Lennon Courtney Left Alone is hosted by Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. Quite simply, it's a podcast of conversations they have when they’re left alone. Nothing is off the table. Each week they’ll take on topics like Age, Purpose, Money, Worry and Anxiety, Beauty and, well, anything that tickles and provokes them. Episodes are infused with their characteristic humour, joy and honesty that audiences have grown to love for over ten years.
Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney
One of the recurring themes in all our episodes for series 9 was the idea of setting boundaries in life, love and work. In this episode, Brendan and Sonya looked at the roles we play for those around us and the importance of letting them go sometimes and prioritising yourself. Enjoy and see you soon for series 10.
Last year, Sonya and Brendan celebrated 15 years of friendship and 10 years of the Lennon Courtney label. So in this episode they asked, just what is the secret to sustaining a long term relationship? Plus Sonya shares her trick to never missing an anniversary date.
In this episode from series 9, we talked about our busy lives and how many of us feel stretched beyond capacity. So how do we continue to keep all our various life plates spinning and stay well at the same time? Enter stage left, Sonya and Brendan to discuss and dissect the issue with wisdom, wit and warmth.
We are working our Lennon Courtney socks off getting series 10 of The Lennon Courtney Podcast ready but in the meantime, here's a favourite episode from season 9 - the Thinking Woman's Guide to the Supernatural. In this episode, we both shared childhood ghostly experiences and Dr. Sonya explains where our obsession with the occult comes from. Once you've listened, follow @lennoncourtney on all the socials for the latest news from LC HQ or we'll haunt you! See you soon!
We loved some of the conversations from last season and thought we'd revisit a few while you're waiting for series 10. In this episode we talked about P.D.As - public displays of affection. During this chat, Brendan shared what he's like when he falls in love and we also asked, are we living in an age of performative affection? We have to say - it was a P.D.A episode - Pretty Darn Amazing. Make sure you're following @lennoncourney on all social platforms for all the latest Lennon Courtney news. See you soon!
We are working on series 10 of the Lennon Courtney podcast right now but while you're waiting, why not take a listen to one of our favourite conversations from series 9. In The Thinking Woman's Guide to Stalking we talked about the sliding scale of stalking particularly online. The same technology that is meant to make our lives easier, can now also be used against us and potentially put us in harm's way. In this episode, we looked at ways to keep us and our loved ones safe. If you have been affected by anything in this episode you can call the Women's Aid 24hr National freephone helpline on 1800 341 900 or chat online at toointoyou.ie for information and support.
This throwback episode from season 9 was inspired by an experience Sonya's daughter Evie last year when she experienced shaming and judgement for something she had no control over. Season 10 is on the way with a whole new look and feel so stay tuned for more LC Podcast goodness. Enjoy!
We're primping and blow drying S10 ahead of its release in the next while but in the meantime enjoy one of our favourite episodes from S9 - The Thinking Woman's Guide to Comparison. We ask why we compare ourselves to other and why can't we just be content with what we have. Listen to find out more!
Series 10 of the podcast is being assembled at the moment and we're bringing a whole new look and point of view next season. In the meantime, you can listen back to this past episode from series 9. The idea of boundaries in all areas of work and life came up a lot in 2022 and The Thinking Woman's Guide to Boundaries summed it all up. Listen free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get yours.
Alas, we have come to the final episode of series 9. To send off into the end of year sunset we're talking all about who we are to ourselves and the roles we play for others. See you in 2023!
In this minisode we talk more about comparing ourselves to others, Grindr and the concept of fashion poverty.
One of our favourite lines at Lennon Courtney HQ is 'comparison is the thief of joy'. But why do we compare ourselves to others? And why can't we just be content with what we have? Listen to find out more.
In the main episode we talked all about getting everything done and spinning endless plates. So for our bonus this week, we decided to chat to 10+ years, career consultant expert, Lynda Barry of Lynda Barry Career Consulting to get her insight into balancing work and life - (but we all know balance is a myth, right?). We loved our conversation with Lynda and hope you get something from it too.
Our lives are as busy as ever and many of us feel stretched beyond capacity. So how do we continue to keep all our various life plates spinning and stay well? As always, Sonya and Brendan discuss and dissect the issue with wisdom, wit and warmth.
In this bonus episode we were joined by Mary Hayes, project lead with Women's Aid's Too Into You campaign. She talked to Sonya and Brendan about relationship red flags and online safety. If you have been affected by anything in this episode you can call the Women's Aid 24hr National freephone helpline on 1800 341 900 or chat online at toointoyou.ie for information and support.
This week, we're talking about the sliding scale of stalking particularly online. We've all googled someone we've just met but online stalking is a far more serious matter. The same technology that is meant to make our lives easier, can now also be used against us and potentially put us in harm's way. In this episode, we'll look at ways to keep us and our families and loved ones safe. If you have been affected by anything in this episode you can call the Women's Aid 24hr National freephone helpline on 1800 341 900 or chat online at toointoyou.ie for information and support.
In this bonus minisode, Sonya tests just how suggestible Brendan is...
Don't be scared! But in this week's episode we're talking all about the supernatural. Brendan and Sonya share childhood ghostly experiences and Sonya explains where our obsession with the occult comes from.
In the main episode this week, Sonya and Brendan talked about PDAs but for the bonus minisode, we took a different tack. We recorded this episode a while back, after the Johnny Depp trial and the memeification of people's experiences was on our minds. We discussed the dilution of serious issues online and the lack of critical thinking engaged when we consume media.
Does public pecking and over the top smooching give you the ick? This week we're talking all about P.D.As. Brendan shares what he's like when he falls in love and we ask, are we living in an age of performative affection? Listen free wherever you get your podcasts. Sonya and Brendan.
In our bonus minisode this week, we decided to focus on online judgement. Brendan and Sonya talked about the experience of Morgan Bullock, an American, Irish dancer who got trolled and celebrated online all at the same time because of her talent for Irish dancing. Brendan also shares his experience of Tik Tok and let's just say, some viewers weren't too thrilled to see him there. See you next Thursday for a brand new, full, main episode.
This episode was inspired by an experience Sonya's daughter Evie a few months ago when she experienced shaming and judgement for something she had no control over. And the only place to hear the full story is right here. So what are you waiting for? Enjoy! Love, Sonya and Brendan.
Sonya and Brendan have known each other for 15 years but...how well do they really know each other? In this fun, bite sized minisode they asked each other a few important questions like - 'What is Sonya's spirit animal?' See you next Thursday for another new, full episode. Sonya and Brendan.
This year, Sonya and Brendan celebrate 15 years of friendship and 10 years of their label, so in this episode we wanted to ask - what is the secret to sustaining a long term relationship? They share their own takes with their signature wit and wisdom plus, Sonya shares how she never forgets a romantic anniversary. Sign up to our newsletter (link is in the bios of all our social media channels) for more information on things we talk about in the episode. And don't forget our bite sized bonus episodes are released Mondays. See you then! Sonya and Brendan.
Drink this bonus minisode in and share it with whoever needs to hear it. We were lucky enough to talk to Alan Lyons of KinchLyons.com, business psychologists. Their tag line is 'the psychology of better business' and aim to help people to be themselves more with skill. While Alan talks about how setting boundaries in your professional relationships is important, he said, you can also apply his advice to your personal connections too. We loved this chat and hope you do too.
One of our new favourite phrases here at The Lennon Courtney Centre for Higher Education is 'don't set yourself on fire to keep other people warm'. Putting other people's needs above your own serves no one but it's a habit many of you told us you've gotten stuck in. So in this episode, we're talking about boundaries - why you need them and how to put them in place in your work and personal relationships.
In the main episode this week we talked about putting yourself first. In this bonus minisode, Brendan and Sonya shared ways they make time for themselves and ponder the question that everyone is asking themselves these days 'Should I get an air fryer?' P.S This week's main episode is out on Thursday and it's all about boundaries so make sure you subscribed and you won't miss it.
We're baaaack! We never really left you but The Lennon Courtney Podcast is now officially off its hols and back on all your favourite podcast platforms…right now! For our first episode of series 9, we present to you The Thinking Woman's Guide to Putting Yourself First. Having talked to thousands of you during our break, we know that so many of you are ready for a change and we're going to help you step into this new phase of you. This is a must listen episode + goes hand in glove with next week's podcast on boundaries so make sure you're subscribed! Oh and check out this week's newsletter too for things mentioned in this week's ep. Love, Sonya and Brendan.
This week we're looking back to series 5 and The Timing Issue. In this episode we talk about trusting your gut and knowing when the time is right for change. Series 9 is on the way so stay tuned. Sonya and Brendan.
In series 5 we were still in lockdown number - well, who knows - and we were all feeling a tad fed up. That's why we decided to do The Pissed Off Issue. We asked if some anger was good for us, we got a few things off our chest and Brendan got the conversation started by asking if hives still existed - an important question we're sure you'll agree. Series 9 is coming soon - we're very close to hitting the ‘send' button. See you soon! Sonya and Brendan.
In our Pearls of Wisdom series, a few podcasts back, we chatted to best selling author and chef Rachel Allen. At 18 Rachel left Dublin to study at the world famous Ballymaloe Cookery School and the rest is history..or should that be her-story. Since then Rachel has gone on to create an incredible 19 best selling cookbooks and has appeared on TV and radio all over the world. We loved our conversation with Rachel and we hope you do too.
Way back in the sixth series of The Lennon Courtney Podcast, we invited some excellent guests to join our podcast party. This week, we're throwing back to our chat with sports writer, podcast host and activist, Joanne O'Riordan. Joanne first gained attention for skipping school to confront then Taoiseach Enda Kenny about his proposed plan to reduce disability funding during his election. In April 2012, she spoke before the UN and challenged the body to create technology to help disabled people such as herself. She was named Young Person of the Year at the People of the Year awards in 2012. Joanne is an activist for people with disabilities, a motivational speaker and a sports columnist with The Irish Times. She appears in the 2013 documentary No Limbs No Limits. Series 9 is coming soon - we promise! Keep an eye on Lennon Courtney on all social media platforms for the launch date. Sonya and Brendan.
Brendan and Sonya are just putting the finishing touches on series 9 of the Lennon Courtney Podcast but while they work up a sweat in the editing suite, please enjoy this archive episode. We ask, what exactly is the f*cking metaverse? Do we need a passport to get there and if the metaverse fell and there was no one around to hear it, would it make a sound? Mark Zuckerberg is quaking. Enjoy!
Last year we had the pleasure of chatting to Angeline Ball. Angeline came to the world's attention in 1991 when she starred in The Commitments as Imelda Quirke. In this episode, Angeline talked about Deadly Cuts, the brilliant Irish comedy set in a hairdressers she was promoting at the time. She also talked about ageing, her musical dreams and perhaps most importantly, her work experience in The Glamour Pitt on Meath Street in Dublin.
The new Lennon Courtney Podcast season will be arriving imminently. In the meantime, you can listen back to our episode all about the fashion industry. We discussed everything from haute couture to fast fashion and shared our personal experiences of working in the fashion business daaaahlings! It's a timeless episode that will take you from day to night.
Back in series 7 , we had the pleasure of chatting with paralympic gold medal winner Ellen Keane. Ellen hails from Clontarf in Dublin and was born without part of her left arm below her elbow. She was Ireland's youngest ever athlete when she swam in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games at just 13 years old, coming 6th in the 100m breaststroke. In this episode, Ellen talks to us about self-acceptance, training without a pool during the pandemic and Brendan shared his dream of becoming a synchronised swimmer - but of course! FYI: This episode was recorded over Zoom during the pandemic so the sound is not studio quality.
This episode was recorded back in April 2022 following the fatal assault of two gay men in Sligo. Brendan was shaken by the devastating event and he shared in this episode how he was feeling and how it prompted him to make a big life decision. Season 9 is coming soon! In the meantime, make sure you're following Lennon Courtney on Instagram, Facebook, You Tube, LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and launches.
Sonya and Brendan are still making series 9 for you but to keep you going, we have unlocked this archive episode from our vault in Zurich especially for you. This is The Lennon Courtney Podcast Archive: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Good Taste. In this episode Brendan dazzled us with his variety of accents, Sonya and Brendan discussed the origins of taste plus, ask if the concept of good taste is even relevant anymore. It is the socks and sandals of podcast episodes. The Lennon Courtney Podcast is created by Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney for Exceed Potential Productions. The podcast was developed by Sonya, Brendan and Esther O'Moore Donohoe who produces and edits episodes. Social media is managed by Julie Gartland.
Series 9 is on the way but in the meantime, please enjoy this archive episode of The Lennon Courtney Podcast. We recorded this during one of the lockdowns with friend of the podcast, TV and radio presenter Zoe Hardman. Zoe hosts the very popular Weekend Breakfast on Heart Radio in London and is also the co-creator and presenter of chart-topping parenting podcast, Made By Mammas. In this episode we talked to Zoe about everything from motherhood to menopause and perhaps most importantly, how she first met Brendan! We hope you love this week's chat and if you do, please leave a positive review and 5 stars here. It takes seconds but really helps the podcast grow. Love, Sonya and Brendan. The Lennon Courtney Podcast is an Exceed Potential Production. The podcast was created by Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney and developed by Sonya, Brendan and Esther O'Moore Donohoe. Episodes are produced by EO'MD Productions and recorded in Dublin. Social media is managed by Julie Gartland.
In this throwback episode from the last series, we're talking about channelling Queen Elsa from Frozen and letting sh*t go on. If the metaphorical thorn in your side is holding you back, Sonya and Brendan will tell you how you can pull that sucker out. For those of us feeling a bit stuck at the moment or are in need a little pep talk, this is the episode for you. Keep your eyes glued to @lennoncourtney on all our social media channels so you will be the first to hear when our brand new series launches.
The new series of The Lennon Courtney Podcast starts very soon and we know you're probably tying yourself in knots with excitement. To tide you over, listen back to one of our favourite episodes from the last series - The Thinking Woman's Guide to Fatal Fallouts. In this episode, Sonya and Brendan asked why some friendships endure over others and how the pandemic has seen many of us ‘prune' some friends back. We also shudder over past WhatsApp mishaps where we have ‘deleted for me' and not ‘deleted for everyone' - SCREAM!
This week's archive episode was recorded in 2020 when we all lived in Zoom screens. Still, not even a pandemic could stop us from podcasting. In this re-release, Sonya and Brendan talk about their relationships with their fathers and Brendan recalls the time he contemplated fatherhood in McDonalds. A brand new series of The Lennon Courtney Podcast starts soon so make sure you follow @lennoncourtney on all social media platforms for the latest updates.
Of course Sonya and Brendan are both flawless individuals who have never made a single mistake in their lives but they understand that other people do. That is why, back in series 5, they wanted to do an episode all about mistakes. They shared private snafus, embarrassing public errors and also, why we have to allow each other to make them. The new series of The Lennon Courtney Podcast starts soon so make sure you cancel all your plans and hear our brand new offering as soon as it lands.
Series 9 of The Lennon Courtney Podcast starts on Thursday, 28th July so to get you in the podcast mood, we're releasing some of our favourite past episodes over the next few weeks. This week, we're sharing an episode from way back in 2020 that we did on the subject of guilt. In fact, you're probably feeling guilty right now for being on your device/working too much/not working enough/mother's guilt/father's guilt/friend guilt/guilt guilt - the guilt list is endless. With that said, one thing you should never feel guilty about is listening to our podcast - see what we did there? We hope you enjoy this podcast blast from the past.
Stop the clocks! This is the last bonus episode for series 8 but do not get too blue because we will return very soon (after a little R&R) with shiny, new series 9. But for now, enjoy Sonya, Brendan talk about Netflix bingeing, memorable meals and the smell of Weetabix. Let's just say - they were all a little hyper for this one. Enjoy!
Welcome, Lennon Courtney-ers to the final episode for series 8. For our season swan song, we present to you, The Thinking Woman's Guide to Good Taste. In this episode Brendan dazzles us with his variety of accents, Sonya and Brendan discuss the origins of taste plus, ask if the concept of good taste is even relevant anymore. It is the socks and sandals of podcast episodes. We'll be back with series 9 after a short break and we'll also be announcing the details for our first ever, live podcast event very soon. Oh yes. The Lennon Courtney Podcast Disco Brunch is twirling and spinning your way so watch out. There'll be dancing, drinks and of course, a live episode of the podcast. Make sure you're following us on all social media and sign up to our newsletter for ticket details.
The best things in life are free which is why we offer this bonus episode to you free, gratis and for nothing. All we ask in return is that you repay us with a positive review wherever you get your podcasts - it really helps us grow! Anyway, back to the episode. This week, Brendan shares the time he spent a bananas amount of money on designer shoes, how Sonya has the aura of a rich person and hanging on to fancy bags. Make sure you follow @lennoncourtney on all social media platforms + to get the link to sign up to our free newsletter that accompanies episodes each week.
In this episode, we're taking on the rich subject of really, really, really, really, really, really rich people - the hyper wealthy. Would we be happier if we had a billionaire's bank balance and how would we spend it? Imagine - you'd never have to worry about leaving the immersion on again…. Also this week, Sonya tells us about the time her friend sold a jet to a billionaire and how managing millions is a full time job (eh, where do we sign up?). Make sure you follow @lennoncourtney on all social media platforms + to get the link to sign up to our free newsletter that accompanies episodes each week.
Well shake your hips - it's Bonus Episode Monday! In this minisode, Brendan and Sonya describe what their ideal F*cking Metaverse would look like and Brendan gets philosophical. It's out of this world and under ten minutes - perfect for the Thinking Woman on the go.
For centuries, great minds have contemplated the big questions like 'What is the meaning of life?' and ‘How early should we arrive at the airport?' In this episode, we are wrestling with another weighty concept most of us have zero clue about - namely - the f*cking metaverse. Just what the f*ck is it? Do we need a passport to get there and will Mark Zuckerberg have put his towels down on all the loungers by the time the rest of us arrive? This is The Thinking Woman's Guide to the F*cking Metaverse. P.S Anything mentioned during the episode will be included in our free newsletter. Follow @lennoncourtney on your chosen social media to get the link to subscribe.
In this delicious vol-au-vent of an episode, Sonya and Brendan recall their memories of the 2015 marriage referendum including Deirdre O'Kane taking Brendan for a reassuring pint. It's the minisode you can eat between podcast meals without ruining your appetite. To sign up to our free newsletter follow @lennoncourtney on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and you will find the sign-up link. If you enjoyed this episode, please share the link with friends and give us five stars. We really appreciate it.