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In this short extract from my conversation with eco-builder and author Harrison Gardner, he talks about the systems we rely on every day, why convenience so often wins, and the value of having a backup when the systems we take for granted, don't work as expected. The full conversation,​ Harrison Gardner: How Prepared Are You?, is available now wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Housing, shelter, self-building, self-sufficiency, security, agency, sustainability, consumerism, capitalism, convenience, our reliance on systems, power cuts, extreme weather, energy, practical skills, DIY, community, climate change, preparedness​ and taking back control. Harrison Gardner is an eco-builder, author and broadcaster who lives in Co. Clare with his wife Erin and their two daughters, Inari (6) and Islita (3). Having spent more than 15 years designing and building conventional, sustainable and off-grid homes around the world, Harrison's work now centre​s on helping people develop the skills and confidence to become more capable and self-sufficient. He is the co-founder of Common Knowledge, a non-profit social enterprise based in the Burren that teaches practical skills for sustainable living, from building and DIY to growing food, making furniture and mending clothes. His latest book, ​Heat, Shelter, Water, Food: How to Be Ready for the Unexpected, looks at the basic systems we rely on every day and asks a simple but increasingly important question: what happens when those systems stop working? From storms and power cuts to food and water security, this conversation is ultimately about knowledge, skills and agency, and why becoming a little more capable can help us feel a lot more secure. Harrison also authored ​Build Your Own and ​Our Homes and presents ​RTÉ's Build Your Own Home. Find out more about Harrison and his work: ​HARRISON GARDNER And if this conversation resonated with you, you might also enjoy these episodes from the Ready to Be Real archive: Mark Boyle: The Moneyless Man Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics: The True Cost of Cheap Food Raeeka Yassaie: Climate in Crisis You'll find all three in the Ready to Be Real archive wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you enjoy this snippet, check out the full conversation with Kyla, anytime now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Gratitude, self-belief, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mother-daughter bond, coercive control, patriarchy, beauty standards, ageing, women’s cycles, strength training, healthy love, taking up space. This week’s guest is comedian and now author Kyla Cobbler. Kyla and I sat down in Galway just as her first book, 'Happy, Thank You, More, Please' was released. We talk about the five-word mantra that has stayed with her since she was 21, her difficult experience of school, the unwavering support of her ​Mom, and her journey towards trusting herself and taking up space. We also talk about coercive control, finding healthy love with her husband Simon, life under the patriarchy, beauty standards, ageing, honouring women’s cycles, strength training, and learning to appreciate the life you have while still being brave enough to ask for more. 'Happy, Thank You, More, Please' is out now, available in all good bookshops and as an audiobook and it is brilliant! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Rest, nervous system regulation, connection, guilt, awareness, balance, parenting, burnout, self compassion​. For my final episode before the summer break, I'm joined by chartered clinical psychologist, author and psychology lecturer, Dr Malie Coyne. Why do so many of us find it so difficult to rest? ​Malie explore​s our relationship with rest and why, in a world that celebrates busyness, so many of us struggle to switch off. Malie lives in Galway with her husband, Pete, and their two daughters, Jessica (14) and Aimée (12) and she first joined me on the podcast during the pandemic, helping us navigate one of the most uncertain periods of our lives. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also like previous episodes with Dermot Whelan and Alan​a Kir​k. As always, thank you for listening. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it. ​To connect with Malie : Dr. Malie Coyne | Clinical Psychologist, Author, Lecturer at NUI Galway She is the co-author for the 'A Lust For Life' primary and secondary wellbeing school programmes and is also on their mental health advisory panel. Book mentions : 'Love in, Love out : A compassionate approach to parenting your anxious child' Dr. Malie Coyne 'Rest is Resistance : Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim yoiur life' Tricia Hersey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet from my conversation with professional home organiser and founder of The Home Reset, Hazel Burton. Hazel explains why asking simple questions can be a game changer when it comes to reducing clutter and creating lasting organising habits at home. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll find my full conversation with Hazel Burton wherever you get your podcasts. ​To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: Career change, decluttering, guilt, shame, organisation, consumerism, sustainability, sentimental items, children's toys, labelling, habits, letting go, mental wellbeing, calmer homes. This week's guest is professional home organiser Hazel Burton, founder of The Home Reset. Hazel lives in Dublin with her husband Conor and their two children, Fionn who's 12 and Izzy who's almost 10. Before setting up her own business, Hazel spent 17 years working in finance before following a very different path; one that's seen her help thousands of people transform not only their homes but, often, their lives too. In this conversation we explore why so many of us struggle to let go of our belongings, the emotional weight that clutter can carry, and how creating more space in our homes can often create more space in our minds. Hazel shares the questions we should ask ourselves before deciding what stays and what goes, how to tackle sentimental items without guilt, why labelling is one of her favourite organising tools, the organising product she believes every home should have, and her golden rules for creating systems that actually last. Whether you're planning a full house reset or simply looking for a little inspiration to tackle that overflowing drawer, there's something here for everyone. To connect with Hazel : thehomereset.ie [email protected] Other mention : or myartbook.ie No mentions are ads. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy this conversation : Fiona Hayes : Wardrobe detox, style advice and upcycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : Tragic death, complex grief, severe injuries, PTSD. This is my conversation with the incredible Zoe Holohan from March 2021. On the 23rd of July 2018, Zoe and her husband Brian were on their honeymoon when disaster struck. Wildfires swept through the seaside town of Mati in Greece where they were staying and claimed the lives of 102 people. She miraculously survived despite her extensive injuries, while Brian, unfortunately didn’t. In this conversation we hear how she and Brian met, what a wonderful man he was, their beautiful wedding day and how her life changed forever just a few days later, on their honeymoon. She also speaks about her Dad and the close friendship they had, and how his death 3 weeks after that terrible day in Greece was yet another trauma to have to come to terms with. This was by far one of the most moving conversations I’ve ever had, and I am in awe of Zoe’s courage, strength and resilience. Her book : ‘As the smoke clears : The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss and discovering a path to renewal.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : Vulnerability, heritage, organic farming, biodiversity, food waste, value, climate, connection. This week's guest is Kenneth Keavey, co-founder of Green Earth Organics, one of Ireland's best-known organic farms. Kenneth holds a degree in science and a PhD in chemistry, and spent years working in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry before making a life-changing decision over twenty years ago. Together with his wife Jenny, he returned home to Galway to take over the family farm and build what has become Green Earth Organics​; an organic farming enterprise that today employs more than 45 people and delivers fresh produce to homes all over Ireland. ​Last week Kenneth ​posted a heartfelt video on social media.​..at the height of the growing season, he spoke openly about the realities of running an organic farm, the challenges of producing healthy food in today's world and the uncertainty that so many Irish growers face​.​ And the response to th​e video has been extraordinary. Green Earth Organics experienced its biggest week ever. While that's wonderful news, as Kenneth explains in this episode, one successful week isn't the answer. The bigger conversation is about creating a food system where local growers can thrive sustainably all year round. ​He shares his journey from Cambridge-trained chemist to organic farmer, explaining why he walked away from a successful science career to return to the land that had been in his family for generations. ​This conversation is an invitation to slow down, become more conscious consumers, and remember that every meal has a story behind it. To learn more about Kenneth, Jenny and the team, visit: Website: https://www.greenearthorganics.ie⁠ You can order their organic fruit and vegetable boxes, browse their produce and find out more about how they farm. ​Their farm shop is open every Saturday from 10am–5pm​ and they're also hosting their Sustainability Festival on Saturday, 12th September, celebrating sustainable food, farming and community. A note from me: ​This episode is not an ad for Green Earth Organics. I simply wanted to share a conversation that I believe raises important questions about food, farming, health and the future we are creating​.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No electricity. No hot water. The best sleep of her life. In this week's Real Take, taken from my recent conversation with public historian and author Lesley Bond, we explore what it was really like to spend six months living on the Great Blasket Island. Back in 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend (now husband) Gordon left their busy lives behind to become seasonal caretakers of the island. Together, they welcomed visitors, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and embraced a way of life shaped entirely by nature and the rhythms of the Atlantic. In this short excerpt, Lesley reflects on life without electricity or hot water, how the island dictated every decision they made, and why she slept more deeply than ever before. It's a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we slow down and reconnect with the world around us. Lesley's wonderful book, Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker, tells the full story of their unforgettable six months on the island and is well worth a read. If you enjoy this snippet, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Lesley, where we delve into the history of the Great Blasket, the practical realities of island life, heritage, community and the lasting impact those six months have had on her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered: island life, ​living without modern comforts, heritage, community, ​postnatal depression, writing and healing. This week, I’m joined by public historian and author Lesley Bond. In 2019, Lesley and her then-boyfriend, ​(now husband​) Gordon, left their busy lives behind to spend six months as caretakers on the Great Blasket Island, off the coast of Kerry. With no electricity or hot water, their days were shaped by the rhythms of the island and the unpredictability of the Atlantic. Together, they welcomed visitors from all over the world, ran the island café, looked after the guest cottages and became part of a small but special seasonal community. The Great Blasket was once home to a thriving Irish-speaking community and became renowned for its extraordinary literary tradition. The final residents left the island in 1953, but its stories, language and heritage live on. Lesley brings us behind the scenes of life as an island caretaker​...from the practical realities of running a café without electricity and carrying out​ the daily housekeeping, to wild weather​ and the unexpected joy of sleeping more deeply than she ever had before. She also reflects on what it felt like to step away from the constant noise and distraction of modern life, how time seemed to move differently on the island and the lessons she carried home with her. Now living in Kildare with Gordon and their almost two-year-old son, Naoise, Lesley also speaks openly about experiencing postnatal depression and how revisiting her memories of the Great Blasket through writing became a source of comfort​ and escape during a difficult time. T​​his is a​n immersive conversation about slowing down, connecting with nature and the places that stay with us long after we leave them​ and her beautiful book,​ ​'Blasket Bound: Memoirs of an Island Caretaker​', captures the magic, challenges and everyday realities of those extraordinary six months and is well worth a read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​Topics covered : her upbringing, her late husband, grief, mourning, rebuilding her life, fostering, community, belonging and public service.  This week, I'm joined by Helen Ogbu​ - Labour councillor, the newly elected Mayor of Galway, foster carer, life coach and PhD student. Helen made history this year by becoming Galway's first Mayor from a migrant background. But long before politics, her life had already taken her on an extraordinary journey. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Helen was one of eight children in a home where kindness, generosity and caring for others were simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences would later inspire her to become a foster carer, opening her home in Ireland to around 30 children over the years. Helen also shares the deeply personal story of meeting her late husband, Sunny Orji-Ogbu, a principled Nigerian politician who believed passionately that his country deserved honest, accountable leadership. As political tensions intensified, Helen became increasingly fearful for his safety. She moved to Ireland with their young daughter, ChiChi, hoping he would follow. Tragically, in 2010, Sunny was assassinated while returning home from a political meeting. Helen speaks with extraordinary honesty about navigating unimaginable grief, raising her daughter as a young widow, and slowly rebuilding her life in Galway. Today, alongside her work in public service, Helen holds a Master's degree in History and Diplomacy, is currently completing a PhD, and continues to champion community, inclusion and belonging in everything she does​. ​C​onnect with Helen: Instagram: ​Helen Ogbu (@iamhelenogbu) • Instagram photos and videos Labour Party profile: Helen Ogbu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks Real Take from my conversation with musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic...he talks about the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition and why play is so good for our mental health. If you enjoyed this conversation, I'd really encourage you to listen to the full episode, where Aindrias speaks openly about his childhood, his relationship with his father, addiction and recovery, receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, reconnecting with nature and finding his way back to himself. Find Aindrias Website: https://www.aindrias.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownseanchai By the Light of the Silvery Moon tours Ireland from August.  For tour dates and tickets, visit Aindrias' website or reach out to him on Instagram. If you're enjoying Ready to be Real, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might enjoy it too...it really helps the podcast reach more people. Go raibh míle! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered : ADHD, addiction, recovery, nature, bardic storytelling, performing. My guest this week is musician, performer and storyteller Aindrias de Staic, who many of you will know online as 'Smalltown Seanchaí'. The son of the late writer and folklorist Eddie Stack, Aindrias grew up immersed in stories. But this conversation isn't simply about where he comes from, it's about the life he's lived. We talk about his childhood, his parents' separation, his struggles with alcohol and addiction, and what it has taken to reach 20 years of sobriety. He speaks openly about receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, his mental health, and how gardening, growing his own food and reconnecting with nature have become central to his wellbeing. And along the way, we explore the ancient Irish bardic storytelling tradition, the importance of play, creativity and finding flow. Please note: This episode contains personal experiences and opinions relating to ADHD, mental health, addiction and recovery. Any discussion around medication, herbs or other approaches reflects Aindrias' personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. To connect with Aindrias : Aindrias de Staic | Ireland's Musical Storyteller And on Instagram : Aindrias de Staic (@smalltownseanchai) • Instagram photos and videos Support : If anything discussed in this episode has affected you, or if you're struggling with your mental health or addiction, support is available. Ireland • Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) or visit www.samaritans.ie • Pieta – Call 1800 247 247, text HELP to 51444, or visit www.pieta.ie • Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland – www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie • HSE Mental Health Services – www.yourmentalhealth.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Real Take, Tara Rafter reflects on her mother's final days living with COPD​ and the heartbreak of saying goodbye to the woman who had been her anchor throughout life. ​If this excerpt resonates with you, I highly recommend listening to the full episode: Tara Rafter: Hypervigilance to Healing ​Growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism and domestic violence, she learned from a young age how to navigate uncertainty. Despite the difficulties her family faced, she speaks with remarkable compassion about both of her parents, who died far too young. A​nd alongside her personal story, Tara brings the perspective of a Master Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and Executive Coach. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.