The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• The Comeback with… Andy Goulding

  This week on The Comeback, I sit down with Andy Goulding - a champion marathon runner, devoted husband and son, and someone whose story of addiction and recovery will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.Five years ago, Andy’s life was turned upside down by a crippling cocaine addiction that nearly cost him his life. In a moment that can only be described as miraculous, he survived - and today, he shares his raw, honest, and powerful story of what it took to rebuild.Andy opens up about:* Spending over a decade in denial that his drug use was destroying his life* The terrifying moment he experienced psychosis* How his father had to step in, bail him out, and beg him to get help* The pain his addiction caused to those around him -especially his wife Sarah, who spent weeks alone during Covid while Andy sought treatment* His time in rehab at Cuan Mhuire and what true recovery looks likeNow clean and thriving, Andy’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the power of choosing to live.Whether you’ve struggled with addiction, depression, or simply want to hear an inspiring comeback, this episode is a must-listen.This episode is proudly sponsored by AND Hair & Co, a vibrant salon in Glanmire run by best friends Aoife McGrath and Donna Kelleher. With over 15 years of experience, they opened the salon they always dreamed of in 2019 after returning home from Australia.📲 Book via Instagram: @andhairnco or call +353 21 482 2545Timestamps[00:00:00] – Childhood, hurling, and identity[00:04:30] – Losing direction after leaving sport[00:07:45] – First experience with cocaine and early use[00:12:30] – Descent into addiction and financial struggles[00:17:10] – Relationship strain and denial of problem[00:21:50] – Suicide attempt and rescue in Limerick[00:28:00] – Entering psychiatric care and accepting help[00:32:40] – 20 weeks in treatment and early recovery[00:39:00] – Running, relapse fears, and building a new identity[00:44:50] – Reflections on rock bottom, gratitude, and final messageHelplines & Support ResourcesSamaritans Ireland – Free 24/7 emotional support📞 Call 116 123🌐 samaritans.ieDrugs.ie – Support, info & treatment options🌐 www.drugs.ie📧 Email: [email protected] Addiction Services – Find local treatment services🌐 www.hse.ie/services/addictionNarcotics Anonymous Ireland📞 Call 01 672 8000🌐 www.na-ireland.orgConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Natasha O’Byrne

  In this episode, I’m joined by Natasha O’Byrne, or as she’s fondly known, Tasha - a 25-year-old mum of two from Cork who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer.Tasha shares her powerful story of facing cancer as a young mother, after losing her own mum to cancer at just 46. She is now the third generation in her family to be diagnosed, and her courage and clarity shine through as she opens up about life in the midst of treatment.We talk about:* The early symptoms that were missed* Life with cancer as a young mum in her 20s* The physical and emotional toll of chemo side effects* The importance of mental health and staying strong* A family history of genetic cancer* Her incredible fundraising work for the Irish Cancer SocietyTasha has also organised the upcoming Concert for Hope, taking place at Cork City Hall on July 30, headlined by country star Nathan Carter - all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.Tickets are available now at eventbrite.ie - just search “Concert for Hope Cork” or follow the link below.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concert-for-cancer-nathan-carter-tickets-1361732441389?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Intro & Tasha’s powerful email[00:03:00] – Family cancer history & early exposure[00:07:00] – Losing her mum during COVID[00:12:00] – Diagnosis & hearing the word ‘cancer’[00:18:00] – Staying positive for her kids[00:24:00] – First scan results & mindset shift[00:29:00] – Gratitude & daily routines[00:33:00] – Chemo days & support on the ward[00:38:00] – Advice for the newly diagnosed[00:42:00] – Concert for Cancer & giving backConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with... Sophie Cole

  In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Cole, a special education teacher from Carrigaline whose life changed overnight after a classroom assault left her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – one of the world’s most painful and incurable conditions.Sophie opens up about living with chronic nerve pain, the trauma of PTSD, and the many surgeries she’s endured – from spinal cord stimulators to discussions around amputation. Just nine weeks before her wedding, she underwent major surgery, spending her recovery in bed while preparing to walk down the aisle. Through it all, her husband Shane has been a rock of support.I’m in awe of Sophie’s strength and resilience – despite everything, she continues to push forward and advocate for change. She also shares how her Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy, has helped her cope on the hardest days.Sophie speaks so openly about the isolation of dealing with an invisible illness, the lack of disability support, and the broken system around public sector sick leave and state benefits in Ireland.Her story is powerful, painful, and important - please give this one a listen and share.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.Timestamps[00:00:00] – Intro & Sophie’s background[00:01:00] – Dream job & the classroom incident[00:04:00] – Perfect life before the injury[00:06:00] – Diagnosis: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome[00:10:00] – Realising it’s lifelong[00:12:00] – Financial shock & campaign begins[00:16:00] – Living with chronic pain[00:20:00] – Petition, politics & slow progress[00:24:00] – Treatment setbacks & pre-wedding crisis[00:30:00] – The wedding & resilience[00:33:00] – Career loss & grief[00:36:00] – Love, support & future hope[00:40:00] – Final message: you will get through itConnect:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected]👉 Follow Sophie at @special_education_muinteoir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Joe McCaul

  In this episode, I sit down with Joe McCaul, who many of you will remember for representing Ireland in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest alongside his sister Donna. Joe's journey took him nationwide after the song "You're a Star," but his life took unexpected turns, including his time in the spotlight and the challenges that followed. This is Joe’s very first podcast, as he’s shied away from the media following difficult times in his life.I was deeply moved by his story, especially when he shared how the media made a fool of him, how he was harassed, and even verbally abused while walking down the street. Joe opens up about one of his lowest moments while on tour with Westlife and how Caroline Flack came to his aid during that incredibly hard time. Joe is incredibly engaging, and we really hit it off - there were so many laughs, and I truly hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.Timestamps:00:00 – Joe’s chaotic energy and why he finally said yes03:30 – Childhood in Athlone, fear of abandonment, and being HSP07:45 – Early suicidal thoughts and hiding his pain10:20 – Fame after You’re a Star and tour with Westlife13:40 – Verbal abuse in public and substance misuse16:00 – Emotional dysregulation, therapy, and DBT tools21:50 – Shame and trauma after The X Factor28:30 – Multiple sclerosis diagnosis and fighting back35:10 – Finding peace, love, and purpose as a teacher39:00 – Advice for anyone struggling with mental healthSupport ResourcesIf you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, you’re not alone. Please reach out:Pieta House – 24/7 Crisis Support📞 1800 247 247 | 📱 Text ‘HELP’ to 51444 | 🌐 pieta.ieSamaritans Ireland – 24/7 Listening Service📞 116 123 | 🌐 samaritans.org/irelandHSE YourMentalHealth – Mental health support and services🌐 yourmentalhealth.ieLGBT Ireland – Support for LGBTQ+ individuals📞 1800 929 539 | 🌐 lgbt.ieConnect With Me:Instagram: @brendasbitsEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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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