Kelly Donovan and the Staggering Cost of Integrity In a world that claims to value transparency, we often treat whistleblowers like heroes in movies, but like pariahs in reality. This week on The FEMCAST, as part of our Gaslit Brain series, we sat down with Kelly Donovan. Her story is not just a critique of…
How Narcissism is Shaping Our Workplaces, Politics, and Lives Ever met someone who feeds off admiration, but feels nothing for anyone else? Someone who can ruin lives and still play the victim? Have you ever worked with someone who seemed magnetic — confident, charming, persuasive — until you saw what lay beneath? The…
When the Workplace Becomes a Warzone What happens when manipulation becomes a management style? When truth-telling is punished, and chaos is the language of control? In this week’s episode of The Gaslit Brain, we share a real story from a listener who endured severe psychological abuse and gaslighting in her workplace, a…
When Empathy Wins This weekend, empathy won. We voted in a president whose leadership is grounded not in power, but in empathy. Catherine Connolly’s calm courage, her compassion, and her clarity of thought give us hope — hope that humanity, empathy, and integrity still have a place at the head of the table. And it…
Last night in Citywest, chaos erupted. A Garda officer was injured. Public property was destroyed, and once again, we witnessed the kind of thuggery that’s becoming disturbingly familiar – violence disguised as protecting women and children. No one carrying out their duties should ever be at risk of injury or harm. Gardaí, firefighters, emergency…
There’s a moment in every survivor’s story where confusion gives way to clarity. When you realise what you thought was love, care, or even mentorship, was actually control. That moment of recognition can shake you to your core, and that’s where The Gaslit Brain Series begins. In this episode of The FEMCAST podcast, we…
What happens when you report abuse… and suddenly you become the problem? When the spotlight swings away from the perpetrator and lands right on you — questioning your tone, your behaviour, your clothes, your motives? That’s not an accident. It’s a tactic. And it has a name. DARVO: Deny. Attack.…
Why This Series, Why Now At The FEMCAST, we believe in amplifying voices that challenge abuse, expose manipulation, and carve out safer futures. Today, we are proud to launch our brand-new series: The Gaslit Brain with Dr. Jen Fraser. If you’ve followed us before, you’ll remember Jen’s powerful insights in our last series, based…
The Light They Couldn’t Bury: Catherine Corless, Alison O’Reilly & the Tuam Babies There are few names in modern Irish history that carry the weight and moral clarity of Catherine Corless. A local historian from County Galway, she is not a politician, nor a celebrity, nor a career activist. And yet, her tenacious pursuit of…
The Woman Who Refused to Stay Silent – Vicky’s Fight for Truth This week, we remember Vicky Phelan — a woman whose courage and determination exposed the greatest medical scandal of our time. On 25th April 2018, Vicky’s refusal to be silenced by a Non-Disclosure Agreement revealed systemic failures within our health system that endangered…
The Forgotten Dream – Women of 1916 and the Ireland They Fought For In 1916, a small group of women stood shoulder to shoulder with men in what they believed was the beginning of a new Ireland – one free from British rule, free from oppression, and free from inequality. Yet, those same women didn’t…
Raising Boys in the Digital Age – Who is Really Guiding Them? I watched Adolescence on Netflix, and I cannot emphasise enough how important this storytelling is in helping people grasp the extent of violence against girls and women. I campaign tirelessly to end men’s violence against girls and women, and I have long stated…
Why does violence against women persist – and how can we stop it? Today, we’re joined by Robert Kaiser a true pioneer in personal safety and violence prevention. Robert has spent three decades in the trenches of domestic and international security, becoming a global authority dedicated to not just understanding the complexities of human violence…
What would you do, if you knew you couldn’t fail? Manifestation & the Power of Mindset: Unlock the Life You Deserve What if the secret to transforming your life was already within you? In this episode, we explore the power of manifestation, the subconscious mind, and the energy you bring into the world. Our guest,…
Breaking the Silence: Tackling Northern Ireland’s Hidden Crisis of Domestic Violence Domestic violence in Northern Ireland has reached alarming levels, resembling a hidden pandemic that cannot be ignored. Despite its devastating impact, society often fails to treat violence against women within intimate relationships with the seriousness it warrants. Why is it that women’s murders in…
Breaking the Silence – The Emotional Toll of Fertility Issues Fertility issues is more than just a medical journey, it’s an emotional, psychological, and societal challenge that millions face, yet few openly discuss. The road to parenthood can be filled with obstacles, heartbreak, and hope, but too often, these struggles are minimised or swept under…
🎙️ Welcome to today’s episode of The FEMCAST! In this powerful interview, we dive into the world of gaming addiction with Elaine Uskoski, an expert who turned her personal experience into a mission to help others. When her son Jake’s university life unraveled due to severe gaming addiction, Elaine stepped in to help him…
In our latest series, we’re tackling the silences that perpetuate injustice. Kicking off with a deep dive into Reported.ie, we’ll uncover how this groundbreaking platform is empowering survivors of sexual harassment and violence to speak out – anonymously and safely. Each year, countless incidents of sexual harassment and rape go unreported, leaving victims…
Ending the Blame Game – How Ireland Can Lead in Tackling Gender-Based Violence A recent survey conducted by the European Commission offers a sobering reminder of the work still needed to combat violence against women and the stereotypes that enable it. While Ireland demonstrates leadership in rejecting some forms of abuse, harmful attitudes remain entrenched…
Where Does the Entitlement Stem From? A recent report by Women’s Aid, conducted in partnership with Core, sheds light on the troubling persistence of traditionalist views of manhood among Irish men. Despite decades of progress toward gender equality, two in five Irish men still hold traditionalist attitudes, while more than half agree or remain uncertain…
Women Are Done Waiting. When Will Women Finally Be Paid Their Worth? As of today, I, like many women across the globe, am effectively working for free for the rest of the year. This isn’t hyperbole – it’s a harsh reality. The gender pay gap is now 11.3%, up from 10.7% last year. This disparity…
The recent report by Women’s Aid, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin and the Disabled Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, reveals the harrowing experiences of disabled women who endure abuse from their intimate partners. This study, titled “Disabled Women’s Experience of Intimate Partner Abuse in Ireland,” reveals the profound cruelty and manipulation faced by these women, who often…
In a poignant episode of our podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Julie Adams, a mother who has turned her grief into a powerful campaign against domestic violence. Julie’s daughter, Molly Adams, tragically died by suicide after enduring relentless domestic abuse. Julie is now advocating for legislative changes to prevent perpetrators of domestic…
The Forgotten Voices – The Overlooked Reality of Domestic Violence in Later Life When we talk about domestic violence, our minds often picture younger women, the narratives that dominate the media, stories we’ve heard time and again. But there’s a group of women whose stories remain unheard, unseen, and too often forgotten – older…
Charlotte Davis’s Revolutionary Approach to Child Development Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the transformative world of Fit 2 Learn with its visionary founder, Charlotte Davis. Charlotte is on a mission to revolutionise how educators engage with school children, enhancing their learning capabilities through the seamless integration of motor skills, sound…
Can We Stop the Normalisation of Male Brutality The recent case of a young woman being held prisoner and tortured is another disturbing reminder of the horrifying realities of male violence. Yet, once this story fades from headlines, we must ask ourselves, what are we truly doing to confront and dismantle the normalisation of such…
The Sinister Charm of “Snakes in Suits” Join us on The FEMCAST as we welcome back Dr. Jennifer Fraser, the insightful author of “The Bullied Brain,” for a compelling discussion on the pervasive issue of gaslighting and trauma in our everyday lives and workplaces. In this episode, we delve into the chilling realities…
The Hidden Cost of Neglect – How Ireland’s Cervical Check Scandal Changed Women’s Lives Forever Living as young woman in Ireland whilst the cervical check scandal first appeared in the public eye meant that the topic of female reproductive health went from a stigmatised taboo to an all-consuming national conversation. Advocates such as Vicky Phelan brought the conversation…
Physical Vascular Therapy is a revolutionary treatment that targets key areas of the body using a pulsed electromagnetic field to deliver a special, patented signal configuration. This therapy aims to improve restricted microcirculation, which is the blood flow in the smallest blood vessels. By enhancing microcirculation, Physical Vascular Therapy supports cell maintenance, ensuring that cells…
Unlike most people, when I hear the phrase “mindful leadership,” I simultaneously think “brainful leadership.” Yes, I know “brainful” is not a word. For us then, in this article and moving forward, it’s a neologism. A new word. It matters because the focus is on science and science in the 21st century will assure you…
The Silent Struggle of Children Without School Places, Parents Battle for Their Children’s Right to Education We often take for granted the routine of returning to school, grumbling about the cost of uniforms and books, and the hassle of preparing lunches. However, we should spare a thought for the children who do not have a…
Unveiling the Dark Legacy of Institutional Cruelty Last night, RTE1 aired a harrowing documentary titled “STOLEN,” which delved into the dark and depraved world of slavery and cruelty that many women found themselves ensnared in. It was a hard watch, a cruel reminder of the control exerted by both the church and the state,…
The hidden cost of skipping holidays that is hurting your workforce. A recent survey by FRS Recruitment has revealed a concerning trend – over 40% of workers failed to use their full holiday entitlements last year. This statistic is alarming, considering the critical role that rest and recuperation play in maintaining both physical and…
What we need to teach kids about the psychology of bullying. Children’s schools are inspected and regularly checked by professionals to ensure safety from the harm of fire. Not only are the building and facilities, with specific attention to risks like electrical wiring, assessed by firefighters, but the whole school from the principal to the youngest student…
Over the weekend, I finally had a chance to see “It Ends With Us”, a film I’d been eager to watch since missing its premiere. The buzz surrounding the movie has been inescapable, with nearly every website plastered with stories about the stars and their so-called “artistic differences.” Blake Lively, along with writer and producer…
The tragic case of Valerie French Kilroy, who was brutally murdered by her husband James Kilroy, highlights the urgent need for legislative reform to protect the rights and well-being of children who lose a parent to domestic violence. This case, along with the recent introduction of “Jade’s Law” in the UK, highlights the critical importance…
A Staggering 26,000 Domestic Abuse Reports Made to Gardaí Since June 2024: A Harrowing Reality In a shocking revelation, a staggering 26,000 reports of domestic abuse have been made to An Garda Síochána since the beginning of June 2024. This grim statistic equates to one report every ten minutes, highlighting the pervasive and relentless…
In a harrowing revelation, multiple female footballers have come forward with allegations of unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances by Football Association of Ireland (FAI) coaches during the 1990s. This information emerged through a joint investigation by RTÉ Investigates and the Sunday Independent, bringing to light the experiences of former international players and trainees on Ireland’s…
Addressing the Epidemic of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Ireland through Early Education The Taoiseach’s recent declaration of an “epidemic” of sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland highlights a pressing and pervasive issue within society. The reality of this crisis has been brought into sharp focus by recent high-profile cases, including the tragic stories of…
The recent revelation that a Dublin maternity hospital has appointed Dr. Christopher Morris, a doctor with a criminal conviction for assaulting two women, to a position where he will likely treat domestic violence victims, raises profound concerns about the priorities and values within our health system. This situation not only highlights the systemic failure…
Bláthnaid Raleigh’s story is a testament to courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma. In 2019, Raleigh was raped by Jonathan ‘Johnny’ Moran in a garden shed in Galway, a horrific event that profoundly impacted her life. However, Raleigh’s bravery in waiving her anonymity to name her attacker and share her story publicly…
I help clients heal after pregnancy loss so I figure it’s better to answer your questions here, with accurate info in a post. After all I’m a qualified gynae nurse and midwife as well as a therapist. You wish you’d understood what miscarriage is before it happened, not blamed yourself. You wish took time…
Judge Tom O’Donnell, who controversially handed a three-year suspended sentence to a 22-year-old soldier who brutally assaulted a woman in Limerick two years ago, is set to retire this week. The decision has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among advocates for women’s rights, who highlight the pervasive issue of lenient sentencing for violence against women, sexual…
Yesterday’s court decision by Judge Tom O’Donnell to give Cathal Crotty, an Irish soldier, a suspended sentence after he brutally assaulted Natasha O’Brien knocking her unconscious is a stark example of the systemic failures in addressing men’s violence against women. Crotty, who attacked O’Brien without provocation, punched her multiple times, and boasted about it…
The upcoming Supreme Court ruling in India on the issue of marital rape is a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality. Despite decades of advocacy and significant progress in many areas, the idea that marriage grants a man unrestricted rights over his wife’s body remains entrenched in Indian law.…
In the early hours of Saturday morning, as thousands across the country rose from their beds to participate in Darkness Into Light, an event aimed at raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, a family was engulfed in a wave of inconsolable grief. The reason behind their devastation was not just the loss of…
Remembering Professor Evan Stark, sociologist, forensic social worker, widely published author and an award-winning researcher with an international reputation for his innovative work on the legal, policy and health dimensions of interpersonal violence, including its effects on children. A towering figure whose groundbreaking work on coercive control has revolutionised our understanding and approach to…
Toxic workplaces, the not so silent epidemic that claims lives and leaves countless others shattered. This tragic death was preventable, the loss of Dr Vaish Kumar’s life, and the loss her family and friends will feel is lasting. This headline will move down the website into oblivion, their pain is forever. BBC covered the story…
In the pursuit of societal change, the adage “if you want to see change, be the change” rings true, serving as a shining example of inspiration for those advocating for progress. I had the privilege of participating in a transformative training day with the Limerick branch of Women’s Collective Ireland, an experience that not only…
Last night RTE aired “Taking Back Control” a documentary that sheds light on the impact of coercive control and the experience of one very brave lady, Nicola Hanney. Nicola, the former partner of the jailed garda who carried out this campaign of psychological abuse and control, has spoken publicly for the first time about…
Over the weekend, another woman fell victim to the scourge of domestic violence, leaving behind two devastated daughters and a grandchild she will never see growing up. The ripple effect of such tragedies leaves families traumatised for generations to come. These incidents demand the same level of societal outrage as the high-profile cases, such…
Following the success of their recent hit Channel 4 documentary Celebrity Save Our Sperm, produced by Crackit Productions, the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) is delighted to host the stars of the programme for a deeper dive into the battle to improve male reproductive health during their live ‘One Night Stand’ event . Ollie…
Sharing your unique experiences of trauma can indeed be a difficult and painful process. When faced with someone who responds dismissively, it’s important to remember that no one else can truly understand the depth of your trauma except for you. People who make statements like, “I wouldn’t have got that from them,” lack the insight…
This episode opens by highlighting a pressing issue: the recent femicides that have occurred, all of which could have been prevented (this episode was recorded in January 2023). Dr Jen Fraser and I talk about the violence leading to these tragic incidents, how they were entirely avoidable, as was the impending intergenerational grief. We…
TRIGGER WARNING – we talk about violence and suicide In this episode of the bullied brain we discuss the issue of abuse in relationships, particularly focusing on the abuse experienced by women. We highlight the alarming statistic that 1-in-4 women have been abused by a current or former partner. Dr Jen Fraser talks about…
On this episode of The Bullied Brain we talk about statistics and studies around bullying in schools and the need for an upstream approach to address the issue. We highlight the impact of bullying on children. We talk about the need for a different approach to tackle bullying, focusing on early intervention. The concept of…
When you are abused, you often lose yourself, your authentic self. You become disconnected from your essential self. You are the self lost to abuse. My mission is to recover her and honour her. This is why you see her on my website. That confident, glowing, young, vibrant woman. I am dedicated to returning her…
In this episode of the Bullied Brain we talk about narcissists, psychopaths, and Machiavellians, collectively referred to as the “dark triad.” Jen explains how narcissists have a destructive impact on the lives of those around them. How they are fixated on themselves and constantly seek validation and admiration from others. Jen talks about the harmful…
TRIGGER WARNING In this episode of #TheBulliedBrain we discuss domestic abuse, domestic violence and gender based violence with a focus on how these forms of abuse impact the brain. Jen talks about allegations of sexual violence within a national sport organisation in Canada and she talks about individuals who exhibit such abusive behaviour have…
I spoke to a friend of mine about my podcast and what we are prepared to tolerate and accept in some workplaces. It is truly unbelievable, even when we are told it will cause brain injury? The reply was “I don’t have personal experience of bullying so the concept of tolerating physical harm or experiencing…
If a coach is successful and wins championships, does it excuse bullying conduct? The best way to answer this question is to ask it first about kids: if reports come in from multiple sources that a child is bullying and hurting others, should a school principal factor in whether or not the child won…
In 2019, I was asked by students at Langara College in Vancouver BC to do a TEDx Talk on the work I was doing and this is what led to my presentation on the “Neuroscience of Bullying.” I was reading neuroscientific, neurobiological, medical, and psychological research about bullying and abuse in order to write my next book.…
I Transformed from a Bystander into an Advocate Whistleblower Series #1 I transformed from an unwilling bystander to someone who is a vocal advocate, researcher, consultant and writer about child abuse and the system that enables it. This is my former life that I had to give up when I spoke up. From the…
Hopefully you’ve seen the film Spotlight about relentless journalists exposing rampant child abuse in the Catholic Churches of Boston. My key take-away from the film is that being a whistleblower requires a lot of grit and commitment. If you want to make actual change, whistleblowers have to stay the course. People say “it takes a village to…
Kyle Beach is a brilliant example of how being a whistleblower is not self-sacrifice, but self-determination. If you haven’t been following the story, this is a picture of Kyle Beach who yesterday moved from abuse victim into the whistleblower role as covered on TSN. I told you at the start, I decided to write this blog…