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158. Understanding Eating Disorders - Control, Shame, and Recovery with Laura Casey
01:11:17||Ep. 158🎧 Episode DescriptionEating disorders are complex, layered, and often hidden in plain sight. In this episode, psychiatric nurse Laura Casey helps us understand the difference between disordered eating and a clinically diagnosed eating disorder - and why that distinction matters.Drawing on years of frontline experience, Laura explores the psychological roots of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. She explains how these illnesses are not about vanity, but instead are coping mechanisms linked to trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and the need for control. She also sheds light on the physical risks - from refeeding syndrome to bone density loss - and why early intervention dramatically improves the chances of full recovery.Alongside clinical insight, this episode gives voice to the lived experience of those struggling in silence. It addresses stigma within healthcare, the pressure of social media, the rise in cases during COVID, and the heartbreaking reality that Ireland currently has only three public adult inpatient beds.🔑 Key Points1. When Food Becomes an Internal BattleEating disorders often involve a powerful internal voice that overrides rational thinking and drives secrecy, rigidity, and isolation.2. ARFID and NeurodivergenceAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is increasingly recognised, particularly in neurodivergent individuals, and deserves equal seriousness and support.3. The Role of Trauma and AnxietyExperiences such as grief, bullying, family breakdown, or suppressed emotions can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours.4. The Hidden Physical TollMalnourishment affects cognition, heart function, bone health, sleep, fertility, and digestion - and purging behaviours can cause serious internal damage.5. Why Families MatterFamily dynamics can influence recovery - both positively and negatively - and family therapy can play a crucial role in long-term progress.6. Relapse Is a Blip, Not a FailureRecovery can include setbacks. Early warning signs and relapse prevention planning are key to sustaining progress.7. Stigma Within HealthcareMany people feel dismissed or reduced to their diagnosis when seeking treatment - highlighting the need for holistic, compassionate care.📚 Mentioned in This EpisodeDSM-5 - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisordersICD Codes - International Classification of DiseasesEating DisordersAnorexia nervosa/Bulimia nervosa/Binge Eating Disorder/Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - ARFIDhttps://www2.hse.ie/conditions/anorexia-nervosa/Refeeding SyndromeCBT - Cognitive Behavioural TherapyDBT - Dialectical Behaviour TherapyBodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Irelandhttps://bodywhys.ie/+353 01 210 7906Samaritans Irelandjo@samaritans.ieFreephone: 116 123Pieta HouseFreephone: 1800 247 2470818 111 126HSE Eating Disorder Teams (Public Health)1800 111 888(Referral must be made through GP)Lois Bridges (Private/Self pay/HSE funding)manager@loisbridges.iewww.loisbridges.ie+353 87 653 9747CARED Ireland(Caring About Recovery from an Eating Disorder)CAREDireland@gmail.comSupporting Familieszuzanna.deirdre@gmail.comFamily TherapistLana Galkovskajainfo@loisbridges.ie⏱️ Timestamps03:00 – Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders07:00 – ARFID and Sensory Restriction13:00 – Trauma, Perfectionism and Control18:30 – Medical Risks and Refeeding24:00 – Specialist Therapies and Medication29:30 – The Gap in Irish Services34:00 – What Parents and Friends Can Do40:00 – Relapse Prevention and WRAP Planning46:00 – Hope at Any Stage of Life
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157. Liz Dwyer on When the System Keeps You Married
01:10:36||Ep. 157🎧 Episode DescriptionLiz Dwyer joins the podcast to discuss what life looks like when separation doesn’t bring closure. Still legally married six years on, she reflects on the gaps in Ireland’s divorce process and the contradictions of being asked to co-parent calmly while fighting legal battles behind the scenes.Beyond the courtroom, Liz talks about the coping tools that kept her going, from the books that helped her make sense of what she was living through to the unexpected fun of dating again.Liz also speaks about later marriage and family-building in Ireland, and her work on the Future Fertility Show, which focuses on education, access, and support around fertility and reproductive health. Key PointsHonest discussion about cosmetic and pelvic health treatments — what works and what doesn’tWhy pelvic floor strength matters more than cosmetic proceduresHow Ireland’s divorce system is slow, opaque, and outdatedThe emotional and financial toll of being stuck in long-term legal limboLack of transparency and consistency in family court decisionsBeing forced to co-parent while legally positioned as adversariesTotal absence of structured support for people going through divorceComparison with faster, more straightforward divorce systems abroadDating after separation as an unexpected source of healing and perspectiveThe need for real support networks around divorce, fertility, and family change📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeBroken Open – Elizabeth LesserA reflective book about how major life upheavals such as divorce, loss, or illness can break familiar structures and open the door to growth, meaning, and change. It explores resilience, identity, and rebuilding after rupture.Future Fertility ShowA fertility-focused event covering education, clinics, talks, and support services.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futurefertilityshow.com/Future Beauty ShowA medical-led beauty and health event focused on hormones, wellbeing, and evidence-based education.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://futurebeautyshow.com/Future Men’s Health ShowAn event dedicated to men’s health, hormones, longevity, and wellbeing, developed in response to growing demand for accessible expert-led information.📍 Location: RDS, Dublin📅 Dates: March 21–22🎟️ Tickets: https://www.futuremenshealth.com/⏱️ Timestamps03:10 – Trying beauty treatments to give honest advice06:05 – Why divorce in Ireland is so difficult14:10 – Court delays and legal limbo17:45 – Co-parenting pressures26:30 – Psychological toll of uncertainty31:10 – Lack of support structures36:45 – Books and coping tools45:50 – Dating after separation50:40 – Future Fertility Show
156. Building, Leading & Letting Go With Anne Heraty & Eimear McCrann
50:25||Ep. 156🎧 Episode DescriptionThis conversation brings together Eimear McCrann, Director EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and Anne Heraty, EOY Judge and Founder CPL Resourced, to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship from two deeply experienced perspectives – one from building and leading a business over decades, and the other from supporting hundreds of founders through every stage of growth.Anne reflects on the long arc of her entrepreneurial journey, from early beginnings to international expansion, public markets, and ultimately stepping back from the business she built. She shares honest insights into resilience, leadership under scrutiny, and the personal trade-offs that come with responsibility.Eimear shares what she has learned from working at the heart of the Entrepreneur of the Year programme, including why women often hesitate to put themselves forward despite strong businesses. Together, they explore how community, shared learning, and trusted relationships can make entrepreneurship more sustainable – especially during periods of uncertainty and change.🔑 Key PointsLeadership Requires Comfort With UncertaintyEntrepreneurs must make decisions without full information, learning to respond rather than react when things change.Building Through Cycles of ChangeBusinesses move through booms, crashes, and reinvention, requiring resilience and adaptability at every stage.Confidence Gaps Still Affect Female FoundersWomen tend to underestimate their readiness, particularly when recognition or visibility is involved.Peer Networks Accelerate Better DecisionsAccess to founders with lived experience helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges more effectively.Letting Go Is a Leadership SkillStepping back from a business requires trust, planning, and an identity shift, not just financial readiness.Entrepreneurship Is Ultimately About PeopleTeams, trust, and shared values shape sustainable businesses.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeCPLFounded by Anne Heraty in 1990, CPL grew from a small recruitment firm into a large international recruitment and outsourcing group employing thousands of people across multiple countries.EY Entrepreneur of the YearIreland’s flagship entrepreneurship programme supporting founders through a year-long process focused on community, learning, and long-term impact.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Focus on Female Entrepreneurship03:10 – What the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programme Really Is06:20 – Anne Heraty’s Early Business Beginnings10:15 – Scaling, Market Crashes, and Reinvention15:30 – Confidence, Timing, and Women Putting Themselves Forward20:10 – The Value of Entrepreneurial Community24:40 – Expanding Into New Markets and Cultural Differences29:30 – Leadership, Uncertainty, and Decision-Making33:45 – Letting Go of a Business and Life After Exit38:10 – Advice for Young People and Building Relationships42:30 – Reflections on Meaning, Legacy, and Impact
155. Síle Seoige: The Year Everything Changed
01:11:30||Ep. 155🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Laura sits down with Síle Seoige to talk about a period in her early thirties when everything changed at once. Síle speaks about being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the impact that had on her work and personal life, and how it forced her to stop and reassess in a way she hadn’t before.She talks about anxiety from the inside, not recognising it at the time, only later, and how listening to other people’s stories during the making of her documentaries made her re-examine her own experiences. The conversation also moves through parenting, work, and the practical decisions Síle has made around boundaries, time away from home, and what she will and won’t say yes to now.The discussion is closely tied to Síle’s new documentary series Séalaí le Síle, filmed over several months and exploring three major themes: parenting, anxiety, and bullying. The series airs on TG4 on Wednesday nights, beginning on Wednesday 11 February, with each episode focusing on one topic. Drawing on conversations with families, experts, and people sharing their own lived experiences in Ireland and abroad, Síle describes the project as an attempt to better understand why so many people are struggling in the world as it is now.🔑 Key PointsA year that changed everythingSíle speaks about a period when illness, work, and personal life collided, forcing her to stop and take stock in a way she hadn’t before.Living with anxiety without naming itShe describes experiencing anxiety for years without recognising it at the time, only understanding it later through hindsight and listening to others.Illness as a line in the sandA thyroid cancer diagnosis brought clarity about what mattered, what didn’t, and what could no longer be ignored.Parenting in a pressured systemThe conversation looks at how modern parenting is shaped by time, money, childcare, and expectation.Learning to set boundariesSíle talks about becoming more boundaried around work, travel, and time away from home, and why saying no has become necessary.Listening to other people’s experiencesMaking the documentaries prompted Síle to reconsider parts of her own life she hadn’t fully examined before.Bullying beyond childhoodBullying is discussed as something that affects adults too, particularly in workplaces and public-facing roles.Questioning what we call ‘normal’The episode repeatedly returns to the idea that many struggles make sense when placed in the context of modern life.⏱️ Timestamps04:20 – The documentaries and why these topics mattered06:30 – Parenting, pressure, and guilt08:10 – Parenting today and the pressure parents are under17:00 – Anxiety and missing language25:10 – Illness, shock, and being forced to stop37:20 – Parenting decisions and limits44:00 – Media exposure and public life52:10 – Identity and reflection
154. Dating When You’re Ready and When They’re Not | Mairead the Matchmaker
01:29:30||Ep. 154🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Laura explores why dating so often feels exhausting, confusing, or discouraging, particularly when one person is ready for commitment and the other is not in the same place.Drawing on insight from Mairead the Matchmaker, the conversation looks at how timing, life stage, and emotional readiness shape modern relationships. It reflects on patterns that come up again and again, including men waiting until life feels secure before committing, women staying open to connection despite setbacks, and how early communication often sets the tone for what follows.Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode focuses on clarity and self understanding, recognising when a situation is not aligned with what you want, and trusting that dating should not require you to minimise yourself. It is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone navigating modern dating with honesty and intention.🔑 Key PointsReadiness matters more than chemistryStrong attraction does not lead anywhere if two people are not emotionally or practically ready at the same time.Men and women often date differentlyMen often wait until life feels stable before committing, while women tend to stay open to connection.Communication sets the tone earlyHow someone communicates at the beginning usually reflects how they will communicate long term.Dating is a numbers game, without being unkindMeeting the right person requires consistency while still treating people with respect.Not every relationship should lastStaying in something unhealthy can be more damaging than leaving.The right relationship allows you to be yourselfA healthy partnership feels supportive rather than constraining.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and why dating feels difficult03:30 – Why people are marrying later in Ireland08:00 – Readiness and timing12:00 – When one person is ready and the other is not16:00 – Using dating apps properly19:30 – Communication patterns and early red flags26:00 – Dating as a numbers game33:30 – Confidence built through action39:30 – How the wrong relationship affects wellbeing43:00 – Five questions to assess a relationship49:30 – Knowing when to walk away56:00 – Staying open without burnout
153. What Your Mouth Reveals About Your Health with Eimear Mithen
01:07:11||Ep. 153🎧 Episode DescriptionLaura is joined by dental hygienist Eimear for a clear, practical conversation about oral health and why it connects to the rest of the body, not just your teeth. They talk about plaque, tartar and gum disease, what causes bleeding gums, and why brushing your teeth without brushing your gums misses half the problem.Eimear explains why interdental brushes work better than floss for most people, how electric toothbrushes remove far more plaque than manual ones, and why soft brushes are better than hard ones. She also talks about mouth breathing, tongue scraping, night guards for grinding, and what happens when plaque is left to harden under the gums.The conversation then moves into some of the less expected links between oral health and things like menopause, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes and cancer treatment. Throughout it all, Eimear keeps coming back to prevention, showing how small, realistic habits can reduce risk and protect your teeth and gums over the long term.🔑 Key PointsMost people are not cleaning where it matters mostBacteria sits along the gumline and between the teeth, which is why brushing only the visible surfaces leaves disease behind.Plaque becomes harmful when it is left too longSoft plaque hardens into tartar and creates a protected space where more aggressive bacteria can grow and damage gums and bone.Tools matter more than people realiseElectric toothbrushes and interdental brushes remove far more bacteria than manual brushing and flossing.Saliva plays a major role in oral healthDry mouth, common during menopause, illness and medication use, changes the balance of bacteria and increases the risk of decay and gum disease.Gum disease is not just a mouth problemInflammation and bacteria are linked with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy complications and Alzheimer’s.Grinding and clenching cause real damageNight-time grinding can shorten teeth, irritate gums and strain the jaw.Consistency beats perfectionRegular, simple habits protect the mouth better than occasional intense cleaning.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s01:00 – Porphyromonas gingivalis and how it damages the brain02:00 – The vicious cycle between Alzheimer’s and oral health03:00 – Why dentists avoid scaring patients with the 70% statistic17:00 – Diabetes, arthritis and bidirectional gum disease22:00 – Menopause, hormones and dry mouth26:00 – Teeth grinding, night guards and jaw damage28:00 – Mouth breathing and gingivitis30:00 – Tongue scraping and bad breath bacteria45:00 – Mouthwash, chlorhexidine and staining56:00 – Adapting dental care for people with extra needs
152. A Survivor’s Journey to Purpose: Ciara Mangan’s Story
01:06:56||Ep. 152🎧 Episode DescriptionIn this episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura is joined by Ciara Mangan, founder of Beyond Surviving. Ciara reflects on the gaps in long-term trauma support, the challenges survivors face once formal services fall away, and why survival is so often treated as the endpoint rather than the beginning of healing.She speaks about navigating the justice process, the emotional toll of prolonged legal proceedings, and the ways trauma can ripple through families and relationships. Ciara also explores post-traumatic growth, describing how meaning, connection, and purpose became possible over time - without minimising the pain that came before.This episode centres on healing beyond crisis, the importance of survivor-led support, and the understanding that recovery is deeply personal and looks different for everyone.🔑 Key PointsSurvival is often treated as the finish lineCiara reflects on how recovery is expected to be complete once immediate danger has passed, even though healing is only beginning for many survivors.The gap in long-term trauma supportShe speaks about feeling lost once formal services fell away, highlighting how many survivors are left without guidance or connection after crisis support ends.The emotional toll of the justice processCiara shares the impact of navigating prolonged legal proceedings and how systems intended to protect can sometimes retraumatise survivors.How trauma ripples through families and relationshipsThe conversation explores the long-term effects of trauma on trust, intimacy, and family dynamics.Post-traumatic growth without minimising painCiara discusses growth as something that can emerge slowly over time, without pressure to reframe trauma as a positive experience.The importance of being believedValidation from family, professionals, and the justice system is shown to be central to rebuilding self-worth and safety.Why survivor-led support mattersCiara explains the value of spaces shaped by lived experience, where understanding, safety, and choice are prioritised.Turning lived experience into purposeThe episode closes on Ciara’s decision to found Beyond Surviving, using her experience to support others navigating life after trauma.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeBeyond Surviving – Survivor-led charity supporting healing beyond crisis. https://beyondsurviving.ie/ Beyond Surviving – Survivors Hub – Resources + community support. https://beyondsurviving.ie/survivors-hub/ Rape Crisis Ireland – 24-hour helpline + links to local support. https://www.rapecrisisireland.ie/ Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) – Support services and info. https://www.drcc.ie/ ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Opening reflections on survival and recovery06:20 – Reaching the end of crisis support12:40 – Workplace response and social fallout18:00 – Telling her parents what happened25:40 – Deciding to pursue justice30:10 – The trial process35:50 – Being believed and legal validation38:40 – Why survivor-led spaces matter44:10 – The origins of Beyond Surviving45:20 – Exploring post-traumatic growth50:30 – Relationships and rebuilding self-worth57:00 – Closing reflections on healing