Psychology with a Sparkle

Ep 11 - Stroke, Recovery and Passionate Life-changing trajectories with Anne Marie McDonnell

In this episode, Head of Program and Service Design at National Learning Network, Rehab Group, Anne Marie McDonnel joined Dr. Dee to discuss how sustaining a stroke in her mid-twenties, changed her career trajectory from working as a Teacher, to entering the disability sector. Since that time, Anne Marie's contagious energy and passionate, enthusiastic approach, have led her to becoming an international ambassador for disability, human rights, equality and inclusion, with her work spanning across Europe and formerly Saudi. 
 
Anne Marie viscerally describes the initial stages of sustaining a stroke and what helped in her recovery journey - from medical to relational and ancillary supports. She and Dr Dee delve into the presenting symptoms and effects experienced post acquired brain injury (ABI) of any description, including stroke, and the frequently hidden internal difficulties which often present for people in the ABI aftermath, after a full physical recovery has seemingly been made. 
 
Anne Marie describes her work with National Learning Network and how it has evolved over the years in serving new and emerging student profiles- from adapting service design and newly changing technologies, to facilitating enhanced person-centredness and enriched student experiences. Anne Marie's work with the European Platform for Rehabilitation, additionally highlights her relentless passion for advocating for diversity, inclusion, equal rights and equal opportunities for all. 
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.
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Ep 10 - Mindset, Mental Health, Fitness & Fasting with Laura Burke

In Episode 10, Online Fitness Coach & Personal Trainer, Laura Burke joins Dr. Dee to chat about all things fitness and mindset related. They delve into the world of exercise, health and fitness, discussing the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the implications of neglecting either one. Laura dissects the world of macros and protein markers, the importance of strength training as we move through life, building exercise around being a busy mum of 2, the benefits of a varied, non-restrictive diet, and the importance of choosing a form of movement we truly enjoy. Laura and Dr Dee's conversation also includes robust research relating to the impact of exercise on mental health, the pros and cons of intermittent fasting, intuitive eating and so much more.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 09 - 'From porn addiction to finding purpose': Men's Health, Mental Health with Gavin Meenan

In this episode, Dr. Dee is joined by Gavin Meenan, an exclusive voice in the men's health community. Awarded Empowerment Coach of the year in 2024 & 2025, and a former European Powerlifting Champion, Gavin has helped hundreds of people to achieve life changing results, via his online and mentoring platforms. The author of 2 bestselling books, 'Stronger Mind, Stronger Body, Stronger Life', and 'The Art of Self Acceptance', Gavin is currently preparing a third book for publication. As an exclusive Men's Health Coach, Gavin helps men reclaim their personal power via 1:1 work as well as his increasingly popular 'Modern Warrior Retreat Weekends' - which assist men from all walks of life, to overcome their personal challenges in working towards achieving lives of freedom, fulfillment and success. Having overcome various struggles himself, Gavin openly discusses his childhood trauma, bullying, convictions, addictions, depression and redundancy, in addition to his background knowledge and experience, to skillfully and sensitively help men from all corners of the world, to feel less alone in their personal everyday struggles. Gavin resides in the town of Sligo with his wife and two children, where he has built a business from being a personal trainer in the local community, to helping empower men worldwide.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 08 - 'Energy, Healing, Manifestation, and Psychic Tarot' with Amber Doyle

Amber Doyle is a Heart Healer, Soul Mentor, and the founder of Amber Moon Holistic — a healing practice based in Co. Galway, where Amber offers intuitive energy work, breathwork, reiki, and spiritual guidance. Amber helps clients reconnect with themselves, by removing energy blocks from the past to support a more positive future. A debut Author of 'Repair not Repeat, Amber blends practical tools with intuitive guidance to facilitate personal growth, clarity and purpose. In this episode Amber chats with Dr. Dee about what led her to healing and energy work, the power of manifestation and positive mindset in supporting goal setting and personal transformation, and the importance of healing from the inside out.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 07 - 'Psychology, Humour, Sensitivity and Flow', with Shane Martin

In this episode, Chartered Psychologist, Poet, Author, Founder of Mood Watchers and esteemed colleague at National Learning Network (NLN), Shane Martin, joins Dr. Dee to discuss all things Psychology, Mental Health, and the importance of humour and various other wellbeing tools, for maintaining psychological flow, positive mindset, good relationships and general health and wellbeing. As a published author of 'Your Precious Life: How to live well', three poetry books, 'The Dark Room', 'Stilling the Dance of Time', and more recently, 'Thin Lines', Shane uses a unique combination of humour, sensitivity, relatability, life and professional experience - including his work as a former special education teacher, to illustrate the often serious themes which emerge at different life stages. His ability to present the information in a light hearted manner, makes the information simultaneously informative as well as accessible to all.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 06 - 'Fashion, Personality, Psychology and Style', with Mandy Maher

With over 27 years in the fashion industry, Mandy Maher is the owner of Catwalk Modelling Agency and The Platform by Mandy Maher. A regular stylist on Ireland A.M., Head Judge of The Galway Races, Guest Fashion Editor for RSVP magazine, and Brand Ambassador for various brands, Mandy knows a thing or two when it comes to styling, fashion, and standing out from the crowd. In this episode, Mandy joins Dr. Dee to chat about the Psychology of Fashion - how what we wear and how we present impacts our mindset, confidence and how well we perform, as well as how we feel about ourselves and how we are received by others. Mandy additionally offers her fashion and styling tips when it comes to presentation, grooming, the importance of choosing the right outer and inner wear, and looking and feeling good at every age.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 05 - 'Talent, Trials and Triumph' with Donal O'Donoghue

With over 25 years of experience in the talent industry, Donal O'Donoghue is passionate about the world and essence of talent. As Managing Director of Sanderson, a global recruitment company, and host of Talent Matters Podcast, Donal has used his professional knowledge and experience to help organisations grow, by identifying and nurturing the best talent globally. As a former international Taekwon-Do athlete, winning a European and World silver medal in 2005, and the World Cup in 2012, Donal has combined his personal and professional passions, including radio, to becoming a renowned figure in the world of talent and transforming businesses. In this episode, Donal chats to Dr. Dee about what defines and separates talent, using visualisation to achieve success, smashing goals, scaling challenges, finding love, navigating divorce and blended families, and embracing personal growth.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 04 - 'Sex, Relationships, Values & Dating' with Lynda Duffy

In this episode, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT) and Mindset Coach, Lynda Duffy and Dr. Dee discuss sex and relationships, and the implications of each - in the context of long term relationships and online dating. They explore some of the issues which can often jeopardise romantic connections, and the values which are important to sustaining and maintaining romantic, intimate and sexual relations.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.

Ep 03 - 'Men's Health, Mental Health, Expressing Emotion and Seeking Support' with Padraig Danaher

In this episode, we delve into the world of mental health, trauma, ADHD, sexual identity and exploring the world of emotion from a male's perspective. Senior Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Mental Health Coach, Padraig Danaher, shares his experience of working with young and older adults, and his approach to working effectively with individuals to better navigate their environmental, sensory and personal landscapes. A must-watch/listen for anyone interested in the path of personal development. Padraig can be reached @the_ot_coach_ ⭐
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.
Produced and Recorded by www.GKMediaStudios.com

Ep 02 - 'Addiction and Recovery', with Hugh Sweeney

In this episode, Photographer, Videographer and Content Creator, Hugh Sweeney talks candidly about his experience of alcohol addiction and his courageous recovery journey - from pints, puns and shackles, to freedom, productivity and experiencing presence in the world outside.
 
This podcast is part of GK Media Studios Creators Network.
Produced and Recorded by www.GKMediaStudios.com