Our Emerging Futures with Monica Haughey ( Season 2 )

Dr. Ulrich Bartels on Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Birth and a Vision for a New Birth CenterMonica interviews Dr. Ulrich Bartels, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, about creating better options for pregnancy and childbirth. Drawing on 34 years in the field and training in Germany and Ireland, Bartels discusses how past stories, emotions, and trauma can shape a woman’s pregnancy and birth experience and may influence the unborn baby, emphasising perinatal psychology and emotional safety as key to oxytocin and labor. He describes a listening-based, invitation approach to supporting emotions in consultations, respecting when patients are not ready. Bartels outlines plans for a “Birth Center of Compassion” under HSE auspices for indemnity, combining emotional support with modalities like yoga and water birth, and discusses tensions between women’s preferences and practitioners’ protocol-driven safety needs.00:00 Series Kickoff00:39 Meet Dr Ulrich Bartels02:10 Trauma and Disease Links05:25 Listening for Emotions08:49 Baby Feels Everything13:32 Emotional Safety in Birth18:34 Birth Center Vision20:21 Funding and Choice Gaps23:29 Services and Modalities27:01 Safe Container Closing28:18 Final Thanks and Goodbye

Monica Haughey recounts exhibiting and speaking at the MindBody event at the RDS in Dublin, where she promoted her work and explored with attendees themes of feeling stuck, leaving behind what no longer fits, and embracing who they are becoming.She describes how many people resonated with this turning-point narrative, sharing dissatisfaction with corporate roles or successful businesses that no longer felt authentic, including one woman seeking courage to shift from a digital company into wellbeing.In her talks on empowerment and money, Haughey encouraged shifting focus from fear-driven news and external events to what can be controlled - energy, choices, thoughts, and inner guidance - while also discussing self-worth, receiving value, abundance, and how affirmations and EFT were supported in conversation by neuroscience.She invites listeners to reconnect with themselves and notes an upcoming workshop on 14 November at The Fumbally, with details on monicaaughey.ie.

Psychotherapist and conscious coach Monica Haughey introduces her podcast’s second series on new ways of living and welcomes Mark O’Byrne, an international authority on gold and silver, founder of Goldcore (2003) and now CEO of Tara Coins. Mark describes his Dublin upbringing, questioning of authority, anti-bullying experiences at school, and studying history at UCD, which led him to patterns of empire, including imperial overstretch and currency debasement. After travel exposed him to global poverty and a period of political activism, he refocused on personal responsibility following trauma from an assault and trial. He began thinking practically about money during Y2K fears, leading to buying metals and creating a brokerage. Mark argues fiat currencies are steadily devalued through money-supply expansion and inflation, notes central banks’ gold buying, and recommends diversification, including small, accessible gold and silver purchases, alongside resilient local community and barter.

In this beautifully reflective episode of Finding Your Purpose, psychotherapist and conscious coach Monica Haughey speaks with Mia Magan — yoga and meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, and spiritual coach — about finding purpose by returning to love, presence, and the heart.For Mia, her purpose is simple: to spread love.Through her teaching, retreats, and healing work, she helps people move from worry and fear into peace — reminding us that our outer world mirrors our inner state. When we shift our consciousness from fear to love, life begins to flow differently.Mia and Monica explore what it means to live from this heart-centred awareness — to trust that joy, not striving, is the compass that points us home. Together they reflect on the growing revival of mindfulness, yoga, and spirituality in our modern world, and the courage it takes to talk openly about love, faith, and the divine in everyday life.Mia also reminds us that purpose is one of the foundations of happiness — a pillar that gives our lives meaning, direction, and fulfilment when we allow it to come from the heart.Her message is gentle yet powerful — that purpose isn’t about achievement or grand plans. It’s about coming home to love, trusting life, and moving through the world with curiosity, openness, and wonder.Mia's website https://miasera.ie/ Key ThemesLiving from love rather than fearHow joy and curiosity guide us toward purposePurpose as a key pillar of happiness and fulfilmentMeditation and mindfulness as pathways to inner guidanceLearning to trust life and expect good thingsThe importance of stillness, connection, and service00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:28 Meet Mia Magan: Yoga and Meditation Teacher01:28 Mia's Journey to Finding Her Purpose03:23 The Role of Spirituality in Mia's Life05:10 Current Work and Practices08:34 Understanding 'A Course in Miracles'12:05 The Importance of Finding Your Purpose12:55 Tips for Discovering Your Purpose15:12 Gratitude and Spiritual Coaching20:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Discovering Your Life's Purpose Through Astrology with Claire O'KeeffeIn this episode of the 'Finding Your Purpose' podcast, host Monica Haughey speaks with Claire O'Keeffe (@claire_okeeffe_), a yoga teacher, astrologer, and writer. Claire shares her journey of leaving a 20-year career as a research scientist to pursue her true passions. She talks about how COVID-19 allowed her to slow down, connect with nature, and tune into her inner world, leading her to explore astrology, yoga, and creative writing. Claire explains how astrology can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and finding one's life purpose. She emphasises the importance of listening to one's heart and aligning with personal values to live a fulfilling life. The conversation also touches on the societal shift towards a more heart-centered and collaborative way of living.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:28 Meet Claire O'Keeffe: From Scientist to Yogi01:45 The Turning Point: A Moment of Realisation04:47 Embracing Change: Life After Academia09:32 Discovering Astrology: A Path to Self-Discovery10:41 Using Astrology to Find Your Purpose16:49 The Importance of Living with Purpose25:54 Astrology and the Future: A New Paradigm27:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Monica speaks with Hannah Miller — professional musician, festival director, and goat herder. Hannah’s journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up on her family farm in County Wexford to performing with orchestras across Europe and New York, to working with 24 goats in the Dublin Mountains, Hannah has found unique ways to combine her passions for music, nature, and community.We talk about:The winding path from playing the French horn for the Wexford Sinfonia orchestra and international orchestras and Principal Horn for the Irish National Opera to eco-grazing projects in DublinHow goats are helping to prevent wildfires and protect biodiversity in IrelandThe balance between an intense, performance-driven music career and working outdoors with animalsWhat it means to create a “handmade life” by following curiosity and saying yes to new opportunitiesHow small steps, listening inward, and trusting yourself can open unexpected pathways to purposeHannah’s story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line — sometimes it’s found in surprising, life-changing combinations.

In this episode, Monica is joined by Rita Fagan, a lifelong activist, artist, and community leader from Dublin’s Liberties.Rita left school at 13½ to work in a sewing factory, where early experiences of inequality sparked her political awakening. She went on to the Simon Community, learning the importance of “taking people as they are,” before dedicating over three decades to radical community development at St. Michael’s Estate. Along the way, she brought her activism to Latin America and Palestine, weaving global solidarity with local struggles.In this conversation, Rita shares:How the factory floor and the Simon Community shaped her purposeWhy “care is moral, and care is political”The role of art as a voice for protest and changeThe importance of building community and investing in people with patienceRita’s story is a reminder that purpose is found in the everyday — in courage, creativity, and the communities we build together.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:28 Meet Rita Fagan: Community Activist01:25 Rita's Early Life and Purpose03:06 Factory Life and Political Awakening04:58 Involvement with Simon Community08:14 Journey to Latin America11:50 Building Community and Activism15:13 Art and Activism17:07 Reflections on Purpose and Activism28:04 Advice for Finding Your Purpose31:12 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode of 'Finding Your Purpose' podcast, host Monica Haughey, a psychotherapist and conscious coach, discusses finding and living one's purpose with Máirín Murray founder of TechFoundHer. Máirín shares her non-linear career journey from studying philosophy and working in various fields to founding TechFoundHer, an organisation that supports women in building tech ventures by offering a network, know-how, and capital. Máirín emphasises the importance of community, diversity, and inclusion in the tech industry and stresses the need for systemic change. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, the importance of finding what excites one, and the value of persistence. The episode also addresses themes such as unlearning societal restrictions, recognising one's inherent confidence, and the significance of saying no to pursue meaningful endeavours. Máirín encourages women to build and innovate in tech, highlighting the power of collective support and authentic progress.

Episode 1 – Joseph McGuire: Dropping the Masks to Discover True StrengthIn this opening episode of Finding Your Purpose, Monica Haughey sits down with Joseph McGuire, a facial profiler and communication expert, to explore what purpose really means in today’s world.Joseph shares how his ability to “read behind the mask” has shaped his work across different careers, from shiatsu practitioner to leadership mentor. Together, they discuss:✨ Why unmasking ourselves actually makes us stronger✨ How our purpose evolves as we do✨ Journaling and body awareness as tools for clarity✨ The need for authentic leadership in workplaces today✨ How loneliness can be an invitation to stretch and growJoseph reminds us that while success matters, many people are searching for something deeper: meaning, fulfilment, and a sense of connection.The importance of dropping the masks we wear in work and lifePractical tips for reconnecting with your inner truthWhy employees today want leaders they can trustHow gratitude and journaling can unlock clarity about your purposeAbout MonicaAs a psychotherapist and conscious coach, Monica Haughey works with purpose-led individuals and creative entrepreneurs who feel stuck, unfulfilled, or ready for change. She supports clients in:🌿 Discovering their true purpose🌿 Releasing self-limiting beliefs🌿 Building confidence to take their next step🌿 Aligning personal values with professional direction✨ If you’d like support in finding your purpose—or guidance on your next courageous step—you can connect with Monica here:🔗 Website: www.monicahaughey.ie📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Instagram: @monicahaugheyIf this episode resonated with you, reach out to Monica to explore how conscious coaching can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.