The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy

My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 2)

Following on from Episode 1, Eleanor Bermingham returns to share more of her incredibly honest and emotional story.

Eleanor opens up about the anger, betrayal and heartbreak she experienced after discovering her husband of 10 years was gay.

She talks about the pressure of keeping Mick's sexuality a secret, the questions she couldn't stop asking herself and the painful reality of watching him move on with a new partner.

It's a raw and powerful conversation about the aftermath of her marriage...

My Husband of 10 Years Told Me He Was Gay | Eleanor Bermingham (Part 1)

Imagine being married for 10 years, believing you have the perfect life, only for your husband to tell you he's gay.

This week on The Comeback, I'm joined by Eleanor Bermingham, who shares her incredibly honest and emotional story of having her world turned upside down.

Eleanor opens up about the shock, heartbreak and grief of losing the marriage she thought would last forever.

She's also a mum to two boys, Mikey, 19, who has profound autism and severe intellectual disabilities, and Darragh, 14...

Growing up in a broken home and struggling at school with undiagnosed dyslexia, Sarah McGarry faced challenges from an early age.

But nothing could have prepared her for November 2008, when her beloved sister Emma suddenly collapsed from a brain aneurysm at just 25 years old.

Sarah was only 22 and pregnant with her son when she lost her sister.

In this emotional and honest conversation, Sarah opens up about sibling loss, the anger and grief that followed, and navigating life's biggest milestones without Emma by her side.

Despite everything she's been through, Sarah...

This week’s episode is a little different, and one that is very close to my heart.

In support of Coolmine’s Sober October campaign, I’m joined by Lorraine Higgins and Caroline Dunne from Coolmine to have an open and honest conversation about addiction, recovery and the incredible work being done to support individuals and families across Ireland.

Later in the episode, we hear the powerful story of Bernard West, whose journey took him through heroin and crack cocaine addiction, prison, homelessness and relapse before ultimately finding recovery through Coolmine.

Today, Bernard is dru...

In this episode, Shirley Keegan shares a deeply personal story of resilience, motherhood, shame, burnout and rebuilding.

From growing up in a very different Ireland, to becoming pregnant at just 15 and spending time in a mother and baby home, Shirley reflects on experiences that shaped her from a young age and stayed with her throughout her life.

She also opens up about the pressures of a long corporate career, the point at which everything became too much, and how that period led her to completely reassess her life.

This is an honest and...

This week on the podcast I sit down with 17-year-old Sarah Monaghan, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 13.

Sarah speaks so openly about her diagnosis, undergoing an egg retrieval at 14, the isolation of radioactive iodine treatment and what life has been like in the four years since.

We also hear from Sarah’s sister Zoe, who becomes emotional talking about how much she wished she could take the cancer and the pain away from her little sister.

A huge thank you to Sarah’s parents, Sylvia and Brian, for trusting me with...

Bernard Westman shares the story of the darkest period of his life, the moment he felt there was no way out, and what happened when his family found him in Galway.

It is a deeply honest conversation about suicidal thoughts, shame, family, asking for help and finding your way back.

Bernard’s message is simple: the people who love you would rather walk through your darkest days with you than live without you.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, Pieta’s 24-hour Crisis Helpline is available on 1800 247 247, or text...

Aoibhe Devlin opens up like never before about some of the most difficult periods of her life.

For the first time, she speaks publicly about experiencing postnatal depression, struggling in silence and eventually reaching out for help. She also talks about the online abuse she faced while heavily pregnant, going through a breakup and reaching a point where she questioned how much more she could take.

Aoibhe shares how her two children kept her going, how she began rebuilding her life and, on a lighter note, opens up about her new relationship, how they met...

What happens when the person you thought you would grow old with is suddenly gone?

In this episode, Catriona Brennan, Samantha Byrne and Fiona McCluskey share their experiences of becoming widowed at a young age.

Catriona lost her partner Timothy Lynch Junior, on November 22nd, 2025. Samantha lost the love of her life Seán Feeney on September 3rd, 2023. Fiona lost her husband Stephen on April 24th, 2021.

They speak about the shock of sudden loss, the days and weeks that followed, raising children through grief, the things they still miss most and the reality o...

This week, I’m joined by one of Ireland’s best-known content creators, Caoimhe McGinley.

Many will know Caoimhe from The Big Hill House, but behind the beautiful home and social media posts is a story of heartbreak, resilience and rebuilding.

In this honest conversation, Caoimhe opens up about the breakdown of her marriage, navigating such a difficult time in the public eye, raising her four children, and the devastating loss of a baby through miscarriage at almost 17 weeks pregnant.

For the first time publicly, she also speaks about a defamation case that she...

This week, I’m joined by one of Ireland’s best-known content creators, Caoimhe McGinley.

Many will know Caoimhe from The Big Hill House, but behind the beautiful home and social media posts is a story of heartbreak, resilience and rebuilding.

In this honest conversation, Caoimhe opens up about the breakdown of her marriage, navigating such a difficult time in the public eye, raising her four children, and the devastating loss of a baby through miscarriage at almost 17 weeks pregnant.

For the first time publicly, she also speaks about a defamation case that she...

Eleanor Doyle Is Back

The podcast is back after the summer break, and we’re returning with an episode that has quite a story behind it.

Eleanor has been here before. Her original episode went live a few months ago, but shortly afterwards, it disappeared.

A lot of people noticed. A lot of people asked why.

In this episode, we explain what happened.

For those who don’t know Eleanor, you may know her for the funny videos, positivity and big personality. But behind the humour is a story of survival.

After an incredible 14 months and almost 1.2 million Spotify streams, I’m taking a short summer break from the podcast.

Thank you to every guest and listener who has supported the podcast, and a huge thank you to ADHD Now and GoLoud for making it all possible.

I’ll still be recording during the break, so this is not goodbye. I’ll be back with a bang!

This week, I'm joined by one of Ireland's most recognisable content creators, Caoimhe McGinley also known as The Big Hill House on Instagram.

From building one of Ireland's best loved lifestyle pages to rebuilding her own life behind the scenes, Caoimhe shares an honest conversation about love, loss, divorce, motherhood, grief, and finding the strength to start again.

She also speaks publicly for the first time about a defamation case she says changed her life, and why she's ready to tell her story.

A powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and discovering strength through...

Welcome to Comeback Confidential, the bonus series of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore powerful stories submitted by listeners.

Together, they discuss the realities of love bombing, domestic abuse, and the heartbreaking impact addiction can have on families.

We also hear from one listener whose sibling has lived with addiction for decades. She shares the emotional toll of loving someone you can't save, the fear her elderly parents live with...

What happens when years of bullying, shame and addiction convince you that you're not worthy of being yourself?

In this episode, Humphrey O'Driscoll shares his remarkable journey of growing up gay in Carrigaline, the relentless bullying he endured, and how alcohol and cocaine became his way of escaping the pain.

He opens up about losing the love of his life to addiction, hitting rock bottom, and the moment he chose recovery over a life that was destroying him.

Today, Humphrey is sober, comfortable in his own skin, and determined to help others know...

Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw's life has been anything but ordinary.

Born with a heart condition, she underwent open heart surgery as a baby before growing up to become Miss Universe Ireland. But behind the glamour were years of relentless bullying, a life changing health battle, and the fear of facing open heart surgery again while raising four young boys.

In this episode of Lisa shares the moments that shaped her, the lessons she's learned, and why she no longer lets other people's opinions define her.

A powerful conversation about resilience, motherhood, and finding strength...

James O'Connor kissed his family goodbye and headed off on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday in December 2023.

He never came home.

Just 100 metres from the summit, James passed away, leaving behind his wife Grace and their three young children.

In one of the most emotional conversation Grace opens up about the moment she received the phone call that changed her life forever, the unbearable pain of losing the love of her life, and the reality of becoming a widow at...

This week on the podcast, Brenda sits down with Rachel Forde for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've had on the podcast.

Many people may remember the headlines surrounding Rachel several years ago, but few know the story behind them.

What started as an addiction to codeine-based painkillers spiralled into a nightmare that saw Rachel taking up to 90 tablets a day, experiencing drug-induced psychosis, and ultimately finding herself at the centre of a Garda raid on her home.

In this deeply personal conversation, Rachel speaks openly about addiction, motherhood, shame...

From working from the age of 12, to building businesses, losing almost €1.3 million, Colin Tobin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination.

Despite the setbacks and failed ventures along the way, there is no bitterness. Instead, Colin believes the secret to life is giving back, helping others, and expecting nothing in return.

We chat about business, loss, work ethic, welfare, community, and why he believes what you put out into the world comes back tenfold.

A fascinating conversation with a man who simply refuses to give up.

🎧 This episode is proud...

In this powerful conversation, Brian Pennie opens up about trauma, addiction, hitting rock bottom and the remarkable journey that took him from using heroin during his Leaving Cert to becoming Dr Brian Pennie, neuroscientist and author.

He speaks honestly about being €50,000 in debt, falling asleep at work because his body was shutting down, suffering a violent seizure during detox, and the moment he realised he could not continue living the way he was.

But more than anything, this episode is about hope. It's about resilience, healing and proving that no matter how broken someone feels, th...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control and violence.

In this deeply emotional, Brenda sits down with Eleanor Doyle, a woman many people will recognise from her positive, funny and uplifting social media presence.

But behind the smile is a story very few knew.

Eleanor opens up about years of domestic abuse, coercive control, fear and survival while trying to protect her three young children. She shares the reality of living in an abusive relationship, from physical violence and threats, to believing she was “nothing” and would never cope alone.<...

Jennifer McCarthy spent years working in high pressure environments as a trauma nurse and later in response policing, supporting others through their darkest moments.

But behind the uniform, Jennifer was facing battles of her own.

Divorce. Betrayal. Critical illness. Medical retirement. Losing her identity. Becoming a single parent. And surviving moments where she genuinely believed she might die.

In this episode, Jennifer speaks openly about losing everything she thought defined her, and the resilience it took to rebuild.

This is a powerful conversation about burnout, survival, identity loss and finding yourself...

Welcome to the first Comeback Confidential, a bonus episode of The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, where anonymous listener stories are shared in a safe and supportive space.

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Psychotherapist Lauren Golden to explore the reality of loving someone with addiction.

We hear from one woman who survived years of abuse while living with an addict, and another who is currently navigating relapse, heartbreak, and the emotional toll on her family.

Together, they unpack the complexity of addiction, the impact on partners and children, and the balance between...

This week Brenda is joined by Mags Harty for a deeply moving and powerful conversation.

Mags opens up about the heartbreak of eight miscarriages, losing her mum at the same time, and the toll it took on her mentally, physically and emotionally.

There were moments she felt she couldn’t go on, but she kept fighting.

And after everything, Mags got her miracle baby, Isla.

A raw and honest story of loss, resilience and never giving up.

Please note: there are some minor sound issues in parts of this ep...

From the outside, Eimear Coffey had the kind of life people dream of - until everything came crashing down.

A young mum at 23, she grew up alongside her son Daniel, building a life that looked full of love and promise. Years later, with the arrival of her second son Ollie in 2018, everything seemed complete.

But behind closed doors, her world was falling apart.

Betrayal. Narcissistic abuse. The fear of her child facing life-changing disabilities.

And then, in the middle of it all - a breast cancer diagnosis.

This is...

Ciarán O’Driscoll’s story is one of pain, loss, and ultimately, redemption.

Sober since 2002, he opens up about growing up in a home shaped by alcoholism, and the devastating loss of his brothers, who were twins.

From his first drink as a young teenager, to drug use, prison sentences, and deep self-hatred, his life spiralled quickly. In and out of Cork Prison, Mountjoy, and other institutions, addiction took nearly everything from him.

But this is not where his story ends.

Now a father of four, Ciarán speaks about the im...

Leona Macken’s story will stop you in your tracks.

A young mum of two, she trusted the system. She had two smear tests, in 2016 and 2020, both reported as normal. But they should not have been. That delay led to a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2023.

After major surgery and intensive treatment, Leona was told in 2025 that her cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.

In this episode, she speaks about the moment everything changed, the heartbreak, and the reality of living with a diagnosis that should never have happened.

Now on...

Have you ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest radio talk shows in the country?

As a bonus episode this week, myself and producer Seamus, who I’ve been working alongside over the past few weeks, bring you inside The Neil Prendeville Show and how it all comes together.

We chat about behind-the-scenes secrets, how Seamus may or may not have thrown me under the bus whilst on air, and what Neil is really like to work with day to day.

Hope you enjoy!

Cork poet and writer Daragh Fleming joins Brenda for the first episode of the new series of The Comeback.

In this episode, he shares his journey into writing, from a young age to putting his work out into the world. He also reads two of his most powerful pieces, If I Ever Have Boys and If I Ever Have Girls.

Daragh speaks openly about living with depression without realising it, describing a time when he felt completely numb and thought that was normal.

A deeply emotional part of the conversation focuses on the...

After an incredible live show at the Cork Podcast Festival, I’m taking a short break.

Thank you so much for all the support, it truly means everything. This podcast would not exist without you.

I’ll be back very soon with some amazing guests.

Cork TikTok creator Richie Herlihy (Richie’s Food and Nature) joins Brenda for a powerful and honest conversation about the reality behind his viral food reviews.

Richie opens up about the recent devastating loss of his close friend Ryan Dunphy, learning about his death while he himself was in hospital. He also clears up online rumours about his health and explains what really happened.

Richie also speaks openly about his gambling addiction, the impact it had on his life, and the road to recovery.

We also revisit the controversy around his Electric Picnic fo...

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry fashion blogger and influencer Helena Brosnan, known to many as Super Betty.

Last year, Helena received a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer after attending a routine smear test, despite having no symptoms at all.

Throughout her treatment, she shared her journey openly with her followers, bringing honesty, positivity, and encouragement to thousands of women.

Now she’s using her platform to spread one very important message: don’t fear the smear.

Helena joins me to talk about the moment she got the news...

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry fashion blogger and influencer Helena Brosnan, known to many as Super Betty.

Last year, Helena received a shock diagnosis of cervical cancer after attending a routine smear test, despite having no symptoms at all.

Throughout her treatment, she shared her journey openly with her followers, bringing honesty, positivity, and encouragement to thousands of women.

Now she’s using her platform to spread one very important message: don’t fear the smear.

Helena joins me to talk about the moment she got...

This week, I sit down with Danny Buckley for a powerful and honest conversation about grief, addiction and recovery.

Raised in Knocknaheeny on Cork’s northside, Danny shares the unimaginable loss of his wife Simone, his childhood sweetheart, and how her final words changed the way he lives his life today.

From heartbreak came purpose, leading Danny to understand his own ADHD and create ADHD Now, helping others access the support he once struggled to find.

A story of loss, resilience and learning how to live again.

Th...

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, miscarriage, and medical abortion. Please take care while listening.

This week Brenda sits down with Sian Horn, a podcaster, Pilates instructor, and business consultant who advocates for women, wellbeing, and small businesses while sharing her own powerful healing journey.

In this deeply honest conversation, Sian speaks openly about surviving domestic abuse, experiencing the heartbreak of seven miscarriages, and navigating grief, trauma, and emotional recovery. She shares what resilience truly looks like, how healing evolves over time, and how she rebuilt her life with intention...

This week’s bonus episode tells an extraordinary story that unfolds in a matter of hours.

Eimir Burke had no idea she was pregnant until the day she gave birth. Having previously been told she had polycystic ovaries, she believed having children might not be possible. There were no obvious signs, and everything felt completely normal, until sudden pain led to a scan that changed everything.

By the end of that same day, her life had completely changed.

Eimir sat down with me in London to share a raw and em...

In this episode, I sit down with Kerry native Micheál Costello for a powerful and honest conversation.

What began as a search for control through exercise slowly spiralled into anorexia and depression. Diagnosed in October 2020, Micheál’s illness carried deep family history, with his aunt having died from anorexia years earlier.

We talk about stigma, especially for men, the danger of waiting lists, and the silence that surrounds eating disorders.

From the depths of illness to qualifying for the Irish triathlon team and competing in several Ironmans, Micheál’s journ...

In this episode I sit down with Irish comedian Stephen “Cowboy” Kelly for a powerful and honest conversation.

Best known for his comedy, online sketches, and appearances on Hardy Bucks, Stephen has built a strong following across stand-up, live shows, and social media. In this episode, he goes beyond the laughs to share a much deeper story.

Stephen speaks openly about nearly dying three times, including suffering a heart attack in his twenties and collapsing with a bleed to the brain. He reflects on being rushed to ICU, being medically dead, and the mome...

This week, I am joined by Julie Burke, also known as @julesrulesirl on social media, for a conversation every woman who has ever felt underestimated needs to hear. Julie worked her way from retail to General Manager through grit, confidence, and backing herself when no one else did. Nothing was handed to her.

We talk confidence, knowing your worth, navigating social media, and why personality will take you further than any job title.

Julie’s message is simple and powerful. Stop waiting for permission. It is not coming. Give it to yourself.