Dawn Hunter, an entrepreneur, lawyer, and public health consultant, connecting from Florida to share her deeply personal story of resilience and growth. Dawn opens up about growing up in a military family impacted by trauma, domestic violence, parentification, and the challenges of navigating childhood in an environment filled with secrecy and unrest. Together, James and Dawn discuss breaking generational cycles, the nuanced journey of healing, and the role of therapy and creative outlets in building a happier, more authentic life. Dawn also touches on her efforts to reframe our relationship with work through her own podcast, “Work Is Third,” and reflects on her journey to self-acceptance, pride, and finding joy beyond accomplishment. This episode is a powerful reminder that, no matter the background, it’s possible to rewrite your own story—embracing both the tears and the joy that come with it.

7 key themes discussed in the episode:

1. Childhood domestic violence and trauma

2. Parentification and lost childhood

3. Healing through therapy and self-work

4. Perfectionism and need for control

5. Impact of family dynamics on identity

6. Importance of support outside the family

7. Redefining success and living authentically

Welcome back to "Don't Be Afraid to Talk." In this episode, host James L sits down with Gerry Ryan, the driving force behind the Tolka River Project, a community-based addiction rehabilitation center in Dublin. Gerry shares his journey from working at the renowned Coolmine Therapeutic Community to reopening Tolka River Project nearly two decades ago. Together, they dive into what makes the center unique—from tailoring programs to meet individual needs, to fostering client involvement and prioritizing innovation over one-size-fits-all solutions.

You'll hear open and honest conversations about the changing landscape of addiction, the challenges of recovery, and how the project empowers clients to redefine their futures—not just by overcoming addiction, but by building life skills, pursuing education, and creating a supportive community. Whether you’re curious about the inner workings of a recovery center, or looking for hopeful stories of personal transformation, this episode is packed with insights, compassion, and practical wisdom.

7 key themes discussed in the episode:

1. Community-based addiction recovery approaches

2. Evolution of rehabilitation programs

3. Importance of tailoring services to needs

4. Handling relapse as a learning opportunity

5. Role of education in recovery

6. Challenges: space, funding, program structure

7. Compassion and human connection in treatment

Follow: Tolka River

WEBSITE: https://tolkariverproject.org/

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/tolkariverproject/

FACEBOOK: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/tolka.river

If you would like to share your story and help inspire othersor have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Help information

If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP,therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list ofnational mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.

Curious about co-parenting and how to truly put your child's wellbeing first during a separation? This week on “Don’t Be Afraid to Talk,” James L sits down with clinical psychologist and co-parenting coach, Tiffany Rochester, to dive deep into the realities, challenges, and unexpected joys of co-parenting.

In this powerful episode:

💡 Tiffany shares why being kind to yourself is the real first step.

💡 Learn why shielding kids from conflict is the biggest gift you can give them.

💡 Discover practical advice on setting boundaries, navigating new partners, and building a healthy two-home family.

💡 Hear honest, heartfelt strategies for managing shame, handling blame, and why asking for support is a superpower—not a weakness.

Whether you’re a parent, friend, or just want to become a better ally, this episode is packed with wisdom and real talk. Tune in now for inspiration, compassion, and tools you can use today.

Follow: Tiffany Rochester

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/coparentingcompanion

WEBSITE: https://www.coparentingcompanion.au/

FACEBOOK: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/CoparentingCompanion

YOUTUBE: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@CoparentingCompanion

LINKEDIN: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/co-parenting-companion

If you would like to share your story and help inspire othersor have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Help information

If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP,therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list ofnational mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.