2.10 Dementia, Paratonia & my PhD | Kirsty Ryan

2.10 Dementia, Paratonia & my PhD | Kirsty Ryan

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina is joined by Occupational Therapist Kirsty Ryan for a powerful conversation on dementia care, therapeutic seating, postural management and the future of clinical education. Kirsty shares her journey from mental health nursing into Occupational Therapy, her work with Seating Matters and A1 Momentum, and the research she is carrying out on the outcomes of therapeutic seating for people living with dementia. Together, they explore the importance of a holistic 24-hour postural care approach, the impact of environment and sensory input in dementia care, and why seating is about far more than simply providing a chair. Kirsty also shares a remarkable case study involving a 102-year-old woman living with advanced dementia and paratonia, explaining how patience, assessment and the right seating approach helped reduce pain and restore comfort after months spent in bed. This episode is filled with practical insight for clinicians, carers and care providers, while also serving as a reminder of the dignity, comfort and quality of life that good care can provide.Topics discussed include: • Therapeutic seating and dementia care • Paratonia and muscle tone management • 24-hour postural care • Manual handling and transfer techniques • Pressure injury prevention • Falls reduction • The role of Occupational Therapy in long-term care • Clinical education through A1 Momentum A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone involved in caring for older adults and people living with dementia.

2.9 Commonwealth Cyclist & Wheelchair OT | Eileen Burns, Northern Ireland

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina speaks with Eileen Burns, Professional Lead Occupational Therapist in Wheelchair Services for Northern Ireland and former Commonwealth Games cyclist. Eileen shares her remarkable journey from taking up cycling in her twenties to representing Northern Ireland on the international stage, all while building a career in Occupational Therapy. Together, Martina and Eileen explore the realities of wheelchair services, seating, rehabilitation and the importance of truly person-centred care. The conversation highlights how the right equipment, the right clinician and the right questions can profoundly change someone’s quality of life and independence. Eileen also shares powerful clinical stories, including how one simple decision to trial a powered wheelchair transformed the life of a gentleman who had spent almost two years confined to a hospital ward. This episode is an inspiring discussion about resilience, dignity, independence and the life-changing impact of Occupational Therapy. Topics include: • Wheelchair services and complex seating • Independence and powered mobility • Rehabilitation and neurological conditions • Commonwealth Games cycling• Occupational Therapy careers and advice for students• Person-centred care and clinical decision making 🎧 Listen now and discover how seeing possibility in people can transform lives.

2.8 Black Belt in Organising & Tidying | Sharon McNulty, Joyful Spaces

In this episode of the Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina is joined by Sharon McNulty, founder of Joyful Spaces, for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about the connection between our homes, our habits, and our mental health. Sharon’s journey began in healthcare, working closely with families in their own homes. Over time, she noticed a common thread - overwhelm. Busy lives, constant demands, and environments that no longer supported the people living in them. What started as an observation has grown into a powerful mission: helping people create spaces that don’t just look better, but feel better. This episode goes far beyond decluttering. Together, Martina and Sharon explore how our surroundings can directly impact our stress levels, our ability to cope, and even our overall wellbeing. Through real-life client stories, Sharon shares how simple, intentional changes can reduce anxiety, lift emotional weight, and bring a sense of calm back into everyday life.💬 “That last day we were together was the last bad head day I had.” From overwhelmed households to life-changing transformations, this conversation highlights just how powerful the right support - and the right system - can be. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly trying to keep on top of everything, or that your environment is adding to your stress rather than easing it, this episode will resonate.It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating space - physically and mentally - for a better way of living.

2.7 How Important is 24 Hour Postural Care? | Norma Findlay, Tierco Healthcare

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina speaks with Norma Findlay, Head of Clinical Operations at Tierco Healthcare, to explore the true importance of 24-hour postural care. Norma shares her clinical experience and insights into why posture cannot be considered in isolation, but must be supported across the full 24-hour period, from lying and sitting to transfers and personal care. The conversation highlights the risks of poor positioning over time, including the development of avoidable complications such as pressure injuries, reduced mobility and loss of independence. Together, Martina and Norma discuss how a more holistic approach to care can improve outcomes, support rehabilitation and enhance quality of life for those who require assistance with daily living. This episode offers practical guidance and thought-provoking insight for clinicians, caregivers and healthcare professionals who want to better understand how consistent, clinically led positioning can make a lasting difference.

2.6 Don't Die With the Music in You | Claire Bowes, Founding Director of Omagh Music Academy

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina speaks with Claire Bowes for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about resilience, trauma, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Claire shares her experience of losing her sight at just 15 years old following the Omagh bombing - and how, in an instant, everything changed. She reflects on the emotional and physical challenges that followed, from navigating sudden sight loss to adjusting to a completely new way of living. Through honesty and strength, Claire offers powerful insight into what it means to move forward after trauma - not without difficulty, but with determination, perspective, and resilience. The conversation also explores Claire’s journey into music, entrepreneurship, and education, as well as the role purpose and mindset have played in shaping the life she has built today. Together, this episode is a moving and thought-provoking discussion about overcoming adversity, finding strength in the hardest moments, and creating meaning beyond life’s challenges.