Life and Depth with Ryan McDaid
Episodes
#56 How Ireland Is Learning to Live with Nature Again | Emmett Johnston
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland has a national park called *Glenveagh* – “Glen of the Birches” – where most visitors never notice there are almost no birch trees. Emm...
#55 From Chemicals to Microbes: An Irish Farmer’s Road to Biodynamic, Regenerative Land - Paul Moorhead
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Most farmers are taught to fight weeds, feed the soil with chemicals and maximise yield. Paul Moorhead went the opposite direction – and the land re...
#54 Fungi, Floods & Fire: How Mushrooms Quietly Hold Our World Together | Joanne Fullerton
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fungi, mycelium, floods, fire and food systems – what if the quiet stuff under our feet is holding far more together than we realise?Life & Dept...
#53 Natural Immune Shots, Inflammation & Starting Again at 30 | Paddy’s Powerful Bottle Story
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Natural immune shots, turmeric, garlic, cholesterol and arthritis – why did nobody tell us this at 25?Paddy went from a 20‑something in constructi...
#52 She Sees Medicine Where We See Weeds: Claire Thompson on Plants, Soil and Home Education
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Life & Depth with Ryan McDaid – the place where surface‑level conversations go to die. Most people walk past nettles, dandelions an...
#51 Ireland Before We Forgot: Eagles, Ancestors & the Stories Buried in the Land - Lorcan O Toole
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What would the land say about how we live today? In this episode of Life & Depth, Ryan sits down with writer, ecologist and indigenous‑Irish thi...
#50 Perpetual Farm: Clive Bright on Habitat, Resilience & Rare Ruminair Beef - Clive Bright
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan sits down with regenerative farmer, artist and holistic management practitioner Clive Bright to explore what it really means to ...
#49 When Life Hits Too Hard: Grief, Perimenopause & Finding Resilience in Nature - Marie McLaughlin
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan sits down with learning and development consultant, author, and founder Marie McLaughlin to explore *what really happens in the ...
#48 The Beekeeper’s Warning: What Do Bees Know That We Don’t? - Mick Verspuij
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bees notice the changes in nature long before we do.In this episode, I sit down with Mick the Beekeeper, a lifelong keeper of native Irish bees, to ex...
#47 How to Deal with Burnout: Finding Meaning, Purpose and Clarity Through Nature - John Duffy
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Burnout can creep in long before you realise something is wrong.In this episode, I sit down with John Duffy, an engineer-turned-regenerative farmer, t...
#46 Surviving Cancer, Meningitis and a Heart Scare. What It Taught Him About Life - Bosco Reid
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Bosco Reid to explore how surviving multiple serious health crises reshaped his outlook on life, health, and purpose....
#45 Suspended GP Breaks Silence: Why I Risked Everything To Expose The Truth
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anne McCloskey, a retired GP from Derry who has been suspended by the General Medical Council for challenging the...
The Scary Truth About AI: Why You Are Losing Your Independence - Episode #44
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with computing researcher, lecturer and expert Eoghan Furey to discuss the chaotic world of information overload and the a...
#43 John McCarron: Donegal Railway History: WWI, Emigration, British Rule & The Canal That Never Was
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan sits down with John McCarron, a local historian, artist, and storyteller from Buncrana, Donegal, to explore the fascinating story of the Londonde...
#42 Jenna McCusker: Paralysed, Divorced & Placed in Psychiatric Care, How by My Intrusive Thoughts Controlled my Life
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan sits down with Jenna McCusker, host of My Life and Me and founder of House of Sense. Jenna shares her extraordinary story of resilience — from ...
#41 Seamus McDaid: How A Small Brand Is Going Global Taking On Powerhouses Like Coca-Cola: McDaids Football Special
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan sits down with Seamus McDaid, the fourth-generation Irish entrepreneur behind McDaid’s Football Special, the craft soda from Donegal that’s b...
#40 Terry Crossan: 14 Shot Dead, Prison, Rebellion Against the British - The Troubles in N.Ireland
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was an honour to sit down with Terry Crossan, a man whose life is deeply entwined with the modern history of Derry and the Troubles in Northern Ire...
#39 Barbara Doherty: Why Everything is Love, How We Are Nature & The Middle Way
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this honest and down-to-earth conversation, Ryan talks with Barbara Doherty about travel, healing, and figuring out life along the way.Barbara shar...
#38 Darragh Kelly: MMA & PFL Fighter. Building. Fighting Spirit, Discipline & The Road to Greatness
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Darragh Kelly, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars in MMA. Known for his grit, humility, ...
#37 Stephen McLaughlin: Overcoming Addiction, Responsibility & Recovery - White Oaks Rehab Centre
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan sits down with Stephen McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Services at White Oaks, a residential rehab center in Donegal. With decades of experience...
#36 Lee Tedstone: From Loss to Leadership – Resilience, Business & Living with Purpose
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ryan sits down with Lee Tedstone, a global business leader, entrepreneur, and investor whose journey has been ...
#35 George Houston: Finding His Voice, Breaking Boundaries, and Living Through Music
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan sits down with George Houston, a rising folk-rock artist from Burt, Donegal whose music blends storytelling, genre-bending experimentation, and u...
#34 Brian McDermott: Bringing Donegal Table to the World Stage: Food, Family & Resilience
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Global Award Winning Chef with his book “Donegal Table”, a broadcaster, and a proud Donegal man Brian McDermott takes us far beyond the kitchen,...
#33 Glenda Dowling - Healing from the Inside Out: Gut Health, Energy Work & Living in Alignment
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this raw and uplifting conversation, Ryan sits down with Glenda Dowling from Buncrana, Donegal. Glenda is a holistic practitioner blending spinal e...
#32 Addiction to Abundance: Rewiring Your Money Mindset, Attract Wealth & Find Purpose: Jen Healy
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From facing homelessness to building a thriving business, Jen Healy shares her powerful journey of transformation. She opens up about battling addicti...
#31 Wexford Hurling Captain to Healer: Rewilding & Reclaiming What It Means to Be a Man: Diarmuid Lyng
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Wexford Hurling Captain Diarmuid Lyng opens up in one of the most honest and powerful conversations I've had yet. We dive deep into what it mea...
#30 Junk Kouture CEO: Why Your Toughest Times Are The Best Thing That Can Happen To You: Troy Armour
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Founder of Junk Kouture: Troy Armour opens up and shares his struggles and wins and ultimately what has got him to where he is today.Troy is a man who...
#29 Overweight Rugby Prop to TV Chef: My Diet Gave Me Attention, Courage & Belief: Eoin Sheehan
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eoin Sheehan joined me for a raw, honest conversation about how food changed everything in his life. From chasing a career in rugby and studying chemi...
#28 Redefining Success: Why Working Less Works Better: Ross Culliton
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if working harder isn’t the answer? In this episode, I sit down with Ross Culliton, a former Big Four consultant turned entrepreneur, who share...
#27 What If Everything Went Right? Changing Your Life’s Narrative: Sharon Fitzmaurice
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon, who has been Ryan’s Therapist, Mentor & Guru for years is back for Round No 2.In this deep and powerful conversation, we explore the sil...
#26 Harry Girvan: Avoiding Burnout, Staying Balanced & Growing in Business and Life
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I welcome one of my good friends, Harry Girvan. An Entrepreneur from Belfast, Founder of Mantis, President of EO, a Husband and Father of 2. Born and ...
#25 Gunter Pauli: Business Reinvented through Nature and how change is possible for People & Planet
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gunter Pauli, a renowned Belgian entrepreneur and pioneer of the Blue Economy, discusses the critical importance of sustainability and the urgent need...
#24: Reflecting, Returning & Rebuilding
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a while, longer than I expected, but here I am, back behind the mic. In this solo episode, I reflect on my journey with the podcast so far, ...
#23 Janine Zappini: Zero to $1M in 1 Year: The Power of Staying True to Yourself
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Janine Zappini, a powerhouse entrepreneur, took her business from zero to $1 million in just 12 months. This conversation dives deep into the realitie...
#22 Tata Mundo: Ayahuasca with 40 Days of Silence will Rewire Your Mind, Body & Soul
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I spent 40 days deep in the Amazon jungle, living in silence, in isolation, drinking Ayahuasca, and sitting with everything I’ve been avoiding. But ...
#21 Conor Ruadh: Releasing Guilt, Shame & Reviving the Irish Language
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this captivating episode, Ryan sits down with Conor, a shamanic apprentice and advocate for the revival of the Irish language and culture. From a t...
#20 Mark Coyle: The Mindset of a Champion: Lessons from Football and Life
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Coyle, captain of Shelbourne FC, to explores the highs, lows, and pivotal moments of his football career. Mark shares his journey from playing in...
#19 Sharon Fitzmaurice: Breaking Free & Transforming Trauma into Power
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this raw and inspiring episode, Ryan McDaid sits down with Sharon Fitzmaurice, his therapist of many years, to explore her extraordinary journey of...
#18 Orann Coyle, The Path to Abundance, Money, Wealth and Becoming Financially Secure
30 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Orann Coyle is a Financial adviser and wants to help you become wealthy and financially secure so that you can live an abundant life. Orann breaks dow...
#17 Jennifer Doherty, Blind at 9 months, Climbing Mount Everest & How I See the World
23 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Doherty lost her eyesight at the age of 9 months. She opens up about the challenges she faced growing up, education, how she never felt sorry...
#16 Geraldine Mullan, Life after Losing my Husband & 2 Kids in a Tragic Car Accident
16 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Geraldine Mullan lost her husband John and 2 Kids Tomas 14, Amelia 6 in August of 2020 in an unfortunate car accident on a stormy night in Muff, Doneg...
#15 Losing my Job to Covid Inspired to Launch a Sustainable Fashion Brand to Realize my Self-Worth
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiring Entrepreneur Orla O’Hagan is the founder of “Orla Vera”accessories. A fashion graduate and an award winning designer she landed her dr...
#14 Why you’re Struggling to have a Baby, How to Bring Yourself back to Love and Community with Ruth McGilligan
03 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth McGilligan has been doing deep work for years. Through her own trauma and life experiences it has led her on a journey back to herself, a journey...
#13 Why I can’t lose weight, I’ve no time, I don’t have enough money are bullshit & how to make changes by prioritizing what is most valuable and important in your life
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Seamus Fox is a man of knowledge, a Personal Trainer, Breathwork Instructor, Life Coach, Body Building Champ and Ted Speaker. Having no goals as a you...
#12 Losing my Father to Suicide Inspired me to 10 Ironmans in 10 Days & Swim 100KM for Awareness and Celebrating Lives Lost to Suicide
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Donate: https://gofund.me/e3f57c55Danny Quigley was 19 when he lost his father to suicide which turned his world upside down. Danny opens up about the...
#11: How I Overcame my Suicidal Actions, Self Worth to Return to Self Love, Worthiness and Peace - Nicole Gordon
12 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole struggled with her mental health from a kid. She never understood why she cried herself to sleep at night even though she had a loving family a...
#10: Gin it to Win it: How Russell Crowe fell in Love with Muff and Laura Bonner
06 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Bonner, The Founder and CEO of The Muff Liquor Company from Greencastle Donegal is a motivated and dedicated woman on a mission to build one of ...
#9: How Losing and Hitting Rock Bottom in Business made me Stronger & Smarter to Build International and Acquire Abundance
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Darren Long is a cousin and a good friend of mine. He had goals and dreams of building a business from a young age but was hit with a huge shock with ...
#8: The Art of Managing Ireland at 5 Olympic Games, Building one of Irelands most Successful Sports Clubs and Using Fear as Motivation - Patsy McGonagle
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Patsy McGonagle is one of the most decorated managers to ever come out of Ireland across all sports. Having taken an interest in athletics as a teen w...
#7: The Art of Fighting Breast Cancer to Living with Stage 4 Brain Cancer and Staying Strong Everyday - Donna McDaid
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Donna McDaid, my auntie had her life turned upside when diagnosed with breast cancer. Diagnosed at stage 3 things were looking good only for further t...
#6: The Art of Getting up Knock after Knock when Trying to have a Baby - Carla McDaid
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carla is a sister of mine, she has been faced with the challenge of trying to have a baby for the past few years but has had knock after knock. When t...
#5: The Art of Loving My Sexuality, Transforming and Unlocking Infinite Potential
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the challenges I faced with my sexuality. Growing up in the countryside, being heavily involved in sports, spending time ...
#4: The Art of Overcoming Small Town Mentality, Welcoming Refugees and Opening your Mind
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are challenged by our environment and growing up in a rural area, the countryside or a small town is one of them. Some of us get trapped in our hea...
#3: The Art of Business, Avoiding Jail Time and Escaping the Prison inside my Head
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about how a business I started in my teens nearly resulted in jail time. How business was an opportunity to learn and grow at a...
#2: The Art of Overcoming Family Struggles
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I discuss what it was like growing up in Ireland with the struggles I faced as a kid with my father and grandfather. How I felt I wasn...
#1: The Art of Silence in the Jungle for 40 Days with Ayahuasca
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ayahuasca is a powerful ancient psychedelic medicine used by the indigenous people of Central & South America that offers emotional, physical, men...