We sat down with Dermot Whelan to find out how he minds himself in this busy world…
Dermot, in this busy and stressful world we’re living in, we could all do with some more wellness and self care. What’s your go-to when you want to unwind?
Well, as a meditation teacher, that’s got to be my favourite tool for de-stressing. I find if I can get quiet, even for a few minutes, and connect to something bigger than me, I don’t get caught up in all the fizziness of the day!
Are you good at taking some time out for you?
Oh, I really have to prioritise it or it won’t happen. Busyness is like water, it will flow into every space you allow it to! So I practice something I invented called The Selfish Diary. I make sure I’m putting things in to my phone diary that are for me; this could just be calling my best mate, going for a morning walk with my wife, a nice cup of tea and an oldfashioned daydream – anything!
What frustrates or winds you up?
Traffic. I can’t seem to tolerate traffic anymore.
In those moments, how do you switch your mindset?
I try to see these things as little opportunities to breathe slowly into my belly and let it go. We may not remove it completely but we can definitely take the edge off. Failing that, I sing at the top of my voice. I love a bit of in-car karaoke!
What has been the best thing you’ve learned about yourself over the last number of years?
Leaving my radio persona behind was really interesting. I was “that guy off the radio” for over twenty years. So much of our identity is tied up in our work and roles we play every day. I’ve learned that there is so much more to me than just one job, and there are plenty of ways to express myself now, using my skills in different ways. It’s lovely to explore new parts of my personality.
Looking after your body from the inside out is also important, so what’s your favourite thing to cook?
I’m obsessed with curried beans at the moment! Batchelors do them and when you need some comfort food and want to be full, they’re the best. Especially with some fresh crusty bread.
Do you enjoy reading, and if so, what are you stuck into at the moment?
I’m just finishing writing my own book so I’m not really reading anything that isn’t related to that. It’s called Busy and Wrecked and will be out in the Spring. It’s for, well, people who are feeling busy and wrecked
What about other podcasts, aside from your own of course?
I like one called Next Level Soul where a guy interviews people who’ve had near death experiences. It’s wonderfully mad!
What’s your healthiest habit?
Going for long trail runs with my dog Buddy. For a small dog with short legs, he’ll do 10km over hills no bother.
Your worst habit?
Worrying. I really lean into meditation to get myself out of anxious thinking. It really works.
How do you bounce back from setbacks?
I remind myself that I’m stronger than I think. And I get quiet and try not to think myself out of problems. If I can sit still and just release what I don’t need, the answer usually comes.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to be two inches taller. I’m 5 foot 9 and weirdly, a part of me thinks that someday I’ll grow to be taller! I keep forgetting that it won’t happen. But I’m taller than Cillian Murphy so that’s something!
What’s the dream of all dreams?
To help as many people as possible find space too. It really is where the magic lives.
Listen to The Mind Full Podcast on streaming platforms now. Dermot will also be on a nationwide tour, kicking off Jan until March 2025. For tickets, head to dermotwhelan.com
