In episode 39 I was joined in the studio by adventurous Irish geography teacher Fearghal O'Nuallain. Fearghal trained as a chef in several exclusive restaurants before waking up hungover one morning to the serendipitous discovery that he had emptied his bank account to buy a touring bike and camping equipment.

Fearghal's experience on this bike inspired him to become the first Irishman to circumnavigate the world by bike between 2008-2010. Since then he has walked across Rwanda, hitched, biked, and tramped across Transylvania and the Balkan peninsula, before recently travelling the Bolivian high plains, a journey that was documented in soon to be released documentary, Altiplano.

Fearghal has the wild eyes and zen like physical presence I've come to recognise in adventurers and combat sportspeople. His love of adventure isn't limited to his travels but permeates all aspects of his life including his current career as a geography teacher in the tough south east London suburb of Abbey Wood.

My conversation with Fearghal included;

1. His assertion that life can teach us far more than books.
2. The importance of learning by experience, even if means learning things the hard way.
3. Fearghal's experience as a student in Blackrock College, one of Ireland's most exclusive secondary schools.
4. The contrast between Blackrock College and St Paul's, where he now works.
5. How his adventures started accidentally, and almost stopped immediately, when he bought that bike in Melbourne, Australia.
6. Ferghal's use of the joy of expectation of future adventures to temper his occasional depression.
7. Fearghal's belief that endurance for Western adventurers is a hobby compared to the struggles faced by many.
8. His description of the time he was attacked by 3 men with knives.
9. What HTFU means.

Fearghal was an absolute gent and it was my pleasure to spend to a few rushed hours with him. Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes go to inspirelandpodcast.com

In this episode I was joined by pilates instructor, health blogger, and self confessed science geek, Annie Kirwan. Annie has a degree in biological science and a masters in molecular immunology. This science background, together with her experience of high level sports, led Annie to Platinum Pilates where she now counts the great Brian O'Driscoll among her students.

Annie writes an excellent blog that focuses on improving movement, diet, lifestyle and future health with an emphasis on small, achievable changes. 

During my chat with Annie we discussed:

1. What molecular immunology is.
2. The difference between team sports and fitness classes.
3. The history, different types, and benefits of pilates.
4. Why we lose movement as we get older.
5. The benefits of improving your diet.
6. Giving up sugar.
7. Why small lifestyle changes stick and big ones don't.
8. The connection between physical and mental wellbeing.

Annie was an excellent guest and exudes the calm, easy, confidence of someone who is reaching their goals in work and life. Annie also persuaded me to give up sugar and gave me hope that some day I may be able to touch my toes! Enjoy the episode. Dave

For full episode notes, including links to Annie's Platinum Pilates blog, and links to the books etc that Annie mentions during the interview, head over to the Inspireland Podcast blog.