The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• The Comeback with… Nicola Fitzgerald

  The Comeback with… Nicola FitzgeraldThis week, I sit down with the incredible Nicola Fitzgerald, also known as All Things Dogs and Home on Instagram. Nicola’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation.At just 16, she rebelled, turning to drugs, and became a teen mother. Her journey led her to become addicted to heroin. Despite the hardships, Nicola’s amazing mother, Sally, never gave up on her, and her grandmother, Peggy, helped her wean off heroin to get into treatment.Now, a proud mother of 6, Nicola has dedicated her life to her kids. She is a qualified personal trainer, care assistant, and thriving content creator. She has been sober for 17 years and considers herself lucky, as she reflects on how many of the people she used to be with have sadly passed away.Nicola’s inspiring story is a testament to strength, determination, and the power of family.You can follow her journey on Instagram at @all_things_kids_dogs_and_home⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Nicola’s early life and teenage rebellion06:00 – Her descent into addiction and becoming a teen mum15:00 – Hitting rock bottom and losing custody25:00 – Treatment, relapse, and recovery35:00 – The turning point: a call to her grandmother40:00 – Life in Coolmine Recovery Centre47:00 – Life today: motherhood, sobriety, and purpose💛 You’re Not Alone:If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, here are some confidential support services in Ireland:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Ireland📞 Phone: +353 1 842 0700🌐 Website: alcoholicsanonymous.ieNarcotics Anonymous (NA) Ireland📞 Helpline: 1800 624 262🌐 Website: na-ireland.orgPieta House – Suicide and self-harm support📞 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247📱 Text ‘HELP’ to: 51444🌐 Website: pieta.ieConnect With Me:Instagram: @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Ashling Thompson

  In todays epiosde:In this episode I’m joined by the incredible Ashling Thompson, a GAA camogie star with six All-Ireland titles and four All-Stars to her name. Ashling is one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport.In this conversation, Ashling opens up about her journey, including hitting rock bottom at just 19, experiencing coercive control, losing a close friend to suicide, and captaining Cork to an All-Ireland victory just a year after facing these challenges. Ashling also shares her personal story of facing rock bottom again in 2019 after an incident on a night out, and how she picked herself up to play the best camogie of her career at 35.This episode is a testament to Ashling’s unbreakable spirit. I left this conversation feeling on top of the world, and I’m sure you will too.Trigger warning: Death by suicide, grief and coercive control.Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Intro & childhood[00:03:00] – First rock bottom[00:06:00] – Abusive relationships[00:10:00] – Substance use & control[00:13:00] – Suicidal thoughts & escape[00:16:00] – Recovery through sport[00:19:00] – Partner’s suicide[00:23:00] – Support from Frankie[00:26:00] – Cork captaincy & media[00:30:00] – Mental health advocacy[00:34:00] – Second rock bottom[00:38:00] – Acceptance & forgiveness[00:41:00] – Social media break[00:44:00] – Comeback & focus[00:47:00] – Final reflections💛 Support & ResourcesIf you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode — including abuse, mental health struggles, or suicidal thoughts — please know you’re not alone.You can reach out to Pieta for free, 24/7 support in Ireland:📞 Call 1800 247 247💬 Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)🌐 Visit www.pieta.ie for more informationPieta provides professional support for those in crisis and for anyone impacted by suicide.Connect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Neil Prendeville

  In todays epiosde:Delighted to have Neil Prendeville as the very first person to feature on my podcast. For anyone who knows my story, you might guess why Neil was such an important choice. He gave me my first break in radio — and later, when I needed it most, a second chance.This episode sets the tone for The Comeback — sharing my story through an open, honest conversation with someone who’s played a key part in it. Neil brings a depth and warmth that captures what this podcast is all about.Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Intro[00:01:00] – Rock bottom & job loss[00:04:00] – Public relapse[00:08:00] – Childhood patterns[00:12:00] – Early recovery[00:20:00] – Career rebuild[00:24:00] – Relapse & denial[00:26:00] – Gratitude & mindset[00:30:00] – Running & sobriety[00:32:00] – Grief & resilience[00:36:00] – Family & independence[00:40:00] – Self-worth & closureConnect With Me:Instagram: @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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