'To a life that hums' with Emma Ahern

This is the very first episode of To A Life That Hums - a soulful podcast exploring the heart of solo-entrepreneurs and creatives. Each conversation speaks to the emotional and spiritual labour of building a life around passion rather than a 9-to-5.Today’s conversation is a really special one to start with. My first hummingbird, Emma Ahern, is someone who lives and breathes her passion every day. Though she started on a traditional Speech and Language therapy path, her grá (the Irish word for Love) and passion for supporting neurodivergent humans has led her down a different direction of curiosity, discovery and novelty in how she is planning to change the face of language around emotions. Episode Summary:Emma Ahern shares her journey from traditional speech therapy to a more authentic, creative practice that emphasizes community, self-identity, and personal growth. Discover how letting go of expectations and embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling professional and personal life.About Emma: Emma Ahern is a speech and language therapist, registered with the HCPC, RCSLT and ASLTIP, who has extensive experience in working across the fields of neurodiversity including: autism, ADHD, acquired/traumatic brain injury and childhood trauma. Emma has worked in specialist schools for students with autism. She has also worked in brain rehabilitation working at The Children’s Trust, working with children and teenagers with acquired/traumatic brain injury. Emma later worked in specialist schools for young children with social communication and language difficulties before starting work in the youth justice services where she continued to develop her understanding and skills in the assessment and intervention of childhood trauma and neurodiversity. Keywords:speech therapy, neurodivergent support, authenticity, community, professional growth, self-identity, creative practice, mental health, therapy innovationKey topics:Emma's transition from traditional to creative therapyThe importance of community and peer supportAuthenticity and self-identity in professional practiceChapters:00:00 Introduction to a Life That Hums01:11 The Journey of Authenticity05:27 From Traditional to Creative Therapy10:13 Finding Community and Support15:17 The Rewards of Connection19:52 Celebrating Identity and Self-Compassion24:08 Advice for Taking the LeapGuest links:Check out her website here: https://www.zeebratherapy.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zeebratherapy/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-ahern Song used in this podcase is "Brushstrokes" by Muirġen - ⁠https://muirgen.bandcamp.com/album/loinnir⁠ Listen to the ⁠full track on spotify here⁠This song is extremely meaningful to me personally and I was absolutely thrilled when Muirġen gave me permission to use it in my podcast. It beautifully captures the essence of that point in life when you are moving from where you are to where you really want to be, embracing the fear and doing it anyway.About the artist:Irish-fusion artist Muirġen announced her debut EP Loinnir, in early 2026 alongside the release of the first single ‘Brushstrokes’.Written in ⁠Hotpress⁠:Muirġen’s music style combines Irish tradition with experimental electronic music. ‘Brushstrokes’ is a powerful track that plays with textured harmonies and a distinctive sensible Irish sound, defined by Muirġen's deep captivating voice and melismatic lines.‘Brushstrokes’ was written by Muirġen (Muirgen O’Mahony), Cian Sweeney and Laura Elizabeth Hughes, and produced by Sweeney, and Philip Marsden. It incorporates elements like the sound of rain and experimental drum compositions.“The song captures a moment of suspension - the space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming,” said Muirġen.