The Laura Dowling Experience

Laura Dowling

Conversations about health, science, wellness, life, love, sex and everything in-between. Laura is a Pharmacist who loves to talk to interesting people about their unique life and work experiences. See @fabulouspharmacist on instagram for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Miriam O’Callaghan: Fertility, Family, Tragedy & the Reality of Live Broadcasting

    3D AGO

    Miriam O’Callaghan: Fertility, Family, Tragedy & the Reality of Live Broadcasting

    🎧 Episode Description In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Miriam O’Callaghan opens up about the defining moments that shaped her life — from navigating high-pressure live television, to facing unimaginable personal loss, to raising eight children while working in the public eye. Miriam speaks candidly about the ups and downs of her pregnancies and births, the chaos of live political debates, grief, resilience, menopause, and what it’s really like to live so much of her life under intense public scrutiny. She shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister and father within weeks of each other, her legal fight against an online scam using her name, and the grounding philosophies that have kept her centred through it all. This episode is raw, emotional and filled with wisdom — a rare look at one of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, beyond the headlines and beyond the studio lights. 🔑 Key Points Writing a memoir after 20 years of hesitationWhy Miriam avoided writing her book, the emotional weight of telling her own story, and what finally pushed her to begin. The pressure and chaos of live TVBehind the scenes of major political debates, on-air confrontations, and the mental load of broadcasting to millions. The year everything changedLosing her sister at 33, losing her father shortly after, and how grief reshaped her perspective on life and motherhood. Fertility struggles, pregnancy trauma & raising eight childrenCandid reflections on secondary infertility, complex pregnancies, motherhood, and letting go of perfection. Menopause, HRT & women’s healthWhy she advocates openly for hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen, and breaking the silence around women’s health. The Facebook “face-cream” scamHow scammers used her name for years, how it affected her family, and what happened when she took Facebook to court — and won. Gratitude, grounding & implacable courtesyThe philosophies that guide her relationships and keep her anchored through chaos. 📚 Mentioned in this Episode • Life, Work, Everything — Miriam’s memoir (print & audiobook) • Paul Read — the solicitor who represented Miriam in her Facebook/Meta scam case • Holles Street Maternity Hospital & The Coombe • Prof. Caher & Dr. Colm (Miriam’s obstetricians) • Evorel Conti Patch & Vagifem (HRT mentioned) • John Hume, Pantibliss (Rory O’Neill), Leo Varadkar, Tommy Tiernan, Roy Keane • Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum & key cultural moments • “Implacable courtesy” — Seamus Heaney’s advice ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Miriam’s Early Career 06:50 – The Loss of Her Sister & Father 12:30 – Navigating Motherhood & Raising Eight Children 16:45 – Pregnancy Complications & Birth Stories 22:10 – Handling Pressure in Live Broadcasting 27:55 – The Haemorrhage During Pregnancy 34:40 – Surviving Public Scrutiny & Balancing Family 38:10 – The Facebook Scam & Taking Meta to Court 43:30 – Gratitude, Faith & Daily Grounding Rituals 48:20 – Reflections on Resilience & What Truly Matters Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  2. The Boobie Physio: The Truth About Breast Weight, Posture & Women’s Health

    NOV 6

    The Boobie Physio: The Truth About Breast Weight, Posture & Women’s Health

    📝 Episode Description: In this fascinating and refreshingly honest conversation, Laura Dowling sits down with physiotherapist Siobhan O'Donovan, better known as The Boobie Physio, to unpack the hidden physical and emotional impact of breast weight on women’s lives. From posture and pain to sport, confidence, and hormonal changes, Siobhan reveals why so many women — regardless of cup size — are living with discomfort that’s completely preventable. She explains the science behind breast support, the myths around bra sizing, and how simple changes in alignment can boost everything from performance to self-esteem. This episode is part education, part revelation — and it might just change how you think about your body forever. ⏱️ Key Points & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Who is The Booby Physio? 02:00 – Why posture still matters (and how gravity works against us) 06:00 – Bone health, hormones, and how movement can prevent osteoporosis 09:00 – The hidden weight women carry: breast movement in three planes 13:00 – How breast pain and embarrassment push teenage girls out of sport 17:00 – The psychology of confidence and body awareness 23:00 – Why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size 29:00 – How outdated measuring methods are still being used 35:00 – The physics of breast support: posture, shape, and comfort 43:00 – How to actually fit a bra properly — and why black ones feel tighter 49:00 – Caring for your bras: resting elastic, avoiding fabric softener 55:00 – Asymmetry, teabag tits, and why most lingerie models are wrong 1:00:00 – Why wired bras aren’t the enemy 1:05:00 – The link between back pain, confidence, and breast support 1:10:00 – How the right bra can literally improve your performance 1:15:00 – Final takeaways: lifting women up — physically and emotionally 💡 Actionable Tips: Reassess your posture daily — small adjustments make a big difference.Get properly fitted for a bra (and don’t add those extra inches!).Rotate your bras to let the elastic recover and last longer.Think of breast support as part of overall musculoskeletal health.Educate daughters, nieces, and teens early — prevention starts young.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
  3. “They Groaned When a Woman Was Announced” — Deirdre O’Kane on Women in Comedy

    OCT 30

    “They Groaned When a Woman Was Announced” — Deirdre O’Kane on Women in Comedy

    Deirdre O’Kane joins Laura for a funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it was really like being one of the few women in stand-up when she started out. She talks about the early days of breaking through in a male-dominated industry, finding her own voice, the reality of long-term relationships, raising kids in the age of WhatsApp chaos, and using humour to get through tough times. This is a brilliant mix of personal stories, cultural insight and big laughs. 🕒  Timestamps & Key Points 00:00 — Pre-chat & setup: A warm, relaxed start as Laura and Deirdre banter about microphones, lighting, and jawlines. 04:00 — Wild beginnings: Boarding school, being part of “the bold gang,” and discovering performance through impersonating teachers and nuns. 06:00 — Acting vs. stand-up: Early love-hate relationship with stand-up and what made it so tough starting out. 08:20 — Women in comedy: Audience groans, breaking barriers, and how social media helped shift the landscape. 11:00 — Self-censorship: Why she avoided certain topics early on — and how that’s changed. 14:00 — Touring life: What it’s really like on the road as a comic, from long drives to late nights. 17:00 — Irish vs. UK audiences: How humour translates across borders and why Irish audiences are special. 20:00 — Long-term relationships: Honest reflections on discomfort, denial, and doing the work over decades together. 23:00 — Expectations in love: Balancing domestic reality with romantic ideals — and keeping individuality. 27:30 — The Magdalene Laundries bit: Taking on a taboo topic and walking a fine line between darkness and humour. 30:00 — Phone bans and stand-up: How comics protect their material from leaking online. 33:00 — Comedy as a lifeline: How stand-up kept her family afloat when her husband was ill. 36:00 — Motherhood & identity: Returning to stand-up after kids and why motherhood fuelled her next show. 43:00 — Modern motherhood rant: Emails, WhatsApp groups, class reps, and why it’s all too much. 48:00 — Quick fire: Worst gig ever, sharing the stage, favourite punchlines, and industry reflections. 53:00 — Politics & culture: A candid take on the current Irish political climate and cultural shifts. 🧠 Key Themes Women in comedy & gender barriersFinding your comedic voiceLong-term relationships & emotional honestyModern motherhood and social pressuresComedy as both art and survivalCultural change in Ireland & beyond 🪄 Actionable Takeaways Courage comes with craft — pushing boundaries can create powerful cultural moments.Honesty in relationships matters — even the uncomfortable parts.Women’s voices in comedy are no longer the exception.Modern motherhood comes with too many expectations — and laughter helps cut through the noise.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  4. Why Teens Feel Lost | Psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet Explains

    OCT 23

    Why Teens Feel Lost | Psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet Explains

    📝 Episode Description In this powerful episode of The Laura Dowling Experience, Laura sits down with advanced nurse practitioner and child psychotherapist Deirdre Mellet to unpack what’s really going on for teenagers today. From self-harm and emotional dysregulation to ADHD, anxiety, and the pressure of living in an overwhelming world, Dearbhla brings deep professional insight — and a lot of heart — to the conversation. This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand and support young people. 🧠 Key Points Why there’s no such thing as “normal” in mental healthWhy teens are feeling increasingly lost and overwhelmedUnderstanding self-harm and emotional dysregulationHow to help teens regulate their emotionsADHD medication: what parents should knowThe impact of global stress and social media on teen mental healthHow to find qualified therapists and build trust with young people🛠️ Actionable Tips Lead with empathy, not solutions — acknowledge feelings before fixing.Watch for triggers and early signs of overwhelm in teens.Use metaphor (like “being a lighthouse”) to reframe parenting approaches.Explore practical supports such as Jigsaw, CAMHS, and occupational therapy.Prioritise finding the right therapist, not just the first available one. 🕛 Timestamps 00:00 — “There’s no such thing as normal” — Why we need to rethink mental health 02:05 — Why so many young people are struggling today 03:30 — Understanding self-harm and emotional overwhelm 05:45 — Getting into CAMHS: criteria, challenges & real experiences 08:00 — Girls vs boys: how ADHD can present differently 10:00 — What anxiety really feels like for young people 12:00 — Accessing services: what parents can do while waiting for support 13:45 — How to teach emotional regulation (and why “fixing” doesn’t work) 17:00 — What’s really behind teen anger and emotional outbursts 23:00 — “Be the lighthouse, not the anchor” — A powerful parenting metaphor 29:00 — Why ADHD medication isn’t a quick fix (finding the sweet spot) 36:00 — Tools like ear loops & OT support that can make a difference 40:00 — Motivation struggles in teens with ADD/ADHD 42:00 — How to respond if your child shares or writes about dark thoughts 44:00 — The emotional weight of the world on young people 47:00 — How to find a qualified therapist you can trust 50:00 — Why therapist fit matters more than people think 53:00 — Misconceptions around “lack of empathy” in young people 55:00 — Sextortion & online risks: what parents need to know 58:00 — Final reflections: why connection is everything Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 18m
  5. From Rugby to Rehabilitation: Andrew Dunne's Journey into Physiotherapy

    OCT 16

    From Rugby to Rehabilitation: Andrew Dunne's Journey into Physiotherapy

    In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey 01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation 02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections 07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System 11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine 32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care 36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment 36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials 39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement 41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare 42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy 44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change 46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription 52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic 55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations 57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's 01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life 01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness 01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence 01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of Life Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
  6. Breaking Barriers: Eileen's Journey from Addiction to Social Impact

    OCT 9

    Breaking Barriers: Eileen's Journey from Addiction to Social Impact

    In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support. Timestamps 00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction 00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards 00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise 01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison 02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun 02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing 03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back 04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days 06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact 08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates 10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy 12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants 13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives 15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding 18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs 24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens 31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece 34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey 41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford 44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery 48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality 54:46 – Advice for Young People 55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  7. Supercharge Your Soul: A Deep Dive into Holistic Wellness with Miriam Hussey

    OCT 2

    Supercharge Your Soul: A Deep Dive into Holistic Wellness with Miriam Hussey

    In this engaging podcast episode, Miriam Hussey, a former pharmacist who transitioned from traditional pharmacy to holistic health, discusses her transformative journey. Miriam shares her 'aha moment' that led her to realise that true health goes beyond prescriptions and requires addressing lifestyle and preventative measures. Highlighting the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul, Miriam elaborates on the concept of dis-ease, emphasising the need to look beyond mere symptoms to find the root causes of health issues. She outlines her approach through key pillars: physical health, mental well-being, and soul nourishment. She also offers insights into overcoming emotional eating, achieving balance in modern life, and the importance of self-love and care. This episode underscores the necessity of holistic wellness in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life, and it encourages listeners to make meaningful changes to align with their true selves. Timestamps 04:00 Introduction to Miriam Hussy's Journey 04:35 The Aha Moment: Realising the Need for Change 05:51 The Concept of Dis-ease and Its Roots 07:59 Exploring the Three Pillars of Wellness 09:20 The Importance of the Soul in Modern Wellness 13:19 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges 14:14 The Impact of Early Life Experiences 16:31 The Role of Energy and Ancestral Trauma 17:48 Navigating Life's Difficult Decisions 18:59 The Butterfly Analogy: Embracing Transformation 19:47 The Power of Listening to Your Soul 21:57 Balancing Practicality and Passion 24:17 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Soul 35:40 Finding Joy and Regulating Your Nervous System 36:20 Choosing Your Path: Following Your Passion 37:11 Understanding Emotional Eating 39:22 The Vicious Cycle of Overeating 44:32 Healing Through Mirror Work 48:25 Balancing Primary and Secondary Foods 01:04:32 Advice for Young People: Staying True to Yourself 01:06:30 The Meaning of Life: Joy and Peace Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m
  8. Healthspan Over Lifespan: Longevity Lessons for People and Pets with Matt Kaeberlein

    SEP 25

    Healthspan Over Lifespan: Longevity Lessons for People and Pets with Matt Kaeberlein

    In this episode of the Laura Dowling Experience, Matt Kaeberlein, a global leader in ageing science, discusses his mission to help people and animals live longer and healthier lives by modifying the biological mechanisms of ageing. Matt, CEO of Optisan, a healthcare technology company, talks about his transition from academia to entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of lifestyle factors—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social connection—in maximising health span. The conversation explores emerging approaches to longevity, including hormone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and the use of drugs such as rapamycin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Matt shares personal experiences with ageing-related health strategies and offers valuable insights into the role of love and altruism in achieving a fulfilling life. Timestamps 02:48 – Introduction: Meet Matt Kaeberlein, global leader in ageing science 03:13 – What does Matt Kaeberlein do? Biological mechanisms of ageing 04:40 – The concept of health span vs. lifespan 06:55 – Four pillars of health span: Eat, Move, Sleep, Connect 09:04 – The importance of human and animal connection 11:06 – Beyond lifestyle: Hormones and health span 16:06 – Menopause, HRT, and women’s health 24:55 – Testosterone therapy for men: Risks and benefits 31:35 – Alcohol, lifestyle, and longevity 34:34 – Environmental exposures: Heavy metals, microplastics, and health 39:44 – Therapeutic plasma exchange and ageing research 47:09 – Rapamycin: The science, trials, and potential for longevity 59:46 – Diet, fasting, and inflammation: What Matt Kaeberlein eats 1:07:32 – Continuous glucose monitoring and behaviour change 1:14:07 – SGLT2 inhibitors and other promising drugs 1:19:07 – Final advice: Choose love, not fear; the meaning of life Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 51m
See All (149)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Conversations about health, science, wellness, life, love, sex and everything in-between. Laura is a Pharmacist who loves to talk to interesting people about their unique life and work experiences. See @fabulouspharmacist on instagram for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Dowling
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Laura Dowling Experience
  • Show Website
    The Laura Dowling Experience

You Might Also Like