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The Delusional Optimist

Diana Bunici

The Delusional Optimist is a podcast for anyone ready to rewrite their story - or simply seeking a little inspiration to take the next step. Hosted by Diana Bunici, it’s a space for real stories and honest conversations about fresh starts - from big life pivots and career leaps to finding light in hard moments. A reminder that even when the path isn’t clear, there's always another way.

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16 episodes
weekly
Avg 57 min
English

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S2 · E15
Tuesday · 1 hr 3 min
EP 15 Entrepreneur Claire Fullam - From Feeling Like an Underachiever to Taking on America
Entrepreneur Claire Fullam - who has built an impressive following online as 'Claire Balding' - once believed she was an underachiever. Today, she’s built two successful Irish businesses and is preparing to take her scalp-care brand, Remi, into the American market. But the road to getting here has been anything but straightforward. At the age of 28, Claire lost 90% of her hair in just five weeks to alopecia areata. It devastated her confidence, but eventually inspired her to retrain as a trichologist and launch Trua, followed by Remi. In this episode of The Delusional Optimist, Claire opens up about her relationship with alcohol, which she once described as her “life support machine”, finding sobriety, and being diagnosed with ADHD and autism at 38 - a discovery that completely changed how she understood herself. We also get into the realities of entrepreneurship: starting a business with a small loan from her parents, learning difficult lessons about money and trust, and taking the biggest risk of her career so far. Funny, candid and incredibly ambitious, Claire shares practical lessons on sobriety, self-belief and building a business, alongside her biggest piece of advice: trust yourself and the timing of your life. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S2 · E14
August 4 · 48 min
EP 14: From Actress to Artist - The Crushing Career Blow That Forced Audrey Hamilton to Start Over at 30
What do you do when the dream you’ve built your identity around suddenly falls apart? Before Audrey Hamilton became one of Ireland’s most recognisable artists, she was an actress in Los Angeles. After years of auditions, everything finally seemed to be falling into place... until one fateful day changed the course of her life. In this episode, Audrey shares how that heartbreak led her to painting, the imposter syndrome she still battles today, and how she built a successful creative business without compromising her values. We also talk about motherhood, self-acceptance, creativity, and why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S2 · E13
July 23 · 50 min
EP13 The Real Louis Walsh - The Man Behind Pop's Biggest Music Success Stories
For more than 40 years, Louis Walsh has been one of the most influential figures in the music industry. He launched Boyzone, helped turn Westlife into one of the biggest bands in the world, managed Girls Aloud, Jedward and Shayne Ward, and became a household name as the straight-talking judge on The X Factor... But who is the man behind the headlines? In this episode of The Delusional Optimist, Louis opens up about building some of pop’s biggest acts from scratch, why instinct often beats perfection, and what he’s learned after spending decades discovering talent and navigating fame. We talk about: why ambition, resilience and personality matter just as much as talent the leap of faith that led to Boyzone and the making of Westlife what really happened behind the scenes on The X Factor why fame isn’t everything and why so many artists lose their way the darker side of success, drugs and the importance of having people who’ll tell you “no” grief, ageing and how losing both of his parents changed his perspective Louis' secret to a happy, fulfilling life What surprised me most wasn’t just Louis’s incredible career - it was his childlike curiosity. Even after four decades at the top of the industry, he still loves learning, meeting new people and discovering the next great talent. That mindset may just be the reason he’s stayed relevant for so long. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S2 · E2
July 7 · 58 min
EP 12 The Redundancy That Changed Bestselling Author Andrea Mara's Life
What do you do when the career you’ve spent 17 years building suddenly disappears? When bestselling author Andrea Mara was made redundant from her job in financial services, she had a choice: find another “sensible” job or take a chance to build something new. In this episode, Andrea shares the story behind that life-changing decision and how an unexpected redundancy gave her the time to discover whether writing could become a career. Today, she’s one of Ireland’s bestselling crime authors, with multiple hit novels and All Her Fault adapted into a major TV series. We talk about the reality of changing careers in your 40s, forging a new career while raising three children, overcoming self-doubt, and why the biggest risks are often the ones worth taking. We also chat about: why redundancy became the turning point she never saw coming the career coach who helped her stop searching for another “safe” job the realities of life as a full-time author where the ideas for her bestselling psychological thrillers come from the long journey from All Her Fault becoming a bestselling novel to a Sky TV adaptation why success is often far less glamorous - and far more hard work - than people imagine Whether you’re dreaming of changing careers, writing a book, or simply wondering if it’s too late to start again, Andrea’s story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest setbacks become the beginning of something even better. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S2 · E1
June 30 · 1 hr 2 min
EP 11 Author & Broadcaster Lucy Kennedy on Finding Happiness in Your 50s
She’s one of Ireland’s best-loved broadcasters, but Lucy Kennedy is proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. In the first episode of Season 2, Lucy joins me for a warm, funny and honest conversation about taking risks, embracing change and finding more confidence with age. We chat about writing her bestselling novel The Mini Breakers on her phone while on holiday, the leap from broadcasting to fiction, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply back yourself. We also talk about perimenopause, female friendships, raising teenagers, the reality of working in television, and what Lucy has learned after spending years interviewing and living with some of the world’s most famous faces. I hope you'll love this conversation as much as I did recording it! Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E10
May 6 · 1 hr 12 min
EP10 Corina Gaffey on Styling Celebs, Going Freelance & Making it in Fashion
Fashion might look glamorous on Instagram but behind every red carpet moment is a LOT of chaos, spreadsheets, sourcing, fittings, returns, early mornings, and problem-solving that nobody talks about. For the season one finale of the podcast, I’m joined by celebrity stylist and fashion journalist Corina Gaffey for a really honest conversation about building a career in Irish fashion, freelancing, backing yourself, and figuring things out as you go. Corina shares how she went from magazine life at KISS and Stellar to styling major names like Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally, and what fashion styling actually looks like behind the scenes. We also talk about: • “faking it till you make it” and learning on the job • the reality of freelance life when the inbox goes quiet • the pressure behind red carpet styling • confidence, personal style, and social media trends • why copying someone else’s style never really works • rejection, resilience, and building relationships in the industry It’s an insightful and honest chat about creativity, career pivots, self-belief, and finding your place in a competitive industry. I hope you enjoy! Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E9
April 28 · 1 hr 15 min
EP 09 Paralympian Ellen Keane on Winning Gold, Self-Worth & What Comes Next
Winning a Paralympic gold medal is supposed to be the happy ending… but for Ellen Keane, it was only part of the story. From becoming Ireland’s youngest Paralympian at 13 to winning gold in Tokyo, Ellen shares what we don’t see - the pressure of being “the good girl”, the mental crash after big highs, and the loneliness that can follow even your proudest moments. We talk identity, self-worth, and the voice in your head that can be your biggest critic. Ellen opens up about growing up with a limb difference, learning to stop hiding, and building a mindset rooted in self-belief... even when it feels “delusional”. We also get into the reality of what comes next: retiring, losing a sense of identity, and having the courage to start again - stepping into media and using her voice for disability advocacy and representation. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and being kinder to yourself along the way. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E8
April 21 · 55 min
EP08: After the Storm - Ryan Tubridy on Love, Life & Starting Over
In this episode of The Delusional Optimist, I sit down with broadcaster and former Late Late show host Ryan Tubridy for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about navigating a very public storm, finding contentment in its aftermath, and what it means to start over. From career highs and intense scrutiny to love, reinvention, and the quiet power of perspective, Ryan reflects on the chapters that shaped him - and the ones still unfolding. This is a conversation about resilience, identity and life beyond the headlines, with a refreshing honesty about what it takes to build and move forward. Want to spend an evening in Ryan's company? Keep up with The Bookshelf Podcast LIVE tour dates and tickets here. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E7
April 14 · 55 min
EP07 The Final Chapter - Steve Garrigan on Kodaline's Farewell, Anxiety & Life on the Road
The night before Kodaline release their first single in six years, I sit down with someone I know better than anyone else - my husband, Steve Garrigan - for a bittersweet conversation about the band's final chapter. With a final album and farewell tour on the horizon, we talk honestly about what it means to close a chapter that has spanned over 20 years - from pub gigs and rejection letters to global tours, billions of streams, and global crowds singing back ever word. We go deeper than the music too. We chat about anxiety, panic attacks, and the years Steve spent feeling ashamed and “broken.” We talk about how therapy, fitness, and learning to understand his mind have helped him build a life that is no longer defined by anxiety and we explore the pressure of releasing music today, his passion for songwriting, and the unseen work that goes into every record, from the first lyric to final master... If you’ve ever wondered what a “dream career” really looks like behind the scenes, this is that conversation. Enjoy! Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E6
April 7 · 1 hr 9 min
EP06 Planning the Dream: Weddings, Budgets & Taking the Leap with Martina O
What actually makes a wedding unforgettable? This week on The Delusional Optimist, I'm joined by wedding planner Martina O'Riordan (Martina O), who helped plan my own wedding, to talk about the reality behind those "perfect" days - from timelines slipping to behind-the-scenes chaos you never see. We get into budgets, suppliers, and the pressure to create a Pinterest-perfect wedding, plus the small, intentional details that guests actually remember. Martina shares her honest advice for newly engaged couples - where to start, what to prioritise, and how to let go of perfection without losing the magic. We also chat about her journey from corporate events in Australia to building her business in Ireland, the leap of faith it took, and how she navigated the uncertainty of lockdown to keep it all going. Whether you're planning a wedding or building something of your own, this episode is a reminder that the most meaningful moments are rarely the most perfect ones. You can follow Martina on Instagram here and see her work on her website here. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E5
March 31 · 1 hr 2 min
EP05 'I Quit the Music Industry to Start My Skincare Brand' - Sara Stokes, SKN to SKN Founder
She quit the music industry to build a skincare brand now stocked in 183 Boots stores - and it all started with one confusing pregnancy moment. This week I sit down with Sara Stokes, founder of SKN2SKN, to talk about leaving behind a glamorous career that no longer felt right, navigating burnout and a quarter-life reset, and building a brand from scratch with no roadmap. We get into the reality of the music industry, moving to London young, and how pregnancy became the turning point - sparking the idea for a pregnancy-safe skincare brand. Sara shares the practical side too: finding formulators, pitching to Boots, bootstrapping, protecting equity, and managing the pressure of early growth. This is a conversation about trusting your instincts, starting before you feel ready, and building something meaningful from a moment of uncertainty... Enjoy! Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E4
March 24 · 59 min
EP04 Building big dreams with Sofia Jane, Fitness Entrepreneur & Musical Muse
This week, I’m joined by Sofia Jane Cunningham - fitness entrepreneur, musical muse, and founder of SoFit. We talk about building big dreams, creating freedom through your work, and using movement as a daily reset for your mind. From leaving a traditional job to growing an online business, Sofia shares what it really takes to stay consistent, back yourself, and keep going when growth feels slow. We also get a glimpse into life behind the scenes with her boyfriend, singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot - from creative inspiration at home to travelling the world, attending the Grammys, and navigating love, ambition and business side by side. This episode is your reminder that small habits build big lives… and you don’t need to have it all figured out to start! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs a little boost 🤍 And if you can, leaving a rating or review helps the podcast grow so much. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E3
March 17 · 42 min
EP03 From Biochemist to Racing Driver: How Laura Jordan O'Connell Entered the World's Most Expensive Sport
What if you didn't have to choose just one version of your life? This week on The Delusional Optimist, I'm joined by racing driver Laura Jordan O'Connell - a biochemist by day, and a competitor in one of the most demanding and expensive sports in the world. From growing up in Co. Clare with big dreams, to navigating life as a self confessed 'introverted extrovert,' Laura shares how she keeps her dream alive - and the unexpected TikTok competition that changed everything. We talk about what it's really like stepping onto a race track for the first time, competing in Le Mans, and the realities of building a career in motorsport - from securing sponsorship to handling setbacks, pressure and risk. Laura opens up about the biggest misconceptions around the world of motor sport, the mental strength required on race day, and the challenges women still face in the sport today... Keep up to date with Laura on Instagram here and to chat about sponsorship opportunities, email laurajordan.oc@gmail.com. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E2
March 9 · 1 hr 11 min
EP02 From lunchtime pitch to 3 million books sold: The Paige Toon story
What if a single lunch meeting could flip your life? In this episode of The Delusional Optimist I sit down with internationally bestselling author Paige Toon to unpack how a casual conversation led to a two-book deal, why she still writes best under pressure, and how she keeps readers turning pages through heartbreak, longing, and hope. From the first spark of Lucy In The Sky to three million copies sold, Paige opens up about the messy middle of creativity and the grit behind those swoony, high-chemistry moments. This conversation is part craft class, part pep talk. We chat about imposter syndrome, protecting your voice, and the power of writing what you love rather than what you think you should. If you’ve ever stared down a blank page, questioned your timeline, or wondered whether your story matters, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more curious, creative optimists find us. You can follow Paige Toon on Instagram here and pre-order her new book, Don't Fall in Love with Me, which lands in April, on Amazon here. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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S1 · E1
March 2 · 1 hr 11 min
EP01 From banking to broadcasting: Katja Mia's meteoric rise to success
What happens when you walk away from the "sensible" path... and bet on yourself instead? In the very first episode of The Delusional Optimist, I'm joined by broadcaster, model and Six O'Clock Show presenter Katja Mia for an honest, unfiltered conversation about career pivots, backing yourself before it makes sense and the resilience it takes to build something bigger than your comfort zone. This episode is for anyone sitting in the "messy middle," feeling stuck, second-guessing themselves, or quietly dreaming of something more. Loved this conversation? Follow Katja Mia's journey on Instagram here. Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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Nov 4, 2025 · 1 min
Welcome to The Delusional Optimist Podcast with Diana Bunici
Welcome to The Delusional Optimist Podcast with Diana Bunici. Be sure to click the 'follow' button so you don't miss the first episode, coming soon! Support the show If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps me keep creating honest, uplifting conversations about reinvention, self-belief and the messy middle. Thank you for being here 🤍 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2545407/support Stay up to date with The Delusional Optimist Podcast on Instagram, here. You can follow host Diana Bunici on Instagram here - expect lots of cute pics of her dogs Benny & Charlie!
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