Brenda Dennehy: ‘I’ve been at rock bottom..and came back'

Don’t write yourself off – your story’s not over.

That’s the advice of Cork woman Brenda Dennehy, whose recovery from alcohol and prescription drug addiction has motivated her to launch a new podcast.

“I’d been doing a previous podcast that was a huge success – we sold out the Opera House twice, brought it to Electric Picnic, and it regularly topped the charts,” she said. “But I wanted to go down a more serious route.

“That’s how The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy was born.

“The idea is simple but powerful: real people sharing raw, unfiltered stories of coming back from rock bottom – whatever that looked like for them.

“These are emotional, honest, and deeply human journeys,” she said.

Brenda, originally from Ballydesmond, a small village on the Cork-Kerry border, and currently based in London, came up with the concept while in Australia for her 40th birthday, and reflecting on her own comeback story.

Brenda who is part of the team at Good Morning Britain on ITV, has completed two residential programmes for alcohol and prescription drug addictions.

She entered a programme to treat alcoholism when she was 25 and was sober for eight years, before becoming addicted to the prescription drug Xanax combined with alcohol.

“Back in 2019, I was in treatment and going through the absolute horrors of withdrawal from prescription medication,” said Brenda.

“There were days I truly didn’t think I was going to make it.

“In the middle of that darkness, I had a lightbulb moment.

“I wrote a letter to my mother from the treatment centre and promised her I’d make ‘the mother of all comebacks’.

“I even wrote it in my journal.That promise became my anchor.

“Fast forward over six years, and I’ve kept it - I’m now six years sober.

“I went back to chase the dreams addiction once stole from me in my 20s. I’m living in London, working in television, and even applying for a visa to the States - something I once thought would never be possible during my darkest days.

“Each podcast is personal. My own comeback is still unfolding, and every day, I’m adding to it,” said Brenda.

Addiction is never something she’ll be free of, she admits.

“I’ll never be ‘cured’ or fully ‘recovered’ – I’ll always be in recovery.

“It’s something I have to work on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Keeping things simple is my main medicine.

“That phrase ‘one day at a time’ might sound cliché, but it’s so powerful and true.

“I have a number of tools that help me stay sober: exercise is huge for me, mindfulness plays a big part, and staying connected with others in recovery is essential.

“It’s a daily commitment - but one I’m proud to make,” she pledged.

Podcast guests have included Cork camogie star Ashling Thompson and RedFM broadcaster Neil Prendeville, and Brenda said what struck her most about all her guests is their sheer resilience.

“It’s honestly blown my mind. Every single guest has brought a completely different story, but the common thread is their strength.

“Again and again, I’ve found myself in awe of what we as humans are capable of when we put our minds to it.

“Some guests are still in the middle of their comeback stories, speaking to me while navigating incredibly tough circumstances.

“The fact that they’ve trusted me enough to share some of their most harrowing moments – it’s incredibly humbling.

“It’s made me realise just how powerful vulnerability and connection can be,” she said.

The response to the podcast has been so much bigger than she ever imagined.

“I’ve honestly been taken aback by it,” said Brenda. “The podcast hit number one on Spotify’s trending charts for two weeks, which was incredible.

“What’s meant the most, though, are the personal messages. A lady came up to me at Cork Airport recently and told me she was saving my podcast for the flight - that completely floored me. I couldn’t believe it.

“So many people have said they’ve either found help through the stories shared or felt seen and understood in a way that gave them the strength to seek support.

“That’s what it’s all about. I still can’t believe the impact it’s having.”

Having hit rock bottom and making her way back to a place of health and happiness, Brenda’s message is simple: it’s never too late.

“I don’t care how far gone you think you are, how many mistakes you’ve made, or how long you’ve been stuck - there is always a way back. Always.

“You’re not ‘done’. You might be tired, lost, or broken, but you are not finished. I

“I’ve been at rock bottom – mentally, physically, emotionally – and I came back. And if I can, so can you.

“Whether it’s addiction, heartbreak, grief, or just that quiet voice telling you you’re not good enough - don’t listen to it. You are capable of so much more than you think. Your comeback can start today. All it takes is one small step.”