• Why muscle matters more than you think
    Jun 11 2026

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues for lifelong health.

    While many of us associate muscle with strength or appearance, it also plays a crucial role in mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing. Professor Jakeman explains why we begin to lose muscle from our thirties onwards, how this affects our health as we age, and the practical steps we can take through exercise and nutrition to stay stronger, healthier and more independent for longer.

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    24 mins
  • The hidden health impact of Irish drinking culture
    Jun 4 2026

    Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast.

    The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, injuries, sleep disruption, mental health, and long-term disease risk. Dr Luke also reflects on his pioneering work in clubbing medicine and how festival health services in Ireland have dramatically improved over the years.


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    33 mins
  • How to take control of your money and reduce stress
    May 28 2026

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress and overall wellbeing.

    As the cost of living continues to rise, financial pressure is affecting sleep, mental health and everyday decision making. John explains why financial health is a key pillar of overall wellbeing, the simple budgeting mistakes people make, and how better financial literacy can help people feel more confident, secure and in control of their future.

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    28 mins
  • Why calorie counting often fails and what works instead
    May 21 2026

    On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition.

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    21 mins
  • The convenience trap: how modern life is changing us
    May 14 2026

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and convenience.

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    27 mins
  • Beyond weight loss: a smarter approach to women’s health
    May 7 2026

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach.

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    24 mins
  • From teen training to takeaways: your top health questions answered
    Apr 30 2026

    Is protein powder safe for a 16-year-old starting the gym?

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions.

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    25 mins
  • Why gastric surgery is more successful than weight loss drugs
    Apr 23 2026

    On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, Karl Henry sits down with Dr John Loy, consultant bariatric surgeon, to explore the science behind weight gain.

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    24 mins