Strong Roots Podcast

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A regular guy, sharing stories of my personal journey, overcoming addiction & challenges with mental health, and how to keep them at bay! Throughout this podcast, I am sharing the things that have helped me in my battles. I touch on areas of psychology, personal development, meditation & spiritual…

Strong Roots Podcast


    • Apr 1, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 46 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Strong Roots Podcast

    Ep# 44 Katie McCormick (understanding the wisdom of natural birthing)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 66:13


    Welcome to the latest episode; I am joined by Katie McCormick this week, and we discuss natural birthing, and how Katie has experienced the beauty of being re-birthed through bringing living souls into this World. Katie discusses the benefits of empowering women to trust themselves, their intuition & their body when it comes to giving birth. Our modern system seems to steer women away from intuitive wisdom that they possess, leading them to submit to "authority". In our discussion, Katie recalls the loneliness she felt during her first pregnancy, while at the same time, having primal feelings that she needed community around her. All of this was absent in our modern World, so Katie has took it upon herself to provide that facility to expectant mothers. Katie assists expectant mothers with pregnancy massage, herbal creations, women's circles, and sovereign pregnancy & birth support. If you want to contact Katie, you can reach her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bloomlikeamother_/ Her website is available at: www.bloomlikeamother.com I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did being a part of it. Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 43 - Dermot Dorgan (finding purpose to cope with mental health during lock down)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 81:48


    Welcome to the Strong Roots Podcast. This week, I am joined by Dermot Dorgan of 'Independent Covid Action Network', which is available at: www.ican2021.ie Having experienced mental health difficulties from a young age, and subsequently learning to cope with his emotions, Dermot found himself really struggling during the Corona Virus lock downs. Many questions surfaced for him, and he went in search of answers that weren't being made available, because of an absence of communication. His approach to understanding something is communication, plain & simple. Through his project, he wants to bring all parties to the table, so they can have a reasonable discourse with the aim of providing solutions . Up to now, the Governments of the World have dismissed anyone that has challenged their narrative, without room for debate. In my opinion, this uncertainty contributes to many peoples' fear. Dermot and myself are on different pages in relation to what's going on in the World. Yet, we manage to have a discussion that is harmonious & respectful. A difference of opinion is OK, or at least it should be; however, in our modern World, a difference of opinion seems to cause a complete collapse in communication, in many instances. Lets start communicating, and demanding answers from those that are in power. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 41 - Nicola Barry (Womb healing & sacred menstruation)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 81:24


    Welcome to episode number 41. I am joined in this episode by Nicola Barry, a good friend of mine. This was such a fascinating conversation to be a part of. Nicola's commitment to the healing journey is palpable from the moment she spoke. She is a Magdalene Priestess, as well as a Shamanic Healing Practitioner. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of loving ourselves with complete acceptance of where we're at in any given moment. Nicole delves into Womb Healing, and drops a lot of wisdom that is very fitting in our modern World. Connection to ourselves, and each other, possibly hold the key to navigating these unprecedented times. One part of healing the womb, is working with the menstrual cycle, and Nicola explains, with great reverence and compassion, the benefits of embracing the menstrual cycle as a sacred journey. I'm probably not doing this episode justice in this brief introduction; tune in for yourself to hear Nicola's interesting perspective on life & death. Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 42 - Carly Herrera (changing management paradigms in Corporate America)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 81:52


    Welcome! I am joined in this episode by Carly Herrera, joining me all the way from Chicago. Carly is a leadership coach that focuses on empowering women to step into their power, especially in the context of challenging the antiquated paradigm of alpha male management in corporate America. No small task, it has to be said. Fair to say though, that Carly puts her heart & soul into her work. She is an incredibly driven individual, and this really comes across as she speaks. We go on many tangents throughout this episode - we talk of energetic imprints, the intuitive connection between twins, respecting the Earth that gives us everything we have. I'm only scraping the surface here, so tune in, to hear Carly's perspective. You can find Carly on Instagram & Facebook: Carly Grace Coaching Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 40 Dr. David Brown (helping people through difficulties with intimacy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 75:21


    Welcome to the 40th episode of The Strong Roots Podcast. Thank you for listening. This week's episode is a cracker of a podcast, where Dr. David Brown of ICASA (School of Intimacy, Consciousness and Self Awareness, www.icasa.co.uk) joins me, to discuss the many issues that people face in relation to intimacy. David has been practicing counselling & psychotherapy since 1978, so he is well positioned to talk about intimacy, not least because of his pioneering work in 'Sexual Surrogate Partner Therapy'. This therapy seeks to help people work through very complex difficulties with intimacy, by including sexual contact with a surrogate partner, as part of the therapy. Traditional talk therapy is limited in its capacity to help people in this regard, so many people come to David as a last gasp attempt, to borrow David's expression. In this conversation, we discuss society's relationship to sex, and the intricacies of why so many people struggle in this area of their life. David shows himself to be an incredibly loving & compassionate person, and he is someone I really look up to in my own role as a therapist, due to his accepting nature. According to David, the integration of sexuality & spirituality is the road to self realization. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did having the conversation with David. David's work can be found at: www.icasa.co.uk www.quantumsex.co.uk Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 39 Liz Merrill (Conflict Resolution Mediator)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 51:44


    Welcome! I am joined in this episode by Liz Merrill, from Colorado in the United States. Liz is a conflict resolution mediator who is passionate about helping people overcome their difficulties in relating. In this conversation, Liz discusses how she got into this line of work, having previously been 'conflict avoidant'. She now understands that conflict can bring about a lot of healing, if dealt with in a compassionate way. This is a very organic conversation, and at times, we reversed roles, and Liz asked me many questions about my own life, and the path that I find myself on. It is fair to say that it is a diverse conversation, and I felt grateful to be a part of it. If you would like to contact Liz, you can do that, through her website: www.openspacemediation.com Music Credit: www.seankockmusic.com

    Ep# 38 Elaine Browne (peer support mental health advocate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 72:55


    Welcome, as always, to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast. I am joined today by Elaine Browne of Perspective (Facebook: Perspective & Instagram: @perspectiveireland). Elaine is an advocate for peer support mental health services; the idea being that people that have experienced difficulties with their mental health are in a good position to help those that find themselves struggling. Elaine's journey is very inspiring, and she is really following her heart in doing what she is doing. Following your heart seems to be a recurring theme in the guests that share their stories on this podcast, so maybe this conversation will light a spark under someone to go and follow their hearts to create their dreams! The focus of Elaine's work as a peer support worker, is to cultivate wellness that comes from within, rather than focusing on illness. There is a lot of wisdom dropped in this podcast, much of it gained through tough life experiences for Elaine. What struck me most is how gracious she is in describing her experiences, and the ability to express gratitude for where she has been and where she is, at present. Thanks for listening, and enjoy! Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 37 Aoife O'Sullivan (creating community in Sri Lanka with an eco hotel)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2021 54:35


    Welcome to another episode of the Strong Roots Podcast. In this episode, my cousin, Aoife O'Sullivan joins me to discuss her project of developing an Eco Hotel in Sri Lanka, with her partner Julien. Their project is called Una Bambu (www.unabambu.com, and their aim is to develop immersive, experiential accommodation that is focused on community. We discuss the laid back, welcoming attitude of the local people, and as well as the importance of being patient when following her heart. Aoife & Julien spent some time travelling, and fell in love with Sri Lanka because of its rich culture, abundant natural surroundings and explicit beauty. Aoife discusses the benefits of slow travel, that allows for full immersion into the localities they found themselves in. They just had a knowing that this place was for them when they arrived. We touch on the need for patience and persistence when following our dreams, and this need was really enforced for Aoife & Julien in the last 10 months, through the Worldwide lockdowns. Thanks for listening, and enjoy. Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Vivian Masterson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 69:22


    In this episode, I speak to Vivian Masterson about her journey through the grief of 5 miscarriages...You read that correctly! Five miscarriages. She discusses the hope, heartache and grief that surround pregnancy & miscarriages that followed. Vivian shares insights from this experience, and also speaks so highly of the support she received from those around her, especially her husband Gary. Her daughter Layla is a continuous source of strength in her life that Vivian is beyond grateful for. Speaking of gratitude, tune in, to hear how Vivian's attitude towards the grief has turned into an inspiring level of appreciation for her experience. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 34 - Donna Larkin (follow your heart)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 70:16


    Welcome to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast. I am joined today, by Donna Larkin, a class mate of mine, from college. In our conversation, we talk a lot about the benefits of following our heart, even when we can't see where it is taking us. That is a tricky prospect at the best of times, and Donna has done exactly that. We also touch on the challenges attributed to going back to college as an adult. You may find some inspiration in this conversation, if you're thinking of returning to education. She also discusses the benefit of acknowledging her anger to herself, as well as the importance of going outside our comfort zones. She now integrates her work in the fitness industry with her counselling & psychotherapy training, to help people with personal development, psycho education, and mental & physical well being. You can find her on Instagram & Facebook under Crest Elemental Health. Thanks for listening & enjoy. Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep# 34 - Ian Bailey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 104:18


    Ian Bailey joins me on today's podcast. This episode was recorded only days before Ian's most recent court case, where he was contesting his extradition to France. He was found guilty, in his absence, in a French Court, for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in 1996. This case has captivated people in Ireland, and much further afield for years. Since recording, Ian found out his fate - he is now a free man, as the State decided not to contest the court's judgement on that day back in October. In this episode, I got a glimpse into Ian's inner World, inclusive of his coping mechanisms in life, especially when it comes to matters of the law. We discuss many topics, and Ian also recites some of his poetry, along with explaining the background to his poems. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep#33 - Eoin Shanahan (aka Wounded Healer Ireland)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 69:09


    Eoin Shanahan joins me on the podcast today, for a chat about mental health, suicide awareness, self care and numerous other topics that came up randomly. Following a suicide attempt 8 years ago, Eoin is making an effort to bring awareness to the difficulties people have in discussing issues around mental health. Eoin is refreshingly open in this chat, as well as being very honest about his struggles in the past, that led him to wanting to end his life. We discuss the irrational thoughts that occupied his mind at the time, and how he now looks after his mental health. For me, he simplifies aspects of mental health & self care, with really relatable content on his pages on Instagram (@woundedhealerireland) & Facebook (Wounded Healer Ireland). Enjoy! Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    Ep#32 Jeanne Sullivan Billeci - Soul Mate Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 48:20


    Jeanne Sullivan Billeci joins me on The Strong Roots Podcast today, to discuss her new book 'Be the Soul Mate You Want to Attract.' As well as being an author, Jeanne is a Soul Mate Coach, helping people to align with their soul mates. Jeanne's work is geared around Personal Development, as well as the Law of Attraction. I found chatting to her to be an uplifting experience. Should you wish to contact her, here are her details: www.mysoulmatecoach.com Facebook - My Soul Mate Coach Instgram - @mysoulmatecoach Thanks for listening, and enjoy. www.strongrootshealing.net Music Credit: www.seankochmusic.com

    A Bit About the Healing Work I Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 2:59


    This is a short recording, where I describe the work that I do, and the type of people that usually come to me to collaborate on their journey. Please feel free to contact me with any queries: mick@strongrootshealing.net www.strongrootshealing.net for further information.

    Ep#31 Mary Lynch, Founder of SiSi, Talks about Coercive Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 102:11


    Welcome to the latest episode of the Strong Roots Podcast. In this episode, I sit down for a chat with Mary Louise Lynch, founder of SiSi (Survivors Informing Services & Institutions). Mary is a survivor of intimate partner abuse, and she established SiSi in order to create a collective voice in speaking out against the plight of intimate partner abuse. Up to now, single voices went unheard in trying to have changes implemented. Empowering people to share their stories, and contribute to change, the collective voice will no longer go unnoticed. Mary is well versed on the systems here in Ireland, through her own experience, and at times, I was shocked at what she shared. This is an eye opening conversation, and some of what she shares would ordinarily beggar belief. Not in today's world, that is governed predominantly by patriarchal, antiquated structures. Enjoy this episode. Music Credit: seankochmusic.com/

    Ep#30 - Aran Byrne talks about Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 90:57


    Welcome to the latest episode of the Strong Roots Podcast. I hope you are well, and thanks for taking the time to check it out. In this episode, I talk to Aran Byrne about his experience of grief. Numerous listeners have asked me to talk about grief on the podcast, and I never felt qualified to do so. Aran's mother decided to end her life in February 2020, so we discuss various aspects of his grieving process. We also discuss Aran's adventure to Saudi Arabia to be part of a film crew in making a movie about 6th Century nomadic people in that coutnry. It sounds like a fascinating project, and I wish Aran well on that journey. Enjoy, and thanks for listening.

    Ep#29 Strange Times!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 37:20


    Welcome to another episode! In this episode, Elle & I discuss how we are coping with life in the chaos of the fear surrounding the corona virus. We discuss lessons from nature, and what we perceive are the blessings that are present amidst the chaos we find ourselves in. Take care of yourselves, one and all. Look out for your neighbours, and the elderly. Community is on its way back!!!! Nasmasté!

    Reduce Anxiety - 10 Minute Guided Meditation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2020 10:19


    10 minute guided meditation to help reduce anxiety, with the subtle sound of the shamanic drum in the background creating a heartbeat sound. For full effects, it is recommended to do this meditation with earphones. Enjoy!

    Ep#28 - Gratitude (+ a few Tangents!!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 42:07


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net In this latest episode, we speak of our absence from podcasting the last 5 or 6 weeks on account of getting busier with our client work, and how we have been integrating into the wonderful community that we are blessed to call home. The idea that 'I should be happy if I have this, this & this' ...a common concept in the modern World, and how it can make people feel as if there is something wrong with them when they have what society deems as the things that make us happy, and are still left searching for meaning, purpose & fulfillment. True fulfillment comes from within! I go off on a bit of a rant about how society manipulates us; it is a well intentioned rant, and it may get you thinking! Thanks for listening. Namasté! Music Credit: seankochmusic.com/

    Ep #27 - Feeling Vulnerable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 38:42


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Welcome to another episode. In this episode, Elle & I discuss openly the low feeling we are experiencing in the present moment as we recorded. Each of dealing with our own struggles, we have a raw, real & open conversation in order to inspire others to be open about their mental health. Speaking this openly proved to be really healing for us both, and we hope that others can open up about their own struggles and reduce the burden that they are feeling. We also answer a question that came in after a listener heard last week's episode on Codependency. They asked how to stop the urge to rush in to fix another person. We share our own perspectives, and we also discuss how our attitude to our struggles can determine how we come out of them. Thanks for listening. Namasté! Music Credit: https://seankochmusic.com/

    Ep# 26 Codependency vs Co-creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2020 46:31


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Happy New Year folks. I hope 2020 has gotten off to a good start for you! In this episode, Elle & I have a very real, frank and raw, at times, conversation about codependency. This is a dynamic that surfaces in relationships whereby one person slips into the role of being a 'fixer', and the other person becomes dependent on being fixed. Both people are dependent on each other, one requiring fixing, the other requiring validation of being the fixer. It is an unhealthy dynamic to relate in, and it stems from childhood experiences. The opposite of codependency is co-creativity, and we talk openly about how we have cultivated that into our own ongoing relating with each other. There is plenty of food for thought in this episode, regardless of where you're at with your significant other, or even if you are single. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep# 25 Happy New Year; Ditch the Resolutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2019 38:03


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net 2019 is drawing to a close. What a year it has been! In this episode, Elle & I discuss our views on New Year's Resolutions, and how we experience them as acts of self loathing. Instead, we use intentions to step into our New Year with a sense of being empowered. The way we talk to ourselves is an important part of self love, and we discuss this in the context of humanity's need for change towards the environment. The outer World will change when we change our inner World. This is done by reconnecting to ourselves. We wish you all the best in life for 2020. Be true to yourself! Namasté!

    Ep# 24 West Cork Life & The Power of Ceremony

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2019 38:21


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Merry Christmas folks! Welcome to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast. This week, in response to feedback from some listeners, we talk about the things that make West Cork such a special place. It is a very unique location that we are so privileged to now call home. We discuss the accepting nature of the locals, the laid back atmosphere, as well as the enchanting beauty of the landscape. We recorded this episode a couple of days before the Winter Solstice, so we also discuss the role that ceremony & ritual plays in our lives, especially around the time of the solstice, where we make use of ritual to let go of that which no longer serves us, in order to make way for that we wish to align with. Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas, and a prosperous 2020. Namasté! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com Feel free to check out our website for details of the healing work & retreats that we do: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net

    Ep#23 - Boundaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 33:20


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Christmas is coming, and many of us will spend time with our families during the holidays. What happens when we go back to our family? Old dynamics & patterns of behaviour resurface, and all of a sudden, it feels like we are children again. In this episode, Elle & I speak about boundaries, and the importance of putting them up in order to make the holiday period easier to deal with. Standing up for yourself in a way that respects yourself is a huge act of self care, so we hope you can take something of use from this episode. Enjoy & Merry Christmas. Namasté Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep#22 - Life Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 41:30


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net I am joined once again by my partner Elle, and we recorded this episode at Mizen Head, Ireland's most South Westerly point. It was lashing rain as we sat in the car recording, and you can hear the rain in the background throughout the episode. Life purpose is the subject of this week's episode; we discuss the importance of seeking out our purpose in life and making an active effort to uncover it. Sharing our own life purpose, and how we unraveled many layers of ourselves to understand it. We also touch on the Golden Shadow - the good we see in others, is abundant in ourselves! Thanks for listening, and enjoy! Namasté

    Ep#21 - Creating Meaning in Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 35:50


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Welcome to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast, the podcast where we dive deep into ourselves to grow into stronger versions of ourselves. In this episode, my partner Elle & I discuss the idea of death, and the fears many of us have around it. My own fears around it prevented me from living for a lot of years, and we discuss what it means to actually be alive. We also touch on the idea of our actual self vs the ideal self, and how the difference between the two causes us to suffer. It wouldn't be an episode of this podcast without some mention of compassion, so we discuss that at the end, as well as sharing some life lessons we got from Elle's 8 year old daughter Rachel. Enjoy!

    Ep#20 - Facing Fears & Lessons from Nature

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2019 47:50


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net Welcome to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast, where I am joined once again by Elle. In this episode, we discuss the difficulty we have in facing our fears; the reasons we let them into our lives. The best way to overcome them is to say hello to them, and then let them go again. We also discuss the benefits of swimming in the sea every day, and how facing this fear sets us up for the day. Lessons from nature are a big part of our lives as well. Tune in to hear some of our previous experiences that have come from nature and through our engagement with shamanism! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep#19 - Manifestation, A Conversation with Elle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2019 36:36


    For information on the healing work that we do, as well as the workshops we facilitate, check out our website: www.anchuimhneshiorai.net I'm back after 5 months of no podcasting! Thank you for your patience! In this episode, I have a discussion with my partner Elle, about our move to West Cork, and how we manifested it into our reality. We also touch on a way of figuring out who your real friends are! Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did having it :) Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #18 Film Crews, Devotional Music & Ritual

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 32:57


    An unusual encounter with a film crew in my own home. Being escorted to my own bedroom, in my own home, by a member of a film crew didn't sit well with me today. It led to me recording this week's episode in the car, using a dictaphone. There was a blessing in that though, as it turned out that I really enjoyed the experience, so it's all good. Hare Krishna devotional music was a beautiful experience for me over the weekend just gone, and I share some of the insights I learned into the Hare Krishna spiritual philosophy over the years, and how I have found them to be among the most accepting people I have come into contact with. The summer Solstice is almost upon us, and I talk about the rituals I carry out at this time to let go of the parts of myself that no longer serve me, using ritual to let my subconscious mind that I am ready for change! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #17 Compassion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 30:27


    Hello and welcome to another episode. In this episode, I respond to listener questions about dietary choices I make, and why the word vegan doesn't sit well with me. It further divides us from each other, creating a them and us attitude; what we really need is to come together in acceptance of each other, as the human family that we are. I say that with complete respect to everyone no matter who you are or what choices you make in life. I also talk about the "Rose Tinted Glasses" I sometimes wear when I look back on my party days; again, this is in response to a question about whether or not I miss partying! I also talk about self compassion, and what that means to me, and how I implement it in my daily life. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #16 Shame & Attachment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 36:45


    Welcome to another episode! In this episode, I respond to a question by a listener in relation to overcoming addiction. I reveal the real reason that I avoided going to a rehab centre to sober up. Shaming an addict into sobriety didn't sit well with me, so I opted to do it myself. Attachment to our parents in childhood ultimately plays a part in how we behave in intimate relationships in adulthood. How is this? It may sound crazy, but when I researched and understood it, it made perfect sense. I explain it briefly in this episode; i'd be surprised if it doesn't resonate with some of you! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #15 Embrace Your Shadow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2019 32:38


    Greetings folks! Hope all is well in your World! I have been lazy the last few weeks, in terms of publishing the podcast. This week, I reflect on the last 5 years of my life, as I mark 5 years drink & drug free. I talk about the shadow that each of us has; the darkness within us all that can help us grow if we embrace it compassionately as part of who we are. I share a poem that I wrote about the shadow; listen at your peril! Namaste :) Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #14 Getting Stoned?...Not Quite!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2019 28:18


    Welcome! Hope all is well with you. In this episode, I talk about my ongoing experience of anxiety, and the research I have been doing into the Endocannibinoid System in our bodies that allows us to absorb the cannabis plant. I talk about my research into CBD vs THC; the various active parts of the cannabis plant. One gets you high, one doesn't. Why is that? You wouldn't believe the minor differences that change our absorption of the plant. Are we designed to be using it? Why is it illegal then? Questions I ask myself often. Enjoy! Music Credit: www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #13 Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2019 36:44


    Hello, You're very welcome to another episode of the Strong Roots Podcast. On the back of last week's episode about Burn Out, and the anxiety I experienced in relation to that, a listener got in touch to ask how anxiety manifests itself in my reality. So, in the episode, I talk about how I experience anxiety inwardly, as well as how my concern for the external environment contributes to an anxious feeling within me, at times. This leads me onto talking about the sinister feeling I get when I hear about carbon emissions taxes being implemented far into the future - this creates anxiety in me as I fear for the future of the planet if change isn't made now, on a micro level. Towards the end of the podcast, following an impassioned rant about the environment, I talk about some coping mechanisms that I use to alleviate anxiety in the short term. Enjoy! Music from: https://www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #12 Burn Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2019 33:17


    I've been feeling a little burned out the last few weeks, on account of pushing myself too hard. In this episode, I discuss the things that led to this feeling, namely, pushing my body too hard. I talk openly about the anxiety that stems from overdoing it, and the difficulty I have in just allowing myself to relax. I also discuss the importance of having purpose in life, and the farmer in Cambodia that was given a cow as his anti-depressant! Enjoy! Music from: https://www.zapsplat.com

    Ep #11 Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2019 30:12


    Trying to define mental health is a challenging task, due to its subjective nature. In this week's episode, I discuss mental health at length, and my perception of why men, in particular, have difficulty opening up about it. Is it our conditioning? Our childhood? What is it? There are five "Blue Zones" in the World; these are places where people regularly live beyond 100 years old. Science has shown that their lifestyles are conducive to good mental health, and this in turn, contributes to their longevity. I look at some of their lifestyle habits, as food for thought for the rest of us to help our own mental health. Thanks for listening, and enjoy!

    Ep #10 Validation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 31:02


    Internal validation is the only approval we need for ourselves. In this episode, I discuss how easily influenced I was by other people's thoughts & opinions, and how I let them effect me. It really highlighted a need to validate myself; on a deeper level, it made me aware of an absence of self esteem. As well as validation, I discuss 9 Rules for Life that come down from Sanskrit texts. Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the World, and is known by some as "The Mother of all Languages." I found these rules for life quite interesting, and they resonated hugely with me; I hope they do with you as well. I finish off the episode with a poem from the "Tao Te Ching", Lao Tzu's collection of poems that bring meaning to life, from his perspective. It is a metaphorical poem that is quite fitting for the content of this episode. Enjoy & Namasté! Michael :)

    Ep #09 Addiction pt. 2 (Anorexia)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 37:14


    Having spent a few minutes grounding myself, by connecting to the Earth, just before I recorded this episode, I was very chilled out, and I felt compelled to do a 5 minute guided meditation...ONLY PARTAKE IN THIS IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!! Following on from the meditation, I discuss briefly my experiences of group meditation, as well as my fascination with the drum as a means to connect to our spirituality. Indigenous cultures, the World over, use the same methods of meditation with the drum, even though they are separated by 1,000s of miles of oceans! Why is that? Stay tuned, and i'll share my opinion. Some listeners have contacted me over the last few weeks to ask how I overcame my issues of addiction, so for the final part of the episode, I talk about how I replaced one addiction with another, until I got to the root cause of my addictive behaviour, only a matter of months ago. Enjoy!

    Ep #08 Feeling Blue ---> Bouncing Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 26:34


    Welcome to another episode of The Strong Roots Podcast! In last week's episode, I spoke openly about feeling quite low on the day that I recorded it. Only a matter of days later, I recorded this episode, reflecting on my efforts to feel better, using tools that are provided by nature. Stay tuned, as you may hear me singing in this episode as well!

    Ep #07 Feeling Blue

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2019 27:17


    In this episode, I talk about my low feelings as I am living them the last few days. It is recorded during a time when I have been feeling a little lower than is comfortable for me. Awareness of where I am in my head is important for me, so I can start making my way back towards feeling a little more content and chirpy. I talk about the small things that I noticed in my behaviour that had me slip a little backwards, and the changes I can make to address the issue. As always, I speak from the heart. Thanks for listening :)

    Ep #06 Chance Meeting!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2019 27:42


    In this episode, I talk about a chance meeting that inspired me to keep going with the podcast. This podcast comes straight from the heart, and is pretty raw. I question the integrity of the beauty industry and political systems we find ourselves caught up in. The absence of hope that has so many people in absolute despair - is connecting to ourselves the solution? Tune in to hear my thoughts!

    Ep #05 Ego

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2019 33:06


    I recorded this weeks podcast on the day that I published the very first episode. In it, I describe the procrastination that delayed my releasing that first episode, the lack of self belief, the fear of being judged etc, and how I was waiting for the exact perfect moment, that never came, to publish it. After publishing it. I became aware of my ego attachments to an outcome, and that brought me on to discuss a powerful plant medicine from the Amazon Rain forest that helps cultivate a healthier sense of self esteem and ego. Enjoy!

    Ep #04 Follow Your Dreams

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2019 31:18


    In this episode, I talk about a chance encounter I had with a rabbit on the road that led to me contemplating the meaning of life, and wondering if I am following my dreams. I also talk about societal conditioning, and the interconnection between humans and nature.

    Ep #03 Going Inward

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 31:24


    In this episode, I talk about 10 scientifically proven ways to be happier; As well as self acceptance, gratitude and being mindful of the way we talk to ourselves. I also talk about going inward to seek the answers that we need, using ancient techniques used to uncover the vast well of knowledge that is contained within us all...if we dare to look. Enjoy!

    Ep #02 Addiction pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2019 30:46


    In this episode, I open up about my issues with addiction; the patterns, the behaviour, the cycles, an absence of self worth that fueled my lifestyle. Also talk about causes of addiction, such as lack of connection. How about a powerful plant medicine that can cut off the cravings for heroin, and potentially heal people from opiate addiction?...Tune in to hear a bit about it!

    Ep #01 Depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 33:58


    This is the very first episode of The Strong Roots Podcast. I am jumping way out my comfort zone in doing this; I want to share my story in the hope that someone that needs to hear it, will find it. In this episode, I talk about battling with suicidal thoughts & depression, and the route I took to feeling better. Thanks for listening :)

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