Show Notes
What do women wish they’d known about their bodies before motherhood, hormonal changes and the pressures of everyday life? This week on Garry Talks, I’m joined by personal trainer and online fitness coach Laura Burke for an honest conversation about confidence, body image, motherhood and the realities of women’s health. Laura opens up about how fitness helped her through her parents’ separation, her decision to undergo nose surgery, and the challenges of juggling a nine-to-five job, a growing fitness business and family life, with baby number three on the way. We also explore some important and often overlooked areas of women’s health, including perimenopause, pelvic floor health and Laura’s personal experience of a bladder prolapse after childbirth. Why aren't women better prepared for these changes, and what more could be done to support them? Along the way, Laura shares practical advice on strength training, nutrition and finding time for exercise, even when life feels overwhelmingly busy. An open, insightful conversation about resilience, self-confidence and why fitness should be about feeling good, not just looking good.
For more information on Laura, please visit... https://lauraburkefitness.com/
- Support this podcast by leaving a positive comment, sharing it with a friend, or visiting www.GarryTalks.com -
00:00 – Introduction and episode highlights02:10 – Pregnancy, motherhood and preparing for baby number three10:55 – Balancing family life, a full-time job and a fitness business16:55 – Why exercise is so important for mental health21:15 – The stresses of moving house with young children28:15 – How her parents' separation led Laura to fitness38:40 – Nose surgery, body image and finding confidence45:20 – Why strength training is so important for women50:45 – Understanding perimenopause and menopause53:35 – Hormonal health, exhaustion and Laura's experience with testosterone1:08:10 – How partners can better support women1:13:40 – Laura's personal experience of bladder prolapse1:17:10 – Why women need better postpartum care1:23:30 – Returning safely to exercise after childbirth1:32:25 – Lean with Laura and her online fitness programmes1:34:50 – Starting small and building sustainable exercise habits1:39:05 – Strength training, bone density and healthy ageing1:40:45 – Protein, nutrition and pre- and post-workout meals1:46:55 – Laura's future plans and growing her fitness business
More from Garry Talks
After years as a Marist priest and teacher, Dara Molloy felt trapped by the institution. A visit to Inis Mór (Inishmore) in 1982 changed his direction: he left for the island, lived simply as a hermit, and began exploring whether ancient Celtic spirituality could speak to modern life. In this episode of Garry Talks, Dara reflects on his unconventional journey from Catholic priesthood to life on the Aran Islands, where he built a family with his wife, author and poet Tess Harper-Molloy. He shares how their relationship, family life and creative partnership have shaped his outlook on love, spirituality and living life on their own terms. He also shares how nature, ritual and community shape the ceremonies he creates today. For more information on Dara, please visit... https://www.daramolloy.com/
In this episode of 'Garry Talks', host Garry speaks with Irish coach Fiona Gillies about neurodiversity in the workplace. Fiona explains conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia, highlighting both their challenges and strengths. She discusses the importance of inclusive workplace practices, individualised support, and open communication between employers and employees. Fiona also addresses language preferences, late diagnoses, and the decision to disclose a condition during recruitment. Drawing on the social model of disability, she argues that adapting environments — rather than "fixing" individuals — enables neurodivergent people to thrive. Small, practical changes, she emphasises, can make a significant difference. For more information on Fiona, please visit... https://www.fionagillies.co.uk
In this episode of 'Wellth Talks', hosts Garry Kelly of GK Media Studios and Niall Leyden of Atlantic Wealth Management meet guest Dermot McConkey, author of 'Sales ASAP' to explore the art of sales and communication in business. Dermot shares practical strategies for building customer relationships, emphasises the importance of emotional engagement, and discusses how businesses can differentiate themselves through genuine connection and consistent follow-up. The conversation blends personal stories, humour, and actionable advice, highlighting that success in sales relies on empathy, simplicity, and going beyond expectations to truly understand and serve clients.
In this episode of "Garry Talks," Garry interviews Brendan Flanagan, CEO of Ethical Tours. Brendan discusses his journey from the Irish Navy and financial services to founding Ethical Tours, a Midlands-based company promoting sustainable, accessible tourism. He shares insights on overcoming business challenges, the importance of community support, and the role of green energy. Brendan also reflects on personal resilience, particularly during his daughter’s illness, and highlights how Ethical Tours connects visitors with local heritage and nature, fostering well-being and economic regeneration in the region. For more information, please visit https://ethicaltours.ie
In this episode of "Wellth Talks," host Garry Kelly is joined by Niall Leyden of Atlantic Wealth Management and "Mr. Motivator" Dermot McConkey to discuss retirement income planning. They highlight the benefits of starting pension savings early, tax incentives, and the psychological shifts of retirement. The panel stresses the importance of regular pension reviews, professional advice, and holistic financial planning. Real-life stories and practical tips illustrate how to secure financial freedom and a fulfilling retirement, emphasising proactive engagement, ongoing communication with advisors, and the value of planning for both money and lifestyle.