This week I sit down with Sinéad Hall who shares the heartbreaking loss of her baby son Ruadhán (Ruadh).

In a deeply emotional conversation Sinéad speaks openly about the devastation of losing a child, the love she has for her son, and the profound grief that comes with carrying a loss so unimaginable.

With incredible honesty and vulnerability she shares what life has looked like since Ruadh's death, the reality of navigating each day without him, and the enduring bond between a mother and her child.

This is a deeply moving conversation about motherhood, love, loss, and the grief that exists because that love was so great.

For more information on their foundation visit https://www.teachruadhfoundation.ie/

Something a little bit different now. I want to share a gentle, deeply comforting new resource with you all.

We know that for so many carrying the weight of loss, the hardest part of the day comes when the rest of the world goes completely quiet. In those late-night hours, sleep can feel entirely out of reach as thoughts begin to crowd in.

If you find it difficult nodding off, or just want to relax to the ambient sounds of some of Ireland's most scenic spots, I want to guide you toward GoLoud's latest original stream—GoLoud Sleep Sounds.

This beautifully minded series is a calming collection of immersive 10-hour soundscapes, carefully tailored for anyone looking for a calmer bedtime routine. The long-form, uninterrupted audio is designed specifically to create a soothing, safe environment that can be played through the night or as a comforting backdrop during moments of rest and relaxation.

There is no talking, no narrative stories to engage your mind, and absolutely no advertisements to disrupt you. Instead, Sleep Sounds gently transports you away from your worries to peaceful settings across the country—from Curracloe Beach in spring and Howth Harbour at sunset, to the Midlands on a stormy night, the Wicklow Mountains in winter, and the quiet stillness of Dublin after dark.

It provides a steady acoustic sanctuary so you can finally switch off your mind and rest. GoLoud Sleep Sounds is available now on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. Simply press play, put the phone down, and let it do the rest.

Check it out here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/033wsfw3b3SrnBby4xyZhf?si=bc54786895cf410e

This week I sit down with Andrea Gilligan, well-known broadcaster and host of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk for a deeply personal conversation about the loss of her dad Gerry.

Andrea speaks about the incredibly close bond they shared, not just as father and daughter, but as genuine friends. She reflects on his cancer diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing him, and the profound impact his death had on her life.

With honesty, and her trademark openness, Andrea shares what grief has taught her, the ways her dad passing has changed her and the reality of learning to live without someone who was such a huge part of her world.

This is a heartfelt conversation about parent loss, love, friendship, and the enduring connection that remains after someone is gone.

This week, I sit down with Elliot Gannon, who shares the life and loss of his son Rí, who was born with SMA Type 1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy).

Elliot speaks about the long and complex journey that followed Rí's diagnosis, the hospital stays, medical challenges, uncertainty, and the precious time they had together as a family. But at the heart of this conversation is not just loss, but love.

He speaks beautifully about the extraordinary gift Rí brought to his life, the lessons he taught him, and how his son completely changed his understanding of what truly matters. Elliot reflects on grief not as something to be feared, but as something precious, a reflection of deep love and connection.

This is a powerful conversation about parenthood, perspective, love, loss, and finding meaning in the most difficult circumstances.

This week I sit down with Hannah Kelly, who shares the loss of her mum and the complex grief that surrounded their relationship.

For much of Hannah’s life it was just the two of them. Her father left when she was very young, and she and her mum navigated life side by side. But as the years went on their relationship became more complicated. Hannah speaks openly about her mum becoming increasingly isolated, the strain that put on their connection, and the difficult reality of grieving parts of that relationship while her mum was still alive.

When her mum later died suddenly from a heart attack, Hannah was left carrying not only the grief of losing her, but also the grief of everything that had happened before.

This is a deeply honest conversation about complicated relationships, anticipatory grief, love, and the reality that grief is not always straightforward. Hannah shares her story with remarkable openness and vulnerability offering comfort to anyone navigating the loss of a parent where the relationship wasn't perfect, but the love was still there.

To donate to our fundraiser please visit here https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/15491/5km-a-day-for-may-for-graham-lee/

This week I sit down with Patrick Maloney from Kerry for a conversation that explores loss in a very different way.

While we still speak deeply about grief, this episode moves beyond bereavement and into the loss of identity, the years lost to addiction, and the impact that struggle can have on relationships, family, and self-worth. Patrick speaks openly about his experiences as a young man battling addiction, and the painful distance it created between himself and his son.

This is a deeply honest and moving conversation about shame, recovery, healing, and what it means to try and rebuild a life after losing so much of yourself along the way.

Patrick’s story offers powerful insight into addiction, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion both for ourselves and for others who may be struggling quietly.

This week I sit down with Paula Naughton from Roscommon, mum to three boys Archie, George, and Isaac. All three were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD, a life-limiting illness with no cure.

Sadly Paula lost her son Archie at just 16 years old. George and Isaac, now also 16, continue to live with the condition as their family fights tirelessly for access to emerging treatments and trials.

In this deeply moving conversation, Paula speaks about grief in all its forms, the loss of Archie, the heartbreak of watching your children lose their health, and the reality of living with anticipatory grief while still trying to hold hope.

Paula speaks with incredible honesty, strength, and insight about motherhood, resilience, advocacy, and the unimaginable balancing act of loving fiercely while living with uncertainty every day.

To learn more about DMD and support the family’s campaign, visit:
🌐 www.joinourboys.org

You can also follow their journey on social media:
📱 Instagram: @joinourboys_
📘 Facebook: Join Our Boys

This week I sit down with Kathleen Barrett who shares the sudden loss of her husband Ned, who died unexpectedly at home.

Kathleen and Ned had been together since they were very young, sharing almost 40 years of love, life, and a beautiful family together. In this deeply moving conversation, Kathleen speaks not only about the heartbreak of loosing him, but also about the enduring connection she still feels with him every day.

Her main message is one of love beyond loss, that while grief has changed over time, she no longer feels consumed by deep sadness because she has a complete certainty that Ned is still with her in different ways. Kathleen speaks beautifully about signs, connection, and the comfort she has found in believing that love does not end when someone dies.

For more information about the Spousal Loss Retreat we mentioned towards the end please visit www.griefireland.com