Good Honest Talk

Claire O'Brien

Welcome to Good Honest Talk hosted by functional nutritionist and life coach Claire O’Brien. Life is a whirlwind, we are all busy imperfect people doing our best to navigate life. This is a podcast for people in search of health and harmony. Good Honest Talk is a space to dive into the nitty gritty of wellbeing with compassion and understanding. Featuring real unfiltered conversations about what it means to take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically. No judgement, no unrealistic exceptions, just good honest talk!

  1. 04/23/2025

    S2 Ep 10 | From Stuck to Sparked: Unlocking Creativity in Business and Life

    In this uplifting and expansive episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) is joined by creative strategist Briona (Grow Creative) to explore the deeply human and wildly underutilized power of creativity. Together, they unpack what it really means to be creative (hint: it’s not just for artists), how fear and self-judgment block our flow, and why play, joy, and holistic marketing are the keys to both personal growth and business success. Briona shares how she uses coaching and strategy to help people reconnect with their true voice, tap into their intuition, and express themselves - professionally and personally - with clarity, courage, and creativity. Whether you’re running a business, going through a life transition, or simply feeling creatively stuck, this episode will help you reconnect to the spark inside you. What we talk about: What “creative strategy” actually means—and why it’s about alignment, not aesthetics Why holistic marketing starts with internal clarity and emotional resonance How fear and self-judgment block creativity—and what to do about it The role of play and permission in unlocking energy and insight How to balance professionalism and spirituality in an authentic way Why everyone is creative, even (especially) if they don’t think they are The difference between trying to ‘perform’ creativity and actually being in flow How creative thinking leads to better strategy, better results—and more joy Why safe spaces are the catalyst for creative and personal breakthroughs How Briona helps people reconnect to their truth, purpose, and voice Chapters: 00:00 – The Role of Creativity in Business and Life 10:45 – Unblocking Creativity: Personal Coaching Insights 20:22 – The Importance of Play and Self-Expression 30:14 – Balancing Professionalism and Spirituality 40:27 – Embracing Authenticity in Creative Pursuits

    32 min
  2. S2 Ep 9 | Sleep, Mindfulness and The Body Clock: A Personal Guide to Restoring Rest

    04/16/2025

    S2 Ep 9 | Sleep, Mindfulness and The Body Clock: A Personal Guide to Restoring Rest

    In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) is joined by sleep therapist Jean O’ Hanlon, who shares her journey through sleep paralysis and the winding path that led her to open her own sleep clinic. Together, they unpack the complex relationship between sleep, lifestyle, and mental health from the challenges of post-pandemic sleep disruption to the often misunderstood world of sleep hygiene. Jean offers both professional insights and hard-won personal wisdom on overcoming insomnia, managing anxiety, and tuning into your body’s natural rhythms. The conversation moves beyond general sleep tips, exploring how mindfulness, social connection, caffeine, sugar, and even fasting impact sleep and how a personalised, compassionate approach to health can unlock real change. What You’ll Learn: Why sleep paralysis can be a life-changing (and misunderstood) experienceHow the medical system often overlooks sleep struggles, particularly in womenWhy connection and social support are key for sleep and mental well-beingThe real meaning of sleep hygiene and why the term might be misleadingHow caffeine and sugar impact sleep, even early in the dayThe importance of understanding what’s normal in the sleep cycle How fasting can disrupt sleep and why it’s not for everyone Ways to approach your health as a living experiment, with curiosity, not guilt Why mindfulness and rest are not luxuries, but essential to healingHow resilience and awareness can reshape your relationship with sleep and energy Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Sleep Therapy and Personal Journey 07:03 – Understanding Sleep Disorders: Personal Experiences and Insights 15:09 – The Impact of Lifestyle on Sleep Quality 22:03 – Mindfulness and Meditation: Overcoming Mental Barriers 29:49 – Post-Pandemic Sleep Challenges and Social Support 35:01 – Sleep Hygiene: Essential Practices for Better Sleep 41:14 – The Caffeine Conundrum 49:12 – Personalised Health Experiments 54:35 – Understanding Normal Sleep Patterns 01:00:16 – The Essence of Well-Being

    40 min
  3. S2 Ep 8 | Beyond Cholesterol: A Whole-Person Approach to Cardiovascular Health

    04/09/2025

    S2 Ep 8 | Beyond Cholesterol: A Whole-Person Approach to Cardiovascular Health

    In this solo episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) unpacks the complex and often misunderstood world of cardiovascular health, with a special focus on how heart disease presents in women and going beyond cholesterol in our discussion of heart health and longevity. Claire dives into the real root causes of cardiovascular issues - including inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, gut dysfunction, and chronic stress - and offers a whole-person approach to preventing and managing heart disease. This episode goes far beyond cholesterol charts, offering practical tools and deeper understanding to help you truly support your heart -physically, emotionally, and energetically. What You’ll Hear: Why women’s heart attack symptoms are often misunderstood or ignoredThe role of inflammation, blood sugar, and insulin resistance in heart diseaseHow oxidative stress damages cardiovascular tissue over timeThe emerging science behind gut health and cardiovascular function How chronic emotional stress impacts your heart and nervous system The difference between helpful and harmful cholesterol Why a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet matters more than you think Simple lifestyle shifts to reduce heart disease risk What to eat and how to structure meals for blood sugar stabilityHow to tune into your body and notice the early signs of imbalance Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Cardiovascular Health 04:49 – Understanding Women's Heart Health 11:02 – The Role of Inflammation and Insulin Resistance 17:37 – Oxidative Stress and Its Impact 24:32 – Gut Health and Heart Connection 32:22 – Stress and Emotional Health 39:55 – Nutritional Strategies for Heart Health 43:31 – Conclusion and Key Takeaways Keywords: cardiovascular health, heart disease, women’s health, inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, gut health, nutrition, stress management, heart health tips, holistic health, blood sugar, cholesterol, hormone health, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle medicine

    43 min
  4. S2 Ep 7 | Unlock Your Energy: The Real Reasons You're So Tired

    03/26/2025

    S2 Ep 7 | Unlock Your Energy: The Real Reasons You're So Tired

    Do you feel like your energy is running on empty, no matter how much sleep you get? Are brain fog and fatigue making it harder to focus and function throughout the day? In this solo episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) dives deep into the science of energy production, uncovering the real reasons why so many people struggle with chronic exhaustion, sluggish metabolism, and mental fog. She breaks down how mitochondria, thyroid health, blood sugar, and detoxification all play a role in sustaining energy - and why stress, inflammation, and even certain diets can leave you feeling drained. Claire also explores post-viral fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and adrenal dysfunction, explaining why some people never fully recover their energy levels after illness or prolonged stress. The episode concludes with a guided breathwork exercise to help restore energy and regulate the nervous system. Key Topics Covered: How mitochondria power every cell in your body - and why they stop working The impact of thyroid dysfunction on metabolism, energy & brain fog Why blood sugar crashes and insulin resistance lead to exhaustion The role of chronic stress, inflammation & nervous system dysregulation How post-viral fatigue, long COVID & fibromyalgia affect energy metabolism Why detoxification is essential and how toxin overload drains energy The importance of setting boundaries & managing energy outputNutrition, supplements & breathwork techniques to restore vitality If you’ve been struggling with low energy, brain fog, or chronic fatigue, this episode will help you understand the root causes and provide practical solutions to rebuild your energy naturally. What You’ll Learn: Why mitochondria are the key to energy production and how to support them How blood sugar fluctuations contribute to energy crashes & brain fog The connection between thyroid dysfunction & chronic exhaustion Why chronic stress & inflammation damage energy metabolism How post-viral fatigue, ME & fibromyalgia disrupt energy regulation Why certain diets (keto, fasting) don’t work for everyone & what to do instead The best foods, supplements & self-care strategies for sustained energy How to set boundaries & protect your energy from daily drains A simple breathwork practice to regulate your nervous system and boost energy Chapters 00:00 – Understanding Energy and Its Blockages 06:12 – Blood Sugar Regulation and Energy Levels 12:01 – Thyroid Function and Energy 18:12 – Managing Energy and Setting Boundaries 23:51 – Self-Care, Nutrition & Energy Management 27:29 – The Role of Detoxification in Energy Levels 30:52 – Herbal and Nutritional Support for Energy Restoration 33:12 – Guided Breathwork for Energy & Nervous System Regulation Resources: Mito Food Plan is available here: https://www.honestgoodness.ie/blog Spoon Theory: https://www.honestgoodness.ie/blog⁠Krebs Cycle with Nutrients: https://www.honestgoodness.ie/blog⁠

    36 min
  5. S2 E6 | Mindful Money: Building Financial Confidence & Breaking Limiting Beliefs

    03/19/2025

    S2 E6 | Mindful Money: Building Financial Confidence & Breaking Limiting Beliefs

    Does talking about money make you uncomfortable? Do you feel overwhelmed by business finances or personal budgeting? You’re not alone. In this episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness) sits down with Shirley Dempsey, (Balanced by Shirley) a financial mentor and educator, to discuss the fears, misconceptions, and emotional roadblocks that hold many people back from financial confidence. Shirley shares her personal journey from the corporate finance world to mindfulness-based financial mentorship, explaining why money isn’t just numbers - it’s deeply emotional. She discusses how limiting beliefs, cultural influences and financial literacy gaps shape our relationship with money, often leading to financial stress and avoidance. This episode will help you feel more confident, in control, and mindful about your finances—whether in business or everyday life. Key Topics Covered: Bridging the gap between business owners and accountants How financial stress impacts mental health and decision-making Why financial literacy should be taught from an early age Mindfulness and finance: How to shift from scarcity to abundance Breaking limiting beliefs and reshaping your money mindset Understanding debt: When it’s helpful vs. when it’s harmful Intentional spending and how to avoid emotional financial pitfalls Building an emergency fund and financial routine that works for you Whether you're a business owner, struggling with personal finances, or just looking for a healthier relationship with money, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh perspective on financial success. What You’ll Learn: How fear and avoidance create financial roadblocks Why your accountant works for you and how to communicate better The biggest financial mistakes business owners make How to teach kids about money without fear or scarcity thinking Why savings is non-negotiable, even in uncertain times How limiting beliefs shape your financial reality and how to shift them The importance of routine and tracking for long-term financial health How to move from financial stress to financial empowerment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Mentorship 02:53 Bridging the Gap: Business Owners and Accountants 05:53 The Fear of Finances: Breaking the Stigma 09:11 Personal Experiences: The Impact of Financial Stress 12:06 Mindfulness and Finance: A New Approach 14:58 Education and Financial Literacy: A Call to Action 17:40 Cultural Influences on Money Mindset 20:15 Parenting and Financial Education for Children 26:21 Cultivating an Abundant Mindset 28:23 Breaking Limiting Beliefs 30:16 The Importance of Routine in Financial Health 32:31 Understanding Personal and Business Finances 36:34 Simplifying Financial Tracking 38:08 Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation 39:47 Navigating Debt Wisely 43:43 Building an Emergency Fund 44:38 Intentional Spending and Emotional Spending 45:46 Planning for Financial Success 46:38 Connecting with Shirley Dempsey About Shirley Dempsey, Founder of Balanced by Shirley At Balanced by Shirley, we specialise in empowering entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools for growth, financial awareness, and clarity. As a finance educator and business mentor, I help you navigate the complexities of building and developing your business while ensuring mindfulness remains at the core of everything we do. My mission is to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to grow your business with confidence and clear direction Website: https://balancedbyshirley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedbyshirley?utm_source=qr&igsh=aWZmOTNoM3Y5eWs5 Personal Finance Ebook: https://balancedbyshirley.com/product/ebook-mind-your-money/ Get 10% off any product offered by Balanced by Shirley with the discount code Podcast10

    50 min

  6. 03/12/2025

    S2 Ep 5 | Releasing Trapped Emotions: A Journey to Emotional Freedom

    What if the emotions you carry aren’t just yours? What if ancestral trauma, past experiences, and subconscious beliefs are shaping your reality today? In this deeply insightful episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) sits down with Michelle A. Hardwick, a practitioner specialising in emotional release, trauma healing, and energy work. Michelle shares her personal transformation - from the high-stress world of hospitality to becoming a healer - and how her journey led her to powerful techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), hypnosis, and past life regression. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking emotional healing, personal growth, and a deeper connection to themselves.  Together, we explore: How trapped emotions shape our present experiences Why familiar patterns & relationships often mirror past wounds The power of EFT for releasing emotional & physical stress How ancestral trauma is passed down through generations Shame, self-judgment & breaking free from toxic cycles The role of nature, meditation & self-care in restoring balance Finding your tribe & why community is essential for healing Whether you’ve struggled with unresolved emotions, trauma, or simply want to deepen your self-awareness and personal growth, this episode offers tools to help you heal, find balance and reclaim your emotional freedom. What You’ll Learn: How trapped emotions shape our present experiences Why familiar patterns & relationships often mirror past wounds The power of EFT for releasing emotional & physical stress How ancestral trauma is passed down through generations Shame, self-judgment & breaking free from toxic cycles The role of nature, meditation & self-care in restoring balance Finding your tribe & why community is essential for healing Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Emotional Release & Healing 04:35 – Michelle’s Journey from Hospitality to Healing 09:20 – How EFT Works & Why It’s So Powerful 11:57 – The Role of Shame & Judgment in Emotional Healing 16:10 – Breaking Free from Repeating Toxic Patterns 22:15 – Finding Balance Through Nature, Meditation & Self-Care 25:01 – Ancestral Trauma: What We Carry from Past Generations 31:39 – The Power of Community & Finding Your Tribe 39:15 – Wellbeing & Emotional Freedom: What It Really Means 45:51 – Michelle’s Personal Self-Care & Wellbeing Practices Special Opportunities with Michelle: For those seeking to deepen their emotional wellness journey, Michelle offers a monthly Freedom & Self-Love Circle — an intimate online gathering designed to help you release self-doubt, break free from people-pleasing, and reclaim your inner voice. Limited to 12 participants per session, this space encourages gentle self-discovery and growth. Book now to receive a complimentary 30-Day Self-Love Journal Guide when you sign up. Exclusive Podcast Listener Offer: When you book a full 2-hour consultation with Michelle and mention the promo code "PODCASTBONUS," you'll receive a complimentary 30-minute follow-up session, ensuring you feel fully supported on your journey. Whether you’ve struggled with unresolved emotions, trauma, or simply want to deepen your self-awareness and personal growth, this episode offers tools to help you heal, find balance, and reclaim your emotional freedom. For bookings and further details, visit: https://releasepeace.ie/booking https://michellehardwick.com/ https://www.honestgoodness.ie/ Limited Time Offer – Available exclusively to podcast listeners

    47 min
  7. S2 Ep 4 | Understanding Hormones: How They Impact Your Body & Mind (Solo Episode)

    03/05/2025

    S2 Ep 4 | Understanding Hormones: How They Impact Your Body & Mind (Solo Episode)

    Did you know that it wasn’t until the 2000s that menstruating women were commonly included in scientific studies? And that the first study using actual menstrual blood instead of blue liquid in product testing didn’t happen until 2023? Women's health has been misunderstood and under-researched for far too long. In this episode, we’re breaking down the complex world of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances—and how they affect your energy, mood, digestion, skin, and overall well-being. From PMS and PMDD to PCOS, acne, and endometriosis, we’ll explore why these conditions occur and how stress, diet, and lifestyle choices play a major role in hormonal health. You'll also learn about the crucial roles of estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, and prolactin, plus the impact of hormonal birth control on your body. Topics Covered in This Episode: The Missing Education – Why so many of us never learned about how our hormones work The Hormone Symphony – How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone interact DHEA: The Master Hormone – How it influences energy, libido, and metabolismHormonal Birth Control – Its impact on mood, skin, and ovulationPMS vs. PMDD – Understanding the difference & why PMS isn’t “just part of being a woman”PCOS, Acne & Androgens – How testosterone and blood sugar affect skin & cyclesEndometriosis & Estrogen Imbalance – The myths, research, and management strategiesBlood Sugar & Hormones – Why sugar crashes can worsen hormone imbalancesStress & Hormones – How mental, emotional & physical stress disrupts cycles  Your hormones are not the same every day—your body is constantly changing.High stress levels (mental or physical) can impact ovulation & cycle regularity.Androgens & blood sugar play a bigger role in acne than estrogen. PMS is not something you just have to accept—imbalances can be addressed. DHEA & testosterone are essential for motivation, muscle strength & libido. Nutritional therapy & lifestyle changes can significantly improve hormonal balance. Contact me for support if you are Considering hormone testing if you experience persistent symptomsWant to learn how nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle can support your hormone balanceMotivated to take control of your health by understanding your body better

    37 min
  8. S2 Ep 3 | Ink, Intuition & Energy: Unlocking Your True Self with Phoebe O'Regan

    02/12/2025

    S2 Ep 3 | Ink, Intuition & Energy: Unlocking Your True Self with Phoebe O'Regan

    In this transformative episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness Nutrition) sits down with Phoebe O’ Regan (Awen Soul), a sacred tattoo artist and intuitive guide, to explore tattooing as a powerful ritual of self-expression, healing, and personal transformation.Phoebe shares how she creates a deeply intentional experience for her clients, from grounding meditations to channeled designs that emerge intuitively. She discusses the role of trust, embodiment and energy work in tattooing - how each symbol can serve as a rite of passage, an anchor or a portal to new beginnings.The conversation also dives into human design, a system that helps individuals align with their unique energy and purpose. Phoebe shares her journey into this wisdom, how it changed her perspective and how it can be used to navigate life with greater self-awareness.If you've ever been drawn to tattoos as a way to mark transitions, embody your truth, or connect with something deeper - this episode will shift the way you see ink forever.What we talk about How tattoos can serve as sacred rites of passageThe power of intuitive tattooing and trusting the creative processWhy embodiment and ritual are key to an intentional tattoo experienceAn introduction to human design and how it aligns with personal energyThe unique energetic types in human design and how they navigate the worldWhy trauma-informed tattooing creates a deeper sense of safety and transformationHow embracing creativity leads to self-discovery and empowerment Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Sacred Tattooing & Energy Work 03:12 – The Intuitive Process Behind Channeled Tattoos 06:45 – Holding Space: Rituals & Embodiment in Tattooing 11:46 – How Tattoos Can Symbolize Rites of Passage 14:10 – Phoebe’s Journey into Human Design & Mysticism 18:31 – Understanding the 5 Human Design Types & Their Energy Flow 24:09 – The Role of Creativity & Spirituality in Self-Discovery 27:46 – Trusting Your Own Unique Path & Embracing Your Gifts 30:55 – Final Thoughts on Sacred Tattooing & Future Explorations About Phoebe Phoebe works as a guide supporting people to strengthen their relationship with their bodies, nature & their purpose through ceremony, ritual, rewilding, art, & ancient wisdom systems such as astrology, human design & the Viking runes. You can find her work atwww.awensoul.ie Keywords:sacred tattooing, intuitive tattoos, energy work, human design, personal transformation, rituals, trauma-informed tattooing, spiritual tools, soul alignment, well-being, creativity, embodiment, intentional art

    35 min
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About

Welcome to Good Honest Talk hosted by functional nutritionist and life coach Claire O’Brien. Life is a whirlwind, we are all busy imperfect people doing our best to navigate life. This is a podcast for people in search of health and harmony. Good Honest Talk is a space to dive into the nitty gritty of wellbeing with compassion and understanding. Featuring real unfiltered conversations about what it means to take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically. No judgement, no unrealistic exceptions, just good honest talk!

Information

  • Creator
    Claire O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Claire O'Brien
  • Show Website
    Good Honest Talk