Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige11 Syys 2025

Annmarie O’Connor : Life with Parkinson’s

Topics covered: Early-onset Parkinson’s disease, symptoms, pain, denial, grief, acceptance, adapting.

In this episode, I speak with Irish Examiner fashion editor and author, Annmarie O’Connor, about her experience of living with Parkinson’s disease.

The youngest of five girls, Annmarie grew up on Long Island, New York, before moving to Ireland at the age of twelve. With strong family roots here — her mother’s side is from Inishbofin — many of her childhood summers were spent on the island.

She went on to build a successful career in fashion styling, working in the industry for almost two decades, and has already published two books: The Happy Closet and The Happy Medium.

But in December 2021, her world changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease — a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, mood, motivation, and much more.

Her memoir, 'Twitch – My Life with Parkinson’s', has just been released, and in this conversation Annmarie speaks openly about the past few years, what the condition has taught her, and the realities of life now.

Any mention of medication in this episode is Annmarie’s personal experience only and should not be taken as medical advice.

The Michael J. Fox article referenced in our chat can be found here:

'Pity is another form of abuse' - Michael J Fox on Parkinson's

If you enjoy Ready to be Real, please consider following, rating, and reviewing the podcast — it really makes a difference.

And thank you, as always, for your support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(291)

Why is it so hard to rest? : Dr. Malie Coyne

Topics covered : Rest, nervous system regulation, connection, guilt, awareness, balance, parenting, burnout, self compassion.For my final episode before the summer break, I'm joined by chartered cli...

30 Heinä 50min

Declutter & Organise : Real Take

In this week's Real Take, I'm sharing a short snippet from my conversation with professional home organiser and founder of The Home Reset, Hazel Burton.Hazel explains why asking simple questions can b...

27 Heinä 10min

Hazel Burton : Declutter your home

Topics covered: Career change, decluttering, guilt, shame, organisation, consumerism, sustainability, sentimental items, children's toys, labelling, habits, letting go, mental wellbeing, calmer homes....

24 Heinä 1h

Zoe Holohan : Honeymoon tragedy (revisit)

Topics covered : Tragic death, complex grief, severe injuries, PTSD.This is my conversation with the incredible Zoe Holohan from March 2021.On the 23rd of July 2018, Zoe and her husband Brian were on ...

20 Heinä 1h 17min

The true cost of cheap food : Kenneth Keavey, Green Earth Organics

Topics covered : Vulnerability, heritage, organic farming, biodiversity, food waste, value, climate, connection.This week's guest is Kenneth Keavey, co-founder of Green Earth Organics, one of Ireland...

17 Heinä 49min

Great Blasket island : Real Take

No electricity. No hot water. The best sleep of her life.In this week's Real Take, taken from my recent conversation with public historian and author Lesley Bond, we explore what it was really like to...

13 Heinä 14min

Lesley Bond: Life on the Great Blasket

Topics covered: island life, living without modern comforts, heritage, community, postnatal depression, writing and healing.This week, I’m joined by public historian and author Lesley Bond.In 2019, ...

9 Heinä 1h 18min

Helen Ogbu : Community is everything

Topics covered : her upbringing, her late husband, grief, mourning, rebuilding her life, fostering, community, belonging and public service. This week, I'm joined by Helen Ogbu - Labour councillor, ...

2 Heinä 56min