The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy
by GoLoud
The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy is a powerful podcast that delves into the most inspiring stories of resilience, transformation, and triumph. Hosted by Brenda Dennehy, the podcast shares the journeys of real people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges—hitting rock bottom, navigating through personal battles, and emerging stronger than ever. Every episode brings an honest and raw conversation about turning adversity into strength, showing that it's not just about bouncing back, but about thriving after hardship. Through heartfelt interviews, Brenda uncovers the moments that changed lives and the lessons learned along the way. From overcoming addiction to achieving personal breakthroughs, The Comeback explores the human capacity for resilience and how people tap into their inner strength to rebuild their lives. Each guest offers a unique perspective, leaving listeners with hope, inspiration, and the belief that, no matter the obstacles, a powerful comeback is
Episodes
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The Comeback with Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2)
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2) Following on from Episode 1, Eleanor Bermingham returns to share more of her incredibly honest and emotional story. Eleanor opens up about the anger, betrayal and heartbreak she experienced after discovering her husband of 10...
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The Comeback with Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1)
My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1) Imagine being married for 10 years, believing you have the perfect life, only for your husband to tell you he's gay. This week on The Comeback, I'm joined by Eleanor Bermingham, who shares her incredibly honest and emotional...
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The Comeback with Sarah McGarry
Growing up in a broken home and struggling at school with undiagnosed dyslexia, Sarah McGarry faced challenges from an early age. But nothing could have prepared her for November 2008, when her beloved sister Emma suddenly collapsed from a brain aneurysm at just 25 years old. Sarah was only 22…
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The Comeback with Coolmine: Addiction, Recovery & Sober October
This week’s episode is a little different, and one that is very close to my heart. In support of Coolmine’s Sober October campaign, I’m joined by Lorraine Higgins and Caroline Dunne from Coolmine to have an open and honest conversation about addiction, recovery and the incredible work being done…
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The Comeback with Shirley Keegan
In this episode, Shirley Keegan shares a deeply personal story of resilience, motherhood, shame, burnout and rebuilding. From growing up in a very different Ireland, to becoming pregnant at just 15 and spending time in a mother and baby home, Shirley reflects on experiences that shaped her from a...
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The Comeback with Sarah Monaghan
This week on the podcast I sit down with 17-year-old Sarah Monaghan, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 13. Sarah speaks so openly about her diagnosis, undergoing an egg retrieval at 14, the isolation of radioactive iodine treatment and what life has been like in the four years since.…
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The Comeback with Bernard Westman
Bernard Westman shares the story of the darkest period of his life, the moment he felt there was no way out, and what happened when his family found him in Galway. It is a deeply honest conversation about suicidal thoughts, shame, family, asking for help and finding your way back. Bernard’s…
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The Comeback with Aoibhe Devlin
Aoibhe Devlin opens up like never before about some of the most difficult periods of her life. For the first time, she speaks publicly about experiencing postnatal depression, struggling in silence and eventually reaching out for help. She also talks about the online abuse she faced while heavily...
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Suddenly Widowed: Three Women Share Their Stories
What happens when the person you thought you would grow old with is suddenly gone? In this episode, Catriona Brennan, Samantha Byrne and Fiona McCluskey share their experiences of becoming widowed at a young age. Catriona lost her partner Timothy Lynch Junior, on November 22nd, 2025. Samantha…
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The Comeback with Caoimhe McGinley
This week, I’m joined by one of Ireland’s best-known content creators, Caoimhe McGinley. Many will know Caoimhe from The Big Hill House, but behind the beautiful home and social media posts is a story of heartbreak, resilience and rebuilding. In this honest conversation, Caoimhe opens up about…
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The Comeback with Eleanor Doyle
Eleanor Doyle Is Back The podcast is back after the summer break, and we’re returning with an episode that has quite a story behind it. Eleanor has been here before. Her original episode went live a few months ago, but shortly afterwards, it disappeared. A lot of people noticed. A lot of people...
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A Summer Pause Before the Next Chapter
After an incredible 14 months and almost 1.2 million Spotify streams, I’m taking a short summer break from the podcast. Thank you to every guest and listener who has supported the podcast, and a huge thank you to ADHD Now and GoLoud for making it all possible. I’ll still be recording during the...
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Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden
Welcome to Comeback Confidential, the bonus series of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space. In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore powerful stories submitted by listeners. Together, they...
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The Comeback with Humphrey O' Driscoll
What happens when years of bullying, shame and addiction convince you that you're not worthy of being yourself? In this episode, Humphrey O'Driscoll shares his remarkable journey of growing up gay in Carrigaline, the relentless bullying he endured, and how alcohol and cocaine became his way of...
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The Comeback with Lisa O' Sullivan Shaw
Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw's life has been anything but ordinary. Born with a heart condition, she underwent open heart surgery as a baby before growing up to become Miss Universe Ireland. But behind the glamour were years of relentless bullying, a life changing health battle, and the fear of facing…
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The Comeback with Grace O' Connor
James O'Connor kissed his family goodbye and headed off on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday in December 2023. He never came home. Just 100 metres from the summit, James passed away, leaving behind his wife Grace and their...
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The Comeback with Rachel Forde
This week on the podcast, Brenda sits down with Rachel Forde for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast. Many people may remember the headlines surrounding Rachel several years ago, but few know the story behind them. What started as an addiction to…
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The Comeback with Colin Tobin
From working from the age of 12, to building businesses, losing almost €1.3 million, Colin Tobin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination. Despite the setbacks and failed ventures along the way, there is no bitterness. Instead, Colin believes the secret to life is giving back,...
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The Comeback with Dr. Brian Pennie
In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie, neuroscientist and author. He speaks honestly about being €50,000 in debt, falling…
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The Comeback with Jennifer McCarthy
Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments. But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing battles of her own. Divorce. Betrayal. Critical illness. Medical retirement. Losing…
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Comeback Confidential with Psychotherapist Lauren Golden
Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space. In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.…
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The Comeback with Mags Harty
This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation. Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally. There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but...
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The Comeback with Eimear Coffey
From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down. A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything…
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The Comeback with Ciarán O’Driscoll
Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were twins. From his first drink as a young teenager, to drug use, prison sentences, and deep...
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The Comeback with Leona Macken
Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks. A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023. After major surgery and intensive treatment…
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Behind the Scenes on The Neil Prendeville Show
Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country? As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside over the past few weeks, bring you inside The Neil Prendeville Show and how it all comes...
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The Comeback with Daragh Fleming
Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback. In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever...
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A Small Break, A Big Thank You
After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break. Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you. I’ll be back very soon with some amazing guests.
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The Comeback with Richie Herlihy
Cork TikTok creator Richie Herlihy (Richie’s Food and Nature) joins Brenda for a powerful and honest conversation about the reality behind his viral food reviews. Richie opens up about the recent devastating loss of his close friend Ryan Dunphy, learning about his death while he himself was in...
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The Comeback with Helena Brosnan
On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry fashion blogger and influencer Helena Brosnan, known to many as Super Betty. Last year, Helena received a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer after attending a routine smear test, despite having no symptoms at all. Throughout her treatment, she shared…
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The Comeback with Danny Buckley
This week, I sit down with Danny Buckley for a powerful and honest conversation about grief, addiction and recovery. Raised in Knocknaheeny on Cork’s northside, Danny shares the unimaginable loss of his wife Simone, his childhood sweetheart, and how her final words changed the way he lives his…
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The Comeback with Sian Horn
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, miscarriage, and medical abortion. Please take care while listening. This week Brenda sits down with Sian Horn, a podcaster, Pilates instructor, and business consultant who advocates for women, wellbeing, and small businesses...
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I Had No Idea I Was Pregnant Until I Gave Birth 6 Hours Later
This week’s bonus episode tells an extraordinary story that unfolds in a matter of hours. Eimir Burke had no idea she was pregnant until the day she gave birth. Having previously been told she had polycystic ovaries, she believed having children might not be possible. There were no obvious signs,...
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The Comeback with Micheál Costello
In this episode, I sit down with Kerry native Micheál Costello for a powerful and honest conversation. What began as a search for control through exercise slowly spiralled into anorexia and depression. Diagnosed in October 2020, Micheál’s illness carried deep family history, with his aunt having...
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The Comeback with Stephen Cowboy Kelly
In this episode I sit down with Irish comedian Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly for a powerful and honest conversation. Best known for his comedy, online sketches, and appearances on Hardy Bucks, Stephen has built a strong following across stand-up, live shows, and social media. In this episode, he goes...
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The Comeback with Julie Burke @juliesrulesirl
This week, I am joined by Julie Burke, also known as @julesrulesirl on social media, for a conversation every woman who has ever felt underestimated needs to hear. Julie worked her way from retail to General Manager through grit, confidence, and backing herself when no one else did. Nothing was...
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The Comeback with Jason Byrne
This week on The Comeback, I sit down with Jason Byrne. Jason grew up in Ballymun, Dublin, and first encountered drugs at 16. What began as curiosity escalated and shaped many years of his life. Now almost three years sober, he reflects honestly on addiction, recovery, and change. Jason is the...
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The Comeback with Alan Clarke
This week on The Comeback, I am joined by my good friend Alan Clarke. Many of you will know Alan from his social media sketches and his hugely successful podcast Big News Coming Soon, but for the first time, he shares his full story on a podcast. In this episode, Alan speaks openly about the...
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What’s Next for The Comeback?
All good things, in time. Some returns look different than departures.
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The Comeback in Tenerife (Yes, I Am Still Here)
This week’s episode is a more relaxed and honest conversation recorded in Tenerife. I am joined by my friend Chris, who called over for a chat about his story and the role he has played in supporting me through recovery. There are plenty of laughs, alongside some very real moments. I also answer...
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The Comeback, Words of Hope
New Year can be a difficult time. In this special episode, I revisit the final three questions I ask every guest on the podcast. Not the polished answers, but the honest ones. The words shaped by grief, addiction, illness, loss, recovery, and survival. This episode opens with a tribute to Natasha...
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The Comeback Live | Final Episode of 2025
This episode captures my live show, and quite honestly, the best night of my life. As this final episode of 2025 goes out, I want to thank every single person who has supported the podcast over the past six months. What this show has become is beyond anything I could have imagined, and that is...
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The Comeback with Timmy Long
This week, I sit down with Timmy Long, whose story of addiction and recovery left the room in silence when he shared it at my live show in November. Timmy grew up in poverty on the north side of Cork City and experienced trauma from a young age. Years later, he fell into addiction and soon after...
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The Comeback with Joe Byrne
This week, Brenda sits down with her dear friend Joe Byrne for a raw and honest conversation about identity, addiction and healing. Joe talks about growing up gay, dealing with homophobia and Catholic guilt, and the long road toward self acceptance. He opens up about his struggles with alcohol...
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The Comeback with Sarah Burke
Most of you will know her as Sarah Burke, now Sarah O’Connor after marrying the love of her life, Keith. Her road to happiness was anything but simple. In this episode, Sarah opens up about calling off her wedding six weeks before the date, going through IVF, and experiencing a devastating...
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Night of My Life (Be Right Back!)
Taking a tiny break this week… because my live show absolutely took over my life, in the best possible way. It turned out to be one of the greatest nights I have ever had - I am still floating. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported me. Missed it? The full live show episode lands…
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The Comeback with Lou Hibbert
At just 20 years old, Lou Hibbert’s world changed forever. Her dad Barry, a man who had gone from growing up in a council estate to becoming the CEO of a major company, took his own life. In this powerful conversation, Lou opens up about losing a parent to suicide, navigating bereavement, and how...
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The Comeback with Harry Greaney
At just 20 years old, Harry Greaney was told he had synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. He’s battled it not once, not twice, but three times. When doctors could no longer save his arm, Harry had to undergo an amputation - a life-changing moment that would break most people. But not...
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The Comeback with...Eoin McGrath
From struggling with his weight as a teenager to trying his first drug at his own school debs, Eoin McGrath's story is one of addiction recovery, heartbreak, and hope. He talks openly about his cocaine addiction, binge eating, and the moment his family discovered how bad things had become. But…
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The Truth About My Dad’s Death - Natasha’s Story
Natasha McCarthy lost her dad, Tommy, in a tragic car fire the day before her 30th birthday in April 2024. In this powerful and deeply moving episode, she opens up about her grief journey, coping with loss, and healing after trauma as a single mother. She speaks honestly about the waves of...
About this show
The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy is a powerful podcast that delves into the most inspiring stories of resilience, transformation, and triumph. Hosted by Brenda Dennehy, the podcast shares the journeys of real people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges—hitting rock bottom, navigating through personal battles, and emerging stronger than ever.
Every episode brings an honest and raw conversation about turning adversity into strength, showing that it's not just about bouncing back, but about thriving after hardship. Through heartfelt interviews, Brenda uncovers the moments that changed lives and the lessons learned along the way.
From overcoming addiction to achieving personal breakthroughs, The Comeback explores the human capacity for resilience and how people tap into their inner strength to rebuild their lives. Each guest offers a unique perspective, leaving listeners with hope, inspiration, and the belief that, no matter the obstacles, a powerful comeback is
Hosted by
GoLoud
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