The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

• The Comeback with… Caroline Rushe

  Most people know her online as Crazy Caroline - full of energy and fun. But in this episode of The Comeback, Caroline Rushe reveals the woman behind the Instagram account.She talks about growing up in poverty, being bullied at school and beaten at home, and how those experiences shaped her. Caroline shares with raw honesty her battles with grief, suicide, and mental health - and how she has found strength through therapy, support, and the love of her family.Her husband Colm stood by her through the darkest days, while her two IVF sons, Callum and Cullen, gave her life new meaning. She also tells the story of Cassie, her rescue dog - a bond Caroline describes as two souls rescued, and finally loved.This is a conversation about survival, resilience, and why it’s okay not to be okay. And yes, we even clear up the drama about why she never made it to my Opera House show - with a few laughs along the way.Sponsor:This episode is kindly sponsored by The Howliday Inn – a purpose-built doggie daycare and boarding kennels with trampolines, couches, paddling pools and toys. A true haven for dogs of all sizes.📞 +353 87 334 5702📧 [email protected]:00:00 – Intro01:16 – Childhood poverty & struggles03:31 – Alcohol triggers & marriage impact07:06 – Anxiety, paranoia & breakdown13:54 – Psychiatric hospital & recovery20:03 – Losing her mother26:23 – Rescuing animals & healing bond29:41 – Social media journey42:07 – Finding authenticity in her 40s44:20 – Cold water dips & gratitudeConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Goodbye… for now

  After fifteen amazing episodes of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, I’m taking a little break. When I put out episode one just twelve weeks ago, I never thought it would reach and connect with so many of you.I can’t thank you enough for all the love, messages, and support. Season Two is already recorded, and I’ll be back very soon - kicking off with an absolute banger!Connect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with... Damien Long

  Trigger warning:This episode contains conversations about suicide and bereavement. Listener discretion is advised.Episode Description:On 8th May 2016, Damien Long’s life changed forever. That Sunday morning - usually spent with his 17-year-old daughter Shaunagh - ended with the knock at the door no parent ever wants to answer. Shaunagh had died by suicide.In this raw and unflinching conversation, Damien shares the moment his world shattered, the grief that still lives in him every day, and the spiral that nearly consumed him. He speaks honestly about the anger, the questions, and the turning point where he knew he had to fight his way forward.We also hear about the Shaunagh he remembers - her smile, her spark, her spirit - and how his love for her has fuelled a new mission. Today, Damien’s passion for fitness is helping others transform their lives, not just physically but mentally.A story of loss, resilience, and the power of speaking out. As Damien says: “Walk in my shoes - see my pain.”Timestamps:01:28 – Growing Up in Ballincollig05:03 – Meeting His Children06:06 – The Day Everything Changed09:48 – Living With the Knot of Grief14:26 – Favourite Memories of Shauna16:38 – Counselling and Peter House19:41 – Hitting Rock Bottom23:02 – Turning Point27:04 – Coping Mechanisms37:53 – Life Lessons From GriefConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with....Lorraine Jordan

  Trigger Warning!This episode contains themes of suicide and mental health. Please listen with care.Episode DescriptionOn this powerful episode of The Comeback, Lorraine Jordan shares the night she went into the River Lee in Cork - and how a stranger jumped in to help save her.What followed was a long recovery journey through alcohol addiction, depression, and the struggle of rebuilding life as a single mother. Lorraine speaks openly about her experience in alcohol rehab, attending AA meetings, and the daily work of overcoming addiction.This is one of those real and raw addiction recovery stories that touches on everything from relapse prevention and suicide prevention, to mental health recovery, rehab stories, and the ongoing need for mental health support.With thanks to The Neil Prendeville Show on REDFM for allowing us to include audio from their November 2020 broadcast.This episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE, Ireland’s go-to for unique hand-painted essentials.A beautiful Irish brand born out of a love for Limerick and Ireland, LiKE prioritises sustainability - from personalised kidswear to oversized totes.LiKE Local. LiKE Sustainable. LiKE Style.Check them out atwww.lk.ieTimestamps:00:01:42 – Intro: Lorraine Jordan’s rescue story00:05:48 – Losing her father and spiralling into addiction00:09:30 – Daily blackout drinking while raising kids00:10:56 – Eldest daughter stepping into parenting role00:17:05 – The night of the river incident00:19:14 – Entering treatment and starting recovery00:20:31 – Life inside women’s rehab00:26:03 – Life transformation in sobriety00:28:25 – Regret in the water and gratitude to rescuer00:31:02 – Closing message of hopeHelplines & Support ServicesSamaritans – Call 116 123 (Freephone, 24/7)Pieta House – Call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (24/7)Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland – Call 01 842 0700 or visit www.alcoholicsanonymous.ieConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Comeback with... Nikki Hayes

  Episode Description:In this episode I am joined by legendary Irish radio presenter Nikki Hayes - a voice many will remember from her days on RTÉ 2FM, Spin 1038, Classic Hits Radio, and now East Coast FM.Nikki bravely opens up about her journey through alcohol addiction, mental health struggles, bulimia, and depression, and how it all spiralled during the pandemic while she was broadcasting from home.She shares what it was like to go from national fame to becoming homeless in Dublin, losing her job, and fighting her way back with the help of Tiglin rehab and addiction support in Ireland. She speaks powerfully about the guilt she still feels as a mother, her ongoing healing, and how Christianity and the Bible have now become guiding forces in her recovery journey.We also talk about:- Life after the media storm around her court case- Rebuilding self-worth and embracing sobriety- How she's staying grounded after 18 months of sobrietyThis is a raw, real, and inspiring recovery story - one that shows just how far you can come with support, faith, and relentless honesty.This episode is proudly sponsored by LiKE, Ireland’s go-to for unique hand painted essentials. A beautiful Irish brand born out of a love for Limerick and Ireland, LiKE prioritises sustainability -from personalised Kidswear to Oversized totes.LiKE LocalLiKE SustainableLiKE StyleCheck them out at www.lk.ieTimestamps:01:14 – Introduction01:49 – Early Life & First Drink04:31 – Discovering Radio07:54 – Life at 2FM13:54 – Losing Her Dream Job19:23 – Classic Hits & COVID24:55 – Homelessness & Rock Bottom35:07 – Turning Point40:27 – Recovery & Faith52:05 – Full CirclePhoto Credit: Jenny McCarthyConnect With Me:Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbitsContact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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