This episode goes deeper than property.

Kane and I spoke about the reality of building a life in Dubai, the pressure that comes with ambition, and the emotional side of working in an industry that constantly demands more from you.

We spoke about his why. Wanting to create a life for his mum after everything she did for him and his sister.

The addiction to the job. The highs. The lows. The chase. The emotional regulation needed to survive in sales. And trying to find balance in a city that can make you feel like slowing down means falling behind.

This wasn’t a polished “success” conversation. It was honest.

The side people don’t always see behind the deals, the lifestyle and the wins.

Also tried to get Kane to spit some bars for me… that unfortunately was not happening 😂

This week pulled something out of me I don’t usually let people see.

A mix of emotions I couldn’t control… moments of happiness, moments of heaviness… and learning that both can exist at the same time.

We talk about what it feels like when life shifts unexpectedly globally, personally, emotionally and how that impacts not just how we feel, but how we show up.

The pressure of being the strong one. The discomfort of letting people in. The urge to control what can’t be controlled.

And the realisation that maybe sadness isn’t something to fix… but something to feel.

This episode isn’t polished. It’s not tied up neatly.

It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s real.

If you’ve been feeling a bit off lately… this one will land.

From navigating the highs and gut-punch moments of real estate, to living and working in Dubai during a time of global uncertainty, this episode is a reflection of what it actually feels like to be in the middle of it all.

I talk about the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes, how the Dubai market is responding (and why it’s not driven by panic), and what it’s taught me about resilience, adaptability, and staying steady when things don’t go to plan.

But this isn’t just about work.

It is about learning and unlearning. Taking things off your plate. Letting go of guilt. Building boundaries. And actually being present in the life you are creating.

If you are in a season where things feel uncertain, busy, or a bit out of your control… this one will land.

In this episode of Set Your Soul On Fire, I share a reflection on survival, self-loyalty, and the quiet decisions that shape our lives.

From a period where I didn’t want to be here anymore, to standing in a life built through alignment rather than escape, this conversation explores what happens when you stop abandoning yourself and start choosing honesty even when it costs you comfort.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, numb, or unsure whether the chapter they are in is the final one.

Because it isn’t. And because change is possible one honest choice at a time.

This one goes deep into breath, darkness, healing, and the version of yourself you meet when everything else falls away.

We talked about the moments that break you, the discipline that rebuilds you, the ego you have to face, and the breath that pulls you back from places you didn’t think you could return from.

If you have ever felt lost, overwhelmed, disconnected from your own body, or stuck in a version of yourself you’ve outgrown then this episode will hit you right in the chest.

Mark’s honesty is rare. His energy is unique and this was one of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever had.

Disclaimer:

This episode includes open conversations about suicide, mental health, substances and the messy parts of being human. If you’re in a sensitive place today, please take care of yourself while listening.

This is for the people who have walked through darkness…and the ones who are still making their way out.

Full episode is live now.

We talk about resilience but not the Instagram version of it, but the real kind. The kind that’s forged in the quiet moments when life doesn’t go your way. The kind that takes patience, discipline, and choosing who you want to be even when nobody is watching. We talk about family, values, identity, and the responsibility that comes with stepping into your potential. We talk about life, business, setbacks, and the lessons in between.

This conversation is grounded, honest, and full of wisdom that doesn’t need to be shouted to be felt. A reminder that success means nothing if you’re not rooted in what matters. Grateful for this one. I know you’ll take something from it.

Check out Ciaran's website https://natural-resilience.co.uk/ or instagram @naturalresilience_

This podcast is kindly sponsored by @marcwattersconstructioncoach the founder of the Construction Business Blueprint on instagram and @theconstructionbusinesscoach on YouTube

Some people chase the look of success. Others build the version of themselves who can actually hold it.

At just 25, Darragh Clarke has built a name for himself in the luxury world from trading sneakers to sourcing Rolexes and Chanel handbags. But this conversation isn’t about the watches or the price tags. It’s about the work behind the man.

We talk about ambition, burnout, self-awareness, and what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted… and still don’t feel fulfilled. Darragh opens up about building the man before the business, learning to put himself first, and redefining what success really means.

A special shout-out to Marc Watters — The Construction Coach, proud sponsor of the Set Your Soul on Fire podcast. Marc isn’t just about building structures; he’s about building people — helping those in the construction industry step into leadership, clarity, and confidence. His support means the world, and it’s a perfect match because what we both believe in is simple: build strong foundations, and the rest will rise.

This episode is about the Sundays I don’t talk about the ache of independence, the armour I wear, and the fear of being labelled for simply being human.

Strong and soft. Independent and longing. Both can be true.

Claire and her co-founder Áine are both mental health nurses with a lifetime of experience, deep knowledge, and lived experience. Together, they’re bringing fresh energy to an area that desperately needs it - workplace wellbeing, early intervention, and breaking the silence around mental health.

We talk about why prevention matters, how their approach goes beyond ticking boxes, and the power of using both professional expertise and lived experience to create real change.

If you care about mental health in your workplace, your community, or your own life then this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible when the right people take action.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something that’s been running circles in my head: detachment.

Not the Instagram version where you “let go and glow.”

I’m talking about the real version.. where letting go feels like hell, the silence is loud, and you question if you have made a massive mistake.

Here’s what we’re getting into:

• Why detachment feels more like grief than freedom (at first).

• The lonely, in-between phase no one warns you about.

• Why most attachments are not love they are fear.

• How to survive the void without crawling back to what you outgrew.

• The exact rituals I use to hold the line when it feels like everything is slipping.

If you are floating right now detached, a little lost, wondering if it’s worth it then this episode will remind you: You are not broken. You are in the clearing. And what’s on the other side is worth every quiet, lonely night you’re pushing through.

Shoutout to our sponsor: Marc Watters, creator of The Construction Business Blueprint. Go find him on Instagram as he’s changing the game for anyone serious about building big.

In this powerful episode, Sonya sits down with Marc Watters, a construction coach who knows the industry from the ground up... quite literally. From life on the tools to moving throughout multiple parts of the industry, Marc shares his real, raw journey and the lessons he's learned about building a life that actually works.

They dig deep into:

• Why so many construction business owners feel stuck or overwhelmed

• The transition from tradesman to actual business owner and why it is not as simple as it sounds

• The flaws in the industry that no one wants to talk about

• Marc’s Blueprint Program that helps leaders take back control of their time, profit, and peace of mind

• The juggling act between business, family, and personal growth and how to stop dropping the ball

• Redefining what success really looks like (hint: it’s not just more work)

Marc brings honesty, clarity, and practical wisdom for anyone trying to break free from the cycle of survival mode and step into a version of business and life that feels purposeful.

What began as a family-run cluster of holiday homes has evolved into something bold, sustainable, and deeply intentional. Gillian shares how she went from pharmacy to full blown hospitality. Reviving her parents' legacy alongside her brother and turning it into a place where vision meets nature.

We go deep into:

• The messy magic of working with family

• What it really takes to lead as a woman in a male-dominated space

• The emotional weight of building something that matters

• Why sustainability is not just strategy - it’s soul

From the creation of the now-famous bubble domes to navigating identity, pressure, and purpose, this is a conversation about daring to do things differently and staying rooted while you rise.

If you’ve ever felt torn between obligation and intuition, this one’s for you.

You'll hear:

- How fear hides in "just being careful"

- A bold reframe that puts you back in power

- The question that reveals who you are without fear

Take this one on a walk, in your car, or wherever you need to be reminded: fear doesn't go away. But it doesn't get to drive

I talk about: 

Carrying guilt, rage, and shame for years.

The childhood belief that I wasn't enough.

Partying, people-pleasing, and chasing worth.

If you've ever felt like you've outgrown your old self...but aren't sure how to let go. This ones for you

In today’s episode, I’m talking about what it means to stand at the edge of your old life, knowing it’s time to let go. I’ll share my personal journey of walking away from a career, a sport, a relationship, and identities that no longer served me—all to step into who I was truly meant to be.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, scared, or unsure about what happens next, this episode for you. Because the version of you that’s waiting? It's bigger, it's bolder, and freer than you can even imagine. And it’s time to meet them.

I just couldn’t wait a whole week to share this episode with you all, so I’m dropping it early! Get ready to hear the beautiful tones and inspiring story of my incredible guest, the internationally renowned and award-winning opera singer Marcella Walsh. And who knows—she may even pop into song a few times!

In this captivating conversation, Marcella takes us on a journey from her childhood in North Belfast to her flourishing career in music on the global stage. She opens up about the profound impact of her upbringing, the healing power of music, and her dedication to nurturing young talent in the arts.

Marcella dives into the challenges of performance, emphasizing the deep emotional connection that is crucial in music and the transformative moments that have shaped her career. She shares her perspective on the flow state, the importance of connecting with your heart for peak performance, and how personal loss has influenced her artistry.

Throughout the episode, we explore powerful themes like coherence, finding your voice, the sacrifices of a life dedicated to opera, and the healing that can come from singing through grief. Marcella reflects on staying grounded amidst the demands of a performance career, sharing memorable moments on stage, and the joy of offering your gifts to the world.

We also touch on overcoming doubts and imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the innovative research surrounding music and its healing properties. Plus, Marcella shares insights from her experiences in Italy, the role of costumes in performance, and a hopeful outlook for the future.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, passion, and hope—don’t miss it!

@sopranomarcella - Instagram

@Marcella Walsh - LinkedIn

Episode Summary: Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations and it’s frying your nervous system? Same. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to live like that.

In this episode, I share the moment I realised how different I felt—calm, grounded, unbothered. And it all started when I let go of other people’s demands, guilt, and pressure.

What You’ll Learn: 🔥 Why your nervous system is stuck in survival mode 🔥 How people-pleasing rewires your body for stress 🔥 The exact moment I stopped outsourcing my peace 🔥 How to rewire yourself for calm, clarity, and self-trust 🔥 Steps to stop over-explaining, over-apologising, and finally put yourself first

Your Challenge: For the next 24 hours, stop justifying yourself. No long explanations. No guilt. Just a full-body YES to you.

🎧 Listen now & take your nervous system back! If this episode hits home, screenshot it, tag me, and share: What expectation are you finally letting go of? 🚀🔥

#SetYourSoulOnFire #NoMorePeoplePleasing #Boundaries #LivingForMe #NervousSystemReset

In this episode, I'm sharing what I learned from my second big solo trip to Dubai - and why doing things alone is one of the most powerful things you can ever do for yourself. But this isn't just about travel. This is about self-trust, confidence, and keeping promises to yourself. Because every time you break a promise to yourself, you chip away at your own confidence.

If you've ever struggled to take action, to stop overthinking, or to trust yourself fully- this episodes for you.

In this chat, I sit down with Sam Shephard – ex-Royal Marine turned entrepreneur and the brains behind the Juice Jar. Yep, from combat boots to smoothie blenders, his journey is anything but boring.

Sam spills the tea (or should I say juice?) on what it was like going through some of the toughest military training out there and how it built the mental resilience he leans on today. He talks about his unexpected detour into the hedge fund world, visiting Tokyo for 1 hour (because why not add finance to the mix?), the rollercoaster of launching Juice Jar, and how passion and commitment are the real MVPs in business.

As Sam says, "If you want something, just do it." No fluff, no excuses – just action.

We dive into the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship – the risks, the self-doubt, and the whole balancing act between chasing financial success and actually enjoying life. Sam gets real about the challenges of growth, the lessons parenthood has thrown his way, and why emotional intelligence is just as important as a solid business plan.

Because, at the end of the day, "All of this other stuff doesn't matter." It's about what drives you, what excites you, and taking the leap even when it feels scary.

If you're at a crossroads, wondering whether to take that leap, Sam’s got some golden advice – face the fear, follow what lights you up, and remember, sometimes the best moves come from the most unexpected places.

Trigger warning - This conversation contains swearing and discussions around mental health issues, suicide, and violence/war.

Truly honoured to bring this very special edition of the podcast to you all. A long awaited conversation that's filled with so many emotions. So deeply proud of Jennifer and grateful to be a small part of her journey.

I interview Jennifer, an accomplished young equestrian, about her journey in the world of horses. We discuss Jennifer's early passion for riding, her transition from racing to show jumping, and the challenges of running her own equestrian business at a young age. The conversation delves into the mental health aspects of competing in high-pressure environments, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of resilience. Jennifer shares her insights on empowerment for young females in the sport and emphasises the significance of pursuing dreams with determination and hard work.

Trigger: Please be aware that this episode discusses mental health issues and the loss of a loved one.

Here’s what you’ll tap into:

• What the heck is EFT? Shauna demystifies tapping and explains how it can help lower cortisol levels, a.k.a. the hormone that makes you want to hide under your desk.
• From boardrooms to breakthroughs: Shona’s leap from corporate life to holistic healing—and how she survived LinkedIn’s outing her.
• Parenting, personal growth & pandemic lessons: Why tapping is your secret weapon against stress and those "Mum, where’s my shoes?" moments.
• Limiting beliefs, be gone! Sonya and Shauna explore how EFT can help you break free from self-doubt and grow into the person you always wanted to be (or at least someone who doesn’t panic during Zoom calls).

Whether you’re sceptical, curious, or ready to tap your way to enlightenment, this episode will leave you laughing, learning, and maybe even giving your forehead a gentle pat.

🔗 Ready to explore the power of EFT? Hit play now and get ready to tap into your potential!

We’ll laugh about the absurdity, dig into the psychology of why your changes make others uncomfortable, and talk about how to handle judgment with grace (or humour). Spoiler: it’s not about you—it’s about them.

If you’ve ever worried about what others will think or held yourself back because of someone else’s opinion, this episode is your permission slip to let that go.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why making bold moves in life makes other people so uncomfortable.
2. The psychology behind resistance to change and why people project their insecurities onto you.
3. How cultural expectations (hello, Irish drinking culture) can make your choices seem controversial.
4. Why finding your tribe matters more than pleasing everyone.
5. Tips for tuning out the noise and focusing on what actually matters.

What’s one bold move you’ve been holding back on because of fear of judgment? Write it down, reflect on whose opinion is holding you back, and take one small step toward it. Share your story with me on Instagram—I’d love to cheer you on!

We also explore Mark’s incredible work with Marie Curie, a charity close to his heart that provides vital care and support to those facing terminal illness. As part of his dedication to giving back, Mark shares how running marathons has become his personal way of making a difference, combining his love of fitness with his passion for helping others.

This episode was recorded before The Time Ball 2024, an event where Mark’s dedication to charity truly shines. At the time of recording, we reflect on his hopes for this year’s event, knowing it would continue to build on the success of previous years. Having now witnessed the monumental success of The Time Ball 2024 in person myself—which significantly surpassed 2022's fundraising total of £147,000 for Marie Curie—I couldn’t be prouder of Mark and his ongoing achievements.

💬 What We Talk About in This Episode:

• Mark’s career in construction and his journey through bankruptcy.
• The role of family support during life’s toughest challenges.
• His involvement with Marie Curie and why this charity is so close to his heart.
• How running marathons has become a way for him to give back and stay grounded.

This is a story of resilience, determination, and heart—Mark’s journey is a testament to the power of pushing through adversity and giving back in meaningful ways.

If this episode inspires you, please share it with your friends and network, leave a review, and let us know how you’re giving back to causes that set your soul on fire.

🎧 Tune in now for an unforgettable conversation with Mark Hanna!

🎉 Links and Resources:

• Donate to Marie Curie: sonya mcaleer is fundraising for Marie Curie

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, with resilience and a giving heart, you can create a lasting impact. ✨

This is the story of how I went to the other side of the world thinking I was healed, confident, and ready to conquer life, only to realize I’d been blocking my vulnerable side, holding onto resentment, and generally pretending I had my shit together. Bali was the beginning of the journey I didn’t even know I needed.

If you’ve ever thought you had everything sorted, only to get smacked in the face by a deeper truth, this one’s for you.

Warning: This episode contains swearing

Key Highlights:

• The Reality of Coaching: We discuss what it truly means to coach with integrity and why authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful self-development.
• Stripping Away the ‘Bullshit’: Emphasing the importance of removing distractions and unhelpful narratives to create space for genuine growth and fulfilment.
• Mental Health Awareness: We both touch on the importance of recognising and prioritising mental health in personal and professional development.
• Practical Action Over Theory: I stresS the value of taking action rather than just accumulating knowledge, showing how real change requires stepping out of comfort zones.
• Accountability and Support: We highlight the role of accountability and the right support systems in pushing past limiting beliefs and old stories that hold us back.

Tune in for a raw, inspiring conversation about the necessity of letting go, building a solid foundation, and stepping into a truer, more aligned version of yourself.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health and includes explicit language and swearing. Listener discretion is advised.

From my younger days, when drinking helped me become ‘one of the cool kids,’ to the pressures of Irish culture, where everything seems to revolve around alcohol, I open up about how I never knew when enough was enough. I talk about how I used alcohol to cope, especially during COVID, when I drank through most of it to block out my relationship issues and avoid facing the truth.

I’ve quit drinking before, but it never stuck because I wasn’t honest with myself about why I was quitting. In this episode, I share the tough lessons I’ve learned about control, addiction, and the fine line I walked for years. Now, after 14 months sober, I’m finally ready to confront it all.

If you’ve ever struggled with the pressures to fit in, to control your emotions, or to find your place in a world where drinking is often the norm, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why I started drinking to fit in, and how it became more than just a social habit.
• The pressures of Irish culture and how everything seems to revolve around alcohol.
• How I used alcohol as a way to avoid dealing with my emotions, especially during COVID.
• The truth about why my first attempt to quit didn’t work—and the hard lessons I had to learn.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about alcohol use, low mood, and strong language. If you find these topics triggering, please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if needed. Your mental well-being is important.

Like, follow and subscribe for more inspiration for the things that set your soul on fire.

Trigger warning - Episode contains one reference to suicide

Feeling stuck or like you're ready to pull the pin on a grenade? This episode is for you. Sonya shares her journey of letting go of what was holding her back, embracing the chaos, and finding her true self. If you’ve ever felt the tug to break free and make a change, you won’t want to miss this real, raw, and honest conversation.

Trigger Warning: While it's incredibly special to share my journey I need to inform you that this episode contains discussions about suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

A Quick Heads-Up: There’s some swearing in this episode, so be mindful if you're listening around little ones or in a public space.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Sonya’s journey to finding balance and the courage to transform her life.
• How she said "I don't" instead of "I do"
• The woo-woo side of Sonya—get to know her unique approach to wellness and spiritual balance.
• The Road to Change—a conversation that’s as real as it gets.

Reference to:

@vocusvit - sustainable activewear brand

@carrickreaghbay @carrickreaghbayglamping

@naturalresilience_ business networking group

Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just need a little inspiration, this episode is your starting point. Join us, and let's set your soul on fire together.