A podcast about how we can better look after our heads and our hearts in the head-melty chaos of the modern world. Produced by Niall Breslin and Aoife Plunkett....
In the modern world, being “flat out” has become a way of life—but it’s leaving us burned out, disconnected, and running on empty.In this episode, Niall sits down with Dermot Whelan—TV and radio broadcaster, comedian, author, mindfulness teacher and long time friend of the podcast—to unravel Ireland’s obsession with busyness and the toll it’s taking on our well-being. Dermot’s new book, Busy and Wrecked, explores how we’ve come to wear exhaustion like a badge of honor, why we struggle to slow down, and how we can break free from a system that constantly demands more. Together, he and Niall discuss the roots of Ireland’s culture of busyness, the inherited stress of our history, and the guilt that comes with stepping off the treadmill. Dermot shares his own journey recovering from burnout, the practical tools that helped him shift his mindset, and how sometimes eating the metaphorical frog can help us refocus on what’s really important (although we’re not sure Niall’s dog Stevie would agree). For more mindfulness content check out Niall’s Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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54:44
Modelling Masculinity
Many of us sat down to watch Netflix’s latest drama series this week and were immensely affected by the show Adolescence. Niall was hit with some really big emotions watching the show, and sits down this week to put his cultural lens on some of the cracks in our society that he believes are having a massive impact on our young men. He reflects on the deep-rooted challenges they are facing today, from the scarcity of positive role models to the pressures of masculinity in an era of toxic leadership. It has been a tough few years for our young people, and they are existing in a time that is so drastically different from the one we grew up in. From social issues to social media, he breaks down how these forces are shaping identity, self-worth, and mental well-being, and why open dialogue and community support are more critical than ever.For more mindfulness content check out Niall’s Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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39:08
The Power of No
What if the greatest act of courage in our modern world that demands ‘yes’ is simply learning how to say ‘no’?In this episode, Niall sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, an organizational psychologist, former physician, and author of Defy, whose groundbreaking research explores the psychology of compliance, ethical resistance, and decision-making under pressure. Together, they dive into the forces that shape our willingness to conform, from the Milgram Experiment to the silent pressures in society. They discuss why saying ‘no’ is one of the most powerful skills we can develop, how cultural and social conditioning make defiance so difficult, and why compliance is fueling the erosion of democracy and our response to global crises. Most importantly, Dr. Sah shares practical strategies to break free from the invisible chains of expectation and reclaim our ability to stand up for what’s right.For more mindfulness content check out Niall’s Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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58:07
Listen to the Land with Manchán Magan
What if the wisdom we need to navigate modern life isn’t ahead of us, but behind us—hidden in the land, language, and traditions of our ancestors?In this episode, Niall sits down with Manchán Magan—writer, documentary maker, and explorer of ancient cultures—to uncover the deep-rooted wisdom woven into Ireland’s history. Manchán has spent years traveling the world, living with indigenous communities, and delving into the lost traditions of our own land. Together, they discuss the Irish connection to nature, the power of language in shaping our perception of the world, and what we can learn from our ancestors about living a more meaningful, connected life today. They also explore how ancient rituals, storytelling, and a simpler way of being can help us find balance in an age of constant noise. If you’ve ever felt the pull of something deeper—something older—this will encourage you to listen to the land, embrace stillness, and reconnect with the wisdom that has always been there, waiting.For more mindfulness content check out Niall’s Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:00:02
The Human Cost with Guided Meditation
Our collective human psyche has for a long time been impacted by the happenings of the world, from politics to war and the economy. In this week’s episode, Niall sits down to talk about just how much suffering we have witnessed in society and how that can leave us feeling helpless. Speaking about the work of Thich Nhat Hanh, whose work on non-violence came from the front lines of the Vietnam war, Niall explores the fear and power driving the chaos and the deep spiritual crisis it is causing in society. He shares how Thich Nhat Hanh’s work can be used as a beacon of hope in these difficult times and how our personal choice to nourish life, and not destroy it, can help us feel empowered as a collective again. Niall also leads us in a Metta meditation to send peace during global turmoil. For more mindfulness content check out Niall’s Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/niallbreslinFollow Niall on IG @bressie, TikTok @niallbreslin, FB @whereismymindpodcast and Twitter @nbrez and visit his website: www.niallbreslin.com.If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or feeling hopeless, it’s important to talk to someone about it now. You can contact one of the resources below for free. In Ireland/U.K.: https://www.samaritans.org/In the U.S.: https://988lifeline.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A podcast about how we can better look after our heads and our hearts in the head-melty chaos of the modern world. Produced by Niall Breslin and Aoife Plunkett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland