Talent Matters with Donal O’Donoghue

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fight announcer, MC, and actor Pól Seoige joins Donal O’Donoghue for Episode 48 of the Talent Matters Podcast to share his journey from growing up in Mayo to building an international career in entertainment. Pól reflects on his first break on UK television’s Take Me Out and his ambition to build a career in media. We talk about facing rejection in Dublin, making the move to Toronto and finding opportunities in the United States, both as an actor and behind the microphone as a fight announcer. An honest conversation about backing yourself, handling setbacks and taking a chance on a life and career beyond the familiar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miss Ireland Caoimhe Kenny joins Donal O’Donoghue on the Talent Matters Podcast following her return from the Miss World contest in Vietnam. Caoimhe reflects on her experience on the world stage, the people she met and what she has learned about herself along the way. We talk life, ambition and advocacy, exploring how she uses her platform to champion the causes that matter to her.We also discuss the evolution of Miss World, the perceptions surrounding pageantry and the growing emphasis on purpose, leadership and making a meaningful contribution.An engaging conversation about finding your voice, challenging expectations and deciding what you want to stand for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a child cannot communicate their needs in the way the world expects them to?In this episode of the Talent Matters Podcast, Donal O’Donoghue speaks with speech and language therapist Sinéad Kerley-Dunne about supporting non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic children.Sinéad explains how communication extends far beyond spoken words and explores the different ways children express themselves, including behaviour, gestures and alternative communication systems. We discuss gestalt language processing, where children learn and use language in larger phrases or scripts rather than starting with individual words.We also explore the PDA profile, or pathological demand avoidance, and why everyday requests can sometimes trigger an intense anxiety response.The conversation covers early intervention, emotional regulation, the difference between a tantrum and an autistic meltdown, and how parents and schools can create environments in which children feel understood, supported and safe.Sinéad also shares practical advice for parents who may be noticing differences in their child’s communication, including when to seek professional support and why progress will look different for every child.A compassionate and informative conversation about autism, communication, parenting and the importance of understanding the individual child.Talent Matters is sponsored by Sanderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to create the music behind some of the world’s biggest television programmes?In this episode of the Talent Matters Podcast, Donal O’Donoghue speaks with Gus Crawford Collins and Kim Hayden, the creative duo behind Dream A Lot.Gus and Kim share the story of their collaboration, their individual journeys through music and entertainment, and how they came to create music featured in major productions, including Love Island and Netflix’s Fool Me Once.We explore the creative process behind writing music for television, how songs are selected and placed in shows, the realities of building a career in the entertainment industry, and the persistence required to turn creative talent into commercial success.The conversation also explores the importance of collaboration, trusting your instincts and continuing to pursue ambitious ideas, even when the path ahead is uncertain.Gus and Kim finish the episode with a special live performance of their original track, A Place Where We Are One. The full track, along with a remix by internationally renowned DJ and producer Markus Schulz, is available on Spotify.An open and inspiring conversation about music, creativity, resilience and dreaming big.Talent Matters is sponsored by Sanderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to balance a demanding career with the discipline required to compete as an elite distance runner?In this episode of the Talent Matters Podcast, Donal O’Donoghue speaks with Irish athlete and probation officer Maebh Brannigan about her journey from the track to long-distance road running.Maebh shares how she began running at the age of seven, developed her speed through track athletics and eventually discovered a passion for the unique physical and mental challenge of the marathon.We discuss her transition to longer distances, the intensity of marathon training and the remarkable experience of completing her first marathon after having raced the half-marathon distance only once. Maebh explains why the long training sessions, sacrifice and uncertainty are all worthwhile when she crosses the finish line.The conversation also explores how she balances elite-level training with her work as a probation officer, the lessons each part of her life brings to the other, and the importance of consistency, resilience and trusting the process.An honest and inspiring conversation about ambition, endurance, public service and discovering just how far you can go.Talent Matters is sponsored by Sanderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 43: Rob Lipsett | Building a Career, Brand & Community. What does it take to turn a passion into a career, a business and a community?In Episode 43 of the Talent Matters Podcast, Donal O’Donoghue sits down with Rob Lipsett, one of Ireland’s leading fitness entrepreneurs and content creators, to talk about the journey from sharing fitness content online to building a career, personal brand and business around what he loves.Rob talks about his evolution as a fitness entrepreneur, creator and brand ambassador, and what he has learned from more than a decade of putting himself and his life online.We get into following your passion, entrepreneurship, staying authentic as your audience grows, and why building a genuine community matters more than simply chasing followers.We also explore the changing world of content creation, including long-form versus short-form content, YouTube, social media, attention spans and why Rob believes there is still enormous value in creating content that gives people a reason to stick around.It’s a conversation about fitness, business, content creation, entrepreneurship and designing a career and life on your own terms.🎙️ Talent Matters Podcast, Episode 43 with Rob LipsettWatch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.#TalentMattersPodcast #RobLipsett #DonalODonoghue #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreator #FitnessEntrepreneur #PersonalBrand #ContentCreation #YouTube #CommunityBuilding #IrishPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talent Matters, host Donal O’Donoghue sits down with actress, psychotherapist and The Síle Show host Síle Uí Chiaráin for a conversation about human connection, vulnerability and the stories that shape us.Síle has spent her career connecting with people, through education, acting, then psychotherapy and podcasting. But what makes someone open up? How do you create the trust that allows another person to tell their story honestly?Síle and Donal explore the fascinating idea of one nervous system recognising another, and why the best conversations aren't simply about asking good questions. They're about making another human being feel safe enough to answer them.They discuss ethical storytelling, vulnerability, empathy, the responsibility that comes with sharing someone else's story and why truly listening may be one of the most powerful things we can do for another person.They also delve into Síle's own journey, the experiences that have shaped her and what sitting across from so many different people has taught her about life.🎙️In this episode:• Why we all have a fundamental need to feel heard• How one nervous system responds to another• Creating trust and psychological safety• The difference between interviewing and truly listening• Ethical storytelling and the responsibility of telling someone else's story• Vulnerability, empathy and authentic connection• Síle's journey through education, acting, psychotherapy and podcastingSubscribe for conversations with fascinating people about the experiences, setbacks, decisions and defining moments that made them who they are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talent Matters, host Donal O’Donoghue is joined by Anna O’Connor, host of The Gratitude Attitude, singer-songwriter and business owner, for an open and uplifting conversation about gratitude, manifesting, resilience and rebuilding after setbacks.Anna’s journey hasn’t been a straight line. She talks candidly about navigating the highs and lows of life, learning to be kinder to herself when things go wrong, and finding the tools that help her get back on track.From gratitude and manifesting to exercise, structure, nature and spending time with the people who matter, Anna shares what she has learned about looking after both the “hardware and software” when life gets difficult.Donal and Anna also explore self-acceptance, why we can’t put our lives on hold waiting for someone else to make us happy, and the importance of learning to enjoy your own life exactly where you are.They discuss Anna’s journey as a singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and content creator, building a personal brand online, saying yes to opportunities and having the confidence to put yourself out there.And Anna performs her original song “The Last Time, which she wrote with Colm Gavin.🎙️In this episode:• Using gratitude when life gets difficult• Manifesting versus taking action• Rebuilding after setbacks• Why “the gym saved me”• Getting back to basics when you’re struggling• Self-acceptance and learning to enjoy your own company• Why you shouldn’t put your life on hold• Building a personal brand through social media• Saying yes to opportunities• Entrepreneurship, music and creativity• Anna performs "The Last Time"Subscribe for conversations with fascinating people about the experiences, setbacks, decisions and defining moments that made them who they are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 40 of Talent Matters, Donal O'Donoghue sits down with content creator and media personality Doireann O'Connor to explore how she turned her passion for creating content into a successful career across Instagram, TikTok, radio and television. Doireann shares the reality behind life as a creator, the opportunities that come from putting yourself out there, and why authenticity matters more than chasing trends. They also discuss dealing with online criticism, building confidence, taking calculated risks, and creating a career that didn't exist a generation ago.Whether you're thinking about building a personal brand, changing careers, or you're simply curious about the creator economy, this is an honest and insightful conversation packed with practical lessons.In this episode:How Doireann built her social media followingTurning content creation into a careerThe opportunities and challenges of working onlineHandling criticism and staying authenticBreaking into traditional mediaAdvice for anyone looking to build their personal brandConnect with Doireann📸 Instagram: @oconnordoireann🎵 TikTok: @doireannocListen & Watch🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Talent Matters with Donal O'Donoghue, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who'd enjoy the conversation. Your support helps us reach more listeners, and it's hugely appreciated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.