My Mindful Map: Journeys to Well-being

🎙️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

Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 25 Out Next Friday 29th May

> “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

🎙️ Journeys to Wellbeing: Episode 24

> “There’s no transformation in life without a transaction”… invest in yourself! So advises Breda Birmingham, who is “sensational” at 60. In this episode, I’m joined by Breda Birmingham — a former public health nurse and midwife, now working as a menopause educator, workplace wellbeing consultant, and author of Midlife Women Rock – A Menopause Story for a New Generation. Breda brings a wealth of lived experience and professional insight to the conversation, and together we explore what it really means to navigate midlife as a woman today — from physical health and menopause to identity, purpose, and the opportunity for growth in this stage of life. We Talk About: 🌿 Breda’s journey from nursing into menopause education and advocacy 🌿 Why menopause has historically been a silent or taboo topic — and why that’s changing 🌿 The Arctic Challenge experience and raising awareness for women’s heart health 🌿 The importance of movement, exercise, and lifestyle in midlife wellbeing 🌿 Reframing midlife as a time of opportunity, growth, and rediscovery 🌿 The role of mindset, stepping outside comfort zones, and building resilience 🌿 Practical “small steps” for improving health — from walking and stretching to cold water immersion 🌿 The concept of the “100-year life” and redefining ageing in today’s world Breda shares insights from her work in the menopause space, highlighting how this life stage offers a powerful opportunity to reset habits and build a strong foundation for long-term health. She also speaks about her recent experience completing the Irish Heart Foundation Arctic Challenge — raising over €100,000 for women’s heart health — and why awareness, regular health checks, and education are so important for women over 40. 🔗 Connect with Breeda * Instagram: @midlifewomenrock [https://www.instagram.com/midlifewomenrock/] * Book: "Midlife Women Rock" - A Menopause Story for a New Generation [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JMB34ZK?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnDYts4pCSt3Ywtnk9GdQKM94YGRUsQOEiVNAhnKrmjsc7V0czhrvlYqFw58I_aem_mWHjPmk5GZnwFm9D_79Bow] * Artic Challenge 2026: Irish Heart Foundation [https://fundraise.irishheart.ie/fundraisers/breedabermingham/arctic-challenge]  📚 Breeda’s Other Book Recommendations * “Your Joyful Years” by Prof Joyce Harper * “How to Age” by Liz Earle * “The 100-Year Life” by Lynda Gratton & Andrew J. Scott 🎧 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 #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth #HealthyAgeing #Mindfulness #Wellbeing