The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• 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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• The Comeback with Melanie O’Sullivan (Rio’s Story)

  This week on the podcast, Rio Fennell’s incredible journey is told through the eyes of his amazing mother, Melanie O’Sullivan - a story of a 7-year-old boy’s fight against a brain tumour, and the love that carried them through it.When Rio began showing symptoms, they were dismissed as “probably viral.” But Melanie’s instincts told her something more serious was going on. She trusted her gut, kept pushing for answers - and she was right.In this powerful and emotional conversation, we talk about:The early brain tumour symptoms in children that often go unnoticedWhy parental instinct can be life-savingRio’s journey through proton beam therapy, stem cell transplant, and countless MRI scansLife inside Crumlin Children’s Hospital and the strength required to keep goingThe emotional toll of chemo hair loss and the reality of pausing your life to support your childHow Melanie stood by Rio’s side through every test, treatment and sleepless nightThis is a powerful story about a mother’s love and instinct. A reminder that even when the odds feel overwhelming, determination, hope, and connection can shine through.This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD NowADHD Now is an online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. They empower people with fast, affordable access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support.To learn more or to book your own assessment, visit adhdnow.com today.Timestamps[00:00:00] – Intro: Meet Mel & setting the context for Rio’s story[00:02:00] – First symptoms: Rio’s headaches, vomiting & GP visits[00:07:30] – Mel’s gut feeling & fears of a tumour[00:12:00] – Hospital visit & pushing for further tests[00:17:00] – The diagnosis: tumour detected on MRI[00:22:00] – Emergency transfer to Dublin & worsening condition[00:30:00] – Tumour type revealed & start of treatment plan[00:36:00] – Chemotherapy, stem cells & surgery journey[00:45:00] – Ringing the bell, coming home & epilepsy scare[00:52:00] – Life after treatment: recovery, school, and moving forwardConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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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