The Irish Balance Podcast

Episode 22: The Blue Zones - Adding Life To Your Years, and Years To Your Life

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the Blue Zones - longevity hotspots around the world where populations live the longest, healthiest lives. I discuss the 5 cornerstones of their lifestyles that have been identified to contribute towards their health - natural movement, nourishment, connection, reflection and purpose.

Episode 21: Debunking Diet Myths with Maeve Hanan (Part 2)

I am delighted to bring you guys a Part 2 of my interview with UK-registered dietitian from Ireland Maeve Hanan (@dieteticallyspeaking on Instagram - give this girl a follow!), who runs the blog www.dieteticallyspeaking.com and is a wonderful voice of reason in person and online on all things food and nutrition. Maeve advocates a no-nonsense, healthy and sustainable approach to how we eat and this is clear from the balanced, evidence-based content she shares. In this second episode, we dive straight into some of the most common diet 'fads' and myths making the rounds over the last year, which Maeve has also researched and written about on her blog. I know you guys will take such value from this episode - it's full of common sense, accessible science and bit of a giggle in there too. I'm very grateful to Maeve for sharing her time, knowledge and experience with us. As always, if you tune in, get in touch, and let us know what you thought! 

Episode 20: A 'No Nonsense' Approach to Nutrition with Maeve Hanan (Part 1)

I am VERY excited to bring my podcast spotlight onto Nutrition, as a Part 1 of 2! My guest this week is UK-registered dietitian from Ireland (and friend of mine!) Maeve Hanan who runs the blog www.dieteticallyspeaking.com and is @dieteticallyspeaking on Instagram. Maeve advocates a no-nonsense approach to nutrition and this is clear from the balanced, evidence-based content she shares. In this episode, we take a close look at the basics around carbohydrates and fats, dive into some myth-busting about dairy, and focus on the recent trend towards 'plant-based' diets in the wider conversation about climate change. I know you guys are going to love this episode and learnt a huge amount from it, and I'm very grateful to Maeve for sharing her time, knowledge and experience with us.

Episode 19: Mental Health Matters with Joe O'Brien

This week's episode is focused on an area that doesn't get enough attention - mental health. I'm really excited to bring you guys the second interview on my Podcast - this week I'm chatting to Joe O'Brien, creator of the fantastic Instagram page and Podcast Head First (@headfirst0). Joe has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Masters in Health Psychology, and his message and content is centred around raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma around the topic, all through evidence-based content. We chat about so many things in this episode - positive mental health, stress, anxiety, mindfulness, meditation, and most importantly, why it's essential to normalise seeking help from a mental health professional if we are struggling. If you enjoy this episode and want to get in touch, leave a comment, send a message via social media or email to myself and Joe, we'd love to hear your feedback!

 

Disclaimer: This Podcast discusses mental health in a broad sense, but also discusses some symptoms and signs people may identify with that may indicate a mental health condition. As Joe and I say in our conversation, if you identify with any of these symptoms or signs, please seek in-person help from a mental health professional. 

Episode 18: Social Media Myths, Ditching Dr. Google and Making Time for Clinical Contact

In this week's episode, I chat about the potential negative effects from unregulated health information online, how media myths confuse us and can lead to real world health harms, and why we need to trust and seek evidence-based information from qualified healthcare professionals in person - not Dr. Google!

Episode 17: Addressing the Forgotten Health Behaviours - Alcohol Moderation and Smoking Cessation

In this week's episode, I chat about two really important health topics - alcohol intake in Ireland and the goal for a tobacco-free society. These lifestyle factors get less attention compared to diet and physical activity on social media but they are just as essential to address.

Episode 16: From Student to Physician - My Path as a Doctor and Pursuing Public Health

In this episode, I chat through a much requested topic - my path from medical school to hospital training as a doctor, and the challenges I faced along the way. I also share some VERY exciting news about a recent development in my medical career - the beginning of my path to become a public health specialist!

Episode 15: Doctors and Dietary Advice - Balancing the Basics, Busting the Myths, Questioning the Context and Cultivating Collaboration

In this episode, I discuss the 4 key things I think as doctors we should know about nutrition for our patients. I chat about the 'doctors giving dietary advice' debate and explore why we need to move past the debate to focus on doing our best for our patients, clearing up dietary confusion and collaborating with nutrition and dietetic professionals.

Episode 14: Healthy Ageing - Living Well From Young to Old

In this week's episode, I discuss the concept of Healthy Ageing, a major focus of healthcare in Ireland (and globally!) given our ageing population and implications this has for healthcare services and society. I discuss simple healthy lifestyle tips for boosting our brain health and the importance of raising awareness around dementia prevention and management.

Episode 13: Self Talk, Mindfulness and Gratitude

In this episode, I discuss three game changers from the last year of my life - the power of self talk, mindfulness and gratitude. I chat about why we need to tune into our inner voice, talk to ourselves like we would our best friend, and remember to be grateful for the little things in life.