The Survival Project

Aoife Quinn is 23, from Galway, and living with a rare condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia.Right now, her symptoms are manageable.But she knows what’s coming.She knows there’s a drug that could slow the progression of her condition and protect her future.The problem?It has been deemed “not value for money.”In this episode, we talk about:Being diagnosed at 18Living with uncertainty and fearThe impact on family and identityFighting for access to life-changing treatmentThis isn’t just about chronic illness.It’s about what happens when the treatment exists… but you can’t access it.Aoife isn’t asking for a miracle.She’s asking for a chance.🔗 Support Aoife - https://www.change.org/p/make-skyclarys-available-in-irelandIG - @aoifequinn31Massive thank you to todays sponsor Western Auto Parts Oranmore. For all you motoring needs contact: 091-79014

Episode 31 of The Survival Project is a reflections episode titled:“Let Us Sit in the Fire Together.”This episode explores the reality of living with chronic illness, Crohn’s disease, IBD, ostomy life, chronic pain, and mental resilience, through lessons taken from the last 10 conversations on the podcast.From misdiagnosis and isolation to recovery, identity loss, breathwork, sleep, and rebuilding life after illness, this episode brings together powerful insights from real lived experiences.If you are navigating:Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitisIBD or an ostomyChronic illness or chronic painMental health struggles linked to healthThis episode is a reminder that you are not alone.The core message is simple:We are all sitting in the fire, but we do not have to sit in it alone.Featuring reflections from guests including Sam (Footprints Africa), Joe Forde, Tom Coleman, Tanika, Diego, Karen, Jack Brennan, and Oliver (Chronicare).A massive thank you to Western Auto Parts Oranmore for supporting this episode and helping keep The Survival Project alive. Contact: 091-790014📌 Links & Resources:Chronicare App: https://chronicare.io/Footprints Africa: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonathan-footprints2africa?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020Contact: [email protected]

In Episode 30 I sit down with Oliver for a powerful and honest conversation about chronic illness, identity, isolation, and purpose.Oliver shares his journey of first developing psoriasis as a teenager before later being diagnosed with IBD during the chaos of 2020. He speaks openly about the long and frustrating road to diagnosis, the fear and trauma of hospitalisation, and the mental strain of trying to make sense of a body that suddenly feels unpredictable.We also go deep into the ripple effect of chronic illness, not just on the person living with it, but on parents, partners, friends, and the people trying their best to understand what they cannot fully see.A major part of this episode is Oliver’s work with Chronicare, a platform he created to help people living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBD feel less alone, track symptoms more clearly, and take more control in the time between hospital appointments. It is a brilliant example of turning pain into purpose.This episode touches on:Psoriasis and IBDCrohn’s disease vs ulcerative colitisDelayed diagnosis and medical frustrationHospital trauma and mental healthCommunication with family and loved onesLiving with flare-ups and uncertaintyBuilding purpose through chronic illnessCreating a better support system for people with IBDThis is a conversation about patience, perspective, and slowly learning how to build a life around something you never asked for.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.Search "Chronicare" in the app store or google play.

At 23 years old, Jack Brennan was forced to relearn how to walk.After a childhood diagnosis of Perthes disease, Jack spent years living with chronic pain, navigating a system that told him he was “too young” for the surgery he desperately needed. While his condition worsened, he was left trying to hold his life together physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this conversation, Jack opens up about what it’s really like to grow up in pain, the impact it had on his identity and confidence, and the frustration of knowing there was a solution… but being denied access to it.We explore the mental battle of chronic pain, the importance of self-advocacy, and what it takes to keep going when your body feels like it’s working against you.After fighting for years, Jack eventually underwent a double hip replacement. What followed was one of the toughest periods of his life… learning to walk again from scratch.Now, he’s rebuilding. Physically. Mentally. And emotionally.This episode is about resilience, perspective, and the reality that recovery isn’t always a clean finish line… sometimes it’s learning to live, rebuild, and push forward anyway.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it.You can find Jack on socials:TikTok - @jack__brennanIG - @jack__brennan_

In Episode 28 of The Survival Project, Jonathan sits down with Karin O'Shea for a deeply moving conversation about living with chronic Lyme disease, years of misdiagnosis, neurological symptoms, medical gaslighting, and the fight to access life-saving treatment abroad after being failed by the healthcare system in Ireland.Karin shares how her symptoms began in childhood, how she was initially diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and how her condition deteriorated into something far more severe, including vertigo, chronic migraines, memory issues, loss of motor function, inability to walk, and seizure-like episodes. After being told to simply “get comfortable” with a worsening condition, she took matters into her own hands, sent her bloods to Germany, and eventually travelled abroad for intensive chronic Lyme treatment that saved her life.This episode explores the emotional and physical toll of long-term illness, the trauma of not being believed, the reality of living with invisible symptoms, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life after survival.Karen also speaks powerfully about:chronic Lyme disease in Irelandneurological Lyme symptomsmisdiagnosis and medical gaslightingfundraising for treatment abroadliving with long-term nerve pain and fatiguepacing, rest, and invisible illnesssleep struggles and nervous system healingfinding purpose through yoga and chronic illness recoveryThis is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about resilience, grief, identity, healing, and learning how to hold both joy and suffering in the same breath.If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share The Survival Project.

In this episode of The Survival Project, I’m joined by Diego for one of the most powerful and honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast.Diego shares his journey from competing at a high level in college and chasing Olympic dreams, to facing relentless injuries, severe gut issues, and a period where everything began to fall apart. From bleeding before races to living out of an attic with no income, this is the reality behind the scenes of elite sport that very few people ever see.We dive into:the pressure of high performance sportlosing your identity as an athletenavigating chronic illness and uncertaintythe mental toll of setbacks and repeated obstaclesletting go of outcomes and finding freedom againrebuilding your life with a new perspectiveThis episode is a reminder that sometimes the path we’re forcing isn’t the one meant for us… and that stepping away can be the very thing that brings us back stronger.If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

In this episode of The Survival Project, I am joined by Tanika for an honest conversation about Crohn’s disease, pregnancy, stress, trauma, flares, and motherhood.Tanika shares how she went from having no major stomach issues to repeated hospital visits, months of uncertainty, and eventually receiving a Crohn’s diagnosis while pregnant. She opens up about the emotional toll of living with chronic illness, the fear that comes with flares, postpartum setbacks, medication worries, and the reality of trying to care for a child while also trying to care for yourself.This episode explores:getting diagnosed with Crohn’s during pregnancythe possible link between stress, trauma, and gut healthwhat Crohn’s flares really feel likethe mental burden of chronic illnessmedication fears and learning what works for your bodyfasting, movement, self-care, and staying presentthe importance of support, patience, and speaking kindly to yourselfA very real episode for anyone living with Crohn’s disease, colitis, chronic illness, gut health issues, or pregnancy-related health fears.If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, and share the podcast.

In this episode of The Survival Project, I am joined by Tom Coleman, health scientist and sleep specialist, for a deep conversation on sleep, stress, circadian rhythm, recovery, and modern life.Tom shares why so many people are struggling with sleep, the biggest misconceptions around insomnia, why light sleep is just as important as deep sleep, and how stress, screens, caffeine, supplements, and daily habits all influence the quality of our rest.We also discuss:why sleep problems often start long before bedtimethe connection between stress, hypervigilance, chronic illness, and poor sleephow circadian rhythm really workswhether magnesium, melatonin, and sleeping tablets actually helpwhy shift workers and parents have such a tough time with sleepsimple practical tools to start improving sleep naturallyThis episode is full of grounded, practical advice for anyone dealing with insomnia, broken sleep, racing thoughts, stress, chronic fatigue, or nervous system overload.If sleep has been a struggle for you, this conversation is for you.To contact Tom or learn more about his work you can do so at https://www.tomcoleman.ie

In this episode of The Survival Project, I am joined by Joe Forde for a deep conversation on breath-work, hypnotherapy, anxiety, trauma, and nervous system regulation.Joe shares how breath-work can help us move out of fight-or-flight, why so many people feel wired but tired, and how small daily resets can support better sleep, less stress, and greater emotional balance.The conversation explores how trauma can be held in the body, how hypnotherapy helps shift old patterns, and why learning to regulate the nervous system can be life-changing.A grounded and practical episode for anyone interested in mental health, healing, emotional regulation, chronic stress, and the mind-body connection.If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, and share the podcast. Thank you all for your support!Joe's details are below: Phone number: 087 94 54 546Email: [email protected]:www.joeforde.com and www.powerofbreath.ieSocials: www.facebook.com/Joevfordewww.instagram.com/joevfordeLink to Your Workday Reset Pdf https://learn.joeforde.com/f/your-workday-reset

In this episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan Healy speaks with Sam Yiollaris, founder of Footprints to Africa, a UK charity redistributing surplus stoma supplies to under-resourced hospitals across Africa.After her colorectal cancer diagnosis and a year living with a stoma, Sam discovered a devastating reality: while life-saving stoma surgery exists in many African countries, access to basic ostomy supplies often does not.The result? Isolation, preventable suffering, and loss of dignity.Footprints to Africa now works to collect and redistribute bowel and bladder medical supplies, support hospitals, reduce medical waste, and restore dignity to ostomates across multiple African nations.This conversation explores:• Life with a stoma• Colorectal cancer and IBD• Global inequality in ostomy care• Chronic illness and isolation• Sustainability and medical waste• The emotional toll of advocacy• How to donate stoma supplies or fundraiseIf you live with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, or an ostomy, this episode will resonate deeply.Listen now and learn how you can support the mission.If this episode moves you, follow the podcast and share it.Donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonathan-footprints2africa?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020Contact: [email protected]

He’s joined by Liv from Salts Healthcare and Josh, a Salts advocate and Ostique Connect user, to talk about something many people with IBD and stomas experience but don’t always say out loud: isolation.They dive into Ostique Connect, a free peer-support app designed to help people connect with others who truly understand their stage of the journey, plus the community features like one-to-one chats, the global forum, and resources created with real lived experience. Josh shares how connecting with others has helped his confidence and mental health, and Liv explains why Salts focuses so heavily on patient support and advocacy. Download Ostique Connect (free): search “Ostique Connect” in the App Store or Google Play📌 Links Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enIOS: https://apps.apple.com/ar/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

Fear is part of chronic illness. Even when it’s not spoken about, it’s there.In Episode 21 of The Survival Project, I reflect on the previous ten episodes and explore the role fear has played in my own life, my diagnosis, and the stories shared by my guests.From fear of relationships, parenthood, failure, and relapse, to self-sabotage, stress, and the nervous system, this episode looks at how fear shows up, why it exists, and how it can quietly shape our choices if we let it.I share what therapy has taught me about catching negative thought patterns, how fear lives in the future, and why learning to calm the mind and body matters just as much as managing physical symptoms. Drawing on insights from guests including Owen Lancelot, Dr Orla Kelly, Colm Collins, Moira Geary, Nemara Wilde, Lorraine Cooney, Zoe Ryan, Daniel Duckett, and Kenneth Keavey, this episode connects lived experience with biology, mindset, and choice.Fear doesn’t disappear. But it can be understood, redirected, and used.This episode is about learning how to respond to fear instead of letting it control your life.Thanks to Salts Healthcare for supporting this episode and for creating Ostique Connect, an app designed to reduce isolation for people living with IBD and ostomies.If this episode resonates, you’re not alone.Episode links:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enIOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231The hidden power of smiling - Ron Gutman - TED-EdTED-Edhttps://ed.ted.com › lessons › the-hidden-power-of-smil...

In this episode of The Survival Project, I’m joined by mindset and nervous-system specialist Moira Geary, known for her work helping people “recombobulate” when life feels overwhelming, chaotic, or stuck.We explore why self-sabotage shows up even when we consciously want to be well, how the subconscious mind protects us through fear and familiar patterns, and why chronic illness can trap us in constant future-focused anxiety.Moira shares practical, accessible tools to calm the nervous system, interrupt stress loops, and shift perspective without forcing positivity or reliving the past. We also talk about identity, fear responses, public speaking anxiety, and how mindset work can support physical healing.This conversation is especially for anyone living with chronic illness, stress, or burnout who feels stuck in survival mode and wants realistic ways to feel more grounded.🎧 Listen with an open mind.🔗 Links mentioned in the episode are in the show notes.What happens when your body is sick but your mind never feels safe?In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with Moira Geary, creator of the QTT method and a specialist in mindset, nervous system regulation, and subconscious patterns. Moira describes her work as helping people “recombobulate” when stress, fear, self-sabotage, or illness take over.We dive deep into:Why the subconscious mind pulls us back into old habitsHow fear and uncertainty fuel chronic stressWhy people with chronic illness often live in the futureThe link between thoughts, physiology, and emotional triggersSimple techniques to calm the nervous system in real timeWhy meditation doesn’t work for everyone and what doesHow identity and past experiences shape present reactionsMoira also shares insights from her own health journey, including navigating serious illness, and explains how perspective shifts can create real internal freedom even when external circumstances haven’t changed.This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, anxiety, or overwhelm who wants grounded, practical tools rather than surface-level positivity.👍 If this conversation resonates, like the video📌 Subscribe for future episodes💬 Share your thoughts in the commentsPositivity Project:https://www.moirageary.com/podcasts/the-positivity-project-podcastThis episode is supported by Salts HealthcareOstique ConnectAndroid: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enIOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

In Episode 19 of The Survival Project, I’m joined by hypnotherapist Nemara Wilde (Wilde Transformation), someone who genuinely helped change my life. Years ago, she helped me finally get off cigarettes after failing miserably for a long time, and in this conversation we unpack why habits like smoking are rarely about the habit itself.We talk hypnotherapy in a way that actually makes sense, how the subconscious drives compulsions, and why so many of us get trapped in spirals of thought that pull us further into stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Nemara also guides a simple “Lemon Test” that shows just how powerfully the mind influences the body, and she shares practical tools you can use immediately, including thought flipping, self praise, and a morning “power walk” routine to shift your state.A huge thank you to Salts Healthcare for supporting the podcast and for building tools like Ostique Connect, helping prove that chronic illness does not have to mean isolation.Download links:IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=en

In this episode of The Survival Project, i am joined by Dr Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist and passionate IBD advocate, for a deeply honest and wide-ranging conversation about inflammatory bowel disease from both sides of the desk.We explore the realities of living with IBD in Ireland, including the financial burden patients face, why Crohn’s and Colitis are still not recognised under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, and how cost forces people to skip medication, delay care, and suffer in silence.Dr Kelly speaks candidly about the empathy gap between patients and practitioners, the pressures inside an under-resourced health system, and why communication, trust, and listening are just as important as medication. The conversation also dives into steroids, biologics, burnout, advocacy, and what the future of IBD care could look like with AI, remote monitoring, wearables, and personalised treatment.This episode is about humanity in medicine, system change, and why recognising IBD as the disabling condition it is could transform thousands of lives.🎧 A must-listen for anyone living with IBD, supporting someone with chronic illness, or working inside healthcare.Supported by Salts Healthcare Ostique Connect download links:Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enApple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

In Episode 17, I sit down with Owen Lancelot, an ultra runner and ostomate whose story goes way beyond ulcerative colitis.Diagnosed at 16, Owen shares what happens to your mind when your body starts betraying you: the anger, the loss of fear, the reckless coping, and the brutal cycle of meds, steroids, and hospital stays. He also opens up about the lesser-known “domino effects” of treatment and surgery, and the ripple impact on the people who love you.Then we get into the rebuild: how endurance sport gave Owen control again, his philosophy on the “pain cave,” and why community matters so much for men living with chronic illness.We also talk about Stryde, the support garment Owen is building to help ostomates train and live with more confidence. Owen is an amzing advocate who raises money for Crohns & Colitis charites for every race that he does.This conversation was made possible today by Salts Healthcare.Their app Ostique Connect is fantastic tool to prevent the isolation that can come with chronic illness and its completely free.If you'd like to check it out you can download at the links below:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enIOS: https://apps.apple.com/ar/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231You can check out Owens social and his business Stryde:@bagontherun@strydeactive

In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with Colm Collins, an IBD researcher with over 15 years of experience at the cutting edge of inflammatory bowel disease science.Colm unpacks some of the most misunderstood and debated topics in IBD today, including:Why cannabis may feel helpful short-term but can significantly worsen Crohn’s disease long-termThe real science behind the gut–brain axis and how inflammation affects mental healthStress as a genuine biological trigger, not just a “side effect”Why biologics can stop working and what’s coming next in IBD treatmentThe role of genetics, the microbiome, environment, and immune memoryHow wearables, home testing, and personalised medicine could change patient careWhy collaboration between patients, researchers, and clinicians is essentialThis is a deeply informative conversation that bridges lived experience with real-world science, cutting through myths and offering clarity, hope, and context for anyone living with IBD or supporting someone who is.This episode is proudly supported by Salts Healthcare.This episode is supported by Salts Healthcare. Thank you to Salts for supporting The Survival Project and helping amplify conversations around health and wellbeing.If you'd like to check out Ostique Connect, you can do at the following links:Android: Apple:  Follow the podcast to stay up to date with future episodes, and share this one with someone who could benefit from it.

Food used to be simple. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Kenneth Keavey, founder of Green Earth Organics, to uncover the hidden realities of modern food production and why an everyday orange might not be vegan.From chemical residues and food coatings to fake farm branding and soil destruction, this conversation reveals how disconnected we’ve become from the way our food is grown. Kenneth explains why organic farming is not a trend but a return to how food was always meant to be produced.This episode explores the deep connection between food, gut health, biodiversity, and long-term wellbeing, while offering grounded, practical advice for anyone who wants to eat cleaner without fear or perfectionism.You’ll hear about:The surprising truth behind non-vegan fruitChemicals in food and what labels don’t tell youSoil health and why it matters for human healthFood marketing myths vs realitySmall, meaningful changes that make a real differenceThis episode is supported by Salts Healthcare. Thank you to Salts for supporting The Survival Project and helping amplify conversations around health and wellbeing.If you'd like to check out Ostique Connect, you can do at the following links:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enApple: https://apps.apple.com/ar/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231Check out Green Earth Organics: https://greenearthorganics.ie/If this episode made you think differently about food, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Gut symptoms are never “just in your head” but your brain is absolutely involved.In this episode of The Survival Project, I’m joined by Lorraine Cooney, dietetics, gut-brain axis, the microbiome, and why stress, food fear, and nervous system dysregulation can intensify IBS and ongoing gut symptoms in IBD.Lorraine breaks down gut-directed hypnotherapy (what it is, what it targets, and why it’s evidence-based), plus practical strategies for day-to-day gut health: regular meals, soluble fibre, slowing down while eating, navigating restaurants and travel, and supplements that actually have research behind them. We also talk about the nocebo effect and why connection and relaxation are often missing pieces in recovery.A sincere thank you to Salts Healthcare for supporting today’s episode and helping important conversations like this reach those who need them most.If you would like to check out Ostique Connect you can download at the links belowhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=en_IEhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231To check out more of Lorraine's work and her books: Instagram @gut_health_mattershttps://guthealthmatters.ie/

In this episode of The Survival Project, I’m joined by Daniel Duckett. Daniel lives with an ostomy, is an award-winning pastry chef based in Belfast, and is an openly gay man who has rebuilt a full, confident, and creative life after years of chronic illness and complex surgery.Daniel’s journey begins in his teens with ulcerative colitis, evolving diagnoses, repeated hospitalisations, failed treatments, and life-altering surgeries. Over decades, his health shaped not only his body, but his identity, relationships, and sense of self. In this conversation, Daniel speaks with honesty, humour, and clarity about what it really means to live in a changed body and learn to embrace it.We explore body image, dating, intimacy, and confidence within the gay community, including navigating sex, relationships, and self-worth with an ostomy. Daniel shares practical insights on disclosure, communication, and learning to separate internal fear from external reality. His message is clear: confidence grows with time, honesty, and self-acceptance.Beyond health and identity, Daniel also shares how his ostomy gave him the physical stability to pursue his dream career in pastry. From working long hours on his feet to training chefs and opening his own patisserie, he reflects on resilience, legacy, and how loss shaped his purpose. His story is deeply connected to his late mother, whose strength and support live on through the life he has built.This is a powerful episode about survival, sexuality, creativity, grief, and choosing to live fully in the body you have. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t about returning to who you were, but becoming who you are.A sincere thank you to Salts Healthcare for supporting today’s episode and helping important conversations like this reach those who need them most.If you would like to check out Ostique Connect you can download at the links belowhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=en_IEhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

In this episode, I’m joined by TV and radio presenter Zoe Ryan, who shares her powerful journey of living with psoriasis. We explore the shock of diagnosis, identity struggles, the mental health impact of visible illness, and the gaps in dermatology that leave so many people feeling lost.Zoe explains how psoriasis reshaped her life, the stigma she faced, and why she created ItchingTo Tell You, (@itchingtotellyou) psoriasis education platform. We talk about acceptance, mindset, daily management, rebuilding confidence, and the courage of becoming visible in a world that often misunderstands this condition.A deeply honest, uplifting conversation for anyone living with a chronic condition or supporting someone who is.To check out Ostique Connect by Salts Healthcare you can find more information & download links below. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=en_IE&pli=1Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231

In episode 11 of The Survival Project, I slow things down and reflect on the first ten episodes and the lessons they have taught me. This is a solo episode, no guest, just me looking back at the stories we have shared and what they really mean when the microphones are off and real life kicks back in.I talk about why reflection matters, how insecurity nearly stopped me recording this episode, and why chronic illness changes how we measure success, time and achievement. I revisit some of the most powerful moments so farfrom Sarah’s “you have to deal with the shark closest to the boat,” to Louise’s fight to be believed, Sean and Alex finding freedom with an ostomy, Ruth facing Crohn’s and cancer at the same time, Ellie rebuilding her life after being told her disease was life limiting, and Siobhán’s battle with endometriosis, myocarditis and a broken system that stole years from her and her son.Across the episode I explore big themes that keep showing up in every storyhow illness steals time, how advocacy is not optional, how family carries a hidden load, how humour helps us survive, and how hope keeps sneaking back in even when things look impossible. I also share honestly about comparison, resentment, the “everybody has 24 hours” myth and how success can sometimes be as simple as getting out of bed and into the shower.If you are living with chronic illness, love someone who is, or just want to understand the reality behind the brave faces, this episode is for you.🔑 In this episode you will hear about:• Why reflection is essential for actually learning from our experiences• The weight and courage behind “dealing with the shark closest to the boat”• The hidden cost of lost years and stolen time• How families cope, crack and come back together• Why community, storytelling and small wins matter more than everThank you for listening, sharing and helping me build this community. If this episode resonates, please rate, comment or share it with someone who might need it. Your support helps these stories reach the people they are meant to reach.

In this episode of The Survival Project, Siobhán from Galway shares a powerful and deeply honest story of surviving a failed system.She has lived with stage 4 endometriosis for 16 years, survived a perforated womb, was misdiagnosed while developing myocarditis, and spent over a year bedbound while raising her young son alone.We talk about• Endometriosis, major surgery and a complete lack of aftercare• Being told it was “anxiety” while her heart was racing at over 200 bpm• Collapsing, breaking bones and still not being believed• The impact on her son and the fear of being a single parent in crisis• Watching her child be sent home twice before being blue lighted back in• Why she believes the system is built for “healthy people”• The difference she felt when she finally received care in London• How Croí and Cry Ireland helped her rebuild• Using her story to advocate for change in women’s health and cardiac care• Finding her spark again and creating a life she is proud of with her sonThis is a conversation about resilience, advocacy and the power of lived experience. It is also a call for empathy and real change in how we treat people with chronic and complex conditions.If this episode speaks to you, please follow, rate and share The Survival Project so more people living with chronic illness and hidden disabilities can feel seen and heard.FollowPodcast Instagram: @thesurvivalprojectpodJonathan’s socials: @jonathanjhealyNothing in this podcast is medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own health.Links & charities mentioned:https://cry.ie/https://hdsunflower.comhttps://croi.ie/TikTok: siobhancunningham333

At just 16, Ellie Howe’s life changed overnight. What began as stomach pain spiralled into years of misdiagnosis, disbelief, and unimaginable suffering — dismissed by doctors, labelled dramatic, and told to “man up.” By 19, she was bed bound, on artificial nutrition, and told her illness was “life-limiting.”But Ellie refused to let that be the end. With her mother’s relentless advocacy and a glimmer of hope, she found a surgeon willing to take a chance — a radical operation that would give her life back.Now, six years on, Ellie can eat, walk, and live fully again. She’s back at university, studying English, and runs A Note of Hope — a community where she shares stories of resilience to remind others that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always a way forward.In this episode, we explore:The emotional toll of being disbelieved by doctorsThe strength found in hope and human connection How therapy helped her rebuild her life and self-worth The power of sharing stories to help others surviveThis is a conversation about strength, grace, and the healing power of hope.Links mentioned:https://patientsknowbest.com/https://www.anoteofhope.com/Check out Ellie's social:@a.note.of.hope

In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with fellow Galway native Ruth Gibney. Ruth shares her powerful journey through a whirlwind year, being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and then cancer at just 25, all in the middle of the 2020 lockdowns.Ruth opens up about:Ignoring early warning signs and learning to listen to her bodyFacing surgery, recovery, and a life-changing cancer diagnosis Finding healing through therapy, mindfulness, and journalingRedefining “career” and success after chronic illnessNavigating dating and self-confidence with Crohn’sThe importance of sleep, balance, and breathing through stressRuth’s story is one of courage, chaos, and incredible resilience.It’s a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to rebuild your life — one step, one breath, and one day at a time.🎧 Tune in for a raw, real, and inspiring story of survival, self-discovery, and strength.Links mentioned: https://myotape.com/ https://oxygenadvantage.com/

In this episode of The Survival Project, we sit down with Ronan O’Brien — founder of Breathwave Ireland — to talk about breathwork as more than a trend. This is about pain, anger, identity, stress, nervous system regulation, and the ability to actually come back to yourself.Ronan shares how chronic pain and the loss of his identity as an athlete pushed him into breathwork back in 2015/2016 — not as a hobby, but as a lifeline. He opens up about 20 years of constant pain, suppressed anger, frustration, and how one powerful breathwork session completely cracked something open for him.We talk about:What breathwork really is (beyond “just breathing in a circle in a dark room”)The link between breath, the nervous system, and emotional regulationHow stress and fight-or-flight can literally make you sick — especially with autoimmune and gut issues like Crohn’sWhy your phone, doomscrolling, and nonstop stimulation are wrecking your sleep and mental healthHow slowing down is not laziness, it’s medicine (“you’ve got to slow down to catch up”)Why chasing a huge emotional release in every session is the wrong approachBuilding resilience instead of slapping on a temporary bandageWe also get practical:How to start breathwork safely if you’re dealing with anxiety, panic, chronic illness, or burnoutThe absolute basics: diaphragm first, nasal breathing, sleep qualityWhy nasal breathing matters for recovery, endurance, and running performanceSimple box breathing for sleepWhy regulating the vagus nerve (and working with the breath, humming, rhythm, sound) can help your digestion, mood and stress responseThe difference between functional breathwork, conscious connected breathwork, Wim Hof style, holotropic style, and why not every style is for every person, every dayWe get into the deeper human part too:Grief when illness or injury steals the future you thought you were going to haveWearing masks — the “family mask”, “work mask”, “I’m fine mask” — and how breathwork helps you meet the real you underneath all that performanceHow couples breathing together can open conversations that never would have happened otherwiseHow community breathwork creates safety and belonging in a world where most people feel overstimulated and aloneRonan also talks about joy and happiness in a way you don’t usually hear:Happiness: being comfortable in your own skin, including the parts that are still healingJoy: being able to sit with anger, shame, hurt, stress — without exploding, and without abandoning yourselfIf you’re overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, burnt out, not sleeping, or constantly “on edge”… this episode will land.This one is for:Anyone living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, gut issues, chronic stress or anxietyPeople who feel like their nervous system is fried and they can’t switch offHigh performers and athletes pushing too hard, ignoring the crash comingAnyone who keeps saying “I’m fine” but isn’t fineRonan O’Brien runs Breathwave Ireland, offering guided breathwork sessions, live community classes, and on-demand sessions people can do at home. We talk about his platform, how to safely begin, and how to build nervous system capacity over time — not just chase a one-off breakthrough.Core ideas from this episode:“You’ve got to slow down to catch up.”“You’re not broken. You’re overstimulated.”“Your breath is free, and it’s yours.”“You’re thinking yourself sick.”“Joy is being able to sit with any emotion without reacting in a way you regret.”Links:https://breathwaveireland.comhttps://www.veyobreathing.com

In this powerful episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan speaks with his first international guest — Canadian athlete and Crohn’s warrior Alex MacInnis. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 12, Alex spent years in and out of hospitals, battling severe illness and multiple failed medications before finally undergoing ostomy surgery — a decision that gave him his life back.Now, Alex lives fully, advocates through his blog Tales from the Bag, and recently completed an ultramarathon to raise funds for Ostomy Canada, proving what’s possible with determination and the right mindset.Together, Jonathan and Alex explore:The emotional and physical journey from diagnosis to ostomy surgeryRebuilding health, strength, and identity after chronic illnessTraining for an ultramarathon with an ostomyOvercoming stigma and living without fearThe power of community, humour, and hopeA story of endurance, humility, and the unbreakable human spirit — this episode will remind you that life with an ostomy isn’t the end, it’s a powerful new beginning.If you would like to donate to Alex's fundraiser you can do so at this link https://www.justgiving.com/page/ultras-for-ostamiesor to Ostomy Canada, should Alex's link be expired use the link belowhttps://www.ostomycanada.ca/donation/

At just 25, Louise Duffy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a life-changing moment that forced her to confront fear, uncertainty, and resilience head-on. In this episode of The Survival Project, Louise opens up about the early warning signs and the reality of living with a hidden illness that few truly understand. From navigating dismissive doctors to finding the right treatment, she shares her journey of learning to advocate for herself, manage fatigue, and build a life filled with love, peace, and happiness. Louise reminds us that you can live a full, meaningful life with chronic illness — and that your illness doesn’t define you.🎧 Listen for raw honesty, hope, and the reminder that strength often hides in the invisible battles we fight every day.For more information about MS check out the MS Ireland website below. https://www.ms-society.ie/

In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with Sean Francis. Diagnosed as a teenager, Sean battled years of misdiagnosis, recurring abscesses, and relentless pain before finally opting for life-changing stoma surgery. What followed was a story of resilience, recovery, and rebuilding — from regaining his health and returning to work and training, to finding confidence, love, and laughter again.Sean opens up about:- Living with Crohn’s disease as a young man- Adapting to life after stoma surgery- The mental toll of chronic illness and how family support gets you through- The role of fitness and discipline in recovery- Finding humour in the hardest hospital momentsSean’s honesty and humour bring light to topics most people never hear spoken aloud. He shares how chronic illness shaped him, what real happiness looks like now, and why “getting the bag” was not the end of his life — but the start of a new one.

In this episode of The Survival Project, I speak with Sarah O Connor, a powerful advocate living with both Crohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Sarah shares her personal journey with not just one but 2 chronic illnesses. We cover medication challenges, invisible illness, the genetic component for motherhood, and what it truly means to live with multiple diagnoses.She offers inspiring advice and honest insight for anyone navigating chronic illness, IBD, or autoimmune conditions. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your health journey, this conversation will resonate deeply.Linksmentioned:https://crohnscolitis.ie/account/register/https://hdsunflower.com/irl/insights/post/the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-launches-in-irelandhttps://www.siodahair.com/

Nobody knows my journey better than the woman who has guided me through it all, my mother Rita.My mom joins me today to share her perspective and the wisdom she has gained from over 20 years of experience. In this conversation, we explore the emotional toll of raising a child with chronic illness, the resilience it takes to hold a family together, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. It’s an honest, heartfelt look at survival from a parents perspective. Note: Apologies, I know some of the audio dips in places and there are mic scratches. Will work on improving going forward. Appreciate the support & patience

The Survival Project begins.. The first episode will be a little bit about me, my experience with chronic illness from the age of 9 (Crohn's Disease & Ostomy Bag at 19), why I want to make a podcast, why I've gone with the name and most importantly, what I hope this podcast can become.Thank you for taking the time to listen. I hope you enjoy the podcast and stay with us for the journey. Special discount for listeners - 20% off Sioda Hair products Use code TSP20 at checkout www.siodahair.comIf you would like to be a guest, feel free to email me at [email protected]