Solo Powered with Ariana Dunne

In this episode we celebrate 40 episodes and 1 years since Solo Powered launched.Thank you so much to everyone who has listened or has been a guest. To celebrate we are offering one lucky listener the chance to win a Solo Spa Day in the fabulous Powerscourt Springs in Co. Wicklow. To win message me or comment, share about Solo Powered on your social channels. We also talk to American listener Dr Vivian Vo. A multi-passionate Life Coach, Doctor, and Yoga Teacher, who has witnessed and experienced first hand the unique challenges folks of the global majority face. She is a coach who is passionate about helping AAPI folks. "We juggle societal expectations, internalized pressures, the strong need to help our communities, and the constant feeling of needing to prove ourselves." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susie is a business growth coach. She has been around the block what feels like a million times before getting to the stage that she's at now. She has worked in sales, the event industry, marketing, graphic and web design. She started her own cosmetics company at 21 and has started multiple businesses since then. Not understanding the importance of her "Why" and her Purpose led her on paths that were not fulfilling her goals. It was only when she started looking at the "Ikigai" method of understanding your purpose that Susan realised what her passion and purpose really was - she absolutely thrives when she is helping women startup and grow their own businesses and so The Visionary Room was born. Her zones of genius lie in sales and the "new norms" for selling online, branding, design, growth strategies, e-commerce, spotting opportunities for new revenue streams, product creation, sourcing products, social media, online course creation and creating content that sells. Susie shares her Solopreneur journey running Seven Companies while also being a Solo Mom. This is an inspiring episode showing how you can overcome adversity, strive forward, learn from mistakes and stay true to your authentic creative self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate St Patricks Day I am thrilled to welcome Lorraine O'Dwyer an 8th generation Bean Feasa (Translation: Wise Woman) or Witch for want of a better word onto the Solo Powered Podcast. Based in the southeast of Ireland, and famed for her unique storytelling walks and workshops that draw us back into the past, to a world almost lost today.From tree and herblore to kitchen craft skills and foraged foods with more than a little magic along the way! In this episode she talks about what trees to hug and when, Brehon law, Irish Folklore, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Fierce Irish Warriors. With her company Gallivanting.ie Lorraine takes people on mystical ancient woodland walks imparting her vast knowledge and legendary storytelling. She also talks about growing up in 80's Catholic Ireland as a self proclaimed pagan. This is a fascinating episode full of information and entertaining stories.#solo#solowalksinnature#witch#individual#folklore#fairyfolk#irish#leprechaun#trees#paganism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Streat School, an Irish food truck provider and marketing agency, has turned over more than millions of euro and has helped over 300 new outlets to get up and running.The company was founded by Seany McCleary, the owner of Blasta Street Kitchen, a month before the pandemic started. It has gone from strength to strength since and in June 2022 claimed the One to Watch prize at the National Enterprise Awards.Seany and his partner Nikita started Blasta Street Kitchen in February 2017, after returning to Ireland from a 5-year stint travelling around the world, with just €600 cash. In this episode Seany offers advice to anyone with a solo'preneur dream esp in the food industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Ariana chats to Mary-Kate Murphy about the searing pain of pet grief. Mary-Kate is a teacher and a solo'prenuer as owner of her own dance school as well as running a successful pet-sitting business called 'Teach Tubs'. The business is named after her beloved miniature schnauzer Tubs who sadly passed away last year at the age of 11. Tubs was Mary-Kate's companion throughout painful breakups and has lived with Mary-Kate solo for most of his life. Losing him was extremley sorrowful and we explore that often underrepresented or much maligned grief of losing a pet on this episode. Mary-Kate is also a fan of the podcast and since tuning in has embarked on two Solo travel trips to Iceland and Belgium which she tells us all about.#petgrief#solo#solodogmom#miniatureschnauzer#solotravel#solopreneur Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna Clifford is a multi-talented woman, she is a comedian, actor, writer, poet, podcast host, presenter and content creator. Anna is a natural entertainer with a strong stage presence and jokes to match. She has had audiences across the globe laughing with her relatable act outs and witty observations on millennial life. Anna kicked off her comedy career while living in Vancouver, Canada. Since then she has been standing out against the best in the Irish and UK comedy circuit. In 2023 she embarked on a solo comedy tour around Ireland and the UK and is currently the star of RTE's Irelands Perfect Pubs. On this episode she talks about the bravery of standing up on stage solo with the sole purpose of making people laugh, how to have lots of eggs in lots of basket as a self employed entertainer and how she went on her first solo work trip to Portugal to concentrate on herself and have some all important me-time. #solo#solotravel#solocomedy#standupcomedy#lovewhatyoudo#liveyourlife#funny Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am so thrilled to welcome @fazanagram Ellie Fazan onto the podcast. Ellie is a storyteller: She has worked as a stylist, scout, shoot producer, journalist, magazine editor and digital content producer. Whether she's working in TV or print, she says that storytelling is all about creating connections through pictures and words. And, she says, she always searching for the gold at the end of the rainbow. One such pot of gold she has absolutely found is her beautiful sallow skinned brown eyed boy Sidney who was very fittingly born over Pride weekend in 2023. Ellie talks about her decision to have her beautiful baby boy with her gay best friend Eddie. On this episode Ellie talks about what it was like to be single when all her friends were getting married, how the pandemic affected her ability to meet anyone at a pivotal time in her biological clock, and after a trek down Everest base camp she made a decision to have a baby despite not being in a relationship. Instead she embarked on another love story, a platonic parenting route with her gay best friend Eddie. Ellie discusses the highs and lows of IVF, the, at times, painful struggle she had to ensure to become a mother and how navigating this new life with her baby and her friends is still very much a learning curve. This is a beautiful episode showcasing that love and family comes in many different forms. That we don't have to accept the cards we are dealt but we can shuffle up that deck and deal ourselves a new hand, a hand of our own making and a hand that allows us to live the life we want to lead. I learned so much from Ellie as I continue on my own fertility journey and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did. #solopowered#soloparenting#solojourneytoparenthood#platonicparenting#lgbtqi+parents#livethelifeyouwanttolead#love#family#ivf#ivfbaby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Ariana reconnects with her Australian friend Rachael Oakes-Ash who she met when on a solo travel adventure at a Writer and Artists retreat in the Sth. of France in 2016. Rachael is a life writer, established journalist and a travel and ski blogger. She is the founder of SnowsBest.com and Elephanttruths.com and the author of two books with Random House and contributor to numerous anthologies. On this episode she talk about life travelling the globe solo chasing the snow. She also talks about confronting grief, overcoming broken relationships, and finding herself and she evolves into her fifties. Rachael also talks about her relationship with food, disordered eating and how becoming an adult orphan has made her assess her life and take back control of her destiny and life's path.This is a rollercoaster of an episode with many themes of life, love and loss explored.#solo#solotravel#solopreneur#snow#ski#journalist#writer#control#grief#disorderedeating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Solo Powered Ariana chats to Stefanie Daniels founder of 'Life Begins At Menopause' www.lbam.uk. Ariana and Stefanie worked together in London in Bauer Media back in 2010 and since then both of them went on a new and exciting journey into the world of coaching and transformation.Stefanie Daniels is a a coach who provides personalised support to executive-level employees and midlife women in the media workplace - mainly because she herself walked the walk with some of the UK's most popular media brands. She now helps hundreds of people transform their journey and understands better than anyone how these aren't just personal issues having herself experienced early menopause due following the loss of her beloved mother to cancer, and to the discovery of the BRCA1 gene and the serious life changing medical decisions she had to make as a result. Which is why she founded Life Begins at Menopause offering a safe space where people can talk about their symptoms, enhance nutrition and supplements and optimise their lifestyle.Stefanie studied at the gold-standard Barefoot Coaching and College of Naturopathic Medicine and have been trained by Tedx Speaker Cynthia Thurlow specialising in Intermittent Fasting. She regularly gives inspirational talks, writes for health and wellness publications and appear as a guest on top-ranked podcasts. #solopreneur#solopowered#menopause#coaching#safespace#lovewhatyoudo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year. 2024 we come back with a bang with the erudite gentleman Lawson Mpame sharing with us his lone wolf journey in the world of Fashion and Creative Direction. Lawson has worked with some incredible brands including, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Zalando, Primark and more, featuring on RTE, Image, Tatler, Irish Country Magazine and beyond. Lawson moved to Ireland from Zimbabwe at the age of 15 and had to navigate a new country, culture and friendships to find his own path in Ireland. His journey to success has not always been easy, he had to go to battle with his father in order to pursue his dream career in fashion, and avoid the route the rest of his family had taken in medicine and law. Lawson talks about his unique perspective as a straight, black man, in an industry where the majority of his peers are women and gay men. He discusses being single and his time on First Dates Ireland and highlights how sometimes it is good to spend time alone to find out what you really want from life.Lawson talks about his proud inclusion in the 2023 book 'Black and Irish' and how important it is to stand out from the crowd and be proud of who you are, which can often be expressed in how we dress and present ourselves to the world. Lawson is a brilliant example of a Solo Powered man in many aspects of his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forced into retirement at 66 Fiona Griffin decided that her exuberant energy needed to be given free reign. So she embarked on a J1 visa summer in the USA as a Camp Counsellor in Wisconsin. Fiona shares her experiences Solo Travelling, meeting a large new group of International Friends, learning new skills and having a fabulous Solo experience across two summers. She explains how she had to reassure family and friends that she wasn't 'gone mad' how her safety wasn't an issue and how she dealt with living with hundreds of young women and girls for two summers in the Wisconsin Wilds. Also congrats to Mary-Kate Murphy who won the Flying Solo competition thanks to Seafield House Hotel and Spa Resort.#solo#solotraveller#nevertoolate#lovewhatyoudo#solopreneur#solodesign#soloadventure#solopassions#lovewhatyoudo#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fabulous Maeve Barry joins me for a wonderful chat about her solo journey to jewellery design launching her incredible business Eve Ray as well as her concept online shop BlondeTheStore.com. Maeve also has her own successful PR company and talks about how important it is to build your career, learn resilience and be willing to take risks to get ahead and do the things you love to do. Maeve and I worked together in Irish Country Magazine and I am a huge fan of her earring range, which makes be feel bold and powerful every time I wear them. As Christmas draws near this is a perfect opportunity to support a local Irish Made brands whilst also investing in a little pocket of joy for yourself through the purchase of one of her products. I can't recommend them enough. This episode is brought to you by Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort are offering 'Flying Solo' packages for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate.Starting at €168 for overnight B&B in a deluxe bedroom, Thermal Suite Access in our Award Winning Spa and a Three Course Evening Meal in our Village Bar & Grill. To book visit - visit www.seafieldhotel.com#solo#weartheearrings#solopreneur#solodesign#childlessbychoice#soloadventure#solopassions#lovewhatyoudo#seafieldhotelandsparesort#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sinéad Kennedy was 32 years old, she was overwhelmed, exhausted, mentally burnt out and sick of everything going wrong. After a traumatic life changing event she chose to pick herself up, shake herself off and live her life to the fullest.Sinead wrote a book called 'Life is a Cycle', which is an honest, light-hearted and moving memoir of one woman's unwavering strength of character and commitment to live life with passion, fun and fulfilment. Sinéad bravely takes full responsibility for her happiness, having unforgettable cycling adventures and experiences while travelling solo all over the world. By taking quality time alone she unearths her life purpose and what she is truly made of. It was such a pleasure to chat to Sinead about her travels as well as her life wisdom.This episode is brought to you by Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort are offering 'Flying Solo' packages for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate.Starting at €168 for overnight B&B in a deluxe bedroom, Thermal Suite Access in our Award Winning Spa and a Three Course Evening Meal in our Village Bar & Grill. To book visit - visit www.seafieldhotel.com#solo#solotravel#solocycle#solopreneur#soloparent#childfreeliving#soloadventure#solopassions#solobychoice#lovewhatyoudo#seafieldhotelandsparesort#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk to the very wonderful Vicki Notaro former Managing Director of VIP Publishing and author of her debut book 'Reality Check' which is released early next year. On this episode we talk about how Vicki made the difficult decision to leave her high profile job to go out on her own as a solo with multiple strings to her bow including freelance writing, consulting, podcasting and of course bagging a dream book deal with Penguin Books Ireland. We discuss pressure to climb the corporate ladder, burnout, stress, and how important it is for us to manage our health and wellbeing when working in busy corporate environments.We also discuss her experience as a solo only child and also her decision to not have any children of her own and some of the stigmas or judgements that surround both.This episode is brought to you by Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort are offering 'Flying Solo' packages for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate.Starting at €168 for overnight B&B in a deluxe bedroom, Thermal Suite Access in our Award Winning Spa and a Three Course Evening Meal in our Village Bar & Grill. To book visit - visit www.seafieldhotel.com#solo#solochild#solopreneur#soloparent#childlessbychoice#soloadventure#solopassions#solobychoice#lovewhatyoudo#seafieldhotelandsparesort#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode the lovely Callie Adams talks about her childhood friend Megan Nelms who very sadly passed away on October 23 2023. This episode is dedicated to her memory. Ariana met Megan while they were both solo travelling in Paris in February 2023. Megan was in remission from a battle with leukaemia and was on a mission to live life to the fullest in the here and now. Megan was a wonderful, kind, smart, fun, passionate and warm human who left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. In this episode Callie and I honour Megan by talking about her, her legacy and why we must embrace life now and do everything we want to do before it is too late. Callie also talks about how her own solo travelling journey in South America and trekking the Camino helped her deal with her grief and how she was truly able to connect with herself in these important moments of solitude. This episode is a celebration of life and love.Once again thanks go to Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort for sponsoring this episode. Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort are offering 'Flying Solo' packages for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate.Starting at €168 for overnight B&B in a deluxe bedroom, Thermal Suite Access in our Award Winning Spa and a Three Course Evening Meal in our Village Bar & Grill. To book visit - visit www.seafieldhotel.com#solo#grief#f*ckcancer#lifeisforliving#staypresent#love#solotravel#soloadventure#solopassions#lovewhatyoudo#seafieldhotelandsparesort#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is brought to you by Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort are offering 'Flying Solo' packages for anyone who wants to relax and rejuvenate.Starting at €168 for overnight B&B in a deluxe bedroom, Thermal Suite Access in our Award Winning Spa and a Three Course Evening Meal in our Village Bar & Grill. To book visit - visit www.seafieldhotel.comTo celebrate the sponsorship of this episode I invited my good friend Dara Flynn to be a guest to talk about how taking solo hotel breaks away to indulge in some me-time makes her a better mom, wife and all round human. In this episode Dara discusses how her supportive husband Mike encouraged her to take a one night break away shortly after the birth of their daughter and how doing so helped her to see how important time for yourself truly is. Since then Dara has embarked on many solo nights away and offers tips and advice for anyone thinking of doing the same. We talk about Mom guilt, juggling busy family life, the importance of supporting your partner to have some time away, relationship by design, as well as why treating yourself is so important for your mental health.I also offer one lucky listener the chance to win a 'Flying Solo' break with thanks to Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort by connecting with me on social media @ask_arianadunne and tagging me in a photo of them doing something solo with the #SOLOPOWERED. A Winner will be chosen at random in 5 weeks time. #solo#solotravel#solopreneur#soloparent#soloadventure#solopassions#solobychoice#lovewhatyoudo#seafieldhotelandsparesort#flyingsolo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the episode Ariana chats to Ad man Oliver Durkin. Oliver is described as more of a dawn guy than a sunset guy. He graduated from University of Ulster, Ireland, 1991 in English and Theatre Studies. Wrote poems. Wrote prose. Took Photographs. Co-founded UK's first digital TV advertising agency Guerillascope. Made set top boxes with wild men who flew in jets. Went to Dubai. Ran away to the Irish countryside. Trains horses. Jumps hedges. Went to India. Made a movie. Now thinks and dreams in film. Remarkably we cover all of the above in this hour long episode and lots more in between. Solo living comes in many forms at many stages in people lives and is more of a way of life than any one thing. #sololiving#solopreneur#podcast#comfortzone#livefast#liveslow#lovelife#lovewhatyoudo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was struck down with the lurgy this week so unfortunately this episode does not feature a fabulous inspiring guest. Instead you get to listen to me talk deliriously about how Solo Powered is now an award nominated podcast thanks to a 'Best New Podcast' nomination in The Irish Podcast Awards. I also talk about the importance of friends, family and a great support network despite being a podcast that celebrates solo'ism and I also shamelessly plug my various different businesses, cause I am sick and you can't give out to me :)I promise normal service will resume next week and there are many many fabulous guests lined up to share their stories over the coming weeks and months so do please keep listening.#podcast#irishpodcastawards#bestnewpodcast#lovewhatyoudo#solopreneuer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Ariana chats to chef, DJ, coach and shamanic trance dance guide Nicky Halliday.Nicky has been sharing cacao, hosting ceremonies, wellness retreats and DJing at events and festivals for many year. As a chef she loves nourishing people with healthy food and also bringing people together to awaken their own inner healers in them, with cacao, creativity, nutrition, song, dance, gratitude, forgiveness and helping people open their hearts and go after their dreams. Nicky also trained to be a Shamanic Trance Dance Guide and Guardian. She has written a book “A Practical Guide to Cooking for Health” and also offers group cacao ceremonies and personal cacao therapy sessions for body, mind and soul. Nicky specialises with women who have been diagnosed with HPV virus. If you feel like igniting your true passion for life again, awaken your own inner healer, bring in more self love and compassion into your life, say goodbye to your limiting beliefs, sign up for her upcoming Sacred Cervix course which she talk about on the podcast. #podcast#healer#nourish#hpv#cacao#soulsister#healthyeating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode Ariana chats to the fabulous travel blogger Tara Povey about her exciting life travelling to over 60 countries around the world and documenting it all for her successful travel blog @whereistara. Tara was born in New Zealand and raised in Ireland. So refers to herself as a hobbit raised by leprechauns.She tells a great story of how her her spontaneous loving mother had a habit of booking last minute flights and whisking her and my sister away places for fun and adventures so her love for travel started young.She has had some incredible travel experiences including training Japanese ninjutsu with grand master Hatsumi (The last living ninja) in Japan, climbing the Inca trail in Peru, horse riding up a volcano in Iceland, getting lost in the favelas of Rio, Brazil and living like a Cowboy in Texas. Tara reminds you that it is very possible to change your life especially after a painful breakup and she wants to remind listeners that you can create the life you've always wanted for yourself. Tara and Ariana offer lots of fabulous travel tips and insights in this chat so I hope you enjoy it. #podcast#solotravel#solo#travel#dreambig#nevertolatetochange#lovewhatyoudo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate World International Dog Day on August 26th Ariana chats to the brilliant Jon Garstang. Jon is a rocker, a musician, a yoga instructor, business owner, Dad to Ozzie and ultimately an amazing award winning dog whisperer, trainer and in many cases saviour. Jon runs The Positive Pet Project in Rhodes in Greece, he trains dogs, boards dogs and helps dogs who have been abused or ill treated to live a better life. Jon spent time in animal welfare projects in Africa, Eastern and Southern Europe. He has written a book and works with the Greek Ministry teaching children to have more positive relationships with animals which in turn gives them all important soft skills for live a better life. Jon moved to Rhodes several years ago with his family to start a new life and hasn't looked back. In this episode Jon talks about his career to date as well as how to work with animals and how to choose the best pet for your and your life.#podcast#positivepetproject#internationalworlddogday#dogs#solo#sololife#doglife#adoptdontshop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ariana has the pleasure and privilege of interviewing Gwen Wilkinson for episode 18 of the Solo Powered Podcast. In 2019, Gwen Wilkinson set herself the challenge of building a canoe and paddling it the length of Ireland, along a network of inland waterways. She set out from the shores of Lough Erne and navigated a 400km journey to the tidal waters of the River Barrow in Ireland.More than just a travelogue, The Waters and the Wild explores the interwoven histories of the people and wildlife that shaped Gwen's journey. As the adventure unfolds, she also shines a light on pioneering women who have left their mark on Ireland's landscape – both natural and cultural.From wild camping on deserted islands to drifting on lakes in the company of restless lapwings, this book invites the reader to share an intense engagement with the natural world. The charming text is accompanied by the author's own striking lino and woodcut prints, beautiful and thought-provoking interpretations of the flora and fauna she observed on her travels.Gwen Wilkinson paddled to explore, searching for inspiration and a desire to learn more about the island we inhabit, and she was met with experiences rich and illuminating, far beyond her expectations.Ariana and Gwen talked all about her incredible experiences and bravery embarking on this epic quest and also chat about the freedom that comes with living the solo life as an intrepid explorer. #solo#solopowered#sololiving#soloadventures#soloquests#solofreedon#canoe#waterways#waterlife#podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wonderful fashion stylist Cathy O'Connor come on to talk about her fabulous career in fashion from working on TV's 'Off the rails', to being a magazine fashion editor and stylist to the stars. She has recently launched an important campaign called Women Un-Branded.Women Un-branded is a social awareness campaign that aims to create social change towards ageing in the fashion and beauty worlds. Spearheaded by stylist, broadcaster, and content creator, Cathy O'Connor, Women Un-branded gives a voice to women over 40 and beyond who have experienced a lack of representation and inclusion in many fashion and beauty brands' marketing and advertising campaigns.Women Un-branded recently conducted a *survey among women aged 35+, many of whom have significant spending power in the fashion and beauty industries. The survey revealed that 45% of this cohort spend up to €500 per month on fashion, while 61% spend up to €500 per month on beauty. At a time of extraordinary inclusion, many women over 40 feel they are on the outside looking in, and that the brands they are loyal to don't always represent them in their campaigns. 71% would prefer to see more realistic portrayals of women in brand campaigns. Women Un-branded is calling for a more realistic portrayal of women over 40, highlighting their vivacity, wisdom, and value.With the Women Un-branded campaign, Cathy wants to create awareness and act, and she is encouraging women to champion those who are creating a change. Women Un-branded is calling on women to be aware of which brands communicate with them directly, and if women feel ignored by brands or boutiques they support, speak up in a positive way. Cathy has many ambitious plans for Women Un-branded including a shoot of real women who own their style across all age ranges from 40+, and even a podcast. As the founder, Cathy is also passionate about the media and brands having access to images of vibrant looking older women so that positive images of age are more available and therefore, may increase visibility. Watch this space! Women Un-branded is also open to working with agencies worldwide who want to create positive change to help them be inclusive in their work and there are plans for more in-depth research in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the episode Ariana chats to Travel Entrepreneur of the year Rory King from Rory's Travel Club. Rory organises group trips throughout the year which he said attracts large numbers of solo travellers all looking to meet new people and have new experiences. Rory's Travel Club is a fantastic business which Rory started as a solo'prenuer and has amassed over 250k followers across Facebook and Instagram as well having over 70,000 signed up members to his Travel Club. As a member you can avail of discounts on flights, hotels and packaged up holidays around the world all of which come to you via weekly newsletter from Rory and his team. It was great to chat to Rory to hear his own travel adventures as well as tip and advice for anyone looking to solo travel themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Solo Powered, Ariana takes the opportunity to go Solo once again to celebrate Ariana's lucky number 16th episode.Ariana thanks the listeners, shares some feedback and recaps over the 15 episodes to date giving some guest updates along the way.Ariana also shares her thoughts on some big news items that took place during the week (20th-27th of July 2023), including Irelands IVF Funding measures, The Barbie movie release and Sinead O'Connors untimely passing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the episode Ariana chats to dream guest Dr Peter McGraw. Peter is a Behavioural Scientist and Professor from the University of Boulder Colorado and the creator of the US podcast 'Solo - A single persons guide to living an extraordinary life'. Peter and Ariana discuss the concept that being single is something that offers many people freedom to live the life they want to lead. We discuss the idea the relationships, marriage and coupledom are no longer the only things that society should celebrate. We are in an every changing evolving world that should embrace single'dom and how happiness comes in many forms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the episode Ariana talks to Pat Kane a sustainability advocate and strategist, a speaker and a writer and the founder of reuzi, Ireland's one-stop shop for sustainably made, reusable goods and an educational hub on all things sustainable living.After leaving her home country of Brazil solo at 18 to pursue a career abroad Pat eventually moved to Ireland and after becoming a mom she embarked on a solo business journey offering sustainable products for the home. She is a regular guest on Irish TV and radio and is an advocate for the #Powerofone campaign showing people how we can all make a difference in the find against climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brilliant episode Ariana chats to the indomitable reality star, disability rights activist and BBC documentary maker Paddy Smyth. We talk about Paddys challenge throughout life, finding love and acceptance for himself as a gay disabled man living with cerebral palsy. Overcoming adversity and grief through the loss of his parents, his desire to be famous, his foray into reality tv as a contestant on First Dates Ireland in 2017 before going onto win Channel 4's 'The Circle' in the UK in 2019. Paddy recently released an incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking BBC documentary called 'Should I be fixed' about medical advancements for disabled people and the identity that is often wrapped up in their disability, begging the question 'should you fix your disability if you could?'. Paddy proves that being disabled can be empowering and encourages listeners to go out and live your dreams on your own terms. #disability #disabilityrights #diversityandinclusion#gayanddisabled#realitystar#empowering #loveyourself#lovewhatyoudo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Ariana chats to former RTE broadcaster and radio presenter Louise McSharry. Louise publicly exited the organisation in 2021 after her show was unceremoniously cancelled. But rather than allow the loss of a big radio organisation get in between her and her loyal listeners Louise forged her own solo path and launched her hugely successful weekly news amd entertainment podcast 'Catch up with Louise McSharry'. Her podcast has amassed almost a million downloads and Louise now also has a regular magazine column and a loyal social media following. In this episode we talk about the RTE fallout, her cancer battle, motherhood and her abilty to stand up for herself when it matters most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Ariana chats to Yvonne Redden a self published authour. Over lockdown, sheinterviewed over 37 people in a variety of industries during the pandemic and in 2022 self-published her first book 'Talk Learn Connect' which was a collection of interviews with leaders in business, community & the arts. Yvonne now uses her skills to help other authors on their self publishing journeys. She also is a solo parent and talks about raising her 3 children as a solo mom whilst never giving up on her passion for writing and education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this episode, Ariana chats to Lucy Meggeson, the podcaster who fronts her own fantastic series called'Spinsterhood Reimagined'Lucy describes herself as single, childfree, music-obsessed, river-loving, personal growth crazy, autumn and winter-loving, unapologetically passionate, over-enthusiastic, slightly bonkers, recovering perfectionist, daughter, sister, niece, auntie and friend. She has an incredible story to tell whilst her podcast is an important and inspiring deep dive into life for single childfree women and trying to reclaim the word spinster to make it fabulous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered where the saying “fresh as a daisy“ comes from? If so you have to listen to this enchanting conversation between Ariana and Feebee Foran founder of the fabulous wellness brand Forager.Solo exploration by getting out into nature and embracing the wild and wonderful outdoors that is available to us all. Feebee fills us in on how her business started, overcoming grief, her love of medicinal herbs and plants and how mother nature truly is the wisest woman of all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this hugely inspiring and motivational episode Ariana chats to the indomitable Damian Browne. Damian is an extreme adventurer, peak performance athlete and International keynote speaker hailing from from Galway, Ireland.After playing professional rugby for 16 years most notably with Connaught, Northampton and Leinster where he won club rugby's biggest prize, The Heineken Cup.Which many might look at as a pinnacle in any persons life but the end of his rugby career was just the start of an awe inspiring, jaw dropping list of feats that this man has achieved. Since hanging up his shirt Damian has become one of the World's foremost extreme adventurers; undertaking some of the most demanding physically and mentally challenging feats on the planet, including the 257km Sahara Desert ultra marathon, climbing 5 of the 7 summits and, the reason why we were so keen to invite him on to Solo Powered he has also rowed solo and unsupported, 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean. Just last year Damian was first person in history to row from New York to Galway after 112 days at sea. He also stole the show at this years Pendulum summit in his capacity as an inspirational speaker. This is an incredible episode not to be missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Ariana has the best chats with Heather Condren, founder of the iconic Flowerpop floristry business. Heather has only been a solo'preneur for four years but in that time she has seen her business grow from making bouquets for friends and family at her kitchen table into a renowned floristry business catering to the stars. Heather is a phenomenal business woman with a creative mindset who has come up with many imaginative ways to grow her business including workshops, shop expansion, weddings, events and even arranging flowers and table decorations for Cruz Beckhams 18th birthday. She is also a Mama to two gorgeous kids and discusses how to juggle life as a busy Mom boss. This is an inspiring episode full of fun and joy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this hilarious episode Ariana chats with PR Guru Rob Kenny who has launched his own hugely successful PR business RKPR. Rob was brave to leave full-time employment with a major global PR company to pursue his own excellence in business in the pursuit of having more freedom to do the things he loves to do in life.Topics will touch on career to date, what led to his decision, overcoming fears around working for yourself, finances, successes, and supports. He also talks about his successful side hussle as an influencer and content creator in his own right. Rob regularly takes solo travel business trips around the Europe something he loves to do even though he is in a loving and committed relationship with boyfriend of 5 years. He offers his tips and advice on how to keep romance alive in your relationship by being free and happy enough to go away on your own.This is a great episode full of laughter and brilliant and inspiring advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Solo Powered we focus on Solo journeys to parenthood. Ariana chats with Clodagh O'Hagan who had a baby on her own, adorable blonde haired blue-eyed Frank. We chronicle her experience with topics touching on why and how she made her decision, reaction of family and friends, fertility treatments, positive and negative experiences, pregnancy, the cost of solo parenthood and the joy of welcoming a baby into the world, all her experiences of solo parenthood to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Ariana interviews Gordon Hickey who, not only launched his own succesful solo business, Container Coffee, but he also , wrote, produced, directed and starred in two of his own self funded short films which went on to great acclaim in film festivals around the world. He wanted to act, so he created the movies himself in a solo pursuit of his passions. This is an inspiring episode for anyone who has a dream and wants to take steps to fulfil it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episiode Ariana chats with Kelly Shatter who, not only launched her own business, Stoke Improv, but who also produced, wrote, directed and starred in her own solo one woman play called 'The Scratcher'. Kelly also teaches courses and hosts workshops helping others to write and act in solo and mono plays. Kelly is a storyteller, a writer, a theatre director, an actress and a life coach. In this episode we explore how improv can help you to become your most authentic self by stripping away the mask of 'adulting' and just allowing ourselves the freedom to be our most authentic selves. In doing so we can try to capture this magic to help us embrace solo ventures without fear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this incredible episode Ariana interviews Conor Clear who has just returned from a Solo adventure to Antarctica. Conor is a broadcaster, actor and celebrant who epitomises what the Solo Powered podcast is all about. Ariana and Conor will discuss his motivation for making such an epic solo travel journey and his experiences along way. Conor also discusses his role in a solo One Man Play call 'How to lose your husband' written by the talented and hilarious playwright Amanda Brunker. Conor is a man who is fabulously single and opens up about his attitude towards not only embracing but celebrating the life of a single person by suggesting there can be much more to life than a quest to find a person to hold hands with. Life is for living and in this episode Conor inspires us to live it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this launch Episode Ariana introduces herself and explains the premise of the podcast. She discusses what Solo endeavours are all about and talks about the rise in Solo Travel, Solo Parenthood, Solo Passion Pursuits and more.She talks about her own experiences with Solo life, stigmas and untruths around Single life and a discussion around the societal mindset that accompanies doing things on your own both negatively and positively.Ariana's mission and ambition with this podcast is to encourage more people to live life to the fullest by being ok with doing things solo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.