Soul Sessions with Emma

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I’m Emma, an Irish woman with a suitcase full of stories after years of living, exploring, and starting over across the world. If there’s one thing my adventures have taught me, it’s this: the most powerful transformations begin with honest conversations. I created this podcast because I’m endlessly inspired by people who choose courage over comfort. Each episode shares the story of someone who chose courage: changing careers, leaving what no longer fit, or beginning again. We explore the messy middle, the lessons learned, and the power of following your truth.

  1. 4d ago

    #38 Connection over Perfection: A new way to parent with Gillian Scahill

    WHO? Gillian Scahill Gillian is a Galway-based conscious parenting coach, mum and former HSE environmental health officer. She trained in conscious parenting with Dr. Shefali and now supports mothers to understand their triggers, let go of perfectionism and build more compassionate, connected relationships with their children. Her own journey into motherhood was anything but straightforward. After struggling to conceive, Gillian finally became a mother to her son Matthew, but only days after his birth she became critically ill with sepsis, septic shock and multi-organ failure. She spent weeks in hospital and came extraordinarily close to losing her life. WHAT is this episode about? This episode is about much more than parenting. We talk about: • Gillian’s own childhood and the pressure many of us grew up with to be the “good” child • Her fertility journey and becoming a mother • Surviving sepsis shortly after Matthew’s birth and the emotional impact of being separated from her newborn baby • The bond between mother and child, even through physical separation • How our own childhood experiences can show up in the way we parent • Why our children’s behaviour can trigger feelings of powerlessness, inadequacy and fear in us • The difference between reacting to a child’s behaviour and becoming curious about what is underneath it • Why mothers so often put themselves last and why self-care is not selfish • The pressure on modern parents to get everything “right” • Why children may be over-scheduled and need more time simply to be • Letting go of the need to mould our children into who we think they should become • Why connection matters more than perfection One of the biggest themes is that conscious parenting is not really about controlling your child. It is about becoming aware of what is happening inside you when your child triggers something. Gillian describes recognising feelings of powerlessness and “not good enough” beneath some of her own reactions. WHY LISTEN? Listen if you are a parent who has ever lost your patience and then felt guilty afterwards.If you have ever wondered why certain behaviours in your child affect you so deeply and listen if you need the reminder that being a good parent does not mean being a perfect parent. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give your child is becoming more aware of yourself, tending to your own needs and allowing them the freedom to become who they actually are. This is a conversation about motherhood, survival, self-compassion, identity and learning to meet our children with curiosity instead of fear. If enjoyed this episiode or other episodes in this series, you can show your appreciation by subscribing and sharing this podcast. You can also support me in my work by buying me a coffee (or a cocktail :) buymeacoffee.com/nourishyouc

  2. Sep 28

    #37 Rooted in irish tradition, brining Gaelige to the wellbeing space- Marion Ni Chongaile

    In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, I’m joined by Marian Ní Chonghaile, wellbeing specialist, life coach, breathwork facilitator and educator. Born in London and raised in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Marian shares how Gaeilge, nature, community and Seán-Nós dancing shaped her sense of identity and connection from an early age. We explore some of the defining moments of her life, including her father’s serious accident, her own health challenges and a later car accident that became another major turning point. Marian speaks openly about spending years overthinking, analysing and pushing forward before learning that understanding ourselves intellectually is not always enough. We talk about grief, resilience, breathwork, suppressed emotions, movement and why Marian now believes that real change happens in the body. She also shares the precious final chapter she spent with her father, the simple moments that taught her about presence, and why learning to listen to our bodies and treat ourselves with kindness can profoundly change the way we live. Marian’s work today brings together breathwork, coaching, movement and Gaeilge through Thrive Within - Filleadh ort féin, meaning returning to yourself. A conversation about slowing down, listening inward and remembering that sometimes the journey forward is really a journey back to ourselves.

  3. Sep 9

    #36 What Does It Really Mean to Be a Man? | Steve Dawe on The Warrior Within

    What does it really mean to be a strong man? In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, I welcome Steve Dawe back to the podcast for an open and thought-provoking conversation about masculinity, vulnerability, responsibility and what it means to become the man you actually want to be. Steve shares the story behind The Warrior Within, a 12-week men’s personal development programme inspired by the work of author and BAFTA winner Jeff Thompson. But this conversation goes far beyond the programme itself. We explore why so many men can appear successful on the outside while quietly feeling disconnected, stuck or unfulfilled. We talk about the masks men wear, the power of male community, pornography, alcohol, social media and other forms of distraction, and why radical honesty is often the first step towards real change. Steve also opens up about his own journey over the past year, including leaving education, building a new career and supporting his wife through breast cancer treatment. He shares what this experience has taught him about staying centred, asking for support and living according to your values when life becomes difficult. At the heart of this conversation is a simple question: Are you the person you say you want to be? Because real strength isn’t about looking like a warrior on the outside. It’s about how you show up for yourself and the people around you when it matters most. An honest conversation about men, relationships, vulnerability, self-mastery and doing the work.

    #36 What Does It Really Mean to Be a Man? | Steve Dawe on The Warrior Within

  4. Aug 24

    #35 Michelle Hardwick: The Menopause Conversation Every Couple Needs to Have

    In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, Michelle A. Hardwick returns to share what has happened since her first appearance on the podcast and the journey behind her now-published book, Menopause Wingman: The Emotional Handbook for Partners. Michelle talks openly about why menopause is not just an individual experience, but something that can deeply affect relationships, communication, intimacy and connection. Drawing on conversations with men from different backgrounds, she shares what partners often misunderstand, why so many relationships struggle during this stage of life, and how greater awareness, compassion and communication can help couples move through it together. We also talk about Michelle’s own journey of reinvention, the unexpected opportunities that followed the book, and what can happen when you trust an idea before you know exactly where it will lead. A conversation about relationships, change, intuition, and the courage to begin again. To explore more of Michelle's work go to https://michellehardwick.com/ and find her on instagram @menopausewingman.com. Don't forget to check out episode 8 of the podcast to hear Michelle's complete life journey.

  5. Aug 6

    #34 Be careful who you trust.

    In this short reflection episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, Emma explores Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and the question at the heart of Mark Antony’s famous speech: what does it really mean to be honourable? Using the repeated line, “Brutus is an honourable man,” Emma reflects on how easily we can confuse status with wisdom, confidence with character, and influence with integrity. Short reflection episode inspired by William Shakespeare's play. 'Juilius Caesar' This episode is an invitation to think more critically about who we admire, who we trust, and what real success might look like. Perhaps, in a world that encourages us to build influence, the greater challenge is to build character. Image credits: included image from a modern edition of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, located via Goodreads. Additional Roman scene is a contemporary digital illustration inspired by Mark Antony’s funeral speech. Original creators could not be independently verified.

  6. Jul 29

    #33 Beyond Buzz: Hardy Bucks Actor Owen Colgan on Comedy, Creativity and Identity

    In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, actor and comedian Owen Colgan, best known as Buzz McDonnell from Hardy Bucks, joins Emma for a relaxed, funny and refreshingly honest conversation. Owen shares how his career began almost by accident, from joining a small online comedy project with friends to becoming part of one of Ireland’s best-known cult comedy shows. He reflects on stand-up, acting, writing and the pressure that can come with being recognised as the funny character people already know. The conversation also explores Owen’s life beyond Hardy Bucks, including his time living in Mexico, his love of travel, his hopes to create more personal vlogs and his ambition to take on more serious acting roles in the future. Along the way, they talk about creativity, identity, improvisation, gardening, birdwatching, crisp sandwiches and the importance of continuing to try things that challenge you. A warm and entertaining conversation with the man behind Buzz.

  7. Jul 17

    #32 Rock Bottom: How a freak accident showed me how to truly live | Kieran Sauboorah

    What happens when life changes in an instant? In this episode of Soul Sessions, I sit down with capacity coach and breathwork facilitator Kieron Sauboorah to explore the accident that transformed his life, and the man he became because of it. We talk about resilience, rebuilding after trauma, healthy masculinity, nervous system awareness, purpose, spirituality and why true strength has less to do with performance and more to do with presence. If you've ever questioned who you are after life knocked you down, this conversation is for you.

  8. Jul 2

    #31 How One Bedtime Story Became a Bestselling Book Series

    From bedtime stories made up by her father to creating one of Ireland's bestselling children's book series, Emma Jane Leeson's journey is a reminder that our biggest dreams often begin quietly. In this episode of Soul Sessions, Emma shares how the Irish Times best seller, Johnny Magory books grew from handwritten stories tucked away in a biscuit tin into a publishing success enjoyed by families around the world. We explore: How creativity often begins in childhoodOvercoming self-doubt and imposter syndromeThe courage to back your own ideasSelf-publishing versus traditional publishingWhy Irish folklore and storytelling still matterWriting for children's wellbeing and griefBuilding a meaningful business from a passion projectWhether you've dreamed of writing a book, starting a business, or simply following an idea that won't leave you alone, this conversation will remind you that you don't need permission to begin. Sometimes all it takes is writing down the first page. Find her books here and more info on Emma: https://johnnymagory.com/

    #31 How One Bedtime Story Became a Bestselling Book Series
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About

I’m Emma, an Irish woman with a suitcase full of stories after years of living, exploring, and starting over across the world. If there’s one thing my adventures have taught me, it’s this: the most powerful transformations begin with honest conversations. I created this podcast because I’m endlessly inspired by people who choose courage over comfort. Each episode shares the story of someone who chose courage: changing careers, leaving what no longer fit, or beginning again. We explore the messy middle, the lessons learned, and the power of following your truth.

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  • Creator
    soul.sessions.with.emma
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 soul.sessions.with.emma
  • Show Website
    Soul Sessions with Emma