Psychology with a Sparkle

Ep 15 - Farming, Influencing, Living off-grid and Rising Above with Maurice Fitz

In this episode Dr. Dee is joined by Maurice Fitz; a Farmer and Founder of 'The Long Acre', which is his own modern farm land, as well as a metaphor for the journey he has been on from childhood to date. Maurice accidentally became a Social Media Influencer after buying a small farm and voicing his opinions publicly on everything from living off grid, to politics, to the importance of mental health. Adopted shortly after birth, Maurice grew up in Dublin and the Midlands, and at the age of 16 he dropped out of school, after being falsely accused of a serious allegation. With the support and positive influence of his grandparents and uncle. Maurice later went on to successfully create and build his own farming business in 2018, which he passionately works and manages, in addition to his work as a Tyre Fitter of heavy agricultural equipment. A contemporary advocate for freedom of speech and truth, Maurice co-hosts 'The Silent Majority Media' Podcast with partners in crime, James Conway and Catherine Ryan. His philosophy, 'Live each and every day as though your very existence is an act of rebellion itself' is embodied in this episode, as Maurice and Dr. Dee chat about all things farming & living off grid, to re-building your life after a serious life setback, identity and the pitfalls of the school system, strategies for maintaining positive mental health, social echo chambers and broadening perspectives, spirituality and the importance of community and meaningful connections, life lessons, building resilience and remaining true to one's authentic self. This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network. gkmediastudios.com

Ep 14 - Psychology, Neurodivergence, Liberation & Holding Space, with Dr. Sarah Cassidy.

In this episode, Dr. Dee is joined by Chartered Psychologist and President elect of ‘The Psychological Society of Ireland’ (PSI), Dr. Sarah Cassidy.    Dr. Sarah is the Founder and Director of Smithfield Clinic, where she provides psychoeducational, neurodevelopmental and mental health assessments. Sarah is also Co-Founder & Co-Director of New England Centre for OCD and Anxiety (NECOA) as well as Co-Founder & Co-Director of Maynooth University Research Company -  www.raiseyouriq.com [http://www.raiseyouriq.com/]   Sarah is a Lecturer in Child, Counselling and Educational Psychology, the Author of many peer reviewed scientific papers, and Co-Author of 2 best selling books.    Dr. Sarah is a peer-reviewed ‘Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’ (ACT) Trainer, and regular Speaker at the Oireachtas about various Disability Rights, Inclusion, and the importance of formalised assessment in directing services and tailoring bespoke interventions.    A late diagnosed member of the neurodivergent community, Dr. Sarah is “an out and out proud autistic, dyspraxic, ADHD-er, who believes passionately in the equitable, collaborative, scientific and compassionate support of humans”.    In this episode Dr. Sarah offers a rich, embodied perspective - both as a professional and someone with lived experience of neurodivergence. She highlights the importance of conscious listening and responding, as well as tailoring environments to effectively accommodate work, education, therapeutic, living and social settings, to support, optimise and normalise the experience of a growing, neurodivergent population.   This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network. gkmediastudios.com

Ep 13 - ADHD, Stimulant v Non-Stimulants, Mental Health and More with Dr. Nina Byrnes

In this episode, Medical Doctor, Nina Byrnes joins Dr. Dee to chat all things ADHD, stimulant versus non-stimulant medication and diagnosing people effectively at her Generation Health Clinics, in Castleknock and Monkstown, Dublin. Dr. Nina brings her wealth of knowledge, research and experience to the conversation, to discuss the myths, benefits and challenges of having a diagnosis of ADHD, effective treatment and management of ADHD symptoms, the influence of diet and other lifestyle factors, and her bespoke pipeline formulation of a supplement, to effectively support ADHD presentations.   With 30 years of medical experience, and postgraduate training in Clinical Psychiatry, Dr. Nina is both founder and practicing Doctor at her Generation Health clinics, where she leads out her team in holistic patient care, and the important interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.   Dr. Nina is the author of 'Your Health Matters' and a regular contributor and commentator across various national media platforms, where similar to this episode, her pragmatic and personable style ensures an informative and hugely relatable experience.   This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network. gkmediastudios.com

Ep 12 - Multi Media, Marketing, Movies & More, with Garry Kelly

In this episode, Garry Kelly, Founder & Managing Director of GK Media Studios joins Dr Dee.  With over a decade building GK Media Studios, Garry has led the creation of hundreds of high-quality productions for businesses, charities, cultural organisations, and public bodies across Ireland and Europe. Garry is an active film producer with a growing body of feature film and scripted projects in development - his work deeply rooted in community, regional storytelling, and supporting creative voices outside traditional industry centres.As the host of the ‘Garry Talks’ podcast series, including Garry Talks: Film, Garry interviews filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders about craft, career, and creativity. In this episode, Garry chats with Dr. Dee about what led him to his multi mission purpose, his words of advice for people starting out in podcasting and general media, up close and personals re film, actors, music, writing & international fame, the dark side of the web & much more.    This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network. gkmediastudios.com [https://www.gkmediastudios.com/]

Ep 11 - Stroke, Recovery and Passionate Life-changing trajectories with Anne Marie McDonnell

In this episode, Head of Program and Service Design at National Learning Network, Rehab Group, Anne Marie McDonnel joined Dr. Dee to discuss how sustaining a stroke in her mid-twenties, changed her career trajectory from working as a Teacher, to entering the disability sector. Since that time, Anne Marie's contagious energy and passionate, enthusiastic approach, have led her to becoming an international ambassador for disability, human rights, equality and inclusion, with her work spanning across Europe and formerly Saudi.    Anne Marie viscerally describes the initial stages of sustaining a stroke and what helped in her recovery journey - from medical to relational and ancillary supports. She and Dr Dee delve into the presenting symptoms and effects experienced post acquired brain injury (ABI) of any description, including stroke, and the frequently hidden internal difficulties which often present for people in the ABI aftermath, after a full physical recovery has seemingly been made.    Anne Marie describes her work with National Learning Network and how it has evolved over the years in serving new and emerging student profiles- from adapting service design and newly changing technologies, to facilitating enhanced person-centredness and enriched student experiences. Anne Marie's work with the European Platform for Rehabilitation, additionally highlights her relentless passion for advocating for diversity, inclusion, equal rights and equal opportunities for all.    This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network. gkmediastudios.com [https://www.gkmediastudios.com/]