#40 Gillian Butler is James' wife and she gives her story of Oberstown, prison, UCC and employment.

Special thank to my wife Gillian for sharing her story. There aren't many females who share their story and I've no doubt this will resonate with many who are currently struggling just like Gillian was.
If you want to show Gillian some love send her a message on Twitter (Gillian_Cork) or Instagram (Gill__Leonard).
If you would like to contribute to the show, please follow this link and donate whatever you think this is worth. / thetwonorries
Check out our friend at Tortoise Shack for other great podcasts on social issues and current affairs. tortoiseshack.ie/
Thank you all for your continued support.

[@sankey1988]

I'm ashamed to say I never knew the "k" word was a derogatory term. When I listened to Gillian we sat down with our kids and said we won't use that word anymore. Thank you to Gillian's and you guys always educating us and helping us be better and know better

[@amysusanohanlon2635]

My beautiful mom's sister Gillian a Great auntie for us and my mom would be very proud looking down at you...love you.... Great podcast guy's again xxx

[@gillianbutler6930]

❤️

[@eileenbailey8634]

All your Podcasts should be brought into the educational system in every school in Ireland,

[@orlamcdonnell6607]

This interview is absolutely fantastic. I am a Norrie myself and I felt so so proud listening to Gillian. You are an inspirational lady. Well done.

[@deirdrecooke2112]

.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ❤️

[@dennis1662]

That's what you call the "defiant power of the human spirit." Well done to each of you. Truly remarkable.

[@irishsphynx]

This is definitely one of the best podcasts I've watched ever. So much respect for Gillian as a woman. Fair play to all three of you.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you 💜

[@eibhlin5509]

Thank you so much- wonderful

[@liviamul]

Gillian you are a huge inspirational woman, if listened back to this episode so many times because it's such a relatable life story thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ❤

[@JT-zn3wb]

I went to london in the 80s worked on sites lottie of my fellow irish men treated us poorly.i worked for travelers on tarmac.always played me.would never let me by a drink if I met them in a pub.always respected the travelling community.

[@CorkRef]

Wow ..... Respect ✊ to the 3 of you , it so unfair the world we live in and the crosses we get to carry are never made the same .... hugely inspiring and you are all unbelievably WORTHY human beings..... imposter syndrome is such a prevalent disease that is really unknown and dismissed.... Thanks 🙏

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks John 💜

[@timshannon1399]

I can identify with the three of you.Cant find words to praise what you are doing.I am getting great help from your podcasts,Keep doing what you are doing,Absolutely brilliant,God bless your work.

[@sorchaobrien9228]

Beautiful podcast ❤ beautiful couple ❤❤

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Yes timmy hit the nail on the head when he spoke about being in a constant state of fight or flight and the damage done to the nervous system. Lots of people going around like this and they dont even realise it. You guys deserve an award for your podcasts.

[@josephsonoftheuniverse5541]

I was in oberstown when first built they kept you locked in a room for the first two days to observe you, I was 12 and found a book in the room "I am David" It was the first time I sat still long enough to read a book ..thy turned the lights out at ten...so read it at the window from the light of the spotlight....best night of my life !!! The first morning I got out into the house one...a feast !!! Cornflakes rice crispy weetabix hot milk cold milk orange juice ...wow ! I loved it.... I've never smoked but the gave three cigarettes a day to the boys to keep them quite...staff were brilliant think they were there for all the right reasons...had a few nights in the padded cell tied up like a turkey ..weird thing was they pumped in opera music ...to calm or annoy not sure ..... I loved it and was well used to it as my mother had a crush on paveroti ...... I know the shoes she walked in...good on her.

[@lisafinn1540]

brilliant interview. and beautiful 😍 wife

[@hazelrobinsonbayley]

This is brilliant .well done to you xxx

[@procoachinggroup5691]

Such a clever articulate woman, well done Gillian, thanks for sharing all.

[@thegoat8570]

Such a beautiful lady such an inspiration so beautiful ,such a beautiful looking lady ❤❤❤

[@mollieholmes5016]

Wow! What a woman! Absolutely amazing story and how far Gillian has come is unbelievable. I could literally listen to her all day. Amazing 👏 x

[@JT-zn3wb]

Ah lads and what a lady.i just came across the lads a few days ago just great.im in youghal and my mother and us her kids where the only house that would fill the travelers water .it stood to me forever to respect everyone and when they where adults they would call for a chat .they never forgot .

[@fordford9133]

This is what you call powerful

[@annjordan7643]

Well done Gillian. I cried, I laughed. You put a very human face to prisoners, to addiction, to loss , to recovery; to the challenges that life throws. Ann J

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks Ann ♥️ Happy Easter Misses & hope you are well 🐰♥️

[@amysusanohanlon2635]

@@gillianbutler6930 love u my beautiful auntie xx

[@mollyhague6546]

Well done Gill James timmy we've grown up now glad 2 c u and James r doing so well.well done Boyz.

[@brendameehan4776]

I had wondered about the women that James and Timmy respectfully refer to at times in previous podcasts and it was such a lovely podcast to listen to you Gillian. Have no doubt your personality with your honesty and humour with help alot of young people in Cork.

[@gillianbutler6930]

❤️

[@karenlong8316]

Thanks Gillian. Beautiful inside and out. My heart is full after listening to your story. Outstanding 💜

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks Karen ♥️

[@maggiequeencull6135]

Omg Gillian your story is amazing xx I relate to you soo much I’m study youth work in cork college of commerce. I’m from traveller backround nd didn’t even Knew I was from an ethnic group till I started college. I applied for UCC in youth and community and always have that mindset what the fuck am I doing I’ll make a shame of myself it’s a biggest step of my life. I’m sorry for your lost it’s not easy. I lost my brother. Well done you are beautiful inside out and strong women

[@gillianbutler6930]

Hi Margaret. Thanks for your lovely comment and I'm delighted to hear your pursing education as we need more Travellers working within this field. The Youth and Community degree is great and will be eye opening for you and will open many doors in regards to employment. If you ever need advice or want to talk to me you can reach on Instagram gill__Leonard or twitter @gillian_cork. Take care 💜

[@maggiequeencull6135]

@@gillianbutler6930 Hey Gillian, thank you for your reply. It was amazing just listening to you, I agree with you and you definitely an inspiring woman, to show travellers and all young women that it can be done. I'll be following you. Thank you 😊👌

[@davidr3830]

Powerful, vulnerable, beautiful and brilliant.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you 💜

[@kerrmalone795]

Thank you 🙏 I’m sober, no longer go to meetings so really appreciate the pod. Lovely girl.

[@kevinlong3238]

Brilliant story gillian knew your sister very well beautiful person she had a heart of gold she is buried next to my father you should be so proud of yourself well done as well to timmy and james

[@gillianbutler6930]

Hi Kevin. Thanks a mill. Marie was a beautiful person and is missed dearly ❤️

[@kevinlong3238]

@@gillianbutler6930 she sure was gillian and she always faced her difficultys with dignity and grace look after yourself gillian and james ye should b so proud of yourselves cheers

[@tigertrainingacademy4555]

Wow unbelievable. Real and honest absolutely brilliant . Gillian such a beautiful person .

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks Sinéad 💜

[@jenbamby]

Jesus wept what a story Gillian.. Fair play to you and all that you have accomplished and overcame. Amazing podcast, only just came across it.. Keep up all the good & hard work all of you.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks Jennifer ♥️

[@normanorma8505]

​@gillianbutler6930 what an inspiration just listened to your story I know you from st Frances yrs back wellllllllllll done , you should be so proud of yourself xx

[@rhonagerrard6097]

She came across so well, what a lady 👏

[@darraghomalley1896]

What a brilliant woman to change her life the way she did,incredible story fair play to her 😘

[@annieosullivan1043]

What a stunning woman

[@yogawithlisa7219]

Brilliant podcast, well done gillian. You should be so proud of yourself ❤️

[@daithiosull5627]

Good listening to Gill she knows her stuff, well done everyone another good podcast 👍🏻

[@viffey]

Amazing girl! I remember her as a young child and I couldn't be prouder. Good for you Gillian xx

[@eileenomahony4309]

Well done Gillian for sharing your story. One resilient lady!

[@grainnebowles1756]

Fantastic story Gillian well done you should be so proud.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Excellent podcast. Well done to Gillian for addressing language and labelling.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Nice one Robert 🙏

[@cecelang475]

Love this,it’s like being in a meeting but in the comfort of my home,fab work guys ❤️

[@eileenroche7659]

Well done Gillian. Brilliant podcast 💯💯💯👏👏👏👏💞💞💞💞💞

[@michellenagle2431]

Unreal...thanks so much for giving so much of yourselves 😌

[@bm6239]

Loved this podcast. What a beautiful woman. And I love the two presenters, so honest and humble. Thanks for sharing.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ❤️

[@sineadderossa3100]

Definitely my favourite podcast of all of them.what an amazing lady,huge respect to u for sharing your experience.i could relate to so much.james u are very lucky to have such a beautiful genuine articulate wife. I'm sure you are very proud. Gillian you are a fantastic role model girl.Timmy you said "when u become the person full of life that u would want to be around yourself" I thought that was brilliant.james gillian and timmy ye are a credit to Cork 👏💚

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you Sinéad 💜

[@mhawthorn0224]

Admiration to the 3 of you and to all that carry the crosses of life, I've come to the belief that unless you have suffered then its hard to understand, but having survived, it invariably makes you a better stronger person. All lives matter!!

[@gillianbutler6930]

💜

[@helenfurlong3944]

Brilliant 😀

[@thefoolhasitsuses]

Thanks for sharing, recovery in action, inspiration & hope. "When you know different you can do different" I will quote you Gillian! 🙏

[@noreenmurphy889]

I admire Gillian and the beautiful person she is both inside and outside. All 3 of you are honest about yere past and the challenges ye faced and overcome. I come from a complete different background but unfortunately it was when I grew up to be an adult found out how toxic the effect drink and drugs have on an individual and their family and the legacy of both and can lead to physical and mental torture. The person in addiction blames everyone else not seeing the war zone it creates in a loved ones mind and body leading them into ill health, the stress of coping, stress and loneliness of letting them go and sending them into the arms of God and pray each night that they will ask and take the road to real recovery. The talk is real and it tells us that people can choose the right path to improve their physical and mental health and grow both personally and educationally, education doesn't necessarily means getting a degree, understanding yourself and your reaction to the trauma life has thrown at you. No child deserves or asked for trauma and horrible things to befall them and it certainly affects their development and can live in fight or flight mode for years or forever if they do not work on themselves to give them the confidence to grow. Unfortunately many end up taking their own life leading others affected into a lifetime of trauma and many end up taking the routes ye all spoke about in yere early years. Keep up the good work and spreading the word of positivity and giving us all hope for a better future.

[@CorkRef]

Couldn't agree more Noreen...... summed up here brilliantly by Mary Gauthier kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5TcnIFtgc6cm5o A story of war but so apt to life in general

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ♥️

[@tomwilkinson724]

Great family affair show ..well done Gillian James and Timmy...the honesty is fantastic...real genuine....that's the secret sauce of this show #40

[@jeanfleming1227]

Fantastic interview by Gillian.Very honest,very real ,got alot of identification and hope from listening to her. Grateful .

[@jenjones4952]

Absolutely brilliant, a very warm person! I think this podcast will resinate and help alot of people. Well done to you Gill.

[@Rustytrumpets]

I am amazed I came across this. I just realized that I crossed paths years ago with Timmy giving him a lift to work in Middleton around 16 years ago. I'm now living abroad in Vietnam for over 10 years and am so grateful to have found this podcast. Love the content and the work you are doing. Well done to Timmy and the crew.

[@timothylong9906]

Ceers James, remember it well pal. Hope your well, 🤝🙏

[@krystleodriscoll5918]

Well done Gillian!

[@grainnefoster]

What a brilliant podcast. Gillian you are beautiful, articulate, intelligent and have made me think a lot about bias and prejudice towards the travelling community. It’s wonderful when you go to the prison that you understand so well what people are going through there. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you Gráinne 💜

[@helenburke4722]

Gillian is an inspiration. Thank you x

[@LauraCourtney102]

Ah what an amazing woman & what a story of redemption 😍 I could listen to her all day, would love to see her on again sometime 🤗

[@deirdresings3897]

Brilliant interview! Her strength and resilience is inspiring.

[@jennxxguccersxx]

Another Brill podcast Timmy and James , Gillian you are a inspiration what a power couple yourself and James are well done wishing you many years of success and happiness

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you Jen 💜

[@mulluna]

OMG fantastic podcast, Gillian is so so brave to share her story, honestly I would have no idea what people go through or the life some people lead only for your podcast, I feel so bad your all had the go through what u did but thank god you have got through it and are creating awareness.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you 💜

[@grahamhornibrook9468]

Very gripping podcast this one, really strong story, well done Gillian your sister would be proud of your success and great stuff from the lads as usual, keep up the good work, Lurch👍

[@amyohanlon3701]

My mother which is Gillian's sister Maria whose dead God rest mummy..Gillian is one of all💖💖💖

[@olivianolan1187]

Very open & honest, great listen, well done Gillian, an inspiring story!

[@DianeD862]

Your wife seems a lovely lady 🐱 love these podcasts all very interesting.Love the Cork accents.Keep it up.😂😂

[@martindoolan8949]

Inspiring stuff, well done Gillian, James and Timmy, ye are a true inspiration to overcoming adversity in life. And that 'word' its like the word junkie, not a respectful way of addressing our fellow human beings, I will be requesting that 'word' not to be said in my company any more, I hear you.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you 💜

[@beroregan5267]

What a woman definitely the best interview so far so honest so raw and so funny i was laughing and crying i watched this one night when i couldnt sleep and went back to bed and slept

[@jhughe39]

A beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for sharing your story so eloquently. Well done the lads as usual. It’s hard to interview someone you know so well!

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you Jennifer 💜

[@larcummins7344]

Amazing stuff what the 2 lads are doing, totall respect for them and Gillian.🤜🤛👍

[@avemaria9113]

You are the definition of empowerment. You've overcome so much advertisy, if I can be half the person you are, I'll be okay .

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ❤️ ❤️

[@sylviamccarthy8353]

Fantastic interview well done Gillian a great story

[@lifeofaimee6259]

Amazing story....

[@bubbles8874]

Another brilliant interview. Very inspirational story Gillian

[@eamonpearse7089]

Absolutely fabulous interview, Gill I have always loved your honesty and this is what set you free. Well done to you both.

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks Eammon, and hope your doing well 💜🙏

[@patoconnor6975]

An absolutely brilliant pod cast Gillian you spoke honestly and giving your experience in life to date and James and Timmy fantastic lads 🙏🙏💚

[@eoinoflaherty7760]

Fantastic testimony and brilliant conversation, thanks to all

[@eileenbailey8634]

What a brilliant Podcast, I’m deeply touched listening to you three beautiful people , raising awareness, showing love and compassion to others , Thank you and God bless ye . ❤️

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you ❤️

[@tracystack3240]

Love these podcasts. Unbelievable stuff. One of the best so far. 👍👍👍

[@patti4785]

Blown away, amazing youngone, you're blessed James to have met such an authentic person. I love how listening to you all, its like sitting chatting in yer sitting room, I hope you and Timmy never change how you are in the podcasts. Real, honest to goodness genuine! Love to you all, Happy Easter 🙏🙏

[@henrykerry4150]

❤great to hear your story gillian ..great women to give your story of life cork alliances great person think her name was vicky a lady very understanding women ..great coverage in a cork women

[@marycollins2918]

Hilarious. Tabor Lodge is like a nursery 🥳😀

[@niamhuimhurchu7871]

Really enjoyed listening to her story weldone gillian

[@SuperJerome35]

Great Interview again Lads. Thanks Gillian for your authenticity and honesty. Can very much connect with your 12 Step experience, meet the right sponsor and you have a great chance of making it through to a more balanced state of conciousness, very often syncronicities allow for this when the shift has happened through working the Steps and even that spiritual awakening can happen in that space sometimes unknown to ourselves. All good comes to thiose who persevere and wait. Took the personal development path also through Shep and found it a great grounding for the academic setting as I found/find the academic setting almost opposing the other. I think Jung put it best "Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul " Carl Jung. Thanks again

[@emmettmccarthy7247]

what a great inspiring story.enjoyed it so much.just shows what 1 can do if u put ur mind and effort into it.the worlds ur oyster.well done u 3.what a catch u made james,gillian is so beautiful and genuine.well done timmy u talks so honestly bout things and ur happy and content in ur life.thats the holy grail when ur at peace with urself .had me laughing when ye we talking bout been on the run.so funny looking back the way at the way we all thought it was our goal to get locked up.🤔👍🙏

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thanks a mill Emmet 🙏

[@emmettmccarthy7247]

@@gillianbutler6930 ur welcome i really enjoyed ur story.u worked hard to get where u are today u should be so proud of urself.i know james well hes doing a great job.i wish ye all the best in the future.fair play on ur achievements im sure it didnt come easy.👏

[@timothylong9906]

Cheers buddy, hope your well

[@jan-limerick]

Mighty woman Gillian!! A great role model and the looks of a model too Gillian 🌸 Another great podcast James & Timmy!! Happy Easter 🌼🐣💛

[@gillianbutler6930]

Thank you 💜

[@teresahurley2080]

Brilliat lovely lady ❣

[@kevinosullivan2510]

brilliant new Gillian from churchfield school some podcast again yer a inspiration keep up the good work James and timmy all involved 👏

[@garycoleman3082]

Great podcast I remember going to Cork alliance same time as gillian amazing how far u all have come ye are an inspiration to others including myself

[@littlebrayutd]

Mick in cuan mhuires looking for you man

[@jeanbrowne456]

Inspiring interview... Beautiful, authentic women...

[@patrickjlinehan]

Fantastic interview. Strong woman. 👏👏👏

[@MaryAnn-pd3pm]

Brilliant podcast guys. Gillian you show people that regardles of your past you can change and have an amazing life. And by doing so you inspire people along the way.. Well done and congrats to you all.

[@reginaosullivan5146]

Fantastic listening to ye all Gillian it was great listening to your Story thanks for sharing ⭐

[@Amanda-mh1ee]

Brilliant really enjoyed listening thank you all.

[@annieosullivan1043]

Timmy fabulous

[@2girls1cupp]

👊👊👊 james is punching 😂 great podcast as usual

[@OShaughnessyC]

What a beautiful woman. Great interview.

[@gavinwatters1293]

An inspiring story. Amazing person!

[@maryannconroy9372]

Great woman thanks for sharing your story my heart drop when you mentioned ob town my young brother spend a lot of time there before going to spike Island sadly my brother has past a few years ago from an od of drugs rip also from the travelling community hope your story helps someone out there 🙏 thank you

[@gillianbutler6930]

❤️

[@joannaokeeffe6913]

Brilliant podcast

[@73sindo]

A wonderful podcast. So much insight. So much learning..and a great resource for the community 🌻🌻🌻

[@emmaodonovan3341]

What an inspiring story!! Thank you for sharing 🙌

[@denismccarthy-zv2cw]

this is a absolutely fantastic.

[@gerdublin7379]

Brilliant lads, keep them coming great guest been there has the t shirt, up the Dubs ✌️

[@paulahannigan362]

Amazing 👏