Are We There Yet ? with Kathryn Thomas

*Please note this episode contains references to domestic abuse and sexual violence*In an emotional and raw conversation, author Gwen Phelan talks about surviving domestic abuse and challenging misconceptions of violent relationships. Gwen recently self-published a novel entitled ‘The Quiet Place’ inspired by her harrowing experiences. From losing her mother early and learning how to deal with low self-esteem, Gwen shares with Kathryn all about her journey to healing and acceptance. Finally, Gwen shares her wisdom on how to live your life to the fullest and how to be present for her children despite all she endured.If you've been affected by issues raised in this podcast, please visit these sites for advice:https://www.gov.ie/en/victims-charter/publications/domestic-violence-support-services/https://www.womensaid.ie/https://www.safeireland.ie/https://aoibhneas.ie/https://domesticabuse.ie/https://barnardos.ie/support-and-information/work-with-families/childhood-domestic-violence-abuse/https://www.mensaid.ie/

Ever felt overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis? Here’s how plastic surgery can help reclaim your confidence. On a special episode presented in association with Mater Private Network, Kathryn is joined by Jamie Martin-Smith, an experienced consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon.Jamie tells Kathryn what to expect when going for breast reconstruction - either after a cancer diagnosis or breast augmentation. He talks about the emotional and physical impact of breast surgery, plus the innovative techniques that are changing the landscape of plastic surgery in Ireland.Kathryn discovers that breast reconstruction is not just about aesthetics; Jamie explains how the timing of reconstruction can vary based on individual circumstances, emphasising that each woman's journey is unique. Join us for a fascinating conversation wherever you get your podcasts or watch in full on YouTube.

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network.What happens when your children become some of the most talked-about faces in the world, just as your own life is turned upside down by a sudden diagnosis?In this heartfelt conversation, bestselling-author Dearbhla Mescal joins Kathryn Thomas to pull back the curtain on a life lived between the ordinary and the extraordinary. From raising a family in the "creative chaos" of Maynooth to navigating the global spotlight at both Wimbledon and the Oscars, Dearbhla shares how she learned to find beauty in the small things—long before she had to fight just for simple everyday pleasure.Together, Kathryn and Dearbhla get honest about career guilt, the pressure to be a "perfect" parent and why we need to stop judging our difficult choices.Dearbhla’s acclaimed book of poetry “Finding Joy: Words to Capture the Beauty of Ordinary Life” is out now on all bookshops.

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network.This week Kathryn is joined by the outspoken and empowering Laura Dowling! They sit down for an honest and illuminating chat about intimate female health - from vulva puppets to vaginal dryness, nothing is off limits when Laura Dowling is in the studio. Kathryn and Laura discuss the lesser known impacts of menopause, the relationship benefits of prioritising self-care and breaking taboos across the country.Meanwhile, Kathryn confesses to a problematic dating preference while Laura shares some of her wildest confessions she’s received. 

Welcome back to a new season of ‘Are We There Yet?’ with Kathryn Thomas, presented in association with Mater Private Network. To kick off Season Two, Kathryn is joined by broadcast icon: Doireann Garrihy.Doireann opens up the small joys of motherhood and tells Kathryn what she's got planned for her big podcast tour that kicks off next month. Doireann explains why her husband making her laugh literally causes her pain, her secret to booking podcast guests, and how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on her work ethic. Kathryn asks for essential tips on dealing with morning radio hygiene, while Doireann elaborates what days not to ask her mother for help! Doireann will be visiting the following cities on ‘The Laughs of Your Life 2026’ tour:Cork Opera House - Thursday 7th May 2026Kerry Gleaneagle Arena - Saturday 9th May 2026Mayo TF Royal Hotel & Theatre - Saturday 16th May 2026Dublin 3Olympia Theatre - Thursday 28th May 2026Limerick University Hall - Saturday 30th May 2026For more information on how to book tickets, please visit:https://www.doireanngarrihy.com/ 

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. Happy St Patrick’s Day! To celebrate this important date in the Irish calendar, Kathryn Thomas is delighted to chat to Irish historian and author Donal Fallon for a special bonus episode all about pubs. Fresh from publishing his best-selling book, ‘The Dublin Pub: A Social & Cultural History’, Kathryn and Donal have a hilarious chat about the importance of pubs to Irish women, why they need to be recognised as significant cultural spaces, and how they both met their respective partners in Dublin’s iconic drinking spots!Season Two of ‘Are We There Yet?’ will return very soon with some impressive guests - stay tuned for more details…

This week is the Season Finale of Season One of ‘Are We There Yet! On a special episode, Kathryn sits down with radiation oncology expert Dr Lorraine Walsh to talk about all your questions about the big c -  Cancer.As a Radiation Oncologist specialised in Breast Cancer at Mater Private Network in Limerick,  Dr. Walsh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As she tells Kathryn, Lorraine has dedicated her career to advancing cancer treatment in Ireland - with her main areas of focus including breast, gynaecological and lung cancers with a special interest in cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes.Dr. Walsh has a keen interest in MRI-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancers, reirradiation of gynaecological malignancies, and the adoption of novel radiotherapy technologies such as intensity-modulated (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) to reduce normal tissue toxicity during breast, lung and pelvic irradiation. Get ready for an insightful discussion on her work, her research, and the future of cancer care in Ireland, all taking place at Mater Private Network.For more info on Dr. Walsh’s work, please visit: www.materprivate.ie

Presented in association with Mater Private Network. This week, Kathryn Thomas has an in-depth, extended chat with Irish pop icon Samantha Mumba!  Samantha exploded on to the world stage in 2000 with her breakout single “Gotta Tell You” that went rocketed to the tops of the charts.From her early days at Dublin’s legendary Billy Barry stage school, Samantha talks about her early ambitions as a budding pop-star and how she remained sane in a cruel industry that often didn’t look after its young talent. Samantha reflects back on her sudden rise, where she found herself starring in a Hollywood blockbuster produced by Steven Spielberg, no less.She tells Kathryn all about the close bond she had with her father, as well as her experiences of racism - what it’s really like to identity as a mixed-race woman in Ireland? Samantha opens up her outspoken Eurovision journey and finally what’s next…Next week: Kathryn chats to Dr Lorraine Walsh from the Mater Private Network.