
Show Notes
In this fascinating episode, I’m joined by Donncha Phelan, founder of Active Body Clinic and a leading specialist in Vagus Nerve Regulation. We explore the powerful role the vagus nerve plays in regulating stress, recovery, digestion, sleep, and emotional wellbeing — and why it's often the missing link in both physical and mental health. Donncha breaks down: What the vagus nerve actually is — and why it matters
Signs your nervous system might be stuck in "fight or flight"
Simple, practical ways to activate the vagus nerve daily
How vagal tone affects pain, anxiety, inflammation, and even burnout
The link between trauma, tension, and nervous system dysregulation
Whether you're an athlete, a shift worker, a parent, or someone dealing with chronic stress — this episode is full of insights to help you better understand your body and build real resilience from the inside out. 🧠💪 Calm your system. Improve recovery. Feel human again.
More from The Sleep & Health Podcast
In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the intersection of neuroscience, nature, and human behavior with Martin O’Neill, lecturer at ATU Sligo, Neuroscientist and PhD supervisor whose research explores how natural environments shape our wellbeing, attention, mood, and decision-making. Together, we unpack how the brain’s reward systems respond to uncertainty, how modern environments disrupt ancient neural circuits, and how reconnecting with nature can transform stress, gut health, and mental wellbeing. 1. Dopamine Pathways & Human Behaviour We explore how dopamine actually works (beyond the pop-psych myths) and why it is less the “pleasure molecule” and more a prediction and motivation system. Martin explains: How dopamine shapes choices, goal pursuit, and habit formation
In this deeply fascinating episode, I sit down with Martin McDonagh, a counsellor, therapist, author, and spiritual guide, to explore the profound journey of spiritual growth, emotional regulation and self-understanding. Together, we unpack what it means to live with purpose, embrace life’s transience, and find meaning in both pleasure and pain. Martin shares timeless insights drawn from his years of therapeutic and spiritual practice — offering wisdom on navigating anger, loneliness, fear, and acceptance. Martin shares his journey from the Himalayas, to India, to Death Valley and the teaching he learned along the way. The conversation invites listeners to look inward, to take responsibility for their own path, and to find fulfillment through awareness and compassion. Spiritual Growth & Destiny: How we can uncover our deeper purpose and align with our true path.
The Sleep & Health Podcast – Episode 9: Building Your Personal Performance Plan with Eoin Lacey About the Episode In this episode, Tom speaks with Eoin Lacey, a leading performance coach and health strategist, about how to optimize performance by building a personal performance plan that works in the real world. Together, they explore the crucial role of recovery as the foundation for sustainable success — in life, work, and sport. Eoin shares practical strategies for improving focus, managing stress, and creating balance in a world that’s constantly “on.” The discussion also dives into how to switch off from technology, build an environment that supports wellbeing, and take ownership of your habits and results through accountability. Whether you’re an athlete, executive, or anyone striving for better energy and performance, this episode offers a roadmap for designing your “ideal week” — one that aligns your goals with your health, recovery, and mindset. Why recovery is the base of all high performance
In this incredible episode, I speak to Kadam Adam Starr — meditation teacher and practitioner of the Kadampa Buddhist Tradition. Kadam Adam is the principal teacher at Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre Dublin which is dedicated to teaching meditation and Buddhist practices in a way to make it accessible to people in everyday life. The teachings place an emphasis on mindful awareness, emotional wellbeing, spiritual growth, and using meditation to help with sleep and mental clarity. It was such an insightful and powerful episode for me.
In this episode, I sit down with Brian Crooke! The most well known and liked man in Wellbeing as a true thought leader in the field of Workplace Wellbeing. We covered so much in this episode: Workplace Wellness Today Why wellbeing initiatives often fall short when they’re treated as a “tick-the-box” exercise.