Humans Discuss Being

Sandra from Family Personalities joins me for podcast chats all about personality typing and its benefits for you personally as well as for understanding others and relating to others in better and more effective ways. Sandra talks about the Myers-Briggs method of typing personality types as well as the Enneagram.

Tips on how to acquire the elusive delight that is a securely attached attachment style! :) Enjoy the learning! :)

Pure clickbait title there, I have no idea how your relationship is going - only you know that! :)  In this episode I talk about attachment styles: what are they, when they are formed and how they impact us in our intimate relationships as adults. It's not as depressing as it sounds! :)  Give it a listen and achieve enlightenment.

This week's episode I talk about a recent virtual 'Death Cafe' experience I had, the ponderings related to that and the existential perspective on anxiety.

Topics discussed in this week's episode: - feeling shit - don't know what to say or who to talk to - how to open up / talk to someone - how to listen & 'hold the space' - depression, eating disorder: personal piece - suggestions for what might help

In this 'Therapy Special' episode, I talk about:  - Flight into Health (a phenomenon that can occur before / during therapy)  - Why you think your therapist is an idiot who doesn't know what they're doing  - Signs of a bad therapist (cause your therapist MIGHT be shite!)  - Window of Tolerance  - Grounding Techniques

This week Emma Matthews joins me to tell me all about a new initiative entitled 'Minding Creative Minds' which provides mental health and other supports for people in the creative industries. It's a very informative chat and might be especially useful for any of you creative folk out there! :) Happy listening :)

This week's podcast is a continuation on the topic of therapy. In this episode, I talk about the general phases of therapy, as well as the stages of therapy and the process of change. I hope it's helpful. Feel free to contact me @evedarcy1 on Twitter or Insta if you have any helpful feedback, comments or questions.

Humans Discuss Being is slightly different this week. There is no interview with a fellow human. Instead, I am speaking for a short amount of time (less than 20 minutes, hurray!) about therapy: what it is and how to get it. January is typically a time of year where people consider engaging with therapy. I know from experience this can be a daunting and scary prospect. In this podcast episode I impart whatever little whippets of wisdom I have acquired about what therapy is and how to go about getting a therapist, what usually happens in the first session etc. I hope it's helpful. Please contact me @evedarcy1 on Twitter or Insta or email me: evehahadarcy@gmail.com if you have any further questions or would like me to cover any other psychotherapy/ psychology - related topics on future podcasts. Regular 'Humans Discuss Being' where I interview a guest will also be returning... this is just some information on therapy I wanted to share in the hope it helps someone :)

Gordo Brennan joins me for podcast chats this week. In the episode Gordo kindly and generously shares with us his experience of living with bi-polar disorder. He tells us about the journey of self-discovery he has been on, what he finds helpful, what he doesn't. We also talk about emotional intelligence, masculinity and how our society does a grave disservice to boys and men when it comes to self-care and emotional wellbeing.

Femi Bankole, one of the co-creators and co-founders of the 'Black and Irish' social media page and movement joins me for great chats this week. Femi talks about his experiences of racism growing up in Ireland, the catalyst for creating 'Black & Irish', the momentum of the 'Black & Irish' movement and how much he himself has grown and learned about race since starting 'Black & Irish'.

James White (aka 'Duck') is my terrific guest this week. James shares openly, honestly and generously about a difficult time in his life (when he experienced loneliness and aloneness)and what helped him through this: the help and support of friends and especially a men's group called 'woodsmen' which is a "facilitated men's circle where all men are welcomed to lean into their authentic selves at their own pace." This was a really great and insightful chat. It's always lovely chatting with James, but this was a particular pleasure!

The very funny and extremely honest Julie Jay shares with us her experience of being pregnant and recently becoming a mother for the first time. Julie talks about the anxieties she felt during this huge life transition, as well as changes to her identity and how all is going now in the world of caring for a tiny human!

My very special guest on the podcast this week is Teresa Coyne. Teresa talks openly and honestly about a variety of topics and issues in this episode, but mainly shares a story of a time she was very ill but didn't realise the severity of the situation. Thankfully, out of the kindness and consideration of others, she received the necessary help in time.  Teresa and I also talk about some of our favourite topics: therapy & comedy! :)  It's always a pleasure speaking with Teresa and this time was certainly special. Thank you Teresa!

Seamus Stackpoole is my very open, honest and generous guest this week. Seamus chats about his experience of losing weight, making healthier life choices, eating better and exercising more. We also try to answer the question: WHY is it SO DIFFICULT for adults to do what's best for themselves and their own health? What is it about us that causes us to make dreadful decisions?  We also talk about the language and mentality around food, weight loss etc.  This was a great chat. Thanks to Seamus for allowing us to discuss this issue.  Please like and share the podcast... but above all, enjoy! :)

MJ Stokes is my great guest this week. This was a very special chat. MJ speaks so openly and honestly about some very difficult issues they have experienced. Topics discussed include: (please note TW: Trigger Warning of psychotic episode) covid anxiety, alcoholism, getting sober, therapy, compassion, self-care, resilience, personal development, anxiety, depression, mania, psychotic episode, stand-up comedy, anti-depressants, medication side-effects, public health system in Ireland, class issues, independent living, comparing ourselves to others, inner critic, autism, choice and courage to change and do the difficult but necessary and extremely rewarding 'inner work'. As I said, this is a very special chat. Thank you MJ for sharing so beautifully.

Part 2 of Simon's brilliant episode is out this week. Here we talk about looking back, taking stock, stopping, reflecting on what has happened and taking meaningful and purposeful action necessary for progress. We also touch on self-worth, creativity, goals, looking ahead and fatherhood. It was a joy speaking with Simon. I hope you enjoy the podcast.

The comedy talent and force that is Simon King kindly and generously engages in a very open and honest conversation. This is part 1 of our 2 part chat (part 2 will be released next week). Topics discussed in part 1 include: mental health, depression, dark times, creativity, existential chats, comedy, stand-up, performance, entertaining and self-acceptance.

Jessamyn, the gem, joins me for podcast chats this week. Jessamyn is truly wonderful and this was a very special, honest & moving conversation. Jessamyn speaks very openly about her Father's passing 3 years ago from cancer and the 'journey of grief' that has ensued as a result. A spectacularly honest, insightful and generous chat.

Part 2 of Marcello's great chat continues this week. There was a difference of two months between the initial recording and the added piece at the end, where Marcello shares some personal progress and an additional 'happiest memory'. Marcello also shares some affirming realisations. As always, it was a joy chatting with Marcello!

Part 1: (part 2 next week) Marcello is my generous and extremely honest guest this week. This was a very special chat and I am extremely grateful to Marcello for giving of his time and sharing so courageously and openly. Topics discussed include: depression, anxiety, medication, therapy, feelings of low self-worth, the importance of self-care, family, relationships, the support of friends, creativity and inner strength. Please also check out Marcello's great youtube 6 episode series entitled 'Hi, My Name is...' It's great and funny, check it out! :)

We're back with a bang this week after a self-indulgent 2 week 'holiday' from podcasting ;)  This is a such a terrific episode. It's lengthy and there are some very sensitive topics discussed. Adora is such a powerful person, it was such an honour sharing this space. Adora shared so openly and honestly about so many different difficult times. I am so grateful - thank you Adora.  Topics discussed (& including trigger warning for SA): racism, Black Lives Matter, the importance of marching & mobilising, the power of listening, finding one's voice, speaking out, being proud, stand-up comedy, rape, sexual assault, trans rights, activism and being happy.

The delightfully funny, insightful, honest and charming Marlon joins me for podcast chats this week. It was such a joy chatting with Marlon and hearing his story of growing up in the Philippines, being engaged to be married to a woman, coming out as gay, coming out as atheist, finding love and moving to Ireland.

Sarah Michaud - the foremost expert in her field of research, that being researching gender in the Irish stand-up comedy scene - very kindly joins me for podcast chats this week. This episode is a little different from 'the norm' in that we are discussing Sarah's research. It is an episode that does still pertain to our own personal experiences, both being women involved in or associated with the comedy world, so we do at times during this discussion speak to our own experiences. However, the main focus of this episode is on Sarah's research and although I do go on a rant or two, Sarah is thankfully more professional than I was in those moments and gracefully brings us back on track! :) I thoroughly enjoyed this lengthy chat with Sarah and am very grateful to her for firstly conducting this important research and secondly for giving so generously of her time and sharing her findings with me in this podcast chat. Thank you for your great work Sarah.

Comedian Emman Idama joins me for podcast chats this week. Emman shares with us his experiences of racism here in Ireland - of which there are unfortunately far too many. I'm very grateful to Emman for sharing his stories and for having such a discussion with me. Please follow the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and check out 'Black and Irish' on Instagram. We must all work together to make the necessary positive changes our society so desperately needs.

This week my very special guest is Juliet Amamure. Juliet kindly joined me in this truly wonderful, enlightening and inspiring conversation. I'm so grateful to Juliet for sharing her story so generously. She's an incredibly strong, determined, ambitious, caring, intelligent and powerful woman.  Juliet speaks about her experience of living in Direct Provision here in Ireland. Juliet shares some of the difficult experiences she has encountered, as well as some of the positive ones.  Juliet also speaks about her experiences of life after Direct Provision - again a mixture of positive and difficult times.  Juliet currently runs 'Julie's Kitchen' and from that has grown 'AKWAPPADDYS' (see: akwappaddy.org) - whose vision is 'Social Justice & Empowerment for All'. They do tremendous work, check it out! :)  This really is a great episode. Juliet is such a fantastic guest, so easy to chat with. Please listen and support Juliet (akwappaddys) and others still in DP in Ireland.

Michéal Kierans is my great guest this week. This was a wonderfully relaxed, honest and insightful chat. Michéal shares with us his experiences of working on the frontline with other healthcare professionals during the covid pandemic. Michéal also shares his personal story of coming out, growing up gay in Ireland, adolescent times, finding love and attending PRIDE parties! :)

This truly was a wonderful chat. Saoirse Smith joined me for podcast chats a few weeks ago and I'm delighted to finally share this episode with you all.  Saoirse is a comedian I know from the circuit here in Dublin. In this episode she speaks about a wide range of topics including: stand-up, standing up and walking, being a wheelchair user, cerebral palsy, loss, death, grief, depression, suicide, pieta house, getting help and support, therapy, 'doing the work', self-worth, self-acceptance, looking after ourselves and others.  Saoirse was such a fantastic guest. It was my pleasure chatting with her.

The incredibly lovely Marco (from The Studio hair salon) kindly joins me for amazing chats this week. This was an honour to be part of and I'm very grateful to Marco for giving of his time and sharing his stories with me.  Marco speaks about his experience of moving to Ireland from Brazil 13 years ago, setting up his own hair salon (The Studio - check it out!) and becoming an Irish citizen. Marco tells us about some staggering and shocking statistics in Brazil which I had no previous knowledge of. Marco has unfortunately experienced much racism in Ireland and he shares some of his stories during our chat. We talk a lot about the necessary and essential Black Lives Matter movement and racism. We also chat a little about PRIDE!!! Woohoo, Happy Pride everyone! :)  This was a really wonderful chat. Marco is a true joy of a human.  In Marco's own words on our own responsibility during these times: "we can still change, because we are making the future from here."

Ailish is my very articulate, insightful and honest guest on the podcast this week! We discuss such topics as self-worth, self-acceptance, ambition, responsibility, self-care and anxiety. Ailish also talks about her recent experience of being diagnosed as having anxiety and the power of support she has received from family and friends.  As I mention in the introduction to this episode, if anyone would like to be featured on Humans Discuss Being, please feel free to contact me on Instagram @evedarcy1

Diane O'Connor joins me for podcast chats this week. Diane and I chat about anxiety, therapy and comedy. Diane also shares openly about a difficult time in her life, as well as discussing the decision to become a mother and the change in identity that brings. Check out my instagram (@evedarcy1) for a link in my bio to my ko-fi page where you can donate and support the podcast! :)

Ian Lynam is my honest and generous guest this week. In this episode Ian discusses: his experience of receiving a diagnosis of autism as a child, his love of stand-up comedy, pole-dancing and the Victorian Era! Ian's all the interesting and wonderfully insightful to chat with! :) If you would like to support the podcast, check out the ko-fi link in my instagram bio: @evedarcy1

Katrina kindly joins me for virtual chats this week. Katrina shares very generously and openly about the turbulent times that have been the past 10 years in her life. A LOT has happened!  Among all that happened is Katrina's experience of being diagnosed with cancer around the same time as her best friend and husband were also diagnosed with different forms of cancer. Katrina is now 7 years cancer-free, thankfully.  Katrina and I also talk comedy, kids, covid, therapy, the importance of support, the kindness of people, gratitude, new perspectives and happy memories.

My guest this week is the witty & dapper Martin Angolo! This chat was recorded in pre-covid times, so it doesn't feature in our discussion! :) This is just two humans chatting back in the good old days of overcrowded buses, unprotected sneezes and no queuing. Martin and I cover many topics during this chat, including: stress, how not to be stressed, doing more of the work you love and doing the work versus procrastination and laziness. Martin gives us some great tips on how to de-stress: just don't get stressed in the first place! ;) We also talk stand-up comedy, first impressions, as well as getting to grips with our own impressions of ourselves. It was a delightful chat and will be a delightful listen! Enjoy! :)

Steve Bennett joined me for some glorious existential chats. This was recorded pre-the current pandemic shitshow, so thankfully there is NO MENTION of covid in this episode! Oh the wondrous joy of it all! ;)  Steve chats openly and honestly about his experience of trying therapy. We also chat about other things such as: expectations, gratitude, indecisiveness, friendship, commitment, hobbies, fun & games, moral dilemmas, making things and gardening. Lovely chat with a lovely human! I hope your ears enjoy it :)

Kerry Gandhi, Neil Kelders, kindly joins me for some great podcast chats this week. Neil shares with us how he's coping during covid lockdown times, his journey thus far in life, positive mental health strategies and the values he now lives by.  Neil also discusses his experience of depression, reaching out, opening up and talking - which then led him on a healthier path towards improved mental health, better 'life balance', hope and a more joyful and jovial disposition!  This chat was a lot of fun. Happy listening! :)

My special guest this week is my brother Sean. We chat about what we are currently going through: our father's recent cancer diagnosis.  In this episode we discuss what the last few months have been like, how much our lives have changed with what we're forced to deal with, how we're coping, how we're not coping, what has been helpful along the way, tough times, better times, personal development and growth throughout.

Brian Pennie illustrates clearly how change is indeed possible in one's life. He is the living proof of it. Brian shares with us his life experience of overcoming a heroin addiction, detoxing, getting sober, staying sober and channeling his talents and strength into his new lifestyle and career as a life-strategist, author and public speaker. Brian also talks about anxiety, trauma experienced as a child, addiction, strategies that help him thrive daily and the key factor to successful change: consistency, consistency, consistency.  Check out Brian's book entitled 'Bonus Time' - out now. You will find a link to his book on his website: BrianPennie.com or on his Instagram page @brianpennie78

Therese Cahill is my very special guest this week - in the week that marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY/ BIRTHDAY of my podcast, Humans Discuss Being! :) Hurray and Happy Anniversary/Birthday to HdB! ;) :)  This was a really amazing chat. Therese opens up and shares honestly about so many experiences she has encountered thus far in life. We start off chatting about how things are in this new covidland we're all suddenly occupying, then we move beyond such matters. Therese talks about how her life has changed so dramatically in the past five years, since suffering an accident and having to deal with and adjust to life with a disability now as a result. Therese also shares openly about a particularly dark time she endured, this time last year, when she took an overdose with the intention of ending her life.  Therese discusses what this time was like for her and her journey over the past year, with particular focus on what she does now that she finds helpful for her mental health and well-being. Therese also talks about how helpful comedy has been to her and how much she enjoys entertaining us all - and that she does, very well! Check out her hilarious videos and songs on her YouTube channel (Therese Cahill). She's also very active on TikTok and Instagram!  Enjoy! :)

Christina Goetz - a very lovely human I have been fortunate to befriend after reading her book 'Truth Be Told' a few months ago. Christina is an Intuitive Coach, Mindfulness Expert, Psychic Medium and generally beautiful soul of a person. I really enjoyed this chat with Christina. We discuss how people may be feeling during these strange Coronavirus times: the anxiety of not knowing, fearing for one's health or the health of family members and other fellow humans, the mental health and overall well-being of our societies and the world in general. We discuss some practical self-care strategies that anyone can engage with. Christina also shares with us her new venture, a podcast entitled 'Soulful Living' - which sounds amazing (currently available on spotify & anchor) Christina chats very openly and honestly about difficult times she has experienced in her life, what she had to do to help herself out of these difficult times and what she has learned from these experiences.

Erin McGathy!!!! Erin McGathy is my smashing guest this week! :) This was a wonderfully special chat. We start off chatting about covid-19 (BRIEFLY), (& obviously), but then get on to other matters such as: gaining perspective in difficult times, doing our best in any situation, relationships, break-ups, divorce, bereavement, family illness, coping, self-care, creativity, following one's passion, doing what we feel is right, internal locus of evaluation, therapy, inner critic (that cunty, cunty inner critic), shame, inner strength, trauma, denial, self-judgment, being kind & compassionate, personal responsibility, personal processing, being grateful, uncertainty, love and doing SHROOMS!!!!

This was a very special encounter. Meggan and I became 'Insta friends' a while back and finally met in real life a couple of days ago for this great podcast chat. Meggan's insightful, honest and incredibly strong and courageous. In this chat, Meggan and I discuss the ups and downs of life, the importance of routine, surrendering and savouring life being good, eating well, self-care, feeling depressed, self-harm, Art Therapy, always learning, emotional pain and learning coping skills, mental health issues, personal growth and development, therapy, being kind to yourself and others, compassion-focused therapy, tips for distress, self-worth, affirmations, finding your tribe, flashbacks, taking tiny steps to self-improvement, hope prevailing, finding your purpose and trying to get rid of those cunty inner critics! Meggan also mentions First Fortnight & Kind Ireland, check them out here: www.firstfortnight.ie & Kind Ireland & @the_happyplug

Hilarious & brilliant Gearoid Farrelly is my glorious guest this week. This podcast episode was recorded in front of a live studio audience in Smock Alley and it was all the fun! Gearoid was a terrifically generous, entertaining and honest guest, speaking about such topics as: growing up gay in Finglas in the 90s, experiencing bullying, homophobic bullying, accountability - where were the adults?, coming out, denial, dating, joining musical theatre groups, school reunions, stand-up comedy, self-acceptance and how fostering kittens and acquiring the gorgeous 'Boots' has changed his life! :)

This week's episode is with the outrageously talented, hilarious and terrific human that is Tara Flynn!!! It's also the first ever live podcast recording, which was a lot of fun.  In this episode Tara and I discuss such topics as: creating work, writing, ageism, opening doors, growth mindset, coping mechanisms, healthy life choices, grief, loss, activism, online behaviour, bereavement and many more topics besides.  Check it out, like, share, review ...all that good stuff!

Owner of the best laugh ever, Allie kindly joins me for some terrific podcast chats this week. Allie was a particularly generous guest, with many topics discussed, including: the benefits of a growth mindset, kayaking, going sober,  weighted feelings, bullying, Allie's own experience of being a "closeted trans girl", coming out, Allie's journey and dealings with healthcare professionals, the importance of support/ community and of seeking help. In addition, Allie shares with us her experience with mental health, breaking points encountered as well as highlighting trans issues, transphobia, legislation, support structures etc.   Allie also talks about comedy as a coping mechanism, learning new things, the importance and significance of doing something to help yourself and taking things one step at a time, playing sport, having healthy outlets and coping skills, living life as a trans woman and living one's life in the truest expression of them!  This was a really great chat. Listen, like, share and spread the good vibes, knowledge, insight and love! :)

Hazel Hogan, poet and soulful human, joins me for existential chats this week. Hazel's episode covers topics such as: moving country, getting sick away from home, family and friends, concussion, repercussions of concussion, personality change, anxiety, panic attacks, death anxiety, rippling, mortality, the fragility of human life, decision-making, choice, embracing the hippy within, consciousness, living ethically, writing, poetry, performing, coping mechanisms, CBT, Art, friendship, awareness of the joy of this present time and embracing and relishing one's existence, now. As the topic of death anxiety was discussed, I mentioned a book entitled 'Staring at the Sun' by Irvin Yalom... well worth a read! :) Irish poet Seamus Heaney was also briefly mentioned. Here are some beautifully eloquent and wise words from him which I feel reflect the vibe of this podcast episode: "Strange, it is a huge nothing that we fear" "How perilous is it to chose not to love the life we're shown?" Hazel will be performing at a fundraising gig this week, Thursday 20th Feb, in Memas on Parnell St. Dublin in aid of the charity: Inner City Helping Homeless.

Conspiracy Theorist extraordinaire Gordo Rochford (of 'Those Conspiracy Guys' podcast) very kindly takes time out of his busy schedule to chat all things human. Gordo tells us what it's been like taking time away from Dublin to live out West and get some coastal air into his lungs. New perspectives have been acquired, self-awareness has been enhanced and personal development is being constructed at an impressive pace! :)  Gordo also shares with us his philosophy on 'The New You', the benefits of spreading good vibes and embracing change: both life and personal. Other topics discussed in this episode include: childhood anxiety, skepticism, being distrustful, questioning, seeking answers, uncertainty, bullying, finding solace and escapism in the liquid hug of alcohol, conspiracy theories, nature, going sober, self-care, stand-up comedy, podcasting, online communities, ambition, living abroad, relationships, new experiences and the wonders of 90s Estonian internet!  Give it a listen, like & share with your fellow humans! :)

James Goldsbury has been volunteering with ICHH (Inner-City Helping Homeless) for the past year and is hosting a comedy gig to raise much needed funds for the brilliant (& unfortunately very necessary) work they do. In this episode James shares with us some experiences he has acquired volunteering with the ICHH, the work the ICHH do, the people he has met, the stories he has encountered and the issues faced by many.  In addition to the homelessness situation & housing crisis, we also chat about James's obsession with the number 11, having higher than average bone density, being fit and fine at fifty, grip strength (which I make dirty), Terry Jones, Monty Python, the upcoming election and we go on respective rants about 'buying to let', luas tracks, political printer, conflicts of interest and various other tidbits.  If you're interested in helping to support ICHH, check out their website... or get involved with / support any or all of the many charities working to help people who are currently without a home or safe place to sleep and live. The line-up for the gig is amazing (I'm on it, enough said!) ;) and it takes place THURSDAY JAN 30th in The Workman's Club, Dublin. Tickets on Eventbrite or Workman's sites, as well as on the door. See you there! :)

Aoife Dooley kindly joined me for some pre-Christmas podcast chats. She's a joy to chat with!! We covered a wide range of topics including: self awareness, growth, changes & changing, self acceptance, yogaless zen, adolescence, compassion, personal accountability, scheduling stress, the pressure of self-imposed high expectations, setting manageable goals, responsibility, self-care, recently receiving a diagnosis of 'Autism', anxiety, body positivity, bullying, depression, PTSD, social media, experience of parental death, the importance of rest and taking breaks, rewarding oneself and being more socially conscious!  Enjoy the chats at your leisure. Please like & share to pass on the good vibes! :)

Damian Clark, the absolute gent, joins me for caffeine-fueled chats. He shares with us his experience of becoming a Dad, doing stuff, learning how to fix sinks with YouTube, breastmilk cocktails and the secret to stand-up: Being Funny! Damo also invents the next big thing: double prams for adults! Such a pleasure chatting with Damo... he's the loveliest! @DamianClark (Facebook & Twitter) @DamianClarkComedy (Insta)

Fred Cooke kindly joins me for podcast chats this week. In this episode we chat: daydreaming - the pros and cons, listening, changes: in life and in oneself, making waves, being more jazz-like, meditation, breath work, the need for and importance of connection, the mortification of being human and getting valuable work experience in Primary School.