The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• The Comeback with... Nikki Hayes

  Episode Description:In this episode I am joined by legendary Irish radio presenter Nikki Hayes - a voice many will remember from her days on RTÉ 2FM, Spin 1038, Classic Hits Radio, and now East Coast FM.Nikki bravely opens up about her journey through alcohol addiction, mental health struggles, bulimia, and depression, and how it all spiralled during the pandemic while she was broadcasting from home.She shares what it was like to go from national fame to becoming homeless in Dublin, losing her job, and fighting her way back with the help of Tiglin rehab and addiction support in Ireland. She speaks powerfully about the guilt she still feels as a mother, her ongoing healing, and how Christianity and the Bible have now become guiding forces in her recovery journey.We also talk about:- Life after the media storm around her court case- Rebuilding self-worth and embracing sobriety- How she's staying grounded after 18 months of sobrietyThis is a raw, real, and inspiring recovery story - one that shows just how far you can come with support, faith, and relentless honesty.This episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE, Ireland’s go-to for unique hand painted essentials. A beautiful Irish brand born out of a love for Limerick and Ireland, LiKE prioritises sustainability -from personalised Kidswear to Oversized totes.LiKE LocalLiKE SustainableLiKE StyleCheck them out at www.lk.ieTimestamps:01:14 – Introduction01:49 – Early Life & First Drink04:31 – Discovering Radio07:54 – Life at 2FM13:54 – Losing Her Dream Job19:23 – Classic Hits & COVID24:55 – Homelessness & Rock Bottom35:07 – Turning Point40:27 – Recovery & Faith52:05 – Full CirclePhoto Credit: Jenny McCarthyConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with.... Mikey Power

  Episode Description:From prison to personal trainer: Mikey Power’s raw story of addiction, arrests, and turning it all aroundOn this week’s episode, I’m joined by Mikey Power, who shares the unfiltered truth about his addiction recovery, run-ins with the law, and the breakthrough moment that turned his life around.From teenage drinking to prison and multiple arrests, Mikey opens up about how grief, anger, and self-destruction nearly consumed him - and how fitness and routine helped him rebuild everything from the ground up.Now a successful personal trainer and gym owner, Mikey talks about taking full responsibility, rebuilding relationships, and finding a sense of peace and purpose he never thought possible.Whether you're struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking self improvement, or just in need of a reminder that comebacks are real, this episode is for you.Topics Covered:Arrests, grief, and hitting rock bottomThe dark spiral of alcohol and addictionA near-suicide and the moment that changed everythingPrison life and discovering gym motivationBuilding a new life through fitness and disciplineTurning pain into purposeLiving with gratitude and staying soberThis episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE - a beautiful Irish brand born out of love for Limerick and Ireland. All products are handprinted in Ireland using sustainable materials, blending creativity with meaning.Explore the collection atwww.lk.ieTimestamps01:34 – Becoming a father and naming his son Janjo02:22 – Struggles with school and clashing with authority06:00 – First drink and early exposure to alcohol culture11:00 – Death of Joe and the start of serious addiction16:46 – Suicide attempt and being pulled from the bridge24:35 – Finding purpose through prison and fitness33:24 – Rock bottom: choosing drink over love35:13 – First AA meeting and a vision for change38:48 – Powerful mindset shift: owning his potential40:48 – “Hike with Mike” and raising funds through challengeConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with.... Christine Kavanagh

  This week I am joined by Christine Kavanagh, a mother from Cork who has lived through the unimaginable - losing four sons, three of them to drug-related causes.In January of this year, Christine lost two of her sons, Dillon and Damien, just fifteen days apart. They were laid to rest in a double funeral - one open coffin, one closed. Another son, Leon, died of a heroin overdose in 2021. Her pain is immeasurable, but Christine has chosen to speak out, not stay silent.In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, Christine shares her story of grief, addiction, and resilience. She opens up about the devastating impact of heroin addiction, the lack of mental health support, and the urgent need for harm reduction services like supervised injection centres in Ireland - services she believes could have saved her sons.We also talk about her ongoing strength: returning to work just three days after her sons' funeral, raising her grandchildren, and becoming an advocate for overdose prevention and addiction recovery.Christine’s voice is one of love, pain, and fierce determination - and her story is one I will never forget.This episode is dedicated to Dillon, Damien, Leon, and Ross.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mill Confectionery - Handmade Irish cakes and treats, established in Cork over 40 years ago. Christine shared how their team went above and beyond while catering her sons’ funeral - a gesture she’ll never forget. You can find them on Instagram: @oldmillconfectionaryTimestamps[00:00:28] – This Pain Will Never Leave Me[00:01:26] – Why I Keep Going for My Family[00:01:54] – Losing Ross to Epilepsy[00:03:13] – Leon’s Struggle With Addiction[00:08:34] – Campaigning for an Injection Centre[00:25:06] – Two Sons Buried Together[00:24:03] – They Were Sick, Not Bad[00:21:27] – Helping a Stranger on the Street[00:22:09] – Flashbacks and Street Advocacy[00:30:01] – If I Can Save One FamilyConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with....Nicola Guilfoyle

  This week, I’m joined by Nicola Guilfoyle, a 40-year-old mum of three from Clonmel who’s lived through more than most - addiction in the family, the loss of her mother, brother, and father, and her own struggles with grief, mental health, and struggling with her weight.We talk about childhood trauma, losing her brother just weeks before giving birth, and saying goodbye to her dad - her best friend - after he died from sepsis.Nicola shares what it’s like to raise a child with autism, lose nearly 13 stone, and train for two marathons - all while navigating deep loss. This episode is about bereavement, autism, addiction, weight loss, and finding your way through the darkest days.This week’s sponsor is AutismCare — an Irish organisation offering neuroaffirming assessments and lifelong supports, co-designed with Autistic individuals. Their team is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and genuine inclusion. You can visit them at autismcare.ie.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: grief, addiction, autism 01:15 – Brother’s addiction 03:15 – Mum’s cancer diagnosis 06:30 – Christmas family conflict 09:25 – Brother’s death 14:00 – Autism diagnosis journey 19:30 – Dad’s sudden illness 25:50 – Coping with loss 30:10 – Marathon training 32:00 – Weight loss + sobrietySupportIf you're struggling with grief, addiction, mental health, or family trauma, here are some trusted Irish support services you can contact:- **Pieta House** – Support for suicide, self-harm, and bereavement 📞 1800 247 247 (24/7) 🌐 [www.pieta.ie](https://www.pieta.ie)- **HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline** – Free, confidential advice and support 📞 1800 459 459 📧 [email protected] 🌐 [www.drugs.ie](https://www.drugs.ie)- **Samaritans Ireland** – 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress 📞 116 123 (Free) 🌐 [www.samaritans.ie](https://www.samaritans.ie)- **Aware** – Support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder 📞 1800 80 48 48 🌐 [www.aware.ie](https://www.aware.ie)- **Family Carers Ireland** – Support for people caring for loved ones 📞 1800 24 07 24 🌐 [www.familycarers.ie](https://www.familycarers.ie)Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available. ❤️ConnectYou can follow Nicola here: orangenic_life_fun_foodInstagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Dessie Fitzgerald

  This week, I’m joined by someone whose courage, honesty, and strength will stay with you long after the episode ends — Dessie Fitzgerald.In 2011, Dessie’s world was turned upside down by a spinal cord injury, paralysis, and the loss of his brother. But instead of giving up, he chose to rebuild. Today, he’s a life coach, motivational speaker, and a powerful voice on resilience, healing, and purpose.We talk about:- Mental health and depression- Life after a spinal cord injury- Grief, trauma, and recovery- Finding peace and post-traumatic growth- How Dessie now supports others as a coachDessie’s story is full of honesty and hope - and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward.More about Dessie: dessiefitzgerald.comThis episode is proudly sponsored by Queen B AthleticsPremium sportswear for women.A sustainable Cork brand and proud partners of Cork Camogie and Hockey Ireland.Follow them on Instagram at @queenBathletics.And if you ever need help or have a question, just drop them a message -Customer service is their obsession, and they genuinely love to help.Timestamps[00:01:00] – Childhood & Hurling[00:07:30] – Mike’s Death[00:10:50] – Life-Changing Injury[00:15:40] – First Signs of Movement[00:20:30] – Wedding Goal[00:25:30] – Depression & Struggle[00:29:45] – James’ Death[00:34:00] – Rock Bottom[00:36:45] – Breakthrough Workshop[00:41:00] – Coaching JourneyConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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