Shows
IMAGE The Check-inNeuroscientist, Dr Sabina Brennan, on Brain Health, Menopause and the Power of DaydreamingIn this episode, Ellie Balfe is joined by neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr Sabina Brennan, to explore what really happens to the female brain throughout our lives, from hormonal changes in menopause to the impact of stress, loneliness, and lifestyle on long-term cognitive health.They discuss why women are more at risk of dementia, how oestrogen loss affects memory and focus, and the small, powerful daily habits that can protect your brain as you age. Sabina also shares why daydreaming is not a waste of time but one of the best things you can do for your...
2025-11-131h 19
IMAGE The Check-inLive Long, Live Well, Live Fully: Heart Health for Every WomanThis week on IMAGE The Check-in, preventive cardiologist Dr Paddy Barrett joins Ellie Balfe to explore what every woman needs to know about heart health.Dr Barrett explains his work in risk evaluation and why understanding your personal numbers is the most powerful step in prevention. Together, they unpack why heart disease remains the leading killer of women, how symptoms differ from men, and what women can do to protect their hearts at every age to live well, longer.They cover the impact of hormones, inflammation, and cholesterol, as well as practical insights on...
2025-11-061h 07
IMAGE The Check-inThe Body Scan: Understanding Women’s Health from Head to ToeIn this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe sits down with GP Dr Sonja Bobart of D4 Medical in Dublin to take listeners on a journey through women’s health from head to toe.Together they explore the body as a connected system - from mood and hormones to heart health, gut balance, pelvic care, sleep, and stress. The conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical expertise, offering simple signposts for what to look out for and how to care for yourself at every stage.Dr Bobart shares her insights on...
2025-10-231h 05
IMAGE The MotherloadRosanna Davison on love, loss and a miracle perspectiveRosanna Davison’s journey to motherhood is a story of loss, love and the most extraordinary resilience. The former Miss World sits down with Dominique McMullan for one of the most emotional and honest conversations ever shared on IMAGE The Motherload.Rosanna opens up about the heartbreak of fourteen miscarriages, the moment she watched her longed-for baby girl being born from another woman, and the shock and joy of welcoming twins. She also reflects on the strain it placed on her relationship, and for the first time, talks about helping her surrogate escape war and set up...
2025-10-141h 20
IMAGE The Check-inThe Power of Pharmacy with Caoimhe McAuleyIn the very first episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe is joined by Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland, to explore the vital role pharmacy plays in women’s health.From being the first point of contact for everyday health concerns to offering trusted support throughout life’s bigger moments, Caoimhe explains why a simple conversation with your pharmacist might be one of the most supportive steps you ever take.Together, they unpack the complete checklist of health screenings women should be aware of, what really matters when it come...
2025-10-0957 min
IMAGE The MotherloadTammy Darcy - Teenagers, building a movement and losing her sisterIn this inspiring episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique sits down with Tammy Darcy, founder and CEO of The Shona Project. Tammy shares the powerful story behind her movement to empower the young women of Ireland, revealing how her relationship with her late sister, Shona, shaped her life's mission.Tammy also opens up about the realities of creating The Shona Project while raising her own children, the key values she hopes to instill in them, and discusses the struggles faced by teenage girls today and how we can better connect with them. Join u...
2025-09-3056 min
IMAGE The MotherloadDanielle Garner - Loss, resilience, and finding her wildPlease note: This episode contains a trigger warning for miscarriage In this intimate episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique chats to Danielle Garner, the founder of Wildflower Hair Studio. Danielle's story is one of incredible resilience and reinvention.She opens up about her journey, from living with an alcoholic parent, to navigating the grief of a second-trimester miscarriage during a time of global isolation. Danielle shares how these experiences have shaped her as a mother to her two beautiful boys and how she's channeled her resilience into her work and her life.
2025-09-231h 07
IMAGE The MotherloadEmma Flynn - Midwifery, Postpartum OCD, and the Healing Power of CreativityIn this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique is joined by artist and mother of three, Emma Flynn, for one of the most powerful conversations the podcast has ever hosted. Together they talk about Emma’s years as a midwife, her experience of postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts (TW), the role of medication and therapy in her healing, and the hope she’s found in creativity, faith, and community.This is a conversation about darkness, yes, but also about love - the kind that transforms us and carries us through.IMAG...
2025-09-161h 01
IMAGE The MotherloadHealing with Pat KanePat Kane has built two successful businesses - reuzi and Pragmatica - but her story is about far more than entrepreneurship. A Brazilian-born, Dublin-based mum of two, Pat is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.In this tender, powerful conversation, Pat opens up about her healing journey, how motherhood has shaped her perspective, and what it takes to raise open-hearted boys in today’s world.Trigger warning: this episode touches on childhood sexual abuse. If that feels too much right now, we understand - feel free to come back when you’re read...
2025-09-0947 min
IMAGE The MotherloadRanae Von Meding - Motherhood and activismThis week on IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique sits down with LGBTQI+ rights campaigner, speaker, CEO and proud mum-of-three, Ranae von Meding, for a powerful, moving, and deeply personal conversation.Nearly a decade on from Ireland’s Marriage Equality referendum, Ranae reflects on the wins, the gaps that still remain, and the emotional toll of raising a family that isn’t yet fully recognised under the law. They talk about the joys of queer motherhood, the realities of burnout, the vulnerability of advocacy, and the hope that drives her forward.With heart and honesty, Rana...
2025-09-0257 min
IMAGE The MotherloadCharlene Flanagan - Softness, success and burnoutCharlene Flanagan thought she had to do it all. She co-founded beauty brand Ella & Jo, raised two children and ran herself into burnout.In this episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Charlene joins Dominique McMullan to talk about surviving that season, her mental health struggles and how they led her to redefine everything.She shares why kindness and soundness are her business superpowers, how she’s building a workplace that supports mothers, and why success isn’t worth it if it costs you yourself.This conversation is a reminder that you’re all...
2025-08-2653 min
IMAGE The MotherloadEmma Doran - On humour, identity and the messy beauty of parenthoodEmma Doran became a mum at 18. At 30, she started a stand-up career. Now a mother of three and one of Ireland’s most loved comedic voices, she joins Dominique to talk about the journey in between.Emma talks about what it was like to become a mum at 18, to sit the Leaving Cert pregnant, and to raise three children while building a career as one of Ireland’s most loved comedic voices.Emma also opens up about using humour to reclaim her identity after years of putting her kids first, why maternal rage is s...
2025-07-291h 10
IMAGE The MotherloadAli Deasy - Multiples and the truth about mum guiltWhat’s it really like raising triplets? Ali Deasy joins Dominique McMullan for an episode that’s as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.Ali talks about the shock of a triplet pregnancy, the chaos of raising four kids, surviving potty training three at once, and why asking for help as a mother still feels *so* hard.This is a conversation about the beautiful mess of family life – and how to soften your inner critic when motherhood feels overwhelming.IMAGE The Motherload is powered by Peugeot and sponsored by its4women, Avoca...
2025-07-2255 min
IMAGE The MotherloadDr Colman Noctor - Smartphones, Childhood and The Cost of ConnectionIn this episode, Dominique is joined by renowned psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor to explore the impact of smartphones and technology on childhood, parenting and how we connect as humans.Together, they unpack the mental health trends of the past decade, the loss of offline play, and the subtle shifts happening in how our children (and we) are developing emotionally and socially. But this isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness. From opportunity cost to dopamine traps, Colman gives us the tools to think critically, build resilience, and take back some control… without shame...
2025-07-151h 03
IMAGE The MotherloadJodie Wood - The invisible side of fertility strugglesIn this emotional and deeply honest episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique is joined by content creator and mum of three, Jodie Wood. Jodie opens up about her road to baby Sadie - a journey marked by tertiary fertility challenges, moments of heartbreak, and a quiet but steady resilience. They talk about mum guilt, the pressure to look perfect after giving birth, and how to ask for help (and accept it). Jodie also shares what it’s like to be a mother in the public eye, how she kept going through uncertainty, and why she’s learn...
2025-07-0851 min
IMAGE The MotherloadJenny Keane, Emma Dowling and Siobhán McAuley - Getting Your Spark BackRecorded live at Avoca Dunboyne, this special episode of IMAGE The Motherload dives into a theme every mum can relate to: how to find your spark again. That feeling of being lit up, connected to yourself, and full of purpose… even in the thick of motherhood.Dominique is joined by three powerful women - fitness coach Emma Dowling, travel creator Siobhán McAuley, and sex educator Jenny Keane - for a meaningful conversation about burnout, identity, self-connection, joy and the tiny steps that help us feel like ourselves again.This episode is a rem...
2025-07-0157 min
IMAGE The MotherloadUna Ennis - A mother fighting for her childThis episode of IMAGE The Motherload is not an easy listen, but a tremendously important one. A short while ago, Dominique sat down with Una Ennis – a mum in the midst of every parent’s worst nightmare. Her little boy Archie is seriously ill with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive disease that urgently needs prohibitively expensive treatment abroad. Over the course of this chat, with the most extraordinary bravery, Una speaks about the impact Archie’s diagnosis has had on their family, and the non-stop fundraising that has taken place since. Because...
2025-06-2444 min
IMAGE The MotherloadChupi - What we pass down to our childrenIMAGE The Motherload is BACK for Season Two. In this week’s episode of IMAGE The Motherload, Dominique McMullan is joined by someone she has long admired - her friend, businesswoman and jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman Pell.Together they talk about balancing home life with ambition, the importance of sequins (very important obviously), what true equality in the home looks like and the secret to real leadership. They also touch on the importance of raising the next generation to do it all with more softness, more strength, and more freedom.This is an ep...
2025-06-1759 min
IMAGE The MotherloadJenny Keane - Self-connection and the pleasure mindsetIn this episode of The Motherload, host Dominique McMullan sits down with holistic sex educator and new mum, Jenny Keane, better known as the “orgasm queen.” Beyond her famous workshops and Late Late Sex Toy Show, Jenny shares how motherhood has deepened her understanding of self-connection and body awareness. Together, they dismantle the productivity-obsessed culture and champion the “pleasure mindset”... the radical act of prioritising joy in everyday moments. From gentle postpartum practices to rebuilding intimacy with partners, Jenny offers wisdom that transcends the bedroom. The Motherload is powered by Peugeot...
2025-05-131h 11
IMAGE The MotherloadHannah Saunders and Sarah Battle - The real life, every day juggle - Live from AvocaThis week on The Motherload, Dominique sits down with Sarah Battle and Hannah Saunders at the first Motherload Live Event. Hannah is the founder of Hannah Saunders PR, and the definition of a powerhouse, balancing campaigns in Dublin, New York, and London while raising little Brody (and fur-mum duties for Chip!). Sarah is mum to five (yes, five!), a former Home Ec teacher turned RTE Home of the Year contender and digital-creator extraordinaire.Together, they dove into it all, from how to get out the door in the morning, to the myth of “bal...
2025-05-0649 min
IMAGE The MotherloadAnna Whitehouse - Flex Appeal, finding love, and fighting for working mothersThis week on The Motherload, Dominique sits down with the incredible Anna Whitehouse - journalist, author, activist, and the powerhouse behind the Flex Appeal movement. In this deeply emotional and inspiring conversation, Anna shares her journey from campaigning for flexible working laws, to navigating divorce, rediscovering love, welcoming her daughter Lola, and reshaping what modern motherhood can look like.From the labour ward to Number 10 Downing Street, from heartbreak to hope - this is an honest and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be boxed in.The Motherload is powered by...
2025-04-291h 05
IMAGE The MotherloadCourtney Smith - Growing your family, grief and personal styleStylist, creative director, and all-round cool gal Courtney Smith is one of the most recognisable forces in Irish fashion. But beyond the bold colours and confident silhouettes, she’s also navigating life as a mum.In this episode, Dominique is joined by Courtney and her four-month-old daughter Nova and they dive into what it’s really like to parent three small humans (spoiler: it’s quite a lot).They talk about the decision to go again when life already feels stretched at the seams, about ‘mum guilt’, about grief and how it reshapes us, and ab...
2025-04-221h 00
IMAGE The MotherloadIndy Power - Hope, heartbreak and her long journey to baby number twoIndy Power is known for her thriving businesses, The Little Green Spoon and SINES candles, but behind the scenes, she was fighting a private battle that lasted years. After a straightforward first pregnancy with her son Teddy, Indy’s journey to a second child was marked by multiple miscarriages, emotional and physical exhaustion, and round after round of treatment.In this deeply honest conversation, Indy opens up about the reality of fertility struggles, the toll it took on her, and the strength it took her to keep going. We talk about IVF, surrogacy, support systems, running a...
2025-04-151h 00
IMAGE The MotherloadSinead O’Moore - The *real* work-life balance debate, and how to actually support mumsIn this episode of The Motherload, Dominique McMullan sits down with Sinead O’Moore. Sinead is a powerhouse in podcasting (listen to The 40s Stretch wherever you get your podcasts!), a business owner, a fierce advocate for women, and most importantly, a mum who knows firsthand the beautiful, messy reality of it all. In this episode, Sinead and Dominique cover the real work-life balance debate; why ‘mum guilt’ exists (and how to finally shake it off); the way women’s ambition shifts after kids, and why that’s a good thing and the changes we actually need to see...
2025-04-0855 min
IMAGE The MotherloadLouise McSharry - Neurodivergent motherhood, balance, and raising feminist boysIn this episode of The Motherload, Dominique McMullan sits down with Louise McSharry for an honest conversation about motherhood, balance, and raising boys with feminist values. Louise opens up about the realities of juggling a successful career and family, the pressures society places on mothers, and why she’s passionate about raising her sons to be kind, aware, and emotionally intelligent. With her signature pragmatic wit, she shares the lessons she’s learned, and the joys and challenges she’s experienced along the way. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating motherhood. We do hope you enjoy...
2025-04-0158 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectUnderstanding your hormones and taking control of your health. Hertility's Deirdre O'Neill on female reproductive healthIn this episode of The Wellness Project, we are joined by the inspiring Deirdre O’Neill, a dual-qualified lawyer with a master’s in Medical Law from King’s College London and the co-founder of Hertility Health. Hertility is revolutionising women’s reproductive health by offering accessible, at-home testing kits that provide critical insights into fertility and hormonal health.Deirdre shares her journey to founding this pioneering company, why women’s health has been overlooked for so long, and the vital importance of taking control of our wellbeing through knowledge of our reproductive health. We also explore ho...
2024-12-0232 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectIgnoring your sexual wellness? Caroline West on why it’s time to shed the shameIn this episode of The Wellness Project, we welcome Dr. Caroline West - sex educator, podcaster, columnist, and author—for an insightful conversation on sexual wellness. At The Wellness Project, we think holistically about wellness, and all the areas of your life that impact your wellbeing. Sexual well-being is a vital yet often overlooked piece of the wellness puzzle. In this episode, Dr. West and Dominique unpack what sexual wellness truly means today, how it impacts other areas of life, and why it’s time to shed the shame and stigma that still surround conversations about sex...
2024-11-2548 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectIs a racing mind keeping you awake? Tom Coleman's practical sleep tips will helpIn this episode of The Wellness Project, we dive deep into the science of sleep with Tom Coleman, a qualified health scientist and sleep coach. Going beyond the basics, Tom explains why sleep quality and quantity are crucial for our physical, mental, and cognitive health.Dominique and Tom chat about the latest findings on how sleep impacts our brains and bodies, and why prioritising a good night’s rest is one of the best investments we can make in our overall wellness. Tom addresses some of the most common misconceptions around sleep, and offers practical tips on...
2024-11-1431 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectSelf-care is not selfish, it's essential. Peigín Crowley on how to start turning up for yourself.In this episode of The Wellness Project podcast, we sit down with Peigín Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing and co-founder of The Irish Spa Association, for a conversation about the true meaning of self-care. Peigín shares her personal journey to discovering the power of inner healing and self-care, and how it shaped her mission to help others prioritise their well-being.Dominique and Peigín delve into how women, especially those in leadership or caregiving roles, often neglect self-care and why it's so crucial to break that cycle. Peigín also offers practical advice for reco...
2024-10-2540 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectHow to start living a life that truly feels like home. Tara Rafter on self-compassion, resilience and gratitudeIn this heartfelt episode of The Wellness Project we welcome the inspiring Tara Rafter, award-winning life coach and Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner. Tara helps those feeling lost or overwhelmed find their way back to themselves.We explore Tara’s deeply personal journey — from losing her father and climbing the career ladder, to the moment she realised external success wasn’t fulfilling her inner world. Tara shares how becoming a mother changed her perspective, how she helps clients rediscover their purpose, and why self-compassion and vulnerability are essentials in today’s world.Join us for a ra...
2024-10-1140 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectUnhappy, overwhelmed, and lacking confidence in work? Angela Burke on how to achieve career wellnessWe spend 90,000 hours at work and yet rarely prioritise our career wellness. This week on the Wellness Project Podcast, we speak to Career Consultant Angela Burke and learn how to successfully navigate our careers in tandem with our lives. With a unique blend of recruitment & career consulting expertise, along with a post graduate qualification in career development & coaching, Angela brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the world of work and career wellbeing. Angela uses this insight to help people shape and navigate their career with clarity, confidence and most importantly, in alignment with their l...
2024-09-2746 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectAre you a victim of busy lady syndrome? Health with Holland on how to regulate our hormonesRebecca Holland, founder of Health with Holland, is a straightforward, science-backed Irish health coach who empowers women to achieve hormone balance and reclaim their health. Her approach focuses on 5-pillars — nutrition, nervous system regulation, mindset, exercise, and circadian health. As a single mother of twins, Rebecca understands the challenges women face and helps them achieve hormone balance without relying on quick fixes or calorie counting. Her mission is to create a global movement where women are empowered to take control of their health, busting myths and offering sustainable strategies for success as she goes. Joi...
2024-09-1155 min
The IMAGE Wellness ProjectDo we really know the harm ultra processed foods have on us? Oonagh O'Hagan on how to protect your microbiomeOonagh O’Hagan is the proud owner and managing director of Meagher’s Pharmacy Group. A qualified pharmacist, she was in her late 20s when she bought the landmark Meagher’s Pharmacy on Dublin’s Baggot Street from Pierce Meagher in 2001. She has since gone on to grow the business to nine pharmacies and a thriving online store www.meaghers.ie. She now employs 150 people with further growth planned. Oonagh is also an expert in gut health and on this week's episode she shares all of her knowledge on how to protect your Microbiome.The IMAGE Wellness...
2024-09-0157 min
Driven by its4womenEp 8 Driven by its4women: 'Belles of Belfast' Author Lucy McMullan on Self-Love & Great StorytellingIn this episode of the Driven by its4women podcast, host Kim Kelly welcomes up-and-coming author Lucy McMullan from Portadown, who recently published her debut novel "Belles of Belfast." Described as a mix between "Sex and the City" and "Bridget Jones," the book delivers a compelling story of self-love and independence set against the backdrop of modern Belfast's vibrant culture. Lucy shares insights into her inspiration, writing process, and the themes of her novel. She also discusses her background as a long-time writer, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, offering valuable advice to aspiring authors and emphasising the role of...
2024-07-1737 min
Driven by its4womenEp 7: Olivia's Haven Founder Olivia Burns Building a Global Fragrance Brand from the North CoastIn this episode of the Driven by its4women podcast, host Kim Kelly interviews Olivia Burns, founder of Olivia's Haven, a high-end luxury home fragrance brand based on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. Olivia shares her journey of transforming a personal passion into a global business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighting the power of storytelling and personal connections in building a brand, with Olivia reflecting on balancing her business ambitions with future motherhood. Olivia's journey offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs to follow their passion and make their unique mark.
2024-06-1036 min
Driven by its4womenEp 6: Empowering Women Through Hair with Bridgeen KingIn the world of hair styling, Bridgeen King stands as a beacon of excellence, earning recognition and accolades through her unparalleled skill and creativity, she has become a true trailblazer in the industry.
Bridgeen specialises in hair loss, addressing the often shameful, embarrassing, and hurtful topic that many women struggle to talk about. From alopecia, stress and even menopause, she aims to treat not only their hair but the person.
Known for her personalised approach and attention to detail, she has built a loyal clientele who trust her not only to bring their hair dreams to life but to bring th...
2024-05-2734 min
Driven by its4womenEp 5: The Wholefood Hero, Edel OwensWe explore the transformative power of holistic health with The Wholefood Hero, Edel Owens. Having endured 45 antibiotics over 15 years, Edel ditched the meds and embraced a journey of gut health and mindset mastery, paving the way for a thriving life.
Join Edel as she shares her inspiring story and empowers listeners to reclaim their health and vitality. Through her work with individuals and forward-thinking organizations deeply invested in nutrition, Edel catalyzes a shift in mindset towards optimal health.
Discover how Edel helps individuals make informed dietary choices while unraveling years of unhealthy conditioning and habits. Through strategic mindset practices, she eq...
2024-05-0839 min
Driven by its4womenEp 4: Let's Talk About Menopause With Siobhan Kearney & Geraldine McAleenanJoin host Kim Kelly on The Driven by itss4women podcast as she delves into the transformative topic of menopause alongside esteemed guests Siobhan Kearney and Geraldine McAleenan. In this insightful episode, Siobhan and Geraldine candidly share their personal journeys through menopause, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they encountered along the way.
From navigating perimenopause symptoms to the profound impact on professional lives, listeners will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of menopause. Discover how workplace awareness and support can make a tangible difference in empowering women during this significant life stage. Tune in to explore practical st...
2024-04-2438 min
Driven by its4womenEp 3: Gym Guru Natasha Daryaie Get's Mothers Moving
In this episode of the Driven by its4women podcast our host Kim Kelly chats with Gym Guru Natasha Daryaie on how her early love of sport has helped her with discipline, why she decided to “workout” a new way to motivate mums to get moving with their children and how good things in life come to those who “weight.” Tune in and listen now.
Disclaimer: the contents and views expressed by individuals in the Driven by its4women podcast are their own and do not necessarily present the views the company they work for or its4women.
2024-04-0932 min
Driven by its4womenEp 2: Keeping Up With Local Designer Niamh McCarthy
In this episode of the Driven by its4women podcast our host Kim Kelly chats with local business woman, designer and artist Niamh McCarthy.
Niamh and her all female team at Niamh Designs, specialise in custom embroidered leather jackets but it was one LA order who really put this small business on the map.
How does Niamh plan to “Keep Up” with such a bright business? Tune in to find out.
Disclaimer: the contents and views expressed by individuals in the Driven by its4women podcast are their own and do not necessarily present...
2024-03-1819 min
Driven by its4womenEp 1: Pamela Brady Took Action Against Cancer
In this episode of the Driven by its4women podcast our host Kim Kelly spoke to Action Cancers Advanced Practice Radiographer Donna McKearnan and Action Cancer ambassador and breast cancer survivor Pamela Brady.
Discussing how Action Cancers great work and early breast screening service saved Pamela’s life and the lives of hundreds of women each year.
Tune in to hear a humbling story on how life can change in an instant.
Disclaimer: the contents and views expressed by individuals in the Driven by its4women podcast are their own and do no...
2024-03-0620 min