In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Ollie O’Regan from Skibbereen, West Cork, to explore his incredible journey of survival, self-discovery, and growth. Ollie shares raw and unfiltered stories from his youth, navigating the challenges of growing up in a small town, and the impact of a system lacking education around cannabis and its safe usage.Together, we dive into:The medical and therapeutic potential of cannabis, including CBD and THC.Mental health and well-being in the context of addiction, recovery, and personal growth.The emerging world of functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, and their role in mental clarity and resilience.Profound experiences with psychedelic mushrooms and ayahuasca, and the spiritual journeys they can unlock.Ollie’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of knowledge, and the transformative power of alternative therapies. Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, personal growth, or just looking for a story of hope and healing, this conversation is not to be missed.Tune in for an episode filled with heart, wisdom, and insights that might just change the way you see the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Science of Psychedelics with Dr David Luke
In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we're joined by Dr. David Luke, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, who has extensive expertise in the field of consciousness, psychedelics, and parapsychology. Dr. Luke leads the "Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience" module, exploring the mysteries of extraordinary human potential since 2009. He also contributes to the MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Transpersonal Psychology, leading a course on psychedelics and entheogens.Dr. Luke's groundbreaking work includes collaborations with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, along with past roles at institutions like Buckingham New University, Schumacher College, and the Beckley Foundation. As a former President of the Parapsychological Association and recipient of multiple teaching and research awards, Dr. Luke brings a wealth of knowledge on the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human experience.Join us as we dive deep into his fascinating research on the mind, psychedelics, and the science of the extraordinary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Play to Peak Performance: The Role of Psychology in Sports with Kevin Clancy & Donal Clifford
In this episode of *The Long Way Back*, Kevin Clancy, an esteemed sports psychologist with over 15 years of experience, delves into the transformative role psychology plays in enhancing athletic performance. Kevin's background, rooted in the world of psychology from a young age due to his psychotherapist parents, allows him to take a holistic approach to sports psychology. His expertise spans not only supporting athletes and teams but also guiding parents to ensure that children's involvement in sports remains focused on enjoyment, growth, and development, rather than pressure and achievement.One of the key points Kevin raises is the importance of balancing competitiveness with personal growth. He emphasizes that many parents may inadvertently place too much pressure on their children, which can detract from the core values of sports—fun, learning, and resilience. His approach encourages parents to foster a positive, supportive environment, where children are motivated by self-improvement rather than external validation.Kevin’s work with championship teams, Olympic athletes, and even global organizations underscores the value of psychology in achieving peak performance. He stresses that psychological resilience, leadership, and effective communication are just as critical as physical skills in achieving success, whether on the playing field or in life.The Role of Mindfulness in Sports PsychologyMindfulness plays a significant role in Kevin’s approach, as he integrates it into the training and development of athletes. In high-pressure sports environments, athletes often face stress and anxiety, which can hinder performance. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment, helps athletes cultivate mental clarity and emotional regulation.Through mindfulness techniques, athletes can learn to manage distractions, maintain focus, and recover quickly from setbacks, whether it’s a missed shot or a loss. By staying present, athletes can also tap into the “flow state,” a psychological condition where performance is optimized, and they are fully immersed in their activity. This approach is especially valuable not only for elite athletes but also for young athletes learning how to cope with the mental demands of competition.Team Dynamics and LeadershipIn addition to individual performance, Kevin focuses heavily on team dynamics. Successful teams are built on trust, communication, and shared goals, all of which can be improved through psychological strategies. Leadership is another critical area where psychology plays a pivotal role. Kevin works with both coaches and athletes to develop leadership skills that foster a positive team culture. By applying psychological principles, teams can improve not just their physical strategies but also their mental cohesion.Donal Clifford’s PerspectivePanelist Donal Clifford adds a valuable perspective to the conversation, stressing the importance of showing up as the best version of ourselves, not just in sports but in life. His approach complements Kevin’s emphasis on mindfulness and leadership by encouraging self-awareness and personal responsibility, which are key aspects of both athletic and personal development.Together, Kevin and Donal’s insights remind us that sports are not just about winning but about growth, resilience, and building meaningful connections with others.---#SportsPsychology #Mindfulness #AthleteWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCohesion #KevinClancy #TheLongWayBackPodcast #ParentingInSports Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exploring Somatic Intimacy: Sex, Trust, & Emotional Safety w/ Brigid Ayah Llie & Donal Clifford**In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of intimacy, shame, and sexual healing with our special guest, Brigid Ayah Llie (@SacredSomatica), a Somatic Intimacy Mentor, and guest panel speaker Donal Clifford. Together, we explore critical and often overlooked topics like:- Dealing with never being in a relationship and how it impacts self-worth.- Sexuality and self-pleasuring, embracing yourself without shame.- The role of parents in guiding their children through sexual shame and using accessible, non-judgmental language.- How adults can navigate sexual shame, healing their relationship with intimacy.- The importance of being present with your partner, creating real emotional connections.- Understanding that intimacy is more than just physical, it's about trust, safety, and being fully seen.- Feeling safe in relationships and staying connected to your body.- Learning how to meet your own needs and understanding that it’s okay to cry.- Tackling porn addiction, consent, and trauma, along with the damaging impact of unhealthy portrayals of sex and intimacy in pornography.Whether you’re looking for ways to heal past trauma, deepen intimacy with your partner, or reconnect with yourself, this episode offers insightful tools and guidance. Join us as we unravel these topics with authenticity and care. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Tammy Dunahey - A Journey of Resilience and Giving Back
In this powerful episode of *The Long Way Back*, we sit down with Tammy Dunahey, a public speaker and advocate from Finglas, Dublin, who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of addiction, mental health, and adversity. Raised by her grandparents and having spent time in foster care, Tammy grew up in a family affected by addiction and incarceration. Yet, through it all, she emerged as a force for change and healing in her community.Tammy shares her incredible story of resilience, from struggling in school to excelling in college, and how she now serves on the Board of Directors for both the Mental Health Commission and Jigsaw, championing the well-being of young people.Tammy’s message is one of hope and understanding: "Everyone does the best with what they have in that moment." Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back.Join us for this inspiring conversation on overcoming life's toughest challenges and finding purpose in helping others.🔗 **Listen now** and don't forget to **like**, **subscribe**, and **share**!#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocate #Resilience #FinglasPride #Jigsaw #CrumlinAddictionCentre #TammyDunahey #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #CommunitySupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.