The Laura Dowling Experience

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Grace O'Malley, a leading expert in childhood obesity, to explore the complex realities faced by children living in larger bodies. We discuss the societal prejudices they encounter, the challenges their families navigate, and the impact of food poverty. Dr O'Malley shares how obesity affects children's bone health and movement, reflecting on her journey into this field after noticing increased injuries and longer healing times in young patients.We dive into the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, moving beyond traditional sports science to a model involving physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists. Dr O'Malley highlights the physiological differences between children and adults, the long-term effects of childhood obesity, and why supportive, non-judgemental healthcare environments are crucial.Our conversation also explores broader environmental and nutritional influences, from early sugar exposure to historical lessons from Romanian orphanages. We wrap up with practical insights on fostering a healthy body image and mindset, reinforcing the deep connection between mental and physical well-being. Tune in for an insightful and compassionate conversation!Ladies, Viva La Vulva is back! Join me on Saturday, 1st March 2025, at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, for an afternoon of real talk, laughter, and expert insights on women’s health. We’ll be diving into peri & menopause, pelvic floor health, HRT, incontinence, sex, and more - no topic is off-limits! Last year’s tour was a sell-out, and evening tickets are already sold out. We’ve added a 1pm matinee show to make it easier for those travelling outside Dublin, tickets are just €65 and include our legendary goodie bag worth over €100! Don’t miss this unmissable event! Grab your tickets now at www.nch.ie. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Professor Carel Le Roux, a leading obesity expert, to explore the science of obesity as a brain disease rather than a matter of willpower. We challenge the outdated "eat less, move more" mindset and discuss revolutionary treatments, including medications that are transforming how obesity is managed.We dive into the societal stigmas surrounding obesity, the impact of medication shortages, and how these treatments can help prevent conditions like diabetes. Professor Le Roux also shares insights on reducing "food noise," the journey toward bariatric surgery, and fostering empathy and support for those facing weight management challenges.Finally, we shift the focus from weight loss to health gains, offering a compassionate perspective on achieving sustainable wellness. With a focus on individualised care, realistic expectations, and kindness, this episode is a powerful conversation about rethinking obesity and supporting holistic health.Ladies, Viva La Vulva is back! Join me on Saturday, 1st March 2025, at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, for an afternoon of real talk, laughter, and expert insights on women’s health. We’ll be diving into peri & menopause, pelvic floor health, HRT, incontinence, sex, and more - no topic is off-limits! Last year’s tour was a sell-out, and evening tickets are already sold out. We’ve added a 1pm matinee show to make it easier for those travelling outside Dublin, tickets are just €65 and include our legendary goodie bag worth over €100! Don’t miss this unmissable event! Grab your tickets now at www.nch.ie. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Brittany Stewart, co-founder and COO of BURST Oral Care, about the journey behind the brand’s incredible success. From launching BURST in the Irish market to growing a community of over 40,000 dental professionals in the US, Brittany shares insights into leadership, innovation, and staying true to her vision.We also explore her personal story, from her days studying at UCLA to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Brittany opens up about navigating male-dominated industries, the power of mentorship, and the importance of aligning business goals with personal values. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurship and beyond!This episode is brought to you by fabÜ SHROOMS MENO & PERI, the multi-award-winning supplement created by yours truly, the Fabulous Pharmacist. Designed to support peri and menopausal women, this blend is all about treating yourself—mind, body, and soul. Think of it as that little luxury that makes you feel more like yourself again. Check out the glowing reviews from women just like you on fabuwellness.com. Available online and in pharmacies and health food stores nationwide!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Bianca Luykx, the editor of VIP Magazine, about her incredible journey in the media industry. With nearly two decades of experience at one of Ireland’s leading magazines, Bianca shares her insights into navigating an ever-evolving industry, including memorable moments like interviewing Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake. She also opens up about her early TV career, sharing her experience of harassment in the workplace and the resilience it took to overcome it.But it’s not all about career highlights. Bianca opens up about the emotional challenges of motherhood, the realities of perimenopause, and how she’s adapting as her teen children grow into independence. Her candid insights, infused with Irish humour, offer a refreshing take on balancing work, family, and personal growth.We also explore the art of storytelling, staying authentic in the era of AI, and how emotional intelligence shapes her work. This is a conversation packed with inspiration, resilience, and plenty of laughs—don’t miss it!This episode is brought to you by fabÜ SHROOMS MENO & PERI, the multi-award-winning supplement created by yours truly, the Fabulous Pharmacist. Designed to support peri and menopausal women, this blend is all about treating yourself—mind, body, and soul. Think of it as that little luxury that makes you feel more like yourself again. Check out the glowing reviews from women just like you on fabuwellness.com. Available online and in pharmacies and health food stores nationwide!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThis week we’re revisiting our most popular episode from February 2024, with Dr. Deirdre Lundy, a specialist in women’s health and menopause, and author of The Menopause. Dr. Lundy shares her expertise on the physical and emotional changes of menopause, offering practical tips for managing symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes, weight gain, and vaginal health.We also tackle myths about treatment options for women post-cancer or with a family history of cancer, and highlight solutions for those unable to use HRT. Whether you’re navigating menopause yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with understanding and empowering guidance. Tune in to revisit this open and honest conversation!This episode is brought to you by Viva La Vulva at the National Concert Hall. Join me and my esteemed guests on March 1st for open, honest conversations on women's health. Topics include pelvic floor health, sexual wellness, peri & menopause, and longevity, with expert advice to empower and inform. Tickets available at nch.ie!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThis week we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes from April 2023, with Dr. Sarah Callaghan, a GP specializing in women’s health and a true champion for women. In this episode, we dive into the big questions around perimenopause and menopause, including how to manage loneliness and anxiety, whether testosterone can boost libido, and what to do about the seemingly inevitable weight gain.This episode is for anyone going through menopause or perimenopause, as well as their partners, friends, and colleagues who want to better understand and support them. With Dr. Callaghan’s insights, you’ll feel empowered to seek help and reassured that you’re not alone on this journey. Tune in to revisit this open and honest conversation!Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Dr. Clare Cromwell, a leading menopause specialist and GP based in Cork, about empowering women to take charge of their midlife health. We discuss the role of muscle strength in cognitive health, how strength training can help prevent dementia, and why estrogen is vital for bone density. Dr. Cromwell offers practical advice on navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and pelvic floor health.We also dive into the challenges of researching estrogen, the potential for self-monitoring technologies in the future, and how fluctuating hormone levels impact women during perimenopause. Dr. Cromwell highlights the connection between muscle health and brain health, the importance of lifestyle choices, and the need for early menopause education to foster understanding and empathy from a young age.From tackling bone, muscle, and brain health to advocating for cultural shifts that prioritise strength and self-acceptance, this episode is packed with insights to help women embrace midlife with confidence. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation!This episode is brought to you by Tena, the experts in bladder weakness. If you’re one of the many people dealing with urinary incontinence, it doesn’t have to stop you from living your life. Tena’s range of products includes discreet liners, absorbent pads, and silhouette pants to keep you protected and comfortable.Tena products quickly absorb moisture and lock in odours, so you can feel confident and fresh all day. You’ll find Tena in Tesco, Dunnes, Supervalu, and leading pharmacies. And if you’re experiencing regular leaks, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, to have an open and vital conversation about gender-based abuse. We discuss the harsh realities of psychological and emotional abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and coercive control. We consider the societal norms that enable these issues, and the alarming rise in abuse during the holiday season.Our discussion highlights the challenges faced by survivors, as Sarah sheds light on the complexities of post-separation abuse, including financial manipulation, and the urgent need for legislative reform to protect survivors. We also reflect on the case of Nikita Hand and the often harrowing court process for sexual abuse cases, emphasizing the need for systemic change. We explore the broader societal influences that contribute to gender-based abuse, from pornography to perceived gender roles, and the responsibility of both men and women in fostering change. This episode calls for awareness, action, and cultural shifts to create a safer, more equal society for everyone. Tune in for a thought-provoking and compassionate conversation.This episode discusses sensitive topics, including domestic and sexual abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, support is available. Please reach out to the Women’s Aid 24-hour National Freephone Helpline at 1800 341 900 or visit www.womensaid.ie for more resources. You are not alone.This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care with fresh, fun, and effective products. Just in time for the holiday season, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are now available in Ireland at McCauley’s, Mulligan’s, and Adrian Dunne Pharmacies. Perfect for keeping your smile bright and fresh through all the festive celebrations.Their latest innovation, Teeth Whitening Breath Strips, dissolve on your teeth to whiten up to 2.5 shades while freshening your breath with a polar mint kick. Say goodbye to red wine stains and stale breath this holiday season—these strips are your new secret weapon for a dazzling smile! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or grab yours in-store today.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with TJ Hegarty, founder and CEO of Breakthrough Maths, about the challenges and opportunities in making maths education more accessible and engaging. TJ shares his innovative approach, including small class sizes and personalised progress tracking, to help students build confidence and succeed in maths.We discuss why girls' performance in maths is declining, exploring the role of societal stereotypes, math anxiety, and the lingering impact of COVID-19 on education. TJ highlights the differences between Asian and European approaches to maths education, and shares why foundational skills and parental support are crucial for long-term success.We also explore the role of grinds schools in helping students prepare for state exams and how maths can equip young people for careers in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world. Packed with practical tips for study habits and exam preparation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education. Tune in for an insightful conversation!This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care with fresh, fun, and effective products. Just in time for the holiday season, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are now available in Ireland at McCauley’s, Mulligan’s, and Adrian Dunne Pharmacies. Perfect for keeping your smile bright and fresh through all the festive celebrations.Their latest innovation, Teeth Whitening Breath Strips, dissolve on your teeth to whiten up to 2.5 shades while freshening your breath with a polar mint kick. Say goodbye to red wine stains and stale breath this holiday season—these strips are your new secret weapon for a dazzling smile! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or grab yours in-store today.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brendan Daugherty, a child psychiatrist with a unique approach to mental health. Brendan shares his personal story of overcoming psoriasis through psychodynamic therapy, showing the powerful link between mental and physical health.We explore how mental health issues like anxiety and ADHD present differently in boys and girls, with Brendan offering practical advice for parents to support their children’s mental wellness.Our conversation also delves into topics including parent blame, holistic approaches to mental health, and the potential of psychedelic microdosing. Brendan discusses the emotional toll of working in mental health and the importance of self-care practices like yoga. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in mental wellness, personal growth, or parenting. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring chat!This episode is sponsored by Ayu Cosmetics, the Irish luxury makeup brand that’s all about quality and elegance. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to make you feel amazing—not just with stunning results but with the whole Ayu Experience. From top-notch customer service to special perks like discounts and early product access, Ayu goes above and beyond to make every customer feel special.With Christmas just around the corner, their beautifully packaged gift sets are the perfect way to treat someone you love (or yourself!). Head over to AyuCosmetics.com to explore their luxurious collection and give the gift of the Ayu Experience this Christmas.Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.