#14 "I survived the unthinkable!": Strength, Spirit and the Surgery That Changed Sarah's Life

WHO | Meet Colman PowerColman Power is an organic fitness and nutrition coach, author of The Power of Organic Fitness, and a passionate advocate for growing your own food, movement and community. But behind his infectious energy and enthusiasm is a story of a young boy who struggled with confidence, dyslexia, his health and finding his place in the world. WHAT | What's the conversation about?From feeling like an underdog at school to building a life around health, organic food and helping others, Colman shares his remarkable journey of personal transformation. We explore how his struggles with asthma and eczema led him to rethink his lifestyle, how growing his own food changed his relationship with nature, and why connection, community and adventure have become such important parts of his life. WHY | Why should you listen?Because this conversation is about so much more than healthy eating. It's about discovering your strengths, overcoming self-doubt and realising that where you start in life doesn't have to determine where you end up. Colman's story reminds us that meaningful change doesn't happen overnight, that small consistent actions matter, and that it's never too late to begin making changes that could transform your life. The Host: A little about your host, Emma I'm Emma, a former teacher turned Personal Growth Mentor and host of Soul Sessions with Emma. After almost 20 years in education and many years living abroad, I'm passionate about helping people build confidence, embrace change and reconnect with themselves. Through this podcast, I share honest, meaningful conversations about life, personal growth and the stories that shape who we become. ☕ Enjoying the podcast? Soul Sessions is independently created and produced with a lot of love. If you'd like to support the podcast and help me continue sharing these conversations, you can buy me a coffee here: 👉 buymeacoffee.com/nourishyouc

WHO? Gillian Scahill Gillian is a Galway-based conscious parenting coach, mum and former HSE environmental health officer. She trained in conscious parenting with Dr. Shefali and now supports mothers to understand their triggers, let go of perfectionism and build more compassionate, connected relationships with their children. Her own journey into motherhood was anything but straightforward. After struggling to conceive, Gillian finally became a mother to her son Matthew, but only days after his birth she became critically ill with sepsis, septic shock and multi-organ failure. She spent weeks in hospital and came extraordinarily close to losing her life. WHAT is this episode about? This episode is about much more than parenting. We talk about: • Gillian’s own childhood and the pressure many of us grew up with to be the “good” child • Her fertility journey and becoming a mother • Surviving sepsis shortly after Matthew’s birth and the emotional impact of being separated from her newborn baby • The bond between mother and child, even through physical separation • How our own childhood experiences can show up in the way we parent • Why our children’s behaviour can trigger feelings of powerlessness, inadequacy and fear in us • The difference between reacting to a child’s behaviour and becoming curious about what is underneath it • Why mothers so often put themselves last and why self-care is not selfish • The pressure on modern parents to get everything “right” • Why children may be over-scheduled and need more time simply to be • Letting go of the need to mould our children into who we think they should become • Why connection matters more than perfection One of the biggest themes is that conscious parenting is not really about controlling your child. It is about becoming aware of what is happening inside you when your child triggers something. Gillian describes recognising feelings of powerlessness and “not good enough” beneath some of her own reactions. WHY LISTEN? Listen if you are a parent who has ever lost your patience and then felt guilty afterwards.If you have ever wondered why certain behaviours in your child affect you so deeply and listen if you need the reminder that being a good parent does not mean being a perfect parent. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give your child is becoming more aware of yourself, tending to your own needs and allowing them the freedom to become who they actually are. This is a conversation about motherhood, survival, self-compassion, identity and learning to meet our children with curiosity instead of fear. If enjoyed this episiode or other episodes in this series, you can show your appreciation by subscribing and sharing this podcast. You can also support me in my work by buying me a coffee (or a cocktail :) buymeacoffee.com/nourishyouc

In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, I’m joined by Marian Ní Chonghaile, wellbeing specialist, life coach, breathwork facilitator and educator. Born in London and raised in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Marian shares how Gaeilge, nature, community and Seán-Nós dancing shaped her sense of identity and connection from an early age. We explore some of the defining moments of her life, including her father’s serious accident, her own health challenges and a later car accident that became another major turning point. Marian speaks openly about spending years overthinking, analysing and pushing forward before learning that understanding ourselves intellectually is not always enough. We talk about grief, resilience, breathwork, suppressed emotions, movement and why Marian now believes that real change happens in the body. She also shares the precious final chapter she spent with her father, the simple moments that taught her about presence, and why learning to listen to our bodies and treat ourselves with kindness can profoundly change the way we live. Marian’s work today brings together breathwork, coaching, movement and Gaeilge through Thrive Within - Filleadh ort féin, meaning returning to yourself. A conversation about slowing down, listening inward and remembering that sometimes the journey forward is really a journey back to ourselves.

What does it really mean to be a strong man? In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, I welcome Steve Dawe back to the podcast for an open and thought-provoking conversation about masculinity, vulnerability, responsibility and what it means to become the man you actually want to be. Steve shares the story behind The Warrior Within, a 12-week men’s personal development programme inspired by the work of author and BAFTA winner Jeff Thompson. But this conversation goes far beyond the programme itself. We explore why so many men can appear successful on the outside while quietly feeling disconnected, stuck or unfulfilled. We talk about the masks men wear, the power of male community, pornography, alcohol, social media and other forms of distraction, and why radical honesty is often the first step towards real change. Steve also opens up about his own journey over the past year, including leaving education, building a new career and supporting his wife through breast cancer treatment. He shares what this experience has taught him about staying centred, asking for support and living according to your values when life becomes difficult. At the heart of this conversation is a simple question: Are you the person you say you want to be? Because real strength isn’t about looking like a warrior on the outside. It’s about how you show up for yourself and the people around you when it matters most. An honest conversation about men, relationships, vulnerability, self-mastery and doing the work.

In this episode of Soul Sessions with Emma, Michelle A. Hardwick returns to share what has happened since her first appearance on the podcast and the journey behind her now-published book, Menopause Wingman: The Emotional Handbook for Partners.