In this powerful episode of the "Taboo" podcast, we delve into a deeply personal story that exposes the complexities and challenges of navigating the fertility industry. Our guest shares her six-year-long journey through fertility treatments, highlighting the emotional and financial toll of dealing with clinics that often prioritize profits over patient care. With voice alteration to protect her identity, she candidly discusses key issues such as the lack of comprehensive support from clinics, the need for self-advocacy, and the importance of conducting personal research.

The episode sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of fertility treatment, including the inadequate testing practices and the emphasis placed on female patients, while male factors are frequently ignored. It challenges the industry's accountability, questioning how clinics can better serve those in vulnerable positions seeking help to conceive. Our guest's story underscores a significant societal issue, with her experiences serving as a cautionary tale for others embarking on their fertility journey.

Join us as we explore how individuals and couples can advocate for themselves and ensure they receive the care and guidance necessary to navigate this complex and emotionally charged industry.

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Fiona Barry is a distinguished healthcare practitioner with over 3 decades of experience in both Western / Modern and Eastern / Traditional medicine. Holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a degree in biomedical sciences, she transitioned from cardiovascular research to the more holistic approach of Chinese medicine. She also supports people in their emotional and psychological challenges with the likes of Quantum Thinking Transformation (QTT) and coaching.

Fiona's integrative approach has supported several thousand people individually in navigating challenges in such areas as hormonal health, fertility, trauma and chronic pain, with tremendously positive feedback and results.

Throughout her clinical practice, Dr. Fiona regularly encounters clients burdened by shame and isolation, voicing sentiments like "I've never told anyone that before."

Recognising the profound need for open dialogue, Fiona launched this new podcast series "Taboo", where she aims to create a safe space for the exploration of topics that are often left unspoken, in order to foster connection and understanding on a broader scale. She is committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard.

Fiona is available to work with people in a number of ways, including:

• One-to-one in her clinic or online
• For media and events, including corporate training in health and wellbeing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fionabarry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comharacupuncture

Website: https://fionabarry.ie/

In this episode, we welcome Virginia Foley, a strategic visionary and business coach dedicated to female empowerment. Virginia shares her journey of overcoming generational trauma, focusing on how digging into her past revealed unforeseen strengths and insights. As the founder of Up She Rises, she blends business strategy with spirituality, supporting women globally in finding balance between career ambitions and personal fulfillment. Along with discussing the impact of generational beliefs, she highlights the importance of self-acceptance, self-trust, and how these elements have influenced her life and relationships. Her story is one of resilience and empowerment, providing a blueprint for others to discover their own gold amidst life's challenges.

ABOUT GUEST

Virginia Foley is a strategic visionary and business coach dedicated to female empowerment. As the founder of Up She Rises, she helps women navigate the challenges of balancing motherhood and career ambitions. After breaking free from a soul-sucking nine-to-five job, Virginia crafted a life that harmonizes financial success and personal fulfillment, all while coaching clients globally from her home in Cork. Virginia’s approach goes beyond standard tactics, focusing on core beliefs, mindset, and brand identity, blending business strategy with spirituality for holistic growth. With decades of PR and marketing expertise, she delivers tailored guidance to ensure her clients thrive. Through UpSheRises.ie, Virginia creates a supportive community for women building brands and growing businesses, offering educational events and online programs. An advocate for continuous learning, she also mentors in the Master's program at CIT and the Start Up Lab at UCC. In this episode we explore Virginia's personal journey of overcoming generational trauma and her mission to empower women to find their own “gold.”

Resources:

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit

Email: virginia@upsherises.ie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upsherises.ie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foleyvirginia

Website: https://www.upsherises.ie/

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Fiona Barry is a distinguished healthcare practitioner with over 3 decades of experience in both Western / Modern and Eastern / Traditional medicine. Holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a degree in biomedical sciences, she transitioned from cardiovascular research to the more holistic approach of Chinese medicine. She also supports people in their emotional and psychological challenges with the likes of Quantum Thinking Transformation (QTT) and coaching.

Fiona's integrative approach has supported several thousand people individually in navigating challenges in such areas as hormonal health, fertility, trauma and chronic pain, with tremendously positive feedback and results.

Throughout her clinical practice, Dr. Fiona regularly encounters clients burdened by shame and isolation, voicing sentiments like "I've never told anyone that before."

Recognising the profound need for open dialogue, Fiona launched this new podcast series "Taboo", where she aims to create a safe space for the exploration of topics that are often left unspoken, in order to foster connection and understanding on a broader scale. She is committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard.

Fiona is available to work with people in a number of ways, including:

• One-to-one in her clinic or online
• For media and events, including corporate training in health and wellbeing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fionabarry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comharacupuncture

Website: https://fionabarry.ie/

Welcome to another deeply moving episode of Taboo. Today, we dive into an intimate conversation between a mother and daughter, exploring the sensitive journey of parental separation and divorce. Join us as Lena Sharkey, a bright and insightful arts student, shares her personal experiences and profound insights navigating her parents' divorce from the age of 13.

Together, they unpack complex emotions and discuss the unspoken dynamics that often accompany family tension, shedding light on the impact it has on children. Discover how honest communication and understanding fears can foster resilience and personal growth in the face of change.

Throughout the discussion, they touch on themes of self-worth, the legacy of marital expectations, and practical advice for families going through similar experiences. If you're ready to explore the transformative power of vulnerability and connect through shared stories, this episode promises to be a heartwarming and enlightening journey.

Listener discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed in this episode.

ABOUT GUEST

Lena Sharkey is a bright and inspiring second-year student at the National University of Galway, where she is passionately pursuing a four-year arts degree with a focus on Spanish and Geography. At just 20, Lena embodies a unique blend of youthful curiosity and profound insight that captivates everyone around her. An avid reader, Lena is often found with her head buried in a book, exploring new worlds and ideas that fuel her love for literature. Not only does she relish the written word, but she also expresses herself beautifully through her own writing, sharing her thoughts and reflections with those fortunate enough to read them. Lena is a deep thinker who isn't afraid to ask thought-provoking questions that challenge conventional perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations. Her unique take on life showcases an impressive depth of understanding that belies her age. In this episode, we will delve into Lena's experiences navigating her parents' separation and divorce, offering a heartfelt glimpse into what it’s like to be the child of divorced parents. This conversation promises to be both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful, particularly as we explore it from the unique perspective of my daughter, revealing the profound insights and lessons that come from her journey.

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Fiona Barry is a distinguished healthcare practitioner with over 3 decades of experience in both Western / Modern and Eastern / Traditional medicine. Holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a degree in biomedical sciences, she transitioned from cardiovascular research to the more holistic approach of Chinese medicine. She also supports people in their emotional and psychological challenges with the likes of Quantum Thinking Transformation (QTT) and coaching.

Fiona's integrative approach has supported several thousand people individually in navigating challenges in such areas as hormonal health, fertility, trauma and chronic pain, with tremendously positive feedback and results.

Throughout her clinical practice, Dr. Fiona regularly encounters clients burdened by shame and isolation, voicing sentiments like "I've never told anyone that before."

Recognising the profound need for open dialogue, Fiona launched this new podcast series "Taboo", where she aims to create a safe space for the exploration of topics that are often left unspoken, in order to foster connection and understanding on a broader scale. She is committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard.

Fiona is available to work with people in a number of ways, including:

• One-to-one in her clinic or online
• For media and events, including corporate training in health and wellbeing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fionabarry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comharacupuncture

Website: https://www.fionabarry.ie