In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Orla Conlon, an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology, who brings over 25 years of experience to our conversation. We discuss the often-overlooked psychological impact of conditions like PMS and PMDD, and Dr. Conlon shares why empathy and understanding are so important in women’s healthcare.

We dive into the struggles young women face with heavy and painful periods, exploring when symptoms may signal conditions like endometriosis. Dr. Conlon explains various treatment options—from pain relief to contraceptives like the Kyleena coil—stressing the importance of early diagnosis to protect fertility and ensure the right care.

Our chat also covers the role of societal pressures, trauma, and modern gynaecological treatments in shaping women’s health. We touch on psychosexual health, cervical care, postnatal recovery, and the benefits of less invasive procedures like the Mirena coil and endometrial ablation. Plus, we discuss the role of HRT in supporting well-being. Join us as we aim to open up these vital conversations, making sure women feel empowered to seek the care and support they need.

This episode is sponsored by AYU Cosmetics, the Irish makeup brand redefining elegance with their luxury essentials. Known for their beautifully curated basics—like a capsule wardrobe for your makeup bag—AYU products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted to perfection.

This Black Friday, AYU is offering 30% off site-wide with free shipping from 25th November to 2nd December. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on their must-haves, like the flawless, all-day concealer I’m obsessed with! Visit ayucosmetics.com and follow @ayumakeupireland on Instagram for updates and offers.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, I’m joined by Suzie O’Neill, founder of AYU Cosmetics, who shares her journey from makeup artist and educator, to CEO. Suzie opens up about the ups and downs of building her brand, from recovering after a failed partnership to juggling work, family, and self-care.

We chat about the self-care habits that boost confidence, especially for busy women—whether it’s putting on a bit of makeup, running marathons, or horse-riding with her kids. Suzie and I also discuss the role of diet and exercise in keeping a balanced, healthy life and the positive ripple effect it has on mental and physical well-being.

Suzie gives us a peek behind the scenes of AYU’s growth, from online consultations to global expansion, all while staying customer-focused. She’s honest about the challenges of funding her business and competing in a tough market. Whether you’re into beauty or business, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, self-belief, and staying true to your vision.

This episode is brought to you by fabÜ SKIN GLOW. Designed to promote radiant and healthy hair and skin, fabÜ SKIN GLOW is a unique blend of Reishi mushroom, amino acids, essential vitamins like Vitamin C, A and E, niacinamide, and zinc. Available on fabuwellness.com, and in pharmacies and health stores nationwide.

Also, Viva La Vulva is back! Join me and my esteemed panel of guests in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on 1st March 2025, for an evening dedicated to women’s health. With honest conversations on topics like pelvic floor health, sexual wellness, peri and menopause, and HRT, the event will be fun, informative, and empowering. Each €75 ticket includes a goodie bag worth over €100, ensuring you leave feeling pampered. Buy your tickets at nch.ie so you don't miss out!

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we’re joined by Albert Kehoe, a physiotherapist, who shares how movement can improve your health and well-being. With years of experience, Albert talks about helping people recover from injuries, manage pain, and stay mobile, while showing the long-term benefits of exercise.

We chat about how modern life has changed our activity levels and what we can do to stay fit. Albert gives practical tips for starting a fitness journey,  highlighting the benefits of resistance training for building strength, muscle, and bone health, plus easy ways to add more movement to your day, like quick “exercise snacks” anyone can do.

We also explore ideas from John J. Ratey's book Spark on how exercise can transform the brain and kids’ health, including a look at physical education in schools and how exercise habits start in childhood. Tune in for practical advice on making movement a part of everyday life—for all ages!

This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care. Now available in Ireland exclusively at McCauley’s Pharmacies, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are a game changer for keeping smiles bright.

Later this month, BURST are launching Teeth Whitening Breath Strips that dissolve on your teeth, whitening up to 2.5 shades and freshening your breath with an icy mint kick! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or visit their website here.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Paddy Barrett, a top cardiologist, about how small changes to your daily routine—like exercise, diet, sleep, and managing stress—can help lower your risk of heart disease. He shares handy tips on slowing down plaque build-up, inspired by centenarians who live longer, healthier lives.

We also clear up some common myths about cholesterol, statins, and heart health, and ask if midlife women should be thinking about taking HRT to protect their hearts. Plus, we talk about the importance of living true to yourself and taking charge of your well-being. Tune in to find out how a few small changes can make a big difference to your heart health!

This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care. Now available in Ireland exclusively at McCauley’s Pharmacies, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are a game changer for keeping smiles bright.

Later this month, BURST are launching Teeth Whitening Breath Strips that dissolve on your teeth, whitening up to 2.5 shades and freshening your breath with an icy mint kick! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or visit their website here.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sarah Carty about navigating ADHD, drawing from her experiences as both a mother and an expert in the field.

Dr. Carty discusses how ADHD isn’t about a lack of attention but an overload, and why girls are often diagnosed later than boys. She breaks down how stimulant medications work to bring order to the chaos, and the challenges children with ADHD face in school.

We explore the testing process for ADHD, including the QB test and other assessments. Dr. Carty also shares insights on how ADHD affects women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and how combining ADHD medication with hormone therapy can make a big difference.

Throughout the episode, we focus on mental health, lifestyle changes, and the importance of kindness and support for those living with ADHD.

This episode is sponsored by BURST Oral Care, the brand revolutionising oral care. Now available in Ireland exclusively at McCauley’s Pharmacies, BURST’s PAP-powered whitening products are a game changer for keeping smiles bright.

Later this month, BURST are launching Teeth Whitening Breath Strips that dissolve on your teeth, whitening up to 2.5 shades and freshening your breath with an icy mint kick! Follow @burstoralcare on Instagram for updates and offers, or visit their website here.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we chat with Paul Scanlon, a personal growth and leadership coach, about how to improve your communication by being more authentic and relatable. 

Paul explains how simplifying what you say and cutting out confusing language can help you connect better with others. He also talks about how small daily habits can boost your confidence and self-awareness over time.

We dive into the dangers of trying to please everyone, understanding what drives you, and why it’s important to take care of your emotional well-being. Paul also shares advice on breaking free from limiting beliefs and creating a life that feels meaningful to you.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

In this episode, we chat with Eavanna Breen, a leading facialist with over 30 years in the aesthetics industry. Eavanna shares her journey from beauty school to owning a top salon on Leeson Street, navigating challenges like the 2008 recession and the pandemic.

She also opens up about discovering pre-cancerous cells, the decision to have surgery, and how this changed her approach to health. Alongside this, Eavanna talks about supporting her teenage daughter through ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and the importance of early mental health intervention.

The episode wraps up with Eavanna’s skincare tips for beginners and her advice on following your passions fearlessly.

Connect with Eavanna on Instagram

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful international brand while juggling family life and moving around the world? Join us for a chat with Gary Lavin, the founder of VITHIT, an Irish vitamin drink company making waves in the beverage industry. Gary shares his journey, including a move to Dubai to give his kids a richer cultural experience and how playing sports shaped his leadership skills.

Listen to gripping stories of how Gary defended VITHIT against copycats and get insights into building a sustainable business. He also talks about the rise and fall of the Prime drink brand in the UK and the challenges of entering tough markets.

But it’s not just business. Gary opens up about the joy of family life, the value of mentorship, and staying positive. From tackling fears to enjoying simple moments with loved ones, this episode is packed with personal stories and practical advice that will inspire and inform. Don’t miss this heartwarming and insightful conversation with an entrepreneur who knows how to balance business with family happiness.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Join me on The Laura Dowling Experience as I chat with Dr. Lisa Cunningham, a consultant in emergency medicine, about the critical differences in pre-hospital care between Ireland and the UK. Dr. Cunningham draws from her UK experience and highlights the urgent need for similar advanced care in Ireland.

We explore the challenges faced by emergency services, the life-saving role of physician-led teams, and the pressing changes required to improve Ireland’s critical care system. With real-world stories and a potential breakthrough meeting with the Taoiseach, this episode offers a deep dive into the future of emergency healthcare in Ireland.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Wondering how age impacts fertility and what emotional challenges couples face on their IVF journey? Join us as we chat with Dr. John Kennedy from Therapy Fertility about everything from the IVF process—like ovarian stimulation and embryo transfers—to the ups and downs of fertility treatments. We’ll break down the effects of age on fertility, success rates, and what really affects egg quality (spoiler: it’s not supplements!). Dr. Kennedy also shares insights on male infertility, acupuncture, and the tough choices around multiple embryos. It’s an open, honest talk about navigating fertility enjoy! 

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Unlock the secrets to understanding and managing sarcoidosis with renowned consultant respiratory physician, Professor Seamus Donnelly. We dive deep into this often-overlooked disease that primarily affects young adults. From the distressing symptoms of extreme fatigue to shortness of breath and persistent inflammation, Professor Donnelly offers a comprehensive look. With 70-80% of patients experiencing spontaneous improvement within two to three years, there is hope, but it’s crucial to get accurate information.

We also explore the broader implications of living with sarcoidosis, such as its impact on mental health, social isolation, and the necessity for supportive work environments. Join us for an enlightening and hopeful discussion on living with sarcoidosis.

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.