Sober Mess Podcast

Colm Doolan

A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys. Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q

  1. E168: Paul Whelan – Music, Sobriety & Finding Strength Again

    17/11/2025

    E168: Paul Whelan – Music, Sobriety & Finding Strength Again

    In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my longtime friend Paul Whelan, a talented singer-songwriter from Dublin. Paul opens up about his journey from the streets of Ringsend to the stage, sharing his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and how embracing sobriety has transformed his life. Paul is also an avid sea dipper and an active member of Blue Balls Ireland, a men’s mental-health and cold-water community that has played a huge part in his recovery. Through open and heartfelt conversation, he reflects on the role of music, community connection, and cold-water therapy in helping him rebuild his life and rediscover his true self. This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, second chances, and the strength that comes from vulnerability, creativity, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Find Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicpaulwhelan --- Men’s Mental-Health Support Links Blue Balls Ireland https://www.instagram.com/blueballsireland (Men’s mental health and cold-water dipping community) HSE – Men’s Mental Health Supports (Ireland) https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men SpunOut – Men’s Mental Health Supports in Ireland https://spunout.ie/mental-health/getting-help/mental-health-supports-for-men-in-ireland Men’s Development Network (MDN) https://mensnetwork.ie/counselling Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) https://www.mhfi.org/resources/mental-health.html

    1h 4m

About

A few years ago, I hit rock bottom—drinking to escape and struggling with my mental health. A final cry for help led me to a new way of life. Now, 12 years sober at 34, I host an award-winning podcast sharing powerful conversations with incredible people. We dive into the sober tools that heal and connect us—nature, hiking, sea swimming, and the outdoors. Real talk, real journeys. Connect: https://bit.ly/3w66W3Q

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