Bras off and Breathe

In this week’s episode, Funny Girl, I sit down with Margaret McAuliffe, actress, writer, comedian, and the creative force behind The Humours of Bandon, her critically acclaimed one-woman show.We talk about her journey from the early days to building a career in Ireland’s creative scene, and what it really takes to sustain a life in the arts. Margaret shares the story behind The Humours of Bandon, performing solo on international stages, and the resilience, humour, and honesty that fuel her work.We also get into the personal side, motherhood, balance, and how having her daughter reshaped her perspective on creativity and ambition.A warm, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about the realities of being a creative in Ireland.Margaret McAuliffe Agenthttps://sovrancarey.com/actors/margaret-mc-auliffeVoiceover agenthttps://www.voicebank.ie/artist/rd - margaret-mcauliffeSpotlighthttps://www.spotlight.com/0451-3424-3944Emma Dodd for the poem recitedhttps://www.instagram.com/emmadoddartistandillustrator?igsh=b3lzbDdxNXFuZXY4Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/

This week on the podcast: Autism and Us.Michelle and her daughter Kate share their powerful journey through Kate’s late autism diagnosis at 20. Together they speak openly about the challenges they faced, the frustrations with a system that too often overlooks young people, and the emotional moment when Kate finally felt truly seen after receiving her diagnosis. Now moving forward with a new understanding of themselves and each other, Michelle and Kate are using their voices to advocate for change, greater awareness, and stronger support for young people with autism. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about identity, resilience, and turning lived experience into meaningful change.Juzt2girlshttps://www.instagram.com/juzt2girls?igsh=YWJwM2JjZDRkdzBzLisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas?igsh=dXEzZDR4cGxreXZxAudio & Media Production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee?igsh=MXR4eHk1NGh1bGE0cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of high-performance sport with two incredible women who have competed at the highest level. Ciara Peelo, an Olympian in sailing, and the other, Karen Nugent, a top-level high-performance tennis player, share their personal journeys through the demanding world of elite competition. From intense training and career-defining moments to the challenges and sacrifices that come with chasing excellence, they reflect on what it truly takes to compete at the top.But this conversation goes far beyond medals and rankings. Together, they talk about the friendships formed along the way, the lessons learned through wins and losses, and the moments of laughter that make the journey unforgettable. It’s a candid and inspiring look at how sport has shaped their live, not just through achievements, but through the experiences, resilience, and community that continue to influence who they are todayLisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media Production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/

Laura thought she could “have it all” being the perfect mum, wife, friend, and employee, until the pressure pushed her to breaking point and into a mental health hospital. What looked like success from the outside was masking exhaustion and overwhelm. In this episode, she shares how her lowest moment became the catalyst for rebuilding her life with stronger boundaries, clearer priorities, and a healthier definition of success. Today, she’s not chasing perfection, she’s living better than ever.Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Laura O'Connellhttps://www.instagram.com/just_lauraoconnell/Audio & Media by Ben Lawlesshttps://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/

And Pause is an open, honest, and unfiltered conversation between women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Hosted by Lisa Lawless of Bras Off and Breathe, this podcast brings (OvertheHilda) Hilda Smith and Susan Doorley to the table to share their personal experiences, real-life challenges, unexpected humour and the truths so many women have been taught to keep quiet.From hot flashes and hormone shifts to identity, relationships, and rediscovery, nothing is off limits. If you’ve ever felt like menopause was a secret you were supposed to manage alone, this is your invitation to pause, breathe, and join the conversation, because it’s time we talked about it.Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/OverTheHildahttps://www.instagram.com/overthehilda/Audio & Media by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/

Join me, Lisa Lawless, as I sit down with Eimear Brogan to talk about life after death.Eimear and her family suffered the unimaginable loss of their magnificent daughter, Keeley.In the depths of that devastation, they were forced to face the heartbreak, the questions, and the profound grief that comes with losing a child. Yet through their pain, they have found strength, purpose, and resilience.Out of their loss, they created a lasting legacy in Keely’s name the Keeley D Foundation, Transforming sorrow into hope and action. Helping families all over Ireland Join us as we share this deeply inspirational and uplifting story of love, courage, and life after lossAudio & Media Production by Ben Lawless