The Road Back Home

Amanda introduces her guest Maria Ortega, a transdisciplinary poetry therapy practitioner and educator. Together, they explore the profound intersection of journaling, poetry & self-discovery. Tune in to hear How creative expression serves as a vital tool for verbal and visual processing, particularly for those navigating late-diagnosed ADHD or childhood invisibility. How using metaphor and inner landscapes allows individuals to bypass subconscious barriers and safely witness their own emotional wounds. The healing power of being witnessed, both through personal reflection and within a supportive community Connect with Maria WEBSITEINSTAGRAM

Sometimes the bravest thing is admitting the year kicked your ass, and you're still here. After months of silence, Amanda and Melanie reunite in Jupiter, Florida for their first-ever family Christmas in 30 years; and the most honest conversation they've ever recorded.You've been wondering where they went. Why the podcast went quiet. What happened.Here's the truth: Life happened. Hard.Tune in to witness the death of ideals, the birth of surrender, and two sisters who've learned that awareness without embodied experience means nothing.Welcome back to The Road Back Home. We missed you too.Subscribe to Journal for Your Life on Substack for monthly community calls, exclusive tools and more subscriber-only content.

Silly season is upon us & for many, this also means enduring the increased stress & anxiety that often accompanies the holidays. We discuss the common stress triggers & offer you our best tried & true ideas to help you navigate it all with more ease and joy. Whether your challenge is tricky family dynamics, towering expectations or managing your own energy, we discuss creative ways to reduce holiday pressures & develop your own self-care plan to support you through it all. If you need inspiration for staying centered & creating space for yourself amidst the chaos, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you enjoy a more peaceful holiday season..We'd love to hear from you, come on over to our ⁠SUBSTACK⁠, share your feedback & subscribe to receive episodes straight to your inbox.Music Credit: ⁠Holes⁠ by Bradley James Grace. .#holidaystress, #selfcare, #familydynamics, #boundaries, #copingstrategies, #anxiety

June Curtain joins Amanda for a conversation that will completely redefine how you think about kindness - and why you might have given up on it for all the wrong reasons.You've tried being kind. You've bent over backwards for people. You've given until it hurt. And what did you get? Taken advantage of. Unappreciated. Burnt out.So you decided kindness doesn't work. People don't deserve it. You're done.Plot twist: What you were doing probably wasn't kindness at all.Meet June Curtain:Founder of "Snámhaí Sásta" (The Happy Swimmers) in Spanish Point, ClareDaily sea swimmer who found healing in the ocean after losing her husband to suicideDaughter of renowned Johnny Burke (who gave Brendan Grace his first gig)A woman who embodies kindness so completely, it's infectiousWhy Kindness Matters: "Nobody escapes this life without walking a step in pain. Nobody."We don't wear badges announcing our struggles. You pass hundreds of people daily who are barely holding it together. Your kindness might be the only softness they encounter all day.Follow Snámhaí Sásta on Instagram.

"I know I should leave this WhatsApp group because it's draining me, but what if they think I'm a terrible person?"Sound familiar? Amanda breaks down the exhausting pattern that's probably running your life without you realising it.You stay in conversations that drain you because you don't want to seem rude. You keep saying yes when you mean no. You override your instincts because you're terrified of disappointing someone.Here's the uncomfortable truth: You've been programmed to believe other people's comfort matters more than your own integrity.Want to go deeper? Download the free guide "5 Signs You're Unconsciously Choosing Chaos Over Serenity" HEREThis pattern is just one of the five - and they're all connected.

After 16 years of iterations, false starts, and "almost there" moments, Amanda finally reveals what's been trying to be born through her all along.You know that feeling when you've been trying to solve the same problems for years? Reading every self-help book, listening to every podcast, trying every method, but nothing sticks?Here's what no one tells you: Information isn't transformation.In this deeply personal episode, Amanda traces the journey from her first business attempt in 2009 (Girlwise - helping 8-13 year old girls) all the way to today's revelation. Spoiler alert: It was always the same thing trying to emerge.The game-changing moment: A client says "I wish I was an alcoholic" and suddenly everything clicks.Recovery wisdom works for EVERYONEYou don't need to qualify for transformationThe principles that can transform ANY lifeAmanda breaks down how to transform draining patterns without abandoning who you are. You're not giving up caring - you're learning to care WITHOUT depleting yourself.Real-life proof it works: The €35 lipstick that got crushed under her car wheel. Old Amanda would have lost her sh*t. New Amanda shows up a different way. This episode is for you if... You're tired of being at the mercy of your emotions and circumstancesYou want to respond to life instead of constantly reactingYou're ready to admit your way isn't working and you need something betterYou don't want to wait until everything falls apart to access transformationBig announcement: The Road Back Home Podcast is becoming The Serenity Project to align with this new offering.Download the FREE guide "5 Signs You're Unconsciously Choosing Chaos Over Serenity" at www.theserenityproject.ie

School taught you that creativity, individuality and questioning authority were problems to be solved. But in today's world? Those are the exact skills that make you unstoppable.Laura Canavan Hayes joins Amanda for a raw conversation about everything the education system got wrong - and how to reclaim what they tried to strip away.In this deeply personal episode, Amanda and Laura unpack:What uniforms are actually about The rebellion that led Laura from banking to acting (via the dole queue)How Amanda's dad's "scrappiness" became her entrepreneurial superpowerThe moment Laura realised she could "be many things" instead of picking one laneLaura's journey: From painting maintenance sheds in rebellion to walking away from a six-figure banking job to pursue acting and why a particularly demoralising "failure" was actually perfect preparation.Amanda's realization: At almost 50, she's finally learning what it actually means to "apply herself" The game-changer: What if everything you were told to suppress to "survive" in the world is exactly what you need to thrive?The permission slip you've been waiting for: You can be many things. It's never too late to pivot, create, or claim your space in the world exactly as you are. Connect with Laura & claim her free e-book 'Six tips for a Healthy Home' HERE. LAURA'S INSTAGRAMBIOWEAVER INSTAGRAMMentions: The Artist's WayMarian Williamson Quote from her book 'A Return To Love' .Subscribe on⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠ for BONUS tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace

Today's guest didn't show up. So Amanda spills the tea on the ONE thing that's kept you stuck your entire life.You think the problem is your partner. Your weight. Your boss. Your bank account.Plot twist: You've been trying to solve the wrong problem.Amanda lost 100lbs TWICE and was still miserable. She tried the geographic cure more times than she can count. Same drama, different zip code.Here's what she learned from recovery programs that changed everything...The secret isn't waiting for a miracle. It's using a method.In this raw solo episode, Amanda reveals:The "miracle thinking" trap that's exhausting you (and why your brain loves it)Why Jim Carrey was depressed even after making millionsThe 3-step method that's helped millions find serenity (hint: you already know it)What's launching in 10 days that could change your lifePlus: The one question that will show you exactly where you're bleeding energy.Stop trying to control what you can't. Start changing what you can.Your happiness isn't selfish—it's service.Ready to stop waiting for everyone else to change? The Serenity Project launches mid-August. Join the NEWSLETTER to be first in line...Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

This one's for everyone who's tired of feeling like they have to keep pulling rabbits from a hat to deserve a seat at the table.In this unscripted solo episode, Amanda challenges herself to just talk. No outline, no plan, no trunk full of wisdom to unpack.What emerges is a beautiful meditation on recovery, control and the radical act of being enough exactly as you are.Fresh from re-entering the world after hermit mode, Amanda reflects on the insights that come from working a 12-step program while navigating business networks, social media and the simple act of house-training a new dog. It's all connected: the way we try to control our environment, manage other people's experiences and reach outside ourselves to fix internal discomfort.This episode captures the messy, real work of recovery. Not just from substances, but from the addiction to productivity, people-pleasing and the exhausting need to prove your worth through performance. Amanda shares how she's learning to give her brain a break and trust that she's enough without constantly adding to herself..🎧 Listen now and subscribe on SUBSTACK for podcast companion articles, tools & resources. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Ashleigh Tobin is a master storyteller who uses words as colours and her voice as a paintbrush. As a hormone health coach, registered nurse with 35+ years experience and TEDx speaker, she helps women navigate the profound transformation of midlife not as decline, but as awakening.In this conversation, we dive deep into the four stages of womanhood: maiden, creative, enchantress, and sage. That third stage, enchantress or warrior woman, coincides with our forties and fifties, exactly when society tells us we're "over the hill." But Ashleigh reveals this as the time when our greatest resources are waiting to emerge.We explore how the stories we tell ourselves either open or close possibilities, why curiosity is the antidote to certainty and criticism and how to navigate the break in continuity when you start becoming someone new. This conversation also touches on the profound moment when Amanda chose her creative calling over traditional motherhood, leading to an identity shift from "escape artist" to "creative wayfinder", proof that we can rewrite our stories at any stage of life.Key Themes:Four stages of womanhood & midlife as a beginningHow the stories we tell ourselves shape our realityMoving from certainty to curiosity as a way of livingWhy "someday" is the enemy of a life well-livedHow small moments of noticing create profound changeCreating space for your evolving selfConnect with Ashleigh:WebsiteLinkedInTEDx Talk: "How Menopause Will Change Your Life"Instagram

Photographer and yoga teacher Tara Morris sits down for one of the most honest conversations about what it actually means to be free; not when you're "perfect," but right now, exactly as you are.Fresh from losing her mother after 25 years of Parkinson's & navigating her own profound grief, Tara speaks with raw honesty about being "face down in the arena" while still somehow radiating the kind of energy that makes you want to lean into life harder. As an Enneagram 7, she's learned that you can't just run from the hard feelings, sometimes you have to turn toward them.We explore the difference between the stories we tell ourselves, particularly about our bodies and the actual experience of living in them. Tara talks shares why she practices 'granular gratitude' for every single thing her body can do. This is about more than body acceptance, it's about the courage to stop waiting for permission to live fully in the skin you're in.Key Themes:What "being free in your body" actually means (and it's not what you think)Why we numb instead of feel and what's on the other side of that choiceThe different understandings of powerHow grief and gratitude can exist in the same momentWhy your body stories are not the truthIf this conversation reminded you that you're already worthy of love exactly as you are, we'd love if you'd share it with someone who needs that reminder too..Connect with Tara: The Love Offensive Tara Morris ImagesINSTAGRAM.Subscribe to Amanda's ⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK ⁠for companion articles, tools & resources..Music: Holes by Bradley James Grace

This one's for everyone who's ever felt like they had to choose between being authentic and being professional. Jean Evans is a Networking Architect, but this conversation isn't about collecting business cards or LinkedIn strategies. It's about something much more essential: how authentic connection becomes life resourcing, especially for women rebuilding their worlds.After being made redundant while breastfeeding one child with two toddlers around her feet, Jean discovered that learning to network wasn't just about business—it was about discovering who she was as a human being. We dive deep into the wounds that keep us isolated—the fear of being seen as needy, the toxic self-reliance, imposter syndrome, perfectionism. This conversation challenges everything we think we know about networking, success and the dangerous myth that we can, or should, do it all alone.Key Themes:Networking as a learnable skill Vulnerability as permissionTransactional networking or life resourcing?What's costing you connections & opportunitiesThe mentality that leads to burnout, everytime The courage equationYour TRUE credentialsIf this episode reminded you that none of us are supposed to do life alone, we'd love if you'd share it with someone who needs to hear that message..Connect with Jean: WebsitesIgnite Business Network Jean's Newsletter, + free Top 20 Tips to Rock Your Week. Jean's Networking Blog PodcastsIgnite Talks NetworkMeSocialsLinkedinInstagramFacebookX.comYouTube.Subscribe to Amanda's ⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK for companion articles, tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Amanda met Michelle at a professional speaking event, where she stood before a room & declared: "Every single person has something to offer. Everybody has value." Then she challenged everyone to prove it, right there, in real time. In this conversation, Amanda unpacks with her, the inner panic that quickly ensued. Michelle, aka THE PEOPLE READER, is an expert in human behaviour, president of the Professional Speaking Association and a woman who, on Dec 26th 2004, was caught in one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. But what she witnessed in the aftermath wasn't devastation, it was revelation and it led to her life's work. Tune in to hear:Why self-reliance doesn’t work & what the alternative isWhat happened when Amanda's ego "threw a tantrum" & quit on her recovery. Michelle's take on the key to our collective evolution. The results of Amanda's driving forces analysis (a tool developed by Michelle) & a powerful challenge to us all.Connect with Michelle: LINKEDINFACEBOOKWEBSITETHE PEOPLE READER. Subscribe to Amanda's SUBSTACK for companion articles, tools & resources. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

What happens when you stop being a "square peg trying to fit in a round hole"?Interior architect Stephanie O'Sullivan spent over a decade in corporate creative roles, masking her neuro-divergent nature and slowly having "anything good about it sucked away." Then came the breakthrough that changed everything and led to a complete reimagining of what it means to be creative, authentic and unapologetically yourself.This Conversation Is Essential Because:It's about reclaiming your creative intelligence in a world that profits from your conformity.It shows how breakdown can become breakthrough when you stop fighting who you are.It proves that your "difficult" nature might be exactly what the world needs.And because sometimes the most radical act is simply being unapologetically yourself.Stephanie's Links: SOSCOUTINSTAGRAM.Subscribe to Amanda's⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK for companion article, tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

What happens when a "big voice" changes the trajectory of your entire life?In 1988, Emer Halpenny was holding her eight-week-old son, about to take him home from his foster family, when something extraordinary happened. A voice, clear as day—landed on her: "What do you think you're doing? You know this is not for you. Put that baby down."Thirty-six years later, that baby found her again.This isn't just an adoption story—it's about the moment when you know something so deeply that no amount of logic can override it.Here's what will astound you: This monumental decision didn't break Emer—it became her superpower. She doesn't agonize over decisions anymore. When facing anything hard, she remembers: I made the hardest decision possible. Everything else is manageable.WATCH EMER'S TED TALK HEREConnect with Emer Website / LinkedIn.Subscribe on⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠ for creative tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Sometimes the most life-changing revelations come from the most ordinary moments.In this deeply personal solo episode, Amanda shares how adopting her new dog Molly six weeks ago led to a stunning realisation that "turned everything I had been insisting was true on its head."What You'll Discover:The profound difference between control & love.How our past traumas can distort self-care.The importance of self-knowledge.Plus, a question that will change how you think about your needs. This Episode Will Stay With You Because:It's about catching yourself in a lie that doesn't serve you.It reveals how the very behaviors we resist can transform us with the right intention.Sometimes an ordinary moment can reveal to us what years of therapy couldn't.Ready to go deeper? Join Amanda's SUBSTACK for free content and upgrade for €7/month to access deeper "do the work" invitations that accompany each episode.Listen now—because some lies we tell ourselves are too costly to keep believing..

What if 'me time' wasn’t a luxury, but a lifeline?This episode is an invitation to step out of productivity culture and into something deeper: the quiet, profound magic of art journaling and creativity as a way home to yourself.Whether you’re in recovery, in transition, or just feeling disconnected , this one is for the part of you that knows there’s more wisdom inside, but can’t quite get to it with words alone.Learn:✨ The two kinds of art & the difference between them.✨ How creativity can support your healing journey✨ The power of symbols, dreams & the parts of you that know the way. This is a love letter to your creative self; the one that doesn’t need to perform, sell, or impress.Just create. Just feel. Just come home.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to pick up your journal, paints, or pastels… this might be it.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to our SUBSTACK for bonus content..Links: 🎙 We're Sober, Now What Podcast🎙 Enneagram Episode🎨 Creative Comeback Kit✍🏼 Sketchbook Revival.Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Amanda brings listeners along for a real-time walk through the Irish countryside with her newly adopted dog, Molly. Recorded on a winding bóithrín in Co Tipperary, this intimate 'walk and talk' offers an immersive sensory experience, reflections on grief and healing and an invitation to reconnect with the natural world; and ourselves.Tune in to hear:🌿 How a simple walk became a metaphor for healing after loss🌿 The serendipitous story behind meeting Molly🌿 Why reclaiming movement can be an act of self-trust, not self-control🌿 A 60-second sensory meditation you can experience right alongside Amanda.🌿 A moment with a stranger that changed everythingIf you’ve ever needed a reminder that healing is messy, brave, and deeply beautiful; this episode is for you.Come walk with Amanda and maybe find your own little slice of happiness along the way.Subscribe on⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK for BONUS tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace..Shout Out To: fitragamuffin Jamie Carbaugh | Weight-Inclusive Fitness Coach

Amanda & Mel reunite after a break & unpack the emotional & practical realities of re-entering 'normal life' after time off. Whether you're coming back from a vacation, a creative break, or just a disrupted schedule, this episode explores why re-entry can feel so rough & how to handle it with self-compassion.They talk about: Why everything feels harder without routineHolidaying with a brain that never switches offDoes everyone just say “fuck-it” on holidays?Getting 'back on track' with self awareness & compassion Shifting to “gray area” versus all or nothing solutions Whether you're managing your recovery or just trying to hold it together when life gets chaotic, this is a real, relatable & hopeful episode about navigating “re-entry” with more grace and less shame.👉 Have you ever struggled with falling apart after a holiday or break? What anchors help you stay tethered? We’d love to hear.Subscribe for free on⁠ SUBSTACK⁠⁠ for bonus tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

In this special episode, Amanda sits down with her beloved teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide, Carmel Boyle of An Chroí Wisdom Institute. Their conversation offers a rich and moving exploration of healing, transformation, spiritual unfolding and the deep human longing to return home to ourselves.Amanda shares how she found the Wisdom Institute, and Carmel, the morning after her father’s death, at a time when her spirituality was becoming impossible to ignore. What began as a search for a course of study became a profound meeting of kindred spirits.Together, they explore:Why spiritual awakening is our birthright, not a reward for perfectionThe importance of sacred spaces where vulnerability, questioning and mystery are welcomed without judgment.The struggle of transformation, what it requires & what get's in the way.How creative practices like journaling and art become sacred companions through darkness and change.How to recognize the grace hidden within loss, endings, and moments of disorientation.The power of intention as a guiding light through grief, transition and spiritual rebirth.Through personal stories, spiritual wisdom, and real-life metaphors, Amanda and Carmel illuminate a path for anyone navigating grief, healing, or spiritual transformation. They remind us that even in darkness, we are always held by something larger than ourselves; and that the invitation to heal is one we are free to accept, whenever we are ready.Resources Mentioned:An Chroí Wisdom Institute (Training in Spiritual Guidance, Supervision, and Retreats)Carmel’s Website, where you can see her retreat & music offerings.Subscribe on⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠ for additional tools & mentioned resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

[nb: The audio for the 1st 2 mins or so (Amanda's intro) isn't great - please bear with it, it gets better] If you’ve ever struggled with food, body image, or that nagging voice that says you’re not “sick enough” to get help, this episode will speak directly to your soul.Amanda introduces to The Road Back Home, Jacqueline Campion from the Marino Therapy Center to talk about recovery from eating distress in a way most people don’t: human-first. No shame. No labels. No hierarchy of suffering.In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, we talk about:🔸 Why the term “eating distress” is more accurate and more compassionate than “eating disorder”🔸 The myth of not being “bad enough” to deserve help🔸 What Amanda learned from believing she had an “eating problem” (and how that was never really the issue)🔸 Why the anti-diet space can be just as problematic as diet culture🔸 The courage it takes to reclaim your self when your inner dictator is telling you to disappear🔸 The stress we’ve normalised and how it fuels the cycle of shame, secrecy & self-erasurePlus, we share where to find truly non-judgmental, hope-filled support (hint: it exists and we’ll tell you where to look).🎧 If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggles are “valid enough,” this episode is your permission slip. Listen now. .Marino Therapy Centre Links: WebsitePodcastInstagramSubstackBook mentioned: HOPE by Marie Campion. Subscribe on⁠⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ for episodes direct to your inbox as well as access to bonus tools & resources..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

What really happens behind the scenes of a live podcast launch? We spill it all.In this episode, we take you behind the curtain of our first-ever live recording of The Road Back Home and yes, it was every bit as nerve-wracking, soul-stretching and joy-filled as you’d imagine.We talk about:What it felt like to sit on stage with no 'exit plan'Why Mel, a seasoned stage pro, felt a bit out of water. Amanda’s post-show vulnerability hangover.How the night was far more powerful than we plannedWhat we learned about the heart of our podcastSome of the most moving reflections from the audienceAnd what's next for TRBH live?If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “take up space,” rebuild a relationship, or put your heart out there, this is the one to hear.Listen now and maybe feel inspired to take the stage in your own life..Subscribe on⁠⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ for episodes direct to your inbox as well as access to bonus tools & resources. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

What if your happiness isn’t selfish… but generous?In this very special live episode recorded at Nenagh Arts Centre, Amanda & Mel take the stage to unpack a bold idea: your happiness is not just a personal pursuit, it’s a gift to everyone around you.With heartfelt honesty, laughs & a little Grace-over-drama realness, they get into:What “your happiness is a gift” really means Why inner peace isn’t a luxury, it’s leadership. Why we feel guilty for prioritising joyA powerful exercise that brought the room to tearsPROOF of the ripple effect of inner workThis episode is for you if you’ve ever: Said “yes” when you meant “no” Waited until everything fell apart to finally ask for helpFelt selfish for wanting more peace, more joy, more YOU in your life. 📌 Spoiler: Your happiness is not selfish. It's overdue.This conversation is a love letter to anyone who’s tired of putting themselves last; and ready to rewrite that story. Come for the honesty, stay for the goosebumps. .Subscribe on⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠ for bonus tools & resources, including a handout to go with Amanda’s visualisation exercise in this episode PLUS our curated ‘happiness’ playlist. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace

What do you say to your 18-year-old self after 45 years of marriage and four children? Eileen Grace, aka 'Eilo', joins Amanda and Mel for a deeply personal and heartwarming Mother’s Day special; this time, not as the wife of the legendary Brendan Grace, but as the woman who quietly held the family together.In this very special episode, the sisters turn the spotlight on the woman who raised them, guided them and taught them how to love with both tenderness and steel. What unfolds is a moving and humourous reflection on motherhood, resilience, grief & joy..📌 Subscribe on Substack.Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

🧩 What if your personality isn’t who you are, but just a habit you’ve developed over time?What if it was there was a key to understanding the hidden patterns shaping how you think, feel, and react? In this episode of THE ROAD BACK HOME PODCAST, Amanda & Mel offer you a primer on how personality forms, why we over-identify with it &  how to break free from the ways it limits us.🔎 Inside this episode:✨ Why personality is a learned aspect of self, not an unchangeable truth.✨  How Studying The Enneagram reveals our blind spots, emotional triggers & deepest fears.✨ Why over-identifying with your type, shapes your self-perception & holds you back.✨ The three core emotional responses that secretly shape how we move through the world.✨  Amanda's meditation to help you connect to your deeper self, beyond labels🎙 This episode is for you if: ✔️ You feel stuck in old patterns but don’t know how to change. ✔️ You’re open to exploring personality frameworks for real growth. ✔️ You want to stop reacting to life & start responding with clarity, confidence & authenticity.📌 Links & Resources: available on Substack. 📌 Links & Resources:Take the Enneagram quiz Amanda recommends (on SUBSTACK for paid subscribers).Listen to the Typology Podcast for more on each Enneagram type.Join Amanda & Mel LIVE on April 3rd for their upcoming podcast event in Ireland.🔗 Ready to rethink your personality? Listen now! 🎧..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

🧠 Struggling to keep up, but not sure why?🚀 Feel like you’re always behind, even when you’re working twice as hard? ⚡ Ever wondered if productivity culture is making you feel like a failure?If you’ve ever felt like life is harder than it should be—like simple tasks drain you while big ideas come easy—you might be neuro-divergent and not even know it.Amanda is joined by Orla Fitz, a web designer, writer, and creative strategist who was diagnosed with ADHD in midlife—after years of struggling with exhaustion, burnout, and a sense of never quite being able to "keep up."Together, they unpack ways they're learning to manage: ADHD, executive dysfunction & the myth of laziness—Why so many adults go undiagnosed for decades"Mental open tabs" & burnout—How small, unfinished tasks drain more energy than big, complex projectsTime-blindness, organization struggles & the myth of productivity—Why some people thrive in traditional work structures while others flounderUn-shaming support tools—How assistive technologies (like AI!) can level the playing field for neurodivergent mindsWhy structure can actually be freeing—And how the right kind of work can make life easier, not harderOrla shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with ADHD, the invisible struggles that come with it, and why finding the right tools & accommodations isn’t "cheating", it’s about accessibility.🔥 If you’ve ever felt like your brain just works differently, this episode will be a game-changer.🎧 Listen now & let’s challenge the myths of productivity, success, and self-worth—together.📢 Loved this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments, tag a friend who needs to hear this, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more real, unfiltered conversations..Connect with Orla.Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace..🎤 COMING TO OUR LIVE SHOW IN APRIL? Get your tickets ⁠HERE⁠.

What happens when you decide to hit reset on your life—completely? In this very special episode, Amanda and Mel sit down with their brother, Bren P Grace, to unpack his radical three-year journey of living in his car, overcoming addiction, financial struggles, and personal demons.From hitting rock bottom to embracing minimalism, resilience, and faith, Bren shares what led him to this unconventional decision, how it changed him, and what it taught their entire family about boundaries, autonomy, and unconditional love.🔥 Why Bren chose to live in his car for three years—and how his family reacted🔥 The darkest moments of his journey (including an Arctic freeze that nearly broke him)🔥 How he transformed his relationship with alcohol, money, and self-worth🔥 The moment Amanda realized she had to stop fixing and just be his sister🔥 The unexpected life lessons, growth, and faith that pulled him through📺 Bren’s YouTube Channel🚗 Bren's ‘Last Day Living In My Car’ viral video💛 Follow & Subscribe for more real conversations about reinvention, resilience, and coming back home to yourself - delivered straight to your inbox.

 Ever wondered what's really holding you back from speaking your truth? Amanda talks to Jessica Neighbor of ‘Love Your Voice’ about her concept of "Voice Scars." Jessica shares some powerful voice activation exercises to help you stop walking on eggshells and start paving a path of clear, confident communication. Whether it's ordering that oat milk latte or laughing out loud at the gym, this episode is more than a conversation; it's an invitation to unapologetically own not just your voice - but your values, needs & desires.If you've ever felt muzzled by your doubts, stifled by expectations, or silenced by the past, this episode is your call to action. Break the chains of self censorship & step into a world where your voice is not just heard but celebrated. 🔍 Discover:The emotional blocks that keep you from expressing yourself fully & how to heal them.The role of societal expectations, ancestral trauma, cultural norms & social media. Simple yet transformative exercises to strengthen your vocal presence & soothe your spirit.How having your own personal voice icons can inspire your journey to vocal freedom. Connect with Jessica on her LOVE YOUR VOICE substack community, on Instagram, YouTube & check out her LOVE YOUR VOICE WORKBOOKJessica also co-hosts the podcast ‘GIRLFRIENDS OF A CERTAIN AGE’.Subscribe on⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠⁠⁠ for TRBH podcast episodes direct to your inbox as well as access to bonus tools & resources.🎤 COMING TO OUR LIVE SHOW IN APRIL? Get your tickets HERE⁠..Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

❓What happens when telling the truth about your life feels like a betrayal of our loved ones? ❓Why is visibility hard, even when we crave it? ❓When is 'helpfulness'actually 'interference'? ❓And how do you deal with unreasonable demands?How do we walk a thin line? This is the question at the heart of this episode. If you've ever felt vulnerable & exposed, wrestled with ridiculously high expectations, or regretted caving under pressure instead of standing firm, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The unexpected emotional impact of visibility.How to assert boundaries when challenged.How managing expectations counters perfectionism.Subscribe on⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK for episodes direct to your inbox as well as access to bonus tools & resources. .🎤 COMING TO OUR LIVE SHOW IN APRIL? Get your tickets HERE. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Want to hear why Amanda once wished she had a voodoo doll for Liz Gilbert? Or get the tea on why Mel's husband, Frank, will 'never forgive' Steve Martin?Tune in as Amanda & Mel explore the drama that comes with unchecked expectations & why being a hero, sucks for everyone. They also examine the unconscious contracts we sometimes make with others in exchange for love & safety, leading to endless cycles of over giving, burnout & resentment.And as usual.... boundaries. .Subscribe on⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠ for episodes direct to your inbox as well as access to bonus tools & resources (including journaling prompts to go with this episode).🎤 COMING TO OUR LIVE SHOW IN APRIL? Let us know by clickingHERE..🎧 Listen now on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠⁠⁠⁠.Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Struggle. Surrender. Solutions, Oh My!Meet our special guest Tammi Salas, creative ringleader, artist, teacher + founder of the ray of light online community & discover the transformative power of embracing a solution-oriented mindset in recovery.Tammi, who has recently celebrated ten years of sobriety, shares her invaluable insights and personal strategies that helped her overcome addiction and embrace a fulfilling life.This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to profoundly change their life with practical solutions that can be life-changing.Tune in to discover how you too can turn your struggles into strengths and find your way back home to a life you love.What you’ll learn:WhyFriendship & Support is vital in recovery.A mindset shift that can reshape your life.The crucial elements involved in creatinglasting transformation.Daily Recovery Practices & why they matterUsing Creativityas an act ofspiritual evolutionWays toredefine your relationship with a higher powerConnect with Tammi onINSTAGRAM,SUBSTACK &WEBSITE.Subscribe to Amanda’sSUBSTACK to receive episodes straight to your inbox &dive deeper with articles, prompts, tools & resources. .Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Ever feel trapped in a loop of negative self-talk? In this episode, Amanda and Mel break down how the language you use with yourself can either hold you back or propel you forward. If you're tired of the same old stories rattling around your head, it's time to flip the script.Drawing on personal stories and powerful insights, we explore how every word you say to yourself shapes your mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical techniques to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts & how to turn self-criticism into a catalyst for growth.But it doesn’t end with your inner voice. The way you speak to others reflects your self-talk. We share tips on the kind of language that is best to de-escalate conflict & set healthy boundaries—so you can build stronger, more authentic relationships.If you’re ready to transform your self-talk and unlock a more compassionate, resilient you, tune in now and take the first step towards a happier, more empowered life.#SelfTalk #Mindfulness #Journaling #Empathy #Boundaries #PersonalGrowth #YourHappinessIsAGift.Subscribe for free on⁠ ⁠Substack⁠⁠ for free tools & resources.🎧Listen now on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠⁠⁠⁠.Music Credit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Ever feel like journaling is just one more thing you don’t have time for? Or that it has to be perfect—pages of deep, introspective writing—or it doesn’t count? Amanda and Mel tackle the common barriers that stop us from journaling and share how to make it work for you. Together, they explore:✨ The myths that keep people from journaling (hint: it doesn’t have to take an hour or be beautifully written).✨ How to use quick prompts, digital tools, or even photos to turn journaling into a simple, accessible practice.✨ Creative approaches to self-reflection, like using card decks or art books, to bypass emotional overwhelm & reconnect with yourself. Amanda shares her expertise as a therapist & inner work mentor, while Mel offers her real-life insights on shifting from journaling avoidance to finding easy, flexible ways to make it part of her daily routine. The takeaway? Journaling doesn’t have to be hard. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up for yourself in a way that feels good, doable & healing. 💡 This episode is for you if: You think journaling is too time-consuming or intimidating. You’ve struggled to keep a consistent journaling habit. You’re looking for creative ways to check in with yourself and process emotions. 📌 Hit play to learn how to make journaling your own—and finally feel good about it. . Subscribe for free on ⁠Substack⁠ for free tools & resources. 🎧Listen now on⁠⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠⁠⁠ . Music Credit:⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Do you ever feel like the weight of other people’s opinions is holding you back? In this episode, Amanda and Mel unpack the hidden power of whispers and comments that can shake our confidence if we let them. Here’s what we dive into: The difference between hearsay and direct feedback—and what's worth your energy. How to identify and silence the insecurities that make criticism sting more. A step-by-step process to pause, reframe, and respond. The credibility check: actionable steps to help you process and rise above other people’s opinions with ease. Powerful questions, to help you reclaim your emotional balance. 👉 Plus, don’t miss the free downloadable handout we created just for you when you subscribe to our SUBSTACK. Your happiness is too valuable to let others define it. Tune in now and take the first step toward emotional resilience & self-validation. . Music Credit:⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Do you ever feel like someone’s always got their eye on you, silently critiquing your every move? Maybe it’s a comment about your appearance, a side-eye when you’re grabbing fast food, or that awkward moment when someone’s praise feels more like a backhanded compliment.  In this episode, Amanda and Mel unravel the complex web of judgment—both from others and ourselves—and how it shapes our confidence and choices. Amanda shares a jaw-dropping story about a past critic turned unexpected admirer, proving just how fickle opinions can be. Meanwhile, Mel reflects on the unspoken societal rulebook that keeps us playing small and feeling ashamed over the tiniest decisions.  Together, they uncover how to stop spiraling over what others think and start living for yourself. You’ll hear: The surprising truth about why people judge you How to spot and reframe your inner critic The real reason shame shows up in everyday moments Actionable tips to break free from self-doubt and reclaim your confidence Ready to stop giving others the power to define your worth? Hit play and start your journey to self-acceptance now!.  Don’t forget to share your stories, comments, and questions on our SUBSTACK—we love hearing from you! . Music Credit:⁠⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Do you ever feel completely wiped out after spending time with a certain friend? Maybe you dread their calls or find yourself constantly walking on eggshells to avoid conflict. You might be caught in the exhausting cycle of fawning—a people-pleasing behaviour where you prioritise keeping the peace over your own needs. In this episode, we unpack the hidden toll of fawning in friendships, a dynamic that can leave you feeling resentful, burnt out, and disconnected from your authentic self. We’ll explore: Why some friendships feel more like a chore than a joy The difference between healthy compromise & losing yourself How to spot when you’re stuck in people-pleasing mode Practical ways to set boundaries without guilt The liberating truth about what real friendship looks like Join us as we share personal stories, insights, and actionable tips to help you break free from the trap of fawning & build relationships that energize, rather than exhaust you. Connect with Us:If this episode resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment, share your story, or suggest a topic for a future episode. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe for free on Substack for free tools & resources. 🎧Listen now on⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠APPLE⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠SUBSTACK⁠⁠ . Music Credit:⁠ ⁠Holes⁠⁠ By Bradley James Grace. . #ToxicFriendships #PeoplePleasing #Boundaries #PeoplePleaserRecovery #SelfCare #InnerHealing #Happiness #EmotionalBurnout #RealTalkPodcast

In this New Year’s Day episode, Amanda and Mel take a break from heavier topics to explore the art of Irish cursing. They celebrate the cultural, historical, and linguistic richness of Irish slang, sharing their favorite curse words, phrases & anecdotes.  They discuss how Irish cursing is often used with wit, humor, and a playful tone, reflecting the creativity of the Irish language and culture.  Join Amanda & Mel as they share their thoughts on Irish Cursing as an art form, a storytelling device & a whole-ass cultural practice.  🚩WARNING: This is not an episode for little ears!  🎧Listen now on ⁠SPOTIFY⁠, ⁠APPLE⁠ or ⁠SUBSTACK⁠ . Music Credit: ⁠Holes⁠ By Bradley James Grace.

Amanda & Mel discuss the concept of boundaries through the lens of the Personal Bill of Rights. They explore how boundaries can be perceived negatively and how to reframe them as acts of self-love and empathy. The conversation delves into the importance of asserting one's needs, the role of empathy in setting boundaries & practical applications of the Personal Bill of Rights in everyday situations. Amanda gets vulnerable & shares personal experiences of navigating truthfulness with friends, when the impact of food on emotional well-being gets in the way of connection. Discover How: ✨Reclaiming personal rights is crucial for self-worth & mental health ✨Practicing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections ✨Radical honesty is a key component of recovery and self-acceptance ✨Having the actual words can transform your boundary setting confidence  . 💡 Bonus: Download our free handout, where we give you the actual words to practice being more assertive in your own life. Simply subscribe to our podcast on SUBSTACK for free. Listen now on SPOTIFY, APPLE or SUBSTACK . Music Credit: Holes By Bradley James Grace. . #boundaries, #PersonalBillofRights, #empathy, #selflove, #communication, #mental health, #assertiveness, #emotionalintelligence, #selfworth, #relationships

Silly season is upon us & for many, this also means enduring the increased stress & anxiety that often accompanies the holidays. We discuss the common stress triggers & offer you our best tried & true ideas to help you navigate it all with more ease and joy. Whether your challenge is tricky family dynamics, towering expectations or managing your own energy, we discuss creative ways to reduce holiday pressures & develop your own self-care plan to support you through it all. If you need inspiration for staying centered & creating space for yourself amidst the chaos, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you enjoy a more peaceful holiday season. . We'd love to hear from you, come on over to our SUBSTACK, share your feedback & subscribe to receive episodes straight to your inbox. Music Credit: Holes by Bradley James Grace.  . #holidaystress, #selfcare, #familydynamics, #boundaries, #copingstrategies, #anxiety

Ever catch yourself wanting to numb out after a stressful interaction? Feeling weighed down by lingering resentment? In this episode, we dive into a powerful, practical process to help you unpack and release those heavy emotions. Starting with self-empathy, we guide you in: ✨ Understanding the impact of stressful encounters✨ Recognizing your role in reclaiming your power✨ Setting clear, effective boundaries✨ Taking responsibility for your emotional well-being 💡 Bonus: Download our free handout to practice this transformative process in your own life by subscribing to our podcast on Substack for free. Resource: Get this step by step guide when you subscribe for free via SUBSTACK.link mentioned: Lisa Nichols How To Create Healthy Boundaries on YouTube We'd love to hear from you, come on over to our SUBSTACK, share your stories & subscribe to receive episodes straight to your inbox.Music Credit: Holes by Bradley James Grace.  #Podcast #Resentment #EmotionalWellness #Boundaries #SelfAwareness

In this episode, Amanda and Mel explore "step zero"—the difficult space of pre-commitment and the early contemplation of change. This often-overlooked phase can be a struggle when, despite an intellectual understanding of the need for change, the heart is not yet fully ready. It's a place of resistance where many people find themselves grappling with the challenge of on again, off again abstinence. It's the hardship of white-knuckling through urges versus a neutrality that is the true mark of...

In this episode, we discuss toxic relationship dynamics after watching Apple TV's "The Shrink Next Door".Join us as we dissect the show's portrayal of co-dependency, vulnerability & emotional manipulation & draw parallels between the characters' power dynamics and those we've encountered in real life.We highlight the importance of teaching children boundaries & empowering them to stay safe from harm by honouring discomfort.We share insights into the subtle art of recognising toxic...

Do you recognize when a path no longer serves you? Or do you resist change because it feels like failure? In this episode, Amanda shares her journey of stepping away from a seemingly successful solopreneur career to embrace a more fulfilling, grounded path. We reflect on the dangers of chasing external validation, the cost of burnout, and the courage it takes to redefine success. Through unexpected roles and shifting priorities, the sisters explore how aligning with our true values can b...

Imagine life as a never-ending game of charades where you're constantly acting out a role that doesn't fit. You're pretending to be thrilled with a gift you hate, feigning enthusiasm for your partner's boring hobbies, and nodding along with conversations that make you want to scream. In this episode, we contemplate the consequences of suppressing what’s actually true and the healing power of vulnerability and acceptance. Together, we reflect on the challenges of reconciling pas...

This episode is packed with eye-opening insights for anyone caught in cycles of people-pleasing or perfectionism. Together, Amanda and Mel explore how deep-seated conditioning can distort our sense of self, stifle authenticity, and lead to choices that don’t truly align with who we are.Using Mel’s real-life struggle with the tug-of-war over tidiness at home, Amanda introduces a practical tool to help you assess situations accurately, protect your energy & make creative choices that a...

Ever felt like your worth is tied to how much you can do for others? Amanda and Mel share their journeys navigating the treacherous waters of people-pleasing. Through personal anecdotes, they uncover the often-overlooked connection between people-pleasing & power struggles. We look at family dynamics, the role of the 'good child,' & the critical skills needed to unlearn these often life long patterns. This episode also offers specific strategies to stay true to oneself ...

Ever wondered how quitting alcohol might lead to an emotional awakening? Join us as we embark on our podcast journey with "The Road Back Home," where we share deeply personal stories that go beyond the clichés of midlife crises. Amanda opens up about her seven-year sobriety journey and passion for inner work, while Mel shares her day-to-day life running a children's drama school and her philosophy of taking life one day at a time. This episode sets the groundwork for a podcast...