The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• The Comeback with Lauren Edwards

  ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, suicidal ideation and self-harm. Please take care while listening.Lauren Edwards’ story is one of struggle, survival, and ultimately, transformation. What began as a search to fit in led to years of addiction, self-destruction, and heartbreak - but also to recovery, healing, and purpose.After reaching her lowest point, Lauren made the decision to fight for her life. Through treatment, courage, and sheer determination, she began the long road to sobriety and self-acceptance.She also opens up about living with addiction, experiences of self-harm, the impact of an eating disorder, and how finding the right support helped her rebuild her confidence and her life.Today, Lauren is a mum, a writer, and a life coach - navigating grief while embracing recovery and growth.This is a conversation about survival, accountability, and hope - about what it means to rebuild your life and believe in the possibility of change.This episode is proudly supported by Den Joe’s Family Restaurant - serving families for over 45 years.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 01:25 – Early Life & Struggles 02:50 – First Drink at 12 06:00 – Chaos and Violence 10:20 – Escalating Addiction 14:34 – Trauma in Australia 19:00 – Seeking Help 25:00 – Relapse and Recovery 29:49 – Grief and Growth 40:35 – Healing and PurposeConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with...Aidan Loughnane

  ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. Please take care while listening.This week, I sit down with Aidan Loughnane to talk about his journey through anxiety, depression, crippling panic attacks, and the frightening panic attack symptoms that began in his teenage years. He opens up about living with an eating disorder that developed into bulimia, the intrusive thoughts that convinced him life wasn’t worth living, and the devastating grief and trauma of losing his brother.Aidan shares honestly about his lowest points - and how faith, prayer, and running gave him a lifeline. Through courage, movement, and eventually therapy, he found purpose. Now, he speaks out on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and the hidden struggles so many face.Now preparing for fatherhood, Aidan reflects on how far he’s come - and how he found a way not just to survive, but to truly live. His story is raw, powerful, and full of hope - a reminder that even in the darkest times, healing is possible.🎟️ Exciting news!I’m bringing The Comeback Live to the Metropole Hotel, Cork on Saturday, November 22nd – my very first live podcast show! Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am on Eventbrite. I can’t wait to see you there for what promises to be an unforgettable night.This episode is proudly sponsored by The Recovery Room, Ballincollig - where physical recovery and mental clarity combine.📞 083 335 2939 | 📧[email protected]:50 – Introduction & Aidan’s story begins 06:25 – First panic attack on holiday 11:02 – Anxiety before pregnancy scan 17:38 – Panic attack symptoms & fear of dying 23:20 – Grief after losing his brother 35:10 – MDMA, cardiac arrest & survival 42:55 – Faith and prayer in recovery 53:60 – Therapy, trust, and accountability 1:07:30 – Porn, phones & loneliness in men 1:19:05 – Fatherhood, resilience & final messageConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with Dave Kennedy

  When his sister Sarah died in a car accident in 2010, Dave Kennedy turned to food for comfort - food he describes as his poison. Grief pushed him into emotional eating and unhealthy habits until he decided to turn his life around, beginning a weight loss journey that saw him shed eight stone and rebuild his confidence.Now a farmer and personal coach, Dave helps others find their own strength and resilience. But life tested him again when, just last December, his mother passed away suddenly. As Dave says, “the whole bond in the house is gone - your mother is the foundation of the home.”In this raw and honest conversation on The Comeback, Dave talks about:* His weight loss journey, gym transformation and nutrition coaching* Grief and loss - coping with bereavement after losing a sibling and a parent* Men’s mental health and why it’s so important to “do the work on yourself”* Self-love, self-compassion and becoming your own best friend* Mindset coaching, personal growth and building awareness through tough times* How relationships change when you stop seeking outside validationThis episode is a powerful reminder that even through heartbreak, transformation is possible.Sponsored by Cork Podcast Studio - Cork’s home for podcasting, film and photography. You can connect with them at www.corkpodcaststudio.ie/Timestamps3:55 – Farming roots in Cork & Tipperary8:40 – Losing his sister and grief13:17 – Comfort eating and weight gain18:32 – Returning to the gym23:57 – From lecturer to coaching in Dubai29:47 – Creating The Lifestyle Blueprint35:22 – Life after quitting alcohol42:10 – Self-love and validation50:30 – Lessons from loss and growthConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Kim Nolan

  Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening.Four years ago, Kim Nolan lost the love of her life, Thomas, to suicide. In an instant, her world was shattered. She was left to raise their children, Kaidyn and Aria, and faced the unbearable task of telling them their dad was gone - before having to break the same devastating news to Thomas’s mother, his brothers, and his sister.As if that loss wasn’t enough, Kim was struck by another devastating tragedy when her mam died suddenly in her sleep at just 58. She describes the shock of telling her grandparents their daughter was gone and how it forced her to question everything she thought she knew about grief.And yet, through all this pain, Kim has found a way to keep living. She speaks about the darkest moments, the panic attacks, the silence of grief - and how she has fought her way back to gratitude, holding on to the ten years of love she shared with Thomas.This is a story of heartbreak, survival, and resilience. ✨ Thank you to our sponsor, Brow Bar Boutiques - your ultimate walk-in brow bars. Step in and experience the transformation for yourself, because when it comes to gorgeous brows, the proof is in the plucking! Find them on Instagram at @browbarboutiques.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Kim’s story and sudden loss03:15 – The day everything changed: receiving the devastating call07:40 – First panic attack experience during the funeral12:25 – Explaining death to young children in an honest way18:50 – Facing guilt and the “what ifs” after suicide24:30 – Realising there were no clear signs beforehand30:05 – Coping with grief during COVID restrictions36:20 – Choosing resilience: deciding to keep living fully42:10 – The shift in mindset: stopping people-pleasing48:35 – Looking ahead: parenting, career change, and life after lossNeed Support? Helplines & ResourcesSamaritans Ireland – Free, confidential support, 24/7📞 116 123🌐 www.samaritans.iePieta House – Suicide and self-harm crisis support📞 1800 247 247📱 Text HELP to 51444🌐 www.pieta.ieAware – Support for depression, anxiety, and mood-related issues📞 1800 80 48 48🌐 www.aware.ieConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with… Caroline Rushe

  Most people know her online as Crazy Caroline - full of energy and fun. But in this episode of The Comeback, Caroline Rushe reveals the woman behind the Instagram account.She talks about growing up in poverty, being bullied at school and beaten at home, and how those experiences shaped her. Caroline shares with raw honesty her battles with grief, suicide, and mental health - and how she has found strength through therapy, support, and the love of her family.Her husband Colm stood by her through the darkest days, while her two IVF sons, Callum and Cullen, gave her life new meaning. She also tells the story of Cassie, her rescue dog - a bond Caroline describes as two souls rescued, and finally loved.This is a conversation about survival, resilience, and why it’s okay not to be okay. And yes, we even clear up the drama about why she never made it to my Opera House show - with a few laughs along the way.Sponsor:This episode is kindly sponsored by The Howliday Inn – a purpose-built doggie daycare and boarding kennels with trampolines, couches, paddling pools and toys. A true haven for dogs of all sizes.📞 +353 87 334 5702📧 [email protected]:00:00 – Intro01:16 – Childhood poverty & struggles03:31 – Alcohol triggers & marriage impact07:06 – Anxiety, paranoia & breakdown13:54 – Psychiatric hospital & recovery20:03 – Losing her mother26:23 – Rescuing animals & healing bond29:41 – Social media journey42:07 – Finding authenticity in her 40s44:20 – Cold water dips & gratitudeConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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