SET YOUR SOUL ON FIRE

I bought a ticket to Bali and all I got was a spiritual meltdown

In this episode, I take you to Bali—metaphorically, because plane tickets aren’t cheap—for the solo trip that was supposed to prove I had my life together. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. Instead, Bali cracked me wide open, ripped off a few emotional layers I didn’t even know I had, and gave me a spiritual awakening wrapped in a whole lot of ugly crying.
This is the story of how I went to the other side of the world thinking I was healed, confident, and ready to conquer life, only to realize I’d been blocking my vulnerable side, holding onto resentment, and generally pretending I had my shit together. Bali was the beginning of the journey I didn’t even know I needed.
If you’ve ever thought you had everything sorted, only to get smacked in the face by a deeper truth, this one’s for you.
 
Warning: This episode contains swearing

Set your soul on fire: Episode 5 - Cutting through the bullshit: The real path to authentic growth

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Graeme from Ulster Motivational to dive deep into the realities of coaching and personal development. Together, we unpack the importance of authenticity in a world often filled with noise and empty promises. 
Key Highlights:
The Reality of Coaching: We discuss what it truly means to coach with integrity and why authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful self-development.
Stripping Away the ‘Bullshit’: Emphasing the importance of removing distractions and unhelpful narratives to create space for genuine growth and fulfilment.
Mental Health Awareness: We both touch on the importance of recognising and prioritising mental health in personal and professional development.
Practical Action Over Theory: I stresS the value of taking action rather than just accumulating knowledge, showing how real change requires stepping out of comfort zones.
Accountability and Support: We highlight the role of accountability and the right support systems in pushing past limiting beliefs and old stories that hold us back.
Tune in for a raw, inspiring conversation about the necessity of letting go, building a solid foundation, and stepping into a truer, more aligned version of yourself.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health and includes explicit language and swearing. Listener discretion is advised.
 

Set your soul on fire Episode 4: Drinking to Disappear

In this raw and unfiltered episode, I dive deep into my personal relationship with alcohol, a relationship that, for years, I didn’t fully understand. I wasn’t an alcoholic, but I had a dangerous pattern of drinking to escape—to fit in, to mask pain, to forget who I really was. I used alcohol to disappear into a version of myself I thought the world wanted.
From my younger days, when drinking helped me become ‘one of the cool kids,’ to the pressures of Irish culture, where everything seems to revolve around alcohol, I open up about how I never knew when enough was enough. I talk about how I used alcohol to cope, especially during COVID, when I drank through most of it to block out my relationship issues and avoid facing the truth.
I’ve quit drinking before, but it never stuck because I wasn’t honest with myself about why I was quitting. In this episode, I share the tough lessons I’ve learned about control, addiction, and the fine line I walked for years. Now, after 14 months sober, I’m finally ready to confront it all.
If you’ve ever struggled with the pressures to fit in, to control your emotions, or to find your place in a world where drinking is often the norm, this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why I started drinking to fit in, and how it became more than just a social habit.
The pressures of Irish culture and how everything seems to revolve around alcohol.
How I used alcohol as a way to avoid dealing with my emotions, especially during COVID.
The truth about why my first attempt to quit didn’t work—and the hard lessons I had to learn.
Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussions about alcohol use, low mood, and strong language. If you find these topics triggering, please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if needed. Your mental well-being is important.

Set your soul on fire Episode 3

In this episode of 'Set Your Soul on Fire', host Sonya McAleer interviews Gary Doherty, CEO of Be Seen PR and the Think Network, at the beautiful Ballyness Resort. They discuss Gary's journey from a shy factory worker to a confident entrepreneur, the challenges he faced, including health issues and the loss of his business in 2009, and how these experiences shaped his resilience and drive. The conversation delves into the importance of community, the power of events, and the legacy Gary wishes to leave behind. They also explore the concept of balance in life and work, emphasising the need for self-awareness and authenticity in personal and professional growth. There may even be a little exclusive hidden within…

Set your soul on fire episode 2

Sonya opens up about one of the hardest decisions she’s ever had to make: saying "I don’t" instead of "I do." She gets real about the fears, doubts, and all the societal pressure that came with calling off her wedding. This was the first step in reclaiming who she really was. In this episode, Sonya shares how choosing to honour herself—no matter how difficult—became the turning point that led to real clarity and growth, even when it meant walking away from something as huge as a wedding.
Like, follow and subscribe for more inspiration for the things that set your soul on fire.
Trigger warning - Episode contains one reference to suicide

Set your soul on fire. Episode 1

Welcome to the very first episode of Set Your Soul On Fire, your sanctuary for bold, transformative conversations that ignite the passion within. In this episode, we dive deep with Sonya from Inner Balance—a woman who’s no stranger to making fearless decisions and taking daring leaps in life. Recorded in the absolutely beautiful glamping pods at Carrickreagh Bay, Co. Fermanagh.
Feeling stuck or like you're ready to pull the pin on a grenade? This episode is for you. Sonya shares her journey of letting go of what was holding her back, embracing the chaos, and finding her true self. If you’ve ever felt the tug to break free and make a change, you won’t want to miss this real, raw, and honest conversation.
Trigger Warning: While it's incredibly special to share my journey I need to inform you that this episode contains discussions about suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
A Quick Heads-Up: There’s some swearing in this episode, so be mindful if you're listening around little ones or in a public space.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Sonya’s journey to finding balance and the courage to transform her life.
How she said "I don't" instead of "I do"
The woo-woo side of Sonya—get to know her unique approach to wellness and spiritual balance.
The Road to Change—a conversation that’s as real as it gets.
Reference to:
@vocusvit - sustainable activewear brand
@carrickreaghbay @carrickreaghbayglamping
@naturalresilience_ business networking group
Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just need a little inspiration, this episode is your starting point. Join us, and let's set your soul on fire together.
 

Set your soul on fire - Episode 0

In a chaotic world Set Your Soul On Fire with Sonya from Inner Balance. Your weekly sanctuary for bold, transformative conversations. This podcast is all about making fearless decisions and taking daring leaps, something Sonya knows all about. Feel like pulling the pin on a grenade? Let go of what’s holding you back and ignite the passion within.