Show Notes
There’s something special about a first home; it’s independence, stability, and the freedom to shape life on your own terms. But in Ireland today, taking that step can feel as daunting as it is exciting. That’s where Brendan Courtney’s My First Home comes in, offering inspiration and practical guidance for anyone navigating the journey.
This week, TV presenter and digital creator Katja Mia joins Brendan to share her honest perspective as someone still figuring it out. From managing the challenges of self-employment to understanding the twists and turns of buying a first home, her story is relatable, engaging, and refreshingly real.
Blending personal insight with practical tips - from saving for a deposit to early mortgage advice - this episode is a must-listen for aspiring homeowners looking for reassurance, guidance, and a reminder that the journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be extraordinary. For more information and to speak with a mortgage advisor, checkout aib.ie.
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More from Brendan Courtney's My First Home
On the Podcast this week… Monaghan footballer Dessie Ward is no stranger to commitment and hard work on the pitch, but now he’s taking on a whole new challenge off it. Recently married to his longtime partner Clodagh, Dessie has already embraced an unconventional start to homeownership moving into a derelict barn with big plans to transform it into something truly special. Known for his grounded nature, resilience and dry humor, Dessie is now navigating the realities of turning that vision into a home.
On the Podcast this week...Aisling Maher, one of Ireland’s best-known camogie players, is a true leader both on and off the pitch. A standout for Dublin where she not only played but captained St Vincent’s Aisling is widely recognized for her leadership, straight-talking approach, and unwavering advocacy for equality in women’s sport.
On the Podcast this week...Jade Kirwan, known as the “self-build solo girl,” is a true force of resilience and ambition. Taking on the huge challenge of designing and building her own home entirely on her own, she’s become a powerful example of what’s possible with determination, courage, and self-belief. On the AIB podcast with Brendan Courtney, Jade shares a refreshingly honest insight into the realities of self-building, from the obstacles and doubts to the immense pride of creating something from the ground up. Her story is inspiring a new generation of women to step outside the traditional path, take risks, and build lives and homes completely on their own terms.
This week’s guests are Mark Rogers and Paul Kinsella; beauty influencer and interiors experts who have been together for years and tied the knot in 2021 becoming a stylish Irish duo known for their style, design and sharing their life online. Mark and Paul are not only partners in life & love but co- host the Glow Home Podcast and chat about why location was everything in their house hunt, and how they have transformed their space into a home that truly reflects them. Have a listen to this extraordinary & hilariously funny pair!
This week’s guest is the brilliant Fiona Frawley comedian, broadcaster, and one half of Spin 103.8’s Breakfast team, helping Dublin wake up laughing every morning. Off‑air, Fiona shares her home with her husband Duane Doogan and their dog Danish and as she tells Brendan, actually buying that home back in 2022 was anything but straightforward. From unexpected roadblocks to moments that felt more farce than fairytale, Fiona opens up about a house‑hunting journey that seriously tested her patience (and her sense of humor).