The path to a creative, fulfilling career is rarely straight, often requiring immense vulnerability and a leap of faith into the unknown. We're all searching for that one thing that can ignite an obsession.

This episode dives into the unexpected moments and crucial decisions that shaped a life in comedy, from the impulse to post a video online to the shock of winning a first-ever stand-up gig. Taran and her guest discuss how being a young mother focused her creative path, the emotional difficulty of putting your art "out there" for public scrutiny, and the powerful drive that fuels an all-consuming career.

Joining Taran to dive into the multiverse is the hilarious and iconic Emma Doran, a Comedian, Author, and Podcaster, known for her sharp, "no-nonsense" Dublin wit.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Alternate careers: jewellery and production.
Starting comedy through accidental social media.
Why motherhood focused her comedy.
The first stand-up gig changed everything.
The obsession and timing of a comedy career.

GUEST DETAILS

Emma Doran is one of Ireland’s most popular stand-up comedians and viral creators, who also co-hosts the hit comedy podcast Keep It Tight alongside Deirdre O’Kane. She is a breakout star of Amazon Prime’s LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland and a top-five best-selling author of the 2024 memoir Mad, Isn’t It?, with over 300,000 social media followers.

Connect Emma Doran:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emmadorancomedian/?hl=en

HOST INFORMATION

Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.

Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.

Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/

QUOTES

But it is good to remind yourself of what you from even two years ago would have thought about the thing that you're doing now, or whatever you feel like. - Emma Doran

I think as well, when you're coming up, that's you're playing to everyone, and nobody knows who you are, and nobody cares. So you have to, yeah, I was, it was much more, I think gags. - Emma Doran

So, you know, it's no harm to try and, like, have your fingers in different pies and be open to different things and whatever. I still believe that. Emma Doran

KEYWORDS: #IrishComedy #StandUpJourney #EmmaDoran #ParallelUniverse #CreativeLeap

Life's most defining moments often stem from decisions that feel small at the time, or from a resilience that must be cultivated from a young age to overcome a male-dominated world. It takes mental fortitude and an all-in commitment to transition from a grueling career like champion jockey to a public life as a television personality and politician.

This episode delves into the pivotal choices, heartbreaking sacrifices, and intense focus required to succeed across multiple, completely different fields. Discover how one moment on a reality TV show redefined a career trajectory and why trusting your own conviction is the key to achieving the unbelievable.
This journey is brought to you by the brilliant Nina Carberry, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Champion Jockey, and TV Personality, who shares the work ethic that defines her life.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Considering a career in sports massage/physio.
Dancing with the Stars opened new paths.
Building resilience from childhood farm life.
The life-changing decision to have a family.
Regret over turning down US scholarship

GUEST DETAILS

Nina Carberry | MEP, Champion Jockey & TV Personality Nina Carberry is a legendary Irish sportswoman, politician, and television personality. Widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur riders in horse racing history, she secured seven Cheltenham Festival winners and a historic victory in the 2011 Irish Grand National before retiring in 2018.

Since hanging up her silks, Nina has become a household name on screen, winning Dancing with the Stars in 2022 and serving as a coach on RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Family. In 2024, she successfully transitioned into politics, being elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Midlands–North-West constituency.

She is also the author of the Rowan Tree Stables children’s book series and remains a prominent figure in Irish public life.

Connect with Nina Carberry:
website: https://ninacarberrymep.com

HOST INFORMATION

Taran O'Sullivan is the dynamic, authentic, and highly relatable shooting star in Irish media. A familiar and beloved presence on RTÉ 2FM, catch her weekdays on the hit Laura Fox Show. Taran effortlessly connects with audiences through her sharp wit and genuine warmth.

Beyond her significant broadcasting presence, Taran is a distinguished figure on the Irish comedy circuit. Known for her dry, sardonic wit and acutely relatable storytelling, she regularly performs across various comedy clubs and festivals.

Taran’s Contact Details
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taranosullivan7/

QUOTES

I don't think I've ever been as fit in my whole life as Dancing with the Stars - Nina Carberry
Resilience happens from work go from when I was a kid, riding the pony, falling off and getting back up again. - Nina Carberry
The reality of it is being a sports person if you take time off, there's someone I was going to take your place or be fitter than you if you take time off - Nina Carberry

KEYWORDS: #ChampionJockey #IrishPolitics #LifeDecisions #CareerChange #BuildingResilience

Welcome to Taran's Parallel Universe, where we take one life, shake it slightly and see what could have happened instead!

Join comedian Taran O'Sullivan with personality guests who share moments that changed everything; jobs they didn't take, people they didn't text back and tiny decisions that sent their life in a completely different direction.

It's part comedy, part chaos and part ‘thank God that didn't happen’ !!!

Jump into the multiverse with Taran’s Parallel Universe, every week from 19 Jan 2026.