

HSE – Men’s Mental Health Supports (Ireland)
https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men

SpunOut – Men’s Mental Health Supports in Ireland
https://spunout.ie/mental-health/getting-help/mental-health-supports-for-men-in-ireland

Men’s Development Network (MDN)
https://mensnetwork.ie/counselling

Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI)
https://www.mhfi.org/resources/mental-health.html