Scratching The Surface: Recent Episodes
Tara McCaughan
Just scratching the surface of all things real! I will be chatting to likeminded people whose stories and life experience I find fascinating and inspiring. In my first series I share everything that helped me through my darkest days of battling brain cancer in a worldwide pandemic. I started the podcast as a memoir for my loved ones, as a hobby and creative healer for myself, and in doing so I also hope to reach others in need of some love and light. I am very open about everything I have learned during my battle with brain cancer.. and the best bit.. I'm still learning! đ
We didnât want to be mean and go with âclimate change for dummiesâ, but as we were researching, John and I realised just how much we did not know about our own planet and habitats! The stats are shocking and heartbreaking! So much so that we began recording at the start of the year and honestly it hurt my spirit to the point Iâve had to sit on it for a while before sharing. Come along for the learning journey with us⊠after all it does affect YOU.
DiscoBeard fans- you will love to hear Garethâs back story about his other passions, hobbies, and creativity; and how the drummer became a two-piece act with singer and guitarist Ross Maguire, who was already on the local gigging scene of their shared hometown Newcastle. We hear about how the duo first met and formed their band; gigging throughout Europe and across the pond in the New York City; and how they broke into the Belfast scene with sheer confidence in their own ability and niche disco sound.It is clear to listeners that Gareth and Ross have an amazing partnership and friendship⊠Maybe we need to get Ross on next?!? đ€©In this episode, we Scratch the Surface of shifting baseline syndrome in different areas of society right now; how understanding your own unique, busy brain can support hyperfocus, raw talent, and skill; and purposely planning downtime to avoid burn out. Gareth opens up about family life, his multi-faceted artistic flair, and the exciting time he was in the movie industry!Yes, Itâs a long one, but I didnât want to cut anything out- I had such a laugh recording this episode and I definitely learned a few new things about my friend Gareth, especially his emotional side đ„°Tickets on sale now for Christmas event âA very Disco Christmasâ - contact them on their Instagram @discobeardmusicor email discobeardmusic@hotmail.com to book them for your upcoming wedding or private event.
Christina Hamilton wanted to be a teacher since she was a child- in this episode she talks us through the long journey to achieve that dream. We Scratch the Surface of reluctantly moving away from home to a city she had never heard of; extra steps that are necessary in the days of entering the working world; and the challenges of supply teaching. This episode is as much for young people considering their career path ahead, as it is for all you mumâs out there running out of fun ideas to entertain your kids. Christinaâs drive and determination has flourished to the point that she developed her own grass-roots sensory business for young children around her local glens of Antrim. Childhood experts believe that the early years are the springboard to life, so listen hear for messy-play ideas to encourage healthy brain development and autonomy in your beloved âBuzy Wee Beesâ.
Embarking on a year journey to find my inner goddess- by learning about ancient goddesses and female healers, warriors, and givers of hope all over the world that too many of us have forgotten about. Check out Sophie Bashford on instagram for some heart-felt content and free webinars that she does throughout the year. I think the women of the early womenâs rights movement would be proud to know women are still growing and their message and efforts to the point now that we want to claim back our personal power and wholeness. Women supporting women is not just a fad or a hashtag, it is deep rooted in our ancestral history and is so important for the future of currently masculine, materialistic world. We got this!
What a bubbly, inspiring chat with Ballycastle beautician Seainin McMullan, who recently opened her very own studio after years of hard work and dreaming. This conversation is sure to inspire anyone who, like me, letâs fear and self-doubt take over too often! Entrepreneur Seainin shares the highs and lows (and some hilarious memories) of her journey from leaving school to pursue a career in beauty, to opening the doors of Grace and Glamour after success in her garden cabin. We Scratch the Surface of overcoming fears; visioning your future self and creating small steps in-line with her; and how vital support from loved ones and community is for success. I just loved hearing that Seainin has created a little safe space for women to offload, to chat, to feel beautiful and feminine in their own skin. Find Seainin on Instagram at @graceandglam.beauty or on her website www.graceandglam.co.uk. She has lots of treatments as well as products for sale in her little haven on Castle Street, Ballycastle.
My heart is breaking.. I cannot sleep well.. but who am I to complain from my comfortable bed in a room filled with pointless things, with heat in the radiators and clean running water just steps away?!The absolute devastation that is going on in the world right now is too heavy for me to ignore. As an Early Childhood and Youth graduate I studied poverty, child soldiers, sweat shops, trauma and adverse childhood experiences over the years and my absolute passion and belief is that these beautiful, innocent, curious little humans just want to play, to learn, to be loved.ANYONE who agrees with the eradication of a whole people including CHILDREN AND BABIES, are obviously so hurt themselves that their heart is closed.. their logic is tampered.. and unfortunately peace is unrealistic, even impossible for them to imagine.We are living through extremely sad times for humanity right now.. Will we be watching documentaries and talking about these atrocities in years to come comparing them to the Holocaust? Will we eventually be able to safely visit the Holy lands again to marvel at even more graves? Will we walk around on a tour with head sets telling us about the horrors that are CURRENTLY going on in 2023?!I ask you to pray, to gather ANY healing, loving energy that you can muster and let it transcend to Isreal and Palestine.
EFT is my newest bow to my string ⊠and this really works! It has been scientifically proven to release negative programming in the body (subconscious mind). While creating my own modality-Behind the Rainbow, a program for all to feel like their best, bright, shiniest self, I felt there was something physical missing to go alongside the affirmative positive mind work⊠and it was EFT Tapping⊠to literally stop negative, deeply rooted patterns in their tracks. A quick run through of what it is, but please get in touch for 1:1 specifically related to your most pressing issues.. fear, phobia, social anxiety, weightâŠ. Whatever it is. My Instagram is @lifebehindtherainbow.. excited to work with you.
Brain cancer meets Breast Cancer and we have an absolute hoot!This episode Scratches the Surface of Katrinaâs journey from folk music to choir to gigging with the guitar; her journey from being a carer to having a nursing career that she workâs around her music; and ofcourse we compare the ups and downs of our cancer stories. Despite loss, grief, and mental health battles, Katrina has such a positive outlook on life, which she tells us was instilled by the strong women around her. Katrina talks openly about breast cancer; the understandable worry about coming off hormone treatment; and she shares with listeners how to thoroughly âcop a feelâ. A quick online search will bring up lots of helpful images to help you check your breasts, and Katrina advises you can get a visual shower hangers to help.Follow Katrina and her music on @katrinaturnermusic where you can book her for your special occasions in life.
Noeleen and I had so much fun recording this one! The most talented costume artist around, with an infectious laugh and big open heart. We Scratch the Surface of Noeleen's journey from shy schoolgirl to TikTok phenomenon, being invited onto TV shows, nominated for awards, and being offered really exciting collaborations with big brands. We didn't even plan it, but we ended the podcast by opening up about our personal mental health- Noeleen is so brave in sharing her experience of Post Natal Depression and wants to help break the stigma for struggling mums.We hope you enjoy and gain something from listening to our open chat. #itsokaynottobeokay If you aren't already, you can follow Noeleen on many platforms noeleenmakeupandbeauty
A short brain dump today as I process big changes in my life and consider my holistic healing journey. If we are to find balance, equilibrium we must nurture all parts of ourself. If life is busy and stressful with lots of responsibilities, it is important we don't lose ourselves and our health chasing our tail. Sending big hugs and love to all who needed to hear it đ#itsokaynottobeokay
Maria is so knowledgeable about the body and what it needs- you are sure to take away many little nuggets of wisdom from this episode. We Scratch the Surface of rebalancing the body back to equilibrium; toxic load; and gut health. Maria and I connected on our acne journeys which will resonate with a lot of my listeners. Give Maria a follow at @mariamooneyhealth or check out her website www.mariamooneyhealth.com
Conor tells me all about his love for the uilleann pipes and tradition Irish music; his journey of finding the right instrument for him and the amount of practice it requires; and the amazing achievements so far. Absolutely loved diving into Conorâs passion, talking about tours and upcoming plans, and I especially loved how he talks about creating his music. Yes I got very emotional throughout the episode as we scratched the surface of how powerful and healing music can be. I am a huge advocate for EVERYONE living a life they love, rather than for material things- recording this podcast episode gave me so many chills and so much inspiration! Check out Conorâs album Unearthed if you havenât already, and be sure to vote for the Northern Ireland Music Prize, share and give him a follow @conor_mallon01. Thank you Conor, you absolute gent.
We dive into the mindset of young people still figuring out an uncertain future, through my very insightful eighteen year old sister. We discuss the pressures of trying to 'fit in' while simultaneously figuring yourself out. We agree that exploring, travelling, and experiencing diversity is ideal for development and personal growth.ErĂnn opens up about transitioning from primary school to secondary; comparison culture; and her struggles with body image.We connect on a shared worry about the state of the environment and the state of education- how frustrating it is that many people are ignorant, actually harmful.This episode is for adults and young people alike to become more aware of their actions and choices- just be kind, you never know what others are going through.Please feel free to message me on Instagram if you want some support around any triggers that may have come up for you in this episode.
I say 'wavy' to describe my wellbeing, mood, mental health, life since I last published an episode. I had some incredible experiences, beautiful moments, and was surrounded by people I love dearly and I know love me back... But one of the hardest things about mental health is that when you are anywhere off-balance, away from equilibrium in your body and mind, even the most gorgeous day to be eternally grateful for, feels like a blur and not real. Summer was busy with plans, lots of long car journeys, lots of time creating on screens (sore head incoming), not enough rest and restore time. But I'm back, I always honour my health before diving back into projects like podcasting. If I wasn't doing it myself, what kind of a wellness podcast host would I be?I'm here to ask what inspires you? What would you like to see do better in the world? https://youtu.be/tLrG-QjH2Gs?si=IcfofTXjvUBS7zZ6 for my youtube meditation.. it's not even 7mins I told a big fat lie in the episode saying to was over 8minutes!Get belly breathing and meditating- here we go Autumn season!As always, feel free to get in touch on my Instagram Scratching the Surface.
It has been said that when you feel Triggered by someone or something they say, itâs actually a mirror for something you need to look at in your life. Waow I used to get soo triggered! I literally couldnât help it because my body was in a stress response and my nervous system and hormones were so out of whack. Now I take the âcuriousâ approach (very much a work in progress), and try my best to do a little self-inquiry before bursting like Loony Tunes Tasmanian devil.
I had a lot of thinking time lying in my sick bed for months on end, mulling over what really matters in this short life, what brings me joy and accomplishment, and what I need to cultivate and bring into my life moving forward in order to feel whole, complete, PURPOSE. Please donât do what I did and wait for a terminal cancer diagnosis to be your reason for getting curious, dreaming a little bigger, and going after all the amazing opportunities that might bring you more happiness than you can currently imagine. Dharma is described in early eastern texts as laws that bring order to a universe that would otherwise be in chaos- everyone is born with individual gifts; are shaped by situation; are shaped by personal needs; and are shaped by the needs of others, to whom we are all connected. You choose your happy. Please feel free to contact me on Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow
A few shout outs to local friends and old storytellers as Kevin McGowan shares his passion of Irish history and mythology. We Scratch the Surface of working in tourism, funding cuts, and collaboration, as Kevin gives us an insight into the reality of starting his own small business âNine Glens Adventure Toursâ based on his passion. Some great storytelling, facts about the local wildlife, and Kevin even shares his intel on projects and employment opportunities coming up on Rathlin Island. If you have decided you would like to get back to nature and our ancestral roots like us âspiritual folkâ, this episode is sprinkled with subtle ways you can begin to ease away from modern societal norms. Kevin and the Team at Nine Glens Adventure Tours can be found on Facebook, Instagram and on their website.
I am a tiny bit obsessed with energy! I hope to instill abit of that enthusiasm into my listeners as it affects us all! The only reason we are here, that life is possible on earth, is because of the sun's energy. I'm no scientist and I just want to share my experience of healing energy that has got me to this point. All the learnings and teachings about earth energy, balanced masculine and feminine energy (every human is only here as a result of a man and a woman sharing their DNA remember?), atmospheric energy, and protecting yourself from other people's negative energy. As always, feel free to contact me on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow. Big love and healing hugs đ€
It is only when we know better that we can do better- and I do bloody know better! Yet I still find myself needing little treats. I still slip into toxic stress and go on that loop of berating myself as a result. But I am now hyper aware of these decisions, consequences, and really strive to find the balance in nurturing my body as a whole, while allowing myself the bloody dessert sometimes if itâs going to make me happy dance in my seat. (Stephen says itâs one of funny/cute/quirky things that he loves about me- the âthis food is so delicious it makes me giddy and need to dance In appreciationâ dance đ) Dis- ease over a long time, eventually causes disease in the body. My toxic stress, not listening to or honouring my body, and never taking self care seriously, caused me to develop the most deadly and incurable type of brain cancer at age 28- Please let my words sink in, I donât want to scare anyone but this life is too damn precious to spend a couple of your years really, really sick! â€ïžâđ©č I share my little titbits that are getting me through- What are yours? Let me know on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow
Taraâs Tao - Just me and my thoughts, shared with you, my lovely listeners. I really hope to share my experience, strength and positive view on healing, listening to and then tuning in to answer your OWN BODY, can empower you to shift your mindset to CURIOSITY, GROWTH, HOPE, HEALING. Iâm just an ordinary girl with an unordinary diagnosis and prognosis for my age- I want you to live a full, joyous life with minimal fear, and taking exciting risks. Life is for living, so we need to get open and honest about our health, our communication, our mind, our desires⊠Please feel free to contact me on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow
Local man Andy Lofthouse encourages listeners to live out their dreams while they are young and able. This episode Scratches the Surface of becoming a high-level ski instructor in a matter of years, and choosing an alternative lifestyle of joy, fun and adventure in the great outdoors. I've been excited to record this episode since joining Andy on in his white water rafting excursion last summer in Jasper, Canada. I'm in awe of anyone who is brave enough to choose a lifelong passion over the rat race of life, even if just for a few years.
I have an absolute hoot with my talented, hard-working, inspiring, conscious friend Cliona Gormley, an Environmentalist with global experience. In this open, informative, truth-sharing chat, we Scratch the Surface of renewable energy, the climate crisis, and the importance of striving for your goals. Cliona is a dear friend of mine, over the years Iâve been blessed to learn about some of her wind and solar projects as they were going on; the real struggles and setbacks of working in the industry; and the âred tapeâ that gets both of us riled up as we put the worldâs to right on our regular catch-up walks or deep sofa chats. My intention is to invite my listeners along for the learning and awareness; the reality of OUR shared situation; how hard some people are working for ALL OUR BENEFIT; and ultimately hope. I hope this episode inspires you to be a little more aware and conscious in your daily life in regards to the environment, especially your energy consumption- this crisis cannot be tamed by Cliona Gormley and David Attenborough alone.
Local woman Ciara McLaughlin is very open and honest about having many times of dark thoughts and depression throughout her life as she faced with many traumatic events. We Scratch the Surface of Ciaraâs late father having a serious accident in her early life, which paved the way for âfeeling differentâ, âisolatedâ, and unfortunately bullying. Ciara very bravely tells us about the lead up to her shock in discovering she had Myotonic Dystrophy and Autism, when she was actually a carer herself. Ciara hopes to spread awareness and light especially with her newfound passion of poetry, and I think through this podcast she does just that- Very Brave!
I connected with Lovely Ciara from Wee Care Packages after a mutual friend sent me her page on Instagram just in time for Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Although we have been diagnosed with different types of terminal brain cancer, our story and journey over recent years has been freaky similar! It was so cathartic and humbling to have this open conversation with someone who really gets it.. Ciara and I are the same age; we both have big dreams for our future; we love travel and know we are blessed to have had the experiences thus far; but most importantly, we are both positive, bubbly, and able to find the hilarity in our dire situation. In this episode we Scratch the Surface of enduring gruelling cancer treatment during the 2020 pandemic; the felt power and healing from the support from others; and how our amazing men got way more than bargained for when they decided to stick with us through this hellish time (Disclaimer: we may get too honest and graphic for the faint hearted*). We end the episode with Ciara telling us about her amazing little passion venture of creating inspired, thoughtful @weecarepackages with everything you would ever need to get through a cancer diagnosis. Ciara has thought of it all, she now offers general care packs and has branched out to serve specific annual occasions such as Mothers and Fathers Day. Be sure to give her a follow on Facebook and/or instagram.
Joanna OâNeill is sure to brighten your day- she openly tells us her story of trials and tribulations throughout adulthood life since we met in school. We Scratch the Surface of living in the countryside; our mumâs diagnosis of MS; and overcoming self-doubt. I was interested to know if Joanna still had a big passion for singing and drama, and to learn about The Young Farmers Community, in which Joanna is now a leader in. We laughed and bounced off each other throughout the episode, as Joanna shares her vulnerability and hilarious stories.
This was live on Instagram, and the recording is on my grid @lifebehindtherainbow for better sound recording.I chat with the lovely Shannon Traphagen, host of Game on Glio podcast, who lost her lovely husband to this deadly, incurable disease Glioblastoma that I was diagnosed with in 2020. Shannon feels like supporting awareness, fundraising, and research in the field is her life purpose- it was so humbling to hear how raw, open and authentically she speaks about something so painful for her.We just Scratch the Surface of the reality of Brain Cancer, what it is really like to be a carer for a loved one, and how nature truly can be a healer.You can listen to Shannonâs podcast Game on Glio on any major platform, and she is on Instagram and has a website TheGameonGliopodcast with recent stories and upcoming news. If you are in the U.S, Shannon organises Traphagenâs Trail Ride 4 brain cancer. Any support will go towards finding a cure for this currently terminal diagnosis.
Joanâs life story of many upâs and downâs is captured here in an open, lighthearted chat. I bet you can feel the positivity oozing from Joanâs bubbly voice as we Scratch the Surface of growing up with eleven siblings; nursing in Iran when war broke out; losing her beloved husband; and overcoming a terrifying home break-in. You wonât want this one to end! If you are in or around Ballycastle area, be sure to pre-book into Joanâs beauty salon âVanityâ, right in the centre of our beachside town, where she offers an array of treatments, a bit of craic, and makes you feel very comfortable.
Brianna is an inspiration for anyone struggling with cravings; their relationship with food; or body image. We Scratch the Surface of getting in tune with our body, our hormones, and the root cause of âfeeling stuckâ. Brianna is very open about her personal story of transformation, which is now helping so many others. You can find Brianna on Instagram @brianna.mcateer.coaching, where you will also find links to her upcoming events, courses, and how to become a client. ENJOY!
This episode concludes my three-part re-introduction to âScratching the Surface of the life behind the podcasterâ. I couldnât have done it without the talented and very patient John Ralph encouraging me to go into more detail. This episode deep-dives into my cancer journey, with some potentially triggering content, but we try to keep it lighthearted. We conclude the episode with my hopes and aspirations for the future, and a unanimous agreement that Noah and Allie in The Notebook really does depict the âReal Dealâ of love; which you could compare with Stephenâs unwavering strength, care and love at the beginning of this episode. It took me a few weeks to release as I had to process and âbe okâ with such vulnerability and âbaring allâ. Serendipity has it that I have released this out to the ether, the collective, to YOU on the exact week of the third anniversary since Stephen and I sat in the Royal Hospital oncology ward receiving my diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, with the prognosis of sixteen months IF I agreed to gruelling treatment. This is a message of hope, a message of awakening. If you have been affected by this heavy content, I would be honoured to chat with you. Please feel free to contact me on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow or my Facebook page @weerainbowoils. I have created a short program for overcoming, growth, and gaining more awareness of self, and I would love to work with you. Take care, lots of love, Tara xo
We continue to Scratch the Surface of religion in Ireland, which leads onto an open discussion about the Troubles, spirituality, and my belief in angels. In this episode I share my personal experience of loss, coping with mumâs MS diagnosis, mental health, concluding with another cliffhanger as I link these early-adulthood events to my almost-fatal delayed diagnosis of cancer.Trigger warningPlease feel free to reach out to me @lifebehindtherainbow on Instagram if you would like to discuss any of the issues covered in this episode. Lots of love, Tara xo
A very warm welcome back to Scratching the Surface, where I like to keep things real and authentic. Iâve been M.I.A for a while as I was moving house, travelling, and figuring out my next steps in life. I thought it was appropriate to reintroduce myself, and my lovely, talented friend John suggested he interviews me in order to squeeze everything out of my conscious that listeners might want to know⊠and definitely some little secret gems that will surprise you about this voice behind Scratching the Surface. We had so much fun recording this from across the Atlantic to each other. John asks all the right questions in such a sensitive way to encourage me to be vulnerable, open, and really get the crux of âlittle Taraâ. Part one reveals my childhood experiences.. the good and the bad (mostly good!) Which now as an Early Childhood with Youthwork Graduate, I know is the springboard to the rest of your life. Part two dives deep into my turbulent teens which led to some poor choices in early adulthood. Part three shares what I learned (and am still always learning) from surviving terminal brain cancer beyond the prognosis I was given in 2020. Thanks for the support and love, If anything I talk about on my podcast resonates with you or sparks something in you, please reach out on my Instagram @lifebehindtherainbow , Tara xo
An old school friend, Owen Turner, informs us about the amazing voluntary work of First Responders in our local Moyle area. We just scratch the surface of the training they complete with N.I.A.S, the fatal calls they receive, the community spirit, and how vital this service is, especially in rural areas. The message of âGiving backâ, âlearning something newâ, âbeing able to helpâ, emanates living a purposeful human experience and I think all of us can take some inspiration from Owen (and âlovely Jamesâ the founder). If you enjoyed this episode, Please follow on Facebook and donate to this much needed charity⊠you might save a life.
I love talking to Yan, a Cancer Health Coach from Singapore (@therealyanhuang)- it feels so resonating. Although I have been given a terminal prognosis by my oncology team, talking with Yan, a fifteen year survivor, makes me feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. Yan talks about 'pillars' to health referring to her 'toolkit for wellbeing', which translates for me to into the seven steps to getting behind that rainbow (@lifebehindtherainbow incase you don't know what I am on about). Together, we Scratch the Surface of past relationships and trauma, nourishing our bodies, and transformation that is inevitable after harsh cancer treatment rules your life for a matter of months. Yan compares Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western treatment, and like me, used both alongside each other. There is a lot to be said for natural, ancient practices- they would have died out otherwise.
We are planning to do a series of short, informative videos together about optimum health and wellbeing on instagram soon, so keep up to date on our pages.
Feel free to connect with both of us on instagram, and if you have cancer or are a survivor, I am sure Yan would love you to be involved in her research.
John Ralph is here with me to Scratch the Surface of Vancouver living; being part of the LGBTQI+ global community; changing careers by using transferable skills; working in âHollywood Northâ Film Industry; and sharing some foresight into his upcoming podcast content. John is one of those friends that I donât see often, but when I do we pick up exactly where we left off- his voice and mannerisms are so welcoming and warming âlike a hugâ. John and I are here to tell you, it is never too late to try something new. Thank you John, a kindred spirit, for being so open and sharing so many intricate parts of your exciting life with us. People like you are teaching the world to be open, liberal, true to themselves. In Johnâs own words talking about working in the film industry: âIt got my blood, sweat and tears.. but no regrets.. Change can be daunting.. but thatâs ok.. itâs a bit addictive.. Just go do it!â Johnâs Podcast The Irish Crimes can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Shauna Corr, who currently works in the corporate world, found a passion for holistic healing when her baby daughter was very unsettled and she started to seek alternatives to lifetime medication. Shauna has been a qualified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner for seven years and hopes to share this simple, clinically proven, non-invasive well-being tool with the masses. I for one am a huge fan! Listen to us Scratch the Surface of the science and studies behind EFT; my recent session with Shauna in which I released so much past emotional baggage that I cried; and how it really can work for all ages from young children bickering on the street to grown men just home from war. We had a few technical issues, so excuse a few mini glitches (I blame the powerful energetic shift that occurred last week!) If you would like to get in touch with Shauna for a clarity call about anything from low confidence, goal-setting, and money blocks, to releasing past trauma and long-held negative beliefs, Shauna believes that EFT Tapping âallows people to shineâ. Email: shauna@tappingintosuccess.co.uk or check out her very positive Instagram: @tappingintosuccess
Deirdre Maguire is one of greatest teachers, as when I first heard her on a podcast while on chemotherapy, my ears pricked up and I resonated so much with her heart-wrenching story. I have followed her inspiring videos and stories on instagram @deirdre.maguire, watched youtube 'Deirdre Maguire' for healing techniques, and listen to her therapy sessions on U105 radio. Today I had the honour of chatting to Deirdre about her journey through life, reasons to be happy, positive language (especially when talking to yourself!), and how cold water therapy has changed her life. Deirdre is bubbly, laidback, and totally living in her truth. The proof is in the pudding- if myself and Deirdre can keep ourselves well and excited for life after everything we have been through, YOU CAN DO IT TOO. We literally Scratch the Surface of how we are not only surviving, but thriving- a great excuse to connect with this beautiful, wise woman again.
Love and Light to you all!
(Video call recorded on Zoom)
Lauren, on Instagram as @laurensaramc, is sure to inspire listeners to try something new, to never give up, and to listen intuitively to your own body. We Scratch the Surface of competitive power-lifting; the ups and downs of dedicated training; the equality found in this sport; and how finding purpose and confidence in a chosen hobby really can start a ripple effect for everything else in your life. Follow Laurenâs journey on her Instagram to be inspired, and for her uplifting, motivational, REAL-TALK reels.
Simon Byrne, an engineer by trade, found a passion for good, quality coffee when living in Australia. He shares with me how a fun, personal challenge of âSomething New for Fifty-Twoâ became his current successful coffee business. We Scratch the Surface of starting a brand new business as a couple in lockdown, the ups and downs that cannot be predicted, and the power of community support. Simon will inspire you to try new things, to GO FOR IT if you have a passion, and maybe even to travel in Australia. Check him out on Instagram @oz.std.coffee or find him on the Drones Road for the best coffee on the North Coast.
A beautiful, raw, emotional, real-talk, informative, and sooo bubbly and warm conversation with the fabulous Grainne Ashe. What a woman for one woman! Grainne talks about her life as a mum of three, two of which have Autism. Somehow in her already super-busy life, Grainne started up a camp for kids with Autism here in Northern Ireland @adamscampni , seeing the AMAZING benefit and progress her beautiful wee Rose gained at @adamscampcolorado over in the States one summer. I am sooo blessed to have had the opportunity to record this, we had such a lovely morning catching up- THANK YOU GRAINNE, you will never know how vital your âtrail blazingâ might be for another struggling mum starting out on their journey. We Scratch the Surface of respite, multi-disciplinary therapy, being present, and how an autism diagnosis affects the family as a whole. Find amazing resources and videos on Adamâs Map NI Facebook page. Here is the link for the documentary as promised by Grainne: https://www.dropbox.com/s/utrp8hh65ms5x8f/NIGZ373W_01_INSIDE_AUTISM.mp4?dl=0
Samara is on a mission to empower people GLOBALLY to be their authentic, vibrant, confident self- which she instils in her clients as their âfuture selfâ. We Scratch the Surface of dressing intuitively; dressing for your mood; dressing for the season; colour psychology; and EVOLVING after even the hardest of times. Samara has some tips for minimalising your wardrobe; she will inspire you to dress with intention for your current lifestyle: being functional, practical, yet never stagnant. I hope that listening to Samara will help you gain consciousness that your image really can convey your personal identity to the world. Find her on Instagram @evolvebysamara
Yvonne Smyth @thisparentingadventure is a ray of refreshing sunshine for all parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare workers. You will hear our genuine joy to connect and share our vision for a different narrative for our children- the adults of tomorrow. Yvonne, a parent of two teenage boys, takes us on her very honest journey from "Motherhood as Martyrdom" to Conscious Parenting with mutual respect, open communication, and genuine love and fun at the heart of her relationships. We Scratch the Surface of the shift away from discipline, anger, hierarchy, recycled trauma and bad habits as Yvonne shares great little tips and information for parents, teachers and anyone working with children and teens. Yvonne has been inspired by Dr Shefali and Dr Gabor Maté, who are at the forefront of relevant childhood psychology studies. Don't forget to check out Yvonne's page if you feel in a funk and need some inspiration to dance, move, or free the tension that our close relationships WILL bring up.
Ciara Oâ Malley, author of âMiracles appear when Loved Ones are Nearâ; Qualified Reiki Healer and Spiritual Guide; and Host of Mind.Less.Full podcast, shares her heart-breaking experience of losing her love in a drowning accident while living abroad. Ciara outlines how she turned her pain and suffering into surrendering and trusting in something much bigger by going on a spiritual journey of wellness, healing, and discovering her Angel Guides. We Scratch the Surface of manifesting, releasing fears, triggers, and the importance of self-love. Listeners are sure to learn something for their own personal growth and journey in this life. So much Love and Light from Ciara and myself. âWe are such powerful beings".
I chat with Sarah AKA @farmgirlgoesvegan about her journey from growing up on a dairy farm which goes back generations in the family, to actively advocating and educating on the topic of Veganism from watching the shocking Documentary 'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret'. We Scratch the Surface of tasty alternatives; vegan-cooking essentials; doing a vegan Christmas dinner for the whole family, and the truth about protein, soy, and getting enough B12. Sarah firmly believes eating cows and pigs is the same as eating cats and dogs, explaining the cognitive dissonance that has culturally evolved in Western society. I really hope this conversation is educational for listeners and might encourage thought and curiosity about the food and agricultural industry in order to make informed decisions about health, animal welfare, and thus, our Planet. You can check out Sarah's Instagram for fun educational videos and links to her resources. Excitingly, she will be a guest at Vegan Life Live event in London on 11th June 2022. Shout out to Jacob @Pengveganmunch and @earthlinged for sharing relevant, inspiring content.
CaolĂĄn McCaughan, the brains in our family, is working as an ecologist and is as clued in about the climate crisis as he is about the local farming crisis. We Scratch the Surface of his relevant higher education, his Hedgehog project, his knowledge on making farms more wildlife friendly. Farmers are at a âcrunch pointâ, having to make changes to lower their carbon footprint, so CaolĂĄn explains how his work with Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) educates and supports positive change for all. He highlights the necessity for EVERYONE who owns land, not just our farmers, to be more mindful of wildlife, small ecosystems, biodiversity, and letting their little private patch of Earth go a bit wild sometimes to do their bit for the wider planet. You will learn what a âpurple hatched areasâ is; why hedgerows are so important; and about some of the native species we could encourage into our own gardens. For any farmers listening, you can check out Nature Friendly Farming Network at nffn.org.uk, which is UK-wide. Books that I have read and recommend are: Nature in your Own Back Yard, Feral, Natureâs Best Hope, The Uninhabitable Earth.
Barrie, my old housemate, talks openly and honestly with me about his longterm battle with depression. Barrie is comfortable talking about mental health, as it was never a taboo topic in his family, instilled with the belief "being open about your emotions is actually a strength". Trigger warning: We Scratch the Surface of men's mental health, inter-generational stigma, and suicide. We discuss what we have learned from our experience of mental health, knowing that "life doesn't always pan out", but "there is always a glimmer of hope... that one day it could be better". I'm super proud to hear how well Barrie is doing right now, happiest he has been in years, in love, comfortable, feeling fulfilled. We both hope this episode reaches those who need it most... Love and Light to you all.
I have a chat with Monica Curran, my real-life angel, who I was blessed to have working on the ward when I went in for a cranionomy, removing a cancerous brain tumour the size of a golf ball from my brain in April 2020. We just Scratch the Surface of the reality of Monica's nine year career as a neuro-nurse in the biggest, busiest hospital in Northern Ireland. Monica shares with us how she had to separate her knowledge and experience of my life-threatening illness from our friendship, knowing that every patient is unique, and that I am a fighter. I hope we can shed some light on awareness of brain tumours and particularly Glioblastoma, which is still very much a terminal diagnosis. Together we hope to reinforce the importance of a positive mindset and allowing yourself to process, in the face of illness.
We hope to make you feel like you are sat in the room with us- a raw, impromptu, open, anything-goes, chat during one of my many visits down home for a dose of home comfort. My mum was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis back in 2009 when I had just started University in England. We Scratch the Surface of life over the years: the many ups and downs; the degeneration that is certain with this horrible disease; and the impact that has on mental health. We mention the pivotal life-changing Overcoming MS program that we found years too late, but don't go too deep into the seven steps as they were already discussed in detail by OMS nutritionist Sam Joseph's in an earlier podcast episode (check it out for optimum lifestyle for ALL). Although having very limited mobility, being fulltime in a wheelchair for many years now, Mum is defying all odds and has an obvious fire in her belly for keeping going. She shares some of her hopes and dreams for future, gets nostalgic about fun in the past, and talks fondly of friends she has made through the local MS centre with others in the exact same situation. Bonus feature at the end of live footage from Mum and her home-carers (her "little angels") as they banter back and forth- an absolute blessing that we are so privileged to have in this country.
Natasha Majella, from Ballycastle (my hometown) wrote and self-published the childrenâs book âThe Magical Merchaunâs- The Great Escapeâ from Sydney, Australia, with her faraway niece and nephew in mind. In this episode we scratch the surface of how Natashaâs imagination and vision of Toothy-Joe the nasty pirate and Mariella the queen of the sea became a top selling storybook on Amazon within months. Natasha reveals how she created her story, plot, and characters of âMagical Merchaunâsâ and her upcoming novel âThe Wheel of Failureâ. Natasha is an inspirational go-getter who tells her story of transformation from a shy, nervous teenager to an ambitious, motivated solo-traveller, Master of Law, and a clearly talented creator. This conversation is sure to have you rethink your evenings âvegging outâ in front of the TV⊠Enjoy!
I get the lowdown on Iceland from my friend Lizzie, who has been to this âmajesticâ, âchilled outâ, âstunningâ place twice now. We scratch the surface of activities, trips and natural phenomena to discover, and Liz shares a few anecdotes about accidentally taking her daughter into a phallic museum and finding her hubby Gareth (aka drummer of local band The Discobeardâs) dobbleganger in the Viking museum. I was excited to hear about this eco-friendly country; filming sites for Game of Thrones; the dire history of why so many Native Icelanderâs have Irish heritage; and to learn about disability access for the main outdoor attractions. This cosy chat over a gin and sleeping dogs, has a good message that we can all learn from: to make the most of what we have in the moment. Cannot wait to get myself to Iceland now!! Enjoy! (Check out @coastaljewelsni on Instagram, and her hubbyâs band @discobeardmusic)
I reminisce about our dreamy road trip around South Greece- the detailed itinerary that we completely winged as we drove. I scratch the surface of what we got upto day by day, including some totally unnecessary details. I am honest about how I managed to cope with such a busy trip by taking lots of rest among the parties, hikes, exploring, long drives, and excitement, but I hope to inspire those with a life-limiting diagnosis like myself to use their intuition and still enjoy the things they love! I was struggling to remember everything (thanks to said illness affecting my brain function), so I somehow roped Stephen, my favourite travel partner and biggest motivator, into joining me for the last half hour to keep me right- what a treat!
Listen in to be inspired by solo-global-traveller Elizabeth Murphy as we Scratch the Surface of nannying and studying abroad; the societal pressures of today that can be eased by simple conversation, kindness, and valuing yourself enough to follow your own desires; and her amazing, interesting, trauma-informed work as a Drama Therapist. I could talk to Elizabeth all day about her Masters, groundbreaking work, continual learning, and attitude for living life to the full! I know you will be enthralled by her energy and passion to change the world- Enjoy! _âWe all have dreams. For some of us we are afraid to pursue those dreams. Sometimes life is about taking risks, itâs about believing in yourself. Itâs about believing that you have strength to do what you have dreamt of doing and letting nothing stop you. Those moments of laughter, tears, heart breaks, falling in love, falling out of love, dreaming. Those are the best momentsâ (Elizabeth Murphy)
I chat with Lisa and Katherine about something Iâve been literally dipping a toe in for a while now. We just scratch the surface of the healing benefits of dipping in freezing water no matter if it is the sea, a lake or a waterfall; the love for the whole experience of going to the beach, psyching themselves up before going in and the exhilarating feeling after coming out; and the absolute necessity for considering safety.
Tune in to hear Julie, as a Historian, compare her trips within Europe to holidays in America. We scratch the surface of our mini-break together to Krakow, and Julie has some history tips for East Coast America cities. This episode is sure to have you craving a little magical trip to DISNEY! I know I sure am!
I thoroughly enjoyed recording this episode with Amy, an old friend from Liverpool, as you can hear from the multiple times I cannot speak for laughing! It was so refreshing to look back on fun, life-changing, mind-opening experiences, especially to Scratch the Surface of just how much growth, learning, and cultural awareness we both gained in our shared Eastern experience. We discuss the impact of grasping once-in-a-lifetime opportunities when they arise; how much effort we put into fundraising for our trip to India; our experiences of different orphanages, tribal schools, slums, busy cities, and jungle huts; and share some hilarious stories about food, animals, toilets, and our big culture shock at the differing social norms in India.
Brona Alexander, from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, is one authentic, mindful, inspiring lady for young women. In an exciting chat about travels, volunteering, and working abroad, Brona opens up about coming out in her early twenties; transitioning to veganism; how she keeps her anxiety in check; and how she found and uses her gut instinct no matter how difficult the decision is. We just Scratch the Surface of life in the Caribbean, her studies in tropical medicine (which I found fascinating!), and her ability to âFeel the Fear and do it anywayâ! Itâs a long one because I just couldnât cut any of Bronaâs powerful insight⊠Enjoy!
Starting off the new year and podcast chats with my favourite topic- TRAVELLING THE WORLD! I scratch the surface of a once-in-a-lifetime, dream trip to Africa with my good friend Laura Farren. Hear us chat about the beautiful people, views, activities, and culture that can only be experienced in Africa. All I can say is WOW! When is South Africa out of the Red List âtil I Hakuna Matata my way over there?!
Hello lovely people, I've missed you! I really enjoy this little hobby of podcasting and talking about all the things I find meaningful in life. Welcome to 2022, and my new format of EVERYTHING GOES! As you will hear in this episode, I'm not one for sticking to the beaten path, so same goes for a structured, perfect creation.. A bit like my perfectly imperfect self, personality and life... Scratching the Surface Podcast is something I do FOR ME and keeping my damaged brain ticking, remembering, learning, healing; as much as I hope my listener's enjoy, learn, be inspired, interact, and spread the love and light. I start the series off with an as brief-as-I-could rundown of my travels and adventures, with some anecdotes, truths, laughs, should-be-regrets, and hopefully a bit of inspiration for those who are sitting on the adventure-fence dithering if they could spread their wings, be brave, conquer fears and hesitations, try something new, LEARN so much about others, another place or way of life, and ultimately learn SO much about themselves. Love and Light to you all. Thank you for being here! Tara XO
Just an inspired, hopeful Irish girl Scratching the Surface of what I am learning on my brain cancer journey. Thanks for all your support, I aim to spread some inspiration, hope (and a few giggles). See you all for an exciting change up in Season Two. Love and Light to you all, Tara.
For the finale episode of the Holistic Healing Series, I chat with OMS (OvercomingMS) Nutritionist Sam Josephs. We scratch the surface of the seven-step recovery program, which I believe is the optimum lifestyle for ALL, not just those with an autoimmune disease. Sam reinforces the importance of exercise, getting outdoors in the sunshine, minding our mind, and she is a fountain of knowledge on all things diet and nutrition. Sam, founder of Nutritionista, and family-member to someone with chronic illness; is the perfect guest to inspire and motivate achievable lifestyle change. Find out more about this FREE, evidence-based recovery program at overcomingms.org or on Instagram @overcomingms . I have created a fundraiser for Overcoming MS charity as a thank you, please donate from my Instagram or Facebook, THANK YOU!
Claire is a fountain of knowledge in so many areas! Listen to us just scratching the surface of a holistic lifestyle: fitness, treatments, recovery, diet, self worth, boundaries and striving for overall wellbeing. Claire is so positive and inspiring, despite a difficult past. Her laugh alone will have you smiling.
I talk with the lovely Dora Sek about how yoga transformed her anxious mind, and therefore her life. Dora is very open about her life journey which led her across the continent and to take the leap in starting her own yoga instructing business. Dora shares her expertise on different types of yoga, and encourages everyone to find some peace of mind through the practice of Yoga Nidra. We discuss how movement and yoga can be practiced by everyone, no matter their ability, health conditions, or disability.
Continuing my quest to discover alternative healing, I chat with Susan OâBrien from @tutusgarden about some of her hobbies and passions. This star girl has an infectious zest for life; and listening to her personal experience of connecting with the world around her is sure to inspire others. We scratch the surface of how to flip the narrative on the current climate crisis, the benefits of connecting with nature, and we get some insight into gardening for beginners. Susan encourages us all to start noticing and experiencing all that life has to offer in order to feel connected- she describes beautifully how simple everyday encounters can change your mindset for the better.
I chat with an old friend Aaron Kelly, who is a counsellor in Edinburgh and a member of the pastoral care team at Edinburgh University. To date, I have spoken to professionals working with adults, children, teenagers- join me as I continue my series on exploring mental health. I scratch the surface of how our student population are coping with these uncertain times. Aaron is very forward thinking and passionate about supporting students and others, with a breadth of knowledge and insight into psychology and a better way of supporting those who are struggling. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Aaronâs views about how we could move towards more efficient and accessible mental health services for those who truly need them, along with his tips on how we can start to âchange the narrativeâ and begin to heal ourselves in these uncertain times.
I chat with two past colleagues about how teenagers in our society are coping with the effects of the pandemic, and why mental health is on the increase. I just scratch the surface with Sophia and Val (family support workers in Northern Ireland), about what I class as much a pandemic as Covid-19... YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.
I chat with Jade McCormick from Jadeâs Holisticâs and Skin Care about massage, skin analysing, self-care, and beautiful treatments that are becoming ever more popular now that lockdown restrictions are lifting and people are becoming more aware of the need to mind their mental health. We scratch the surface of pregnancy treatments and men finally starting to check in with their holistic wellbeing.
For the third episode in my holistic healing series, I strip it back to where my interest and passion in Holisticâs began- on Jenny Morrisâ reflexology bed! We discuss the benefits of reflexology from prenatal right through to elderly, and all in between. Jenny is so knowledgeable and open, I know her light will reach each and every listener.
Welcome to the second episode in my holistic healing series! I chat with Leigh Telford about all things âwoo wooâ that we ALL have the ability to tap into for our own well-being journey. I see Leigh as my mentor for understanding all parts of myself and not just focusing on the physical body. We scratch the surface of self-care; energy transfer; balancing our individual masculine and feminine energy (yes we all have both!); nurturing your inner child (yes, again, we all have one); and the rise of women who are finally allowed to reveal all parts of them in our modern society.
I chat with my teacher pals Fran and MaryJane about the reality of teaching in these uncertain times. We discuss the pros and cons of the recent lockdown(s!!!) We address the impact the pandemic has had on education and the mental health of our tiny loved ones. We share our vision of a better society for all children (the adults of tomorrow)!
Welcome to the first episode in my Holistic Healing series, which I will be releasing alongside my conversations on all things real and current. I think it is so necessary right now as we slowly come out of lockdown. I chat with Christine Russell from @essentialsisters, my doTERRA essential oil mentor, all about why and how these oils really are the best! We scratch the surface of our individual holistic wellbeing journeys in the hope that others will gain some insight and be inspired to try something new and empowering themselves. These essential oils are my daily tool in combating brain cancer, anxiety, hormones (etc etc etc) which Christine helps to break down the science of.
I talk with Julie Mulvaney, Master of History, all things real about our past, our ancestors, and the troubles that they faced (no pun intended). Julie, founder of @helpfulhistories gives us an insight to the reality of mental health throughout history, the common beliefs that were held, and gruesome treatments that were carried out until not that long ago! We discuss Royals; the treatment of women; and The Troubles here in Northern Ireland; making the connection to inter-generational mental health, that is so prevalent today. Julie shares her story and personal experiences, and I just know that for anyone who may be struggling right now she will be the voice of reason and acceptance you have needed to hear.
I chat with Jack Sheehan, an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist about the reality of lockdown and isolation, which we all know too well. Jack gives good insight into the psychology of our fluctuating moods in these uncertain times, and shares tips that listeners can start to implement in their daily lives today!
It's been a while in the making, as I am very much still recovering from Brain Cancer and all the nasties that come with that diagnosis. Be prepared to be shocked, maybe cry, hopefully laugh, and the main thing open up your mind and learn something new. This is an introduction to me, my crazy life journey so far, and scratching the surface of all the things I'm truly passionate about.