January can be one of the toughest months of the year. After the pace and pressure of Christmas, many people are left feeling tired, flat, overwhelmed, or out of rhythm — just when it can seem like everyone else is “back to normal” and full of plans.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene Daly Tarpey is joined by Dennis O’Brien and Ken Hogan for an honest and compassionate conversation about the January Blues. Together, they explore the new year in a realistic, grounded way — without pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.

The discussion looks at:

• Why January can feel emotionally and physically heavy

• Reflecting on the new year without falling into comparison or self-criticism

• Setting goals that don’t overwhelm or exhaust

• Navigating post-Christmas challenges such as fatigue, low mood, financial stress, and loss of routine

• Practical, achievable ways to create a positive start to the year

• Building healthy routines that feel supportive rather than restrictive

• Embracing change gently, at a pace that works for you

This is an informative and reassuring episode for anyone who finds this time of year difficult, confusing, or draining. There is no pressure to feel motivated, optimistic, or “fixed”. Instead, this conversation offers permission to pause, reflect, and take small, meaningful steps forward — one day at a time.

If this episode resonates with you, you’re not alone. Support and resources are available, and a selection is linked below:

• HSE Health & Wellbeing Practical information and supports on mental health, wellbeing, and coping strategies: 👉 www.yourmentalhealth.ie

• Samaritans Ireland Free, confidential listening support, available 24/7: 👉 www.samaritans.org

• SpunOut (for young people and young adults) Trusted mental health information and signposting to supports: 👉 www.spunout.ie

Welcome to CNME Connects, a podcast sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Fiola Murphy and Gertrude Roddy open a thoughtful and down-to-earth discussion on bedwetting in children, tweens, and teens — a topic that’s often whispered about, yet deeply impacts family life.

🎙️ What We Explore in This Episode

• Why bedwetting happens Development, genetics, bladder maturity, sleep patterns — and why it’s rarely “their fault.”

• 💡 The bowel–bladder connection How constipation and stool retention can directly affect night-time wetting, and why recognising patterns early matters.

• 💬 Emotional impact Supporting children with kindness, reducing shame, and helping them stay engaged socially and academically.

• 🛏️ Practical management tips Hydration, routines, bladder training, bedtime strategies, and small environmental tweaks that make a big difference.

• ⏰ Bedwetting alarms When they work, how to introduce them, and the common pitfalls parents can avoid.

• ✔️ Do’s and Don’ts Clear guidance to help families manage the condition without stress or blame.

🎙️ This conversation brings empathy, reassurance, and clarity — helping parents feel less alone and giving healthcare staff practical insights to support them.

Leaflet for Parents:

• https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/continence/healthcare-professionals/leaflet-bedwetting-in-children.pdfERIC Assossiation

• https://eric.org.uk/childrens-bladders/bedwetting/

Bristol Stool Chart for Children

• https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/continence/public/poo-passport-part-2-pdf-for-the-parent-and-child-.pdf

Welcome to CNME Connects, the podcast that shares stories to inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Ken Hogan sits down with Donna McGee, Addiction Services Lead for Social Inclusion in the North West, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed practice.

Donna brings warmth, honesty, and deep professional insight as she explores:

• What adverse childhood experiences are and why they matter;

• How early adversity can shape lifelong health and wellbeing;

• The meaning of trauma-informed care and how we can bring it into everyday practice;

• Why compassion, trust, and understanding are the foundation of healing.

It’s a wonderful conversation — both reflective and practical — reminding us that trauma is not just about what happened to someone, but also about what didn’t happen: safety, connection, and belonging.

If this episode brings up any difficult emotions for you, please remember support is available:

• HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free and confidential wellbeing support for all HSE staff. 📞 1800 409 388 | 🌐 www.samaritans.ie

• Pieta: Professional therapy and crisis support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm. 📞 1800 247 247 | 📱 Text HELP to 51444

🎙️ Produced by CNME Sligo–Leitrim–West Cavan 💡 Empowering healthcare professionals to connect, reflect, and grow.

Welcome to CNME Connects, a podcast sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Ken and James continue the important conversation on childhood anxiety, following on from James’ earlier podcast on “August Anxiety.” Together, they explore the power of storytelling—how children can use stories to make sense of their worries and express feelings that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

The discussion also introduces Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), explaining how these evidence-based approaches can support children and families. Practical insights and compassionate perspectives are shared, offering tools that can make a real difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Samaritans Ireland: Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/ireland

• Information on CBT:https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/

• Information on EMDR:https://emdrireland.org/

In this special episode for HSE National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we welcome Lynn, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infant Feeding and Lactation at Sligo University Hospital. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lynn’s dedication to supporting mothers and babies has been recognised through national healthcare awards and nominations. She reflects on the power of breastfeeding, the difference that timely help and encouragement can make for mothers, and the vital role of midwives and nurses in supporting and sustaining breastfeeding journeys. This conversation highlights the impact of skin-to-skin contact, the progress made in increasing breastfeeding rates in Sligo’s maternity services, and the compassion and commitment that drive positive change for families. For more information on Breastfeeding supports in your area, please visit the dedicated HSE page here: https://tinyurl.com/mtum72w6

In this episode of CNME Connects, we delve into “The Power of Pause” — exploring how emotional regulation, self-awareness, and purposeful silence can transform communication. Drawing on real-world examples from healthcare settings, we discuss how taking a moment before responding can reduce reactive decisions, enhance empathy, and create safer, more compassionate interactions for patients and colleagues alike.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• Why the pause matters

• How self-awareness and emotional regulation improve decision-making

• Practical tips to use silence as an active tool for connection and understanding

If you’ve listened to this episode and it has raised questions about your own mental health, please speak to your GP or a trusted health professional. Support is also available 24/7 from:

• Samaritans Ireland – freephone 116 123 | www.samaritans.ie

• Pieta House – www.pieta.ie

• HSE YourMentalHealth – www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Taking care of yourself is as important as caring for others — and sometimes, the first step is pausing

In this episode of CNME Connects, Mary Durkin sits down with Fr. Brian Conlon, Hospital Chaplain in an acute hospital in the northwest of Ireland, to explore what a typical day in chaplaincy looks like. Brian reflects on the importance of human connection, compassion, and presence—especially at times when patients and families are at their most vulnerable. He shares how the chaplain’s role offers reassurance, a listening ear, and a reminder that no one is alone in their moments of need.

The conversation also touches on themes of attention, healing, hope, and resilience, with Brian drawing inspiration from a number of books, including:

• Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention by Johann Hari

• Getting Better by Michael Rosen

• Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel

• The Signs of Happiness by Brendan Kelly

• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

A powerful reference in the conversation is the moving https://youtu.be/eKToIrezxPw highlighting the lifelong impact of care, encouragement, and belief in another person.

This episode is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, offering insight into the unique role of hospital chaplaincy and reminding us of the profound value of listening, compassion, and human connection in healthcare.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Donna McCabe sits down with Stephanie Carlin, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Intellectual Disability Nursing who specialises in chronic illness management for adults.

Stephanie offers a fascinating insight into her unique role, one that is deeply rooted in patient-centred care. Her journey reflects a lifetime commitment to placing the person at the very heart of nursing practice. Through her story, we see not only the impact of advanced practice nursing in intellectual disability but also the power of compassion, dignity, and professional dedication.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true meaning of nursing—whether you are a nurse yourself, someone working in healthcare, or simply looking for motivation and inspiration in your work. Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder of why nursing matters, and why the values of care and compassion continue to guide us all.