Bras off and Breathe

Welcome back to Bras Off and Breathe, the podcast where we say what everyone’s thinking but rarely out loud. This episode, Surviving the School Run, is all about the chaos, cliques, and quiet judgments of the school gate. I’m chatting with Leonie and Rachael about everything from awkward hellos to the full-blown drama of the cake baking competition (honestly, who knew it could get that serious?). We also dig into a bigger question, why Ireland still seems to favour third-level college over trades and practical paths, and what that pressure means for us as parents trying to steer our kids in the right direction. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it might just make you feel a bit less alone in the madness.A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of my podcast with Molly, we explore the deeply human themes of life and death through an honest and heartfelt conversation. We talk about how loss reshapes our understanding of what it means to live, and how grief isn’t something to “move on” from, but something we learn to carry. Molly opens up about the emotional complexity of losing someone so central to her world, and how that experience has changed her perspective on time, relationships, and what truly matters. Together, we reflect on the fragility of life, but also the quiet strength that can emerge in the face of profound sorrow.Molly shares how the loss of her beloved mother has left a lasting imprint on her day-to-day life, from small routines to major life decisions. She speaks candidly about the ways she copes, through memory, connection, and allowing herself space to feel everything as it comes. Rather than presenting grief as something linear, Molly describes it as evolving, sometimes heavy, sometimes gentle, but always present in some form. Her story is not just about loss, but about resilience, love that continues beyond absence, and the ongoing process of finding meaning after heartbreak.Molly Ryanhttps://www.instagram.com/supermol/Lisasvistas https://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by writer, broadcaster, and mentor Maria McHale for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really means to start over. After a major life shift her divorce and her children leaving for college Maria made the bold decision to leave her hometown and begin a new chapter in Dublin.We explore the emotional and practical challenges of stepping into the unknown, from rebuilding a sense of identity to navigating loneliness and self-doubt. Maria shares how pushing beyond her comfort zone opened the door to unexpected growth, new opportunities, and a deeper understanding of herself.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the courage it takes to move on even when it feels uncertainMaria McHalehttps://www.instagram.com/themariamchale?igsh=ZWhlMGVuamZtZGZ2Lisasvistas https://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/?hl=enAudio & Media production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/?hl=enA podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Bras Off and Breathe, we sit down with Orla Diamantino for an intimate and deeply reflective episode titled Chameleon. Orla opens up about her coming out journey, sharing the quiet moments, the ruptures, and the courage it took to step into her truth. Through her story, she explores what it means to live many lives within one lifetime, shedding old skins, rebuilding from within, and embracing the constant evolution of self. It’s a conversation about identity, resilience, and the beauty (and discomfort) of becoming someone new, again and again.Orla Dimantino https://www.instagram.com/orladiamantino?igsh=MWJkeW41bjB2NDB5bg==Lisasvistas https://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Funny Girl, I sit down with Margaret McAuliffe, actress, writer, comedian, and the creative force behind The Humours of Bandon, her critically acclaimed one-woman show.We talk about her journey from the early days to building a career in Ireland’s creative scene, and what it really takes to sustain a life in the arts. Margaret shares the story behind The Humours of Bandon, performing solo on international stages, and the resilience, humour, and honesty that fuel her work.We also get into the personal side, motherhood, balance, and how having her daughter reshaped her perspective on creativity and ambition.A warm, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about the realities of being a creative in Ireland.Margaret McAuliffe Agenthttps://sovrancarey.com/actors/margaret-mc-auliffeVoiceover agenthttps://www.voicebank.ie/artist/rd - margaret-mcauliffeSpotlighthttps://www.spotlight.com/0451-3424-3944Emma Dodd for the poem recitedhttps://www.instagram.com/emmadoddartistandillustrator?igsh=b3lzbDdxNXFuZXY4Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast: Autism and Us.Michelle and her daughter Kate share their powerful journey through Kate’s late autism diagnosis at 20. Together they speak openly about the challenges they faced, the frustrations with a system that too often overlooks young people, and the emotional moment when Kate finally felt truly seen after receiving her diagnosis. Now moving forward with a new understanding of themselves and each other, Michelle and Kate are using their voices to advocate for change, greater awareness, and stronger support for young people with autism. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about identity, resilience, and turning lived experience into meaningful change.Juzt2girlshttps://www.instagram.com/juzt2girls?igsh=YWJwM2JjZDRkdzBzLisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas?igsh=dXEzZDR4cGxreXZxAudio & Media Production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee?igsh=MXR4eHk1NGh1bGE0cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrA podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of high-performance sport with two incredible women who have competed at the highest level. Ciara Peelo, an Olympian in sailing, and the other, Karen Nugent, a top-level high-performance tennis player, share their personal journeys through the demanding world of elite competition. From intense training and career-defining moments to the challenges and sacrifices that come with chasing excellence, they reflect on what it truly takes to compete at the top.But this conversation goes far beyond medals and rankings. Together, they talk about the friendships formed along the way, the lessons learned through wins and losses, and the moments of laughter that make the journey unforgettable. It’s a candid and inspiring look at how sport has shaped their live, not just through achievements, but through the experiences, resilience, and community that continue to influence who they are todayLisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Audio & Media Production by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura thought she could “have it all” being the perfect mum, wife, friend, and employee, until the pressure pushed her to breaking point and into a mental health hospital. What looked like success from the outside was masking exhaustion and overwhelm. In this episode, she shares how her lowest moment became the catalyst for rebuilding her life with stronger boundaries, clearer priorities, and a healthier definition of success. Today, she’s not chasing perfection, she’s living better than ever.Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/Laura O'Connellhttps://www.instagram.com/just_lauraoconnell/Audio & Media by Ben Lawlesshttps://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And Pause is an open, honest, and unfiltered conversation between women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Hosted by Lisa Lawless of Bras Off and Breathe, this podcast brings (OvertheHilda) Hilda Smith and Susan Doorley to the table to share their personal experiences, real-life challenges, unexpected humour and the truths so many women have been taught to keep quiet.From hot flashes and hormone shifts to identity, relationships, and rediscovery, nothing is off limits. If you’ve ever felt like menopause was a secret you were supposed to manage alone, this is your invitation to pause, breathe, and join the conversation, because it’s time we talked about it.Lisasvistashttps://www.instagram.com/lisasvistas/OverTheHildahttps://www.instagram.com/overthehilda/Audio & Media by Ben Lawless https://www.instagram.com/benjiiiiee/A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me, Lisa Lawless, as I sit down with Eimear Brogan to talk about life after death.Eimear and her family suffered the unimaginable loss of their magnificent daughter, Keeley.In the depths of that devastation, they were forced to face the heartbreak, the questions, and the profound grief that comes with losing a child. Yet through their pain, they have found strength, purpose, and resilience.Out of their loss, they created a lasting legacy in Keely’s name the Keeley D Foundation, Transforming sorrow into hope and action. Helping families all over Ireland Join us as we share this deeply inspirational and uplifting story of love, courage, and life after lossAudio & Media Production by Ben LawlessA podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before I recorded the Aunty Ageing episode I had a chat with Shauna Feeney and was able to dive a little deeper into the health and fitness sector.Audio & Media Production by Ben LawlessA podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, join me Lisa Lawless as I talk to Shauna Feeney, health and wellness expert, and Eavanna Breen Clinical Director of the Eavanna Breen Clinic and skincare expert, for an honest, refreshing conversation about aging.During our chat we bust some of the biggest myths in the health, wellness, and skincare industries , separating fear based marketing from what actually matters. We also get personal, talking about their own experiences with aging, how their perspectives have changed over time, and the practical ways they’re future proofing their lives, inside and outThis is a grounded, empowering take on aging, less panic, more perspective, and a lot more truth.Audio & Media Production by Ben LawlessA podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s conversation is about the "Big C!" Cancer. Not the medical charts or the inspirational posters, but what it actually feels like to live inside it, as a woman.A big thank you to today's guests Sarah Murray & Rachael KellyIf you would like to be part of the conversation email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram!Sound, Music & Production by Ben Lawless [email protected] podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bras Off and Breathe is a podcast for women, about women, and real life. From love and relationships to the everyday challenges we face, we have honest conversations with real women about real experiences, always through the lens of joy, growth, and happiness.A podcast for women navigating midlife, change, relationships, health worries and the parts of life nobody really prepares you for. Contact us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.