Are We There Yet ? with Kathryn Thomas

Kathryn is joined by Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Jim O'Brien from the Mater Private Network to discuss how to look after your heart as we grow older.  Kathryn and Jim talk about how heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Ireland, accounting for one in four female deaths. Jim explains how the menopause affects our hearts and he reveals that too much exercise - sometimes - might actually be bad for your heart! He reveals the striking impact of hormonal shifts on cholesterol, why irregular period cycles can raise health risks and why heart palpitations are too often dismissed as anxiety.And if you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll be able to see Kathryn do ten-push-ups on the studio floor… she was definitely not expecting that!

Kathryn Thomas is joined by award-winning author and journalist Sally Hayden to discuss her new book, ‘This is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World.’Reflecting on her international reporting since 2013, Sally examines the psychological impact of her work and the "detachment crisis" that leads many people globally to tune out the news.  Currently living in Beirut, Sally shares with Kathryn her firsthand experiences from conflict zones to emphasise the importance of looking past military language and seeing the real civilians affected by geopolitics. By recounting stories of resilience, from taking a bank hostage to pay for parent’s healthcare to witnessing the "love train" platforms in Ukraine, Sally reminds Kathryn that humanity remains at the centre of global events and that hope is an action we must actively choose.  This is Also a Love Story is available in bookstores now.Are We There Yet? is presented in association with Mater Private Network. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning.Connect with us:Watch on YouTube: Onic OriginalsFollow us on Instagram: @Onic.Live

Kathryn Thomas sits down with Tánaiste Simon Harris to discuss balancing a political life with parenting in the digital age. They explore the current economic pressures on Irish families, such as the challenges of securing quality childcare, especially those without local family support. Tánaiste Harris outlines his long-term focus, including his proposed initiatives such as under-16 social media restrictions and new financial incentives for families in his upcoming budget next October.Kathryn and Harris delve into the critical issue of online safety for young people, discussing the need to protect children from addictive algorithms. They also examine the important role of nutrition in school meals, the impact of artificial intelligence, and finally when we might finally see the Children’s Hospital open its doors…Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

Kathryn is joined by skincare superstars Dr Caitriona Ryan and Dr Niki Ralph to answer all her pressing questions about looking after your skin as we age. Co-founders of The Institute of Dermatologists in Dublin, Caitriona and Niki highlight how both the science and stigma of good skincare has changed over the past 10 years. From subtle botox to peptide myths, the duo explain why looking refreshed and expressive is now more important than appearing frozen. Kathryn learns about the importance of daily SPF, even when it’s cloudy, and how best to protect the family when abroad. They discuss why impressionable young people need to be protected from harmful skincare marketing and why a simple skincare routine is often the best treatment. Visit the Institute of Dermatology for more: https://instituteofdermatologists.ie/ Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

This week Kathryn is joined by the incredible Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan.You may know Katriona best as the bestselling author behind the literary sensation ‘Poor’ - she joins Kathryn to discuss her new book ‘Hungry’ which is currently at the top of the charts. Katriona and Kathryn discuss the harmful beauty standards inflicted on girls and women of all backgrounds, a recurring theme of the book.Katriona bravely opens up about the childhood trauma and sexual abuse she experienced, and how it changed her view of the world, herself, and others. She shares how her early years kept Katriona in survival mode and consequently fueled a relentless hunger in many aspects of her life that ultimately led to a breaking point. But Katriona's journey truly is a story of hope and healing - she discusses the power of therapy, the bravery it takes to ask others for help and forgiveness, and finally, the power of accepting real love.Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

Kathryn Thomas is joined by bestselling author, psychotherapist and former professional footballer Richie Sadlier to discuss his new project - Let’s Talk SPHE.Richie has spent more than a decade working directly with young people through school workshops on mental health, relationships and masculinity. Alongside his campaigning work, Richie runs a psychotherapy practice working predominantly with adolescents and their parents. He joins Kathryn to talk about his advocacy work with young people, unexpectedly becoming a father after some initial IVF setbacks and transitioning from football to mental health. Together, they discuss the challenges young men and women now face in a digital world and why a Social Media Ban might not be the answer.To find out more about Richie’s Let’s Talk SPHE, please visit:https://letstalksphe.com/ Presented in association with Mater Private Network.

*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.