Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna artwork

Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna

282 episodes - English - Latest episode: 30 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Clare McKenna looks at ‘health’ in the widest sense of the word. From mindfulness to skin problems, from personal health journeys to tips for better exercise, Clare tries to bring you a dose of happy and healthy living.

Listen and subscribe to Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.  

You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

Health & Fitness Society & Culture radio
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Holidays with the In-Laws, Being Your Best Self, Creative Health

June 16, 2024 08:05 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MB

Gerard Morgan - Author of Becoming Your Best Possible Self Fiona Brennan on Holidays with the In-Laws @FionaBrennan19 Helene Hugel, Sheila O’Brien & Saoirse O’Brien on Helium Arts’ Creative Health programme @helenehugel @HeliumArts

The Future of Dentistry, Changing Course in Life, The Yoga Picnic

June 09, 2024 08:05 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

Jennifer Collins on Dentistry @DrJenCollins Mary Gardiner, Katy Harrison and Alice Harrison on the Yoga Picnic Davidji on his life, meditation and his event in Ireland @davidji_com

Eating Disorder Recovery, Living More Intuitively & Healing from Trauma

June 02, 2024 08:05 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

Eimer Daly on Health and Wellness news @eimerdaaly Jacqueline Kyne on Gabor Mate’s visit to Dublin @jkyneevents Cara O’Loughlin - Eating Disorder Recovery Coach on Intuitive Eating  Gabor Mate bringing his healing from trauma workshop to Dublin's RDS

On the Move, Baby Formula & Making Decisions

May 26, 2024 08:05 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MB

Elaine Nic Réamoinn of Siúl Linn joins to give hiking advice. Nuala Walsh discusses decision making in our noisy modern world. Ellen Coyne joins to discuss how baby formula is one of the most shoplifted items from grocery stores. Dr Afeef El-Khuffash discusses why we seemingly can't have a balanced discussion around baby feeding.

Summer Recipes, Bowel Cancer Awareness & Being Raised by a Narcissist

May 20, 2024 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

Clare McKenna is joined by Erica Drum to learn about some seasonal summer recipes. Dr Fiona Macken & Brendan Donlon join to discuss bowel cancer awareness. Katie McKenna and Helen DeVilliers talk about their book 'You're Not The Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse and How to Heal'.

Sleep Better & the Truth About Ozempic

May 12, 2024 08:05 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Clare is joined by clinical hypnotherapist, best-selling author, and Alive and Kicking regular Fiona Brennan, on her third book which promises to improve anybody and everybody’s sleep. And Johann Hari, author and thought-leader, discusses whether or not Ozempic is a magic pill.

Food for the Brain, Feeding Babies & Irish Proverbs and Mental Health

May 05, 2024 08:05 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

Nutritional Therapist and bestselling author Patrick Holford on why he’s turned his attention to food for the brain. How to know if you’ve been raised by a Narcissist. Neonatologist Afeef EL-Khuffash on why we need a more balanced discussion on feeding babies. Fiann O’Nualainn on what Irish proverbs can teach us about mental health.

What if? Genius Juniors & Inclusion in the Workplace

April 28, 2024 08:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

Business strategist Finola Howard on the power of the question What if and how joy should be the first focus with any business endeavour GP and owner of online bookshop geniusjuniors Dr Christina McDonnell on using her voice for good ( https://geniusjuniors.ie/ ) And organisational psychologist Sandra Healy of Inclusio on the importance of diversity and inclusion to support employee wellbeing

Adult Education, The Cancer Guide & The Importance of Rest

April 21, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

Professor Anne Marie O’Dwyer talks about why she poured her 40 years professional experience into her book The Cancer Guide, Dr Fiona Barry on the women who arrive to her Cork Clinic exhausted but unable to rest and how adult learning organisation Aontas are transforming lives, it’s never too late to embrace change in your life

Health & Wellness News, Osteoporosis & Obesity in Men

April 15, 2024 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB

We get the latest in health and wellness news including global research on how long we really spend scrolling, broadcaster Mary Kennedy talks about her ambassador role for Irish Osteoporosis and the importance of bone health and Clare meets one of the men featured in a podcast about living with obesity

Daniel Mate & Healing Your Heartbreak

April 07, 2024 08:02 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB

Clare speaks to Daniel Mate on finding his own path alongside his famous father Gabor Mate, the book they wrote together The Myth of Normal looking at the health crisis taking place worldwide and his connection to the Palestinian solidarity community here in Ireland She is also joined by relationship expert Shelley Whitehead to discuss healing from heartbreak

Lisa De Jong, Laura Mc Nern & Cancer Care in Ireland

April 03, 2024 16:20 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

Menstrual Cycle and Chronic Pain Coach Lisa De Jong, Laura McNern on the power of a mindset shift and Professor Michael Kerins on developments in the science of cancer care in Ireland

People Pleasers, Living with Bipolar & ARC Fashion Show

March 24, 2024 09:01 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

The reality of living with bipolar, our therapy from the couch session with Fiona Brennan looks at people pleasing and how fashion is helping fund cancer research

Gen Z Skin & Aileen Slein

March 17, 2024 09:01 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

Clare speaks with Eavanna Breen and Aileen Slein

Herology, The Shona Project and Meditation for Change

March 10, 2024 09:01 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

Meet the doctors who turned what they heard from clients into a booming brand and movement, as we had International Women’s Day this week Tammy D’Arcy of the Shona Project on Empowering Girls and can mindfulness really help you through a tough time in life?

Emotional Freedom, Shingles Awareness & Changes to Special Education in Ireland

March 03, 2024 09:01 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MB

Clare finds out the truth about Shingles on Shingles Awareness week, we speak to a concerned parent about proposed changes to special education and Psychotherapist Moira Geary on emotional freedom and what holds us back

Endometriosis, Boutique Gyms and Health & Wellness News

February 26, 2024 15:56 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

Clare talks Fitness trends and boutique gym workouts with trainer Eoghan McGregor, Eimer Daly brings us the latest in health and wellness news and why is so little known about Endometriosis?

Ideas Academy, Nurture Network, Ultra Processed Foods and Dealing with Arguments

February 18, 2024 09:05 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MB

Have you got a bright idea? Clare will be meeting two psychologists turned social entrepreneurs who want to help ease the transition into parenthood, how many ultra processed foods are in your life nutritionist Rob Hobson will be telling us what to look out for and therapist Fiona Brennan takes a listener email on fighting in a relationship

Spirituality, The Social Fabric & Biohacking

February 12, 2024 13:15 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

Biohacker Tim Gray on taking his health into his own hands and reducing his biological age, Susannah Healy on the impact of spirituality on our physiology and Andrea Splendori on the importance of conversation and connection in our social fabric

Ella Mills, Oonagh O'Hagan & World Cancer Day

February 04, 2024 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MB

Ella Mills on building a wellness empire but her message remaining the same, Pharmacist Oonagh O’Hagan on keeping your health front and centre this year and on World Cancer Day I speak to Stephen Teap on life after losing someone to the disease

Rebecca Tallon De Havilland, Getting Your Finances In Order For 2024 & Parenting

January 28, 2024 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB

Parent Coach Aoife Lee gives it to us straight on the needs of kids and their care givers through each stage, Rebecca Tallon De Havilland on her Virgin Media TV series Second Chances and The Money Mindset Coach Kel Galavan on how we can get our finances in order in 2024.

Frances Fitzgerald, Veganuary & Listeners question

January 21, 2024 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

As our regular food contributor Erica Drumm gave Veganuary a go, Clare asks about how she's getting on and gets some expert advice from Plant Based nutritionist and author Holly White Fiona Brennan deals with a listener's question about friendship And MEP Frances Fitzgerald on her work on domestic violence and her disappointment with this week’s directive news. And as she prepares to step away from political life I’ll be asking how she maintains her own health and well-being.

First Fortnight, The Neuroscientist's approach to New Year's resolutions & 100 Days of Walking

January 14, 2024 13:30 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB

First fortnight Ireland’s mental health festival has been in full swing for the last two weeks, Clare met CEO Maria Fleming to hear about the research behind the stunning events. We hear the neuroscientist view on new years resolutions and Ciara Kelly talks about 100 days of walking following two hip replacements

A Sober Start, Maintaining Your Microbiome & Embracing Organisation

January 07, 2024 14:01 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

This week Clare is joined by productivity Coach Ciara Conlon to talk about how forgetting her child’s doctor appointment led her to embrace organisation which she now helps others to navigate, Keith Walsh has a different attitude to dry January and Clare takes a trip to London for a special gut health launch where she met with Professor Tim Spector to hear how he’s bringing his microbiome knowledge to the mainstream supermarket trolley

Health and wellness stories of 2023, avoiding January resolutions & the joy of food

December 31, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

This week on The Alive & Kicking Podcast: On this very special New Year’s Eve episode, Clare is joined by Eimer Daly to talk through the biggest health and wellness stories of the year; Sarah Shannon and why you shouldn’t make New Year's resolutions in January; and Lily Higgins on how to bring the joy of food into 2024.

Christmas day food tips, navigating emotions at this time of year & embracing Hygge

December 24, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB

On this very special Christmas Eve episode of the show Clare will be joined by  Erica Drumm to talk about Christmas food and last-minute tips to help you feel less stressed in the kitchen,  Fiona Brennan on navigating our emotions at this time of year, and Meik Wiking on the importance of getting cosy and memorable for our happiness – we’ll be looking at how to embrace Hygge

Claire Fullam on scalp health over hair health & 'This is my Sea' by Miriam Mulcahy

December 17, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

Claire Fullam, aka Claire Balding joins Clare to talk about pouring her personal experience of hair loss into her training as a trichologist and how we should all focus on scalp health over hair health; and Miriam Mulcahy on how sea swimming has played an integral part in coming to terms with the loss of half of her family in the space of just seven years which she recounts in her book 'This is my Sea'.

Coping with family during the festive season, stepping out from the pharmacy counter and breaking down taboos

December 10, 2023 10:40 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

This week on The Alive & Kicking Podcast: Clinical hypnotherapist Fiona Brennan joined the show to talk about how to cope with family during festival season. The ‘Fabulous’ Pharmacist Laura Dowling also joins us to discuss her upcoming live tour 'Viva la Vulva' and stepping out from the pharmacy counter.

The Imagination Library, the power of giving back & resetting our relationship with work

December 03, 2023 13:30 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

This week on The Alive & Kicking Podcast: Clare speaks to Grace Walsh, Senior Oral Language Development Officer with 'Let's Grow Together' about tackling illiteracy and bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Cork; Lorraine Toner, Head of National Community Fundraising with Focus Ireland joins Clare to chat about the power of community and giving back; and Career Psychologist, Sinéad Brady on how to reset our relationship with work.

Artful Wellness, Nutrient Nuggets and November's No's

November 26, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

In this episode, business coach Virginia Foley emphasises the significance of setting boundaries and embracing the power of saying "No" in November. Nutritional therapist Sarah Brereton, from Natural Life, shares practical tips with Clare for a better understanding of nutrients and vitamins. Plus, Daisy Fancourt sheds light on the vital role of arts and culture in our health and wellbeing, advocating for policies that reflect this connection

International Men’s Day panel & Allison Keating of the 'bWell Clinic'

November 19, 2023 12:37 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Today, Sunday 19th November is International Men’s Day. Clare invited three people who identify as male to join her to talk about men’s health, well-being, and beyond. Paul Ryder, presenter, podcaster, performer, and dance school owner Conor O’Keefe, ultra runner and endurance & mindset coach Kamal Ibrahim, pilot, broadcaster, producer, and founder of Giant Studios Also joining Clare this week is psychologist Allison Keating of the 'bWell Clinic...

Performance Psychologist Gerry Hussey, the benefits of Chinese medicine & the Future Fertility Show

November 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Blueballs Ireland is an organisation that creates a safe space for men to open up about what’s going on in their life - Clare speaks to Dean Smith from Off Grid about a hike they are organising for International Men’s Day; Performance Psychologist Gerry Hussey on the self-doubt that fired him up to write his second book; Dr Fiona Barry on opening her new Chinese medicine clinic in Cork; and Clare was out & about at the launch of the Future Fertility...

Movember, Menopause Meals and The Wellness Nurse

November 05, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MB

Clare gets to the heart of Movember alongside Ambassador Michael Cowman and Movember Irish Country Manager Sarah Outllette, exploring the movement's impactful strides in men's health. Also on the show, Clare unpacks wellness wisdom with Robyn Taaffe ‘The Wellness Nurse’, and savour menopause management with Rachel Graham's nutritious insights from "The Menopause Kitchen."

‘Therapy from the Couch’, autumnal food recipes & celebrating neurodiversity

October 29, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MB

The week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast:  Fiona Brennan is back with ‘Therapy From The Couch’ and this week gives advice to a listener who is feeling like their body has let them down after a diagnosis. Erika Drumm has some comforting recipes for the new season. And we celebrate the neurodiverse, discuss the job market, and seeing neurodiversity traits as a positive

Dublin marathon tips, health and wellness news with Eimer Daly & breaking the menopause taboo

October 22, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Venetia Quick gives her last-minute tips for anyone running the Dublin marathon next weekend; Eimer Daly is back with the latest in health and wellness news; and Lorraine Keane on why she’s proud to break the taboo around menopause.

Eldercare, Endurance, and Entrepreneurship

October 15, 2023 08:30 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

Join Clare as she discusses reimagining elder care with Brendan Courtney, and explore the invigorating power of the cold with Niall O’Murchú. Gain insights from entrepreneurs like Finola Howard, a marketing strategist from Dunmore East, and Lucy O'Reilly, who skillfully merges business strategy with creative web design, as we delve into the uprising of entrepreneurs creating their own work-life balance rules.

The power of decluttering, the Very Pink Run with Lauren Magee & Jessica Sepel of JS Health

October 08, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking podcast: How decluttering your home can boost your well-being with Sarah Reynolds of 'Organised Chaos'. Lauren Magee discusses the Very Pink Run in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland as well as her family's experience with cancer. And Clare is joined by Jessica Sepel, the clinical nutritionist behind the global brand 'JS Health', to hear how she turned healing her own relationship with food and her body into a billion-dollar global empire.

How to be a happy single parent with Zoë Desmond

October 02, 2023 20:40 - 10 minutes - 9.27 MB

Zoë Desmond found life as a single parent a challenge until she began to reach out to others in a similar position. Together with Rebecca Cox, one of the single mums she met along the way, they have written 'How to Be a Happy Single Parent' which aims to help others traverse this life transition. Zoë joins Clare to discuss.

Clinical hypnotherapist, Fiona Brennan on managing chronic anxiety

October 02, 2023 20:20 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

Fiona Brennan, clinical hypnotherapist, and best-selling author is on a mission to make therapy more accessible through her online courses, live events, and her books. This week, she joins Clare to answer one of your emails about living with chronic anxiety. If you have something going on in your life that you would like some advice on you can anonymously email [email protected]

Women’s Aid - 'Too Into You' campaign

October 02, 2023 20:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

'Too Into You' is a campaign run by Women’s Aid, the national domestic violence service. The focus of the campaign is to teach young women the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, the red flags of abuse that they should watch out for, as well as to provide support if they have any concerns about a current relationship they're in. Mary Hayes, 'Too Into You' Project Lead with Women’s Aid joins Clare to discuss.

'Too Into You' campaign, Fiona Brennan on managing your anxiety & being a happy single parent

October 01, 2023 08:55 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Mary Hayes from Women’s Aid joins Clare to discuss the importance of their Too Into You Campaign. Fiona Brennan, clinical hypnotherapist and best-selling author answers one of your emails about living with chronic anxiety. If you have something going on in your life that you would like some advice on you can anonymously email [email protected]. Zoe Desmond found life as a single parent a challenge until she began to reach out to others ...

Aoife Walsh on living with Crohn's disease

September 24, 2023 09:30 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

Aoife Walsh, a former secondary school teacher who went on to win Miss Ireland in 2013, has spent years modelling around the world and documenting her life and love of fashion on Instagram. She is a mum to a toddler, lives a busy and full life, and also has the inflammatory bowel condition, Crohn's disease. Aoife joins Clare to tell her story and why she has decided to speak about Crohn's publicly now.

Aoife Walsh on living with Crohn's disease, wellness news with Eimear Daly & Andy Dunne checks Clare's fitness levels

September 24, 2023 08:55 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MB

This week on the Alive and Kicking Podcast: Former Miss Ireland, Aoife Walsh speaks to Clare about why she decided to speak about her diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease. Eimear Daly brings us the latest in wellness news, and Andrew Dunne from Personal Health checks Clare's fitness levels.

The links between nutrition and the eye & Nikki Bradley on turning illness and injury into empowerment and motivation

September 17, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: When Professor John Nolan of the Nutrition Research Centre in Waterford asked Clare if she would be interested in testing her own eye and brain health, she jumped at the chance. He joins Clare to discuss his research around macular degeneration, brain health, and carotenoids found in colourful food as well as her own results. Nikki Bradley joinedns Clare to discuss the rock bottom moment that made her turn illness and injury into empowerment and mo...

'Trolled' with Aoife Moore & Eoin Galavan on why we don't care about climate change

September 10, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

On this week's Alive & Kicking Podcast: Clare speaks to journalist and author Aoife Moore about her harrowing experience with online abuse and her podcast 'Trolled'. Also on the show, Dr. Eoin Galavan, a Senior Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with the HSE Adult Mental Health Services on why we don't care enough about climate change.

Finding meaning & purpose in midlife with Elaine Harris & What's in Season with chef, Erica Drum

September 03, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Clare chats to chef, Erica Drum about what’s in season, and the joys of picking and eating fresh fruit and berries. Elaine Harris on her book ‘Wise: Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Inner Power in Midlife’

Back to school with 'The Mindset Coach', Clinical Hypnotherapist, Fiona Brennan & Georgie Crawford on surrogacy & the Boots Night Walk 2023

August 27, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 54 MB

This week on the Alive & Kicking Podcast: Georgie Crawford on the life changes giving her the good glow lately, Fiona Brennan launches our monthly therapy session where she answers your emails, and Marie McCarthy 'The Mindset Coach' on getting yourself ready for back-to-school.

Fiona Tuomey of 'Healing Untold Grief Groups' & Liz Hoggard on our supersized meal portions

August 20, 2023 13:50 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

On this week's Alive & Kicking Podcast: Journalist and author, Liz Hoggard on just how supersized our portions have become. Fiona Tuomey lost her daughter, Milly, to suicide in 2016 - she joins Clare to discuss the impact that had on her life and how it compelled her to set up 'Healing Untold Grief Groups' (HUGG). If you are affected by any of the issues raised on today's podcast, you can contact: - Childline by calling 1800 666 666 (free) or texting to 50101 (free) - Pieta House by ca...

Snap Happier: Embrace, Empower, Express

August 13, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MB

Photos and selfies: the social currency we spend to connect, express, and celebrate. But what about us camera-shy folk? Join Clare in conversation with Sharon Huggard, the Style and Confidence Coach behind #GetInThePicture – a global movement to boost confidence and authenticity. Navigating the health of our future generation isn't simple. Yet, former midwife and nutritionist Kathy Whyte redefines the game with a pregnancy health hub. She unveils her ambitious Irish care revolution and more ...

Resilience and Recovery

August 06, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

On this week’s podcast, Clare hears Gerry Hussey's insights on overcoming challenges and the profound life lessons that sports can offer us. Eimear Daly joins Clare to discuss the most recent updates in the realms of health and wellness. And Dr James Kinross shares his expertise in leading a research team dedicated to exploring the links between the microbiome and chronic diseases.