We Are The People Podcast
We Are The People Podcast shares stories of everyday people that inspire, connect, and change perspectives. Through open and honest conversations, it explores themes of resilience, kindness, determination, and hope. Each episode highlights the small moments that leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Episodes
S9-E5: Eoghan Cleary: Protecting Childhood in an Adult World
Eoghan Cleary is a teacher, researcher and campaigner whose work explores the influences shaping young people’s identities, relationships and understanding of sex.In this deeply reflective conversation, Eoghan shares how a frightening childhood experience, struggles with belonging and his discovery of theatre shaped the person he would become. He discusses working with marginalised communities, cr
Social Without the Media: Growing Up Online with Lorena, Tara and Rosie
What does it feel like to grow up in a world where childhood, friendship, self-image and attention are all shaped by technology?In this episode of We Are The People, I speak with Lorena, Tara and Rosie, three young women reflecting honestly on their childhoods and the role that phones, tablets, online games, social media, short-form content and AI have played in their lives.This is not a conversat
Lucy Butler: The Mindful Gardener - Anxiety, Motherhood and the Healing Power of Getting Outside
In this episode, I speak with Lucy Butler, the voice behind The Mindful Gardener.Lucy shares her experience of living with depression and anxiety, and speaks honestly about the exhaustion of trying to appear fine when internally things feel very different. Her story is not one of neat answers or overnight transformation. Instead, it is about learning, over time, what helps her feel steadier — gett
Michael Doherty: Four Years, One Video, and the Cost of Chasing a Dream
Michael Doherty spent almost four years trying to build something that, for a long time, looked like it was not going to work.After studying finance and realising it was not the path for him, Michael chose fitness. He became a personal trainer, started building an online coaching business, and began posting content every day with the hope that eventually something would connect.For years, very lit
S9-E1: Alan Olive on Grief, Resilience, Leadership & What It Means to Be Human
Former Navy Pilot and Performance Psychologist Alan Olive on Loss, Vulnerability, Elite Performance and Human ConnectionWhat does it really mean to live a meaningful life?In this episode of We Are The People Podcast, I speak to former Navy pilot, performance psychologist, leadership coach, and adventurer Alan Olive about resilience, grief, vulnerability, elite performance, and the growing importan
S8 - E5 - Sinead Walsh: Comedy, Courage and the Power of Being Seen
In this episode of We Are The People, Sinead Walsh takes us on a journey through their life — from growing up in Donabate with dreams of football and performing, to navigating school as a young queer person in a Catholic environment, and eventually finding their voice in journalism, activism, and stand-up comedy.Sinead opens up about the formative moments that shaped them: fainting at the sight of
S8 - E4: Mindie Buttars: From Meth to Meaning: A Story of Resilience
From childhood on horseback in Utah to years lost to addiction, Mindie’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and redemption. At just 14, she was introduced to meth, setting off a spiral that cost her her marriage, her children, and nearly her life. After countless stints in jail and a house raid that forced her to confront the truth, she made the brave choice to get sober — and has now celebrate
Michael Spencer: Self-Confidence and Second Chances
In this episode of We Are The People, Michael Spencer opens up about his journey from a childhood shaped by skiing in Park City and the pursuit of professional sports, to navigating family trauma, building resilience, and ultimately forging a career as a sports agent. Michael shares how coaching and supporting athletes became a way to provide the belief and encouragement he lacked growing up, lead
S8-E2 Adam Brawer: From Hollywood Catastrophe to Luxury Real Estate
What happens when your dream career collapses overnight? Adam Brawer went from producing films with Oscar winners to watching projects fall apart, relationships break down, and life feel ‘catastrophic.’ In this episode, Adam shares how he rebuilt his life in an unexpected way — luxury real estate. From $50 million listings to cleansing homes of their energy with his ‘from staged to saged’ philosop
S8 - Ep 1 - Patricia Noelle - Breaking Chains: From Religious Trauma to Spiritual Healing
In this deeply moving episode, Patricia shares her extraordinary journey from childhood abuse survivor to trauma-informed healer. Growing up as one of nine children in a Mormon household, she experienced severe abuse and was forced to give up her son for adoption at 16 through church influence.After years of traditional therapy with limited results, Patricia found profound healing through psychede
Jamie Buttars: From Rock Bottom to Resilience – How One Man Turned Struggle into Community Impact
What if your biggest struggles became the foundation for something greater? Jamie Buttars' journey is one of resilience, redemption, and relentless drive. From dropping out of high school and battling addiction to building a coffee shop (Cache Coffee & More) that’s saving lives, Jamie has transformed his past into a force for good.In this episode, we dive into:☕ How Jamie’s coffee shop be
Resilience, Reinvention & the Reality of Success – Neil O’Sullivan on Overcoming Struggles and Finding Balance
In this episode of We Are The People, we sit down with Neil O’Sullivan, co-founder of Nimbus and former footballer, to explore the highs and lows of his journey—from childhood struggles and professional reinvention to the pressures of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of true well-being.Neil shares his raw and honest reflections on overcoming bullying, battling imposter syndrome, and learning to ma
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone: Sarah Collins on Risk, Resilience, and Life’s Small Joys
In this episode of We Are The People, we sit down with Sarah Collins, a marketing expert, world traveler, and entrepreneur whose story is a testament to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. From helping KFC crack the Irish market to building a thriving café business in her hometown, Sarah has embraced risk and serendipity to carve out a life filled with adventure and purpose.Join us as
Fighting for Legacy: Damian Darker on Discipline, Resilience, and Creating Opportunities
In this episode of We Are The People, we sit down with Damian Darker, a European kickboxing champion, dedicated coach, and proud father. Damian takes us through his journey, from childhood days inspired by Power Rangers and Chuck Norris to becoming a trailblazer in Irish kickboxing.He shares the discipline and respect instilled by traditional martial arts like Taekwondo, the highs and lows of comp
From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Work: Emma Foran’s Journey of Resilience, Inclusivity, and Fulfillment
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Emma Foran takes us on her journey of self-discovery, career transformation, and personal growth. From her early aspirations to be an actor to navigating unfulfilling corporate roles, Emma shares how she found her true calling in social care and her current role as an Employment Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland.Emma reflects on the invaluable lessons she le
S6 - E3 - James Michels... how self improvement unlocked an introvert, fired a passion and created a legacy.
Stepping out of our comfort zone is never easy, and I have great admiration for anyone that has stepped outside theirs to do something that they have been afraid of. James Michels is one such person. Growing up he was an introvert, who lived in his own world and was wary of letting people in. Today he is an author who has published 5 books, finding the confidence to share his inner universe with t
S6 - E2 - Astrid Abissath - From not fitting in to finding the real Astrid... all before she was 22
Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, Astrid faced a unique set of challenges that shaped her into the remarkable person she is today. She'll share her experiences of navigating the immense pressure to succeed imposed by her parents and the process of discovering her identity as the only black child in her school. But it's not just her cultural background that sets her apart;
S6 - E1 - Peter Ryan - From visually impaired to Paralympian and Ultra Endurance Running
Today, we're joined by an incredible guest, Peter Ryan, a remarkable athlete who has conquered adversity and shattered barriers.Growing up, rural Tipperary was home for Peter. That meant sports and plenty of them. He was very good at soccer and hurling but never pushed himself. In school he followed the crowd and stayed within his lane. He was a coasting through school happy in the knowledge
S5 - E6 - Orlagh Reynolds - Grateful for her life... the highs of Australia to the lows of helping her husband fight MND
Orlagh Reynolds was a messer as a child and she has retained that sense of mischief into adulthood. She loved life and life loved Orlagh back as she lived the dream. City hopping as her career developed, working her dream job, surrounded by friends and family and topped off by her husband and daughter. Orlagh was lucky and grateful.Then one day, her husband Fraser received a Motor Neuron Disease d
S5 - E5 - Scott Jenkins - A turning point at 30 leads to ultramarathons, Badwater, life lessons and smiling children
Scott Jenkins didn’t want to find himself at the age of 80 looking back at his life wondering what more he could have done with it, what more he could have achieved and the people he could have helped along the way.Scott grew up in Wales and reached a turning point at the age of 30 where he decided to do something big, something that would have an impact on his life but also on lives around him. H
S5 - E4 - Beulah Coombs: From Jamaica to Manchester — A Life Built Against the Odds
Born in Jamaica in 1949, Beulah Coombs moved to Manchester at just eight years old, following her parents who had gone ahead to help rebuild post-war Britain.In this episode of We Are The People, Beulah reflects on growing up Black in England, facing racism, building a life in her adopted country, and later confronting policies that questioned her right to belong. She also shares how she became a
S5 - E3 - Lawrence Cowan - How MND inspired him to change Scotland for the better
Lawrence Cowan set out in politics determined to change lives but his life took an unexpected turn when his best friend, Gordon Aikman, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. It was too late for Gordon but together they were determined to positively impact the lives of future MND sufferers.From Gordon Brown to Nicola Sturgeon, Lawrence and his friends energised Scottish politics to change Scotti
S5 - E2 - Elaine Garrigues O'Neill - From French translator to Patisserie Chef
Elaine Garrigues O'Neill grew up in Ireland but her eyes were always firmly fixed on a life further afield. When she graduated from University she moved to France and set about becoming as French as the French themselves.She set about honing her translation skills in the corporate world before realising she would much rather be her own boss. With little more than a few contacts, a large helpi
S 5 - E1 - Vicki Duffendack - From worshipping Instagram to finding redemption with God
Vicki Duffendack was a typical South Dublin woman, she grew up interested in boys, having fun with friends and seeing the world. She travelled across the globe as a nanny, working hard and partying just as hard. In Australia, she found love and got engaged but when that didn't last she looked for love on Instagram... well what she thought was love. Her quest for likes and followers brought he
S4 - E6 - The Zorbas - Inka and Iason were drawn together by their love of the Balkans and that love created music
Serendipity and chance encounters brought Inka and Iason together, their shared interests blossomed into a romance that is now three years down the road. As their relationship developed their boundaries fell as they opened up to each other and realized a shared dream.The dream of one day creating music with their partner… that day arrived and so The Zorbas was born.The Zorbas is a mixture of music
S4 - E5 - Inka Malovic - Conceived in the Congo, born in Bosnia, grew up in Algeria until war in Algeria and Yugoslavia made her a refugee in Canada
The events we experience throughout our lives shape who we are and how we look at the world. As we move through life we learn and adapt and change because of what we have been through.Inka Malovic was conceived in the Congo, born in Bosnia, grew up in Algeria and when war broke out in both Yugoslavia and Algeria she settled with her family in Canada.As she moved from one place to the next she beca
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Stephen Carton - From Ireland to America engineering his dream job as an American Football Coach
The vast majority of us follow a well-trodden path when it comes to what we do with our lives, we may take an unexpected diversion here and there but by and large we follow in the footsteps of where others have gone before. Stephen Carton grew up in Dublin, went to school in Dublin and completed a degree and masters in Engineering in Trinity College… you can probably fill in the gaps from here, ri
Season 4 - Episode 3 - James Timmons
I think it is interesting to hear what people wanted to be when they were children because it gives an insight into what they were like then and as their story unfolds we can get a sense of how they have developed.The truth is, most of us give up on that childhood dream early on, but not everybody does…James Timmons always wanted to be a footballer. It informed how he spent his lunch time break, w
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Rebecca Proctor
The world is made up of characters, that’s what makes it so interesting. We all approach life in slightly different ways leading to experiences and stories that help us to stay connected with one another. Rebecca Proctor has always been sure of who she was and where she was going… she may not necessarily have known how it was going to turn out but she wasn’t going to shrink to the shadows.Whether
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Paraic Keenan
Paraic Keenan has always done things his way, he made his choices and he saw them through, having the courage to pivot if required. Be that asking for help when stuck in a ditch, building his career instead of going to college or abandoning his corporate lifestyle in favour of sea swimming and self discovery, he trusted things would work out and they did.His experiences have made him the man he is
Season 3 - Episode 5 - John Clendennen
John Clendennen is a local councillor from the small village of Kinnitty in Offaly. At one stage the world was his oyster but today John is more likely to bring oysters to Kinnitty.He grew up surrounded by people in the family pub and it is no wonder that he has gone on to follow in his father’s footsteps… taking over the family business and making a name for himself in politics.John has an intere
S3 - E4 - Gavin Colton - from reality TV star, to professional footballer and a new goal of becoming a published author
A footballer and a writer are at two very different ends of the career spectrum. For a footballer their end product is based on split second, instinctive decisions, whereas a writer is contemplative and reasoned in their approach.Or are they?Gavin Colton’s story challenges these potential misconceptions. He grew up in Leixlip, just outside Dublin and dreamed of being a footballer. He became a TV s
S3 - E3 - Pallavi Pande - How memories of India created a sustainable tableware company, made her a mompreneur and inspired her to pay it forward
Pallavi Pande had an idea based on childhood nostalgia. She grew up in India and now lives with her husband and two kids in Portland, Oregon. Her company, Dtocs, creates tableware from naturally fallen palm leaves and has won a NEXTY at the Natural Food Expo for the most innovative new sustainable product on the market.Pallavi tells me about being a mompreneur, raising brand ambassadors, supportin
S3 - E2 - Kieran Walsh - Loss, grief, the pressure to succeed, mental health and comedy... Kieran doesn't shy away from any of it
Usually, when we think about people and their stories it is the older generations that spring to mind as the gold mines. However, my next guest has seen and done so much and is only 28.Kieran Walsh is married with two kids, he works in a local hospital and dreamed of buying his own home. So far so straight forward.I came across Kieran on Twitter when I followed his podcast “Reeling in your ears”,
S3 - E1 - Teegan Maguire - Facing society's expectations of a woman, she talks children, pressure and how she has planned her life
Teegan Maguire is a friend of mine. She has an extremely successful career, she is 35, she owns her own flat, she is single, she lives in London, she is from Clones, a small village in Ireland. Teegan takes on societal norms and faces them down, choosing the route that is right for her rather than the one offered up as the path most trodden. She speaks openly about children, societal pressure, how
S2 - E6 - Virginie Laveau: A story about anxiety, healing, and finding purpose through presence, service, and self trust.
Episode SummaryVirginie Laveau shares a deeply personal story of early independence, debilitating anxiety, and healing through service and travel. From living alone as a teenager to leaving her dream job due to panic attacks, Virginie reflects on how India, chosen family, and working with autistic children helped her reconnect with life and purpose.Virginie talks about: Growing up too fast and ear
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Dean Clarke
Dean Clarke dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and he lived that dream for over 10 years in Ireland. However, the realities of his dream life are a far cry from the fame and fortune you would associate with being a professional footballer.If I offered you a job, your dream job, and told you the salary would make it hard to get by and your contract would only last for 10 months of the ye
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Jill Godsil
Jill Godsil created an idyllic life for herself and her family before divorce, bankruptcy and home repossession shattered that life. She was down but not out and somehow found the fight within to strike back and change Ireland's legislation while she was at it.Jill Godsil has an inspiring story that is overflowing with enthusiasm, life lessons and plenty of unexpected twists.Let me know your
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Kunal Gandhi (Part 2)
Kunal landed in Dublin on the 13th of January 2015 with €1,000 in his pocket, 80kg of luggage and an address on Mountjoy Square.He quickly ran out of money, went without food for 3 days at a time and could not find a job... any job, but her persevered.Kunal tells us what he thinks of the Irish welcome and how he has to work harder to prove himself but ultimately he thinks it has worked in his favo
S2 - E2 - Kunal Gandhi - From India to Ireland without love, but with determination, pride and hunger
Kunal Gandhi came to Ireland from India, leaving behind his friends, family and a very comfortable life.Before he tells us about his experience in Ireland, I wanted to know what it was like growing up in India. It is a culture that fascinates the world, and the internet gives us a glimpse into what it may be like, but I wanted to hear it from Kunal in his own words.Those words are filled with pass
Season 2 - Episode 1 - James Lundy
In March 2018 my friend James Lundy died suddenly, his anniversary is a painful time, filled with sadness and grief but it is also our opportunity to speak about James and ensure he comes along life’s journey with us.Whether you knew James or not, I want this episode to celebrate James's life and to act as a reminder to all of us to cherish what we have, because life is fleeting and can disap
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Saoirse Fitzgerald
Saoirse Fitzgerald has lived a life full of surprising turns. Some of them beautiful, some of them heartbreaking, all of them shaped by a steady trust in her own instinct.In this conversation she brings us from childhood days spent painting and dressing up her little sister, through dreams of the Rose of Tralee, the shock of her family home burning down, the spiral of failing exams, and the courag
Season 1 - Episode 5 - John & Elaine Cogavin
Over fifteen years ago, John and Elaine, along with their three sons, decided to forego their usual Christmas presents in favour of giving that money to people who needed it more. But to who? There are plenty of very deserving charities who would willingly accept their donations… but instead John and Elaine, inspired by their friends in Malawi decided to create their own charity, they called it Ch
S1 - E4 - Colm O'Toole - Leaving the 9-5 behind to start afresh in Lyon, opening an Irish bar
Have you ever had an idea you'd love to pursue but real life gets in the way? Colm O'Toole had an idea and went for it.A chance rejection sent him to Lyon in France where his desire to learn French took him on an adventure of a lifetime.In the heart of Lyon he found a community, opened an Irish bar and found a new appreciation for life.Let me know your thoughts on this eposideWebsiteInst
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Pete Cogavin
Pete Cogavin is a teacher and musician living in London. His dream was to play the guitar and have the crowd sing along with him, he achieved this and plenty more.From playing to a television audience of over 20 million people to headlining a French music festival attended by over 15,000, to realising his passion for teaching was going to have to go hand in hand with his love for music, Pete'
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Moia Rowsome
Moia Rowsome is a former teacher who now works for Twitter in online learning, her journey to this point took many turns, each one a learning opportunity and many worth sharing.Moia tells me how feeling lost drove her to follow her dream of becoming a famous musician. Her quest for purpose, her willingness to make sacrifices and her work ethic mean she now has a whole host of memories and experien
S1 - E1 - Ger Barron - From Celtic to UCD, a story of triumph over anxiety to discover happiness
Ger Barron was a goalkeeper for Glasgow Celtic and UCD, that is how he saw himself and, perhaps more importantly, that is how he felt the world saw him. Ger talks about the anxiety and pressure he felt every time he stepped onto the field, an anxiety that struck as a feeling in his stomach during matches but that would go on to consume him.This is a story about someone doing their job, who one day
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