Real Health with Karl Henry

Registered dietitian Aveen Bannon joins Karl Henry to discuss the return of thinness culture, the rise of appetite suppressants and the growing pressure to control what we eat. They explore how social media and wellness trends are changing our relationship with food, the importance of eating regularly and why variety matters more than perfection. Aoibheann also shares practical advice on supplements, gut health, bone health and building a healthier relationship with food.Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we make everyday meals more delicious without making cooking more complicated? Award winning chef Mark Moriarty joins Karl Henry to discuss his new book, Everyday Delicious, and how simple techniques, confident seasoning and making the most of everyday ingredients can transform home cooking. They explore the changing demands of cooking, the importance of getting value from ingredients and how to make time for food amid busy lives. Mark also discusses his new studio, the challenges of running a business, avoiding burnout and learning to appreciate success along the way. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigation coach Tara Rafter joins Karl Henry to explore how our beliefs, thought patterns and past experiences shape the way we live. She explains how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back, why meaningful change takes practice and how small shifts in our thinking can transform our lives. They discuss the importance of understanding our values, building self-compassion and creating healthier relationships with technology and the people around us. Tara also shares practical ways to challenge old beliefs, step outside our comfort zones and make more time for what truly matters. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if getting older is not about losing things, but gaining confidence, freedom and a better understanding of yourself? Broadcaster Mary Kennedy joins Karl Henry to discuss her new book, Now You Are Wonderful, and why every stage of life has something to offer. They explore the freedom that can come with age, the importance of connection and community, and how to find balance, embrace change and let go of past regrets. Mary shares her thoughts on self acceptance, living in the moment and making the most of the years ahead.  Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychotherapist Colman Noctor joins Karl Henry to explore how social media fuels comparison, affects our self-worth and drives our need for validation. Drawing on his research into online sharing, he explains why likes and followers cannot replace genuine human connection. They discuss the pressure to present a perfect life online, the impact on young people and how to build a healthier relationship with technology by living in the moment, spending less time comparing and making more time for real connections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl and JJ answer listener questions on starting at the gym, choosing between machines and free weights, and finding an exercise routine that works for you. They discuss getting back into exercise after having children, managing weight loss without quick fixes and why sustainable changes matter. They also share practical advice on protein, meal choices, walking, resistance training and finding forms of exercise you actually enjoy. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They discuss GLP 1 safety, drug interactions, supplement quality and the importance of speaking to your pharmacist. Tom shares practical advice on identifying misinformation, understanding what your body needs and making informed choices before spending money on products that may not benefit your health. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor John Nolan, director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, to explore the connection between nutrition, eye health and brain health. They discuss carotenoids, the role of colourful foods, and how targeted nutrition may support vision and cognitive function as we age. John also shares insights from his new documentary, A Vision for Vision, and explains what to look for when choosing supplements, including evidence, quality and batch testing. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by head physiotherapist and clinic owner at Rapid and founder of the Master's Program Ireland, Mike Murphy to explore the truth about posture, back pain and staying strong as we age. They discuss whether there really is such a thing as bad posture, how to improve your desk, car and phone setup, and why regular movement matters more than sitting perfectly. Mike shares practical advice on strengthening your back and neck, managing pain and building resilience for everyday life. They also explore why strength training is so important as we get older and why movement really is medicine. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor Peter Conlon, Clinical Lead of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, Clinical Lead, Consultant Nephrologist/ Renal Transplant Physician at Beaumont Hospital, to explain how organ donation works in Ireland. They discuss the opt out system, who can become a donor and what happens when a family is approached about donation. Professor Conlon explains how one donor can transform the lives of up to nine people, the realities of living kidney donation and the importance of family conversations. From the donation process to waiting lists and paired kidney exchange, they explore how a decision made in tragedy can give others a second chance. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.