Digg Podcast

Eddie Doris is a retired primary school teacher and musician, from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed in his 20s, and now in his mid 50s, Eddie shares what it means to navigate a progressive neurological condition while holding onto identity, purpose, and connection. 

Eddie talks about losing his ability to play music, retiring from a teaching career, the impact of mobility changes, and why he doesn’t see himself as someone who is “suffering.” 

He reflects on the importance of mindset, community, humour, and staying socially connected, and how life doesn’t stop after a diagnosis, it adapts. 

This episode is for anyone living with MS, chronic illness, disability, or a life changing diagnosis, and for anyone who needs a reminder that everyone is carrying something.

Links from Episode

Eddie Doris
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eddie.doris.5/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edzlak/ 

My MS Team - Online support
Website - https://www.mymsteam.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mymultiplesclerosisteam/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyMSTeam/?locale=en_GB

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Melanie Harrison is the founder of The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, award winning and one of Belfast’s most distinctive 30-room boutique hospitality experiences.

Melanie shares her remarkable journey from “accidental hotelier” to creator of a destination brand rooted in storytelling, culture and creativity. 

She opens up about the realities of building a business from the ground up: from transforming a single Airbnb room into an immersive hospitality concept, to navigating funding with WhiteRock and the British Business Bank, to learning when to trust her instincts rather than follow traditional industry rules. 

Melanie reveals how she uses storytelling to differentiate her brand, how collaboration with local creatives has shaped her unique spaces, and why playfulness, disruption and authenticity are essential for modern entrepreneurs. 

Her candid insights into scaling, risk-taking, customer experience, and staying connected to the heart of her brand make this episode a must listen for any founder or business owner looking to grow with purpose and originality. 

Plus, listeners can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction using the code DIGG15 up until July 30th 2026.

We loved recording there over the three days.

Links from Episode

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Profile Tree
Use link below to take the FREE ChatGPT Training Course
https://futurebusinessacademy.com/courses/chatgpt-course/ 

Timely Careers
Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 
Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Rory McShane is one of Northern Ireland’s most respected solicitors, a man whose 50 year legal career, civil rights activism and deep roots in Newry have shaped generations of families, businesses and communities.

Rory talks about building a law practice from nothing, navigating the challenges of Northern Ireland’s past, and the resilience that defines both his life and his hometown of Newry.

From securing justice in court cases, to surviving personal threats and the bombing of his business, to becoming President of the Law Society, Rory reflects on the moments that shaped him,  and the values that guided him: courage, community, fairness and hard work.

He also shares lighter stories, the humour that carried him through difficult times, his passion for golf, and the generational loyalty that has kept McShane & Co at the heart of Newry for five decades.

This is a story about resilience, leadership, legacy and hope for the future of Northern Ireland,  told by a man who lived every chapter of it.

Links from Episode

McShane & Co Solicitors, Newry
Website - https://www.mcshaneandco.com/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Linwoods Health Foods.
For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)
https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r 

Location Partner
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 
For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Linda Stinson is the CEO and founder of Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze, two of Ireland’s leading tanning and beauty brands. 

Linda shares the raw, unfiltered story of building a multimillion-pound global business from her garage, navigating partnership challenges, surviving a wedding-day tanning disaster that sparked an idea, and creating products that disrupted a saturated market.

She shares how influencer marketing changed everything, the truth about TikTok Shop margins, the power of rebranding, and what it really takes to scale a beauty empire while raising a family. Linda also reveals the next big move for the brand, including the first ever Bellamianta store and her mission to elevate other female-founded Irish businesses.

This episode is packed with business strategy, brand-building insights, resilience, and straight-talking advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Links from Episode

Bellamianta
Website - https://bellamianta.com/ 
Linda Stinson
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lindastinson/?hl=en 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Profile Tree
Use link below to take the FREE ChatGPT Training Course
https://futurebusinessacademy.com/courses/chatgpt-course/ 

Timely Careers
Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 
Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 
For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Dr Julie-Ann Walkden courageously shares her domestic abuse survivor story for the very first time in this special episode.

Julie-Ann recounts the night her partner violently attacked her, the red flags she missed, how coercive control escalated, and the impact the trauma had on her and her children. Her honest conversation shines a vital light on how abuse happens behind closed doors, even in families who seem “normal” from the outside.

Noelle Collins, Project Manager at Women’s Aid, explains how domestic violence develops, why women often cannot “just leave,” how refuge support works, and the essential role charities play in keeping women and children safe in Northern Ireland.

This special episode is produced in partnership with Digg Deep for Kids, a charity founded by Caroline that provides emergency essentials, Christmas support, and year-round help to organisations including Women’s Aid NI, Cash for Kids, Simon Community and Little Heroes NI.

If you need support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Help is available.

If you’d like to support this year’s Digg Deep for Kids Christmas Appeal, please donate or buy a raffle ticket at https://diggdeepforkids.com/  

Every share, every ticket, every donation makes a real difference.