The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie, neuroscientist and author.
He speaks honestly about being €50,000 in debt, falling asleep at work because his body was shutting down, suffering a violent seizure during detox, and the moment he realised he could not continue living the way he was.
But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It's about resilience, healing and proving that no matter how broken someone feels, there is always a way back.
If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share it. Your support helps these important stories reach more people.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland, If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit: Adhdnow.com today.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control and violence.
In this deeply emotional, Brenda sits down with Eleanor Doyle, a woman many people will recognise from her positive, funny and uplifting social media presence.
But behind the smile is a story very few knew.
Eleanor opens up about years of domestic abuse, coercive control, fear and survival while trying to protect her three young children. She shares the reality of living in an abusive relationship, from physical violence and threats, to believing she was “nothing” and would never cope alone.
In this episode, Eleanor speaks about:
• Living with domestic abuse and coercive control
• Fear, court proceedings and raising children through trauma
• Her nine year old son trying to protect her during violence at home
• Feeling broken, isolated and unable to see a future
• Rebuilding her confidence and finding strength again
• Life after abuse and helping others who may be struggling
This conversation is raw, heartbreaking and at times difficult to listen to, but above all, it is a story of survival, resilience and hope.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, support is available:
Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900
Text service: 087 959 7980
In an emergency, call 999 or 112.
If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share it. Your support helps these important stories reach more people.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland, If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit: Adhdnow.com today.

Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments.
But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing battles of her own.
Divorce. Betrayal. Critical illness. Medical retirement. Losing her identity. Becoming a single parent. And surviving moments where she genuinely believed she might die.
In this episode, Jennifer speaks openly about losing everything she thought defined her, and the resilience it took to rebuild.
This is a powerful conversation about burnout, survival, identity loss and finding yourself again after life changes forever.
Jennifer is now passionate about resilience, health and wellbeing, and uses her lived experience to support others through change and rebuilding. You can follow her on Instagram @thehealthandwellbeingadvocate to see some of the amazing work she’s doing.
If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share the podcast.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.
In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.
We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.
Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between compassion and accountability.
A raw and honest conversation about life on the other side of addiction.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email
[email protected]

This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.
Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally.
There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but she kept fighting.
And after everything, Mags got her miracle baby, Isla.
A raw and honest story of loss, resilience and never giving up.
Please note: there are some minor sound issues in parts of this episode, but we hope you stay with it as Mags’ story is incredibly powerful.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
For more information, visit adhdnow.com.