How to Change Your Life for Good - Expert Neuroscientist Brian Pennie (#116)

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive discussion around miscarriage and fertility.In this very special episode of Sinead Says, Sinead is joined by her partner Sam to share the heartfelt journey of their pregnancy, from fertility fears and endometriosis to a heartbreaking miscarriage and, finally, their amazing pregnancy announcement 💖They open up about:How Sinead’s diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis shaped her motherhood journey The emotional aftermath and healing process after miscarriageSam’s honest reaction to Sinead’s baby plans on their very first dateThe detailed steps Sinead took to prepare her body to conceive naturallyThe moment they found out they were expecting (again!) and how different it felt the second timeNavigating pregnancy after loss, plus Sinead’s beautiful poem that will move you to tearsTheir take on finding out the baby’s gender, early pregnancy symptoms, and first-trimester strugglesHope and encouragement for anyone navigating fertility challengesIf you’re trying to conceive, dealing with endometriosis, or simply love raw, real conversations, this episode is for you. It's a love story, a survival story, and a celebration of new beginnings.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, the online therapy platform that matches users with licensed therapists to support mental and emotional wellbeing. You can get 10% off your first month by using the link betterhelp.com/sinead ✨ “30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness creates unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enroll now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyouJOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB!Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit the Brave Meditation Hub  “30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

This week we have a Meditation for you!A meditation that motivate you to have the most successful day!Don’t forget The Brave Way has a transformative meditation app that has over 80 Meditations now. ✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

In this personal solo episode of Sinead Says, Sinead shares the story of her spiritual awakening, a pivotal moment that changed her entire mindset, identity, and way of living.As she reflects on old journals and experiences from her time traveling through Thailand and Bali, Sinead opens up about what it truly means to live a spiritual life and why it's far more practical (and powerful) than many people think.Sinead chats about:The books that started her spiritual transformationThe role of karmic energy, abundance, and presence in her daily lifeHow spirituality helped her heal anxiety, find purpose, and live in alignmentThe difference between ego and true self, and how to spot the ego in actionWhy learning to release resistance can bring peace, clarity, and joyHow this journey has impacted her relationships, reactions, and career pathSinead also touches on how her spiritual practice isn't about perfection it's about practice. From journaling to meditation and mindful living, she shares practical tools that anyone can use to reconnect with themselves and cultivate peace. Resources Mentioned:Ask and It Is Given – Esther & Jerry HicksThe Secret – Rhonda ByrneA New Earth and The Power of Now – Eckhart TolleThe Four Agreements – Don Miguel RuizThe Seat of the Soul – Gary ZukavBreaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe DispenzaThe Brave Way App – Includes 80+ meditations, including the new 10-Day Manifestation & Visualisation ChallengeYou can use the code MEDITATE for 20% off the first 3 monthsThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, the online therapy platform that matches users with licensed therapists to support mental and emotional wellbeing. Sinead speaks candidly about how therapy has helped her find deeper meaning in life and int“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Sinead sits down with Estelle Bingham, a renowned spiritual healer, intuitive guide, and author whose career has been dedicated to helping people align with their soul’s purpose. Together, they dive deep into the themes of Estelle’s transformative book, “Manifest Your True Essence," exploring powerful concepts around intuition, heart-centered meditation, and the importance of returning to your authentic self.Throughout the conversation, Sinead and Estelle discuss the journey of discovering one’s soul’s calling, the science and spirituality behind meditating on the heart, and how we can break through the blocks—like shame, judgment, and the stories of our past—that hold us back from living our truest lives. Estelle shares insights from her decades of healing work, touching on topics such as the inner child, self-forgiveness, compassion, and the rise of the divine feminine.Whether you’re a meditation enthusiast, someone craving deeper self-understanding, or just curious about the power of returning to your heart, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-life stories, and actionable steps to help you move closer to your own essence and purpose. Tune in for an inspiring and enlightening conversation that might just help you unlock more of your own magic.Connect with Estelle Bingham:Website: estellebingham.com Instagram: @estelle.bingham Estelle Bingham is a spiritual healer, intuitive guide, and author with over 20 years of experience helping people align with their soul's purpose through energy healing, astrology, and deep emotional work, and is the author of "Manifest Your True Essence." ✨ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - Online Therapy. ✨It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Therapy was a game-changer for me. Get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/sinead #ad“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Ever look back at your old journals and feel a wave of compassion for your younger, perhaps more lost, self? 😢 In this deeply personal Sinead Says episode, I'm in my childhood bedroom, sharing raw entries from my diaries.Join me as I revisit the anxieties, the heartbreaks, the search for self-belief, and the invaluable lessons learned. We explore actual entries, including:00:00:45 - The Power & Benefits of Journaling00:06:12 - Journal Entry: Feeling Strong Travelling Alone (After Breakup)00:08:14 - Journal Entry: "Pain is Temporary" - Coping with Anxiety00:11:32 - Journal Entry: Reflecting on Real Love & Being Ready to Feel Again00:14:15 - Journal Entry: Lessons on Resilience & Choosing Kindness (Farm Work Story)00:16:49 - Journal Entry: Rock Bottom Moments & Processing Pain00:24:11 - Journal Entry: Navigating Anxiety & Fear of Commitment in Relationships00:25:58 - How Therapy Helped Me Trust Myself Again00:27:38 - An Inspiring Quote: "Seek work that you love..."This episode is a vulnerable reminder that our past shapes us, and understanding that "lost girl" helps us appreciate how far we've come. Journaling can be an incredible tool for that growth.✨ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - Online Therapy. ✨It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Therapy was a game-changer for me. Get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/sinead #adListen now for a journey through vulnerability, healing, and self-discovery.“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Ever wondered why your first experience with love was so intense and how it might still be affecting you?  In this episode of Sinead Says, I'm sharing my first love story – the good, the bad, and the intensely toxic moments – and unpacking the crucial lessons it taught me about emotions, heartbreak, and the long-lasting impact of young love. We explore why these early experiences can be so damaging and discuss practical ways to heal, build emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships in the future. Timestamps:* 00:00 Intro & Weeks Flying By!* 00:26 Life Update: Big Trip Coming!* 01:45 Today's Topic: Mastering Your Emotions from Young Love* 02:09 Content Note: Serious Discussion Ahead* 02:31 Sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy* 03:32 Book Club Insights: First Experiences of Love* 05:19 My Intense & Toxic First Relationship Story* 06:17 Emotional Manipulation: A Common, Painful Experience* 08:22 How Early Relationships Shaped Me (and maybe you too!)* 10:37 The Need for Better Emotional Education* 11:03 "Self Science" - Learning About Our Own Emotions* 13:42 Why Young Love & Heartbreak Feels SO Overwhelming* 16:25 Ways We Can Support & Heal:* 16:25 - Normalising Grief & Pain* 18:35 - Teaching Emotional Regulation Early* 20:03 - Understanding Emotions: Hurt, Frustration, Fear, Guilt* 24:36 - Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability* 25:15 - Challenging Love Myths & Unrealistic Expectations* 26:34 - The Role of Creativity & Individual Identity* 29:00 Book Spotlight: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman* 30:46 Key Takeaways: Emotional Regulation is Learned* 31:14 Closing Thoughts & How to Get Support🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more honest conversations and insights on the Sinead Says Podcast!💬 COMMENT below: What did your first love teach you about emotions? Or what advice would you give your younger self?🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Think love is about finding "the one"? It's not. I break down why commitment—not perfection—is what really makes a relationship work 💥.In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from Conversations on Love:Why there’s no “right” person, just the right effort.How sex changes when your bond is secure.What really shows love—because words aren’t enough.I’ve got personal stories too (wait till you hear about the limoncello fight over a Garmin charger 😂), some therapy insights, and Sam joins me for a real chat about what we wish we knew about love.Single? In a relationship? Just want to figure love out? This one’s for you.Belfast event : The Future is Female (use code sinead for discount)https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-is-female-tickets-1295647098349?aff=oddtdtcreator🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Feeling stuck or uninspired? Here's why learning something new could change your brain and your life.In this season opener, Sinead Hegarty brings a refreshing wave of energy and wisdom, reflecting on her recent personal milestones and what she's been learning along the way. From studying positive psychology to completing a half marathon, Sinead draws compelling links between everyday habits and brain-enhancing science.She dives deep into how learning new things boosts neuroplasticity, memory, and even emotional regulation by strengthening your brain’s gray matter and prefrontal cortex. Through heartfelt personal stories and scientific insights, she reveals how meditation and learning spark dopamine, build cognitive reserves, and even mimic the psychological effects of “runner’s high.”Future episodes promise to explore relationships, early love, and spiritual growth, all through a psychology-backed lens.🎧 If you’re ready to feel inspired, mentally sharper, and more connected to your purpose, this episode is your sign to press play.🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

This episode delves into toxic behaviours, manipulation, and emotional dynamics, explaining why some people exhibit toxic tendencies and how understanding psychology can provide closure and personal growth.🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

Brian Pennie shares his journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist and speaker. He explains how childhood trauma, particularly an unmedicated surgery as an infant, played a role in his struggles with anxiety and addiction. Through deep self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience, he was able to break free from his addiction and dedicate his life to studying neuroscience and helping others.🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead00:00:20 - Growing Up in a Tough NeighboUrhood00:01:37 - First Encounter with Drugs00:02:22 - Falling into Addiction00:03:56 - Living as a Functional Addict00:10:38 - The Deception of Addiction00:12:40 - The Power of Acceptance00:14:01 - Realisation and Acceptance00:16:59 - Previous Attempts to Change00:17:52 - The Turning Point00:19:02 - Finding a New Direction00:20:28 - Discovering Spirituality00:21:48 - The Power of Belief and Support00:23:02 - Journey into Neuroscience00:24:29 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience00:24:51 - Changing the System00:30:00 - The Power of Breathwork00:32:42 - The Need for Meditation and Breathwork in Schools00:37:23 - Understanding and Regulating Emotions00:37:58 - The Importance of Action and Practice00:45:03 - The Power of Self-Talk00:45:44 - Understanding Self-Talk and Inner Critic00:47:09 - Challenging Negative Self-Talk and Limiting Beliefs00:49:20 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection00:55:00 - The Impact of Mindfulness and Meditation00:55:48 - Different Approaches to Mindfulness and Meditation00:56:34 - The Role of Trauma in Meditation Practice00:59:50 - The Power of Mindfulness and Breath work01:00:57 - Finding Inner Peace Through Meditation01:01:01 - Returning to Spirituality and Mindfulness01:02:05 - Future Projects and Where to Find BrianLinks & Resources Mentioned • “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (mentioned at [00:02:52]) – A book explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou✨ JOIN THE BRAVE MEDITATION HUB! Ready to dive deeper? Use code “MEDITATE” for 20% off. Visit The Brave Meditation Hub Connect with Sinead & explore all resources: The Brave Way Resources Listen to the Sinead Says Podcast for insights on emotions, mental health, & personal growth. More from Sinead: Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook) Relationships Ebook Monday Musings Weekly Email Follow: Sinead Says Podcast on Instagram Sinead Hegarty on Instagram Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd