Podcast Archives - The ClearOut

The Instagram Detox! – Changing Habits, Changing Stories, Changing Pathways – Episode 257

In this episode, Dara is reckoning with his Instagram addiction. Why does the algorithm keep sending him such juicy morsels? Why is it so enjoyable, yet so insubstantial? And who are these women who convince so many men that a great parasocial relationship is about to begin? And what was that one comment that prompted the substance of this episode?

Props, Struts, and Straps – the Scaffolding of Self-Support – Episode 256

In this episode, Dara is considering the concept of scaffolding and how it might be applied as a wellness metaphor. Utilised in the world of developmental psychology to describe evolving stages of cognitive growth and early learning, the basic idea relates to baby steps and layered instruction to help someone become more independent. Borrowing also from the world of construction, why can't scaffolding be applied to self-care?

Don’t Look Now – The Scariest Movie Moments of my Life – Episode 255

It's end-to-end movies this week as Dara recalls his most vivid memories of the film scenes that shocked, scandalised and horrified him from as young as six up to his mid-twenties. It started on TV with the 1980 adaptation of James Clavell's Shogun. In that memorable mini-series, the beautiful Richard Chamberlain was subjected to an unimaginable indignity that made young Dara blush to his socks. Surely there weren't worse things still to come...

Keeping It Lit – The Flame of Idealism – Episode 254

In this episode, Dara is trying to make sense of his relationship to repetition. What compels him to adhere so faithfully to his exercise routines? What is he trying to achieve? Or prove? And do those habits cross over to other areas of his life? He argues it is connected to his liking for order and rightness. He also acknowledges it has something to do with small 'c' conservatism and his own flavour of idealism.

Lowering the Bar and Keeping Sight of What Counts – Episode 253

In this episode, Dara is considering the merits of low bars. How can you talk about heatwaves when it's only 18 degrees? Very easily actually, when you live in Ireland! How can you celebrate being the fourth worst team in the league? With the greatest of ease when your team has underachieved so badly for two straight years. But it's a fine line between understanding the usefulness of lowered expectations and giving in to total complacency and the complete absence of any standards at all.

The Taste of Victory and a Life Worth Sharing – Episode 252

In this episode, Dara is weighing up winning and losing. His football team is driving him to the brink of all-consuming rage, so much so that he sought out escapism in a TV show dedicated to gory bloodletting, heartrending betrayals, and gratuitous equal opportunity nudity. One climactic moment was so compelling that the vicarious exultation caused Dara to leap from his chair, fists thrust emphatically skywards in celebration. One standout performance is given special mention.

The Deceptive Exhaustion of Standby Mode – Episode 251

In this episode, Dara is wondering why he feels so exhausted. Is it because he has switched from standby mode to being fully turned off? Do we struggle to fully relax because we so seldom do it? And does this connect to more than just the usual life concerns that trouble most of us? Is it possible it may be connected to the remorseless self-branding, self-commodification, and self-selling of the tech age?

Nobody Asked For This! – the 250th Episode ‘Celebration’ – Episode 250

In this episode, Dara is wondering how 250 episodes have come along so quickly. It hasn't been an effortless process by any means, but somehow the show (or 'the tell') has kept trundling along, quietly going about its business. And what business is that, exactly?

A Free Gift of Love – You’re Welcome! – Episode 249

In this episode Dara is reckoning with the elusive nature of grace. According to the major religions, and Judaism specifically, it is 'a free gift of love' from the Almighty. But if not given by God, from where else might it come? Is it something that we can bestow on ourselves? What conditions need to be in place for that to happen? Is it possible it might come from the award-winning TV show The Pitt?

What is Your Happy Place? – Episode 248

In this episode, Dara keeps it in low gear as he attempts to conserve energy and resist the temptation to force anything. Most of all, he is determined to be uninteresting and anything but entertaining. He knows his credo and he's sticking to it!

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The Instagram Detox! – Changing Habits, Changing Stories, Changing Pathways – Episode 257

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Props, Struts, and Straps – the Scaffolding of Self-Support – Episode 256

Read More »

Don’t Look Now – The Scariest Movie Moments of my Life – Episode 255

Read More »

Keeping It Lit – The Flame of Idealism – Episode 254

Read More »

Lowering the Bar and Keeping Sight of What Counts – Episode 253

Read More »

The Taste of Victory and a Life Worth Sharing – Episode 252

Read More »

The Deceptive Exhaustion of Standby Mode – Episode 251

Read More »

Nobody Asked For This! – the 250th Episode ‘Celebration’ – Episode 250

Read More »

A Free Gift of Love – You’re Welcome! – Episode 249

Read More »

What is Your Happy Place? – Episode 248

Read More »

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