Sober Mess Podcast

Colm Doolan
  • 4.6 (21)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • MONTHLY

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. 5 DAYS AGO

    E174: Ciara Keigher — Getting Sober at 20

    In this episode, I sit down with Ciara, who is 22 years old and is celebrating two years sober today! Ciara shares honestly about how her drinking started when she was around 15. What began as typical teenage drinking slowly became more and more problematic, and over time alcohol and other substances started to take over her life. She talks about how she was living for the weekends, where drinking became the centre of everything and nothing else really mattered. After an honest conversation with a friend, Ciara realised something needed to change. Around that time a member of AA noticed she was struggling and offered to bring her to a meeting. That decision ended up being one of the most important turning points in her life. We talk about what it’s like getting sober at such a young age, how Alcoholics Anonymous helped her rebuild her life, and the pride she feels today in the person she’s becoming. We also talk about Irish Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (IREYPAA). IREYPAA is a community for young people in recovery across Ireland that organises events, conventions and gatherings where young people in sobriety can connect, support each other and show that recovery can still be full of life and fun. The next convention, IREYPAA 8, will take place at the Shearwater Hotel & Spa from 27–29 March 2026. 📍 Location: Marina Point, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Ireland (H53 F5P9) If you want to learn more about IREYPAA or find upcoming events, you can visit: https://ireypaa.org/⁠

    1h 6m

  2. 5 MAR

    E173: Sean Fox – A Life Rebuilt

    In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Sean, who shares his powerful story of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life. Sean opens up about his struggles with both substance use and a serious gambling problem, and how these challenges affected his relationships, mental health, and sense of self. He speaks honestly about the battles he faced along the way, the turning points that helped him change direction, and the support that helped him stay on the path of recovery. Now six years sober, Sean reflects on the lessons he’s learned, the importance of connection and community, and how recovery has given him a new outlook on life. It’s a raw and honest conversation about addiction, resilience, and the possibility of change — a reminder that no matter how difficult things get, recovery is always possible. If you are struggling with addiction and would like support, you can find more information here: Cocaine Anonymous Ireland – https://cocaineanonymous.ie⁠ Gamblers Anonymous Ireland – https://gamblersanonymous.ie⁠

    53 min

  3. 14 JAN

    E172: Lisa Doolan – Emotional Health, Sobriety & Connection

    In this episode, I’m joined by my sister Lisa Doolan, a wellness specialist, for a deep and open conversation about sobriety, self-love, and emotional health. We talk about how the work we do on ourselves shapes the relationships in our lives, the importance of community, and how to stay grounded in a fast-changing world — including the role AI now plays in our daily lives. This is a reflective, practical, and honest chat about finding balance, staying connected, and learning to live well. Find Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellbeingqueenx/

    1h 2m
  4. E171: Colin “Colimac Explores” McMahon – Finding Peace in the Mountains

    17/12/2025

    E171: Colin “Colimac Explores” McMahon – Finding Peace in the Mountains

    In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Collie Mac — a trail runner, explorer, and someone who truly lives for the outdoors. Collie opens up about stepping away from alcohol, finding peace in the mountains, and how getting outside completely changed his outlook on life. We talk about early morning hikes, chasing sunrises and sunsets, and why those quiet moments in nature can be so powerful for the mind. Known on Instagram as @colimac_explores, Collie uses social media to inspire others to simplify life, embrace adventure, and reconnect with the outdoors. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the answers we’re looking for aren’t found online — they’re found outside.

    1h 1m

  5. 09/12/2025

    E170: Ciarán McIvor – A Journey of Growth, Healing & Perspective

    Today I sit down with my good friend Ciarán McIvor, the creator of Boxing Bants. Ciarán spent six years travelling around Ireland covering professional boxing, before stepping away to focus on a much deeper journey of self-discovery. In this episode, we talk openly about mental health, ADHD, and the challenges of understanding yourself later in life. Ciarán shares how plant medicine shifted his entire perspective, how social media shaped his identity, and what it’s been like trying to find inner peace in a noisy world. We also touch on his role as chairperson of the Deirdre Gogarty Statue Committee, how purpose can change a person, and why connection and community matter now more than ever.

    1h 9m
  6. E169: Andrew “Mo” Mowat - Embracing Nature & Finding Balance with

    26/11/2025

    E169: Andrew “Mo” Mowat - Embracing Nature & Finding Balance with

    In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Andrew “Mo” Mowat for an honest chat about nature, balance, and the simple habits that support our mental health. Mo talks about the power of getting outdoors, embracing Ireland’s elements, and how practising gratitude helped him through tougher moments. We also dive into reconnecting with your inner child, bringing more play into life, and learning to be kinder to yourself. It’s a conversation about slowing down, finding joy in the small things, and building consistency with the practices that keep us well. Find Andrew on Instagram: instagram.com/andrewmowattcoach

    1h 1m
  7. 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
  8. E167: Jason Byrne - Rise Above It: The Power of Community in Recovery

    30/09/2025

    E167: Jason Byrne - Rise Above It: The Power of Community in Recovery

    In this episode of The Sober Mess Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Jason Byrne, founder of Ballymun Running Club and Rise Above It. Jason’s journey from addiction to sobriety is nothing short of inspiring, and he now uses his experiences to uplift others. We explore the ripple effect of recovery — how sobriety transforms not only individuals but whole communities. From the challenges and triumphs of staying sober to the importance of mental health and the joy of unlocking untapped potential, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community. Find Jason here: https://www.instagram.com/jason_byrne1989?igsh=MTB0Z2dwd2sweHcwcg==

    52 min
See All (168)

4.6
out of 5
21 Ratings

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

Information

  • Creator
    Colm Doolan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Colm Doolan
  • Show Website
    Sober Mess Podcast

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