My Mindful Map: Journeys to Well-being

🎙️Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 27

> I was in Weight Watchers when I was seven, with my mum. My whole life was around always trying to lose weight. In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Lafford, a Food Freedom Coach who helps people develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and themselves. Steven shares his deeply personal journey from being brought to Weight Watchers as a child, to working in fitness, nutrition, and now training as a psychotherapist. Together, we explore the psychology behind our relationship with food, the impact of diet culture, and why wellbeing is about so much more than a number on a weighing scale. We Talk About: 🌿 Steven's childhood experiences with weight, dieting, and body image 🌿 Why losing weight doesn't always lead to happiness or contentment 🌿 Emotional eating and the deeper needs food can sometimes fulfil 🌿 The role of therapy, self-awareness, and curiosity in creating lasting change 🌿 Food freedom, body acceptance, and finding a more sustainable approach to health 🌿 Returning to education as an adult and following a new path later in life 🌿 The importance of creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood Steven speaks openly about how his own experiences shaped the work he does today and his passion for helping people move away from shame, restriction, and self-criticism. His approach combines nutrition, behaviour change, and psychological insight to help people build healthier relationships with food while still pursuing meaningful health goals. He also shares why he believes that wellbeing is not about waiting until we reach a certain weight or achieve a particular outcome before allowing ourselves to enjoy life. 🔗 Connect with Steven Instagram:  @stevenlafford_coaching 🎧 Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch video version on Patreon  🎧 Or listen on podcast platforms, Apple & Spotify 🌐 Connect with Me Learn more about my work, events, and offerings at www.eilisogrady.ie Follow me on Instagram @eilisogrady for mindfulness, yoga, and coaching inspiration. 💞 Support the Podcast If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these Journeys to Wellbeing. 💫 Join my Patreon community for exclusive mindfulness practices, yoga classes, journaling prompts, podcast videos, discounts on coaching and courses and other content to support your health and wellbeing. 👉 www.patreon.com/eilisogrady [https://www.patreon.com/eilisogrady] ❤️ The content in this podcast is shared for general information and inspiration only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. #JourneysToWellbeing #FoodFreedom #BodyImage #EmotionalEating #Wellbeing #Mindfulness #Nutrition #Therapy #PersonalGrowth #SelfCompassion #MentalHealth #Podcast

Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 27 Out Next Friday 26th June

> I was in Weight Watchers when I was seven, with my mum. My whole life was around always trying to lose weight. In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Lafford, a Food Freedom Coach who helps people develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and themselves. Steven shares his deeply personal journey from being brought to Weight Watchers as a child, to working in fitness, nutrition, and now training as a psychotherapist. Together, we explore the psychology behind our relationship with food, the impact of diet culture, and why wellbeing is about so much more than a number on a weighing scale. We Talk About: 🌿 Steven's childhood experiences with weight, dieting, and body image 🌿 Why losing weight doesn't always lead to happiness or contentment 🌿 Emotional eating and the deeper needs food can sometimes fulfil 🌿 The role of therapy, self-awareness, and curiosity in creating lasting change 🌿 Food freedom, body acceptance, and finding a more sustainable approach to health 🌿 Returning to education as an adult and following a new path later in life 🌿 The importance of creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood Steven speaks openly about how his own experiences shaped the work he does today and his passion for helping people move away from shame, restriction, and self-criticism. His approach combines nutrition, behaviour change, and psychological insight to help people build healthier relationships with food while still pursuing meaningful health goals. He also shares why he believes that wellbeing is not about waiting until we reach a certain weight or achieve a particular outcome before allowing ourselves to enjoy life. 🔗 Connect with Steven Instagram:  @stevenlafford_coaching 🎧 Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch video version on Patreon  [https://www.patreon.com/collection/1671356] 🎧 Or listen on podcast platforms, Apple & Spotify 🌐 Connect with Me Learn more about my work, events, and offerings at www.eilisogrady.ie [http://www.eilisogrady.ie/] Follow me on Instagram @eilisogrady [https://www.instagram.com/eilisogrady/] for mindfulness, yoga, and coaching inspiration. 💞 Support the Podcast If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these Journeys to Wellbeing. 💫 Join my Patreon community for exclusive mindfulness practices, yoga classes, journaling prompts, podcast videos, discounts on coaching and courses and other content to support your health and wellbeing. 👉 www.patreon.com/eilisogrady [https://www.patreon.com/eilisogrady] ❤️ The content in this podcast is shared for general information and inspiration only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. #JourneysToWellbeing #FoodFreedom #BodyImage #EmotionalEating #Wellbeing #Mindfulness #Nutrition #Therapy #PersonalGrowth #SelfCompassion #MentalHealth #Podcast

🎙️Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 26

> Let’s recognize that we play our own part in our own health, well-being, and all other factors of life. We can't always subcontract it out… In this episode, I’m joined by David Roche — fitness and health coach, researcher, and co-founder of Tribal Elite in Waterford. David shares his personal journey from a chaotic lifestyle in his younger years toward a deep exploration of exercise, mental health, meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, and holistic wellbeing. With qualifications in exercise and health, strength and conditioning, and ongoing professional doctorate research focused on integrating exercise professionals into healthcare, David brings both scientific insight and lived experience to this conversation. Together, we explore the powerful relationship between physical health, mental wellbeing, personal responsibility, lifestyle change, and the deeper search for balance and meaning in modern life. We Talk About: 🌿 David’s upbringing in Waterford and his early curiosity around wellbeing and human behaviour 🌿 The impact of alcohol, recreational drugs, and chaotic living on physical and mental health 🌿 Exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle as powerful tools for prevention and healing 🌿 Meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong as practices for peace of mind and nervous system regulation 🌿 David’s doctoral research exploring how exercise professionals could become more integrated into Irish healthcare 🌿 Personal responsibility, modern health culture, and sustainable approaches to wellbeing David also shares insights from his own personal transformation and his work helping people improve their health through fitness, education, lifestyle practices, and behaviour change. His approach blends evidence-based science with a more holistic understanding of wellbeing and human performance. 🔗 Connect with David Instagram: @davidroche_fitness_health Instagram: @snapfitnesswaterford Website: www.tribalelite.ie LinkedIn: @davidroche1989 🎧 Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch video version on Patreon  [https://www.patreon.com/collection/1671356] 🎧 Or listen on podcast platforms, Apple & Spotify 🌐 Connect with Me Learn more about my work, events, and offerings at www.eilisogrady.ie [http://www.eilisogrady.ie/] Follow me on Instagram @eilisogrady [https://www.instagram.com/eilisogrady/] for mindfulness, yoga, and coaching inspiration. 💞 Support the Podcast If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these Journeys to Wellbeing. 💫 Join my Patreon community for exclusive mindfulness practices, yoga classes, journaling prompts, podcast videos, discounts on coaching and courses and other content to support your health and wellbeing. 👉 www.patreon.com/eilisogrady [https://www.patreon.com/eilisogrady] ❤️ The content in this podcast is shared for general information and inspiration only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. #JourneysToWellbeing #Mindfulness #Fitness #HolisticHealth #MentalHealth #ExerciseIsMedicine #Qigong #TaiChi #Wellbeing #Waterford #LifestyleMedicine #Podcast

Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 26 Out Next Friday 12th June

> Let’s recognize that we play our own part in our own health, well-being, and all other factors of life. We can't always subcontract it out… In this episode, I’m joined by David Roche — fitness and health coach, researcher, and co-founder of Tribal Elite in Waterford. David shares his personal journey from a chaotic lifestyle in his younger years toward a deep exploration of exercise, mental health, meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, and holistic wellbeing. With qualifications in exercise and health, strength and conditioning, and ongoing professional doctorate research focused on integrating exercise professionals into healthcare, David brings both scientific insight and lived experience to this conversation. Together, we explore the powerful relationship between physical health, mental wellbeing, personal responsibility, lifestyle change, and the deeper search for balance and meaning in modern life. We Talk About: 🌿 David’s upbringing in Waterford and his early curiosity around wellbeing and human behaviour 🌿 The impact of alcohol, recreational drugs, and chaotic living on physical and mental health 🌿 Exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle as powerful tools for prevention and healing 🌿 Meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong as practices for peace of mind and nervous system regulation 🌿 David’s doctoral research exploring how exercise professionals could become more integrated into Irish healthcare 🌿 Personal responsibility, modern health culture, and sustainable approaches to wellbeing David also shares insights from his own personal transformation and his work helping people improve their health through fitness, education, lifestyle practices, and behaviour change. His approach blends evidence-based science with a more holistic understanding of wellbeing and human performance. 🔗 Connect with David Instagram: @davidroche_fitness_health Instagram: @snapfitnesswaterford Website: www.tribalelite.ie LinkedIn: @davidroche1989 🎧 Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch video version on Patreon  [https://www.patreon.com/collection/1671356] 🎧 Or listen on podcast platforms, Apple & Spotify 🌐 Connect with Me Learn more about my work, events, and offerings at www.eilisogrady.ie [http://www.eilisogrady.ie/] Follow me on Instagram @eilisogrady [https://www.instagram.com/eilisogrady/] for mindfulness, yoga, and coaching inspiration. 💞 Support the Podcast If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these Journeys to Wellbeing. 💫 Join my Patreon community for exclusive mindfulness practices, yoga classes, journaling prompts, podcast videos, discounts on coaching and courses and other content to support your health and wellbeing. 👉 www.patreon.com/eilisogrady [https://www.patreon.com/eilisogrady] ❤️ The content in this podcast is shared for general information and inspiration only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. #JourneysToWellbeing #Mindfulness #Fitness #HolisticHealth #MentalHealth #ExerciseIsMedicine #Qigong #TaiChi #Wellbeing #Waterford #LifestyleMedicine #Podcast

🎙️Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 25

> “Why am I rushing? Why am I still go, go, go?” In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Dargan of The Saucy Soul Coaching Studio [https://www.instagram.com/thesaucysoul_coachingstudio/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] — a somatic breathwork facilitator, meditation teacher, neuroscience mindset coach, and trauma-informed coach. Maria is also co-owner of The Yoga Yard and Root & Rise Events. Together, we explore the journey from high-pressure factory and corporate environments into more aligned, heart-led work — and the courage it takes to trust yourself, follow intuition, and create a life that supports wellbeing, presence, and authenticity. We also dive into nervous system awareness, people-pleasing, motherhood, burnout culture, and the importance of slowing down in a world that constantly tells us to speed up.  We Talk About: 🌿 Maria’s transition from factory life into wellness work and entrepreneurship 🌿 The impact of chronic stress and “go-go-go” culture on the nervous system 🌿 Motherhood, business ownership, and trying to balance both worlds 🌿 Somatic breathwork, nervous system regulation, and healing through the body 🌿 People-pleasing, self-trust, and overcoming fear of judgement 🌿 The “myth of normal” and how modern lifestyles disconnect us from ourselves 🌿 The role intuition and inner knowing can play in life decisions 🌿 Why slowing down can feel uncomfortable — but deeply healing Maria shares openly about the leap from a secure factory job into creating a more aligned and meaningful life through wellness work. She speaks beautifully about following the pull toward breathwork and creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves in a more grounded and compassionate way. 🔗 Connect with Maria Instagram: @thesaucysoul_coachingstudio [https://www.instagram.com/thesaucysoul_coachingstudio?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Instagram: @rootandrise_events [https://www.instagram.com/rootandrise_events?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Instagram: @the.yoga.yard [https://www.instagram.com/the.yoga.yard?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]   🎧 Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch video version on Patreon  [https://www.patreon.com/collection/1671356] 🎧 Or listen on podcast platforms, Apple & Spotify 🌐 Connect with Me Learn more about my work, events, and offerings at www.eilisogrady.ie [http://www.eilisogrady.ie/] Follow me on Instagram @eilisogrady [https://www.instagram.com/eilisogrady/] for mindfulness, yoga, and coaching inspiration. 💞 Support the Podcast If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these Journeys to Wellbeing. 💫 Join my Patreon community for exclusive mindfulness practices, yoga classes, journaling prompts, podcast videos, discounts on coaching and courses and other content to support your health and wellbeing. 👉 www.patreon.com/eilisogrady [https://www.patreon.com/eilisogrady] ❤️ The content in this podcast is shared for general information and inspiration only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. #JourneysToWellbeing #Mindfulness #Breathwork #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #TraumaInformed #WellbeingPodcast #HealingJourney #TheSaucySoul #RootAndRise #MindBodyConnection #FromBurnoutToBliss