SET YOUR SOUL ON FIRE

Opera, Heart & Soul: A Journey with Marcella Walsh

Episode Title: Set Your Soul on Fire: Opera, Heart & Soul: A Journey with Marcella Walsh
I just couldn’t wait a whole week to share this episode with you all, so I’m dropping it early! Get ready to hear the beautiful tones and inspiring story of my incredible guest, the internationally renowned and award-winning opera singer Marcella Walsh. And who knows—she may even pop into song a few times!
In this captivating conversation, Marcella takes us on a journey from her childhood in North Belfast to her flourishing career in music on the global stage. She opens up about the profound impact of her upbringing, the healing power of music, and her dedication to nurturing young talent in the arts.
Marcella dives into the challenges of performance, emphasizing the deep emotional connection that is crucial in music and the transformative moments that have shaped her career. She shares her perspective on the flow state, the importance of connecting with your heart for peak performance, and how personal loss has influenced her artistry.
Throughout the episode, we explore powerful themes like coherence, finding your voice, the sacrifices of a life dedicated to opera, and the healing that can come from singing through grief. Marcella reflects on staying grounded amidst the demands of a performance career, sharing memorable moments on stage, and the joy of offering your gifts to the world.
We also touch on overcoming doubts and imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the innovative research surrounding music and its healing properties. Plus, Marcella shares insights from her experiences in Italy, the role of costumes in performance, and a hopeful outlook for the future.
This conversation is filled with wisdom, passion, and hope—don’t miss it!
@sopranomarcella - Instagram
@Marcella Walsh - LinkedIn

Sorry I can't - my nervous system said NO!

Episode Title: Sorry, I Can’t—My Nervous System Said No
Episode Summary:Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations and it’s frying your nervous system? Same. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to live like that.
In this episode, I share the moment I realised how different I felt—calm, grounded, unbothered. And it all started when I let go of other people’s demands, guilt, and pressure.
What You’ll Learn:🔥 Why your nervous system is stuck in survival mode🔥 How people-pleasing rewires your body for stress🔥 The exact moment I stopped outsourcing my peace🔥 How to rewire yourself for calm, clarity, and self-trust🔥 Steps to stop over-explaining, over-apologising, and finally put yourself first
Your Challenge:For the next 24 hours, stop justifying yourself. No long explanations. No guilt. Just a full-body YES to you.
🎧 Listen now & take your nervous system back! If this episode hits home, screenshot it, tag me, and share: What expectation are you finally letting go of? 🚀🔥
#SetYourSoulOnFire #NoMorePeoplePleasing #Boundaries #LivingForMe #NervousSystemReset

The Power of Doing Things Solo - And Keeping Promises to Yourself

Ever found yourself waiting for the right time? The right person? The right moment to do something you know would change you?
In this episode, I'm sharing what I learned from my second big solo trip to Dubai - and why doing things alone is one of the most powerful things you can ever do for yourself. But this isn't just about travel. This is about self-trust, confidence, and keeping promises to yourself. Because every time you break a promise to yourself, you chip away at your own confidence.
If you've ever struggled to take action, to stop overthinking, or to trust yourself fully- this episodes for you.

Season 2: From boots to blenders - Sam Shephard Juice Jar

How many zero's are in a trillion? I'm asking for a friend!
In this chat, I sit down with Sam Shephard – ex-Royal Marine turned entrepreneur and the brains behind the Juice Jar. Yep, from combat boots to smoothie blenders, his journey is anything but boring.
Sam spills the tea (or should I say juice?) on what it was like going through some of the toughest military training out there and how it built the mental resilience he leans on today. He talks about his unexpected detour into the hedge fund world, visiting Tokyo for 1 hour (because why not add finance to the mix?), the rollercoaster of launching Juice Jar, and how passion and commitment are the real MVPs in business.
As Sam says, "If you want something, just do it." No fluff, no excuses – just action.
We dive into the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship – the risks, the self-doubt, and the whole balancing act between chasing financial success and actually enjoying life. Sam gets real about the challenges of growth, the lessons parenthood has thrown his way, and why emotional intelligence is just as important as a solid business plan.
Because, at the end of the day, "All of this other stuff doesn't matter." It's about what drives you, what excites you, and taking the leap even when it feels scary.
If you're at a crossroads, wondering whether to take that leap, Sam’s got some golden advice – face the fear, follow what lights you up, and remember, sometimes the best moves come from the most unexpected places.
 
Trigger warning - This conversation contains swearing and discussions around mental health issues, suicide, and violence/war.

Riding the Highs and Lows: Jennifer Torrens on Resilience in Equestrian Life

Jennifer Torrens - "I believe you're as strong as you set yourself up to be" one of my favourite lines ever.
Truly honoured to bring this very special edition of the podcast to you all. A long awaited conversation that's filled with so many emotions. So deeply proud of Jennifer and grateful to be a small part of her journey.
I interview Jennifer, an accomplished young equestrian, about her journey in the world of horses. We discuss Jennifer's early passion for riding, her transition from racing to show jumping, and the challenges of running her own equestrian business at a young age. The conversation delves into the mental health aspects of competing in high-pressure environments, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of resilience. Jennifer shares her insights on empowerment for young females in the sport and emphasises the significance of pursuing dreams with determination and hard work.
 
Trigger: Please be aware that this episode discusses mental health issues and the loss of a loved one.
 
 

Tap It Like It's Hot: Stress Less and Thrive with Shauna Corr

In this episode, host Sonya McAleer sits down with Shauna Corr, an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) master practitioner, to uncover the magic of tapping—yes, the kind where you tap your face and somehow feel less like crying into your coffee. Shauna spills the tea on her journey from the corporate grind to helping people shake off stress, and embrace vunerability.
Here’s what you’ll tap into:
What the heck is EFT? Shauna demystifies tapping and explains how it can help lower cortisol levels, a.k.a. the hormone that makes you want to hide under your desk.
From boardrooms to breakthroughs: Shona’s leap from corporate life to holistic healing—and how she survived LinkedIn’s outing her.
Parenting, personal growth & pandemic lessons: Why tapping is your secret weapon against stress and those "Mum, where’s my shoes?" moments.
Limiting beliefs, be gone! Sonya and Shauna explore how EFT can help you break free from self-doubt and grow into the person you always wanted to be (or at least someone who doesn’t panic during Zoom calls).
Whether you’re sceptical, curious, or ready to tap your way to enlightenment, this episode will leave you laughing, learning, and maybe even giving your forehead a gentle pat.
🔗 Ready to explore the power of EFT? Hit play now and get ready to tap into your potential!

Have I Joined a Cult? And Other Opinions I Didn't Ask For..

When you start making bold moves in your life, people can’t help but chime in. From unsolicited advice to wild accusations like “Have you joined a cult?”—it seems everyone has an opinion when you decide to step off the beaten path. In this episode, I unpack why people react the way they do when you choose growth and authenticity over conformity.
We’ll laugh about the absurdity, dig into the psychology of why your changes make others uncomfortable, and talk about how to handle judgment with grace (or humour). Spoiler: it’s not about you—it’s about them.
If you’ve ever worried about what others will think or held yourself back because of someone else’s opinion, this episode is your permission slip to let that go.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why making bold moves in life makes other people so uncomfortable.
The psychology behind resistance to change and why people project their insecurities onto you.
How cultural expectations (hello, Irish drinking culture) can make your choices seem controversial.
Why finding your tribe matters more than pleasing everyone.
Tips for tuning out the noise and focusing on what actually matters.
What’s one bold move you’ve been holding back on because of fear of judgment? Write it down, reflect on whose opinion is holding you back, and take one small step toward it. Share your story with me on Instagram—I’d love to cheer you on!
 

Marking Time: Resilience, Redemption, and Running for a Cause - Mark Hanna

In this deeply moving episode of Set Your Soul on Fire, I sit down with Mark Hanna, director at Mascot Construction, for one of the most heartfelt and inspiring conversations I’ve ever had. Mark opens up about his extensive career in the construction industry, the challenges he’s faced—including navigating the difficult road through bankruptcy—and the unshakable support of his family that helped him persevere through it all.
We also explore Mark’s incredible work with Marie Curie, a charity close to his heart that provides vital care and support to those facing terminal illness. As part of his dedication to giving back, Mark shares how running marathons has become his personal way of making a difference, combining his love of fitness with his passion for helping others.
This episode was recorded before The Time Ball 2024, an event where Mark’s dedication to charity truly shines. At the time of recording, we reflect on his hopes for this year’s event, knowing it would continue to build on the success of previous years. Having now witnessed the monumental success of The Time Ball 2024 in person myself—which significantly surpassed 2022's fundraising total of £147,000 for Marie Curie—I couldn’t be prouder of Mark and his ongoing achievements.
💬 What We Talk About in This Episode:
Mark’s career in construction and his journey through bankruptcy.
The role of family support during life’s toughest challenges.
His involvement with Marie Curie and why this charity is so close to his heart.
How running marathons has become a way for him to give back and stay grounded.
This is a story of resilience, determination, and heart—Mark’s journey is a testament to the power of pushing through adversity and giving back in meaningful ways.
If this episode inspires you, please share it with your friends and network, leave a review, and let us know how you’re giving back to causes that set your soul on fire.
🎧 Tune in now for an unforgettable conversation with Mark Hanna!
🎉 Links and Resources:
Donate to Marie Curie: sonya mcaleer is fundraising for Marie Curie
This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, with resilience and a giving heart, you can create a lasting impact. ✨