The Long Way Back

In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back podcast, we sit down with John Paul Long, the youngest of the Long brothers, for an intimate and emotional conversation about his life journey. Growing up in poverty and navigating an unstable childhood, John Paul shares what it was like to be brought to counselors at a young age and how the words he heard during those formative years impacted him deeply.He opens up about his delayed entry into drug use, his harrowing battle with heroin addiction, and his heartbreaking experiences with relapse. John Paul also shares the pain of losing family members to suicide, his multiple near-death experiences from overdoses, and the spiritual moments that guided him through.This is a raw and real account of addiction, relapse, and ultimately finding hope and faith on the long road to recovery. Don’t miss this gripping story of survival, resilience, and redemption.Tune in for an unforgettable conversation.

In this episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Cork's own satirist extraordinaire, Tadhg Hickey! Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless storytelling, Tadhg joins us for a raw and deeply insightful conversation about the journey of recovery and self-discovery.Topics we dive into: 🌟 The transformative power of the 12 steps 🙌 Surrendering to a Higher Power 😌 Finding relief from character defects 😓 Navigating the pain of spiritual growth 🤝 Letting go of ego and the trap of people-pleasingTadhg brings his trademark humor and honesty as we explore the tools that have helped him, and countless others, find peace and purpose. If you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or just a fresh perspective on the recovery journey, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support the pod! #Recovery #Satire #SpiritualGrowth #Podcast #TadhgHickey

In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, Paul Budden, a Northsider with a remarkable recovery story, joins us to share his journey. Paul opens up about growing up in a tough environment that became his norm, facing mental health struggles within his family, and navigating a difficult upbringing. He discusses the challenges he faced in school, dealing with anger issues during childhood, and being educated by the Christian Brothers. By age 13, Paul found himself caught up in drug use and on the wrong side of the law. His story is one of resilience, recovery, and the strength it takes to turn your life around.Join us as we explore Paul's path from adversity to transformation.#Recovery #MentalHealth #DrugAddiction #FamilyStruggles #Resilience #TheLongWayBack

In this episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Dave Kennedy! 🚜🌱 Dave is not just a personal development coach but also a farming advocate and a passionate supporter of mental and physical health.Dave shares his remarkable weight loss journey, offering insights into the challenges and victories that come with transforming one’s life. From shedding pounds to building resilience, he reveals how he turned personal struggles into a mission to help others thrive.We also dive deep into the connection between farming and well-being, discussing how life on the land can nurture both mind and body. 🌾 Whether you’re on your own health journey or seeking motivation to push through obstacles, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartfelt inspiration.🎧 Tune in for a powerful discussion on growth, grit, and finding your way back to the best version of yourself. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the message of hope and transformation!#WeightLossJourney #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #FarmingAdvocate #TheLongWayBackPodcast

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The Long Way Back, we sit down with Ollie O’Regan from Skibbereen, West Cork, to explore his incredible journey of survival, self-discovery, and growth. Ollie shares raw and unfiltered stories from his youth, navigating the challenges of growing up in a small town, and the impact of a system lacking education around cannabis and its safe usage.Together, we dive into:The medical and therapeutic potential of cannabis, including CBD and THC.Mental health and well-being in the context of addiction, recovery, and personal growth.The emerging world of functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, and their role in mental clarity and resilience.Profound experiences with psychedelic mushrooms and ayahuasca, and the spiritual journeys they can unlock.Ollie’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of knowledge, and the transformative power of alternative therapies. Whether you’re curious about plant medicine, personal growth, or just looking for a story of hope and healing, this conversation is not to be missed.Tune in for an episode filled with heart, wisdom, and insights that might just change the way you see the world.

In this episode of *The Long Way Back* podcast, we're joined by Dr. David Luke, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, who has extensive expertise in the field of consciousness, psychedelics, and parapsychology. Dr. Luke leads the "Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience" module, exploring the mysteries of extraordinary human potential since 2009. He also contributes to the MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Transpersonal Psychology, leading a course on psychedelics and entheogens.Dr. Luke's groundbreaking work includes collaborations with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, along with past roles at institutions like Buckingham New University, Schumacher College, and the Beckley Foundation. As a former President of the Parapsychological Association and recipient of multiple teaching and research awards, Dr. Luke brings a wealth of knowledge on the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human experience.Join us as we dive deep into his fascinating research on the mind, psychedelics, and the science of the extraordinary.

In this episode of *The Long Way Back*, Kevin Clancy, an esteemed sports psychologist with over 15 years of experience, delves into the transformative role psychology plays in enhancing athletic performance. Kevin's background, rooted in the world of psychology from a young age due to his psychotherapist parents, allows him to take a holistic approach to sports psychology. His expertise spans not only supporting athletes and teams but also guiding parents to ensure that children's involvement in sports remains focused on enjoyment, growth, and development, rather than pressure and achievement.One of the key points Kevin raises is the importance of balancing competitiveness with personal growth. He emphasizes that many parents may inadvertently place too much pressure on their children, which can detract from the core values of sports—fun, learning, and resilience. His approach encourages parents to foster a positive, supportive environment, where children are motivated by self-improvement rather than external validation.Kevin’s work with championship teams, Olympic athletes, and even global organizations underscores the value of psychology in achieving peak performance. He stresses that psychological resilience, leadership, and effective communication are just as critical as physical skills in achieving success, whether on the playing field or in life.The Role of Mindfulness in Sports PsychologyMindfulness plays a significant role in Kevin’s approach, as he integrates it into the training and development of athletes. In high-pressure sports environments, athletes often face stress and anxiety, which can hinder performance. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment, helps athletes cultivate mental clarity and emotional regulation.Through mindfulness techniques, athletes can learn to manage distractions, maintain focus, and recover quickly from setbacks, whether it’s a missed shot or a loss. By staying present, athletes can also tap into the “flow state,” a psychological condition where performance is optimized, and they are fully immersed in their activity. This approach is especially valuable not only for elite athletes but also for young athletes learning how to cope with the mental demands of competition.Team Dynamics and LeadershipIn addition to individual performance, Kevin focuses heavily on team dynamics. Successful teams are built on trust, communication, and shared goals, all of which can be improved through psychological strategies. Leadership is another critical area where psychology plays a pivotal role. Kevin works with both coaches and athletes to develop leadership skills that foster a positive team culture. By applying psychological principles, teams can improve not just their physical strategies but also their mental cohesion.Donal Clifford’s PerspectivePanelist Donal Clifford adds a valuable perspective to the conversation, stressing the importance of showing up as the best version of ourselves, not just in sports but in life. His approach complements Kevin’s emphasis on mindfulness and leadership by encouraging self-awareness and personal responsibility, which are key aspects of both athletic and personal development.Together, Kevin and Donal’s insights remind us that sports are not just about winning but about growth, resilience, and building meaningful connections with others.---#SportsPsychology #Mindfulness #AthleteWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCohesion #KevinClancy #TheLongWayBackPodcast #ParentingInSports

Exploring Somatic Intimacy: Sex, Trust, & Emotional Safety w/ Brigid Ayah Llie & Donal Clifford**In this powerful episode of The Long Way Back Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of intimacy, shame, and sexual healing with our special guest, Brigid Ayah Llie (@SacredSomatica), a Somatic Intimacy Mentor, and guest panel speaker Donal Clifford. Together, we explore critical and often overlooked topics like:- Dealing with never being in a relationship and how it impacts self-worth.- Sexuality and self-pleasuring, embracing yourself without shame.- The role of parents in guiding their children through sexual shame and using accessible, non-judgmental language.- How adults can navigate sexual shame, healing their relationship with intimacy.- The importance of being present with your partner, creating real emotional connections.- Understanding that intimacy is more than just physical, it's about trust, safety, and being fully seen.- Feeling safe in relationships and staying connected to your body.- Learning how to meet your own needs and understanding that it’s okay to cry.- Tackling porn addiction, consent, and trauma, along with the damaging impact of unhealthy portrayals of sex and intimacy in pornography.Whether you’re looking for ways to heal past trauma, deepen intimacy with your partner, or reconnect with yourself, this episode offers insightful tools and guidance. Join us as we unravel these topics with authenticity and care. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep-dive conversations!