The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy
- Episodes
- 77
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 8, 2026
About the podcast
The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy is a powerful podcast that delves into the most inspiring stories of resilience, transformation, and triumph. Hosted by Brenda Dennehy, the podcast shares the journeys of real people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges—hitting rock bottom, navigating through personal battles, and emerging stronger than ever.
Every episode brings an honest and raw conversation about turning adversity into strength, showing that it's not just about bouncing back, but about thriving after hardship. Through heartfelt interviews, Brenda uncovers the moments that changed lives and the lessons learned along the way.
From overcoming addiction to achieving personal breakthroughs, The Comeback explores the human capacity for resilience and how people tap into their inner strength to rebuild their lives. Each guest offers a unique perspective, leaving listeners with hope, inspiration, and the belief that, no matter the obstacles, a powerful comeback is always possible.Whether you’re seeking motivation or simply want to hear incredible stories of perseverance, The Comeback is a must-listen.
Tune in for your dose of inspiration.Follow Brenda on Instagram: @brendasbits Contact: [email protected]
Episodes 77
The Comeback with Terry Kavanagh
This week I'm joined by Terry Kavanagh for a raw and emotional conversation about addiction, recovery and fatherhood.From heroin addiction and hitting rock bottom to rebuilding his life, Terry shares his …
Show notes
This week I'm joined by Terry Kavanagh for a raw and emotional conversation about addiction, recovery and fatherhood.
From heroin addiction and hitting rock bottom to rebuilding his life, Terry shares his remarkable journey.
He also opens up about life with his non-verbal autistic son Harry, the challenges he and his wife Erin face, and their biggest fear of all: what will happen to Harry when they're no longer here?
Terry calls Harry "my saviour", sharing how his son has changed his life and taught him the true meaning of unconditional love.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
🎧 Proudly sponsored by ADHD Now. For ADHD assessments and support, visit adhdnow.com.
The Comeback: My Book Launch Special
In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing some of the highlights from one of the proudest nights of my life, the launch of my book, The Comeback, at the Metropole Hotel in Cork.A night filled with laughter …
Show notes
In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing some of the highlights from one of the proudest nights of my life, the launch of my book, The Comeback, at the Metropole Hotel in Cork.
A night filled with laughter, tears, memories and so much love.
A huge thank you to my MC Alan Clarke, my colleague Neil Prendeville and my structural editor Jackie Cahill, all of whom have become wonderful friends. Thanks also to Mary Rose Desmond, who represented the Lord Mayor of Cork, and of course, my amazing family and everyone who came along to celebrate.
A special thanks also to Aaron from D2K Events for capturing the night and to all the team at the Metropole Hotel, especially Sandra Murphy and Janice Casey.
📖 My book, The Comeback, is NOW AVAILABLE to buy at www.brendadennehy.ie
Thank you to everyone who has already bought a copy. It means the world to me.
The Comeback with Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2)
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2)Following on from Episode 1, Eleanor Bermingham returns to share more of her incredibly honest and emotional story.Eleanor opens up about …
Show notes
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2)
Following on from Episode 1, Eleanor Bermingham returns to share more of her incredibly honest and emotional story.
Eleanor opens up about the anger, betrayal and heartbreak she experienced after discovering her husband of 10 years was gay.
She talks about the pressure of keeping Mick's sexuality a secret, the questions she couldn't stop asking herself and the painful reality of watching him move on with a new partner.
It's a raw and powerful conversation about the aftermath of her marriage breakdown and coming to terms with a life she never expected.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1)
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1)Imagine being married for 10 years, believing you have the perfect life, only for your husband to tell you he's gay.This week on The …
Show notes
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1)Imagine being married for 10 years, believing you have the perfect life, only for your husband to tell you he's gay.
This week on The Comeback, I'm joined by Eleanor Bermingham, who shares her incredibly honest and emotional story of having her world turned upside down.
Eleanor opens up about the shock, heartbreak and grief of losing the marriage she thought would last forever.
She's also a mum to two boys, Mikey, 19, who has profound autism and severe intellectual disabilities, and Darragh, 14, who also has autism. She speaks candidly about the challenges of motherhood, guilt and finding strength through life's toughest moments.
There's so much to unpack that we've split this conversation into two parts.
🎧 Proudly sponsored by ADHD Now. For ADHD assessments and support, visit adhdnow.com.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
The Comeback with Sarah McGarry
Growing up in a broken home and struggling at school with undiagnosed dyslexia, Sarah McGarry faced challenges from an early age.But nothing could have prepared her for November 2008, when her beloved sister …
Show notes
Growing up in a broken home and struggling at school with undiagnosed dyslexia, Sarah McGarry faced challenges from an early age.
But nothing could have prepared her for November 2008, when her beloved sister Emma suddenly collapsed from a brain aneurysm at just 25 years old.
Sarah was only 22 and pregnant with her son when she lost her sister.
In this emotional and honest conversation, Sarah opens up about sibling loss, the anger and grief that followed, and navigating life's biggest milestones without Emma by her side.
Despite everything she's been through, Sarah refuses to be defined by her past.
A powerful conversation about grief, resilience and finding your way forward.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Coolmine: Addiction, Recovery & Sober October
This week’s episode is a little different, and one that is very close to my heart.In support of Coolmine’s Sober October campaign, I’m joined by Lorraine Higgins and Caroline Dunne from Coolmine to have an open …
Show notes
This week’s episode is a little different, and one that is very close to my heart.
In support of Coolmine’s Sober October campaign, I’m joined by Lorraine Higgins and Caroline Dunne from Coolmine to have an open and honest conversation about addiction, recovery and the incredible work being done to support individuals and families across Ireland.
Later in the episode, we hear the powerful story of Bernard West, whose journey took him through heroin and crack cocaine addiction, prison, homelessness and relapse before ultimately finding recovery through Coolmine.
Today, Bernard is drug-free, has rebuilt his relationships with his children and family, and now uses his own lived experience to help others on their recovery journey.
This is an episode about addiction, but more importantly, it’s about recovery, hope, second chances and the possibility of rebuilding your life.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Shirley Keegan
In this episode, Shirley Keegan shares a deeply personal story of resilience, motherhood, shame, burnout and rebuilding.From growing up in a very different Ireland, to becoming pregnant at just 15 and spending …
Show notes
In this episode, Shirley Keegan shares a deeply personal story of resilience, motherhood, shame, burnout and rebuilding.
From growing up in a very different Ireland, to becoming pregnant at just 15 and spending time in a mother and baby home, Shirley reflects on experiences that shaped her from a young age and stayed with her throughout her life.
She also opens up about the pressures of a long corporate career, the point at which everything became too much, and how that period led her to completely reassess her life.
This is an honest and powerful conversation about identity, healing and finding the courage to own your story.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Sarah Monaghan
This week on the podcast I sit down with 17-year-old Sarah Monaghan, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 13.Sarah speaks so openly about her diagnosis, undergoing an egg retrieval at 14, the isolation …
Show notes
This week on the podcast I sit down with 17-year-old Sarah Monaghan, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 13.
Sarah speaks so openly about her diagnosis, undergoing an egg retrieval at 14, the isolation of radioactive iodine treatment and what life has been like in the four years since.
We also hear from Sarah’s sister Zoe, who becomes emotional talking about how much she wished she could take the cancer and the pain away from her little sister.
A huge thank you to Sarah’s parents, Sylvia and Brian, for trusting me with Sarah’s story, and to Sarah Burke O’Connor for introducing me to this gorgeous family.
Sarah is such a remarkable young lady and I am so glad she spoke with me and shared her story so openly. Please give her page a follow on Instagram, @sarah_monaghann.
If Sarah teaches us one thing, it’s to never take life for granted.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button. It really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Bernard Westman
Bernard Westman shares the story of the darkest period of his life, the moment he felt there was no way out, and what happened when his family found him in Galway.It is a deeply honest conversation about …
Show notes
Bernard Westman shares the story of the darkest period of his life, the moment he felt there was no way out, and what happened when his family found him in Galway.
It is a deeply honest conversation about suicidal thoughts, shame, family, asking for help and finding your way back.
Bernard’s message is simple: the people who love you would rather walk through your darkest days with you than live without you.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, Pieta’s 24-hour Crisis Helpline is available on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. Visit adhdnow.com.
The Comeback with Aoibhe Devlin
Aoibhe Devlin opens up like never before about some of the most difficult periods of her life.For the first time, she speaks publicly about experiencing postnatal depression, struggling in silence and …
Show notes
Aoibhe Devlin opens up like never before about some of the most difficult periods of her life.
For the first time, she speaks publicly about experiencing postnatal depression, struggling in silence and eventually reaching out for help. She also talks about the online abuse she faced while heavily pregnant, going through a breakup and reaching a point where she questioned how much more she could take.
Aoibhe shares how her two children kept her going, how she began rebuilding her life and, on a lighter note, opens up about her new relationship, how they met and their first date.
A really open conversation about what can be happening behind the picture-perfect moments we see online.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
Suddenly Widowed: Three Women Share Their Stories
What happens when the person you thought you would grow old with is suddenly gone?In this episode, Catriona Brennan, Samantha Byrne and Fiona McCluskey share their experiences of becoming widowed at a young …
Show notes
What happens when the person you thought you would grow old with is suddenly gone?
In this episode, Catriona Brennan, Samantha Byrne and Fiona McCluskey share their experiences of becoming widowed at a young age.
Catriona lost her partner Timothy Lynch Junior, on November 22nd, 2025. Samantha lost the love of her life Seán Feeney on September 3rd, 2023. Fiona lost her husband Stephen on April 24th, 2021.
They speak about the shock of sudden loss, the days and weeks that followed, raising children through grief, the things they still miss most and the reality of trying to build a life around an absence that never really goes away.
They also discuss the support available to young widows, the things people say with the best intentions that can sometimes hurt, and the connection that comes from meeting someone who truly understands what you have been through.
A raw, honest and important conversation about love, loss, grief and life afterwards.
Thank you to Catriona, Samantha and Fiona for sharing their stories, and for keeping the memories of Tim, Seán and Stephen at the heart of this conversation.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Caoimhe McGinley
This week, I’m joined by one of Ireland’s best-known content creators, Caoimhe McGinley.Many will know Caoimhe from The Big Hill House, but behind the beautiful home and social media posts is a story of …
Show notes
This week, I’m joined by one of Ireland’s best-known content creators, Caoimhe McGinley.
Many will know Caoimhe from The Big Hill House, but behind the beautiful home and social media posts is a story of heartbreak, resilience and rebuilding.
In this honest conversation, Caoimhe opens up about the breakdown of her marriage, navigating such a difficult time in the public eye, raising her four children, and the devastating loss of a baby through miscarriage at almost 17 weeks pregnant.
For the first time publicly, she also speaks about a defamation case that she says became one of the lowest points of her life, how it affected her personally and professionally, and why she has chosen to tell her story now.
This is a conversation about heartbreak, hope and proving that, no matter what life throws at you, you can come back stronger.
If you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
Visit adhdnow.com to learn more.
The Comeback with Eleanor Doyle
Eleanor Doyle Is BackThe podcast is back after the summer break, and we’re returning with an episode that has quite a story behind it.Eleanor has been here before. Her original episode went live a few months …
Show notes
Eleanor Doyle Is BackThe podcast is back after the summer break, and we’re returning with an episode that has quite a story behind it.
Eleanor has been here before. Her original episode went live a few months ago, but shortly afterwards, it disappeared.
A lot of people noticed. A lot of people asked why.
In this episode, we explain what happened.
For those who don’t know Eleanor, you may know her for the funny videos, positivity and big personality. But behind the humour is a story of survival.
Eleanor is a mum of three who has spoken openly about domestic abuse, violence, fear and trying to protect her children while rebuilding her own life.
Her story is raw and difficult at times, but ultimately it is about survival, rebuilding and finding your way back to yourself.
Eleanor is back, and this time we’re telling the full story.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. Visit adhdnow.com.
If you are affected by anything discussed in this episode:
Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900
Men’s Aid Ireland: 01 554 3811
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112.
A Summer Pause Before the Next Chapter
After an incredible 14 months and almost 1.2 million Spotify streams, I’m taking a short summer break from the podcast.Thank you to every guest and listener who has supported the podcast, and a huge thank you …
Show notes
After an incredible 14 months and almost 1.2 million Spotify streams, I’m taking a short summer break from the podcast.
Thank you to every guest and listener who has supported the podcast, and a huge thank you to ADHD Now and GoLoud for making it all possible.
I’ll still be recording during the break, so this is not goodbye. I’ll be back with a bang!
Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden
Welcome to Comeback Confidential, the bonus series of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.In this episode, Brenda is joined by …
Show notes
Welcome to Comeback Confidential, the bonus series of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.
In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore powerful stories submitted by listeners.
Together, they discuss the realities of love bombing, domestic abuse, and the heartbreaking impact addiction can have on families.
We also hear from one listener whose sibling has lived with addiction for decades. She shares the emotional toll of loving someone you can't save, the fear her elderly parents live with every day, and the lifelong impact addiction has had on her entire family.
Together, Brenda and Lauren unpack the complexities behind these stories, offering insight, compassion, and hope to anyone who may see themselves in them.
A raw and honest conversation about the realities so many people live with behind closed doors.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
If you'd like to share your story anonymously, email [email protected].
The Comeback with Humphrey O' Driscoll
What happens when years of bullying, shame and addiction convince you that you're not worthy of being yourself?In this episode, Humphrey O'Driscoll shares his remarkable journey of growing up gay in …
Show notes
What happens when years of bullying, shame and addiction convince you that you're not worthy of being yourself?
In this episode, Humphrey O'Driscoll shares his remarkable journey of growing up gay in Carrigaline, the relentless bullying he endured, and how alcohol and cocaine became his way of escaping the pain.
He opens up about losing the love of his life to addiction, hitting rock bottom, and the moment he chose recovery over a life that was destroying him.
Today, Humphrey is sober, comfortable in his own skin, and determined to help others know that there is hope.
This is a powerful conversation about identity, addiction, recovery and self-acceptance.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Lisa O' Sullivan Shaw
Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw's life has been anything but ordinary.Born with a heart condition, she underwent open heart surgery as a baby before growing up to become Miss Universe Ireland. But behind the glamour were …
Show notes
Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw's life has been anything but ordinary.
Born with a heart condition, she underwent open heart surgery as a baby before growing up to become Miss Universe Ireland. But behind the glamour were years of relentless bullying, a life changing health battle, and the fear of facing open heart surgery again while raising four young boys.
In this episode of Lisa shares the moments that shaped her, the lessons she's learned, and why she no longer lets other people's opinions define her.
A powerful conversation about resilience, motherhood, and finding strength through life's toughest moments.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Grace O' Connor
James O'Connor kissed his family goodbye and headed off on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday in December 2023.He never came home.Just …
Show notes
James O'Connor kissed his family goodbye and headed off on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday in December 2023.
He never came home.
Just 100 metres from the summit, James passed away, leaving behind his wife Grace and their three young children.
In one of the most emotional conversation Grace opens up about the moment she received the phone call that changed her life forever, the unbearable pain of losing the love of her life, and the reality of becoming a widow at just 35 years old.
This is a heartbreaking story of love, loss, grief and survival, but it is also a story of courage, resilience and a mother's determination to keep going for her children when her world fell apart.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Rachel Forde
This week on the podcast, Brenda sits down with Rachel Forde for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast.Many people may remember the headlines surrounding Rachel several …
Show notes
This week on the podcast, Brenda sits down with Rachel Forde for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast.
Many people may remember the headlines surrounding Rachel several years ago, but few know the story behind them.
What started as an addiction to codeine-based painkillers spiralled into a nightmare that saw Rachel taking up to 90 tablets a day, experiencing drug-induced psychosis, and ultimately finding herself at the centre of a Garda raid on her home.
In this deeply personal conversation, Rachel speaks openly about addiction, motherhood, shame, fear, recovery, and the long road back from rock bottom. She shares the devastating impact addiction had on her life and family, and how she fought her way back when everything seemed lost.
Today, Rachel is rebuilding her life, helping others in recovery, and proving that no matter how far someone has fallen, there is always a way back.
If this story resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit that subscribe button, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Colin Tobin
From working from the age of 12, to building businesses, losing almost €1.3 million, Colin Tobin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination.Despite the setbacks and failed ventures along the …
Show notes
From working from the age of 12, to building businesses, losing almost €1.3 million, Colin Tobin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination.
Despite the setbacks and failed ventures along the way, there is no bitterness. Instead, Colin believes the secret to life is giving back, helping others, and expecting nothing in return.
We chat about business, loss, work ethic, welfare, community, and why he believes what you put out into the world comes back tenfold.
A fascinating conversation with a man who simply refuses to give up.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now. For ADHD assessments and support across Ireland, visit adhdnow.com.
The Comeback with Dr. Brian Pennie
In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie …
Show notes
In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie, neuroscientist and author.
He speaks honestly about being €50,000 in debt, falling asleep at work because his body was shutting down, suffering a violent seizure during detox, and the moment he realised he could not continue living the way he was.
But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It's about resilience, healing and proving that no matter how broken someone feels, there is always a way back.
If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share it. Your support helps these important stories reach more people.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland, If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit: Adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Jennifer McCarthy
Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments.But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing …
Show notes
Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments.
But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing battles of her own.
Divorce. Betrayal. Critical illness. Medical retirement. Losing her identity. Becoming a single parent. And surviving moments where she genuinely believed she might die.
In this episode, Jennifer speaks openly about losing everything she thought defined her, and the resilience it took to rebuild.
This is a powerful conversation about burnout, survival, identity loss and finding yourself again after life changes forever.
Jennifer is now passionate about resilience, health and wellbeing, and uses her lived experience to support others through change and rebuilding. You can follow her on Instagram @thehealthandwellbeingadvocate to see some of the amazing work she’s doing.
If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share the podcast.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden
Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.In this episode, Brenda is joined by …
Show notes
Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.
In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.
We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.
Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between compassion and accountability.
A raw and honest conversation about life on the other side of addiction.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email
[email protected]The Comeback with Mags Harty
This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her …
Show notes
This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.
Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally.
There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but she kept fighting.
And after everything, Mags got her miracle baby, Isla.
A raw and honest story of loss, resilience and never giving up.
Please note: there are some minor sound issues in parts of this episode, but we hope you stay with it as Mags’ story is incredibly powerful.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
For more information, visit adhdnow.com.The Comeback with Eimear Coffey
From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and …
Show notes
From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.
A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything seemed complete.
But behind closed doors, her world was falling apart.
Betrayal. Narcissistic abuse. The fear of her child facing life-changing disabilities.
And then, in the middle of it all - a breast cancer diagnosis.
This is a raw and powerful story of heartbreak, survival, and finding strength when you have nothing left.
If this episode resonates with you, please leave a comment and hit subscribe, it really helps.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Ciarán O’Driscoll
Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption.Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were …
Show notes
Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption.
Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were twins.
From his first drink as a young teenager, to drug use, prison sentences, and deep self-hatred, his life spiralled quickly. In and out of Cork Prison, Mountjoy, and other institutions, addiction took nearly everything from him.
But this is not where his story ends.
Now a father of four, Ciarán speaks about the impact of his children on his life, especially his youngest, Elsie May, who was born in May 2020 during a worldwide pandemic.
This is a story about turning a life around, finding faith and purpose, and taking full responsibility.
A raw and powerful conversation about addiction, grief, and the possibility of a comeback, no matter how far you’ve fallen.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
The Comeback with Leona Macken
Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to …
Show notes
Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.
A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023.
After major surgery and intensive treatment, Leona was told in 2025 that her cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.
In this episode, she speaks about the moment everything changed, the heartbreak, and the reality of living with a diagnosis that should never have happened.
Now on a trial drug that is already showing signs of working, her story is one of strength, resilience, and hope.
🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
Behind the Scenes on The Neil Prendeville Show
Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country?As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside …
Show notes
Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country?
As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside over the past few weeks, bring you inside The Neil Prendeville Show and how it all comes together.
We chat about behind-the-scenes secrets, how Seamus may or may not have thrown me under the bus whilst on air, and what Neil is really like to work with day to day.
Hope you enjoy!
The Comeback with Daragh Fleming
Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the …
Show notes
Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.
In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls.
Daragh speaks openly about living with depression without realising it, describing a time when he felt completely numb and thought that was normal.
A deeply emotional part of the conversation focuses on the loss of his best friend, Erbie, and how that moment changed his life, becoming a turning point that led him to speak more openly about mental health through his writing.
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🎧 This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland.
Visit adhdnow.com for more.A Small Break, A Big Thank You
After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break.Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you.I’ll be back very …
Show notes
After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break.
Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you.
I’ll be back very soon with some amazing guests.
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