The first episode of Kitchen Table Therapy (initially called "What's for Lunch?") on Limerick City Community Radio features your hosts, nutritional therapists, Brendan O'Brien and Eileen Burke. This episode was first aired on 7th July 2025. 🎙️ What’s for Lunch – Episode 001: Introducing Eileen & Brendan + Why Real Food Still Matters Welcome to the very first episode of What’s for Lunch with Eileen and Brendan, broadcasting from Limerick City Community Radio – and today, from Spain too! ☀️ In this candid and wide-ranging chat, Nutritional Therapists Eileen Burke and Brendan O’Brien share their personal journeys into functional medicine, food-first healthcare, and what brought them to the airwaves. They explore: 🥗 Why real food still matters in a world of overwhelm 💊 The limitations of a medication-only model 🧠 Dementia, stress, and how nutrition and lifestyle can help 🧩 Why tuning into your own body is the most underrated skill in health 💬 The power of story, community, and small daily changes You’ll also hear personal stories of caregiving, burnout, healing from IBS, grief, hiking, and the green banana that started it all. This is the foundation episode for the show — expect future weeks to bring nutrition myth-busting, community guests, listener questions, and practical, whole-person support for your wellbeing. 📮 Got a question or a topic you’d love us to cover? Pop it in the comments or email the show directly. 🎧 Listen every Monday from 12–2 PM on Limerick City Community Radio – or catch the replays right here. 🔔 Subscribe for upcoming episodes and share with anyone who’s curious about food, health, or just wants some gentle encouragement on their wellbeing journey.

Understanding Fertility: Beyond Reference Ranges and Nutrition This episode challenges common misconceptions about fertility reference ranges, emphasising why "average" sperm health should never be the goal. We discuss the importance of both partners actively understanding and supporting each other’s fertility journeys, as well as the profound psychological impact of the process. The conversation explores holistic fertility solutions, focusing on the critical role of proper nutrition, the dangers of industrial seed oils, and the importance of tuning into the body’s signals. We also introduce the newly released book Getting Pregnant When the Body Says No, which offers actionable insights into overcoming infertility through foundational dietary changes and a structured fertility program. Packed with practical tips on nutrition and tracking physical changes, this episode highlights the need for a truly comprehensive approach to fertility that goes beyond medical interventions. 00:00 Introduction to Lowered Sperm Health Standards 01:26 The Importance of Communication in Fertility 02:17 Understanding the Two-Week Wait 03:18 The Role of Men in Supporting Fertility 04:50 Introducing the Book: Getting Pregnant When the Body Says No 05:50 Details on the Fertility Program 12:12 Nutritional Tips for Fertility 17:47 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

The Impacts of Environmental Toxins on Male Fertility This episode examines the hidden impact of environmental toxins—such as plastics and pollutants—on sperm quality and male fertility. We explore how these toxins infiltrate our environment, disrupt health, and challenge natural detoxification pathways. The discussion highlights the vital role of mitochondria in detoxification, offering strategies to support fertility through personalized nutrition and targeted medical approaches. We delve into critical topics like sperm DNA fragmentation and its effect on conception, while also addressing the emotional toll of fertility struggles, the stigma surrounding male infertility, and the importance of mutual support for couples navigating these challenges. 00:05 Environmental Toxins and Their Impact 00:43 Natural Detoxification and Mitochondria 02:56 Nutrigenomics and Genetic Testing 05:29 Phthalates and Microplastics 08:00 Sperm Health and Testing 09:07 Psychological Impact and Support 11:16 Sperm Production and DNA Fragmentation 25:56 Couples' Support and Lifestyle Changes

Understanding Blood Sugar Regulation and the Impact of Diet on Health This episode uncovers the intricate connection between blood sugar regulation, dietary habits, and their impact on conditions like diabetes and fertility. We break down the blood sugar rollercoaster, exploring the role of insulin and other hormones, the hidden dangers of excessive carbohydrate consumption, and the harmful effects of toxic seed oils. The discussion highlights the transformative power of a nutrient-dense diet, emphasising the importance of proteins, healthy fats, and fat-soluble vitamins for overall health and fertility. We also challenge common misconceptions about low-fat diets, revealing how balanced nutrition can stabilise hormones, improve metabolic health, and support reproductive vitality. 00:00 Introduction to Blood Sugar Regulation 00:19 Understanding the Blood Sugar Rollercoaster 01:45 Recognizing Symptoms of Blood Sugar Imbalance 02:53 The Impact of Diet on Blood Sugar 03:48 The Role of Grains in Our Diet 05:36 The Hidden Dangers of Industrial Seed Oils 08:34 The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids 12:21 Vitamin E: The Fertility Vitamin 15:36 The Misconception About Fats 21:15 The Complexities of Appetite Control 25:45 The Role of Toxins in Fertility

Nutritional Foundations and Their Impact on Health: From Diet to Sleep This episode explores why nutrition is the foundation of lasting health, contrasting conventional medical approaches with natural, holistic perspectives. We delve into the power of nutrient-dense foods and the detrimental effects of modern processed diets, unpacking how industrial farming and selective breeding have altered the nutritional landscape. The discussion tackles essential topics like blood sugar regulation, the critical role of micronutrients, and the importance of balancing dietary intake to combat inflammation and fatigue. We also examine the profound connection between diet and sleep, shedding light on how nutrition influences sleep quality and overall well-being. Join us as we connect the dots between food, rest, and vitality to help you build a stronger, healthier foundation for life. 00:00 Introduction to Seeking Help and Self-Awareness 00:25 Foundation of Health: Nutrition 01:24 Identifying Problematic Foods 02:44 Nutrient-Dense Foods and Their Importance 05:42 Modern Farming and Nutrient Depletion 14:03 Impact of Blood Sugar on Health 25:59 The Role of Sleep and Nutrition 28:10 Addressing Nutrient Deficiency 

The Impact of Inflammation and Nutrients on Fertility In this episode, we uncover the critical link between chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and fertility challenges. Discover how poor dietary choices can disrupt energy production and hormone balance, triggering a chain reaction that impacts the brain’s ability to regulate key reproductive processes. The conversation dives into the physiological effects of inflammation, from disrupted menstrual cycles to infertility, and highlights the transformative power of nutrient-dense foods in supporting cellular energy and hormone health. We also explore the remarkable year-long journey of an egg’s maturation, emphasizing how daily choices influence reproductive outcomes. Beyond nutrition, the discussion sheds light on the effects of emotional and physical stress on fertility and the importance of self-awareness and healthy relationship dynamics in creating a supportive environment for conception. 00:00 Understanding Chronic Inflammation 00:54 The Concept of Smoking Mitochondria 01:44 Energy Production and Nutrient Utilization 04:26 Stress and Its Impact on the Body 07:10 The Body's Priority System 15:23 The Journey of an Egg 23:12 The Role of Relationships in Fertility 26:12 The Importance of Self-Reflection