From Trauma to Inner Safety: Tara Rafter on Healing, Self-Belief & Finding Yourself

The Words Men Are Afraid To Say | Daragh Fleming

What happens when the person who seems fine is quietly falling apart? Brian sits down with poet and writer Daragh Fleming for an honest conversation about grief, suicide, depression, masculinity, loneliness, and the emotions so many people struggle to express. Daragh opens up about losing his best friend to suicide at 17, the years of emotional numbness that followed, and how writing became a way to understand himself and help others feel less alone. Together, Brian and Daragh explore why so many men find it difficult to speak about pain, how anger often masks sadness, the dangers of the manosphere, and why emotional honesty may be one of the most powerful forms of strength. Daragh also reads two of his powerful poems, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls, offering a moving vision of masculinity, womanhood, parenting, and the kind of world we need to build. This is a conversation about loss, healing, identity, connection, and the quiet courage it takes to say what is really going on inside. ⁠Click here⁠⁠ [https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/9c66de53d0] and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Daragh on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daraghfleming/?hl=en]⁠⁠⁠⁠. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a] ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/] Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist/?hl=en], I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://fabuwellness.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordADzJpYLvljuWYQXutrNAWoFQ9DPHFdtH1cGPFgysr7FCJ-NS], a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.kynefoundation.org/], with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Darragh losing his best friend to suicide 03:20 Depression, numbness and emotional disconnection 08:00 How grief shaped Darragh’s writing 14:30 Masculinity, boys and the manosphere 21:00 Darragh reads If I Ever Have Boys 30:30 Ego, identity and self-worth 42:00 Anger, sadness and emotional literacy 45:40 Darragh reads If I Ever Have Girls 51:00 The words men struggle to say 56:30 Loneliness and modern disconnection 1:01:30 Success, gratitude and purpose 1:08:00 Where to find Darragh Keywords: Mental health, men’s mental health, grief, suicide, depression, loneliness, masculinity, vulnerability, emotional honesty, emotional literacy, identity, ego, self-worth, healing, poetry, spoken word, Darragh Fleming, Brian Pennie, Change Is Possible

Paralyzed From the Neck Down. Then He Walked Again. | Ryan “Chaos” Curtis

Former MMA fighter Ryan “Chaos” Curtis joins me for one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on Change is Possible. Ryan grew up in Dublin’s inner city, surrounded by hardship, addiction, violence, and the need to fight for himself from a young age. But when he walked into an MMA gym for the first time, everything changed. He was humbled, beaten up, and somehow left knowing one thing: he was going to become a world champion. Years later, while training for a major fight and with the UFC in sight, Ryan suffered a catastrophic spinal injury. His neck broke. He was instantly paralysed from the neck down. Doctors told him this was his new way of life. Ryan refused to accept that. In this episode, we talk about the accident, the pain, the fear, the discipline, and the mindset that helped him fight his way back. We also explore self-belief, failure, masculinity, gratitude, addiction, vulnerability, responsibility, and what it really means to become someone you can rely on. This is not just a story about recovery. It is a story about identity, discipline, and refusing to be beaten by life. Click here⁠ [https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/9c66de53d0] and subscribe for more conversations on transformation, recovery, resilience, and human potential. Connect with Ryan on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chaoscurtis/]⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Ryan's Podcast: Made in Chaos [https://open.spotify.com/show/07jU7O1Al641nPd55iutv4]. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a] ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/] Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist/?hl=en], I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://fabuwellness.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordADzJpYLvljuWYQXutrNAWoFQ9DPHFdtH1cGPFgysr7FCJ-NS], a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.kynefoundation.org/], with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 — Ryan’s life-changing moment 04:12 — First MMA gym session 08:46 — Becoming reliable 13:35 — Growing up in Dublin 1 19:18 — Bullying and confidence 25:40 — The psychology of MMA 31:52 — Why Ryan chose fighting 36:45 — The accident 42:08 — Waking up paralysed 47:35 — Refusing to accept it 52:26 — Everything is psychological 57:40 — The accident as a gift 1:02:44 — Discipline over motivation 1:09:38 — Gratitude and Made in Chaos

The Psychology of Money: Why Chasing More Never Makes You Happy | Eoin McGee

Most people think that more money will make them happy. They’re wrong. In this conversation, I sit down with Eoin McGee — Certified Financial Planner™, radio and TV broadcaster, best-selling author, and columnist — to break down the hidden psychology behind money. From why earning more doesn’t make you happier, to the dangerous myths keeping people broke, Eoin reveals why chasing money often leads to more stress, more pressure, and less peace... and what actually creates a fulfilling life. Eoin shares the personal story that shaped his career, alongside practical financial habits and powerful insights into the psychology behind money, happiness, and freedom. If you feel stuck financially, overwhelmed, or constantly chasing “more,” this episode will give you a completely new perspective. Connect with Eoin on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/eoin_mcgee/]. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a] ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/] Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist/?hl=en], I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://fabuwellness.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordADzJpYLvljuWYQXutrNAWoFQ9DPHFdtH1cGPFgysr7FCJ-NS], a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.kynefoundation.org/], with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 – The moment that changed Eoin’s life forever 03:30 – How money gave his dad 28 extra years 08:15 – Why most financial advice is wrong 12:40 – The psychology of money (and why you’re never satisfied) 17:20 – Why chasing money won’t make you happy 22:10 – What people REALLY missed during lockdown 26:30 – The truth about happiness (Harvard study explained) 31:45 – Why “I’ll be happy when…” is dangerous 36:20 – What financial freedom actually means 40:10 – The biggest mistake people make with money 43:30 – The 15-minute habit that can change everything 48:00 – How your brain keeps you bad with money 53:20 – The mindset shift: “I’m good with money” 58:10 – Why small wins beat big plans 1:02:00 – The €5 savings story (powerful) 1:06:30 – Why most people fail financially 1:10:15 – The truth about getting rich quick 1:14:40 – Investing explained simply (and why patience wins) 1:19:30 – Discipline = financial freedom 1:22:00 – What really matters in life Keywords: psychology of money, money mindset, personal finance, financial wellbeing, happiness, financial freedom, wealth, stress, self development, mindset, Eoin McGee, Brian Pennie, Change is Possible, money habits, emotional health

How to Heal Anxiety, Panic Attacks & the Fear of Fear | Caroline Foran

What if the moment you thought you were completely broken was actually the beginning of your healing? Caroline Foran joins me for a deeply honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and what it really takes to heal. Caroline shares the moment she hit rock bottom, believing she was beyond help, and how that experience became the turning point that changed everything. We unpack what anxiety actually is, why panic attacks feel so overwhelming, and how misunderstanding your own body can make everything worse. This conversation cuts through the noise. No quick fixes. No fluff. Just real, practical insight into how anxiety works, and how to work with it instead of against it. In this episode, we cover: * Caroline’s most challenging moment with anxiety * What panic attacks really feel like * Anxiety vs stress vs depression * Why anxiety is a full-body experience * The role of the nervous system and safety * Tools that actually help (and why consistency matters) * Self-compassion and the aftermath of panic attacks * Medication for anxiety: stigma vs reality * High-functioning anxiety and burnout * Phones, social media, and modern overstimulation If anxiety has ever made you feel broken, this episode will show you that change is possible. Connect with Caroline on ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolineforan/]⁠ and ⁠get her new book here [https://www.easons.com/everything-i-wish-id-known-about-anxiety-a-roadmap-back-to-yourself-caroline-foran-9781804584088?srsltid=AfmBOooOKw4D7RskmQN4eGWEV82WW3JeAvPomW5YYe_e00__pzsO6yH3] Connect with Brian ⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a] ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/] Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist/?hl=en], I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠⁠ [https://fabuwellness.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordADzJpYLvljuWYQXutrNAWoFQ9DPHFdtH1cGPFgysr7FCJ-NS], a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.kynefoundation.org/], with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Caroline’s most challenging moment with anxiety 05:30 The terror and helplessness of panic attacks 09:00 Anxiety, shame, and not knowing why you feel this way 13:00 What anxiety actually feels like in the body 16:30 Anxiety vs stress: what’s the difference? 20:00 When anxiety turns into depression 24:00 Rock bottom, surrender, and the beginning of healing 28:30 The brain, the body, and why anxiety is pre-rational 33:00 Why healing starts with the body, not just the mind 37:00 Tools for anxiety: breathwork, walking, and what works for you 43:00 There is no magic wand — only consistent tools 46:00 Panic attacks, self-criticism, and self-compassion 51:00 Caroline’s roadmap back to yourself 55:00 Why talking to someone you trust matters 58:30 Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation 1:02:00 Riding the wave of anxiety instead of fearing it 1:06:00 Anxiety as information, not a life sentence 1:09:00 Helping young people with anxiety 1:12:00 Medication for anxiety: stigma, nuance, and what helps 1:15:30 What people get wrong about anxiety 1:16:20 Final message of hope Keywords: Caroline Foran, anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety recovery, mental health, nervous system, Owning It, Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety, self compassion anxiety, breathwork anxiety, high functioning anxiety, anxiety healing, stress and anxiety, depression and anxiety

From Trauma to Inner Safety: Tara Rafter on Healing, Self-Belief & Finding Yourself

Most people secretly believe they’re not enough. In this episode, award-winning life coach Tara Rafter explains why… and how to finally change it. Brian Pennie sits down with Tara Rafter to explore the real psychology of healing, self-belief, trauma, and personal growth. Tara shares her deeply personal story of growing up around addiction and domestic violence, caring for her mother through chronic illness, losing both parents, and how those experiences shaped her nervous system, relationships, and identity. She explains how many of our limiting beliefs were installed when someone else was “holding the needle” in our life story, and how we can rewrite them. We talk about: * Why most people secretly feel they’re “not enough” * Caring for a parent with chronic illness * Grief before death (anticipatory grief) * How trauma rewires trust, love, and safety * Self-compassion & internal safety * How journaling and awareness change behaviour * Why most people feel disconnected from themselves * How forgiveness can become an act of self-liberation * The science of building internal security instead of seeking validation If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, disconnected, or like you’re performing instead of living, this episode will change how you see yourself. Connect with Tara on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenavigationcoach/] and The Navigation Coach Website ⁠ [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Connect with Brian ⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://brian-pennie-pd.kit.com/a3bff3f22a] ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bonus-Time/dp/B0882N4Y4G/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78/] ⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pennie/] Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fabulouspharmacist/?hl=en], I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠ [https://fabuwellness.com/?srsltid=AfmBOordADzJpYLvljuWYQXutrNAWoFQ9DPHFdtH1cGPFgysr7FCJ-NS], a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠ [⁠https://www.kynefoundation.org/], with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:12 Tara on the hardest challenge that shaped her 04:35 Her mum’s COPD and the loss of safety 08:42 Caregiving, grief, anger and fear 12:18 Childhood, identity and emotional survival 16:07 Addiction, domestic violence and reading the room 20:14 Building safety on the inside 23:40 Trauma, trust and opening your heart 27:18 Is full healing from trauma possible? 30:41 Becoming a mother and discovering unconditional love 34:22 Her dad’s death, forgiveness and returning from Australia 39:05 How Tara became a life coach 43:18 Therapy, self-worth and healing old beliefs 47:02 Humour as a coping mechanism 50:46 Action, mindset and changing your emotional state 54:08 Parenting, fear and letting go with love 57:30 The Navigation Coach and the Compass system 1:01:22 Daily self-check-ins, values and realignment 1:04:18 Why so many people feel not enough 1:07:05 Trusting your gut and what to do when you feel lost 1:09:18 Final thoughts and where to start Keywords: Childhood trauma healing, emotional safety, trauma recovery, self-acceptance, personal development podcast, change is possible podcast