PODCAST · education
Scratching The Surface
by Tara McCaughan
Just scratching the surface of all things real! I chat to likeminded people whose stories and life experience I find fascinating, motivating and inspiring.Proper grass roots, this podcast was birthed in my darkest days of battling brain cancer in a worldwide pandemic. Originally as a memoir for my loved ones, as a hobby and creative healer for myself, and in doing so I also hope to reach others in need of some love and light.I am very open about everything I have learned during my battle with brain cancer.. and the best bit.. I'm still learning! 🌈
Episodes
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Climate Change for all Ep. 4 Deeper dive into Water Sources.
John brings light to some sad facts about the state of our safe water on Earth, especially the scarcity of it! Those of us lucky enough to have clean, clear, running water right at our fingertips, really do need to be grateful. Listen here to learn about how both droughts and floods are affecting...
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Climate Change for all Ep. 3 Let’s talk ‘Energy’!
Fossil fuels are so last century! We need to see more renewables (natural alternatives) if we are going to stop climate change in it's tracks. But beware of greenwashing! John and I break down 'energy' (no pun intended), and we share some real time examples of devastation that is happening right…
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Climate Change for All Ep. 2 Let’s get into the historical facts.
To understand life on earth today, we have to think back to what has already happened to impact drastic change and ultimately the loss of entire species… 🦖 John and I look back at previous mass extinctions and discuss the scary reality of the quickest one yet… Happening right now before our…
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Climate Change for All Ep. 1 Climate Crisis is no joke!
We didn’t want to be mean and go with “climate change for dummies”, but as we were researching, John and I realised just how much we did not know about our own planet and habitats! The stats are shocking and heartbreaking! So much so that we began recording at the start of the year and honestly…
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I have a long, open chat over beers with drummer of Disco Beard, Gareth McGreevy- All things real.
DiscoBeard fans- you will love to hear Gareth’s back story about his other passions, hobbies, and creativity; and how the drummer became a two-piece act with singer and guitarist Ross Maguire, who was already on the local gigging scene of their shared hometown Newcastle. We hear about how the duo...
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Christina Hamilton shares how ‘Buzy Wee Bees’ was inspired by entertaining her own kids at home.
Christina Hamilton wanted to be a teacher since she was a child- in this episode she talks us through the long journey to achieve that dream. We Scratch the Surface of reluctantly moving away from home to a city she had never heard of; extra steps that are necessary in the days of entering the...
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Tara’s Tao - Ep. 10 Finding my inner Goddess.. she has to be in there somewhere!
Embarking on a year journey to find my inner goddess- by learning about ancient goddesses and female healers, warriors, and givers of hope all over the world that too many of us have forgotten about. Check out Sophie Bashford on instagram for some heart-felt content and free webinars that she…
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Seainin McMullan, owner of Grace and Glam beauty studio, inspires us all to just go for our dreams.
What a bubbly, inspiring chat with Ballycastle beautician Seainin McMullan, who recently opened her very own studio after years of hard work and dreaming. This conversation is sure to inspire anyone who, like me, let’s fear and self-doubt take over too often! Entrepreneur Seainin shares the highs...
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Tara's Tao- Ep. 9 The Holocaust never ended!
My heart is breaking.. I cannot sleep well.. but who am I to complain from my comfortable bed in a room filled with pointless things, with heat in the radiators and clean running water just steps away?! The absolute devastation that is going on in the world right now is too heavy for me to…
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Tara’s Tao - Ep. 8 EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique aka Tapping)
EFT is my newest bow to my string … and this really works! It has been scientifically proven to release negative programming in the body (subconscious mind). While creating my own modality-Behind the Rainbow, a program for all to feel like their best, bright, shiniest self, I felt there was...
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Katrina (Turner) Ferguson what an amazing, talented, open woman! We talk all things music, nursing, and cancer.
Brain cancer meets Breast Cancer and we have an absolute hoot! This episode Scratches the Surface of Katrina’s journey from folk music to choir to gigging with the guitar; her journey from being a carer to having a nursing career that she work’s around her music; and ofcourse we compare the ups…
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I chat to the talented Noeleen McAfee all things beauty, makeup, and mental health.
Noeleen and I had so much fun recording this one! The most talented costume artist around, with an infectious laugh and big open heart. We Scratch the Surface of Noeleen's journey from shy schoolgirl to TikTok phenomenon, being invited onto TV shows, nominated for awards, and being offered really...
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Ep. 7- Tara's Tao - World Mental Health Week and the pillars of holistic health.
A short brain dump today as I process big changes in my life and consider my holistic healing journey. If we are to find balance, equilibrium we must nurture all parts of ourself. If life is busy and stressful with lots of responsibilities, it is important we don't lose ourselves and our health...
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I have a lovely, informative chat with Kinesiologist Maria Mooney all things holistic health.
Maria is so knowledgeable about the body and what it needs- you are sure to take away many little nuggets of wisdom from this episode. We Scratch the Surface of rebalancing the body back to equilibrium; toxic load; and gut health. Maria and I connected on our acne journeys which will resonate…
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I chat to the very talented yet very humble musician Conor Mallon.
Conor tells me all about his love for the uilleann pipes and tradition Irish music; his journey of finding the right instrument for him and the amount of practice it requires; and the amazing achievements so far. Absolutely loved diving into Conor’s passion, talking about tours and upcoming…
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A young persons perspective on life- My 18 year old sister Erínn finally podcasts with me, yay!
We dive into the mindset of young people still figuring out an uncertain future, through my very insightful eighteen year old sister. We discuss the pressures of trying to 'fit in' while simultaneously figuring yourself out. We agree that exploring, travelling, and experiencing diversity is ideal...
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Ep. 6 Tara's Tao- Welcome Back after a wavy summer.
I say 'wavy' to describe my wellbeing, mood, mental health, life since I last published an episode. I had some incredible experiences, beautiful moments, and was surrounded by people I love dearly and I know love me back... But one of the hardest things about mental health is that when you are...
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Ep. 5 Tara’s Tao- Triggers! What do YOU need to look at in your life for healing?
It has been said that when you feel Triggered by someone or something they say, it’s actually a mirror for something you need to look at in your life. Waow I used to get soo triggered! I literally couldn’t help it because my body was in a stress response and my nervous system and hormones were so...
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Ep. 4 Tara’s Tao- Purpose! Don’t wait for a cancer diagnosis to get curious about your life dharma.
I had a lot of thinking time lying in my sick bed for months on end, mulling over what really matters in this short life, what brings me joy and accomplishment, and what I need to cultivate and bring into my life moving forward in order to feel whole, complete, PURPOSE. Please don’t do what I did...
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I chat to Kevin McGowan, a local tour guide with a passion to keep our Irish heritage alive.
A few shout outs to local friends and old storytellers as Kevin McGowan shares his passion of Irish history and mythology. We Scratch the Surface of working in tourism, funding cuts, and collaboration, as Kevin gives us an insight into the reality of starting his own small business ‘Nine Glens...
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Ep. 3 Tara’s Tao. Earthly Healing Energy for all!
I am a tiny bit obsessed with energy! I hope to instill abit of that enthusiasm into my listeners as it affects us all! The only reason we are here, that life is possible on earth, is because of the sun's energy. I'm no scientist and I just want to share my experience of healing energy that has…
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Ep. 2 Tara’s Tao- Listen to your Body. Tune in with your body to hear it’s subtle whispers, so you don’t have to hear it SCREAM.
It is only when we know better that we can do better- and I do bloody know better! Yet I still find myself needing little treats. I still slip into toxic stress and go on that loop of berating myself as a result. But I am now hyper aware of these decisions, consequences, and really strive to find...
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Ep. 1 Tara’s Tao- Balance after Cancer. I talk life, relationships, nature, health.
Tara’s Tao - Just me and my thoughts, shared with you, my lovely listeners. I really hope to share my experience, strength and positive view on healing, listening to and then tuning in to answer your OWN BODY, can empower you to shift your mindset to CURIOSITY, GROWTH, HOPE, HEALING. I’m just an...
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I chat with Andy Lofthouse about ditching the 9 to 5 to pursue your dreams.
Local man Andy Lofthouse encourages listeners to live out their dreams while they are young and able. This episode Scratches the Surface of becoming a high-level ski instructor in a matter of years, and choosing an alternative lifestyle of joy, fun and adventure in the great outdoors. I've been...
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“We are slowly killing the planet” says Environmental Planner Cliona Gormley.
I have an absolute hoot with my talented, hard-working, inspiring, conscious friend Cliona Gormley, an Environmentalist with global experience. In this open, informative, truth-sharing chat, we Scratch the Surface of renewable energy, the climate crisis, and the importance of striving for your...
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Ciara McLaughlin shares her story of being diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy and Autism in adulthood
Local woman Ciara McLaughlin is very open and honest about having many times of dark thoughts and depression throughout her life as she faced with many traumatic events. We Scratch the Surface of Ciara’s late father having a serious accident in her early life, which paved the way for ‘feeling...
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I chat with fellow brain cancer warrior Ciara Barber from Wee Care Packages.
I connected with Lovely Ciara from Wee Care Packages after a mutual friend sent me her page on Instagram just in time for Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Although we have been diagnosed with different types of terminal brain cancer, our story and journey over recent years has been freaky similar!…
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I chat with local farm girl Joanna O’Neill about Ambition versus Reality in a raw debrief of our mental health.
Joanna O’Neill is sure to brighten your day- she openly tells us her story of trials and tribulations throughout adulthood life since we met in school. We Scratch the Surface of living in the countryside; our mum’s diagnosis of MS; and overcoming self-doubt. I was interested to know if Joanna…
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I chat to Shannon Traphagen, host of Game on Glio, about all things brain cancer.
This was live on Instagram, and the recording is on my grid @lifebehindtherainbow for better sound recording. I chat with the lovely Shannon Traphagen, host of Game on Glio podcast, who lost her lovely husband to this deadly, incurable disease Glioblastoma that I was diagnosed with in 2020.…
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Joan Burns- What an inspiring woman! 70 years young, enjoying work, travel, and making others smile.
Joan’s life story of many up’s and down’s is captured here in an open, lighthearted chat. I bet you can feel the positivity oozing from Joan’s bubbly voice as we Scratch the Surface of growing up with eleven siblings; nursing in Iran when war broke out; losing her beloved husband; and overcoming…
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I chat with the inspiring Ted Talk speaker Brianna McAteer about our relationship with food.
Brianna is an inspiration for anyone struggling with cravings; their relationship with food; or body image. We Scratch the Surface of getting in tune with our body, our hormones, and the root cause of ‘feeling stuck’. Brianna is very open about her personal story of transformation, which is now...
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3 of 3 John and I Scratch the Surface of Glioblastoma and life after cancer.
This episode concludes my three-part re-introduction to ‘Scratching the Surface of the life behind the podcaster’. I couldn’t have done it without the talented and very patient John Ralph encouraging me to go into more detail. This episode deep-dives into my cancer journey, with some potentially...
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2 of 3 John Ralph Scratches the Surface of host Tara’s turbulent early adulthood.
We continue to Scratch the Surface of religion in Ireland, which leads onto an open discussion about the Troubles, spirituality, and my belief in angels. In this episode I share my personal experience of loss, coping with mum’s MS diagnosis, mental health, concluding with another cliffhanger as I...
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1 of 3 Full disclosure on the life behind the voice:Switching roles, John Ralph interviews host Tara
A very warm welcome back to Scratching the Surface, where I like to keep things real and authentic. I’ve been M.I.A for a while as I was moving house, travelling, and figuring out my next steps in life. I thought it was appropriate to reintroduce myself, and my lovely, talented friend John...
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I chat to Owen Turner about getting involved with the Moyle Community First Responders.
An old school friend, Owen Turner, informs us about the amazing voluntary work of First Responders in our local Moyle area. We just scratch the surface of the training they complete with N.I.A.S, the fatal calls they receive, the community spirit, and how vital this service is, especially in…
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Two cancer survivors come together in resonance- I chat with Cancer Health Coach Yan Huang about life before and after cancer; although our diagnoses are different, we have so many similarities.
I love talking to Yan, a Cancer Health Coach from Singapore (@therealyanhuang)- it feels so resonating. Although I have been given a terminal prognosis by my oncology team, talking with Yan, a fifteen year survivor, makes me feel hopeful and optimistic for the future. Yan talks about 'pillars' to...
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I chat to the inspiring John Ralph who decided in his 30’s to move abroad and try something new!
John Ralph is here with me to Scratch the Surface of Vancouver living; being part of the LGBTQI+ global community; changing careers by using transferable skills; working in ‘Hollywood North’ Film Industry; and sharing some foresight into his upcoming podcast content. John is one of those friends...
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I chat to Shauna Corr, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Master about this groundbreaking healing.
Shauna Corr, who currently works in the corporate world, found a passion for holistic healing when her baby daughter was very unsettled and she started to seek alternatives to lifetime medication. Shauna has been a qualified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner for seven years and hopes...
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Uplifting, inspirational chat with Deirdre Maguire, who has "never been younger, fitter, or happier". I resonate so much with Deirdre's story and hope you are inspired to bring more positivity in.
Deirdre Maguire is one of greatest teachers, as when I first heard her on a podcast while on chemotherapy, my ears pricked up and I resonated so much with her heart-wrenching story. I have followed her inspiring videos and stories on instagram @deirdre.maguire, watched youtube 'Deirdre Maguire'…
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I chat to local Power-Lifting Competitor Lauren about how finding this passion changed everything.
Lauren, on Instagram as @laurensaramc, is sure to inspire listeners to try something new, to never give up, and to listen intuitively to your own body. We Scratch the Surface of competitive power-lifting; the ups and downs of dedicated training; the equality found in this sport; and how finding...
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I chat with Simon Byrne owner of Oz Standard Coffee about how his idea became reality.
Simon Byrne, an engineer by trade, found a passion for good, quality coffee when living in Australia. He shares with me how a fun, personal challenge of ‘Something New for Fifty-Two’ became his current successful coffee business. We Scratch the Surface of starting a brand new business as a couple...
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A beautiful, open conversation with mum of three and founder of Adam’s Camp NI, Grainne Ashe.
A beautiful, raw, emotional, real-talk, informative, and sooo bubbly and warm conversation with the fabulous Grainne Ashe. What a woman for one woman! Grainne talks about her life as a mum of three, two of which have Autism. Somehow in her already super-busy life, Grainne started up a camp for…
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I chat to the beautiful owner of ‘Evolve with Samara’ about what our image really says about us.
Samara is on a mission to empower people GLOBALLY to be their authentic, vibrant, confident self- which she instils in her clients as their ‘future self’. We Scratch the Surface of dressing intuitively; dressing for your mood; dressing for the season; colour psychology; and EVOLVING after even…
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I chat with Yvonne, Conscious Parent Coach, about changing the narrative on relationships with kids.
Yvonne Smyth @thisparentingadventure is a ray of refreshing sunshine for all parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare workers. You will hear our genuine joy to connect and share our vision for a different narrative for our children- the adults of tomorrow. Yvonne, a parent of two teenage boys,...
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I chat with the beautiful soul Ciara O’Malley about all things healing.
Ciara O’ Malley, author of ‘Miracles appear when Loved Ones are Near’; Qualified Reiki Healer and Spiritual Guide; and Host of Mind.Less.Full podcast, shares her heart-breaking experience of losing her love in a drowning accident while living abroad. Ciara outlines how she turned her pain and...
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Sarah AKA FarmGirlGoesVegan shares her story from Dairy Farmer to Advocator/Educator for Veganism.
I chat with Sarah AKA @farmgirlgoesvegan about her journey from growing up on a dairy farm which goes back generations in the family, to actively advocating and educating on the topic of Veganism from watching the shocking Documentary 'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret'. We Scratch the…
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My brother Caolán, Ecologist and farmer, tells me his hopes for a realistic, balanced future.
Caolán McCaughan, the brains in our family, is working as an ecologist and is as clued in about the climate crisis as he is about the local farming crisis. We Scratch the Surface of his relevant higher education, his Hedgehog project, his knowledge on making farms more wildlife friendly. Farmers...
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Barrie Morgan opens up about the reality of battling cyclical depression and the importance of hope.
Barrie, my old housemate, talks openly and honestly with me about his longterm battle with depression. Barrie is comfortable talking about mental health, as it was never a taboo topic in his family, instilled with the belief "being open about your emotions is actually a strength". Trigger…
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Two years on from life-threatening brain surgery, I chat with Monica Curran, my neuro-nurse bestie.
I have a chat with Monica Curran, my real-life angel, who I was blessed to have working on the ward when I went in for a cranionomy, removing a cancerous brain tumour the size of a golf ball from my brain in April 2020. We just Scratch the Surface of the reality of Monica's nine year career as a...
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I have an open chat with Mum (diagnosed with MS in 2009) about the ups and downs of our illnesses.
We hope to make you feel like you are sat in the room with us- a raw, impromptu, open, anything-goes, chat during one of my many visits down home for a dose of home comfort. My mum was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis back in 2009 when I had just started University in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Just scratching the surface of all things real! I chat to likeminded people whose stories and life experience I find fascinating, motivating and inspiring.Proper grass roots, this podcast was birthed in my darkest days of battling brain cancer in a worldwide pandemic. Originally as a memoir for my loved ones, as a hobby and creative healer for myself, and in doing so I also hope to reach others in need of some love and light.I am very open about everything I have learned during my battle with brain cancer.. and the best bit.. I'm still learning! 🌈
HOSTED BY
Tara McCaughan
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Scratching The Surface have?
Scratching The Surface currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Scratching The Surface about?
Just scratching the surface of all things real! I chat to likeminded people whose stories and life experience I find fascinating, motivating and inspiring.Proper grass roots, this podcast was birthed in my darkest days of battling brain cancer in a worldwide pandemic. Originally as a memoir for my...
How often does Scratching The Surface release new episodes?
Scratching The Surface has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Scratching The Surface?
You can listen to Scratching The Surface on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Scratching The Surface?
Scratching The Surface is created and hosted by Tara McCaughan.
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