The Laura Dowling Experience
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Conversations about health, science, wellness, life, love, sex and everything in-between. Laura is a Pharmacist who loves to talk to interesting people about their unique life and work experiences. See @fabulouspharmacist on instagram for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- #168 Maria Walsh | Deepfakes, Politics and Women's Health
MEP Maria Walsh joins Laura Dowling to discuss a range of topics including deepfakes in Irish secondary schools, online misogyny against women in politics, and the challenges women face in healthcare and political life. The conversation al…
- #167 Michelle Flynn on Why Some Experiences Stay With Us
In this episode, perinatal psychotherapist Michelle Flynn explores birth trauma and its lasting impact on the nervous system. She discusses personal and professional insights into pregnancy anxiety and how traumatic experiences manifest, e…
- Mary Ryan | The Things We Ignore About Women’s Health
Mary Ryan joins "The Laura Dowling Experience" to discuss women's health. The conversation covers the importance of viewing periods as a vital sign, the benefits of early intervention for conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and the rol…
- Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life
Hannah Daly discusses her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life. She explains how perimenopause became a turning point, leading her to seek answers and reinterpret her life with a new understanding of herself.
- The Reality of School Meals in Ireland Today with Ger Killian
Ger Killian, co-founder of The Lunch Bag, discusses the complexities of providing school meals in Ireland, touching on logistics, nutritional standards, and the emotional responses of children and parents. The episode explores the evolving…
- Dr Andy Hogan on How the Immune System Shapes Your Health
Dr. Andy Hogan traces his path into immunology and explains how the immune system is involved in everyday health. He explores how obesity, aging, and chronic inflammation affect immune function, and reflects on COVID-19, vaccines, and the…
- The Power of Posture: Dignity in Later Life
Occupational therapist Martina Tierney joins the podcast to discuss how appropriate seating and posture can significantly impact the health, independence, and dignity of older individuals. She explains how her company, Seating Matters, foc…
- Women in Politics: Online Misogyny and the Fight to Be Heard
In this episode, Laura Dowling speaks with MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú about the challenges women face in politics, including online misogyny and the importance of representation. They discuss their personal journeys into…
- Aoife Dunne: Ayahuasca, Grief and an Unexpected Route into Comedy
Comedian Aoife Dunne joins Laura Dowling to discuss her experience with grief after her mother's death, seeking healing through an ayahuasca ceremony in Brazil, and her unexpected path into comedy. She reflects on overcoming fear and self-…
- Why I Left Stockbroking to Sell Cars From My Drive with Nadia Adan
Nadia Adan, who arrived in Ireland from Somalia, shares her journey from a career in finance to becoming the founder of Ashford Motors. She discusses the challenges and resilience involved in building her car dealership business, including…
- Understanding Eating Disorders - Control, Shame, and Recovery with Laura Casey
In this episode, psychiatric nurse Laura Casey explains the complexities of eating disorders, discussing their psychological origins, physical health consequences, and the importance of early intervention for recovery. She also addresses t…
- Liz Dwyer on When the System Keeps You Married
Liz Dwyer discusses her experiences with Ireland's divorce process and the challenges of co-parenting while in legal limbo. She also covers topics including coping strategies after separation, dating, and her work on the Future Fertility S…
- Building, Leading & Letting Go With Anne Heraty & Eimear McCrann
Anne Heraty, founder of CPL, and Eimear McCrann, Director of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, discuss their experiences in entrepreneurship. They cover topics such as leadership, resilience, and the importance of community and trusted relation…
- Síle Seoige: The Year Everything Changed
In this episode, Síle Seoige discusses a period in her life when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and experienced anxiety. She also talks about parenting, work, and the importance of setting boundaries, connecting with her documentary…
- Dating When You’re Ready and When They’re Not | Mairead the Matchmaker
In this episode, Laura Dowling and Mairead the Matchmaker discuss the complexities of modern dating, focusing on situations where one partner is ready for commitment while the other is not. They explore the impact of timing, life stage, an…
- What Your Mouth Reveals About Your Health with Eimear Mithen
Laura Dowling and dental hygienist Eimear Mithen discuss the connection between oral health and overall physical health. They cover the importance of gum care, the benefits of specific dental tools, and links between oral hygiene and condi…
- A Survivor’s Journey to Purpose: Ciara Mangan’s Story
In this episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Ciara Mangan shares her journey of healing after trauma and the founding of her organization, Beyond Surviving. The discussion covers the complexities of long-term recovery, the challenges o…
- The Hidden Cost of Mental Health Gatekeeping with Martin Daly
GP and TD Martin Daly joins Laura Dowling to discuss the challenges of advocating for mental healthcare within the Irish system. They explore the impact of administrative barriers, housing insecurity, and resource shortages on child and ad…
- Kathryn Thomas: Cancellation, Contradiction & Coming Back
Laura Dowling interviews Kathryn Thomas about navigating career transitions, midlife, and evolving perspectives on health. They discuss public scrutiny, the complexities of obesity and GLP-1 medications, menopause, sleep, and the nuances o…
- GLP-1s, Menopause & the Future of Obesity Treatment with Donal O'Shea
Laura Dowling interviews endocrinologist Donal O'Shea about the evolution of diabetes and obesity care, the impact of GLP-1 medications, and the role of biology in weight management. They also discuss overcoming stigma, the influence of ho…
- Seeing People: The Story Behind Eoin Cluskey and Bread 41
Eoin Cluskey discusses his journey founding Bread 41, the personal costs of his ambition, and his commitment to community impact. He reflects on his childhood struggles with education and his work in prisons and schools, emphasizing the im…
- Unfiltered Motherhood: Sophie White's Story of Chaos, Connection & Compassion
Sophie White joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss her experiences with motherhood, mental health, and addiction. She shares how she used storytelling to create a supportive community and discusses the journey toward healing throug…
- The Power of Clever Swaps: Food Truths, Mental Health & Consumer Freedom
In this episode, Sophie Morris discusses her approach to food label awareness, the impact of clever grocery swaps on health and mental well-being, and how consumer choices can influence market trends. She also addresses the importance of t…
- Losing My Sister, Finding My Voice: The Story Behind The Shona Project
Tammy Darcy discusses her personal journey, including the loss of her sister Shona, and how these experiences led her to found The Shona Project. She explores themes of resilience, the impact of bullying, and the importance of community an…
- Trauma Is Not Mental Illness: Breda’s Journey Through Misdiagnosis, Institutions & Recovery
Breda O'Toole shares her journey of recovering from trauma after years of misdiagnosis and institutionalization. She discusses the impact of childhood trauma, the limitations of psychiatric care focusing on symptoms, and finding healing th…
- Miriam O’Callaghan: Fertility, Family, Tragedy & the Reality of Live Broadcasting
Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss her life, career, and memoir. She speaks candidly about navigating high-pressure live broadcasting, motherhood, personal loss, and her experiences with menopause,…
- The Boobie Physio: The Truth About Breast Weight, Posture & Women’s Health
Laura Dowling discusses the physical and emotional impact of breast weight, posture, and breast support with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan. The episode covers bra fitting myths, the effects of breast movement on health, and tips for im…
- “They Groaned When a Woman Was Announced” — Deirdre O’Kane on Women in Comedy
Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura Dowling to discuss her career as a stand-up comedian. They cover her experience breaking into a male-dominated industry, balancing motherhood and work, navigating long-term relationships, and using humor during p…
- Why Teens Feel Lost | Psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet Explains
Laura Dowling speaks with child psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet about the challenges facing teenagers, including emotional dysregulation, self-harm, ADHD, and anxiety. They discuss how parents and caregivers can support young people and nav…
- From Rugby to Rehabilitation: Andrew Dunne's Journey into Physiotherapy
Laura Dowling interviews former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist Andrew Dunne about his career transition and his clinic's holistic approach to patient care. The conversation covers the role of exercise, lifestyle medicine,…
- Breaking Barriers: Eileen's Journey from Addiction to Social Impact
Eileen discusses her recovery from addiction and her work as the founder of Hair Together, a social enterprise that supports young people and women exiting the prison system through hairdressing training. She shares her personal story of g…
- Supercharge Your Soul: A Deep Dive into Holistic Wellness with Miriam Hussey
Former pharmacist turned holistic health practitioner Miriam Hussey discusses her transition from traditional medicine to addressing the root causes of health issues. She explores the interconnection of mind, body, and soul through her thr…
- Healthspan Over Lifespan: Longevity Lessons for People and Pets with Matt Kaeberlein
Matt Kaeberlein, CEO of Optisan and expert in ageing science, joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss longevity. The conversation covers lifestyle pillars, hormone therapy, emerging pharmaceutical approaches, and environmental factor…
- Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome and the Purple Run
Laura Dowling interviews Melissah about her journey raising her daughter Evie, who has Down Syndrome. The episode highlights the importance of awareness, advocacy, and supporting organizations like Down Syndrome Ireland and the Purple Run…
- Keith Walsh - ADHD, autism, mental health, drugs and childhood trauma
Broadcaster and mental health advocate Keith Walsh discusses his late-in-life ADHD and autism diagnosis, experiences with childhood trauma, and his journey with self-medication. He also talks about his mental health advocacy and upcoming t…
- Podcast Break and Upcoming Book Release 'Love Your Vulva'
Laura Dowling is taking a two-week podcast break to finalize her upcoming book, 'Love Your Vulva', which launches on September 23rd. The show will return with new episodes on September 11th.
- Breaking Barriers: Adam Harris on Autism Awareness and Advocacy
In this episode, Adam Harris discusses his personal journey with autism, the founding of his organization 'As I Am,' and his work in advocacy and inclusion in Ireland. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including education, he…
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Nicola Culloty - Anxiety, Stress & Resilience Techniques
In this episode, Nicola Culloty discusses her transition from teacher to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist. She explores the use of CBT for managing anxiety, stress, menopause symptoms, parenting challenges, and building resili…
- The Episode: Mary Ann Kenny's Story of Grief, Psychosis, and Recovery
Mary Ann Kenny shares her personal experience with grief, a medication-induced psychotic episode, and the challenges she faced within the mental health and child protection systems. She discusses her path to recovery and her book, The Epis…
- Owning My Body: Body Image, Aging & Self-Acceptance with Edwina Ings-Chambers
Journalist and beauty editor Edwina Ings-Chambers joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss body image, body ownership, and navigating menopause. She reflects on her career in fashion and journalism, her relationship with her mother, a…
- Numbers Behind the Diagnosis: How Cancer Data Shapes Our Future
Professor Deirdre Murray, Director of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, discusses how cancer data collection informs healthcare policy and survival outcomes in Ireland. The conversation explores the role of screening and vaccination…
- Reclaiming Intimacy: ADHD, Sexual Trauma and the Right to Pleasure with Dr Natasha Langan
Dr. Natasha Langan joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss the intersection of ADHD, sexual trauma, and intimacy. The conversation covers the impact of shame, the historical dismissal of women's pain, and the importance of viewing se…
- Navigating Separation and Divorce with Family Law Solicitor Hilary O'Connor
Family law solicitor Hilary O'Connor discusses the legal and emotional aspects of separation and divorce in Ireland, covering topics such as mediation, financial disclosure, child access, and the importance of self-care. This episode offer…
- Navigating Adolescence in the Digital Age: Insights on Masculinity, Social Media, and Mental Health
Dr. Darragh McCashin discusses how the digital world impacts the development of boys, covering topics such as social media usage, the concept of masculinity, and strategies for fostering digital literacy. The episode emphasizes collaborati…
- Sex, STIs, and Breaking Taboos: Demystifying Genital Health with Dr. Aisling Loy
In this episode, Dr. Aisling Loy discusses sexual health, common myths, and STI prevention. The conversation covers topics including the vaginal microbiome, grooming habits, HPV vaccination, and the importance of regular testing.
- Scoring Equal Opportunity: Closing the Gender Gap in Sport
Niamh Tallon, founder of Her Sport, discusses the challenges facing women in sports, including dropout rates, media representation, and resource inequality. She outlines the mission of Her Sport to improve visibility and provide advocacy f…
- From Magazine Editor to Bestselling Author: Vicki Notaro's Unapologetic Journey
Bestselling author Vicki Notaro discusses her career transition from magazine editor to novelist. She talks about her writing process, the themes of her books, her experience with burnout, and her decision to be childless by choice.
- Beyond 20/20: An Ophthalmologist's Guide to Eye Health and Surgery
Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Micheál O'Rourke discusses eye health, covering conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye. The episode also explores aesthetic procedures like blepharoplasty and the impact of screen time on vision.
- From Devastating Loss to Renewed Purpose: Sinéad Hingston's Grief Journey
Sinéad Hingston joins The Laura Dowling Experience to discuss her personal journey through grief following the sudden death of her husband, Jeff. She reflects on rebuilding her life, finding new love, navigating motherhood, and the foundat…
- Movement, Grief & Coming Out – Finding Strength in Vulnerability
James Green discusses his experiences with chronic illness, grief, and sexuality, highlighting how movement and authenticity contribute to physical and mental well-being. The conversation also covers the principles of athletic therapy and…