Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, gardening, 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, musician 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, you can find him 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
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