Life and Depth with Ryan McDaid

Ryan McDaid
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I’m Ryan McDaid, an entrepreneur driven by curiosity and a passion for growth. Join me as I dive into thought-provoking conversations about life, business, existence, spirituality, psychedelics, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore how we, as individuals and as humanity, can evolve, thrive, and create a better world.

  1. #41 Jenna McCusker: Paralysed, Divorced & Placed in Psychiatric Care, How by My Intrusive Thoughts Controlled my Life

    3D AGO

    #41 Jenna McCusker: Paralysed, Divorced & Placed in Psychiatric Care, How by My Intrusive Thoughts Controlled my Life

    Ryan sits down with Jenna McCusker, host of My Life and Me and founder of House of Sense. Jenna shares her extraordinary story of resilience — from the pain of divorce and emotional abuse to the unimaginable challenge of being told she would never walk again after a spinal injury. What began as tragedy became transformation. Through faith, humour, and an unbreakable love for her son, Jenna rebuilt her life — learning to walk again, confronting OCD, and turning her experiences into platforms for healing and connection. Jenna’s story is one of survival, grace, and humour in the face of hardship. Her journey reminds us that even when life breaks us — body, heart, or mind — we can still rise, rebuild, and find purpose again.

    59 min
  2. #40 Seamus McDaid: How A Small Brand Is Going Global Taking On Powerhouses Like Coca-Cola: McDaids Football Special

    OCT 24

    #40 Seamus McDaid: How A Small Brand Is Going Global Taking On Powerhouses Like Coca-Cola: McDaids Football Special

    Ryan sits down with Seamus McDaid, the fourth-generation Irish entrepreneur behind McDaid’s Football Special, the craft soda from Donegal that’s been part of local celebrations for decades. The McDaid family turned a small family business into one of Irelands most iconic drinks, poured into trophy cups across generations and forever linked with Donegal heritage and community pride. Seamus shares what it’s like to carry a four-generation legacy, to modernise a brand without losing its heart, and to balance innovation with authenticity. From stories of his childhood around the family factory to his reflections on leadership, identity, and tradition, this conversation uncovers the human side of building something that truly lasts. We also dive into how McDaid’s continues to compete with global powerhouses like Coca-Cola, the challenges of staying independent in a market dominated by giants, and the importance of storytelling, resilience, and purpose in sustaining a local Irish brand on a global stage. It’s a story about legacy, family, and what it means to build something that outlives you, a true story with lessons for anyone chasing their own dream.

    1h 10m
  3. #39 Terry Crossan: 14 Shot Dead, Prison, Rebellion Against the British - The Troubles in N.Ireland

    OCT 17

    #39 Terry Crossan: 14 Shot Dead, Prison, Rebellion Against the British - The Troubles in N.Ireland

    It was an honour to sit down with Terry Crossan, a man whose life is deeply entwined with the modern history of Derry and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.Born on William Street in 1952, Terry grew up at what would later be dubbed “Agro Corner” by the British Army, a hotspot during the Battle of the Bogside. As a young man, he found himself on the frontlines of the civil rights movement, navigating a city filled with tension, inequality, and daily conflict.Terry was present at the peaceful march that became one of the darkest days in Irish history, Bloody Sunday. When the British Army opened fire, killing 13 unarmed civilians, Terry ran for his life. That moment, and its trauma, would shape everything that followed.Terry reflects on the chaos and complexity of those years, the loss of life, the blurred lines between resistance and survival, and the human cost of the conflict. We speak openly about the murders of IRA volunteers, British soldiers, and innocent civilians.Following a truce that was broken by the British Army, Terry went on the run. Just 12 weeks after marrying his wife, he was arrested alongside Martin McGuinness and charged with conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life. Eight weeks into his detention, he received word that his wife was pregnant.He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, ultimately serving 6 years, one of the most infamous prisons of the time. While incarcerated, Terry used the time to educate himself, learning Irish and developing a deeper understanding of the culture and history he was fighting to preserve.Before politics, Terry was also a talented footballer, playing alongside future international star Martin O’Neill at youth level, earning an Ulster Colleges medal in GAA and representing Derry in both Gaelic and soccer.This episode goes beyond headlines. It’s not just the story of a man, it’s the story of a city, a conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of division and oppression.

    1h 21m
  4. #38 Barbara Doherty: Why Everything is Love, How We Are Nature & The Middle Way

    OCT 10

    #38 Barbara Doherty: Why Everything is Love, How We Are Nature & The Middle Way

    In this honest and down-to-earth conversation, Ryan talks with Barbara Doherty about travel, healing, and figuring out life along the way.Barbara shares her journey from the chaos of Rio’s Carnival to quiet moments in the Amazon jungle — where she explored plant medicine, nature, and the idea of finding balance. She opens up about how these experiences changed the way she sees herself and the world.They talk about:• How plant medicine opened her eyes to connection and surrender• What nature teaches us about peace and perspective• Why the sound of birds makes us feel safe• The search for meaning and how it all comes back to love• Letting go of old versions of ourselves and learning to just beBarbara’s story is about slowing down, paying attention, and realizing that every moment — even the hard ones — can wake us up to who we really are.

    1h 27m
  5. #37 Darragh Kelly: MMA & PFL Fighter. Building. Fighting Spirit, Discipline & The Road to Greatness

    OCT 3

    #37 Darragh Kelly: MMA & PFL Fighter. Building. Fighting Spirit, Discipline & The Road to Greatness

    In this powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Darragh Kelly, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars in MMA. Known for his grit, humility, and undefeated record, Darragh opens up about the sacrifices, struggles, and breakthroughs that have shaped his journey from a small town in Donegal to fighting on the world stage.Darragh reflects on how he discovered MMA as a teenager with no martial arts background, the doubts he carried about starting “too late,” and the brutal training that transformed his life. He shares the reality of living in gym dorms to sharpen his edge, the discipline it takes when motivation fades, and the mental battles every fighter faces.Together, they explore:• Why Darragh walked away from partying, smoking, and unhealthy habits at 18 to pursue fighting• The difference between motivation and discipline — and how discipline wins every time• His mindset on winning and losing, and why embracing risk keeps him sharp• The role of mindset coaching and how it unexpectedly unlocked new levels of performance• What it’s really like training alongside world-class fighters at SBG in Dublin• Business ventures outside the cage, including saunas and long-term plans in property• The wild story of training in Thailand, a fight with Dagestani fighters, and a mushroom-fueled shift in perspectiveDarragh’s story is one of relentless drive, calculated risk-taking, and unshakable belief. From his late start in MMA to his rise on the Bellator and PFL stages, this conversation reveals the reality of chasing greatness — the sacrifices behind the spotlight, and the mental toughness it takes to keep showing up.Connect with Darragh Kelly:Instagram: @darraghkellymma

    1h 2m
  6. #36 Stephen McLaughlin: Overcoming Addiction, Responsibility & Recovery - White Oaks Rehab Centre

    SEP 26

    #36 Stephen McLaughlin: Overcoming Addiction, Responsibility & Recovery - White Oaks Rehab Centre

    Ryan sits down with Stephen McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Services at White Oaks, a residential rehab center in Donegal. With decades of experience — and a past life as a Catholic priest — Stephen brings wisdom, compassion, and honesty to the difficult but vital topic of addiction and recovery.Stephen shares his perspective on what addiction truly looks like — not just for the individual, but for families and communities — and why rehab is not a cure, but a courageous first step on a lifelong journey. He opens up about the importance of group therapy, the role of routine and structure, and the hidden harm often carried by children growing up in homes affected by addiction.Together, they explore:• The origins of White Oaks and its peer-support model built on community and compassion• The reality of shame, secrecy, and stigma around addiction — and how to break it• Why families must also heal, not just the person in treatment• The rise of cocaine and gambling addictions, and their devastating ripple effects• Powerful, real-life stories of transformation — and moments of heartbreaking loss• Stephen’s own journey from priesthood to addiction treatment, and why he feels called to this workStephen’s story is one of service, resilience, and deep humanity. From raw stories of tragedy to inspiring accounts of second chances, this conversation offers a rare look inside the world of recovery — and the strength of the human spirit to rise again.Connect with Stephen & White Oaks:Website: whiteoakscentre.comLocation: Muff, Co. Donegal, IrelandSupport Line: +353 (0)74 938 4400

    1h 19m
  7. #35 Lee Tedstone: From Loss to Leadership – Resilience, Business & Living with Purpose

    SEP 19

    #35 Lee Tedstone: From Loss to Leadership – Resilience, Business & Living with Purpose

    In this thought-provoking conversation, Ryan sits down with Lee Tedstone, a global business leader, entrepreneur, and investor whose journey has been shaped by both personal loss and professional triumphs.Lee opens up about losing his father at just nine years old, an event that profoundly shaped how he approaches life, leadership, and resilience. He reflects on how only in recent years he has been able to truly process that experience and the ways in which emotional intelligence has transformed his career and relationships.Together, they explore:• Growing up with loss and how it forged a deep sense of drive and resilience• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and motivating teams• Lessons from building and selling his own business before moving into global corporate leadership• Life in America, living outside the Irish community, and what ultimately drew him back home• His current work in AI and innovation, and how technology continues to shape business and society• The constant challenge of balancing health, work, and priorities in a busy lifeLee’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and purpose. From boardrooms to personal reflection, he brings honesty and depth to what it means to lead — in business and in life.Connect with Lee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leetedstone/

    1h 16m
  8. #34 George Houston: Finding His Voice, Breaking Boundaries, and Living Through Music

    SEP 12

    #34 George Houston: Finding His Voice, Breaking Boundaries, and Living Through Music

    Ryan sits down with George Houston, a rising folk-rock artist from Burt, Donegal whose music blends storytelling, genre-bending experimentation, and unapologetic honesty.George opens up about his journey into music — from picking up instruments as a child, to secretly combining poetry with melodies, to finally finding the courage to share his songs with the world. He reflects on the struggle of self-doubt, the “cringe” of putting yourself out there, and how the pandemic unexpectedly gave him the space to release his debut album.• How family influence and childhood solitude shaped George’s creativity• His transition from writing in secret to performing on festival stages• Touring America with Paul Weller and playing on the Jools Holland Show• The challenges of being a self-managed artist, balancing passion with burnout• Why specific, authentic storytelling — from heartbreak to queer identity — matters in music todayFrom viral music videos to recording at Paul Weller’s studio, George’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of staying true to your voice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream, battling self-doubt, or searching for meaning through creativity.Connect with George:https://www.instagram.com/georgehoustonarts/linktr.ee/georgehouston

    1h 14m
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About

I’m Ryan McDaid, an entrepreneur driven by curiosity and a passion for growth. Join me as I dive into thought-provoking conversations about life, business, existence, spirituality, psychedelics, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore how we, as individuals and as humanity, can evolve, thrive, and create a better world.

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