Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

Síle Seoige

In this podcast series, Síle Seoige chats to people of all walks of life; those who are well known, along with those who have extraordinary stories to tell and she also features topic lead conversations with a particular expert in their field.

A skilled interviewer and avid listener, Síle’s warm approach encourages her guests to be as open and honest about their lived experiences as possible. This refreshing approach has made for some truly special conversations that she hopes will at times inspire, challenge, educate, comfort or simply entertain her listener.

Please rate, review and subscribe if you like what you hear, thanks so much!

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 50 min
Why is it so hard to rest? : Dr. Malie Coyne
Topics covered : Rest, nervous system regulation, connection, guilt, awareness, balance, parenting, burnout, self compassion. For my final episode before the summer break, I'm joined by chartered clinical psychologist, author and psychology lecturer, Dr Malie Coyne. Why do so many of us find it so difficult to rest? Malie explores our relationship with rest and why, in a world that celebrates busyness, so many of us struggle to switch off. Malie lives in Galway with her husband, Pete, and their two daughters, Jessica (14) and Aimée (12) and she first joined me on the podcast during the pandemic, helping us navigate one of the most uncertain periods of our lives. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also like previous episodes with Dermot Whelan and Alana Kirk. As always, thank you for listening. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it. To connect with Malie : Dr. Malie Coyne | Clinical Psychologist, Author, Lecturer at NUI Galway She is the co-author for the 'A Lust For Life' primary and secondary wellbeing school programmes and is also on their mental health advisory panel. Book mentions : 'Love in, Love out : A compassionate approach to parenting your anxious child' Dr. Malie Coyne 'Rest is Resistance : Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim yoiur life' Tricia Hersey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 27 · 10 min
Declutter & Organise : Real Take
In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet from my conversation with professional home organiser and founder of The Home Reset, Hazel Burton. Hazel explains why asking simple questions can be a game changer when it comes to reducing clutter and creating lasting organising habits at home. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll find my full conversation with Hazel Burton wherever you get your podcasts. To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie hazel@thehomereset.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 24 · 1 hr
Hazel Burton : Declutter your home
Topics covered: Career change, decluttering, guilt, shame, organisation, consumerism, sustainability, sentimental items, children's toys, labelling, habits, letting go, mental wellbeing, calmer homes. This week's guest is professional home organiser Hazel Burton, founder of The Home Reset. Hazel lives in Dublin with her husband Conor and their two children, Fionn who's 12 and Izzy who's almost 10. Before setting up her own business, Hazel spent 17 years working in finance before following a very different path; one that's seen her help thousands of people transform not only their homes but, often, their lives too. In this conversation we explore why so many of us struggle to let go of our belongings, the emotional weight that clutter can carry, and how creating more space in our homes can often create more space in our minds. Hazel shares the questions we should ask ourselves before deciding what stays and what goes, how to tackle sentimental items without guilt, why labelling is one of her favourite organising tools, the organising product she believes every home should have, and her golden rules for creating systems that actually last. Whether you're planning a full house reset or simply looking for a little inspiration to tackle that overflowing drawer, there's something here for everyone. To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie hazel@thehomereset.ie Other mention : or myartbook.ie No mentions are ads. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy this conversation : Fiona Hayes : Wardrobe detox, style advice and upcycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 1 hr 17 min
Zoe Holohan : Honeymoon tragedy (revisit)
Topics covered : Tragic death, complex grief, severe injuries, PTSD. This is my conversation with the incredible Zoe Holohan from March 2021. On the 23rd of July 2018, Zoe and her husband Brian were on their honeymoon when disaster struck. Wildfires swept through the seaside town of Mati in Greece where they were staying and claimed the lives of 102 people. She miraculously survived despite her extensive injuries, while Brian, unfortunately didn’t. In this conversation we hear how she and Brian met, what a wonderful man he was, their beautiful wedding day and how her life changed forever just a few days later, on their honeymoon. She also speaks about her Dad and the close friendship they had, and how his death 3 weeks after that terrible day in Greece was yet another trauma to have to come to terms with. This was by far one of the most moving conversations I’ve ever had, and I am in awe of Zoe’s courage, strength and resilience. Her book : ‘As the smoke clears : The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss and discovering a path to renewal.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 17 · 49 min
The true cost of cheap food : Kenneth Keavey, Green Earth Organics
Topics covered : Vulnerability, heritage, organic farming, biodiversity, food waste, value, climate, connection. This week's guest is Kenneth Keavey, co-founder of Green Earth Organics, one of Ireland's best-known organic farms. Kenneth holds a degree in science and a PhD in chemistry, and spent years working in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry before making a life-changing decision over twenty years ago. Together with his wife Jenny, he returned home to Galway to take over the family farm and build what has become Green Earth Organics; an organic farming enterprise that today employs more than 45 people and delivers fresh produce to homes all over Ireland. Last week Kenneth posted a heartfelt video on social media...at the height of the growing season, he spoke openly about the realities of running an organic farm, the challenges of producing healthy food in today's world and the uncertainty that so many Irish growers face. And the response to the video has been extraordinary. Green Earth Organics experienced its biggest week ever. While that's wonderful news, as Kenneth explains in this episode, one successful week isn't the answer. The bigger conversation is about creating a food system where local growers can thrive sustainably all year round. He shares his journey from Cambridge-trained chemist to organic farmer, explaining why he walked away from a successful science career to return to the land that had been in his family for generations. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, become more conscious consumers, and remember that every meal has a story behind it. To learn more about Kenneth, Jenny and the team, visit: Website: https://www.greenearthorganics.ie⁠ You can order their organic fruit and vegetable boxes, browse their produce and find out more about how they farm. Their farm shop is open every Saturday from 10am–5pm and they're also hosting their Sustainability Festival on Saturday, 12th September, celebrating sustainable food, farming and community. A note from me: This episode is not an ad for Green Earth Organics. I simply wanted to share a conversation that I believe raises important questions about food, farming, health and the future we are creating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13 · 14 min
Great Blasket island : Real Take
No electricity. No hot water. The best sleep of her life. In this week's Real Take, taken from my recent conversation with public historian and author Lesley Bond, we explore what it was really like to spend six months living on the Great Blasket Island. Back in 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend (now husband) Gordon left their busy lives behind to become seasonal caretakers of the island. Together, they welcomed visitors, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and embraced a way of life shaped entirely by nature and the rhythms of the Atlantic. In this short excerpt, Lesley reflects on life without electricity or hot water, how the island dictated every decision they made, and why she slept more deeply than ever before. It's a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we slow down and reconnect with the world around us. Lesley's wonderful book, Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker, tells the full story of their unforgettable six months on the island and is well worth a read. If you enjoy this snippet, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Lesley, where we delve into the history of the Great Blasket, the practical realities of island life, heritage, community and the lasting impact those six months have had on her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 1 hr 18 min
Lesley Bond: Life on the Great Blasket
Topics covered: island life, living without modern comforts, heritage, community, postnatal depression, writing and healing. This week, I’m joined by public historian and author Lesley Bond. In 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend, (now husband) Gordon, left their busy lives behind to spend six months as caretakers on the Great Blasket Island, off the coast of Kerry. With no electricity or hot water, their days were shaped by the rhythms of the island and the unpredictability of the Atlantic. Together, they welcomed visitors from all over the world, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and became part of a small but special seasonal community. The Great Blasket was once home to a thriving Irish-speaking community and became renowned for its extraordinary literary tradition. The final residents left the island in 1953, but its stories, language and heritage live on. Lesley brings us behind the scenes of life as an island caretaker...from the practical realities of running a café without electricity and carrying out the daily housekeeping, to wild weather and the unexpected joy of sleeping more deeply than she ever had before. She also reflects on what it felt like to step away from the constant noise and distraction of modern life, how time seemed to move differently on the island and the lessons she carried home with her. Now living in Kildare with Gordon and their almost two-year-old son, Naoise, Lesley also speaks openly about experiencing postnatal depression and how revisiting her memories of the Great Blasket through writing became a source of comfort and escape during a difficult time. This is an immersive conversation about slowing down, connecting with nature and the places that stay with us long after we leave them and her beautiful book, 'Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker', captures the magic, challenges and everyday realities of those extraordinary six months and is well worth a read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 2 · 56 min
Helen Ogbu : Community is everything
Topics covered : her upbringing, her late husband, grief, mourning, rebuilding her life, fostering, community, belonging and public service. This week, I'm joined by Helen Ogbu - Labour councillor, the newly elected Mayor of Galway, foster carer, life coach and PhD student. Helen made history this year by becoming Galway's first Mayor from a migrant background. But long before politics, her life had already taken her on an extraordinary journey. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Helen was one of eight children in a home where kindness, generosity and caring for others were simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences would later inspire her to become a foster carer, opening her home in Ireland to around 30 children over the years. Helen also shares the deeply personal story of meeting her late husband, Sunny Orji-Ogbu, a principled Nigerian politician who believed passionately that his country deserved honest, accountable leadership. As political tensions intensified, Helen became increasingly fearful for his safety. She moved to Ireland with their young daughter, ChiChi, hoping he would follow. Tragically, in 2010, Sunny was assassinated while returning home from a political meeting. Helen speaks with extraordinary honesty about navigating unimaginable grief, raising her daughter as a young widow, and slowly rebuilding her life in Galway. Today, alongside her work in public service, Helen holds a Master's degree in History and Diplomacy, is currently completing a PhD, and continues to champion community, inclusion and belonging in everything she does. Connect with Helen: Instagram: Helen Ogbu (@iamhelenogbu) • Instagram photos and videos Labour Party profile: Helen Ogbu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 29 · 25 min
Bardic storytelling with Aindrias de Staic
In this weeks Real Take from my conversation with musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic...he talks about the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition and why play is so good for our mental health. If you enjoyed this conversation, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full episode, where Aindrias speaks openly about his childhood, his relationship with his father, addiction and recovery, receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, reconnecting with nature and finding his way back to himself. Find Aindrias Website: https://www.aindrias.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownseanchai By the Light of the Silvery Moon tours Ireland from August. For tour dates and tickets, visit Aindrias' website or reach out to him on Instagram. If you're enjoying Ready to be Real, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might enjoy it too...it really helps the podcast reach more people. Go raibh míle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 25 · 1 hr 26 min
Aindrias de Staic : The Wildness Within
Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, nature, bardic storytelling, performing. My guest this week is musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic, who many of you will know online as 'Smalltown Seanchaí'. The son of the late writer and folklorist Eddie Stack, Aindrias grew up immersed in stories. But this conversation isn't simply about where he comes from, it's about the life he's lived. We talk about his childhood, his parents' separation, his struggles with alcohol and addiction, and what it has taken to reach 20 years of sobriety. He speaks openly about receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, his mental health, and how gardening, growing his own food and reconnecting with nature have become central to his wellbeing. And along the way, we explore the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition, the importance of play, creativity and finding flow. Please note: This episode contains personal experiences and opinions relating to ADHD, mental health, addiction and recovery. Any discussion around medication, herbs or other approaches reflects Aindrias' personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. To connect with Aindrias : Aindrias de Staic | Ireland's Musical Storyteller And on Instagram : Aindrias de Staic (@smalltownseanchai) • Instagram photos and videos Support : If anything discussed in this episode has affected you, or if you're struggling with your mental health or addiction, support is available. Ireland • Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) or visit www.samaritans.ie • Pieta – Call 1800 247 247, text HELP to 51444, or visit www.pieta.ie • Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland – www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie • HSE Mental Health Services – www.yourmentalhealth.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 22 · 10 min
The Raw Reality of Grief : Tara Rafter
In this week's Real Take, Tara Rafter reflects on her mother's final days living with COPD and the heartbreak of saying goodbye to the woman who had been her anchor throughout life. If this excerpt resonates with you, I highly recommend listening to the full episode: Tara Rafter: Hypervigilance to Healing Growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence, she learned from a young age how to navigate uncertainty. Despite the difficulties her family faced, she speaks with remarkable compassion about both of her parents, who died far too young. And alongside her personal story, Tara brings the perspective of a Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and Executive Coach. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 19 · 1 hr 38 min
Tara Rafter : Hypervigilance to Healing
Topics covered include: Alcoholism, domestic violence, hypervigilance, compassion, motherhood, self-abandonment, being a carer, death and loss, grief, faith, spirituality, forgiveness, love, safety, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm, healing. This week I'm joined by Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Executive Coach and founder of The Navigation Coach, Tara Rafter. Tara lives in Mayo with her husband Kevin and their son Kai. In this deeply honest conversation, Tara shares the story of her childhood growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence. She speaks candidly about the hypervigilance she developed from a young age, the lasting impact those experiences had on her life, and the remarkable compassion she holds for her father despite the challenges her family faced. Tara's story is one of resilience, but also of love, forgiveness and understanding. She reflects on her relationship with both of her parents, who died far too young. Her father passed away at the age of 58, while her beloved mother, who was her anchor throughout life, lived with COPD for several years before she died. We also explore motherhood, self-abandonment, self-worth, self-sabotage, overwhelm and what it means to truly feel safe in yourself. Alongside the more difficult chapters, this conversation is full of warmth and humour. Tara talks about her love of music and heading off to gigs on her own, her deep faith and the practices that have helped her navigate life's challenges. You can connect with Tara here: Website: thenavigationcoach.com Email: tara@thenavigationcoach.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 11 · 54 min
Susan Bennett : 17 countries, One van, One year
Topics covered : Multiple sclerosis, childfree by choice, travel, freedom, simple living. This week, I sit down with author Susan Bennett to chat about her memoir, One Year. Susan and her husband Chris live in Antrim. After both receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just three days apart, they made a decision that would change the course of their lives. Years later, they packed up their much loved campervan, fondly known as Hans, and set off on an unforgettable journey through 17 countries across Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 10 · 34 min
Siobhán O'Hagan : Real Take (solo pregnancy)
In this snippet I speak to online fitness coach and content creator Siobhán O'Hagan about being pregnant with her second child and her decision to become become a solo parent through IVF. Siobhán lives in Dublin with her daughter Cadhla, who will be 3 in August. At the time of recording, she was 15 weeks pregnant and she shares how she has found the experience so far and why she felt confident making such a significant life decision on her own. * If you're considering fertility treatment or have any questions about your own circumstances, please speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. To connect with Siobhán : Siobhan O'Hagan (@siobh.ohagan) • Instagram photos and videos The Self-Improvement Project | fitness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 1 hr 9 min
Siobhán O'Hagan : Solo Motherhood
Topics covered : Building a career in the fitness industry, solo travel and the search for freedom, holotropic breathwork, solo motherhood through IVF, pregnancy and preparing for baby number two, navigating criticism and online trolling, the importance of family support and creating a life on your own terms. A quick note : If you're considering fertility treatment or have any questions about your own circumstances, please speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. This week on Ready to be Real, I'm joined by online fitness coach and content creator Siobhán O'Hagan. For more than a decade, Siobhán has worked in the fitness industry, building a successful online coaching business and sharing her life with a large audience online. But this conversation goes far beyond fitness. She speaks openly about her love of travel and adventure, living in places like Thailand and Bali and the importance of freedom and independence in her life. She reflects on discovering she was pregnant with her daughter Cadhla, becoming a single mother, and more recently making the decision to have a second child through IVF as a solo parent. At the time of recording, Siobhán was 15 weeks pregnant and shares how she has found the experience so far, the reactions she has received, and why she felt confident making such a significant life decision on her own. We also discuss the realities of sharing your life online, dealing with criticism and trolling, the role her parents play in supporting her, and the lessons she has learned through motherhood. This is an empowering conversation about trusting yourself, creating a life that feels right for you, and having the courage to make unconventional choices. We talk about : her career in fitness, pregnancy and early motherhood with Cadhla, solo pregnancy and IVF, trolling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 1 · 19 min
Marie Gleeson on baby Ciarán : Real Take
Former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson speaks about the most profound and heartbreaking experience of her life. During her pregnancy with her son Ciarán, Marie and her husband John received devastating news about his health. What followed was a journey marked by immense love and, ultimately, deep grief. If you'd like to hear the full conversation, Marie also speaks about life in the Navy and what the sea taught her about navigating life. It's available to listen to anytime now. And if anything discussed in this episode feels difficult or brings up emotions for you, please know that you are not alone. Support Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ireland Ireland helplines and hotlines Marie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now, and it's brilliant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28 · 1 hr 42 min
Marie Gleeson : Be like the sea
Topics covered : life in the Irish Navy, leadership, being a woman in a male-dominated environment, drug interdiction operations, UN peacekeeping missions, traumatic pregnancy, child loss, grief, motherhood, mental health and emotional wellbeing. (Please take care while listening, particularly if any of these topics feel sensitive or close to home.) This week, I speak to former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson. Marie lives in Tipperary with her husband John and their two daughters, Laoise and Muireann. Raised on a dairy farm as the eldest of six children, she went on to become one of the first women commissioned into the Irish Navy at a time when women had only recently been allowed into the service. Over a 21-year career, Marie served at sea and ashore in senior leadership roles and eventually became Commanding Officer of the LE Aoife. She was involved in major operations including a UN peacekeeping mission in Chad, the rescue of a Canadian submarine and a seven hundred and fifty million euro cocaine seizure during a high-stakes drug interdiction mission at sea. But behind the extraordinary career was profound personal heartbreak. In this conversation, Marie speaks openly and honestly about the devastating loss of her baby son Ciarán and how grief completely altered her understanding of strength and leadership. Marie’s memoir, 'Be Like the Sea - Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain', is out now and it's fantastic. Helplines : Ireland helplines and hotlines Support Links – Pregnancy & Infant Loss Ireland You can connect with Marie on LinkedIn, Instagram or you can email her : marie@navmarleadership.ie And if this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone you think might connect with it and don’t forget to follow Ready to be Real so you don't miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 26 · 16 min
Katriona O’Sullivan : Real Take
This week’s Real Take, is a powerful moment from my recent conversation with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan. Katriona speaks about growing up feeling deeply unloved and the many ways she felt hungry in childhood. Despite experiencing extreme poverty, addiction, abuse and homelessness growing up, Katriona went on to completely transform her life. Today, she uses her voice, her position and her privilege to help lift others up and advocate for inclusion, opportunity and education. She also reflects on what helps her now, the importance of affirmations and learning how to value yourself with greater compassion. Born in Coventry to Irish parents, Katriona later moved to Dublin where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University, is married to Dave, has three sons; John, Seán and Tadhg and is also a proud grandmother. You can hear my full conversation with Katriona now on Ready to be Real, where we discuss body image, hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege, diet culture, life under patriarchy and Katriona’s powerful new book Hungry: A Biography of my Body. You can also listen back to our first conversation together from November 2023. Books: Poor Hungry: A Biography of my Body Follow Ready to be Real on Instagram: @readytoberealpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21 · 1 hr 14 min
Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan : The many meanings of hunger
Topics covered: Body image, diet culture, good girl conditioning, life under patriarchy, poverty, trauma, hypervigilance, affirmations, self-belief, healing, ageing, motherhood, connection, privilege. In this episode I sit down once again with Professor of Psychology and bestselling author, the extraordinary Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan. When Katriona first joined the podcast in November 2023, her memoir Poor had been released and since then, the book has become a phenomenon; winning Biography of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, remaining in Ireland’s top-ten nonfiction chart for two years, being translated into seven languages and adapted into a sold-out stage production at Dublin’s Gate Theatre. Now Katriona is back to talk about her powerful new book 'Hungry: A Biography of my Body.' In this deeply honest conversation, Katriona reflects on growing up in the 80s and 90s and the culture of shame around women’s bodies and the lasting impact of extreme poverty. She also speaks about hypervigilance, self-worth, privilege and learning how to exist in your body with greater compassion. About Katriona: Born in Coventry to Irish parents, her early life was marked by poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancy and homelessness. In 1998 she moved to Dublin, where she entered Trinity College through the access programme and went on to earn a PhD in psychology. She is now a professor at Maynooth University and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and opportunity through education. She is married to Dave and has 3 sons: John, Seán and Tadhg and she's also a proud grandmother. Books: 'Poor' and 'Hungry: A Biography of my Body' Other related episodes include conversations with Sarah Nicole Landry and Mary Kate Slattery. Follow Ready to be Real on Instagram: @readytoberealpodcast Ready to be Real (@readytoberealpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18 · 6 min
Misan Harriman : Real Take
Today’s Real Take comes from a powerful conversation I recorded in October 2024 with photographer, filmmaker and activist Misan Harriman. Misan is Chair of cultural hub, the Southbank Centre, an ambassador for Save the Children, and one of the most compassionate and courageous voices speaking up about injustice and inequality in the world today. Through his photography, filmmaking and activism, he has consistently used his platform to amplify voices that are too often ignored; especially concerning children. Over the past number of weeks, Misan has been the target of what many believe is a deeply disturbing smear campaign by sections of the UK press. I stand with Misan. If you would like to support him, please consider adding your name to this Petition To listen to the full conversation with Misan from October 2024, search 'Misan Harriman: Bridge Building' wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.