A Little Birdie Told Me

A Little Birdie Told Me is back for a fifth season and host Rebecca Horan is delving into the 'Psychology of Parenting'. On Episode One TV Presenter and business owner, Kathryn Thomas, takes the hot-seat. Kathryn opens up to Rebecca about her meteoric rise to stardom as the host of Ireland's biggest tv shows like No Frontiers and Operation Transformation. She also discusses her wild days as a teenager and how that insatiable appetite for adventure helped when it came to a career travelling the globe in front of the camera. Rebecca and Kathryn talk about her IVF battle and her beautiful blended family and Kathryn also gets frank about women's health and the importance of staying fit and healthy well into our old age. Kathryn runs Pure Results and says the fitness retreats she runs are similar to a movement, and she cannot encourage women enough to get out and move and stay connected to their bodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this penultimate episode in Season 4 Rebecca talks to Audrey Hamilton. Audrey is an artist, designer and mum of one and shares her journey to finding happiness with husband Jack and her design empire, Audrey Hamilton Apparel, after a stint in Hollywood. Audrey met her husband Jack at just 17 and after a 5 year split and subsequent reunion in their twenties they went on to marry and have their daughter. Audrey tells Rebecca about her off-putting experience as an actress in LA, how she "fell into" her design business and the love of her life, her baby Beau. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca sits down with Yvonne Tchrakian. Yvonne is a corporate lawyer, mum of four, founder of @Pause.Penny and manifesting queen. Yvonne opens up to Rebecca about her devastating pregnancy loss and how her and her husband navigated the trauma as a team. She also talks about trying to conceive, raising her young family while making her dreams come true and her passion for manifesting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca speaks to Katie Healy Nolan. Katie is a mum of four and full-time carer to her daughter Penelope who was born with additional needs. Katie and her husband David survived the horrendous Bataclan attack in Paris and live to tell the tale. Katie is an incredible advocate for children with additional needs and discusses her triumphs and challenges when it comes to managing Penelope's health needs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca talks to nutritionist and mum of two Sophie Morris. Sophie opens up about the impact her parent's separation had on her later in life when she became a mother herself, she discusses the difficult decision she made to put her business on ice while she raised her two young boys and she talks to Rebecca about the new direction her business has taken in the female hormone space. Sophie is a visionary when it comes to health and wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Author and Journalist Barbara Scully talks to Rebecca about being a single parent in 1980s Ireland, raising three smart women, prioritising the family unit over stretching herself too thin and women's rights in 2024. Barbara has lead a very interesting and varied life and has so many wonderful learnings to impart from her mothering journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca talks to Sooby Lynch. Sooby is a content creator, theatre-owner, voice-over artist, burlesque queen and mum to two girls, Marnie and Penny. When you take a glance at Sooby's Instagram feed you can see that Sooby is the most loving, creative, soulful person and that she fills her life with joy. However, even with a full heart Sooby discusses the grief that followed the loss of her dad in recent years, her adoption story, the exhausting but fulfilling role as a mama to two young kids and being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 and how it helped her with productivity, anxiety and living her life to the full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca sits down with Laura Drury AKA The Glam Shamrock, Digital Content Creator, mum of three and one of the most positive ladies on the internet. Laura lives with her young family in the UK; she has three children under 3. Laura works with some of the top fashion and beauty brands and creates the most wonderful content for her clients and followers. Rebecca and Laura discuss living positively and getting energy from life, raising small children while working and creating beautiful and engaging content in a saturated market. Laura is one of the warmest, most relatable women on Instagram, enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca talks to bestselling author and podcaster Caroline Foran. Caroline discusses her love story with husband Barry, the worst year of her life, overcoming setbacks, managing her anxiety and parenting her 3-year-old son. Caroline is very open about her parenting challenges and her child's sensitive personality and how she follows her gut not the pack when it comes to being a mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca catches up with TV Presenter Karen Koster to talk about her massive year of change from her departure from Virgin Media's 6 0'Clock Show to dealing with the grief of losing her mother suddenly and being at home with her kids more. Karen has worked in television for twenty years and described in detail how she made her decision to step away from the limelight for a while. However, she admits we will still see her on our screens from time to time. Karen discusses her long love affair with her husband John and the different phases her three children are at and how she's enjoying the chaos. Karen also tells Rebecca about the inexplicable shock of losing her mum suddenly and how it made her more philosophical about life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Rebecca sits down with model, tv presenter and personality Glenda Gilson. Glenda has the most infectious energy and when parenting her two busy boys this must help. She describes how she likes to do arts and crafts, get down and dirty outside and build lego with her kids whilst also maintaining a pretty glamourous career outside the home. Glenda has in no way changed from her early modelling days which she recalls with joy and nostalgia and she tells Rebecca about how she'd love to return to her passion broadcasting. She details her hilarious first labour story and describes what makes her happy in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 2 Rebecca sits down with the formidable Hannah Saunders, founder of Hannah Saunders PR. Hannah was 38 weeks pregnant when she came in to studio and has since given birth to Brody Beau, in anticipation Hannah spoke about trying to conceive and the loneliness attached to it, finding the love of her life at 16 on holiday, building a PR empire in London and Dublin and how she is certain she can do it all when it comes to her career and family. Hannah is a force to be reckoned with and one of the most inspirational businesswomen in Ireland in 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Horan kicks off the 4th season of A Little Birdie Told Me by sitting down with author and celebrity chef Donal Skehan. Donal has just released his new recipes book Home Kitchen and his TV series Home Cook is continuing to get rave reviews, Donal discusses his busy home life with his two young boys and his wife Sofie, how he tries to embrace the chaos, their difficult decision to move back to Dublin from LA and his views on modern parenting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this final episode of Season 3 of A Little Birdie Told Me Rebecca sits down with Ranae Von Meding. Ranae is the CEO for Equality For Children, a celebrant, marketing guru, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a mother of two with another baby on the way. Rebecca spoke to Ranae about her very strict Catholic upbringing and the difficulties she faced when she came out as gay, her partner Audrey, her fertility and IVF journey, her past eating disorder, her work with Equality For Children and her current pregnancy. This conversation is enlightening, informative, emotional, empowering and heartfelt all at the same time.This is a must listen to episode with so many take-aways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 13 longtime friends Gillian Murtagh and Rebecca Horan discuss Gillian's life as a working mother to three children and her little boy Leo in particular. Six years ago Leo was born with Down Syndrome, Gillian describes in moving detail the initial surprise at the news and the health challenges that herself and her husband have had to face with Leo. Gillian speaks so articulately about the difficulties facing parents with children born with this extra chromosome and what they deal with on a day to day basis, many things that parents take for granted. She also talks about Leo being the light of their lives and the wonderful family unit she has created and the work she continues to do to protect her son and others. This is an incredibly informative, moving and hopeful conversation, particularly for anyone who has had a pre or post natal diagnosis. Gillian's overriding message is that there is nothing to fear and that the love for your child takes over instantly when they are born. A beautiful conversation between school-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode actress Natalie Britton opens up about her big move from LA to Dublin with her family during COVID, her excruciating fertility battles both here and in LA, her devastating pregnancy losses and Natalie also discusses modern parenting and her views on raising children in a complicated world. This podcast is enriching, enlightening and empowering, Natalie has such an interesting perspective on life and loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 11 celebrity fashion stylist Sarah Rickard talks to Rebecca Horan about her styling career and path to her successful business Styled By Sarah Rickard, she opens up about her crippling prenatal anxiety with her two boys, the most effective treatment for her, how she overcame the anxiety she struggled with, her triumphs and how she copes as a parent and business owner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Rebecca Horan sits down with her longtime friend Amy White to discuss her traumatic cancer battle in her 20s which lead to a surrogacy journey in New Zealand. Amy's sister Katie carried her daughter Florence after a long fertility battle with many hurdles along the way. This story is about trauma and triumph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Dowling aka Empowered Mama sits down with Rebecca Horan to discuss her shock twin pregnancy and the challenges that came with carrying twins and parenting a toddler and running her fitness business. Emma runs Empowered Movement and is a pre and post natal exercise specialist who also runs empowered retreats. Emma loves to empower women to be the best version of themselves before and after they have their children, is an incredible personal trainer and runs incredible retreats across Wicklow. Emma is entering the menopause space and discusses that. Emma is very open and honest about the challenges that come with being a busy mum of three, she also discusses positive body image and her day to day routine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

****Trigger Warning****On this episode Stefanie Preissner talks openly and honestly about her five miscarriages and the terrible effect it had on her and the steps she had to take in order to look after her mental health. If you have been affected by anything in this episode please seek the support that you need.In episode 8 Rebecca Horan sits down with Stefanie Preissner to discuss becoming a mother to her daughter Aurora, how that has changed her life and her pregnancy losses and mental health battles. Stefanie also tells Rebecca about her start in Germany, her childhood, her late autism diagnosis and how routine really helps her thrive. She also explains how she got into writing and broadcasting and her passion for radio and screenwriting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Creative Director and Stylist Courtney Smith sits down with Rebecca to talk about her two pregnancies and why she chose to keep them private, her very different labours and how she runs her style empire with two children. Courtney also intimately discusses the recent death of her best friend Darren and how his death has affected her and how she is navigating that grief. Courtney is a fashion powerhouse but this conversation is enlightening and shows the many wonderful aspects to Courtney and her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***Trigger Warning*** In this episode Sinead Hingston and Rebecca Horan discuss grief from the loss of a partner, the pain of suffering multiple pregnancy losses and trying to stay positive through it all. If anything in this conversation affects you please seek the support you need.In Episode 6 Rebecca talks to digital content creator Sinead Hingston about her first marriage to Geoff and his sudden death while they were on holiday in Portugal, how she navigated her grief while pregnant with their baby and following this huge trauma managed to turn her life around. Sinead also opens up about how she met her second husband. Sinead is an open book and as a result she talks to Rebecca about the incredible online community she has created on Instagram by discussing her journey through grief and her multiple pregnancy losses. Sinead is also very open about the daily challenges that parenting three children brings but also explains where she gets her positivity to persevere and thrive. Sinead is a true inspiration and this conversation is hugely uplifting despite the events in Sinead's life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

******Trigger Warning, this episode focuses on disordered eating, if you have been affected by anything in this podcast please seek the support needed.On this episode Rebecca Horan sits down with life coach and yoga teacher Cara O'Loughlin (Living Intuitively With Cara) to discuss her past struggles with disordered eating, how it started after her mother died, the devastating effects it had on her health, her addiction to exercise, the fear it would affect her fertility and her incredible road to recovery. Cara is now married with three children and helps other people with eating disorders get better, she also runs a yoga retreat in Co. Wicklow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*****Trigger Warning. On this episode it is important to warn listeners that Paula McSweeney and host Rebecca Horan discuss their dangerous ectopic pregnancies. If you have been affected by pregnancy loss we hope that you are getting the support you need. Paula MacSweeney and Rebecca discuss Paula's exciting career in radio, meeting her husband Aidan online, going on to have three children with him and how she handled discovering she had an ectopic pregnancy and the aftermath of that devastating loss. Paula is filled with positivity and passionate about everything she does and this comes across in this lively and intimate chat between the former colleague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Good Glow masterminds Georgie and Jamie Crawford open up about their happy baby news and how they make their business and family life work Rebecca sits down with Georgie and Jamie Crawford for an exclusive interview with the Good Glow duo about their exciting surrogacy news, they also discuss how they parent daughter Pia, their strengths and weaknesses in business, their health battles and the pair give us some incredible life hacks we never thought we needed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Anna Daly talks to Rebecca about her triumphs and tragedies in her personal life and career. ***Trigger Warning pregnancy loss, Anna Daly very openly discusses her painful pregnancy losses and how she overcame this hardship and went on to be a mum of three boys. She takes us through everything that happened when she left Virgin Media Television, to where she is now running her own business and telly career. This conversation was full of surprises from beginning to end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca chats to radio friends and legendary broadcasting duo Lucy Kennedy and Colm Hayes about their parenting styles and the difference between parenting now and 20 years ago. Lucy also opens up about her three pregnancies and how tricky it was to be on live television with severe sickness. They also compare notes on keeping a career and marriage alive while raising kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Horan is taking over as host and has incredible interviews with some of Ireland's best-known mums. Be sure to tune in from June 1st and don't forget to subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of A Little Birdie Told Me, we speak with Lisa Brady, a journalist who has covered almost every aspect of mum life, including her own. We talk mum-shaming, maternal health and the pressure mothers feel to be on top of it all, whether or not you are in the public eye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Kane is a mother, sustainability strategist and the founder of reuzi, Ireland's one-stop shop for sustainable living essentials. In this episode, she speaks to us about how the families of Ireland can join her 'power of one' mission to help create a better planet for our children's futures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of A Little Birdie Told Me we speak with Lucy and Kara, best friends and the founders of Mum Talks, about their personal motherhood journeys, their unbreakable friendship and their highly successful business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish Mammy-itis is so deeply ingrained in our psyches but micromanaging every aspect of our kids' lives isn't doing them – or us – any favours in the long-run. In this episode, we're joined by Gavin Bourke and Stephen Flood from Life Skills Academy to find out more about the essential life skills every child should have before they reach the age of 10. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and sex educator Sarah Sproule to find out more about removing the taboo surrounding certain body parts and embracing the awkward when it comes to discussing sex and sexuality with our kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From screening for chromosomal abnormalities to finding out the gender, non-invasive prenatal testing has become popular with expectant parents for a variety of reasons. In this episode we chat to Dr Samantha Doyle, Consultant Clinical and Biochemical Geneticist at the National Maternity Hospital, to find out more about how genetic testing works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's no easy way to approach potty training but in this episode parenting expert Laura Erskine shares the winning formula she's used to successfully potty train her three children and gives tips on how to tackle some of the most common issues parents and toddlers face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat to Professor Elizabeth Nixon, a lecturer in Developmental Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and Senior Research Fellow at the Children's Research Centre, to find out more about how parenting styles and approaches can impact on a child's developments and how you can negotiate family relationships as your child transitions from baby to toddler to older child to adolescent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are joined by Ann-Marie Gaynor, better known to families all across the country as the Irish Budgeting Mammy, who shares her experience and expertise in handling finances when money is tight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fashion designer Emma Manley discusses her experience of raising her three boys as Gaeilge, despite not being a fluent Irish speaker herself. From chats at the school gates to brushing up on her own grasp of our native language, Emma reveals all and offers some practical advice to parents who are interested but ultimately intimidated at the prospect of raising and educating their kids through Irish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the RollerCoaster podcast A Little Birdie Told Me, we're joined by Sonya Lennon to discuss the current childcare crisis facing Irish parents, what the government should be doing to improve the situation for parents and the burden this puts on working parents – especially mothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once upon a time, writer and podcaster Rosemary MacCabe was emphatically NOT having kids. But a move to America and meeting her now-husband changed all that and Rosemary has since welcomed her son, Atlas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we chat to psychotherapist and play therapist, Hayley Rice, about how playing can be used as a form of therapy to overcome everything from the arrival of a new baby in the house to more serious traumas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the release of Budget 2023, Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore sits down with Aoibhinn and Miriam to discuss the impact on parents.To find out more about Budget '23 and how it will benefit your family, head to RollerCoaster.ie.The childcare subsidy we talk about in this episode is the National Childcare Scheme. Visit Gov.ie to find out more. Finally, if you want to learn more about Jennifer Whitmore TD and the work she does, you can visit the Social Democrats website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross Good about his fulfilling life as a stay-at-home dad to get his take on domestic stereotypes and his experience of being in the minority when it comes to childcare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "bounce-back fallacy" brought to you by Lola and Lykke.In this episode, we speak to chartered physiotherapist Caroline Chambers who gives us practical and sensible advice and essential information on how to stay physically fit and healthy during pregnancy and after you give birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fertility A-ZTrigger warning: This episode deals with infertility and pregnancy loss, which some listeners may find upsetting. Whether you are looking to freeze your eggs, go it alone or need advanced treatment such as IVF, access to fertility treatment has never been more readily available so in this episode, we chat to SIMS Advanced Fertility Care to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The truth about postnatal depression A quick warning. This episode contains discussions surrounding mental health and postnatal depression, which some listeners might find upsetting. In this episode, we speak to Peachylean founder, Sharon Keegan about how she overcame her struggle with Postnatal Depression following the birth of her first son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taming the toddler tantrum in its tracks Tantrums, wobblers, meltdowns… whatever you call them, if you're the parent of a toddler you know them well! But what can we do to diffuse the situation when tempers flare and patience is hanging by a thread? Parenting coach Aoife Lee to the rescue! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fertility A-ZTrigger warning: This episode deals with infertility and pregnancy loss, which some listeners may find upsetting. Whether you are looking to freeze your eggs, go it alone or need advanced treatment such as IVF, access to fertility treatment has never been more readily available so in this episode, we chat to SIMS Advanced Fertility Care to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enough on your plate In this episode we're joined by dietitian and mum-of-two, Orla Walsh to talk about the best way to approach weaning, practical advice for getting your kids to eat more fruit and veg and Orla shares her own firsthand experience of dealing with a with fussy eater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is breast best? In this episode we're joined by lactation consultant, Caoimhe Whelan to discuss the great debate and look at feeding (breast and bottle) from our own personal perspectives. From the joy of a successful latch to painful complications like mastitis, everything will be covered.Sponsored by Lola & Lykke   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why it takes 12 months to make a babyJust to let you know, this episode deals with fertility and discusses pregnancy loss. In this episode, brought to you by Proceive, we're joined by Dr Michelle Hone from The Fit Clinic to talk about fertility nutrition, how you can support egg and sperm health ahead of conception and all the essential nutrients you need during pregnancy and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.