Pockets of Joy with Niamh O'Connell

Today on Pockets of Joy my guest is Jody O’Neill, writer of the award-winning play “What I don’t know about Autism”.Dive into this pocket of Joy as we discuss our shared neurodivergence, our experiences of labour and birth as women on the spectrum, how Jody makes time for self-care, her writing process, creating accessible experiences in the arts, and the social model of disability. The video version of this podcast is available on YouTube.Make sure to catch her play Grace in the Dublin Theatre Festival. I have set up a Resources page on The Wellness Clinic’s website with all my favourite neurodivergent content creators, so check that out if you need some support, or you can email me through my website.See Jody’s play “Grace” in Dublin theatre festival. https://dublintheatrefestival.ie/event/grace/See “Grace” in Galway https://tht.ie/4359/baboro-2024Follow Jody on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneill.jodyYou might like to join my Inner Circle Members Club for a free monthly Zoom designed to help reconnect you with yourself, your joys and set realistic goals for your self-care. More information on my webpage here: https://thewellnessclinic.ie/inner-circle/Niamh's links:https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland/Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:20 Where we sit on the spectrum05:50 Flawed model of diagnosis / labels08:30 Birthing and pregnancy on the spectrum12:30 Learning to listen to our intuition14:00 Jody's self-care15:50 Self-care is not selfish17:30 Burnout20:00 The little moments20:30 In an ideal world21:30 Accessible theatre experiences23:00 WFH during the pandemic25:10 Social media29:38 Relaxed performances40:49 Identifying as "disabled"45:55 Where to find Jody

This episode I speak to Dr. Anthony Delaney, historian, broadcaster and actor about his upcoming book Queer Georgians, queer Irish history, trans rights, gender identity and Ireland's same sex marriage referendum. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss the Georgian period of Enlightenment, some fascinating characters from Irish history and our shared love of pizza! His book will be published worldwide with Penguin in 2025.You can follow Anthony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonydelaneyhistory/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anthonydelaneyhistoryAfter Dark podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-dark-myths-misdeeds-the-paranormal/id1705694900You might like to join my Inner Circle Members Club for a free monthly Zoom designed to help reconnect you with yourself, your joys and set realistic goals for your self-care. More information on my webpage here: https://thewellnessclinic.ie/inner-circle/Niamh's links:https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland/Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Queer Georgians book (Penguin 2025)02:05 The Georgian Period04:10 Queer Irish Georgians07:10 Dr James Barry12:00 The Ladies of Llangollen16:10 Polarising and labelling our attractions19:30 Trans rights being regulated23:00 Gender identity26:00 The role of parents27:15 Being in a minority28:10 Safety for minorities in public29:30 Children with gender identity questions30:45 Jen Mannion "Female Husbands" book31:30 Debating other people's validity33:10 The "increase" in neurodivergence / queerness35:20 The definition of "family" in the 18th Century37:30 Seeing a repeat of Georgian values nowadays38:30 Modern day Ireland40:40 Older generations' attitudes42:10 A New Ireland45:10 Anthony's social media and podcast "After Dark"45:44 Queer Georgians book46:18 Alice in Wonderland47:10 Anthony's book that made a big impression48:50 Favourite food49:48 Motto for life50:58 Anthony's idea of perfect happiness

This episode I speak to award-winning Irish comedian, Shane Daniel Byrne about his career to date. You might know his podcast Young Hot Guys.Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss his sell-out success at Edinburgh, his self-care routine during show season and his visions for the future. Follow Shane here: https://aviarytalent.com/shane-daniel-byrnehttps://www.tiktok.com/@shanedanbyrne_?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/shanedanbyrne/?hl=enYou might like to join my Inner Circle Members Club for a free monthly Zoom designed to help reconnect you with yourself, your joys and set realistic goals for your self-care. More information on my webpage here: https://thewellnessclinic.ie/inner-circle/Niamh's links: https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland/Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:10 Singing as a vocal warm up03:00 Self-belief04:30 Writing his shows05:45 Having a discipline with writing09:10 Shane having a week off09:40 Pre-show routine: food10:40 Pre-show routine: connection with others11:40 Paying for reviews12:30 Post-show wind-down15:15 Other comedians being cool15:50 Being sober on stage18:20 Eating food late at night21:07 Pre-show routine for Edinburgh23:00 Pre-show nerves / rituals23:30 Bouquet of flowers24:50 Not having a "persona"26:40 Shane's characters28:35 Processing the Pandemic36:20 Shane's upcoming shows37:05 Demand avoidance / admin work40:00 Future goals and plans43:30 Shane's idea of perfect happiness

This episode I speak to the multitalented Clare O'Malley, Irish actor, singer and songwriter who has worked transatlantically for most of her career. After decades of bringing other people's work to life, Clare is writing her own material now.Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss her career off-Broadway, having confidence and courage in the performance industry, songwriting, creative expression and my own dreams of the stage!Follow Clare here: https://www.clareomalley.com/https://www.facebook.com/clare.omalley.75You might like to join my Inner Circle Members Club for a free monthly Zoom designed to help reconnect you with yourself, your joys and set realistic goals for your self-care. More information on my webpage here: https://thewellnessclinic.ie/inner-circle/Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:30 Writing her own material03:05 Watching yourself on camera03:48 Handcrafting for relaxation04:40 Clare's EP and Christmas album 06:10 The theatre scene and AI07:25 Station 1107:55 Feeling isolated since the pandemic12:20 Clare's work in the US15:30 Originating a rôle 21:00 Making money in the music industry25:30 Claire's own Broadway show26:00 Stating our ambitions 27:27 Accepting compliments29:10 Niamh's nerves in starting the podcast29:35 Healing our relationship with our bodies31:50 Worrying about others opinions33:20 Auditions and rejection 34:55 Niamh's auditioning in her 20s36:10 How Niamh met her husband Barry O'Connor 37:40 How Clare manages rejection40:25 Clare's advice to aspiring performers42:20 Growing and evolving as we age44:25 Book/Movie that made a big impression46:38 Favourite meal47:40 Motto for life49:27 Clare's idea of perfect happiness

This episode my guest is Dublin native, actor and writer Lauren Larkin, whose short film One More Round just premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last month. This film deals with a young couples struggles during IVF treatments, showing their emotional and financial strain with beautiful depth. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss family dynamics, juggling careers and motherhood, the Sandwich Generation, how the pandemic affected us all and my low-demand lifestyle. Follow Lauren on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlarkin10?igsh=MXI5OHg0eWRodXJueQ==Follow One More Round film on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/onemoreroundfilm?igsh=MWE0YXNjYXJoOTc2ZQ==Timestamps00:00 Niamh accommodating her neurodivergence on camera!02:10 Lauren’s entry into acting04:00 Having a baby and a career05:10 Lauren’s writing career07:45 Touring with Lauren’s first baby 08:36 Breastfeeding while working10:50 Lauren having her second baby during the pandemic11:35 Lauren leaving social media for 11 months13:05 How different life was during the pandemic14:50 Juggling her career with motherhood16:30 Living on adrenaline17:47 One More Round short film about infertility22:06 Representing her community of Cabra23:22 Having a strong vision to get a project made24:25 Shooting on real film24:44 Barry O’Connor’s approach directing the film26:00 Appreciating the present moment26:58 Writing the play “Mr Moran” about family dynamics/grief28:46 The Sandwich generation (caring for children and elderly parents)30:32 Future projects for Lauren31:27 Managing a home plus working38:12 Niamh’s low-demand lifestyle38:48 Routine/Anchors in your day39:24 Lauren’s gym habit41:00 Book/movie that made a big impression42:02 Favourite meal42:48 Motto for life43:04 Lauren’s idea of perfect happinessIf you love my approach you might enjoy my Inner Circle members club, a free monthly meetup to support your personal growth and goals. Open to all genders and neurotypes, this is a supportive space to learn self-care practises, managing stress and busy schedules while still supporting your own needs. More details at https://thewellnessclinic.ie/inner-circle/

Mari Kennedy, a Wise Woman in the Celtic Tradition, joins me to discuss her Next Stage Celtic Wheel, drawing on the ancient wheel of the year, a framework for working within the changing seasons to get the best use of our natural energy and rhythms.Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh this August, having the "wild craic", insights about our perception of time, rebalancing our energies from the linear masculine mode which causes burnout and feelings of failure to leaning back into our feminine energy and learning to just "be". Restoring our balance, reclaiming our sovereignty as women and so much more. I share some insights I have been having recently and we both are moved to tears. A really special episode with lots of nuggets of wisdom for you to takeaway. Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss an episode! Please share with someone who would love this episode. Pockets of Joy is also available on your favourite podcast platforms.Mari's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/marikennedywisdom?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1739848e-31f2-41c2-9c2a-1f6d5d2dfdfbNiamh’s Linktree: https://www.instagram.com/andiemichellek?igsh=MWNhcHdkOGlxdXVodg==#podcast #pocketsofjoy #audhd #neurodivergent #niamhoconnell #irish #ireland #expert #motivation #happiness #joy #actuallyautistic #latediagnosed #autism #adhd #adhdlove #mom #onthespectrum #neurospicy #marikennedy #ancient #wisdom #celtic #tradition #wheel#wheeloftheyear #celticrituals #feminineenergy #balance #spirit #spirituality #nextstage #lughnasadh #samhain #halloween #gaelic #wisewoman #nature #innerpeace #innerstrength #natural #naturalwoman #imbolc #bealtaineTimestamps:00:00 Intro04:45 Mari's work06:30 Winter is for hibernation08:40 The Wheel teaches us to go with our rhythms09:19 Menstrual cycles10:30 Stress & Infertility, Burnout13:10 Menopausal women in the workplace13:30 Overview of the Celtic Wheel: 8 festivals15:30 Lughnasadh17:50 Overriding masculine energy in the world today19:10 The feminine energy20:30 Showing up for ourselves24:20 Modern life separating us from our feminine energy26:20 Relationship to time29:35 Healing ourselves and past traumas30:54 Self-care is not selfish34:05 Niamh's relationship with time35:25 Slowing down for our children36:15 Slowing down for ourselves39:45 Unravelling old patterns41:25 The Sea as medicine41:55 Addiction to distraction43:44 Niamh's revelations this year45:00 Let things have their own rhythm47:40 The Wheel is more like a labyrinth49:00 Mari's courses

Starting off Season 2 with one of my greatest joys: Disney!! Nerding out with Disney Expert Andrea McLeod, who goes to Florida x3 per year to get her Disney fix!Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss tips and tricks to get the most from your Disneyland holiday, the magic and music of the movies, our favourite characters, Pixar, Loungefly collectables, home decor, Disney weddings and more!!Share this episode with the Disney lovers in your life! Are you a Disney Adult like us? Ever tried Disneybounding? Hopefully this will inspire you to get creative with your OOTDs!Please rate this podcast and thanks for tuning in!Andrea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andiemichellek?igsh=MWNhcHdkOGlxdXVodg==Niamh’s Linktree: https://www.instagram.com/andiemichellek?igsh=MWNhcHdkOGlxdXVodg==Songs mentioned:Happily Ever Afterhttps://youtu.be/24IyGNpIhys?si=ClKV3AzR34VTrWS5This one is the Disneyland Paris parade song for the 30th anniversary: https://youtu.be/kdJmnolEVzk?si=juAOfJqCyIeinFkgTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:28 What Disney means to us02:55 Niamh's collection and wedding inspo03:55 Disneyland Paris05:00 Walt Disney World Florida06:00 Rides: Lightning Lanes / Fast Pass09:30 Scheduling your day in the park11:10 Eating in the parks12:45 Accommodation14:25 Character breakfast15:30 Andrea's favourite Disney parks moments15:55 Happily Ever After song16:30 Disney music17:30 Disney wedding18:30 Disney Adults19:00 (Loungefly collection)21:10 Disney Adults23:03 Disneybounding28:38 Favourite characters31:00 Meeting characters35:00 The magic of Disney is worth the money to us!36:20 Favourite movies37:50 Enchanted38:34 Visiting the set of Disenchanted40:15 Modern day classics40:48 Pixar42:12 Quoting from the movies42:42 Home decor43:50 Souvenirs: Ears, Christmas decorations, Mugs44:40 Best time of year to visit the parks46:18 Behind the curtain47:30 Keys to the Kingdom tour in Florida49:10 Security in the parks51:10 Book/Movie that made a big impression51:35 Favourite meal52:00 Motto for life52:50 Andrea's idea of perfect happiness

Rounding off Season 1 is the multi-talented creatrix Lucy H. Pearce. Her books "Burning Woman", "Moon Time", "The Kitchen Witch Companion" are regulars on my bookshelves and I recommend her work to everyone I know. Her books are life-changing, transformational and inspirational. She opened Womancraft Publishing house to give voice to the oft-silenced works that traditional publishers were ignoring. She is a force of nature and I was so happy to finally get to chat to her after almost two decades of admiring her work.Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss how Lucy manages her heavy workload around her chronic migraines, how we view ourselves as Autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) women, dismantling capitalism and patriarchy, crochet and her online courses.Have you caught up with the previous episodes? There’s something for everyone this season, Don’t forget to rate this podcast and share it with your friends. Thank you so much for tuning in! Lucy's website: https://dreamingaloud.net/Lucy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyhpearce/Lucy's publishing house: https://womancraftpublishing.com/Womancraft Publishing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womancraft_publishing/Niamh’s Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland Timestamps:0:00:00 Intro0:00:40 Migraines0:03:48 Writing a book using dictation0:05:10 Managing multiple income streams0:06:20 Autism vs ADHD and working0:09:25 Being an author0:10:20 Energetic Editing0:13:40 Being a teacher0:16:10 Peaceful Pattern online course0:23:38 Handcrafts for mental health0:30:10 Neurodivergence classifications 0:41:00 Neurodivergents in a group0:43:22 Neuroadjacent0:47:10 Disorder/disability labels 0:50:10 Benefits of diagnosis0:52:15 Capitalism and patriarchy0:57:45 AI1:03:50 Lucy’s book Moon Time about menstruation1:07:50 The 9-5 work culture only suits men 1:13:05 Book/movie that made a big impression1:15:00 Motto for life

I am delighted to introduce my guest for this episode: Dublin-based actor and writer Mags McAuliffe who wrote and toured her one-woman show The Humours of Bandon for the last eight years. This play explores what happens when we leave behind a childhood passion that was our everything. Dive into this pocket of joy as we discuss beginning a career as an "older" graduate, motherhood, Mags' writing process, touring the world with her play, and her clever #backstagesnax on Instagram.Have you caught up with the previous episodes? There’s something for everyone this season, Don’t forget to rate this podcast and share it with your friends. Help me spread the joy by sharing this podcast with a friend, click on the “like” button and subscribe to my channel for more. Thank you!!Mags' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moi_mags/Mags' Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/moi_mags/Niamh’s Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:50 Being an "older" acting graduate02:35 Being a woman in the acting industry04:10 Being a woman in your prime in your 40s04:50 Breastfeeding and slow weight gain06:20 Niamh's autism diagnosis (ADHD too!)07:00 Theatregoing as ND person(mention Jody O'Neill's play "What I (Don't) Know About Autism")08:30 The Humours of Bandon show09:50 Mags' Irish Dancing School13:00 Writing process for The Humours of Bandon16:18 Claire McKenna, Mags' Irish dancing teacher17:35 Touring with The Humours of Bandon19:40 Wellbeing while touring 22:15 Motherhood 23:45 Next project25:22 Cancel culture28:20 Using Social media for self-promotion29:00 #backstagesnax32:20 Book/movie that made a big impression34:10 Favourite meal35:33 Motto for life36:40 Losing things38:14 Idea of perfect happiness39:35 Being a working mom43:30 Where to find Mags