I often quote a great Jim Carrey line that I think is a great approach for life. Jim’s father always wanted to be a comedian, and would have been a great one, but he opted for the ‘safer bet’ and became an accountant instead. But he was ultimately made unemployed, and Jim learned a valuable lesson from that, saying “You can fail at what you don't want. So you might as well take a chance on doing what you love”

My guest on this episode, John Travers, initially opted for the safer bet of a well-paid job as an engineer with a global energy company, but before he started the role, he went to India and did some volunteer work – and that changed everything. He returned home to that job and worked in the corporate and start-up world for a number of years, but he fulfilled the promise he made to himself in India – he would dedicate his life to helping society’s most frail and vulnerable people.

Today, John is a qualified GP and is not only making a difference in the world, but he is happy and fulfilled by the work he is doing. He has just published a book about his time working as a doctor, the people he has met and treated, and the impact they have had on him. Its call A Shot of Hope and he’ll be telling me all about his fascinating story on this episode of The Mario Rosenstock Podcast.

COMEDY – How are supposed to cope with this heatwave hitting Ireland? A few well-known people share their advice, including Michael O’Leary, Michael D Higgins, and Ivan Yates.

Produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand

Niall Harbison was a very successful entrepreneur in Ireland, setting up and selling a social media marketing agency and the very popular and sometimes controversial ‘Lovin Dublin’ media brand. But a combination of burnout and partying too hard, too often, led him to cut ties with Ireland and start a calmer and healthier life in Thailand. But unfortunately things got far worse, and his addiction to drink and prescription drugs soon led him to wake up in a hospital bed, at the point of near death.

Niall promised himself that things would dramatically change from that day on. It wasn’t easy, but slowly he turned his life around and today, Niall is the founder and mastermind behind Happy Doggo, rescuing and feeding as many of Thailand's millions of stray dogs as he possibly can. His work saving dogs has also saved his life. This is a conversation that I enjoyed so much, and I know you will too.

Check out Niall’s latest bestselling book - Tina: The dog who changed the world.

COMEDY - What would it sound like if RTE put some of its most popular sports commentators on Wimbledon duty?!

Produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand

Its a question that women have to ask each other all too regularly at the end of a night out, and for standup comedians Claire Roche and Justine Halpin, it was time to start talking about why. Claire and Justine wanted to start a wider conversation about the issue, bit not in a preachy way, so they put together a standup comedy show called 'Are Ya Alright Getting Home?'

Come and laugh through the fear at 'Are Ya Alright Getting Home?', a standup comedy show with an all-female lineup diving into the ridiculous rituals we must perform just to return safely to our homes after a night out. From fake phone calls to keys as weapons and hurried steps as we reach our front door. This goes further into our daily lives as we navigate through harmful gender norms that affect all in society. Under the umbrella of comedy, we wish for everyone to hear our stories and help us recognise how we can build a safer place for all to live, turning daily survival mode into stand-up gold.

Claire and Justine put on their first show in Bewleys Theatre a few weeks ago in front of a sold-out crowd and such was the reception, that they’re already planning the next one. Check it out here https://thelark.ie/are-ya-alright-getting-home/

COMEDY - Joe Duffy's has just presented his last ever Liveline, and auditions have been taking place for his successor. Michael O'Leary, Ray Darcy, and even Paschal Donohoe have thrown their hats into the ring

Produced by Patrick Haughey, AudioBrand.