Mind Your Self - Four Swans

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*This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, therapy, or medical advice.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Four Swans Therapy.

If you are experiencing distress or need support, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, contact your GP, local emergency services, or a crisis helpline in your area*.

Every life is also a story, and sharing our story can be a pathway to real freedom.

On this podcast, we hear from industry experts, experienced practitioners, and those with lived experience. We speak with people who have navigated deep challenges themselves, as well as those who dedicate their lives to helping others overcome difficulties.

We have asked them to share their insights and their experiences so that we can all learn how to better navigate our own struggles and find a way to mind ourselves.

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34 episodes
weekly
Avg 35 min
English

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#42
Saturday · 47 min
Small Changes, Big Differences
In this episode of Mind Your Self Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between physical fitness and mental wellbeing with Andrew Hageman from A & S Fitness. Andrew shares his personal experiences with exercise, anxiety, self-sabotage and the pursuit of happiness, and how movement has become an important tool for clearing his mind and navigating difficult periods. We explore the importance of finding your “why,” breaking self-sabotaging patterns and learning to respond differently to life’s challenges. Andrew also opens up about the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and why vulnerability and honest conversations are so important. The conversation also introduces Andrew’s practical approach to wellbeing: his system of “non-negotiables” and “negotiables,” which helps him create structure while allowing flexibility and reducing unnecessary pressure. A conversation about mental health, resilience, purpose, exercise and finding a new perspective even in our darkest moments. Sometimes the thing that changes your life isn't a huge transformation. It's one small choice to do something differently.
#41
November 1 · 29 min
The Truth About Dual Diagnosis
Addiction is rarely just about substances. Rachel Landers joins us to unpack the complex relationship between addiction and mental health, exploring what dual diagnosis really means and why compassion is essential. They discuss stigma, recovery, supporting loved ones and why healing is always possible. An informative and compassionate conversation that challenges many common myths surrounding addiction. This episode of Mind Your Self is proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Kingsbridge is one of Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare providers, offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and surgery across a wide range of specialities. People living in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access treatment through private health insurance, self-pay options or the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, with eligible patients able to apply for HSE reimbursement. With hospitals in Belfast and Newry, specialist private healthcare could be closer than you think. Some things are worth talking about.
#40
October 24 · 24 min
Behind the Badge
We are joined by Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack of An Garda Síochána to explore the emotional reality of policing. Drawing on over 30 years of service, Sé shares the unseen pressures Garda members face, how the culture around mental health has evolved, the importance of compassion, and why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We discuss trauma, resilience, stigma, public perception, and the vital role of wellbeing for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. An honest, thought-provoking conversation that offers insight not only for Gardaí, but for anyone interested in mental health, empathy, and the human side of public service. This episode of Mind Your Self is proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Kingsbridge is one of Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare providers, offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and surgery across a wide range of specialities. People living in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access treatment through private health insurance, self-pay options or the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, with eligible patients able to apply for HSE reimbursement. With hospitals in Belfast and Newry, specialist private healthcare could be closer than you think. Some things are worth talking about.
#39
October 17 · 20 min
Redefining Motherhood
No parent imagines receiving difficult news about their child. In this emotional episode, Vicky Fitzpatrick shares her family's journey after learning about her son Connor's disability. Together, we explore grief, acceptance, resilience, maternal mental health and the unexpected joy that can emerge through life's greatest challenges. This is an honest conversation for parents, carers and anyone navigating uncertainty.
#38
October 10 · 34 min
Starting Over
Siobhain Rushe Gibbons, owner of Aibhilin Consulting, shares her journey through grief, redundancy, motherhood, identity and starting again. After losing her sister and later experiencing redundancy following maternity leave, Siobhain found herself questioning not only her career, but the identity she had built around it. She opens up about what it feels like when life doesn’t follow the plan you had imagined and how those unexpected chapters can ultimately create space for something new. We talk about the different forms of grief, rebuilding confidence, balancing motherhood and career, taking the leap into business, and the pressure we put on ourselves to have everything figured out. Siobhain also shares the importance of self-compassion, recognising that some days are about achieving and others are simply about getting through. A conversation about loss, resilience, identity, hope and the courage to begin again.
#37
October 3 · 16 min
The Rock and Soul Sisters
What happens when creativity becomes a lifeline? In this episode of Mind Your Self, we sit down with Rebecca Griffin and Sophia Whelan, founders of Rock & Soul Sisters, to explore loneliness, friendship, grief and the healing power of creativity. Together, they discuss why making friends as adults can feel so difficult, how creative spaces foster genuine connection, and why community has never been more important. Whether you've ever felt isolated, struggled to find your people, or simply need reminding that you're not alone, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful.
#36
September 29 · 39 min
The Waiting Game
Episode 35 The Waiting Game In this episode of Mind Your Self, we speak with Deirdre McKenny, GP Liaison Manager with Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group's Cross Border Healthcare Pathways, about the emotional impact of long healthcare waiting times. Drawing from her own experience of cancer, career change, and recovery, Deirdre shares why knowing your options, advocating for yourself, and accessing timely care can make all the difference. A powerful conversation about hope, resilience, and taking back control. This episode of Mind Your Self is proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Kingsbridge is one of Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare providers, offering consultations, diagnostics, treatments and surgery across a wide range of specialities. People living in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access treatment through private health insurance, self-pay options or the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, with eligible patients able to apply for HSE reimbursement. With hospitals in Belfast and Newry, specialist private healthcare could be closer than you think. Some things are worth talking about.
#35
September 26 · 44 min
The Healing Forest
In this episode of Mind Your Self, we chat with Nicoline C. Walsh, Transformation Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner and co-founder of The Healing Forest. Nicoline shares her perspective on energy blocks, emotional wellbeing, and personal development, exploring how self-awareness and practices such as Reiki, nature connection and guided meditation can support people who feel stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we discuss healing, curiosity, and the importance of finding an approach that feels right for each individual. Topics include energy healing, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, nature, self-awareness, and mindfulness.
#34
September 22 · 38 min
Behind the Scenes
What does life as a creative really look like behind the scenes? In this episode, we sit down with actor, writer, director and producer Baz Black to have an honest and open conversation about mental health in the creative industries. Baz shares personal insights into navigating rejection, anxiety and the pressures of an industry where uncertainty and comparison can become part of everyday life. We explore the reality behind the polished version of creative life often presented on social media, and why it's so important to remember that what we see online rarely tells the whole story. We talk about resilience, self-worth, boundaries, and the importance of knowing that you are not alone, particularly during the difficult periods that aren't visible to the outside world. A candid, relatable conversation for anyone working in, aspiring to work in, or simply passionate about the creative world.
#33
September 19 · 39 min
Its Not About The Money
Gambling addiction is often described as the hidden addiction, affecting not only finances but mental health, relationships and families. In this episode of Mind Your Self, psychotherapist Daniel Coulter shares his personal journey from gambling addiction to recovery, offering honest insight into the emotional impact of addiction, the power of seeking help, and why recovery is always possible. A compassionate conversation filled with hope for anyone affected by gambling addiction.
#32
September 12 · 35 min
Keep Growing, Keep Going
What happens when your reputation, confidence and livelihood feel under attack? In this deeply personal episode, aesthetics practitioner Melanie O'Brien shares her experience of workplace bullying and the profound impact it had on her mental health, confidence and family life. Rather than focusing on individuals, Melanie reflects on what it feels like to have your professional identity challenged, how anxiety can affect every aspect of your life, and the resilience it takes to rebuild. She also shares her passion for lifelong learning, the strength she draws from her children and why she refuses to let adversity define her future. This is an honest conversation about courage, resilience and finding your voice after difficult experiences.
#31
September 6 · 32 min
Love The Skin You Are In
Our skin can influence far more than our appearance. It can affect confidence, identity and mental wellbeing. This week, we speak with skin practitioner Meghan Kiely about her personal experience with acne, overcoming self-doubt, and building the business she'd always dreamed of. Meghan also shares how a serious heart health scare transformed her outlook on life and inspired her to stop waiting for the "perfect time." A powerful conversation about resilience, women's health and believing in yourself.
#29
August 29 · 27 min
Can the Body Really Heal Itself?
This week on the Mind Your Self podcast, we're joined by Davitt Meenaghan and Euan Callow, co-founders of Luma Health, to explore the science behind recovery, chronic pain, stress and preventative health. We unpack infrared therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, photobiomodulation, PEMF, and the simple everyday habits that can make a real difference to our wellbeing. The Luma Wellness Suite at Four Swans in Duleek Co Meath offers both these therapies in a beautiful safe and welcoming environment.
#28
August 26 · 49 min
The Silent Struggle - Women's Health
Episode 28 of the Mind Your Self podcast "The Silent Struggle" is now live on Spotify ✨️✨️TW✨️✨️ Trigger warning: this is a powerful episode that includes themes that some may find distressing including miscarriage and pregnancy loss, hysteroscopy and internet trolling 🤍 In this episode of Mind Your Self, we are joined by Siobhán O'Neill-White, founder of mams.ie, to discuss the realities of women's healthcare, motherhood and self-advocacy. Together, we explore miscarriage, endometriosis, menopause, medical trauma, motherhood, and why women deserve to be heard, believed and treated with dignity. A powerful, honest conversation about resilience, compassion and creating change.
#27
August 16 · 34 min
The Mná Movement
In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Lorraine Hogan opens up about her personal journey through motherhood, burnout, and hormonal transition, and how these experiences led her to create transformative spaces for women across Ireland. As founder of Festival Mná and multiple wellness platforms, Lorraine speaks about the rising call for connection, community, and a return to slower, more holistic ways of living. She shares how women’s circles and gatherings are helping individuals move from isolation to empowerment, and why wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity.
#26
August 8 · 37 min
Choosing Change
Actor and filmmaker Cian Doyle shares his remarkable journey from addiction and adversity to recovery, purpose, and personal growth. Cian speaks openly about getting sober, navigating the devastating loss of his mother, and learning to face life's challenges without returning to old coping mechanisms. We explore grief, resilience, imposter syndrome, counselling, spirituality, and the role creativity has played in his healing, including the making of his first short film, Bereavement. Cian's story is an honest reminder that recovery is about much more than giving something up—it's about building a life worth staying present for. Whether you are navigating loss, supporting someone through addiction, or simply trying to find your way, this conversation is filled with hope, wisdom, and the message that it's never too late to change your story.
#25
August 1 · 38 min
The Body Keeps The Score
In this episode of the Mind Yourself Podcast, Tara Thompson of The Quest Yoga shares her personal journey through trauma, dissociation and healing. Drawing on both lived experience and her work in trauma-informed yoga, Tara discusses the connection between childhood trauma and the body, the challenges of recovery, and the hope that can emerge through reconnecting with ourselves. A powerful conversation about resilience, healing and finding your way back to life beyond survival.
#24
July 26 · 34 min
Behind Closed Doors
Accredited psychotherapists Tina Leonard and Laura Mc Hugh Harrington from Lighthouse Wellness Events explore the often misunderstood reality of narcissistic abuse. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, they discuss how manipulation, gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional abuse can profoundly impact a person's mental health and sense of identity. Together, we unpack the warning signs of narcissistic relationships, challenge common misconceptions, and examine why survivors often struggle to leave or even recognise the abuse they are experiencing. The discussion highlights the importance of trauma-informed support, healthy boundaries, self-compassion, and the possibility of healing and recovery. Whether you are a survivor, supporting a loved one, a helping professional, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of trauma and recovery, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Above all, it reminds listeners that they are not alone and that healing is possible.
#23
July 18 · 33 min
Living with Loss
In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, psychotherapist and breathwork practitioner Krystle Phelan shares her lived experience of grief, parental loss, estrangement, and navigating motherhood without family support. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, Krystle explores the hidden layers of grief including living loss, fractured family relationships, and the long shadow of COVID bereavement. Together, we discuss how grief evolves over time, the loneliness many people quietly carry, and the unexpected clarity, resilience, and growth that can emerge through loss. This conversation offers validation, hope, and a reminder that grief and joy can coexist, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting.
#22
July 11 · 35 min
Modern Masculinity
In this powerful and reflective conversation, we meet with Darren Reilly, founder of Brotherhood, to explore modern masculinity, emotional intelligence, purpose, and the growing need for deeper connection among men. Darren shares his personal journey through healing, leadership, psychotherapy training, and transformational work, offering insight into what healthy masculinity truly looks like in today’s world. Together, we discuss brotherhood, nervous system regulation, accountability, identity, and why so many young men are searching for meaning beyond surface-level success. This episode is an honest conversation about growth, community, and becoming the man you are meant to be.

Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes