People with severe mental illness face a staggering 15–20 year life expectancy gap compared to the general population. This is a scandal of inequality, largely driven by preventable physical health issues.

In this episode, Bruce sits down with Dr. Evan Matthews, researcher at SETU Waterford and co-author of the recent Lancet Psychiatry Commission report on lifestyle interventions in mental health care. They discuss the evidence behind the "Exercise Effect" pilot—a project integrating physical activity directly into mental health services—and how recent TU Rise funding is helping to drive this impactful research forward.

We are also joined by Sarah Dempsey, an Integrated Exercise Practitioner working on the ground in Wexford. Sarah shares the reality of helping service users take that first, daunting step into a gym, the strategy behind her staff "Lunch Crunch" classes, and the transformative effect the program has on lives.

Including powerful testimonials from service users Dylan, Sheila, and Shirley, this episode is a moving testament to the power of bridging the gap between physical and mental healthcare.

Topics:

• The "Scandal" of the 15–20 year mortality gap.
• Why the "Exercise Effect" integrates practitioners into clinical teams.
• The difference between "Intrinsic" and "Autonomous" motivation.
• Real-world success stories from Wexford.

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

Most of us would struggle to drive a car for 12.5 hours without losing concentration. Caitriona Jennings ran for that long—averaging a blistering 7:34/mile pace to shatter the 100-mile World Record. In this episode, Bruce sits down with the 2012 Olympian and new ISESA board member to discuss one of the most remarkable feats in Irish endurance history. We explore how she balances her C Suite role (Vice President in Aircraft Trading) with elite ultra-running, often flying straight from a race finish line back to the office. We also revisit the heartbreak of London 2012, discussing how finishing last on a stress fracture became the foundation for the mental steel required to excel in the ultra-running world.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The World Record: Breaking down the 12:37:04 run at Tunnel Hill—pacing strategy, fueling with high-carb gels, and the mental battle of the "figure of eight" course
• The "Dual Career": How Caitriona manages 100-mile training weeks while holding down a high-pressure corporate role in aviation leasing
• Resilience: Why the trauma of London 2012 ultimately prolonged her career and prepared her for the pain cave of ultra-running
• Training Philosophy: How a mature athlete manages volume, avoids injury, and uses the weekend for "compounding" long runs
• What's Next: The hunt for the "Green Number" at the Comrades Marathon 2026.

Links & Resources:

ISESA Website

Register for our January Webinar

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

We spend hours training the heart and the muscles, but what about the primary sensor that drives every decision an athlete makes? In this episode, Bruce is joined by Dr. Fraser Horn, Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry and a world-renowned expert in Sports Vision. Having worked with Nike and collegiate athletics, Fraser challenges the idea that "20/20" is the gold standard, explaining why elite athletes often operate at 20/15 or better and why 20/20 might actually mean you react slower on the pitch

We discuss the difference between "hardware" and "software," the critical role of contrast sensitivity when tracking a sliotar against a grey Irish sky, and how nutrition acts as "internal sunglasses" for performance. Fraser also breaks down concussion management, explaining why a "blown pupil" is a myth and how to use "resistance training for the brain" to improve anticipation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The 20/20 Myth: Why 20/20 is just "average" and how better visual acuity buys you reaction time
• The Sliotar in the Sky: Understanding why contrast sensitivity is key for Irish field sports
• Resistance Training for the Brain: How stroboscopic glasses force the brain to anticipate movement, and how to mimic this using simple tennis ball or bean bag drills
• Concussion & Baselines: Why every athlete needs a baseline eye exam (pupils & tracking) and the prevalence of visual symptoms post-concussion
• Travel & Screen Fatigue: Why athletes should consider "Comfort Readers" or specific contact lenses to reduce stress during travel and film review
• Nutrition: The role of carotenoid supplements (Lutein/Zeaxanthin) in improving processing speed and contrast

Links & Resources:

• Dr. Fraser Horn’s Profile
• Sports Vision Pros: https://www.sportsvisionpros.com/
• Nutritional Research Centre Ireland (NRCI)

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