#38 Barbara Doherty: Why Everything is Love, How We Are Nature & The Middle Way
In this honest and down-to-earth conversation, Ryan talks with Barbara Doherty about travel, healing, and figuring out life along the way.Barbara shares her journey from the chaos of Rio’s Carnival to quiet moments in the Amazon jungle — where she explored plant medicine, nature, and the idea of finding balance. She opens up about how these experiences changed the way she sees herself and the world.They talk about:• How plant medicine opened her eyes to connection and surrender• What nature teaches us about peace and perspective• Why the sound of birds makes us feel safe• The search for meaning and how it all comes back to love• Letting go of old versions of ourselves and learning to just beBarbara’s story is about slowing down, paying attention, and realizing that every moment — even the hard ones — can wake us up to who we really are.
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#37 Darragh Kelly: MMA & PFL Fighter. Building. Fighting Spirit, Discipline & The Road to Greatness
In this powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Darragh Kelly, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars in MMA. Known for his grit, humility, and undefeated record, Darragh opens up about the sacrifices, struggles, and breakthroughs that have shaped his journey from a small town in Donegal to fighting on the world stage.Darragh reflects on how he discovered MMA as a teenager with no martial arts background, the doubts he carried about starting “too late,” and the brutal training that transformed his life. He shares the reality of living in gym dorms to sharpen his edge, the discipline it takes when motivation fades, and the mental battles every fighter faces.Together, they explore:• Why Darragh walked away from partying, smoking, and unhealthy habits at 18 to pursue fighting• The difference between motivation and discipline — and how discipline wins every time• His mindset on winning and losing, and why embracing risk keeps him sharp• The role of mindset coaching and how it unexpectedly unlocked new levels of performance• What it’s really like training alongside world-class fighters at SBG in Dublin• Business ventures outside the cage, including saunas and long-term plans in property• The wild story of training in Thailand, a fight with Dagestani fighters, and a mushroom-fueled shift in perspectiveDarragh’s story is one of relentless drive, calculated risk-taking, and unshakable belief. From his late start in MMA to his rise on the Bellator and PFL stages, this conversation reveals the reality of chasing greatness — the sacrifices behind the spotlight, and the mental toughness it takes to keep showing up.Connect with Darragh Kelly:Instagram: @darraghkellymma
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#36 Stephen McLaughlin: Overcoming Addiction, Responsibility & Recovery - White Oaks Rehab Centre
Ryan sits down with Stephen McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Services at White Oaks, a residential rehab center in Donegal. With decades of experience — and a past life as a Catholic priest — Stephen brings wisdom, compassion, and honesty to the difficult but vital topic of addiction and recovery.Stephen shares his perspective on what addiction truly looks like — not just for the individual, but for families and communities — and why rehab is not a cure, but a courageous first step on a lifelong journey. He opens up about the importance of group therapy, the role of routine and structure, and the hidden harm often carried by children growing up in homes affected by addiction.Together, they explore:• The origins of White Oaks and its peer-support model built on community and compassion• The reality of shame, secrecy, and stigma around addiction — and how to break it• Why families must also heal, not just the person in treatment• The rise of cocaine and gambling addictions, and their devastating ripple effects• Powerful, real-life stories of transformation — and moments of heartbreaking loss• Stephen’s own journey from priesthood to addiction treatment, and why he feels called to this workStephen’s story is one of service, resilience, and deep humanity. From raw stories of tragedy to inspiring accounts of second chances, this conversation offers a rare look inside the world of recovery — and the strength of the human spirit to rise again.Connect with Stephen & White Oaks:Website: whiteoakscentre.comLocation: Muff, Co. Donegal, IrelandSupport Line: +353 (0)74 938 4400
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#35 Lee Tedstone: From Loss to Leadership – Resilience, Business & Living with Purpose
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ryan sits down with Lee Tedstone, a global business leader, entrepreneur, and investor whose journey has been shaped by both personal loss and professional triumphs.Lee opens up about losing his father at just nine years old, an event that profoundly shaped how he approaches life, leadership, and resilience. He reflects on how only in recent years he has been able to truly process that experience and the ways in which emotional intelligence has transformed his career and relationships.Together, they explore:• Growing up with loss and how it forged a deep sense of drive and resilience• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and motivating teams• Lessons from building and selling his own business before moving into global corporate leadership• Life in America, living outside the Irish community, and what ultimately drew him back home• His current work in AI and innovation, and how technology continues to shape business and society• The constant challenge of balancing health, work, and priorities in a busy lifeLee’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and purpose. From boardrooms to personal reflection, he brings honesty and depth to what it means to lead — in business and in life.Connect with Lee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leetedstone/
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#34 George Houston: Finding His Voice, Breaking Boundaries, and Living Through Music
Ryan sits down with George Houston, a rising folk-rock artist from Burt, Donegal whose music blends storytelling, genre-bending experimentation, and unapologetic honesty.George opens up about his journey into music — from picking up instruments as a child, to secretly combining poetry with melodies, to finally finding the courage to share his songs with the world. He reflects on the struggle of self-doubt, the “cringe” of putting yourself out there, and how the pandemic unexpectedly gave him the space to release his debut album.• How family influence and childhood solitude shaped George’s creativity• His transition from writing in secret to performing on festival stages• Touring America with Paul Weller and playing on the Jools Holland Show• The challenges of being a self-managed artist, balancing passion with burnout• Why specific, authentic storytelling — from heartbreak to queer identity — matters in music todayFrom viral music videos to recording at Paul Weller’s studio, George’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of staying true to your voice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream, battling self-doubt, or searching for meaning through creativity.Connect with George:https://www.instagram.com/georgehoustonarts/linktr.ee/georgehouston
I’m Ryan McDaid, an entrepreneur driven by curiosity and a passion for growth. Join me as I dive into thought-provoking conversations about life, business, existence, spirituality, psychedelics, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore how we, as individuals and as humanity, can evolve, thrive, and create a better world.
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