This week, we reflect a little on the area of loneliness.

We're thrilled to introduce our next guest on the Smile Podcast, the incredible Emma Ward! Emma is a 22-year-old wheelchair user and proud Irish Traveller, making waves as a disability rights activist and advocate for the Irish Traveller community. With a passion for storytelling and social change, Emma is also a talented journalist, public speaker, and content creator. Currently studying a PLC in Global Media and Online Journalism, Emma is dedicated to using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms. Join us as we chat with Emma about her journey,

This week, I was joined on the Smile Podcast by Jen Alai. Jen Alai is a sober coach who provides support and guidance to individuals on their journey to sobriety. Whether clients are aiming to maintain their sobriety, transition out of rehab, or simply need someone to talk to about their struggles, Jen offers personalized coaching services tailored to their needs.

Jen understands the importance of peer support, having had a peer who met her in the hospital and helped her begin her recovery journey. It was a long road, and her recovery did not happen overnight. After returning from rehab, Jen attended 48 sessions of intensive outpatient therapy and began the process of rebuilding her life. She was later remarried to her husband, Tom, whose unwavering support has been crucial to her success. The love and encouragement from her family have played an essential role in shaping her journey.

For more information, visit Jen’s resources:

• YouTube Channel
• Website
• Facebook Group

In this week's episode, we have Carla Berbary

Carla Berbary is a speaker, educator and counsellor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Master's Degree
in Analytical Psychology from Western Sydney University and a Master's in Social Work from the University of New England.
In her practice, Carla focuses on trauma therapy, guiding and supporting individuals to heal from childhood and emotional wounds
through tailored approaches. She also serves as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, offering mental health support in workplace
settings.
Beyond her therapeutic work, Carla conducts workshops aimed at enhancing mental well-being, providing employees with practical tools
and strategies through engaging presentations and interactive sessions.
Carla shares her insights and experiences through her podcast, "Not a Life Sentence”,

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/home
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/notalifesentence/ where she explores various mental health topics.
For more information about her services, you can visit her official.
website www.carlaberbarycounselling.com.au

If you need support please reach out

Samaritans 116 123

This week on the Smile Podcast, I have the honour of speaking with Nancy, a mother whose heart is filled with both the beauty and the pain of caregiving.

Nancy's journey with her daughter Savanah, who courageously fought metastatic breast cancer, has been one of immense love, faith, and resilience. Through the highs and lows, Nancy has learned invaluable lessons she is now sharing with the world.

In this deeply emotional conversation, Nancy opens up about the strength found in vulnerability and the power of holding onto hope, even in the darkest moments. Her story is a testament to the unbreakable bond of family, and her hope is that their journey will touch at least one person out there.

Join us as we honour Savanah's incredible fight and Nancy's unshakable love. Tune in now to hear her heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and powerful words.

For support please visit

https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/bereavement/

n this week's episode of The Smile Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Shana!
As a certified coach and qualified social worker pursuing her Masters in Psychology, Shana has spent over 5 years guiding women towards emotional well-being. Her nurturing yet gently provocative approach helps women break free from the confines of socialisation, childhood experiences, and societal expectations.
Join us as we dive deep into the importance of setting boundaries and how they can empower you to live with greater self-worth, confidence, and resilience.

This week on The Smile Podcast, we have the incredible Leesa Flynn joining us! As a primary school teacher and passionate disability advocate from Co. Leitrim, Leesa's journey has been amazing. Having qualified as a primary school teacher from Maynooth University in 2023, she has made history as the first wheelchair user to achieve this milestone at Maynooth — and quite possibly on a national level! Leesa was born with Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair/walking frame, but her determination and spirit shine through in everything she does. On her social media platforms, she highlights the challenges that people with disabilities face while sharing her journey of resilience and triumph. Leesa is currently teaching from home in beautiful Leitrim, making a difference in the lives of her students every day! You won’t want to miss her inspiring story and the powerful message she brings to the conversation.

Follow Leesa on Instagram @leesavlogs

In this episode, we talk all things podcasting with Lauren, a dedicated podcast manager passionate about helping business owners build their brands through this dynamic medium. From the intricacies of managing existing podcasts to crafting effective strategies for new launches, Lauren offers a wealth of expertise designed to streamline the podcasting process for busy entrepreneurs.

Following Lauren on Instagram @podscapeproduction