Episode 29 | Dean Kenny

What this episode covers

In Episode 29, Joe and Sherin sit down with the brilliant Dean Kenny — a Dublin man originally from Ballymun who has one of the most raw, honest, and inspiring stories you'll hear. From growing up in the flats of Ballymun and Finglas, to falling deep into cocaine addiction in his teens and twenties, Dean holds nothing back. He opens up about the chaos addiction brought into his life — the paranoia, the broken relationships, the falling off and climbing back on the wagon — and the turning point that changed everything.Dean is now on an incredible mission — running 5K every single day and raising money for Our Lady's Children's Hospital. With over 700 days of consecutive runs clocked, he talks about how running became his recovery, his mental health lifeline, and his purpose. He also shares the deeply personal story of his son's serious illness and the operation that shook his world, and how that fuelled everything he's doing today.This one is honest, funny, emotional, and motivating in equal measure. If you're going through something tough or just need a reminder that it's never too late to turn things around — this is the episode for you.⏱ Timecodes00:00 | Intro & banter — welcome to Episode 2901:00 | Introducing Dean Kenny02:00 | Denture stories & classic craic05:00 | Getting the full background — where Dean is from05:40 | Born in 1988 — growing up in Ballymun & Finglas06:45 | Life in the flats — tight-knit community memories08:00 | Family life — four kids, relationships09:00 | The addiction story begins — first experiences with cocaine10:30 | Addiction escalating — everyday use11:40 | Leaving school at 16 & deeper into addiction12:30 | Paranoia, money problems, relationships falling apart13:10 | Moving to England — trying to escape it all13:50 | Coming back to Dublin, getting his first apartment27:20 | Dean's son's illness — the operation and the fear28:30 | Shout out to the surgeons & the child's mother29:40 | The 5K a day challenge begins — running for Our Lady's Hospital30:35 | 714 days in — the numbers don't lie31:30 | Relapse — falling off the wagon and being honest about it33:00 | Recovery isn't linear — guilt, shame, and getting back up34:20 | What "falling off" actually looked like — missed days, letting people down35:20 | Getting back on track — accountability and the mission36:10 | Responsibilities as an anchor in recovery37:00 | Social media accountability — how posting keeps you honest39:40 | 714 days, 5K a day = raising funds for Our Lady's48:15 | Rise Above It boxing & the finger snap story 😬50:00 | Where Dean is now — PT course, lifeguard training, college52:00 | What keeps Dean in recovery — running & mental health52:40 | "Recovered" vs "in recovery" — a real honest debate53:15 | Sherin on manifestation and the Law of Attraction55:10 | Cold water/sea swimming as part of the routine57:00 | Advice to anyone struggling — reach out, take accountability58:30 | Come join a run — Saturday mornings!01:00:00 | Belfast trip chat & signing off01:01:50 | Final shoutouts — crew, family, fans & barbers union!

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