In this episode of "Wellth Talks" from GK Media Studios - host Garry Kelly (GK Media) is joined by Niall Leyden (Atlantic Wealth Management), and Pádraic Ó Máille (Smácht) as they reflect on 2025, sharing personal and professional wins, challenges, and lessons learned. They discuss themes of health, wealth, business, and family, highlighting the importance of intentional living and self-care. Stories about letting go of unnecessary burdens and finding fulfilment through service and purpose set an inspiring tone. The episode encourages listeners to reflect, plan, and embrace 2026 with clarity and renewed focus, blending practical advice with heartfelt anecdotes for a thoughtful year-end conversation.

Here is a link to our Wellth Success Blueprint for 2026

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ad8cx9ifsxzj5vsf/2026_Wellth_Success_Template6evc7.pdf

And here is a link to Pádraic’s One-Page Planner from Smácht

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2ni3qbyay5j26nhp/The_One_Page_Planner_Smacht_bfe4t.pdf

Please visit: GK Media https://www.gkmedia.ie

Atlantic Wealth Management https://atlanticwm.ie

Pádraic Ó Máille Smácht https://omaille.ie

Disclaimer: Niall Leyden is the Founder of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited, a firm that is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to advise on and arrange a range of financial products. Please note that Niall’s comments in this podcast are made in a personal capacity and are not recommendations or financial advice and do not form part of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited’s regulated activity.

Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) GK Media Studios and Creators Network introduction; podcast and hosts are introduced.

Reflecting on 2025 & Wins and Challenges (00:00:17) Hosts discuss reflecting on 2025, personal and team wins, challenges, and lessons for 2026.

Business Wins & Galway Business Person of the Year (00:01:58) Celebrating business achievements, especially Niall Leyden being awarded 'Galway Business Person of the Year', and his values-led business philosophy.

Wealth Management Philosophy (00:03:40) Discussion on people-first wealth management versus traditional portfolio-focused approaches.

Planning Ahead & Life Lessons (00:04:37) Emphasis on planning for the future, prioritising lifestyle, and the importance of happiness over money.

Health Routines & Client Interactions (00:05:32) Sharing health routines, work travel, and positive client conversations.

Morning Routines & Conference Insights (00:05:54) Importance of morning routines and insights from a recent business conference.

Fasting Journey & Health Transformation (00:06:30) Personal story about starting fasting, health improvements, and mental clarity benefits.

Intermittent Fasting & Weight Loss (00:08:13) Results from intermittent fasting, weight loss, and improved well-being.

Health Wins & Consistency (00:09:36) Impact of health routines, consistency, and discipline on overall life and business success.

Sleep, Recovery, and Avoiding Burnout (00:12:04) The importance of sleep, recovery, and managing busy periods to avoid burnout.

Work-Life Balance & Operating Rhythm (00:12:52) Developing a sustainable work rhythm, prioritising self-care, and team routines.

Reflection & Prioritising Self (00:14:20) Encouragement to reflect on what worked in 2025 and the importance of self-prioritization.

Letting Go & Repacking Your Bags (00:15:27) Story about letting go of unnecessary attachments and the theme of "repacking your bags" for 2026.

Materialism vs. True Happiness (00:19:10) Discussion on material possessions, happiness, and finding purpose beyond wealth.

Serving Others & Deeper Purpose (00:20:43) Anecdote about a cardiologist’s philosophy: true happiness comes from serving others.

Closing Remarks & Christmas Wishes (00:22:14) Hosts exchange holiday wishes, express gratitude, and preview next year’s plans.

Action Plan for 2026 & Next Episode (00:22:56) Announcement of a blueprint for 2026 and details about the next episode’s release.

Final Farewell & Outro (00:23:50) Final goodbyes, holiday wishes, and podcast outro.

In this episode of Wellth Talks, host Garry Kelly (GK Media) is joined by Niall Leyden (Atlantic Wealth Management), and Pádraic Ó Máille (Smácht) to discuss anxiety in business and everyday life. The group shares personal stories and practical advice on coping with uncertainty, the importance of vulnerability, and how sharing struggles can lighten the load. They emphasise focusing on the present, planning positively for the future, and taking action despite fear. The conversation encourages listeners to open up, support each other, and proactively shape their own well-being.

Please visit: GK Media https://www.gkmedia.ie

Atlantic Wealth Management https://atlanticwm.ie

Pádraic Ó Máille Smácht https://omaille.ie

Disclaimer: Niall Leyden is the Founder of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited, a firm that is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to advise on and arrange a range of financial products. Please note that Niall’s comments in this podcast are made in a personal capacity and are not recommendations or financial advice and do not form part of Atlantic Wealth Management Limited’s regulated activity.

Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) GK Media Studios and Wellth Talks podcast introduction, host and guests introduced, show’s purpose outlined.

Listener Anxiety About 2026 (00:01:07) Discussion of listener feedback expressing anxiety and uncertainty about the future, especially for small business owners.

Anxiety in Business and Family Life (00:02:00) Exploring anxiety’s prevalence in business, family, and children, including social media’s impact on youth.

Defining Anxiety and Depression (00:03:19) Clarifying the difference between depression (past-focused) and anxiety (future-focused), importance of being present.

Small Business Community and Isolation (00:04:08) Small business owners’ unique challenges with anxiety and the value of sharing problems in a supportive environment.

The Power of Vulnerability (00:05:38) Encouraging openness and vulnerability, sharing feelings to reduce anxiety, and the benefits of supportive groups.

Personal Disappointment and Support (00:08:06) Sharing personal setbacks and the importance of having trusted people to confide in during difficult times.

Open Conversations About Mental Health (00:08:47) Growing openness about mental health in sports and business, the importance of honest conversations.

Elite Athletes and Hidden Anxiety (00:09:22) Story of elite athletes experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, and the missed opportunity for mutual support.

Mindset and Fear of Failure (00:10:28) Embracing failure, learning from children’s resilience, and the importance of mindset in overcoming anxiety.

Control, Organization, Planning, Action (COPA) (00:11:42) Introducing the COPA framework for managing anxiety: control, organization, planning, and action.

Taking Action and Facing Fear (00:13:54) Encouragement to take action despite fear, referencing Rumi and Susan Jeffers’ “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.”

Personal Anecdotes of Overcoming Fear (00:15:39) Personal stories about overcoming fear, including a child’s leap from a diving board.

Advice for Planning 2026 (00:16:09) Advice for listeners anxious about 2026: plan positively, focus on what could go right, and take bold action.

Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser (00:16:45) Encouragement to plan for the future, invitation for listener feedback, and preview of a future episode on 2026 planning.

Podcast Outro (00:17:17) GK Media Studios outro, ending the episode.

In this episode of "Garry Talks Film", Eibh Collins O’Brien and Lorraine Higgins from Ireland’s National Talent Academy discuss their work supporting talent across film, TV, animation, and VFX. They explore the challenges faced by newcomers and established professionals, the importance of inclusivity, and practical initiatives like job-sharing and childcare at industry events. The conversation highlights the Academy’s commitment to accessibility, mentorship, and sustainable careers, offering honest advice and encouragement for those navigating the Irish screen industry. Listeners gain valuable insights into the realities of building a creative career and the support available through the NTA.

For more information visit: https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/

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Introduction to the Podcast and Guests (00:00:00) Overview of the episode, introduction of Eibh Collins O'Brien and Lorraine Higgins from the National Talent Academy.

What is the National Talent Academy? (00:01:49) Explanation of NTA's structure, sectors covered, and its support for above and below-the-line talent.

Inclusivity and Entry into the Industry (00:03:07) Discussion on supporting new entrants of all ages and backgrounds, not just young filmmakers.

Eibh’s Career Journey and Passion for Inclusion (00:04:50) Eibh shares her background, volunteering, and focus on inclusion and diverse voices in film.

Lorraine’s Career Path and Return to Ireland (00:09:41) Lorraine describes her journey from working in bars to film, time abroad, and her roles in production.

Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Job Sharing and Childcare (00:14:17) Introduction of job share programs and childcare at industry events to support parents and carers.

Barriers and Challenges in the Industry (00:17:20) Discussion of barriers for both new and experienced talent, burnout, and the need for industry support.

NTA’s Collaboration and Structure (00:22:50) Explanation of NTA’s national structure, funding, and collaboration with Screen Ireland and other organizations.

Funding and Job Security in the Industry (00:24:01) Yearly funding cycles, job security concerns, and the impact of international industry trends.

Shadow Placements and Industry-Led Training (00:25:35) Details on shadow placements for writers, directors, and producers, and how these opportunities are structured.

Mentorship and Its Value (00:29:35) Importance of mentorship, how it works, and the benefits of having industry mentors.

Crew Academies and On-Set Learning (00:33:33) Overview of crew academies, work placements, and the process for trainees to gain on-set experience.

Irish Language Initiatives and Skill Development (00:39:56) Highlighting Irish language programs, skill development, and the importance of confidence-building for crew.

Access, Inclusion, and Industry Culture Shift (00:42:33) Efforts to improve accessibility, inclusion, and cultural change within the Irish screen industry.

Ripple Effect and Impact of NTA (00:47:39) Discussion of the positive impact and ripple effect of NTA’s initiatives on the industry.

Bridging the Career Gap: Short Film Funds (00:50:00) Addressing the career gap with short film funds and comprehensive support for new filmmakers.

Industry Realities: Challenges and Rewards (00:53:37) Honest discussion about the realities of working in film, including challenges, burnout, and job satisfaction.

Current State of the Irish Film Industry (00:54:03) Assessment of the industry’s health, job opportunities, and the movement of crew between countries.

Career Paths and Opportunities in Film (00:58:54) Advice on career options, including less obvious roles like accounting, and the importance of reputation.

Application Tips and Getting Involved (01:05:03) Guidance on applying for NTA programs, building a strong application, and engaging with the industry.

Patience and Persistence in the Industry (01:10:45) Encouragement to be patient and persistent, as opportunities may take time to materialise.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (01:11:38) Closing remarks, gratitude to guests, and encouragement for continued engagement with NTA and the industry.