BeBelle Podcast with Sian Horn

“Why do you want to be like someone else?” - Stevie GThis week on BeBelle, I'm joined by one of Cork's most recognisable voices and a true champion of music and community, Stevie G.A DJ, broadcaster, music journalist and community activist, Stevie has spent decades shaping Cork's music scene, alongside some of the biggest names in music.But what I loved about our conversation was discovering the person behind the decks.We talk about growing up in Cork, finding his individuality through music and how a few encouraging words from a teacher helped shape his future.And there's a lovely lesson towards the end about making mistakes, letting go of embarrassment and simply moving forward.In this episode:Growing up in Cork and discovering a lifelong love of musicFinding individuality and confidence through creativityThe teacher whose encouragement helped change his directionThe importance of nightclubs as safe, inclusive community spacesWhy Ireland needs to better support its music and nightlife cultureCreating Everybody Dance and making music accessible to everyoneThe power of music to connect generations and culturesLearning from mistakes and embracing life's unexpected momentsThis is a conversation about following your passion, finding your people and using what you love to make a difference.You can find Stevie here: Instagram ____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebellewithsianhorn | ​@sian_horn | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off Season 8 of BeBelle, I'm joined by the wonderful Sasha Piton, a content creator, public speaker, community builder and self-love advocate whose journey has taken her in some unexpected directions.From growing up in a small town and navigating bullying and body image struggles, to becoming a Mormon in her early twenties and eventually leaving the church after 13 years, Sasha shares her fascinating story with honesty, humour and self-compassion.What I loved most about Sasha is that she's remained authentically herself through every chapter of her life. She doesn't look back on her past with shame or regret, but with an understanding that every version of herself had a purpose and deserves kindness.In this episode:Becoming a Mormon, questioning her beliefs and eventually leaving the churchEmbracing every version of yourself without shame or regretLearning self-love after years of bullying and body image strugglesFinding freedom in uncertainty and letting go of expectationsMoving to Ireland, finding community and feeling welcomedLearning to live in the present rather than the past or futureSince recording, Sasha's journey has taken another unexpected turn. After returning to the United States, she's now enjoying solo travel around Europe and continuing to embrace life as it comes.You can find Sasha here: Website | Instagram | YouTube____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs.Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebellewithsianhorn | ​@sian_horn | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"At some point you have to stop climbing the mountain... and enjoy the view."This week, Sian is joined by broadcaster, health coach and author Clare McKenna for a refreshing conversation about ambition, burnout, wellness and what it really means to build a life you don't need a break from.Clare shares her journey from marketing to broadcasting, the years of saying yes to every opportunity, juggling live radio with motherhood, and the moment she realised that constantly chasing "more" wasn't bringing her any closer to happiness.Together, they explore why wellness has become so complicated, how social media has changed our relationship with ourselves, and why feeling well matters so much more than looking a certain way.If you've ever felt like you're constantly striving, comparing or wondering if you're doing enough, this episode is a gentle reminder that maybe success isn't about climbing higher - maybe it's about finally enjoying where you are.✨ In this episode:Growing up in Howth and finding confidence through creativityWhy she never felt she fit the traditional school systemTaking the leap into broadcastingHow asking for help changed the course of her careerThe reality of freelancing and building a media careerJuggling motherhood, live radio and burnoutWhy saying yes to everything isn't sustainableRedefining success in midlifeLearning to stop chasing "more"What wellness really meansLetting go of diet culture and food rulesRaising children with a healthier relationship to body imageSmall daily habits that genuinely improve wellbeingWhy self-compassion is the foundation of good healthYou can find Clare here: Website | Instagram ____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We don't talk about ageing with children - but children notice everything."Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ageing, memory loss, caregiving, grief, and family illness.This week's conversation is a deeply moving one about family, memory, love and the difficult realities that so many families quietly navigate behind closed doors.I'm joined by primary school teacher and dementia advocate Aimee Owens, who shares her family's journey after her father was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.As a teacher of over 20 years, Aimee sees first-hand how important grandparents are in children's lives. Yet when dementia enters a family, many children are left trying to make sense of confusing emotions and changes without the language or support they need.We talk about growing up in Monaghan, the pressure of perfectionism, family life, music, teaching and the life-changing moment when Aimee realised something wasn't quite right with her dad.This is a conversation about compassion, resilience and why we need to create more space for honest conversations about dementia - especially with children.✨ In this episode:Growing up in Monaghan with three older sistersMusic, competitions and the pressure of perfectionismBecoming a primary school teacherMissing out on her dream college course and learning resilienceWhy failure isn't really failureThe early signs of her father's dementiaLiving with vascular dementia and Alzheimer'sHow dementia affects family relationshipsSupporting a parent who no longer recognises youThe role grandparents play in children's livesWhy we need to talk to children about ageing and illnessCaring for loved ones with dignity and compassionThe emotional impact on spouses and caregiversWriting a children's book about dementiaLearning to be kinder to yourselfYou can find Aimee here: Instagram | Interview with Claire Bryne on Newstalk You can find Aisling Ní Domhnaill here and Sound Quality Gifts here.____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You need to be training in your 50s for your 60s."This week's episode is a little different - and one I thoroughly enjoyed.I'd been following Frank Murphy online for quite some time before inviting him onto the podcast. His videos are practical, encouraging and full of simple advice about staying healthy as we age. What I wasn't expecting was the story behind the man.Frank is a longevity fitness coach, former Taekwondo World Champion, Tai Chi instructor and lifelong student of movement. But this conversation goes far beyond exercise.We talk about growing up in Cork, the environments that shape us, the impact of violence and rejection, how one life-changing assault led him into martial arts, and why his passion today is helping people stay strong, mobile and independent as they age.At 70 years old, Frank is still training, still learning and still proving that ageing doesn't have to mean slowing down.This is a conversation about resilience, curiosity, purpose, movement and making the small daily choices that shape our future.✨ In this episode:Growing up in Cork in the 1950s and 60sThe power of environment and community"Crab mentality" and why people resist changeWorking as a carpenter and navigating drinking cultureA violent assault that changed the course of his lifeDiscovering Taekwondo and becoming a championThe role revenge played in his early motivationWhy success isn't about moneySelf-worth, authenticity and comparison cultureLiving and working in the UK during the TroublesWhy wellness is more than fitnessStrength training, mobility and ageing wellBuilding independence as we get olderThe importance of staying curious and continuing to learnHis philosophy: Stay Strong, Eat Well & Move BetterYou can find Frank here: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“This is me. If you don't like it, here it is. I'm not changing.” Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, suicide, grief and mental health.This week's guest is someone who embodies resilience, authenticity and the courage to start again.I'm joined by Lisa Lawless - content creator, entrepreneur, podcast host, wife, mother and the voice behind Bras Off and Breathe. Through her work, Lisa encourages women to let go of what no longer serves them, embrace who they truly are, and live with more freedom, confidence and joy.In this deeply honest conversation, Lisa shares her journey through domestic abuse, grief, menopause, entrepreneurship and self-discovery. We talk about the devastating loss of her brother, the healing power of community, and why showing up authentically online has become such an important part of her mission.This episode is ultimately about courage - the courage to leave, to begin again, to grieve, and to finally become yourself.✨ In this episode:Growing up in Dublin as one of five siblingsLeaving school at 16 and becoming self-employedStarting her first business in fashionSurviving an abusive and controlling relationshipThe moment she knew she had to leaveMeeting her husband and building a life togetherEntrepreneurship, childcare and family businessesLosing her brother to suicideGrief, counselling and navigating lossMenopause and feeling unseenWhy she started Lisa's VistasSocial media, authenticity and belongingLearning to stop people-pleasingThe importance of showing women what's realHer plans for the Bras Off and Breathe podcast and future projectsYou can find Lisa here: Instagram | TikTok | Listen to Bras Off and Breathe on all major podcast platforms including Acast and Spotify | Email____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube____This episode is brought to you by Skin Formulas, an Irish skincare brand created by skin experts and trusted by thousands of customers and skin clinics. Built on science, results and a deep understanding of skin health, Skin Formulas is designed to help you feel confident in your skin.Discover more at skinformulas.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health struggles and pornography addiction.What happens when the version of yourself the world ‘loves’… isn’t really you?This week on BeBelle, Sian sits down with wellness coach and retreat facilitator Gavin Meenan for one of the most raw and powerful conversations of the season.From childhood bullying and deep sensitivity to addiction, shame, performance and self-hatred, Gavin opens up about the years he spent hiding behind a carefully constructed persona - becoming the “funny”, “confident” and “entertaining” version of himself that he thought people would accept.But beneath it all was someone struggling deeply.Gavin shares the life-changing moments that forced him to confront who he really was, including a tragic car accident at 18, addiction, public humiliation, fatherhood, therapy, and the healing journey that eventually brought him back to himself.In this episode:Growing up highly sensitive and being bullied throughout schoolCreating a “fake” personality to feel acceptedWhy vulnerability felt dangerousThe pressure of performing masculinityAddiction, shame and using alcohol to numb painThe tragic car accident that changed everythingFatherhood, self-worth and losing his identityPublic exposure, humiliation and rebuilding himselfTherapy, healing and learning to stop hidingWhy suffering can become the doorway to transformationYou can find Gavin here: Website | Instagram | TikTok ____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube____This episode is brought to you by Skin Formulas, an Irish skincare brand created by skin experts and trusted by thousands of customers and skin clinics. Built on science, results and a deep understanding of skin health, Skin Formulas is designed to help you feel confident in your skin.Discover more at skinformulas.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I was like, I’ll just start it. Why not?”This week, I’m joined by Siobhan Lam - founder of April and the Bear and judge on RTÉ’s Home of the Year - for a conversation about creativity, business, motherhood and trusting yourself enough to take the leap.Siobhan opens up about growing up between London and Kildare, feeling different as a mixed-race child in Ireland, meeting her husband at 17, leaving a banking job she hated, trying acting in London, and eventually building one of Ireland’s most-loved interiors brands after renovating their first fixer-upper home.We also chat about entrepreneurship, perfectionism, juggling motherhood and business, Home of the Year, remembering Hugh Wallace, and why your home should reflect you - not trends or other people’s opinions.This conversation is warm, honest, funny and deeply inspiring.✨ In this episode:Growing up between London and KildareFeeling different as a mixed-race child in IrelandLeaving a banking career that didn’t feel rightTrying acting in LondonWorking in fashion buying at ArnottsRenovating their first homeStarting April and the BearMotherhood and entrepreneurshipJoining Home of the YearWhy your home should feel like you“What’s the worst that can happen?”You can find Siobhan here: Website | Instagram | April and the Bear IG____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube____This episode is brought to you by Skin Formulas, an Irish skincare brand created by skin experts and trusted by thousands of customers and skin clinics. Built on science, results and a deep understanding of skin health, Skin Formulas is designed to help you feel confident in your skin.Discover more at skinformulas.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“This is the boldest thing I’ve ever done .” This week, I’m joined by Laura O’Mahony - and this conversation felt like sitting down with someone who tells the truth about life exactly as it is.Laura is an actor, comedian, writer, and the host of the award-winning Red Raw Podcast. You might know her from The Young Offenders, Bridget and Eamonn, Republic of Telly, or her regular appearances on RTÉ’s Today - but behind the humour is someone with a huge amount of emotional depth, honesty, and self-awareness.In this episode, we talk about everything from feeling out of place in college, navigating the entertainment industry, and becoming a mother, to burnout, identity shifts, people pleasing, and the pressure women feel to constantly “do it all.”Laura speaks so openly about motherhood and how it changed her priorities, her relationship with herself, and even her definition of success. We also talk about social media, loneliness, creativity, ambition, and why learning how to slow down can sometimes be the hardest thing of all.This conversation is funny, chaotic, vulnerable, and deeply relatable in all the best ways.✨ In this episode:Growing up in Cork and always feeling creativeStudying drama and feeling out of place in collegeComedy, acting & finding confidence through performanceDifficult experiences in theatre trainingThe entertainment industry and rejectionBecoming a mother and identity changesBurnout, overwhelm & trying to do everythingStarting Instagram during motherhood & lonelinessSocial media, connection & communityLearning to slow down and let go of perfectionismParenting, pressure & finding joy in ordinary momentsThe success of the Red Raw PodcastWhy humour can be both coping mechanism and connectionYou can find Laura here: Red Raw Podcast IG | Instagram ____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube____This episode is brought to you by Skin Formulas, an Irish skincare brand created by skin experts and trusted by thousands of customers and skin clinics. Built on science, results and a deep understanding of skin health, Skin Formulas is designed to help you feel confident in your skin.Discover more at skinformulas.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We all want somebody who sees us and loves us.”Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of alcoholism and eating disordersThis week’s episode is such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the people who bring the most joy into the world have had to fight very hard to find it themselves.I’m joined by Edgar Kirby, and from the moment we sat down, I knew this conversation was going to stay with me.Edgar opens up about growing up with parents who struggled with alcoholism, and being raised by his older sister from the age of four. We talk about dance, creativity, food, binge eating disorder, body image, and the pressure so many people feel to constantly “keep going.” Edgar also shares how losing his dance studio during Covid unexpectedly became the beginning of a completely new chapter - one that led him into coaching, social media, and helping thousands of people change their relationship with food and themselves.What I loved most about this conversation is Edgar’s honesty. He speaks with so much warmth, emotional intelligence, and compassion - not just for others, but finally for himself too.✨ In this episode:Being raised by his older sister from age fourHyper independence and feeling “different” growing upFinding confidence through danceBuilding his own dance schoolCovid, losing his studio & starting overGaining over 8 stone and struggling with binge eating disorderFood noise, emotional eating & body imageWhy weight struggles are never “just about food”Social media, coaching & helping others healBuilding a career rooted in purpose and helping peopleBurnout, balance & learning to slow downWhy success means nothing without peaceYou can find Edgar here: Instagram | TikTok | K30 Programme | Edgar’s Real Life Recipes____BeBelle is a podcast hosted by Sian Horn that dives into the stories of remarkable people behind their businesses. BeBelle is not a business podcast, it's about uncovering the moments of resilience, creativity and determination that have shaped these entrepreneurs. Sian is dedicated to empowering individuals in all aspects of life and believes in the importance of self-care, which manifests differently for everyone. Guests share their own self-care practices, offering listeners fresh perspectives on nurturing their well-being. Tune in to BeBelle for inspiring stories, actionable advice and thoughtful reflections on what it means to navigate life today.Join the BeBelle Community: bebelle.ie | @bebelle_podcast | ​@sian_horn | YouTube____This episode is brought to you by Skin Formulas, an Irish skincare brand created by skin experts and trusted by thousands of customers and skin clinics. Built on science, results and a deep understanding of skin health, Skin Formulas is designed to help you feel confident in your skin.Discover more at skinformulas.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.