Soul Brew

She’s the patron saint of poets, healers, and blacksmiths. Her feast day marks the start of spring, but is St. Brigid of Ireland a Christian saint, a pagan goddess reborn, or a powerful symbol we’ve shaped over centuries? To help us unravel this mystery, we’re joined by historian Dr. Niamh Wycherley. We’ll dig into the earliest evidence, decode the famous legends, and ask what Brigid’s complex legacy tells us about Irish spirituality—past and present. This is an exploration of how one extraordinary figure can hold so many worlds within her story. Dr Niamh Wycherley is Assistant Professor in Maynooth University. She hosts The Medieval Irish History Podcast and is the Principal Investigator of the Research project 'Power and Patronage in Medieval Ireland: Clonard from the sixth to twelfth centuries' and contributes regularly to RTÉ Brainstorm and television programmes such as the RTÉ 1 documentary Finding Brigid (with Siobhán McSweeney) and was historical consultant on RTÉ's Blindboy: the Land of Slaves and Scholars. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pull up a chair and pour a cup—it's time for a long-awaited catch-up. As 2025 draws to a close, Aidan in Vienna and Stephen in Carrownamaddy finally steal a moment to wrap up the year over coffee (watermelon-infused, of course). In this soulful review, they hold a mirror to their hopes from last January. They talk about the goals they nailed—like Stephen's unforgettable festival-wedding and Aidan's dedication to learning German—and the ones that got away (we're looking at you, dental floss). More than a simple review, this is a raw and moving conversation about the hard trade-offs of a big year, the complex pull of home, and how to find your rhythm again when life throws you off pace. With some big news at the end of this episdoe it's the perfect companion for your own year-end reflection. Settle in, and let's brew. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it truly feels like to live the dream of playing in an All-Ireland Senior Football Final? This episode goes beyond the highlights with Donegal (dare I say) legend Martin McElhinney. We delve into the emotional landscape of that 2012 All Ireland win over Mayo and the 2014 final against Kerry. We talk about what it is like playing under the guidance of Jim McGuinness, the noise of walking out the Croke Park tunnel, and the feelings that surge when the final whistle blows on your childhood dream. Martin shares his story about playing in these finals and we discuss his career, his thoughts on the current team and a few segways about youth development and more. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When is enough work on yourself enough? Is it ever enough? Do we need to constantly strive to be better and life "optimally"? They continue from their previous episode speaking about how the struggle to be idle and how they continually strive to live "Optimally" which is an unrealistic goal and how optimal lliving might be a fad that we have both fallen for. As always the lads are open and embracing their vulnerability and how they are always learning and are trying to live in a way that they are not always trying to learn. Are conclusions made? Perhaps not but plenty food for thought. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode the lads speak about why it's important to be idele, what being idle means and why it can be a good thing or can it be bad? They both speak about how the struggle to have free time and how they constantly fill their idle time with jobs, activities and stuff. We dip into other topics such as happiness and gratitude and much more. As always the lads are open and embracing their vulnerability and how they are always learning. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the 3rd of a 3 part mini-series with a team of doctors from PRE – Medical Studio in Austria that Aidan is working alongside. In this health and longevity mini-series, our third guest is Dr. Hieronymus Engel who is in internal medicine, specializing in rhythmology. Rhythmology is the study of the body's natural rhythms, like heartbeats, sleep cycles, and hormone release. It focuses on how these rhythms affect health and disease. Dr. Hieronymus Engel explains all things heart health, blood pressure and some highly scientific aspects of heart health as well as giving his top practical recommendations on how to maintain long term heart health. Listen in to hear more. The term “sports” in German, it’s often used as an umbrella term for all forms of physical activity — not necessarily one specific sport but what they’re really talking about could include anything from swimming to hiking to strength training. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the 2nd of a 3 part mini-series with a team of doctors from PRE – Medical Studio in Austria that Aidan is working alongside. In this longevity mini-series, our second guest is Dr. Johannes Resch-Passini who is in internal medicine, specializing in rheumatology. Rheumatology is a branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and management of disorders whose common feature is inflammation in the bones, muscles, joints, and internal organs. This includes the management of obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and more. Dr. Johannes Resch-Passini explains all things bones, keeping stronger for longer and has some real practical recommendations on how to maintain long term health. Listen in to hear more. The term “sports” in German, it’s often used as an umbrella term for all forms of physical activity — not necessarily one specific sport but what they’re really talking about could include anything from swimming to hiking to strength training. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first of a 3 part mini-series with a team of doctors from PRE – Medical Studio in Austria that Aidan is working alongside. In this longevity mini-series, our first guest is Dr. Katharina Passini who is an internal medicine doctor specialising in kidneys. In this episode, we explore her views on medical care and why she focuses her time on ways to benefit the kidneys and associated systems. This includes the management of obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and more. Dr Katharina Passini explains complex terms in an understanable way and has some real practical recommendations on how to prevent chronic diseases and maintaining long term health. Listen in to hear more. The term “sports” in German, it’s often used as an umbrella term for all forms of physical activity — not necessarily one specific sport but what they’re really talking about could include anything from swimming to hiking to strength training. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan and Stephen are in person again and discuss gratitude and all things related to it. They look at the scientific benefits of gratitude to someones physical, mental, social and spiritual health. They speak of their personal experience, go through scientific articles and suggest 10 ways to practice gratitude and we hope you find a suitable way of doing so. If you would like to support the podcast, please Buy us a Coffee, share the episode on social media or drop us a message to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bill Vaughan from Mental Health Ireland comes on to chat to us about what the organisation is all about, some of its programmes, the difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness and much more. Bill goes into detail about the programme Five Ways to Wellbeing and how it can help those who may find themselves struggling and its also a reminder to those who have positive mental health to continue living well and taking positive in their health choices. Stephen's sound is not great in this episode and he is still unsure why #stillarookie. Thankfully he does not speak to much in this one for a change! A great conversation with a well informed man. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase one of our Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast X/ Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year to you all. The lads have just released their first episode of the year and they dive deep into why they did not release an episode every 3 weeks as promised last year They have been Busy Earnin' (not sure what) at the latter stages of the year and sometimes things in life take a back seat and we think that's OK...isn't it? Aidan and Stephen explain what they have been doing, reflect on 2024, and look forward to 2025, explaining their "goals." They describe the compound effect and how real change takes time and commitment. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many Men Die Younger Than Women - In fact on average, men have a shorter lifespan compared to women. Males have higher death rates than females for almost all leading causes of death and at all ages. Men’s poorer lifestyles contribute significantly to the prevalence of chronic diseases. Many Men often present to health services late, making many health issues untreatable. International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19th every year and is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men’s issues. Aidan and Stephen discuss the themes outlined above this years theme about mens health champions, role models and more. Donate here to Aidans attempt at lifting 60,000kg this month for Movember. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samhain is Gaelic festival on 1 November marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. According to Irish mythology, Samhain (like Bealtaine) was a time when the 'doorways' to the Otherworld opened, allowing supernatural beings and the souls of the dead to come into our world; while Bealtaine was a summer festival for the living, Samhain "was essentially a festival for the dead". We explore this and some spooky tales with our guest Seán Clancy who has many titles including Accredited Seanachaí (traditional Gaelic storyteller/ historian), Irish Pagan, Druid, ITGA Tour Guide, The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids (OBOD) member, Organic Farmer, Hill of Uisneach Guide, Photographer for fun, Chartered Engineer with Westmeath Councuil and most importantly a Dad & Husband. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We celebrate our golden anniversary episode by digging up nuggets of gold from our first 49 episodes. We discuss our top 5 recommended episodes of Soul Brew, some highlights from other episodes, memorable moments, topics we would like to revisit and areas we feel we can and will improve on going forward. We talk through several episodes here and all these can be listened to wherever you listen to your podcasts. Grab yourself a brew and join in the conversation with someone else. Share with us one of your favourite episodes or moments on our socials. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our last episode we had a relationship expert, this time we have the experts of our own relationships with us - our better halfs. Stephen's fiancée Tríona joins Aidan's partner Veronica on the show for a special episode where we discuss our relationships and more. Each couple is given the opportunity to ask questions about the other and challenge some of the topics Aidan and Stephen cover on the podcast. Grab yourself a brew and join in the conversation with someone else. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lads are joined by Annie Lavin aka The Relationship Coach and they discuss all things relationship wise from break-ups to finding love. Annie is an Accredited Couples Therapist, Dating Coach, and Relationship Skills Educator. Annie is committed to tackling stigma and promoting the creation and maintenance of healthy intimate relationships through psychology, counselling, coaching and education. She offers solution-focused short-term therapy, relationship-skills workshops and online programs. More about her services can be found on www.therelationshipcoach.ie or Instagram .Grab yourself a brew and join in the conversation with someone else. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan feels like he is melting away in the Vienna sunshine and he is using the extreme heat as a motivation to stay inside and get some work done on his laptop. This led us into a discussion about motivation, inspiration what it all means. Stephen believes motivation doesn't exist and Aidan feels actions result from discipline and consistency. There is nothing sexy about either of those but worth having a conversation about them. Motivation is not the cause of action, it is the result. “Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.” – Chuck Close Consider asking yourself or others: Grab yourself a brew and join in the conversation with someone else. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I Ain't Worried (is a banger of a tune for a start) is one of those episodes where the lads take a topic and go on tangents here and there trying to figure out why they often worry, where it gets them and what it prevents them from achieving at times. They discuss one of their favourite quotes “Don't think. Just do,” and how such a simple phrase from a Tom Cruise film can profoundly impact making decisions both big and small. Are we obsessed with productivity and making the "right" decision. Grab yourself a brew and join in the conversation with someone else. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to Ryan Cullen, a Donegal born and raised comedian about: Ryan Cullen is a rapid fire, dark one-liner comedian who could give Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr a run for their money and has become one of Ireland & the UK’s most talked about comedians. Renowned for his near the knuckle material and depraved one-liners.Ryan is a previous runner up in Irish Comedian of the Year and with appearances on BBC’s Scotland’s The Comedy Underground, BBC NI’S Late Licence as well as appearances on RTE, MTV, Altitude Comedy Festival, The Vodafone Comedy Carnivals and Electric Picnic. He is also a head performer on the 'Facts' and 'Try' YouTube Channels boasting 2 million subscribers. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billy Joel sings: You got your passion, you got your pride But don't you know that only fools are satisfied? Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true (Oooh) When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? Aidan shows his vulnerable side in this episode discussing many things in his life from testicular cancer to what his second move to Vienna. He also discusses his renewed love for coaching people and how in Vienna he has found a partner and new project that has allowed him to thrive while living there. If you would like to support the podcast please Buy us a Coffee or check out our social media channels to purchase our new Coffee Tumblrs. Instagram: @soulbrewpodcast Facebook: @soulbrewpodcast Tik Tok: @soulbrewpodcast Twitter: @soulrewpodcast Email: soulbrewpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.